Nun of Kenley
In the sleepy Surrey town of Kenley, a rather intriguing ghostly figure has been spotted numerous times. This spectral nun is said to appear along Abbots Lane and Hayes Lane, her presence seemingly tied to these specific roads. Some believe she may be connected to another reported entity, a woman carrying a young child, who is searching for the long-lost village of Watendone. The exact nature of her connection to this village or the child remains unclear, adding to the enigma of her appearances.
Historically, the area around Kenley has seen significant changes over the centuries, with many old villages and landmarks disappearing or being absorbed into the growing suburban landscape. The village of Watendone, mentioned in connection with the woman and child sighting, is one such place that has vanished from the modern map. While there's no concrete evidence linking the nun directly to these historical events, her appearances in the twentieth century suggest a possible residual presence or a lingering spirit tied to the area's past. Witnesses describe her as a simple, yet compelling figure, whose appearances are as fleeting as they are captivating.
The area has undergone significant development, with parts of it dating back to medieval times.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
Fifty Pence UFO Sighting
Purley Way, Croydon
On a typical morning in the 1970s, a pedestrian was walking along Purley Way in Croydon when he noticed something strange - the roads were eerily empty of traffic. As he looked up, he was startled to see a large, heptagonal-shaped craft hovering silently in the sky. The craft had a distinctive red underbelly and bright silver sides, and it moved slowly from left to right. The witness was so taken aback that he briefly looked down, and when he looked up again, the craft had vanished, having apparently moved away at incredible speed. What's more, the witness later discovered that he had lost an entire hour of time, leaving him with more questions than answers.
Phantom Horse-Drawn Coach
Exact area unknown, Riddlesdown
In the rolling hills of Riddlesdown, Surrey, a strange sighting has been reported by locals. A horse-drawn coach, pulled by a team of four horses, is said to appear on a piece of private land where a county lane once ran. The coach is driven by an unseen force, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this ghostly phenomenon. While the exact location is unknown, the image of this phantom coach has become an enduring part of local folklore.
Croydon Headless Ghost
Former cafe in Brighton Road, Croydon
This former cafe on Brighton Road in Croydon is said to be haunted by the ghost of John Carver, a man who was acquitted of murdering his wife back in the day. Sixty years after the crime, the cafe's owner reported seeing a tall, grey-clad figure without a head or legs climb the stairs and hover on the landing. It's a pretty strange sighting, and one that's been linked to Carver's troubled past. Apparently, he was hounded by a crowd who wanted him dead after leaving court, and he eventually moved away to escape. The cafe is thought to be one of the places he tried to hide out before leaving the area.
The Leaping Men of Caterham
Area around the A22, 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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Abbots Lane & Hayes Lane

Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast
Hever, Kent

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent