Kentish Apeman Sightings
Tunbridge Wells Common has been a hotspot for strange sightings since the Second World War. A mysterious, two and a half metre tall hairy hominid with glowing red eyes has been spotted roaming the area. This creature, dubbed the Kentish Apeman, has been seen periodically over the years, with the most recent sighting reported in October 2012. Its eerie presence has left many to wonder if this is more than just a simple animal sighting.
The concept of a wild, ape-like creature living in the British countryside is not a new one. In fact, there have been numerous reports of such creatures throughout history. The Kentish Apeman is just one of many examples of cryptozoological sightings in the UK. While some have speculated that the creature could be a surviving Neanderthal or a hoax, others believe it may be a genuinely unexplained phenomenon. Whatever the truth may be, the Kentish Apeman remains a fascinating and intriguing mystery.
The area has been a popular spot for walkers and nature lovers since the 19th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Phantom of Wellington Rocks
Common land opposite The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells' Common land, with its open spaces and mature trees, is a tranquil spot, but beware, for it's said to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Jenning. This rather large and drunken woman is reportedly seen sheltering under a tree, often during sudden downpours. Her presence is accompanied by a phantom female voice, calling out the name 'Daniel', although the woman herself remains elusive. Some believe she may have met her demise at nearby Wellington Rocks, adding a tragic depth to her haunting.
The Grey Woman of Swan Hotel
Swan Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells
The Swan Hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells has a reputation for being haunted by a phantom woman in grey. This eerie apparition was spotted during the 1990s, specifically on 02 October 1997. The hotel, with its rich history, seems to be a hub for paranormal activity. Guests and staff have reported strange sightings, adding to the hotel's mystique. The grey woman is a fleeting glimpse of something unexplained, leaving many to wonder about her story.
The Flying Wood Ghost
9 - 15 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells
In the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, a bizarre incident took place at 9 - 15 The Pantiles in 1996. A street cleaner, who was out early, stumbled upon a mysterious occurrence while passing the site. As they went about their daily routine, they were startled to hear loud banging noises coming from the renovation site. To their astonishment, timber was being thrown around, but there was no one in sight. It was as if an invisible force was at work, leaving the witness bewildered and curious about what they had just witnessed.
Tunbridge Wells Hotel Ghost: Grey Lady and Poltergeist Haunting
The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Tunbridge Wells
The Tunbridge Wells Hotel has a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in Kent. Guests and staff have reported seeing a grey lady roaming the corridors and rooms, as well as experiencing strange poltergeist activity such as bed sheets flying around and furniture moving on its own. Room 16 is said to be particularly affected by these occurrences.
Phantom Coffee Shop
Calverley Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells
On Calverley Road in Royal Tunbridge Wells, a rather unusual sighting took place back in 1968. A woman shopping in a supermarket claimed to have seen an old-fashioned coffee shop through a doorway, complete with smartly dressed patrons. But when she returned with her husband a little while later, there was no sign of the coffee shop. It was as if it had vanished into thin air. Intrigued, they did some digging and discovered that a bar had indeed stood on that site many years prior.
The Carpenter of Chalet Arosa
Chalet Arosa restaurant, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Chalet Arosa restaurant in Royal Tunbridge Wells has a rather unusual ghost story attached to it. Back in 1980, people started reporting sightings of a figure wearing a carpenter's apron. It wasn't just a one-off either - there were two separate instances of this ghostly carpenter being spotted. The second sighting was particularly intriguing, as the figure seemingly vanished into a wall. It's a pretty bizarre occurrence, and one that's left many wondering about the history of the building and the identity of this phantom tradesman.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Tunbridge Wells Common

Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast
Hever, Kent

Hamlet Hotels Maidstone
Maidstone, Kent

Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast
Maidstone, Kent

The Chequers
Smarden, Kent