The Leaping Men of Caterham
On the outskirts of Caterham, in Surrey, there's a stretch of road that's been the site of some pretty bizarre sightings. It's the A22, and it's where several motorists have reported seeing eight figures dressed in black cloaks or cowls running and leaping around, heading towards the dual carriageway. These strange apparitions were first spotted on 28 July 1963, and witnesses said they moved strangely and silently. It's a surreal image that's hard to shake, and it's one that's been etched in the memories of those who've seen it.
Fast forward to the 2000s, and the stories start to change. People begin to report seeing a ghostly woman in white along the road, either standing on the side or running out in front of cars. It's unclear whether these sightings are connected to the leaping men, but they're certainly intriguing. The fact that there have been multiple witnesses to these strange events lends credibility to the claims, and it's clear that this stretch of road has a reputation for being a bit of a hotbed of paranormal activity.
The A22 has been a major route through Surrey for decades, but there's little historical context to explain the strange sightings.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Caterham's Cursed Tree
Tree on High Street, Caterham
Standing tall on High Street in Caterham is a tree with a dark history. Local legend has it that a witch was executed here, and as she died, she cursed the tree. The story goes that if you talk beneath its branches, something bad will happen to your loved ones. You can almost feel the unease in the air as people hurry past, some holding their breath in superstition. It's a strange and intriguing tale that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
The Welcomes Farmhouse Ghost
The Welcomes farmhouse, Kenley
The Welcomes farmhouse in Kenley, Surrey, is home to a tragic and intriguing ghost story. In 1923, a terrible fate befell Eric Toombe, whose body was hidden down a well on the farm. It was Eric's mother who had a vivid dream that her son's body was concealed in this very spot, prompting the police to investigate further. The police were already looking into Eric's former business partner for fraud, and when they searched the farmland, they found the well and recovered Eric's body. This harrowing tale of murder and loss has left behind a lasting legacy at The Welcomes farmhouse.
Phantom Gentleman of Kenley
Road bridge that crosses the railway line near the station, Kenley
The road bridge near Kenley railway station is a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained intersect. It's here that a phantom gentleman has been spotted, dressed in attire reminiscent of the 1930s. One evening in October 1994, a witness walking home caught a glimpse of this ghostly figure making its way towards the railway station. The gentleman seemed lost in thought, his pace steady until he reached the station, where he suddenly halted before vanishing into thin air.
Caterham Ghostly Monk
Old Rectory, Caterham
Cedar House in Caterham, Surrey, has a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity. This former rectory, now the headquarters of Buxton Building Contractors, is said to be haunted by a ghostly hooded monk. The origins of this spectre are unclear, but it is believed to have been a resident of the house for many years. In addition to the monk, an older man in Victorian clothing has also been spotted within the premises. More recently, the current occupants have reported strange occurrences, including disembodied voices in the boardroom and unexplained movements of objects.
Ghostly Boy in Orange Jumper
Council House on New Addington estate, Croydon
The Council House on New Addington estate in Croydon is said to be haunted by the ghost of a boy in an orange jumper. This eerie apparition was reportedly seen by a family who lived in a house that was once owned by a convicted paedophile. The house had a dark history, as police were tipped off that the bodies of two children were buried in the garden. Although nothing was found, the family soon moved out after their daughter started seeing a ghostly presence. The boy in the orange jumper was said to appear in the garden, along with a girl who would stand at the bottom of the garden.
Poltergeist of Purley Arms
Purley Arms Public House, Croydon
The Purley Arms Public House in Croydon has a rather unusual ghost story attached to it. George, a former employee, met his untimely demise back in 1830 when a rogue beer barrel got the better of him. Fast forward to 1992 and spiritualists claimed to have 'released' George from his earthly bounds. Before his supposed release, George was said to have been the mischievous force behind a series of bizarre occurrences, including the failure of the beer pumps to work.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Area around the A22

Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast
Hever, Kent

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent