Ghostly Rider of Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath, a sprawling green oasis in north London, has long been a hotspot for paranormal activity. As dusk falls, locals and visitors alike have reported encountering a ghostly figure on horseback, believed to be none other than the infamous Dick Turpin, a 18th-century highwayman. This phantom rider is said to gallop across the heath, his jet black horse pounding the earth. But Turpin's not the only ghostly presence said to haunt this common land. A second apparition, that of a 19th-century Member of Parliament, is identified by his top hat and is rumoured to have swallowed poison nearby. Then there's the mysterious old man, spotted by two boys digging a hole that seemed to vanish into thin air overnight.
Digging deeper into the history of these ghostly encounters, it's clear that Hampstead Heath has a rich and varied past. The heath has been a popular spot for recreation and relaxation for centuries, but it's also been the site of numerous tragic events. The ghostly MP, for example, is said to have taken his own life after a scandalous affair. Meanwhile, Dick Turpin's exploits as a highwayman are the stuff of legend, with many believing that his spirit still roams the heath, reliving his daring heists. And then there's the curious case of the winged creature spotted in 2005, which tore through the tops of trees like a force of nature. Whether or not these sightings are connected, one thing's for sure - Hampstead Heath is a place where the living and the dead seem to coexist.
Hampstead Heath has been a popular recreational spot since the 18th century, with a rich history of paranormal activity.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Old Man in Brown
East Heath Road, NW3
East Heath Road in London's NW3 area is home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. This smiling old man, dressed in a brown overcoat, has been known to follow people along the road. What's intriguing is that he quickly fades into thin air if challenged or approached. It's as if he's a fleeting apparition, only visible for a brief moment. His harmless nature has been confirmed by multiple witnesses, who describe him with a gentle smile.
Hampstead Sighing House Ghost
Church Walk, NW3
Church Walk in Hampstead is home to a house with a dark history and a very unsettling presence. Loud sighing sounds have been reported coming from within its walls, sending shivers down the spines of those who have heard them. The house is said to be situated on a site where a mother is believed to have murdered a young child, a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the property. It's little wonder that the air is thick with an eerie atmosphere, and the sighing sounds are thought to be a manifestation of the immense sorrow and tragedy that occurred here.
Hampstead White Shroud Apparition
King William IV, Hampstead
The King William IV Pub in Hampstead is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who was brutally murdered by her husband. According to reports, a girl in a white shroud has been seen staring out of one of the windows, adding to the pub's already eerie atmosphere. Locals claim that strange noises such as rattling windows and slamming doors are also common.
The Red Head Servant Girl
Church Row, NW3
Church Row in Hampstead is home to a rather unsettling apparition known as the Red Head. This ghostly figure is that of a servant girl who is said to walk down the street, heading towards the church, carrying a carpet bag. The contents of the bag are reportedly the remains of a child's body, which the maid had killed, and she is en route to dispose of the pieces in the churchyard. The image of this troubled soul is said to appear in the early morning hours, leaving onlookers with a lasting sense of unease.
The Victorian Man of NW3
Old Bull & Bush Public House, NW3
Tucked away in the heart of London's NW3, the Old Bull & Bush Public House has a reputation for being one of the most haunted pubs in the city. And it's not hard to see why. The story goes that a skeleton was discovered hidden in the basement, dated around the end of the nineteenth century. This eerie find is believed to be the remains of a man from the Victorian era, whose spirit has been lingering in the pub ever since. Patrons and staff have reported strange sightings and unexplained occurrences, all of which are attributed to the ghostly presence of this mysterious Victorian man.
The Woman in White of Finchley Road
Close to the corner of Finchley Road and Frognal, NW3
On the bustling corner of Finchley Road and Frognal in north London, a ghostly apparition has been spotted by locals for centuries. The Woman in White is a mysterious figure who appears to passersby, her presence adding a touch of intrigue to this busy urban spot. Although details about her identity and motivations are scarce, her white attire and fleeting appearances have captured the imagination of many.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Hampstead Heath

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent