The Man in Black Cape of Alton Towers
Alton Towers, a place of wonder and excitement for thrill-seekers, holds a darker secret. This Staffordshire estate, famous for its rollercoasters and beautiful gardens, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a gentleman in a black cape. He's often spotted walking his dog around the grounds, a sight that was more commonly reported in the nineteenth century. According to local legend, this ghostly figure suffered a heart attack and broke his neck in a tragic accident, forever doomed to roam the estate.
Interestingly, there's another eerie tale connected to Alton Towers. A local story claims that the death of an heir of the Shrewsbury family is always preceded by the appearance of a ghostly old gypsy on the estate. While we can't confirm the validity of this claim, it's clear that Alton Towers has a rich history of reported paranormal activity. The ghostly gentleman in the black cape, complete with cane, remains one of the most enduring and intriguing sightings. His presence has been documented since the 1920s and 1930s, with multiple witnesses claiming to have seen him strolling through the grounds.
Alton Towers has been the seat of the Earl of Shrewsbury's family since the 15th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Uttoxeter Phantom
Road to Chartley, Uttoxeter
On a typical morning in 2004, two men were out and about on the Road to Chartley in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. It was around 05:30h, and the early morning light was just starting to creep over the horizon. As they walked along, they noticed a figure dressed in black walking by them. The men turned to have another look, but to their surprise, the figure had vanished into thin air. It's a simple yet chilling encounter that has left many questions unanswered.
The Running Man of Marchington
Dog and Partridge Public House, Marchington
Deep in Staffordshire's countryside, the Dog and Partridge Public House stands as a hub of local legend. Every April, a strange occurrence takes place within its walls. An occupant reported that a 'spectre' would run from an upstairs bedroom, descend through the landing, and stop by the front door. This eerie event was said to recur annually for several years, from 1993 to 2001. The apparition's actions seem to be driven by a tragic event from the past, forever etched in the building's history.
Nun of Rocester Haunting
Mill Street, Rocester
Mill Street in Rocester is a tranquil country lane with a dark history. Locals claim it's haunted by the ghost of a nun who was hanged in a nearby field back in the 1100s. The execution is thought to be connected to activities at the nearby Rocester Abbey. Witnesses describe the ghostly nun as a scarecrow-like figure. Some people driving through the area have reported getting goosebumps and are too afraid to look in their rear-view mirrors, fearing something is sitting just behind them.
Phantom Horse of Talke
Road just outside the village, Talke
Just outside the village of Talke in Staffordshire, a rather eerie phenomenon has been reported by drivers on a rural road. It's said that before the apparition appears, people hear a sound like a hammer striking an anvil. Then, a phantom horse comes into view, being led by a man, but both the horse and its handler are curiously truncated, cut off at the knees. This strange sight is thought to be a relic from an older track that once crossed this road, now built upon.
Mermaid of Morridge Moor
The Black Mere, Morridge Moor
Deep in the heart of Staffordshire's Morridge Moor lies the mysterious Black Mere, a pool shrouded in legend and terror. They say that at the stroke of midnight, a fishy female emerges from the dark waters, her presence a harbinger of doom for any unfortunate soul who dares to witness her. This is no ordinary water spirit, but a malevolent being with a taste for human company, eager to drag the living down into the depths where they'll never be seen again.
Ghost of Mrs Hutchinson
Checkley Rectory, Checkley
Checkley Rectory in Staffordshire is home to a long-standing haunting by the ghost of Mrs Hutchinson. She was the wife of a former vicar who outlived her by twenty years. People have seen her walking the building where she once lived, accompanied by her dog, and she's also been heard calling people's names and knocking on the front door. Her ghostly appearances are characterised by her old black dress, a sombre reminder of her life and times.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Alton Towers
