The Pier Phantom
Southend Pier has a long history of tragic events, with several suicides recorded at the end of the pier. It was here, on a fateful evening in August or September 1992, that a staff member reportedly chased an entity, which vanished into thin air at the burnt section of the pier. This section, now inaccessible, seems to be a focal point for paranormal activity. The entity, described as a tall man in a long coat, has left many to wonder if it might be the spirit of one of the individuals who took their own life at this location.
Historically, Southend Pier has been a site of both joy and sorrow. While it has provided countless hours of entertainment and leisure for locals and tourists alike, its darker side is marked by the tragic events that have occurred here. The pier has been the scene of numerous suicides over the years, and it is this somber backdrop that may be connected to the sightings of the tall man in a long coat. On the evening of 21:45hrs in late summer 1992, a staff member's pursuit of the entity ended abruptly as it disappeared at the pier's damaged section, leaving behind more questions than answers.
The pier has a history of tragic events including suicides.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Leigh Building Footsteps Haunting
on, Leigh
In the heart of Leigh, Essex, a mysterious presence has been detected within a local building. On 21 March 2012, a witness reported hearing unexplained footsteps and other strange sounds after the building had closed. The eerie atmosphere took a more bizarre turn when the witness saw items being moved unaided, leaving them wondering if they were truly alone. The building's history is shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain - its reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity has been cemented.
Leigh's Mysterious Lynx Sightings
on, Leigh
Leigh in Essex is a place where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to coexist, particularly at night. Residents and visitors have reported catching glimpses of a large cat, possibly a lynx, roaming the area under the cover of darkness. The creature's appearances have been sporadic, with sightings logged between 2005 and 2010, and some claim it continues to haunt these parts. Descriptions of the animal are scarce, but it is said to be a majestic creature with a distinctive appearance.
Leigh Bakery Ghost
on, Leigh
The bakery in Leigh, Essex, has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted locations. It's said that a man who took his own life on the site before it was converted into a bakery is responsible for the paranormal activity. Staff have reported objects being moved around, footsteps echoing through the empty corridors, and inexplicable breezes sweeping through parts of the bakery. One worker was so spooked by what they saw that they fled the bakery and never spoke about the incident again.
The Wobbly Man of Leigh
on, Leigh
In the quaint town of Leigh, Essex, a most unusual ghostly apparition has been spotted. Dubbed the Wobbly Man, this short spirit is said to appear accompanied by a rather pungent fishy smell. He's easily recognisable in his long coat, which adds to the mystique of this bizarre encounter. While details of the sightings are scarce, the Wobbly Man has become a local legend of sorts, with many curious onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of him.
Anne Boleyn's Hunting Lodge Ghost
Leigh on Sea, Leigh on Sea
The old hunting lodge in Leigh, Essex, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated wife of Henry VIII. This former hunting lodge was reportedly a favourite haunt of Boleyn's, and local legend has it that she occasionally returns to the site. The lodge has stood for centuries, and its atmospheric surroundings have led to numerous reports of paranormal activity. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims of Boleyn's ghostly visits, the site's rich history and Boleyn's enduring legacy make it a fascinating spot for anyone interested in the paranormal.
Southend Phantom Canine
Lower Road, Southend
Southend roads can be a pretty ordinary place, but on one evening in 1991, a passenger in a car caught a glimpse of something that would change their perception of the mundane. A calf-sized dog was seen walking on the other side of the road, but here's the thing - it was only spotted by the passenger, not the driver. It was an unusual sighting that left the witness feeling unnerved, to say the least. The description of the dog as being calf-sized is quite specific, and it's interesting to consider what could have caused such a vivid impression.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Southend pier, Below Lifeboat Station

The Shurland Hotel
Eastchurch, Kent

The Blue Boar Hotel
Maldon, Essex

Hamlet Hotels Maidstone
Maidstone, Kent