The Scratching Post Haunting
In the heart of Surrey's Wallis Wood, a peculiar incident took place back in the late 1980s or early 1990s. A mother and her two children were making their way back from a visit to the mobile library when they spotted a rather unusual creature sitting on the path ahead of them. The creature, described as a 1.5 metre long black cat, seemed completely unbothered by the family's presence, and after watching it for a minute or two, the family decided to turn back. It was only a year later, when they found the base of a tree covered in scratches, that they realised the significance of their earlier encounter.
Scratching posts are a common feature of many a cat's daily routine, but this particular instance has left many questions unanswered. The family had returned to the area a year after their initial encounter, and it was then that they stumbled upon the scratched tree. It was as if the large cat had used the tree as a scratching post, leaving behind a tangible piece of evidence that supported their earlier sighting. The incident remains a fascinating example of a reported paranormal encounter in the UK, with many wondering what exactly the family saw that day.
Rural Surrey in the late 20th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Inn On The Green Ghostly Lady Haunting
The Inn On The Green, Ockley
The Inn On The Green in Ockley, Surrey, is home to the ghost of a lady who met her untimely demise after being thrown from her horse during a fox hunt. This unfortunate incident resulted in unknown internal injuries that ultimately led to her passing. The inn's staff have reported strange occurrences, including the landlord's dog reacting oddly to the presence of this ghostly apparition.
Floating Female Phantom
Kings Arms Public House, Ockley
In the sleepy village of Ockley, Surrey, the historic Kings Arms Public House has a reputation for paranormal activity. It's said that several members of staff have witnessed a ghostly apparition - a phantom woman wearing a long dress - floating across the bar and seemingly vanishing into a wall. The incident reportedly took place around 1975, leaving those who saw it with a lasting impression. The room where this eerie event occurred was said to be permanently cold, a detail that adds to the mystique of this haunting.
Danes Battle Ghosts
Area around Anstiebury hillfort, Leith Hill
The area around Anstiebury hillfort on Leith Hill is steeped in history and paranormal activity. This site was once the battleground where Saxons clashed with Danish invaders. It's said that the restless spirits of soldiers from both camps still roam this land, reliving the fierce battle that took place here. The eerie atmosphere and stunning views of the Surrey countryside only add to the sense of unease and fascination that draws people to this haunted location.
Smelly Creature Sighting
Unknown road, Winterfold
Winterfold, a small rural area in Surrey, is where a bizarre encounter took place on a chilly December evening in 1967. A driver, who had pulled over to clear his windscreen, was startled by a strange creature standing about 140 centimetres tall. The creature's head was described as glowing and oblong-shaped, and it emitted a pungent, acrid smell that was overpowering. The driver, understandably shaken, quickly jumped back into his car and sped off, leaving the creature behind.
The Vanishing Maid of River Crane
River Crane, Cranford
River Crane in Cranford, Surrey, is a tranquil spot, but one that has been associated with a rather curious ghostly encounter. A mother and son strolling along the riverbank were startled to see a maid dressed in white sitting on a stone seat by the water's edge. The pair must have been quite taken aback by the sight, as they didn't approach or interact with the apparition. On their return journey, however, they noticed that the maid had vanished into thin air, but that wasn't the only strange thing - the stone seat she was sitting on had also disappeared without a trace.
Sir Thomas More's Restless Spirit
Bayard's, Cranleigh
Bayard's Park in Cranleigh is home to a rather unusual ghost story. It's said that Sir Thomas More, the famous statesman and philosopher, had his head hidden here at Baynard Hall back in 1535 after his execution. The story goes that his spirit still drifts around the nearby park, seemingly unhappy about the circumstances of his death. Locals and visitors have reported strange sightings and unexplained occurrences in the area, which has sparked the imagination of paranormal enthusiasts.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Footpath at edge of wood near Oakfields estate
