The Phantom Bomber of Hayward's Heath
On a typical day in 1995, a driver travelling down Rocky Lane in Hayward's Heath witnessed something that would leave them bewildered. As they drove home for lunch, a large aircraft, possibly a Second World War bomber, seemed to pass overhead and descend towards a nearby railway line. The witness thought the craft had crashed, so they quickly got out of the car and ran over to a brick wall which had obscured the view of the falling aircraft. But to their surprise, there was nothing there. It was then that they realised the aircraft had been completely silent as it passed above.
Historical records show that Hayward's Heath has had its fair share of wartime activity, given its proximity to London and the south coast. While there's no documented evidence of a bomber crashing in the area, it's possible that the witness saw a manifestation or apparition of a plane from a bygone era. The fact that the aircraft was silent and seemed to vanish into thin air adds to the mystery. This sighting remains one of the most intriguing cases of a phantom aircraft in British history.
The area was an important location during World War II due to its proximity to London and the south coast.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Coach Haunting
Butler's Green House, Cuckfield
The Coach & Horses haunting is set in Butler's Green House in Cuckfield, Sussex. This eerie phenomenon centres around a phantom coach and horses that are said to reenact a tragic journey. According to the legend, the coach and its team of horses once arrived too late to save a young girl who had taken her own life in the local pond. Consumed by guilt, the coach now makes its return journey, reliving the moment of its failure to save her.
Geranium Ghost of Cuckfield
King's Head Public House, Cuckfield
The King's Head Public House in Cuckfield is home to a rather intriguing and eerie presence. They say the ghost is of a woman known as Geranium Jane, who met her untimely demise in a rather unusual and tragic accident. According to local legend, Jane was having an affair with a former landlord when he accidentally dropped a pot of geraniums on her head from an upstairs window. It's said that her spirit still roams the pub, but she only appears to men who are being unfaithful to their wives.
Cuckfield Chambermaid Ghost
Ockenden Manor House, Cuckfield
Ockenden Manor House in Cuckfield is home to a restless spirit known as the Chambermaid. Legend has it that she met her untimely demise when a secret tunnel she was using collapsed, trapping her inside. This tunnel, rumoured to lead to the nearby King's Head Inn, was allegedly used by the chambermaid to secretly meet her lover. Her spirit is said to roam the corridors of the manor, a haunting presence that continues to fascinate and unsettle those who claim to have encountered her.
Anne Sergison's Cuckfield Ghost
Cuckfield Park, Cuckfield
Cuckfield Park, a beautiful and historic site, is home to the restless spirit of Anne Sergison. Her ghost has been spotted wandering the grounds and surrounding areas for nearly two centuries, with reports dating back to 1830. What's remarkable about Anne's haunting is that she died in 1848, yet her presence is still felt today. Locals and visitors alike have caught glimpses of her, often mistaking her for a living person. Her apparition is a manifestation of the living, a curious phenomenon that has puzzled paranormal enthusiasts for years.
Cuckfield's Ominous Lime Tree
Cuckfield Park, Cuckfield
Cuckfield Park is home to a rather unusual and intriguing phenomenon - a lime tree with a seemingly supernatural connection to the local family. This tree has been known to drop a branch just before a member of the family in the nearby house passes away. It's a strange and unexplained occurrence that has been observed for years, leaving many to wonder about the tree's mysterious powers. The tree's ability to auto-amputate seems to be a grim but reliable indicator of impending death.
Snaking Lights of Burgess Hill
London Road area, Burgess Hill
Burgess Hill's London Road area has witnessed some pretty unusual phenomena over the years. It's here that a married couple and several other onlookers spotted five circular lights dancing in the sky back in September 1995. These colourful lights twisted and turned, putting on a show for a few minutes before they all synchronised, turned white, and then shot off in different directions. It was quite a spectacle, and one that left onlookers scratching their heads. Fast forward twenty-two years to July 2017, and the strange happenings continued when a witness picked up a strange sound, like TV white noise, coming from the sky. This aerial audio anomaly lasted around 20 minutes, leaving many to wonder if there was more to this spot than meets the eye.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Rocky lane

The Regency Hotel
Brighton, East Sussex

Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast
Hever, Kent

Amberley Castle
Amberley, West Sussex

Angmering Manor Hotel
Angmering, West Sussex