Crouch Hill, Banbury

Crouch Hill stands as a mysterious landmark near Banbury, its origins steeped in local legend. The story goes that during the construction of nearby churches in Bloxham, Adderbury, and King's Sutton, the Devil himself lent a hand. As he worked, he accidentally dropped some of the mortar he was carrying, creating the hill that now bears his clumsy imprint. This curious tale has been passed down through generations, leaving behind a site that sparks imagination and intrigue.

Church, Adderbury

St Peter's Church in Adderbury stands tall with its impressive tower, a testament to the mysterious construction worker who helped build it. Legend has it that one of the workers on the tower's construction never took any pay, never slept and never ate - he vanished as soon as the tower was built. The three brothers who commissioned the church, along with two others in the area, were convinced that they were helped by Old Nick himself, a euphemism for the devil. This intriguing tale has led to the church being associated with the phrase 'The Devil Helps Thrice', referring to the three churches in the area that were built with seemingly supernatural assistance.

Area around Cobb House, Adderbury

In the sleepy Oxfordshire village of Adderbury, a spine-tingling sighting has been reported for generations. They say that around Cobb House, a ghostly funeral coach appears, driven by the restless spirit of George Cobb. According to local legend, George Cobb, on his deathbed, explicitly forbade the felling of four oak trees on his land. His wishes were soon ignored, and it is said that his ghostly coach has been seen travelling the area ever since, a spectral procession with a solemn, mournful air.

Surrounding area, Banbury

The rolling hills and countryside of Banbury have been home to a string of bizarre sightings in the twenty-first century. Dubbed a big cat hotspot this area of Oxfordshire has had dozens of reports of large felines roaming the surrounding area. Residents and visitors alike have claimed to have spotted these mysterious creatures often describing them as large and elusive. While some have dismissed the sightings as mere fantasy others believe that there may be some truth to the claims.

Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury

Whately Hall Hotel in Banbury is home to a rather mischievous spirit known as Father Bernard. This poor chap met his maker back in 1687 when he died of fright, or so the story goes. Apparently, he thought his persecutors had finally caught up with him, but it was just a servant playing a nasty practical joke that led to his demise. Now, Father Bernard is said to haunt the staircase and garden of the hotel, perhaps still searching for a way out of his troubles.

Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury

The Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel is home to the friendly spirit of Father Bernard. He's a Catholic priest who lived and practised his faith in this historic building centuries ago - a time when Catholics faced persecution. The story goes that he was killed after a servant rang a bell as a prank, thinking it would warn him of danger. But did Father Bernard really die from a heart attack, or did he pass away naturally? Whatever the truth, his ghost is said to be a jolly one, often seen hurrying down corridors with a smile on his face.