Gates of Crix, Hatfield Peverel

In the quaint village of Hatfield Peverel, Essex, there's a rather unusual ghost story that's been doing the rounds for centuries. At the Gates of Crix, a house situated on the Chelmsford side of the village, a harmless ghost used to patrol in the form of a dog. This spectral canine was said to roam the grounds without causing any trouble, that is, unless it was antagonised. However, its existence took a dramatic turn with the arrival of the town's first motorcar.

William Boosey Public House, Hatfield Peverel

The William Boosey Public House in Hatfield Peverel is home to a rather mischievous trio of phantoms. Staff have reported encountering three ghostly apparitions, one of which has a penchant for pushing them from behind the bar. It's a strange and unexplained phenomenon that has left many a worker with a start. The pub's long history and rural location may contribute to its reputation for paranormal activity.

Church and churchyard, Stodon Massey

Stondon Massey Church stands quietly in the Essex countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. But it's not just the living who frequent this sacred spot - the ghost of Richard Jorden is said to roam the church grounds, a restless spirit driven by some unseen force. According to local legend, Jorden's body was found outside his coffin time and again after his death, prompting his friends to take drastic measures to keep him contained. They wrapped his casket in chains, a macabre attempt to prevent Jorden from climbing out once more.

Blinking Owl cafe, Rayleigh

The Blinking Owl cafe, situated in the Lychgate Industrial Estate in Rayleigh, Essex, is the focal point of a rather eerie and intriguing haunting. This spot has been associated with the ghostly apparition of a female cyclist since the 1950s. According to reports, she and her boyfriend had set off from the cafe on their motorbike, heading out into the night, but their journey was cut short when they crashed on the A127, resulting in both of their deaths. Now, motorists travelling along this stretch of road have reported encountering the female cyclist, who flags down cars and asks to be taken to the Blinking Owl cafe, in search of her boyfriend. She vanishes into thin air just as the cafe comes into view.

Junction at the bottom of Church Road, Little Hallingbury

In the quiet village of Little Hallingbury, a motorist had a startling encounter at the junction at the bottom of Church Road. It was a typical day in the 2010s when the driver had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a floating black figure. The figure vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving the motorist shaken. This bizarre incident has become a talking point among locals and has sparked interest in the paranormal activity in the area.

Road near Faulkbourne Hall, Braintree

On the winding roads near Faulkbourne Hall, south of Braintree, a rather unsettling apparition has been spotted by cyclists. This ghostly rider, described as cycling like a madman, charges at mortal cyclists and tries to knock them over. It's a peculiar and somewhat alarming encounter, especially for those who enjoy a peaceful ride through the Essex countryside. The cyclist's behaviour is aggressive, but thankfully, it seems to be a harmless manifestation, not causing any physical harm to those it encounters.