Cigarette Smoking Phantom
RAF Honington in Suffolk has been home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. In June 1983, two RAF police officers on patrol stumbled upon a man dressed in Second World War flying gear, casually smoking a cigarette between two barbed wire fences. When they challenged him, the man simply turned around, walked through one of the fences, and vanished into thin air. This bizarre encounter wasn't an isolated incident; three years prior, a converted H block on the base was said to be haunted by an entity that would breathe heavily and occasionally attack people in their beds.
The history of RAF Honington might hold some clues to this paranormal activity. A local legend tells the story of a USAF bomber that exploded on take-off during the war, with one of the crew members' bodies never found. This incident could be linked to the ghostly apparitions, but for now, it remains a theory. The fact that these sightings occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s might suggest that the haunting was a lingering presence from the base's wartime past.
RAF Honington was used as a bomber station during World War II.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Honington Big Cat Sightings
General area, Honington
In the sleepy Suffolk village of Honington, a series of bizarre sightings took place in April 1985. Residents and visitors alike reported catching glimpses of large, mysterious cats roaming the countryside. The creatures, affectionately dubbed 'Big Cats' by locals, seemed to appear and disappear at random, leaving many to wonder if they were dealing with a single animal or a family of felines. Descriptions of the creatures varied, but one thing was certain - these were no ordinary house pets.
Phantom Lady in Red
Road towards Thetford, Great Livermere
On the winding road towards Thetford, in the quaint village of Great Livermere, a spine-tingling sighting has been reported by numerous drivers. A phantom lady dressed in a flowing red gown is said to suddenly appear in the path of oncoming traffic, only to vanish into thin air just before impact. This eerie phenomenon has left many motorists shaken, wondering if they really did see what they thought they did. The lady in red is not the only ghostly presence haunting these rural roads, as a phantom cyclist is also rumoured to roam the village, although accounts vary about the type of bicycle he rides.
Reydon Shuck Dog Haunting
Road near Reydon Hall, Reydon
Reydon Hall Road in Suffolk is home to a rather unusual ghostly encounter. A couple travelling in a trap back in the 1900s came face to face with a shimmering black dog, which they described as a Shuck. The creature darted under their horses' hooves, causing quite a commotion. The driver, understandably startled, tried to lash out at the dog with his whip, but it seemed to pass straight through the creature. This eerie event has become a well-known local legend, with many wondering about the origins of this ghostly canine.
The Face of Great Livermere Rectory
Rectory, Great Livermere
Great Livermere Rectory, a charming residence in Suffolk, is said to be haunted by a ghostly face that has been seen by multiple people over the years. The face, described as pink and hot, was first spotted by author M R James as a child, who looked out of his window to see the eerie visage staring back at him from the outside wall. This unsettling apparition has been seen by others, including a local woman who appeared on a 1995 TV programme about James, claiming that several people had witnessed apparitions in the area outside the rectory.
Saxon Traitor Execution Ghost
Tutt Hill, Barnham
Tutt Hill in Barnham, Suffolk, is said to be haunted by the restless spirit of a Saxon traitor who met his demise in a rather grisly fashion. This man, driven by treachery, helped the Danes capture Thetford, and as a reward for his services, he was executed by his new allies. It's said that his spirit still roams these hills, a constant reminder of the treachery that took place here many years ago.
Badwell Ash Lantern Ghost
Lane near Ladybrick barn, Badwell Ash
In the quiet Suffolk countryside, near the village of Badwell Ash, a strange phenomenon was reported in the 1960s. A ghostly lantern was seen slowly moving down a rural lane, near the Ladybrick barn, and towards parked cars. The eerie sight was understandably unsettling for those who witnessed it. However, as with many such sightings, the explanation was eventually found to be more mundane than paranormal. The movement of the lantern was attributed to an optical illusion created by the nearby houses.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near RAF Honington

Lower Bell
Thetford, Norfolk

The Angel Hotel Lavenham
Babergh District, Suffolk

Swan Hotel
Babergh District, Suffolk

The Scole Inn
Scole, Norfolk