Phantom Highwayman of Callow
In the quiet Norfolk countryside, near Moulton St Mary, lies a spot steeped in eerie legend - Callow Pit, also known as Caller Pit. This rural area is said to be haunted by the ghost of a phantom highwayman. According to local lore, the spectral figure would ride its ghostly steed around the pit before vanishing into thin air, heading towards Callow Spong. The pit itself has a dark history, believed to be the home of the Devil, who was said to have dragged a man down into its waters after he tried to fish out a chest of coins.
The story of the phantom highwayman is deeply rooted in Norfolk's history. During the 17th and 18th centuries, highwaymen roamed the English countryside, preying on unsuspecting travellers. While there's no concrete evidence linking a specific highwayman to Callow Pit, the legend has persisted. The pit's association with the Devil adds a layer of malevolence to the haunting, suggesting that the highwayman's ghost may not be the only paranormal presence in the area. Locals have reported strange sightings and unexplained occurrences, contributing to the pit's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.
17th and 18th century highwaymen
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghostly Tannoy Voice
Old Second World War Airbase, Tibenham
Deep in the Norfolk countryside lies the abandoned Second World War Airbase in Tibenham, a site where the past seems to linger in the air. It's here that a strange, echoing voice has been picked up on a non-existent tannoy system, barking orders at crews who lost their lives over fifty years ago. The sound is sometimes accompanied by the rumble of a bomber warming up before take-off, a chilling reminder of the airbase's former life.
Phantom Coach of Long Stratton
General area, Long Stratton
In the sleepy Norfolk parish of Long Stratton, a spine-tingling sight has been reported for generations - a phantom coach rattling through the countryside. At its helm is the ghost of Old Hutch, a figure shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that Old Hutch is the spirit of Edmund Reve, a local dignitary whose tomb can be found in the nearby St Mary's Church. As the story goes, his restless soul is doomed to drive this spectral carriage for eternity, its presence striking fear into the hearts of locals.
Swan Hotel Ghost
Swan Hotel, Long Stratton
The Swan Hotel in Long Stratton, Norfolk, is said to be haunted, although the exact details are not well known. This eerie hotel has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the area, with reports of paranormal activity from guests and staff over the years. While there's not much information available about the specific ghostly encounters, the hotel's long history and rural location only add to its spooky charm.
Headless Horseman of Pulham
Mill Lane, Pulham Market
Mill Lane in Pulham Market is home to a rather unsettling phantom sighting. A ghostly coach and horses are said to be driven down this lane by a headless horseman, a pretty chilling apparition. The sound of the horseman's whip cracking is accompanied by sparks, adding to the eerie atmosphere. It's not clear when these supernatural events first started occurring, but they have become a part of local folklore.
The Trilby Hat Ghost
Road by ruined church, Tivetshall St Mary
Tivetshall St Mary's rural roads can be eerily quiet at night, but it's on one of these deserted stretches that a ghostly figure has been spotted. A man dressed in an old-fashioned suit and trilby hat has been seen by passing travellers, his presence seemingly tied to a tragic event from the 1950s. According to local lore, the entity was a man who lost his life in a car accident on that very spot. His ghostly apparition has been witnessed by several people over the years, often around dusk or late evening when the road is at its most isolated.
Ashmanaugh Ghostly Apparition
Council house along Church Lane, Ashmanaugh
The Council House in Ashmanaugh, Norfolk, is home to a mysterious and elusive presence. A female form has been seen fleetingly by those who have ventured into the building, and her soft voice has been heard by some, adding to the enigma. The exact nature of this apparition remains unclear, but her presence has been acknowledged by multiple witnesses over the years, leaving many to wonder about her story and connection to the building.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Callow

The Scole Inn
Scole, Norfolk

The Maid's Head
Norwich, Norfolk

The Crown
Framlingham, Suffolk

Lower Bell
Thetford, Norfolk