The Shoe Inn - Highwayman's Haunting in Hampshire
The Shoe Inn, a historic pub and hotel situated on the outskirts of Plaitford, has been at the centre of numerous paranormal reports. Locals whisper about the ghost of a highwayman who met his untimely demise within its walls. According to legend, this cunning bandit was caught by authorities and subsequently hanged on the premises.
Dating back centuries, The Shoe Inn has witnessed countless events that would make even the most seasoned historian's blood run cold. From highwaymen to aristocrats, the inn has played host to many an infamous character throughout its storied history. It's no wonder then that whispers of a restless spirit still linger among locals and visitors alike.
The Shoe Inn has been a hub for social activity in Plaitford since at least the 18th century, with numerous reports of ghostly apparitions and strange occurrences throughout its storied past.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Florence Nightingale's Church Visits
St Margaret's Church, East Wellow
St Margaret's Church in East Wellow is a place where the past lingers, and one of its most famous visitors, Florence Nightingale, is said to still drop by. The Lady with the Lamp, renowned for her pioneering work in nursing during the Crimean War, has been spotted walking towards the churchyard, a place she often visited during her lifetime. Her presence is a testament to her enduring connection to the community she served.
Phantom Coach of East Wellow
Area from Embley Park to St Margaret's Church, East Wellow
East Wellow is home to a rather unusual and intriguing haunting. The phantom coach of East Wellow is said to appear on New Year's Eve, just before midnight, careening at breakneck speed from Embley Park towards St Margaret's Church. This ghostly vehicle seems to defy physics by passing through walls as if they were mere illusions. The story of this phantom coach has been doing the rounds for quite some time, with a newspaper article from 1940 recalling a disappointed group of villagers who stayed up past midnight only to be left wondering if the story was nothing more than a silly old myth.
Phantom Coach Haunting
Paulton's Estate, Ower
Deep in the woods of Paulton's Estate, a strange and unsettling phenomenon has been reported for generations. The sound of trotting horses pulling a coach can be heard echoing through the trees, sending shivers down the spines of those who claim to have experienced it. Some say the coach is visible, but headless, adding to the mystique and terror of this phantom apparition. The eerie atmosphere is further heightened by the emergence of beautiful, yet unexplainable music that seems to emanate from the woodland itself, leaving investigators baffled as to its source.
Treasure of Barrow Hill
Barrow Hill, Copythorne
Barrow Hill, also known as Money Hills or Stonyford, has long been shrouded in mystery. This area in Copythorne, Hampshire, is said to contain hidden wealth, sparking the imagination of many. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims of treasure, the hill's reputation as a spot for potential riches has endured. Locals and visitors alike have been drawn to the area, perhaps hoping to catch a glimpse of something extraordinary or even stumble upon a long-lost fortune.
The Lady in a Long Dress
Eyeworth Pond, Fritham
Eyeworth Pond in Fritham, Hampshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman wearing a long dress. This phantom has been seen on multiple occasions, with one of the earliest reported sightings dating back to January 1987. A photograph taken that year appears to show a strange, grey, ghostly figure emerging from the undergrowth. Fast forward to early 2014, and a photographer claimed to have captured an image of the ghostly woman walking along a path leading to the pond in the early hours of the morning.
The White-Haired Gentleman of Romsey
Palmerston Restaurant, Romsey
The Palmerston Restaurant in Romsey, Hampshire, is a hub of paranormal activity, with reports of a ghostly apparition known as Charlie. Staff members have caught glimpses of this elderly gentleman with bright white hair in the upper parts of the building, leaving many to wonder about his presence and purpose. While details about Charlie's past are scarce, his appearances have become an integral part of the restaurant's mystique.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Shoe Inn

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire

The Union Inn
Cowes, Isle of Wight