Haltwhistle UFO Hoax
Deep in the Northumberland marshes, a bizarre incident took place in December 1968. A large silver disc was spotted crashing into the ground, or so it seemed. A witness claimed to have investigated the scene, even venturing inside the craft before it mostly sank into the marsh. The story sounds like something out of a science fiction film, but it wasnt long before the truth came to light.
The witnesss tale was quickly put to the test when the RAF asked the police to investigate. It soon transpired that while the witness had indeed seen the craft and thought it was going to land, the rest of the story was fabricated. This incident has become known as the Downed Craft Hoax, a curious footnote in the history of UFO sightings in the UK.
The incident occurred during a time of heightened interest in UFOs in the UK
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Bandit of Hardriding Farm
Hardriding Farm, Haltwhistle
Hardriding Farm near Haltwhistle has a dark history tied to a local villain who used the site as a hideout back in the 1930s. This notorious character was tracked down to the farm after committing a crime and met his end there. Interestingly, his presence seems to linger on. People have reported seeing the bandit himself around the farm. More recently, strange noises have been heard coming from within the farmhouse - sounds that can only be described as sword play.
The Drowned Girl of Knarsdale
Knarsdale Hall, Haltwhistle
Knarsdale Hall stands serene and still, its grandeur slowly being reclaimed by nature. Yet, on one day each year, a haunting presence stirs. A young girl, her identity lost to time, silently drifts across the lawn, her ethereal form drawn to the site of a long-vanished lake. Some claim she screams, but it could just be the wind rustling through the trees. The atmosphere is heavy with sorrow, as if the very land remembers the tragedy that befell her.
The Minstrel of Bellister Castle
Bellister Castle, Haltwhistle
Bellister Castle stands tall in the Northumberland countryside, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. Among the whispers of the past, one tale stands out - that of a talented minstrel who met a tragic end. This musician, known for his enchanting harp melodies, was a frequent visitor to the castle. However, his presence was misinterpreted by the master of the house, who mistakenly believed him to be a spy. The minstrel's life was cut short, but his spirit didn't rest. People claim to have seen his grey form wandering the castle grounds, a haunting reminder of the tragic events that unfolded.
Mysterious Black Cat Sighting
Park Road, Haltwhistle
Haltwhistle's Park Road is usually a quiet spot, but one summer evening in 2006, a woman walking her dog witnessed something that would leave her puzzled. As she strolled along, a large black cat, almost like a panther, crossed the road right in front of her. The sudden appearance was startling, but what happened next was even more bizarre. The cat seemed to vanish into thin air, disappearing into the bushes without a sound. It was as if it had been a fleeting shadow, a momentary apparition that left more questions than answers.
Bloody Wedding Party Ghosts
Route between Pynkinscleugh & Featherstone Castle, Featherstone
On a stretch of road in Northumberland, a rather eerie spectacle unfolds once a year. The route between Pynkinscleugh and Featherstone Castle is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparitions of a wedding party. According to local legend, the bride, groom, and their guests had set out hunting to celebrate their special day, but the festivities took a deadly turn. A fight broke out, resulting in the deaths of most of the party. Now, every year, they are said to reenact their ill-fated celebration, travelling back to Featherstone Castle, covered in blood.
The Lady in Green Haunting
Featherstone Castle, Featherstone
Featherstone Castle, a grand and historic site in Northumberland, is home to a rather eerie presence known as the Lady in Green. This ghostly figure, clad in a green and brown dress, has been seen gliding along the castle's corridors, her movements seemingly effortless and without a sound. While she is the most noted spectre, she is not alone in her haunting; Sir Reginald FitzUrse, a prisoner who met a tragic end through starvation in one of the towers, also makes his presence known. And then there are the phantom wedding party guests who appear in the courtyard, adding to the mystique of this ancient castle.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Ten miles north of town in a marshy area
