Black Leopard of Boxted
Deep in the Suffolk countryside, near the sleepy village of Boxted, a strange creature has been spotted lurking in the shadows. A stream running through a woodland area, near the B1066 road, is said to be the haunt of a large black cat with a long tail. In 1994, a motorcyclist and passenger claimed to have chased the creature, which disappeared into a hedge. The incident was documented on the Big Cats of Suffolk website, and similar sightings were reported in the mid 2010s along the Boxted to Hartest Road.
Further investigation reveals that the creature, dubbed the Black Leopard of Boxted, has been the subject of multiple sightings over the years. While the 1994 incident is the most well-documented, other reports of large black cats in the area have surfaced, suggesting that this may not be an isolated incident. The fact that the creature was seen near a stream and woodland area raises questions about its possible origins and habits. Was it a wild animal, or something more mysterious?
Rural Suffolk has a history of reported big cat sightings
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Mysterious Black Cat Sighting
Exact location not known, Hartest
In the quaint village of Hartest, Suffolk, a bizarre encounter took place in mid-1996. A witness claimed to have seen a large black cat, approximately fifteen metres away. The cat's size was notable, leaving a lasting impression on the witness. Although the exact location of the sighting is unknown, it's clear that this was an unusual experience.
Mysterious Leaping Cat of Glemsford
Cornfield in the area, Glemsford
In a cornfield near Glemsford, Suffolk, a bizarre sighting took place on a summer's day in 2006. A witness watched in amazement as a large black cat leapt around, seemingly hunting, its movements swift and agile. The witness was so startled that they returned a week later with a friend, and together they discovered enormous footprints in the same field, almost the size of dinner plates. The footprints were a tangible reminder of the strange encounter, leaving more questions than answers.
Mysterious Large Cat Sighting
Exact location not known, Stansfield
In the sleepy Suffolk town of Stansfield, a bizarre encounter took place on a summer evening in July 1996. A large cat, estimated to be about 25 metres away, was spotted by a witness. The feline's appearance was unusual enough to leave a lasting impression, but details about its size, colour, and behaviour are scarce. What we do know is that this sighting has contributed to the town's reputation for paranormal activity, leaving many to wonder if there's more to this rural idyll than meets the eye.
Glowing Gravestone of Lawshall
Churchyard, Lawshall
In the quiet village of Lawshall, nestled in the Suffolk countryside, a mystifying encounter took place in the late twentieth century. Two men, returning from a night out at the local pub, stumbled upon a remarkable sight in the churchyard. They claimed to have seen a glowing gravestone, an image that has stayed with them ever since. What's intriguing is that when they returned the following day, they could find no trace of any gravestone that resembled the one they had seen. The incident leaves us with more questions than answers, and it's a testament to the enduring enigma of the paranormal.
Countess Rivers Ghost
Kentwell Hall, Long Melford
Kentwell Hall in Long Melford is said to be haunted by the ghost of Countess Rivers. One story goes that she leaped out of her bedroom window and drowned in the moat below, unable to escape the noise of a party. However, it seems this might not be the case, and she actually died quietly in St Osyth's in Essex. Either way, her presence is still felt on the grounds, with reports of strange noises and objects moving on their own.
Penelope the Phantom Nun
Coldham Hall, Stanningfield
Coldham Hall in Stanningfield, Suffolk, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. The hall has been associated with a phantom nun named Penelope, whose presence was brought to the attention of Claudia Schiffer when she moved in. The Ghost Club reportedly warned her about Penelope, which suggests that the nun's ghost has been a long-standing resident of the hall. Two cursed paintings are also housed onsite, one of which purports to show Penelope herself, while the other depicts a mother superior. It's unclear whether these paintings are connected to the sightings of two phantom older ladies back in 1807.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Stream near woodland behind houses

Bull Hotel
Long Melford, Suffolk

Swan Hotel
Babergh District, Suffolk

The Angel Hotel Lavenham
Babergh District, Suffolk
Brook Red Lion Hotel
Colchester, Essex