Phantom Cyclist of Hinksey
Hinksey Park, a scenic green space on the outskirts of Oxford, has been the site of a bizarre and intriguing paranormal sighting. On a January evening in 2017, two witnesses were out for a stroll when they spotted a shadowy cyclist whizzing by at speed. The figure was seen passing behind a tree, but here's the strange part - it didn't reappear on the other side. It's as if the cyclist had vanished into thin air.
While there's no obvious connection to historical events or past tragedies in Hinksey Park that might explain this ghostly cyclist, it's worth noting that Oxfordshire has a rich history dating back to the medieval period. The park itself is a relatively modern creation, but the surrounding area is steeped in history. The witnesses' account is a fascinating example of a visual haunting, with no reported audio disturbances or other unusual phenomena. The incident remains unexplained, leaving us to wonder if the cyclist was a manifestation of something supernatural or simply a trick of the light.
Oxfordshire has a rich history dating back to the medieval period
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghost of Charles I
Christ Church College, Oxford
Christ Church College in Oxford is home to one of the most intriguing ghost stories in the city. The former King Charles I has been spotted wandering the college grounds, sometimes with his head firmly in place, and other times, rather more unsettlingly, without it. This eerie apparition is said to be accompanied by the shade of a former Royalist commander, who met a grisly end on the very site where the college now stands.
Peg Legged Man of Iffley
Road running through village, Iffley
In the sleepy village of Iffley, Oxfordshire, a rather restless spirit used to stir things up. Locals would be jolted awake night after night by the unmistakable sound of a peg leg scraping against the road as the ghostly Peg Legged Man made his way through the village. It was quite a racket, and the villagers, understandably, got fed up with the nightly disturbances. In an attempt to put an end to the haunting, they hired an old man to confront the ghost. However, things didnt quite go as planned. The would-be exorcist, it seems, had a few too many tots of Dutch courage before facing the ghost, and ended up getting taken away by the police for being drunk and disorderly.
Mary Blandy's Ghostly Apparition
Westgate, Oxford
In the heart of Oxford, where Westgate meets the city's ancient walls, a notorious haunting has been reported for centuries. Mary Blandy, a young woman, met her demise here on 6 April 1752, when she was hanged for the heinous crime of poisoning her own father. Locals claim that her restless spirit still roams this very spot, forever trapped in a cycle of sorrow and regret. Some believe her execution took place at Castle Yard, but the popular consensus points to Westgate as the site of her tragic end.
Merton College Ghostly Haunting
Merton College, Oxford
Merton College in Oxford has a long history of paranormal activity, with one of its former bedrooms being a hotspot for ghostly encounters. This bedroom, now part of the college library, was reportedly so haunted that no one could sleep soundly while staying in it. The disturbances were so severe that they effectively rendered the room uninhabitable. It's said that the restless spirit, possibly that of a former student or staff member, made it impossible for occupants to get a good night's sleep.
Phantom Concierge at Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Oxford
The Macdonald Randolph Hotel, a grand hotel in the heart of Oxford, has a reputation for being haunted by the ghost of its former concierge. It's said that this phantom continues to check on guests, making sure everything is in order. Staff and visitors alike have reported strange occurrences - elevators seem to move on their own, and some claim to have caught glimpses of a figure in a tailcoat in mirrors.
Prudence Burcote's Bank Ghost
Magpie Lane, Oxford
On the corner of Magpie Lane in Oxford stands a former bank with a reputation for being haunted by the ghost of Prudence Burcote. This historic building has been a local landmark for centuries, and Prudence's spirit is said to roam its halls, a melancholy presence that has been felt by many. According to local legend, Prudence died of a broken heart after her Cavalier lover ran away, leaving her behind. Her love was so strong that it transcended even death, and now she's said to haunt the very spot where she once lived.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Hinksey Park
