The Woman in Red Coat Ghost
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.
Interestingly, the Woman in Red Coat is not the only paranormal presence reported in this area. A phantom male figure has also been spotted, standing by the roadside. Although details about him are scarce, his presence adds to the mystique of this haunted stretch of road. The hauntings are believed to have occurred in the late twentieth century, but the exact dates and circumstances remain unclear. What is certain, however, is that these ghostly apparitions have become a part of local folklore, with many people visiting the site in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Woman in Red Coat or her male counterpart.
The hauntings are believed to have occurred in the late twentieth century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
The Puma of Tilgate Forest
Tilgate Forest, Crawley
Deep in Tilgate Forest, a strange sighting took place on 10 September 1979. A sleek black cat, described as a puma, was seen hiding in the forest. The creature's appearance was unusual, to say the least, and its presence has been the subject of interest among paranormal enthusiasts. While there's no concrete evidence to explain the sighting, it's clear that this enigmatic creature has left a lasting impression on those who claim to have seen it.
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.
Balcombe Railway Ghost Soldiers
Railway tunnel, Balcombe
Deep within the Balcombe Railway Tunnel in West Sussex, a spine-tingling sight has been reported by numerous witnesses. This eerie phenomenon involves the apparitions of three or four First World War soldiers, who seem to materialize out of the darkness. According to reports, these ghostly soldiers were killed by a train while seeking shelter from a storm. Their presence is always accompanied by a sense of foreboding, and they slowly fade away when approached. The tunnel, which forms part of the line to Three Bridges, has become a hotspot for paranormal activity, attracting thrill-seekers and ghost enthusiasts alike.
Phantom Figure at Cuckfield Inn
Ye White Harte Inne Inn, Cuckfield
The Ye White Harte Inne Inn in Cuckfield, Sussex, has a reputation for paranormal activity, with reports of a phantom figure seen moving from the front door towards the kitchen area. This eerie sighting was first reported in 2008 and has left many to wonder about the inn's ghostly inhabitant. The inn, with its rich history, provides a fascinating backdrop for this haunting manifestation.
The Wiston Gentleman Ghost
Cottage in village, Wiston
In the quaint village of Wiston, Sussex, a most intriguing haunting has been documented. A couple who moved into their dream home in the 1950s were soon disturbed by the presence of a gentleman dressed in attire reminiscent of the 1920s. He would often walk through the bedroom walls, his footsteps echoing through the cottage, and was known to open the front door, as if entering his own home. This unusual behaviour was reported to have occurred mainly during the late summer and autumn months, between 1954 and 1958.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near A23 between Handcross and Crawley

The Regency Hotel
Brighton, East Sussex

Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast
Hever, Kent

Amberley Castle
Amberley, West Sussex

Angmering Manor Hotel
Angmering, West Sussex