Satan's Stolen Town
Whitstable's founding story is one of mischief and mayhem. Legend has it that the Devil himself tried to steal the buildings of Canterbury, but was caught in the act. As he was dragged away, the houses he had stolen were dropped, and they landed eight miles away, forming the town of Whitstable. Locals like to think that the town's quirky character is a result of its rather... eventful birth.
This old legend is often referred to as 'Satan Takes a Town' or 'Old Nick's Gift'. The story goes back centuries and is still celebrated in local folklore today. Although there's no concrete evidence to support the tale, it's clear that Whitstable has a unique charm that's captivated visitors for years. The town's history dates back to the medieval period, and its strategic location on the north coast of Kent made it an important centre for trade and commerce.
Medieval trade and commerce in Kent
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Whitstable's Mysterious Organ Music
George Fitt Social Club, Whitstable
In the quaint seaside town of Whitstable, Kent, a bizarre incident took place at the George Fitt Social Club in 1954. Members of the club were enjoying their time when suddenly, the room was filled with the sound of organ music. Initially, they thought the music was coming from the nearby former cinema, but upon investigation, they found the site to be empty. The music seemed to appear out of nowhere, leaving the club members bewildered and intrigued.
Whitstable Wine Bar Haunting
Deco 5 wine bar, Whitstable
Deco 5 wine bar on Oxford Street in Whitstable has been at the centre of a bizarre haunting. Builders working on the site in March 2009 reported hearing footsteps crossing an upper story floor that had recently been removed. It was as if someone was walking around upstairs, but there was no one there. The strange occurrences didn't stop there - doors were also heard banging shut on their own, and an electrician working on the site had his lamp thrown through the air, forcing him to leave.
Misty Figure of Thornden Wood
Thornden Wood Road, Herne Bay
Thornden Wood Road in Herne Bay, Kent, is a seemingly ordinary stretch of road, but it's been the site of a rather unusual paranormal encounter. In 1986, a motorcyclist was riding along this road when their bike's lights failed, followed quickly by the engine cutting out and the brakes jamming. Fortunately, the rider managed to keep their balance, and it's what happened next that's got people talking. As they watched, a misty human shape crossed the road, moving from left to right. The sound of large dogs followed, but it wasn't long before the noise faded away, and the motorcyclist was able to push their bike and manage a bump start.
The Sitting Woman of Herne Bay
Bun Penny Public House, Herne Bay
The Bun Penny Public House in Herne Bay is home to a rather intriguing phantom known as the Sitting Woman. This ghostly lady is said to favour the staircase in the building, where she'll sit and seemingly wait for something or someone. But she's not one to stay in one spot for too long, as she's also known to take leisurely strolls around the building and its garden. It's a curious haunting, to say the least, and one that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Shuffling Pier Figure Haunting
Pier, Herne Bay
Herne Bay Pier is home to a rather eerie presence, a shuffling figure that's said to haunt the part of the pier that was cut off from the main section after a storm in 1979. This isolated stretch of pier has become a hotspot for paranormal activity, with many claiming to have caught glimpses of the mysterious figure. In 2012, a video surfaced on YouTube purporting to show this entity, but it's likely that the figure is just a real person who used a boat to land on the isolated section. Still, the atmosphere remains spooky, especially in the evenings when the pier is quiet and the wind is blowing in off the sea.
Divers Arms Ghostly Apparitions
Divers Arms Public House, Herne Bay
The Divers Arms Public House in Herne Bay, Kent, is home to a number of ghostly residents. In 2006, the Ghost Search UK team investigated the premises and detected four entities. One of these was identified as Alfred Potter, a former banker. The presence of multiple spirits has led to speculation about the pub's history and possible connections between the entities. While the exact nature of their presence is unclear, it is evident that the Divers Arms is a hub of paranormal activity.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near General area

The Shurland Hotel
Eastchurch, Kent

Woolpack Inn
Chilham, Kent

Eastwell Manor
Boughton Lees, Kent

Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast
Maidstone, Kent