The Vanishing Horse and Cart
Longham Bridge in Dorset is a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to collide. On a quiet summer's morning, 04:30 hours on 29 July 2012, a driver travelling along the road was startled to see a grey horse and cart positioned to the side of the bridge as he overtook a slow-moving lorry. The image was clear enough for the driver to register it without a second thought - until he reached the bridge and the horse had vanished into thin air. It was as if the horse and cart had been there one moment, and gone the next.
Situated in the rolling countryside of Dorset, Longham Bridge has a history dating back centuries. Although specific details about the bridge's past are scarce, the area is known for its rural charm and historic infrastructure. The incident described stands as an isolated report of paranormal activity; there are no recorded instances of similar sightings at this location. The witness, a driver simply going about his journey, had no reason to fabricate such an experience. His account remains a fascinating, if inexplicable, addition to the local folklore.
The bridge has been a crossing point over the River Avon for centuries.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Glowing Church Windows
Church, Hampreston
Hampreston Church stands quietly in the Dorset countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. But on certain nights, a strange phenomenon occurs - the windows of this rural church glow with an otherworldly light. Renowned ghost hunter Elliott O'Donnell noted this peculiar haunting, though he cautiously suggested that the glowing windows could simply be a reflection of the moon's gentle beam. Yet, the persistence of this eerie glow has led many to speculate about a more paranormal explanation.
Phantom Black Hound of Philpots Camp
The Big, Philpots Camp
The Big in Philpots Camp, Dorset, is a spot where locals and visitors alike have reported encounters with a phantom black hound. This ghostly canine, also known as the Gytrack or Great-Upon-Little stone, has been a part of local folklore for centuries. Its presence is said to have kept people away from the area at night, with many claiming to have seen the apparition of a large black dog roaming the countryside. The hound's origins are shrouded in mystery, but its impact on the local community is well documented.
Roman Soldier Ghost
Hillfort known as Riddles Ford, Dudsbury
Riddles Ford, a hillfort in the rolling Dorset countryside, is home to a ghostly presence that's steeped in history. A Roman soldier is said to roam these ancient earthworks, his spirit lingering long after the legions left Britain. The exact circumstances of his haunting are shrouded in mystery, but it's thought he may have been stationed in the area during the Roman occupation. His presence is a fascinating echo of a bygone era, a reminder of the complex and often turbulent history of this corner of England.
The Rocking Lady of Ferndown
Old Thatch Public House, Ferndown
In the quaint town of Ferndown, Dorset, stands the Old Thatch Public House, a venue steeped in history and paranormal activity. It is here that a phantom elderly lady has been seen, sitting in a rocking chair, exuding an aura of eeriness. This ghostly apparition is said to have caused quite a stir, particularly with one former landlord who was so frightened that he ran out of the building in fear. The identity of the rocking lady remains a mystery, but her presence is undeniable.
Shadowy Hound of Talbot Woods
Talbot Woods, Bournemouth
Deep in the heart of Talbot Woods, a sense of unease settles over visitors as they catch glimpses of a shadowy figure from the corner of their eye. This elusive creature, described as a large dog, roughly the size of a Saint Bernard, is said to roam the woods, leaving behind only whispers of its presence. The scraping sound of claws on concrete is often heard, but the creature itself remains frustratingly out of sight. It's as if the hound is intentionally evading detection, adding to the mystique of this enigmatic sighting.
The Lamps of Poole Church
United Reformed Church, Poole
In the heart of Poole, the United Reformed Church on Skinner Street is home to a most intriguing phenomenon. It's said that on certain occasions, the interior of this church transforms, revealing box pews and brass lamps that were actually removed in the nineteenth century. These apparitions seem to defy the passage of time, giving visitors a glimpse into the church's rich past. While there's no record of when these sightings first began or how often they occur, the reports of these ghostly furnishings have become an integral part of the church's mystique.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bridge

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire

Albion Hotel
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight