Phantom Coach of Oakley Down
Deep in the rural landscape of Oakley Down, Dorset, a chilling sighting has been reported for generations. A boy, tasked with transporting wheat during the early hours of the morning, was startled to see a coach pulled by two headless horses. This eerie apparition, known as the Phantom Coach of Oakley Down, has left a lasting impression on local folklore. The coach, a spectral vehicle from a bygone era, seems to materialize near a barrow, adding to the mystique of this ancient burial site.
The haunting manifestation of the Phantom Coach is believed to have occurred pre-1940, a time when rural life was vastly different from today. Although details of the witness's account are scarce, the image of a headless horse-drawn coach has persisted in local legend. The fact that this sighting took place near a barrow, an ancient burial mound, may suggest a connection to the area's rich history and possible pagan roots. While the exact circumstances of the sighting remain unclear, the Phantom Coach of Oakley Down remains a fascinating example of English folklore and a testament to the region's haunted heritage.
The area has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with several ancient monuments nearby.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Golden Coffin Legend
Wor barrow, Dealand
Wor Barrow, a ancient earthwork in Dealand, Dorset, has a fascinating legend attached to it. This barrow was once believed to have contained a coffin of solid gold. The story has been passed down for generations, but despite numerous excavations, no such treasure has ever been found. The site remains a mystery, leaving many to wonder if the legend is based on fact or just a myth. The barrow itself is a significant historical site, providing a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the area thousands of years ago.
Iceni Queen Battle Site
Exact location unknown, Handley Cross?
Deep in the Dorset countryside, near Handley Cross, lies a spot steeped in local legend. They say the Queen of the Iceni, a fierce Celtic tribe, fought a battle here, though there's no concrete evidence to back up the claim. The story's been passed down through generations, and it's hard not to imagine the site teeming with the sounds of clashing steel and war cries. It's a tantalising glimpse into the region's rich history, and one that's sure to captivate anyone interested in the paranormal.
Mysterious Ducks of Endless Pit
Endless Pit, Sixpenny Handley
Deep in the Dorset countryside lies the enigmatic Endless Pit, a hollow in the ground shrouded in mystery. This unassuming pit has been the site of a most bizarre phenomenon - ducks swimming in its water-filled depths have been known to seemingly vanish and reappear several miles away in the village of Gussage. The incident has left many scratching their heads, wondering how such a feat could be possible.
Ancient Horseman Ghost
Bottlebush, Sixpenny Handley
Deep in the Dorset countryside, near Sixpenny Handley, lies the hauntingly beautiful Bottlebush Down. This rural spot is home to a ghostly figure on horseback, believed to date back to the late Bronze Age. Imagine riding through the rolling hills and stumbling upon a spectral horseman, his presence as elusive as the fairies said to inhabit the area. The story goes that when a nearby barrow was excavated, the remains of a man and horse were found, fuelling speculation about the origins of this ancient ghost.
Phantom Policeman of Sixpenny Handley
Spots Green, Sixpenny Handley
Spots Green in Sixpenny Handley is a rural spot where the ordinary and the unexplained collide. A phantom policeman has been seen walking along the road that runs between the village and Upwood. This eerie apparition was first spotted in the early 1910s and has left a lasting impression on those who claim to have seen him. The image of a lone policeman strolling along, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings, is a haunting one. His sudden disappearance only adds to the mystique of this Dorset ghost story.
The Pitch Forked Dog Shuck
Manor, West Woodyates
West Woodyates Manor in Dorset is home to a rather unusual ghost story. A farmhand once discovered a strange dog lying in the hay and, thinking it was just a regular animal, poked it with his pitchfork. But to his surprise, the dog vanished into thin air. This bizarre encounter is just one part of the paranormal activity reported at the manor, which also includes the sound of a coach stopping outside the house, even though no vehicle is ever seen.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Area near the barrow

