Dorking Decapitated Rider
Dorking Graveyard is home to a rather unsettling apparition - a decapitated rider on horseback. This ghostly figure is said to follow a road that no longer exists, and its route takes it across the gravestones. Witnesses claim the rider vanishes through a hedge, leaving onlookers with a lasting sense of unease. The exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, but the image of the rider has been etched in local folklore for years.
The story of the decapitated rider is closely tied to the history of Dorking. Although the road the rider follows is now gone, it's believed to have been an important route in the past. Some speculate that the rider might be a victim of a long-forgotten accident or a tragic event. While there's no concrete evidence to support this theory, the apparition remains a popular topic of discussion among locals and paranormal enthusiasts. The haunting manifestation is classified as a visual and audio experience, with witnesses reporting a range of sensory phenomena.
The history of Dorking dates back to the medieval period, with the town playing an important role in the Surrey Hills.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
White Horse Hotel Ghosts: Haunting of Dorking's Historic Hotel
White Horse Hotel, Dorking
The White Horse Hotel in Dorking has a reputation for being haunted. In the hotel bar area, guests and staff have reported sightings of the Earl of Surrey's ghost. The phantom is said to be that of Charles Howard, a former owner of the property. Locals and visitors alike have heard whispers of his presence in the evening hours.
The Mayflower Pilgrim's Ghost
58 - 60 West Street, Dorking
In the heart of Dorking, on West Street, a poignant ghost story unfolds. This is the haunt of William Mullins, a pilgrim who set sail on the Mayflower with his wife and child, bound for the Americas. Tragically, Mullins and his family succumbed to illness shortly after arrival in the New World. Now, it seems, his spirit has returned to stay, forever tied to the town he once called home.
The Lady in Grey Haunting
Pippbrook House, Dorking
Pippbrook House in Dorking is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. This old house, now serving as Dorking Library, has been witness to some curious paranormal activity over the years. At the heart of it all is the so-called Lady in Grey, a ghostly figure clad in a long grey dress who is said to haunt the staircase. Her presence is often accompanied by that of a phantom butler, adding to the mystique of this haunted location.
Westcott Headless Horseman Haunting
Road between Westcott and Dorking, Westcott
The stretch of road between Westcott and Dorking in Surrey is said to be haunted by a rather unsettling apparition - a headless horseman. It's a chilly winter's night in 2007 when one brave soul was walking along this very road, enjoying the peaceful evening atmosphere, when he began to feel like he was being followed. At first, he thought it was just his imagination playing tricks on him, but then he heard the unmistakable sound of something trotting along behind him, pushing its way through thick bushes and undergrowth. The man quickened his pace, but the sound kept pace with him, sending shivers down his spine.
Upside Down Ghost of Box Hill
General area, Box Hill
Box Hill in Surrey is home to a rather unusual ghost story. It's said that Major Peter Labelliere requested to be buried upside down near the summit of the hill, and despite this unorthodox burial, his spirit hasn't rested. Locals and visitors have reported seeing a ghostly horse and rider roaming the area near his grave. This strange tale has become a popular part of local folklore, with many intrigued by the Major's eccentric final wish.
Regretful Lord of Betchworth
Betchworth Castle, Betchworth
Betchworth Castle, a grand structure nestled in the Surrey countryside, is said to be haunted by the remorseful spirit of Lord Hope. Legend has it that while chasing an escaping prisoner, Lord Hope killed the man, only to later discover that his victim was his own son. This tragic event has left an indelible mark on the castle, with many claiming to have seen Lord Hope wandering the grounds, his eyes filled with regret and sorrow.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Graveyard

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast
Hever, Kent