Kingham Ghost Pilot
Deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, near the sleepy village of Kingham, lies a woodland with a haunting reputation. It's said that a ghostly pilot has been spotted here, and the story goes back to the 1970s. Guy Pratt, in his autobiography, mentions a peculiar encounter with a ghost while at Kingham Hill School. Although he doesn't elaborate, he does mention a local legend about a RAF pilot who crashed in the nearby woods, but was never found. It's a story that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Over the years, the story of the ghostly pilot has evolved. In the mid-2000s, tales of a big cat, said to have escaped from Cotswold Wildlife Park, began to circulate. However, despite claims of its existence, there's no concrete evidence to support this aspect of the legend. What remains is the enduring story of the pilot, a haunting manifestation that has been witnessed by multiple people. The fact that Guy Pratt, a credible witness, experienced something unusual here lends weight to the claims of paranormal activity.
RAF pilot crashed in woods during wartime
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Grey Geese of Addlestrop Hill
Goose Stones, Chastleton
High up on Addlestrop Hill in Chastleton, Oxfordshire, stand the mysterious Goose Stones, a pair of ancient stones steeped in local legend. The story goes that an elderly lady, driving her geese down the road, encountered a witch who asked for charity. Refusing the witch's request, she was subsequently cursed, and her geese were turned to stone. Today, two of the stones remain, a testament to the enduring power of this old tale.
Hanged Vicar of Chipping Norton
Church and surrounding area, Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton's historic church is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former vicar who met a grisly end. According to local legend, the vicar was hanged from the church tower for his part in a rebellion. His spirit is still seen walking about his parish, a poignant reminder of the tragic events that took place centuries ago. The church, with its stunning architecture and serene surroundings, is a peaceful spot, but visitors have reported feeling a sense of unease, as if they're being watched by unseen eyes.
Burning Witches of Chadlington
Hawk Stone, Chadlington
Hawk Stone stands sentinel in the Oxfordshire countryside, its rugged presence a testament to the region's rich history. This ancient stone has been the subject of local legend for centuries, with tales of witchcraft and burning persecution. According to folklore, a chain would be passed through the eye hole in the stone, allowing witches to be held and subsequently burnt at the site. While the stone itself remains, the gruesome practices of the past are now a dark relic of a bygone era.
The Wandering Monk of Fifield
Footpath leading to Shipton Under Wychwood, Fifield
On a quiet footpath leading to Shipton Under Wychwood in Fifield, Oxfordshire, a lone figure is said to roam. This is the haunting of a monk, a refugee from a vanished local monastery who has yet to find his way home. The exact date and time of the haunting are unknown, but the legend of the wandering monk has persisted. Some say he's a benign presence, simply trying to find his way back to a place he once called home.
Heythrop House Haunting
Heythrop House, Heythrop
Heythrop House in Oxfordshire has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in the country. The story goes that back in 1831, one room in the property was said to be haunted, with staff too afraid to enter it after dark. This fear proved costly, as an unattended fire spread out of control and burned the house down to the ground. The house was later rebuilt, but the memory of that fateful event lives on.
Wychwood Bear Sighting
Wychwood area, Charlbury
Deep in the Wychwood area of Oxfordshire, a strange creature was said to have made its home in the surrounding woodland back in the early 1990s. This mysterious beast was described as being dark brown and roughly the size of a sheepdog. Although there's no concrete evidence to prove its existence, the creature's alleged footprints were discovered in the woods, sparking curiosity and debate among locals and cryptozoology enthusiasts alike.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Woodland near Kingham Hill School

Ettington Park Hotel
Alderminster, Warwickshire

Ellenborough Park
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Alveston Manor Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire