Skip to main content

Ghostly Black Hunting Horse

Plain Heath, Holmsley, Hampshire Apparition Early 20th century

Deep in the misty woods of Plain Heath, Holmsley, a chilling sight has been reported by hunters returning home in the evening. A ghostly black hunting horse has been seen running through the fog, its presence both startling and unsettling. This eerie apparition has been a part of local folklore for many years, with tales of its sightings dating back to the early twentieth century. The image of this phantom steed, galloping through the mist, has become an enduring and haunting memory for those who claim to have seen it.

The history of this haunting is closely tied to the hunting traditions of the area. Hunters would often ride through these woods, and it's possible that the ghostly horse is connected to a specific incident or a lost rider. While there's no concrete evidence to support a particular story, the consistency of the sightings suggests that something unusual has been observed. The fact that multiple hunters have reported seeing the ghostly horse adds credibility to the accounts, leaving us to wonder about the circumstances surrounding these sightings.

Historical Context

The area has a rich history of hunting, dating back to the 18th century.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Woods
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Early twentieth century?
Postcode Area
BH24

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.1 mi

Phantom Feline of Burley

Coven of Witches shop, Burley

The Coven of Witches shop in Burley, Hampshire, is home to a rather unusual resident - a phantom cat. This feline apparition has been reported to roam the aisles of the store, which is dedicated to all things Wiccan and pagan. While there's no record of the cat's origins or how it came to haunt the shop, its presence is certainly intriguing. The store's focus on witchcraft and the occult may have some connection to the cat's ghostly presence, but for now, the details remain a mystery.

Wiccan Store Modern
Read Full Story
Apparition 3 mi

Lady in White and Mourning Man Ghosts at Rhinefield House Hotel

Rhinefield House Hotel, New Forest

The Rhinefield House Hotel, set in the heart of the New Forest, has a long history of paranormal activity. Guests and staff have reported sightings of a lady in white and a mourning man wandering the gardens. According to legend, these apparitions are those of former owners who fell deeply in love with the estate and were unable to leave it behind.

Hotel/Castle/Historic Inn/B&B etc. Victorian
Read Full Story
Unknown 3.6 mi

Mysterious Metallic Smoke

New Forest, Burley

Deep in the New Forest, a couple stumbled upon a bizarre sight while driving through the quiet roads of Burley on a Christmas Day. As they searched for a road sign, they chanced upon a patch of purple/blue smoke hovering about 2 metres off the ground. The smoke was roughly 2 metres by 3 metres in diameter, and its metallic sheen seemed almost otherworldly. Intrigued, they drove back to take another look, but the smoke had vanished into thin air.

Road Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.6 mi

The Rufus Stone Haunting

New Forest, Minstead

Deep in the New Forest, near the village of Minstead, lies the Rufus Stone, a historic monument marking the spot where King William II, also known as William Rufus, met his untimely demise. On August 2nd every year, a strange and unexplained phenomenon occurs. It's said that the king's ghost rises from the earth, doomed to relive the tragedy of his murder, which allegedly took place at the hands of a close friend. As the anniversary of his death approaches, an eerie atmosphere settles over the forest, and locals whisper about the monarch's restless spirit.

Historic Monument Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 4 mi

Mary Dore's Woodland Haunting

Mark Ash Wood, Bolderwood

Deep in Mark Ash Wood, Bolderwood, a legendary ghost is said to roam. Mary Dore, a famous local witch, is believed to linger in these woods long after her death. Her spirit is known to manifest in various forms, from a hare-like creature to a beautiful woman who flirts with unsuspecting males before vanishing into thin air. The woods have a reputation for being a hotbed of paranormal activity, with some witnesses reporting a phantom with a skull-like face. It's little wonder that Mark Ash Wood has become a hotspot for ghost hunters and thrill seekers alike.

Woods Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.1 mi

Ringwood Grey Lady Ghost

Four Seasons restaurant, Ringwood

The Four Seasons restaurant in Ringwood, Hampshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of an old woman with grey hair. She has been seen gently rocking on a chair, dressed in grey clothing, before vanishing into thin air when approached by one witness. This eerie apparition has been reported by former staff at the building, who claim to have caught glimpses of her over the years. The restaurant, which has since been renamed, seems to have a strong connection to the mysterious old woman, but the story behind her presence remains a mystery.

Restaurant Late 20th century
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Plain Heath