Skip to main content

Barefooted Woman of Brighton

Bat & Ball Public House, Brighton, Sussex Apparition Unknown

The Bat & Ball Public House on Ditchling Road in Brighton has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted pubs. In the 1990s a witness cashing up at the end of the night was startled to see a barefooted woman wearing a nightdress appear in the bar. She seemed to be dancing, her movements carefree and unhurried. The figure glided through the bar, passing by the witness, and vanished when she reached the corner of the room. This fleeting apparition has left many questions unanswered, and her story has become a favourite among locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.

Historically, the Bat & Ball has been a popular meeting place for locals since its establishment. Over the years, there have been reports of multiple ghostly apparitions. Some claim to have seen a phantom grey-haired, middle-aged woman who seems to vanish into thin air. It's unclear whether this woman and the barefooted dancer are the same entity or separate spirits. What's certain is that the Bat & Ball has a long history of paranormal activity, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the supernatural.

Historical Context

The Bat & Ball Public House has been a local landmark for many years.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Public House
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1990s
Postcode Area
BN1

Nearby Haunted Places

Poltergeist 0.6 mi

Brighton Flying Knife Poltergeist

7 New Road, Brighton

At 7 New Road in Brighton, a rather unusual poltergeist activity has been reported. This was the site of Leadbelly's restaurant, now known as El Mexicano. Back in the 1980s, a knife was thrown through the air by an unseen hand, and a set of keys vanished only to reappear an hour later in plain view. These bizarre events set the tone for what would become a long-standing haunting. Staff members have heard banging noises coming from the empty restaurant, and one employee even spotted a phantom old man in the basement.

Restaurant Late 20th century
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.9 mi

The Monk of Horsham

Causeway to the church, Horsham

The quaint town of Horsham in Sussex is home to a rather intriguing haunting, centred around the causeway leading to the local church. Here, a spirit known as the Monk is said to roam, walking between the road and the churchyard. Interestingly, this apparition vanishes before setting foot on holy ground, sparking curiosity and debate among paranormal enthusiasts. The exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, adding to the mystique of this ghostly figure.

Church Causeway Unknown
Read Full Story
Dragon 2 mi

St Leonard's Forest Dragon

St Leonard's Forest, Horsham

Deep in St Leonard's Forest, a sense of unease settles over visitors, and it's not hard to see why. This wooded area has a dark history of unexplained sightings and terrifying encounters. In the early 17th century, a fearsome dragon was said to roam these woods, its nine-foot-long body striking fear into the hearts of locals. The beast was described as black with a red belly, and its deadly poison could kill men, yet it showed a strange preference for smaller prey like rabbits.

Woods Jacobean
Read Full Story
Dragon 3.5 mi

Faygate Ghostly Dragon Sighting

Wooded areas, Faygate

Deep in the wooded areas of Faygate, a strange and intriguing haunting has been reported for many years. Before the construction of the road and railway, locals claimed to have spotted a large lizard-like creature with ghostly qualities. This mysterious being, dubbed the Ghostly Dragon, seems to have left a lasting impression on those who have encountered it. While details of the sightings are scarce, the legend of the Ghostly Dragon has endured, captivating the imagination of paranormal enthusiasts and locals alike.

Woods Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.5 mi

Wispy-Haired Ghost on A24

Right hand bend on A24, Horsham

On a dark summer evening in 2021, a lone traveller caught a glimpse of a peculiar figure standing by the roadside on the A24, near Horsham. The witness, a passenger in a vehicle, spotted a man dressed in a dark blue jumper and shabby brown trousers. His face was leathery and mummified, with sunken eyes that seemed to stare into the distance. The man's mouth was slightly agape, and his wispy, shoulder-length hair touched his collar. The witness was left shaken by the encounter, but the driver, remarkably, was unable to see the apparition.

Road Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.8 mi

The Woman in Red Coat Ghost

A23 between Handcross and Crawley, Handcross

On the A23 between Handcross and Crawley, a lonely stretch of road has been the site of a peculiar haunting. Locals and travellers alike have reported a ghostly figure clad in a red coat, standing by the roadside. She seems to be waiting for a lift, but vanishes if anyone pulls over to help her. This elusive apparition has sparked curiosity among those who have encountered her, leaving many to wonder about her story and the reason behind her ghostly presence.

Road Late 20th century
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bat & Ball Public House