Serpentine Lake Ghostly Apparitions
The Serpentine, a beautiful lake in the heart of Hyde Park, London, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Harriet Westbrook Shelley and others who tragically took their own lives in its waters. It's a spot where the boundaries between life and death seem to blur. Imagine strolling along the lake's edge on a crisp autumn evening, the sun setting behind the trees, when suddenly you catch a glimpse of a ghostly figure gliding across the water or a spectral hand rising from the depths. For two women, this was a reality they witnessed, their eyes fixed on the apparition until it vanished beneath the surface.
The story of Harriet Westbrook Shelley is a tragic one. She drowned herself in the Serpentine in 1816, and it's said that her spirit, along with those of others who met a similar fate, occasionally walks the lake's edge or manifests in other ways. This haunting has been documented for nearly two centuries, with various reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena. While we can't verify the validity of these claims, they contribute to the Serpentine's reputation as a site of paranormal activity.
The Serpentine was created in 1731 and has since become a popular spot for boating and recreation.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Face at Hyde Park Corner
Hyde Park Corner underground station, W1
Deep in the heart of London, at Hyde Park Corner underground station, a chilling encounter took place in the early morning of 1978. Two members of staff were startled to find an escalator operating, despite the electrical connection having been disabled. As they investigated further, one man stumbled upon a room that was icy cold, so much so that his breath was visible in the air. His colleague, however, was not so fortunate - he collapsed in a state of shock, claiming to have seen a strange face. The encounter was so traumatic that the shaken worker left the station before his shift ended, never to return.
Harrods Ghostly Bookshop Encounter
Harrods department store, SW1
Deep in the heart of Harrods, one of London's most iconic department stores, a peculiar ghost story has been circulating. It's said that pop sensation Justin Timberlake hired the store after hours in a bid to catch a glimpse of the paranormal presence reportedly haunting the book department. This enigmatic entity has piqued the interest of many, but details about its nature and origins remain shrouded in mystery.
The Old Face Puller Haunting
Lowndes Square, SW1
Lowndes Square in Kensington has a rather unusual ghost story attached to it. An old white-haired woman has been spotted sitting in a chair along this street, making funny faces at anyone who catches her eye. It's a bizarre sighting that has left many wondering about the story behind this ghostly character. Is she a former resident of the area, or just a mischievous spirit? Whatever her origins, the Old Face Puller has become a local legend, with many people curious to know more about her.
Old Charlie Haunted Flat
Unnamed flat, NW3
This London flat on Adamson Road has a rather intriguing history. Back in the late 1940s, a brother and sister moved in, only to be warned by local authorities that they were not alone - 'Old Charlie' was said to be haunting the site. It seems the siblings didn't stick around to get to know Charlie better, experiencing unexplained phenomena like moving furniture and a vanishing plate of fish. They weren't the only ones to call the flat home though, and interestingly, the next family to move in reported nothing out of the ordinary.
Peckham Poltergeist Haunting
Flat, SE15
On Peckham Park Road in south-east London, a family experienced a terrifying poltergeist outbreak that left them shaken. The trouble began in June 1960 and continued until October of the same year. It started with strange occurrences like a lamp and clock being smashed, and a heavy mirror leaping off the wall. The family's fourteen-year-old son seemed to be the target of the entity, with banging and thumping following him everywhere. The family suspected that their interest in spiritualism had triggered the haunting.
The Ghost Maid of Buckingham Palace Road
Unnamed flat, SW1
Buckingham Palace Road is home to a rather eerie flat where a ghostly maid has been spotted. The occupant of this flat would often hear strange sounds in the kitchen when they were alone. One morning, the occupant entered the kitchen to find a maid kneeling on the floor, facing away. The occupant was startled and challenged the maid, who then turned around, revealing a pale white face and wide eyes. The sight was so unnerving that the occupant fled the room, calling for help. When help arrived, the room was searched, but there was no one to be found.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Serpentine

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey