Little Green Men Encounter
Basingstoke Canal in Aldershot is known for its serene waters and picturesque surroundings but on one fateful night it played host to a rather unusual encounter. An elderly man had set up his gear for a spot of night fishing when he was startled by the appearance of two little men clad in tight green outfits. Their faces were obscured by visors and they seemed to be beckoning him towards a UFO that was hovering nearby. The old man was invited aboard where a light was shone at him and he was told he was 'too old'. He was then returned to his fishing rod, left to ponder the surreal experience he had just had.
The incident occurred on 12 August 1983 at around 01:00h. This remarkable event is often cited in discussions about UFO sightings and alien encounters in the UK. The witness, a lone fisherman, was clearly shaken but unharmed by the experience. There are no recorded follow-up encounters or communications with these entities. The Basingstoke Canal, while generally peaceful, has had its share of reported paranormal activity, though such encounters with little green men are exceptionally rare.
The Basingstoke Canal was constructed in the late 18th century and has since been a popular spot for leisure and fishing.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Grey Lady of Aldershot
Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot
Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot is home to a spine-tingling legend. They say a phantom woman, known as the Grey Lady, roams the halls. According to the story, she was a nurse during the Boer War who took her own life after a tragic accident involving her lover and a dose of Laudanum. Staff members have reported catching glimpses of her, a solid silhouette that vanishes into thin air. It's said that around 1995, a nurse and two other members of staff spotted her, leaving them shaken.
The Running Man of Alma Lane
Alma Lane, Aldershot
Alma Lane in Aldershot is a quiet spot, nestled between the town centre and the barracks. But dont be fooled by its peaceful atmosphere - this lane has a rich history of paranormal activity. Residents and visitors have reported hearing the sound of running footsteps, echoing through the lane, particularly in the 1940s and again in 1972. The story goes that these disembodied footsteps are the ghost of a messenger who was tasked with delivering news of the victory at Waterloo to officers based at Aldershot. Tragically, he was attacked and killed by robbers en route, and his frantic footsteps have been immortalised in local folklore.
Boris Karloff's Haunted Cottage
Cottage, Bramshot
Bramshot's sleepy streets are home to a rather famous ghost, that of legendary actor Boris Karloff. Karloff spent his final years in a quaint cottage here, and it's said that his spirit still lingers. The cottage, now a private residence, is reportedly haunted by the actor's ghost, with various paranormal occurrences attributed to his presence.
Spring Heeled Jack Attacks
North Camp, Aldershot
North Camp, a part of Aldershot Garrison, was the scene of a series of bizarre and frightening incidents back in 1877. It started in March and continued through to April and then again in September of that year. Several sentries reported being attacked by a figure with cold, corpse-like hands. The really extraordinary thing about these encounters was that bullets fired at the attacker seemed to have no effect whatsoever. This led to the suggestion that the culprit might be none other than Spring Heeled Jack, a notorious figure from local legend known for his seemingly supernatural abilities and his penchant for violence.
The Lanky Woman of Redord
Plough Public House, Redord
The Plough Public House in Redord, Hampshire, was once home to a rather unsettling presence. Patrons would often be startled by the sudden appearance of a lanky woman with a mischievous grin, who would seemingly materialise behind them before vanishing just as quickly. This ghostly character became a local legend, with many claiming to have caught a glimpse of her. Although the pub itself is no longer standing, the story of the Lanky Woman lives on, leaving many to wonder about the circumstances surrounding her appearances.
The Aldershot Ghostly Woman
Road between Tweseldown and Aldershot, Aldershot
On a stretch of road between Tweseldown and Aldershot in Hampshire, a rather eerie sighting has been reported. This area seems to be haunted by the ghost of a homeless woman, often referred to as The Bag Lady. According to accounts from November 1990, she was allegedly hit by a car and her spirit has lingered. What's particularly chilling about this encounter is that a car full of witnesses didn't realise she was a phantom until much later. It seems they had seen her, but it wasn't until afterwards that they understood she wasn't of this world.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Basingstoke Canal

Easthampstead Park
Bracknell, Berkshire

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

The Bull at Wargrave
Wargrave, Berkshire