Dancing Women of Nympsfield
Nympsfield's rolling hills and woodlands have witnessed many a strange occurrence, but one that has stuck with locals for decades is the tale of the dancing women. On a hillside, possibly in the area now known as Nympsfield, a teenager caught a glimpse of something extraordinary. As they stood there, they looked down into a clearing surrounded by trees and saw a group of women dressed in period costume, their tall cone hats a striking feature. They seemed to be lost in a lively dance, their movements carefree and joyful. But in an instant, they vanished, leaving the teenager bewildered and wondering if they had really seen what they thought they had.
Historical records for Nympsfield don't reveal much about the area's past, but it's clear that the village has been around for centuries. The dancing women sighting, which took place in 1973, remains one of its most enduring and intriguing mysteries. The witness, a teenager at the time, was clearly shaken by what they saw, yet there's no indication that the women were malevolent or threatening in any way. The fact that they simply disappeared without warning only adds to the enigma. While we can't say for certain what the women were doing or why they vanished, their image has stayed with locals, a captivating and unexplained phenomenon that continues to spark curiosity.
Nympsfield's rural landscape has been home to various settlements and farms for centuries.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Poltergeist Pub Haunting
New Inn Public House, Gloucester
The New Inn Public House in Gloucester has been at the centre of a bizarre paranormal incident. In May 2010, CCTV cameras captured a pint of beer seemingly being pushed off a table by an unseen force. While some have suggested the beer might have simply slipped off on its own, the footage has sparked widespread interest in the pub's ghostly reputation. The building is said to be haunted by the spirits of an unknown number of children who tragically died in a fire on site.
Phantom Fisherman of Cherington
Unnamed pool in the area, Cherington
In the quiet village of Cherington, Gloucestershire, there's a spot where locals have long warned children to steer clear - a mysterious pool where a phantom fisherman is said to appear. This eerie apparition has been a part of village folklore for centuries, with tales of a ghostly figure haunting the waters. The image of a lone fisherman, perhaps, is a haunting reminder of times past when the village was more closely tied to the land and water. While details of the sightings are scarce, the legend has persisted, captivating those with an interest in the paranormal.
Stroud Valleys Wildcat Attack
Woodchester Park, Stroud
Deep in Woodchester Park, a mysterious killing took place in January 2012. A roe deer's corpse was discovered by a member of the public, bearing wounds eerily similar to those inflicted by big cats. The National Trust, who own the land, carried out tests on the body, but surprisingly, only deer and fox DNA were detected. This bizarre incident sparked debate about the presence of a wild predator in the Stroud Valleys.
Amberley Poltergeist Haunting
Hawthorns Hotel, Amberley
The Hawthorns Hotel in Amberley, Gloucestershire, is home to a rather unusual poltergeist story that took place back in December 1969. A group of students, who were staying at the hotel while filming a movie called 'Hangman', claimed to have experienced some pretty strange occurrences. It started with a bath that seemed to fill itself, which must have been quite a shock for the students. They also reported hearing the sound of keys falling, but when they went to investigate, they couldn't find anything out of place. It wasn't just the bath and the keys, either - items would move around on their own, which added to the overall sense of unease.
Gloucestershire Gold Barrow Legend
Barrow on common, Minchinhampton
Barrow on Common in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, is home to a legendary barrow said to contain a crock of gold. This ancient burial mound has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike for centuries. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim of a golden treasure, the story has become an integral part of the area's folklore. The barrow itself is a reminder of the region's rich history, dating back to the Bronze or Iron Age. Its significance extends beyond the mythical treasure, representing a fascinating piece of Gloucestershire's cultural heritage.
Woodchester Mansion Steam Train Ghost
Woodchester Mansion, Stroud
Woodchester Mansion is a place where the past comes alive in unexpected ways. Imagine walking through the empty halls of this grand country house when suddenly, loud banging sounds echo through the corridors, building in intensity until it sounds like a steam train is charging through the building. This was the experience of a film crew who spent a night in the mansion back in 2001. But that's not all - the mansion and its surrounding park are said to be haunted by a range of ghostly characters, including a white lady, a Roman soldier, a monk, American servicemen, a headless horse, and even a mischievous dwarf.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Unknown hill in the area
