The Vanishing Maid of River Crane
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.
Digging deeper into the history of this spot, it's clear that River Crane has been a significant waterway in the area for centuries. While there's no specific information on the maid or the events that led to her haunting the river, it's possible that she might be connected to one of the many historic homes or estates that line the riverbank. The fact that the mother and son witnessed the apparition and the subsequent disappearance of the stone seat suggests that this might be a case of a residual haunting, where the energy of a past event or person is replayed over and over.
River Crane has been a significant waterway in Surrey for centuries
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
Ghostly Female Passenger
Dunsfold Aerodrome, Cranleigh
Dunsfold Aerodrome, a former Royal Air Force base, is where a rather unusual ghostly encounter took place back in 2006. During the filming of the James Bond movie Casino Royale, workers on set reported seeing the ghost of a woman moving along the aisles of a 747 aircraft they were using as a set. The phantom woman is believed to be a female passenger who died from a heart attack at least thirty years prior to the filming. Her presence was noted by multiple crew members, adding some weight to the claim that something unusual was indeed observed.
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.
Gypsy Woman and Horse
Chinhurst woods, Bramley
Deep in Chinhurst Woods, near Bramley in Surrey, a haunting has been reported that's as intriguing as it is elusive. A crossroads near the woods is said to be haunted by an old female traveller and her aging mare. The details are sketchy, but the presence of this ghostly gypsy and her horse has been acknowledged by locals and visitors alike. It's a curious case, with no specific date or time given for the sightings, but the image of this spectral pair lingers, leaving many to wonder about their story.
Young Girl
, Bramley
In the heart of Bramley's High Street stands a former antique shop with a sealed-up doorway that's said to be haunted by a phantom girl. The shop's facade may look ordinary now but locals whisper about strange sightings at the spot where a doorway once beckoned customers inside. They say a young girl appears, standing quietly in the blocked-off entrance, her presence a gentle enigma that has captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike.
The Friendly Ghost of Hound House
Hound House, Peaslake
Hound House in Peaslake is home to a most unusual and friendly ghost known as Johnny Upfold. This little spirit is often seen sitting around the kitchen and former servant's quarters, giving the impression of a kindly presence. The ghostly apparition seems to be a benign one, with no reports of malicious behaviour or frightening encounters. It's almost as if Johnny Upfold is simply enjoying the comforts of his former home, perhaps reminiscing about times gone by.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near River Crane

Amberley Castle
Amberley, West Sussex

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire