Bottomless Mere Legend
Diss Mere, a peaceful spot in Norfolk, has a legend that's been passed down through the years. Locals claim that the mere is bottomless, sparking imaginations and fuelling speculation about its origins. Some believe it's a meteorite crater, while others think it might be an extinct volcano. But, as it turns out, neither of these theories are true. Despite the lack of a dramatic geological history, the mere still has an air of mystery about it.
Historically, Diss Mere has been a significant landmark in the area. The mere itself is a natural lake, and its name 'bottomless' likely originated from its depth. While there's no concrete evidence of paranormal activity, the local legend has become an integral part of the area's folklore. The mere's tranquil atmosphere makes it a popular spot for a relaxing walk or a picnic. As the legend goes, the mere's 'bottomless' reputation might be more of a metaphor for its enduring mystique.
The mere has been a part of the local landscape for centuries, with its name 'bottomless' likely dating back to the medieval period.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Hazy Woman of Diss
King's Head Public House, Diss
In the quaint Norfolk town of Diss, the King's Head Public House has been a hub of paranormal activity for decades. It's here that a young daughter of the landlord would often chat with a phantom woman, whom her parents initially thought was just an imaginary friend. That was until the landlord himself caught a glimpse of the ghostly figure - a green, hazy image that surprisingly said 'I will not harm you'. This encounter not only shocked the landlord but also left him with more questions than answers about the identity of this mysterious woman and her connection to his family.
Roydon Ghostly Cook Apparition
Swamp Lane, Roydon
Swamp Lane in Roydon is a tranquil spot, surrounded by woodland and fields that lead to Snow Street. Yet, this peaceful setting belies a tragic history. A cook who worked at a nearby manor house lost her life during the Second World War when German bombs struck the area. It's said that her spirit still roams these parts, walking through the woodland and across the fields. Locals and passersby have reported catching glimpses of her ghostly form, a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
Highwayman's Lost Love Ghost
The Scole Inn Inn, Scole
The Scole Inn, nestled in the heart of Norfolk, is home to a restless spirit known as the Highwayman's Girlfriend. This ghostly lady in white is said to haunt the staircase and first floor of the inn, her presence a poignant reminder of a tragic love affair gone wrong. Local legend has it that she was murdered by a jealous partner after he discovered her affair with a dashing highwayman. Her spirit, now a familiar sight to locals and visitors alike, is a melancholy presence that seems to be forever searching for something or someone.
Scole Inn Haunting - Apparition in Norfolk
The Scole Inn, Scole
The Scole Inn has been a hub of paranormal activity for centuries. Located in the quaint village of Scole in Norfolk, this historic inn is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparition of a highwayman. According to legend, this infamous outlaw rode through the area in an attempt to evade capture, leaving behind his spectral galloping hooves that can still be heard today.
Burning Man of Shelfanger
Wash Lane, Shelfanger
Shelfanger's Wash Lane is a rural route that winds its way through the Norfolk countryside. It's here, near the old church and ford, that a ten year old girl and her mother had a terrifying encounter in the 1990s. As they drove along the lane, a burning man suddenly ran in front of their car, leaving the young witness horrified. The image of the flaming figure must have been seared into her memory, as she recalled it with such clarity. This unsettling apparition has become known as the Man on Fire, a ghostly presence that has sparked curiosity and debate among paranormal enthusiasts.
Scole Experiment Haunting
Street Farmhouse, Scole
In the quiet Norfolk village of Scole, a remarkable series of paranormal events took place between 1993 and 1998. A team of seven investigators, driven by a desire to prove the existence of life after death, conducted an unprecedented five-year experiment at a local farmhouse. Their aim was to collect and record physical evidence of the paranormal, and it's fair to say they succeeded. Writing and faces appeared on unexposed film, and small items of jewellery and other objects mysteriously materialised.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Diss Mere

The Scole Inn
Scole, Norfolk

The Crown
Framlingham, Suffolk

Lower Bell
Thetford, Norfolk

The Maid's Head
Norwich, Norfolk