The Grey Lady of Eastbourne
The Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne is home to a phantom woman known as the Grey Lady. She is said to haunt the stage area and has also been spotted sitting in the grand circle. It's not just the Grey Lady that's been seen here though - a man was spotted on the fly floor during the 1990s who vanished without trace. Another witness reported a heavy iron handle swinging itself for thirty seconds and felt something push past them with such force they were turned 45 degrees.
Built in 1902, the Royal Hippodrome Theatre has a long history of entertainment in Eastbourne. In 2014, a grey man or figure was spotted in the wings, adding to the theatre's reputation for paranormal activity. Witness accounts suggest that the Grey Lady is a harmless presence, but one that's still unsettling for those who encounter her. The theatre's stage and grand circle areas seem to be hotspots for activity, with multiple witnesses reporting strange occurrences over the years.
The Royal Hippodrome Theatre was built in 1902 and has hosted various entertainment acts over the years.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Phantom Violinist
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne has a musical secret. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, a phantom violinist used to make appearances at the theatre. This ghostly musician was a frequent visitor, entertaining audiences with his ethereal performances. Although he hasnt been seen or heard much lately, his legacy lives on. The theatres rich history and stunning architecture make it the perfect setting for such a haunting.
Albino Dwarf of Claremont School
Claremont school, Eastbourne
Claremont School in Eastbourne has a rather unusual ghost story to its name. Back in 1918, a novelist named Pamela Frankau, who was a pupil at the school at the time, claimed to have seen a tiny, albino creature scurrying across her bedroom floor. The little being apparently made a quick escape via the landing, fading from view as it went. This curious encounter has been talked about for years, with many wondering what on earth this strange creature could have been.
Eastbourne Waterworks Ghost
Southern Water treatment plant, Eastbourne
Deep beneath the streets of Eastbourne, in the tunnels of the Southern Water treatment plant on Prince William Parade, a strange presence has been detected. Workers have reported catching glimpses of a non-descript figure lurking in the shadows, while disembodied voices have been heard coming from behind the tunnel walls. The atmosphere down here is tense, to say the least. It's little wonder that a paranormal investigator was called in to try and get to the bottom of things, although their findings were ultimately inconclusive.
The Breathing Ghost of Eastbourne
Retirement home, Eastbourne
In the quiet town of Eastbourne, Sussex, a rather unusual haunting has been reported at a retirement home situated on Gorringe Road. It's said that after the passing of one of the residents, his presence was still felt in the sitting room, particularly after the last meal of the day. The strange phenomenon reported was the sound of heavy breathing, which seemed to emanate from nowhere and could be heard by those present. It's a curious case that has piqued the interest of paranormal enthusiasts and those drawn to the unexplained.
Singing Nun Ghosts
Chapel Studios, Eastbourne
Chapel Studios in Eastbourne has a reputation for being one of the most haunted recording studios in the UK. In January 2002, a heavy rock group was laying down tracks when they claimed that their music provoked the ghosts of nuns to sing loudly, in an attempt to drown out the contemporary noise. The studio is built on the site of a former nunnery, and it seems that the nuns didn't take too kindly to the loud music. The rock group reportedly captured some compelling evidence of the paranormal activity on tape.
The Three Hounds of Willingdon
Willingdon area, Eastbourne
In the quiet countryside around Eastbourne, a chilling legend has long been whispered about - the sighting of three ghostly hounds roaming the Willingdon area. Locals have come to associate this eerie apparition with bad fortune, believing that to see one ghostly dog is unfortunate, but to encounter three is a guaranteed harbinger of doom. These spectral canines are said to appear in a pack, their ghostly forms undulating through the darkness like restless spirits. The origins of this haunting remain shrouded in mystery, but its impact on local folklore is undeniable.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Royal Hippodrome Theatre

The Lamb Inn
Eastbourne, East Sussex

Royal Victoria Hotel
St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex

The Regency Hotel
Brighton, East Sussex