Close to bridge over the river, Bottesford Beck

Bottesford Beck, a tranquil spot in Leicestershire, is home to a rather unsettling legend. A local folk belief tells of a headless woman haunting a bushy piece of land close to the bridge over the river. The exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, adding to the mystery. This eerie tale has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder about the story behind the haunting.

Holy Cross Priory, Leicester

Holy Cross Priory in Leicester has been home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. Shortly after his death around 1931, Reverend Norbert Wylie began appearing to the living. His ghostly form was spotted at the altar, outside the confessional box, and strolling through the cloisters. One notable encounter was between Father Fabian Dix and the Reverend's spirit, where Wylie asked Dix to 'pray for me', a message that was then passed on to the congregation. This eerie yet poignant request has been remembered for years.

The Belvoir Hotel, Widmerpool

The Belvoir (Vale) Hotel in Widmerpool is said to be haunted by the ghost of a highwayman who met his demise on the premises. According to legend, this coach robber was caught and executed at The Belvoir (Vale) Hotel. His spirit is believed to appear as an apparition in the evening hours.

Church, Bottesford

Bottesford Church stands quietly in the Leicestershire countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. Among the impressive collection of Rutland family monuments that fill the chancel, one tomb holds a chilling distinction - it is the only known grave in England to officially blame deaths on witchcraft. The monument to Francis Manners, 6th Earl of Rutland, bears the haunting inscription about his two young sons Henry and Francis, who died "in their infancy by wicked practises and sorcerye". The boys are depicted on the tomb carrying skulls, a stark reminder of their untimely deaths that so shocked their parents they ensured this accusation would be carved in stone for eternity.

Belvoir Castle garden, Knipton

Belvoir Castle stands tall in the Leicestershire countryside, its grand estate shrouded in mystery and intrigue. It's here, in the castle's sprawling gardens, that two dog walkers stumbled upon a bizarre and unsettling encounter in April 2013. As they strolled through the grounds with their canine companions, the dogs suddenly began to bark furiously, alerting their owners to the presence of another figure. About twenty-five metres away, they caught sight of a woman clad in a dark gown, her head covered by a hood, gazing in their direction. The fleeting apparition lasted only a few seconds before she vanished behind a tree, leaving the witnesses with a sense of bewilderment and unease.

Belvoir Castle, Knipton

Belvoir Castle, a grand 16th-century fortress in Leicestershire, is said to be haunted by a number of ghostly apparitions, including the mysterious Puritan. In 1991, two witnesses on a guided tour of the castle reported seeing a man dressed in Puritan-style clothing tending to a fire. The rest of the group remained oblivious to his presence, adding to the enigma of this fleeting sighting. The castle's rich history, spanning over four centuries, provides a fascinating backdrop to this paranormal encounter.