The Smuggler's Ghost
The Red Lion Public House in Hooe, Sussex, is home to a rather intriguing ghost. Locals and visitors alike have reported sightings of a man dressed in a long, beige coat, believed to be a former member of a smugglers gang that once operated from the very same pub. His presence is often accompanied by strange noises, particularly in the early hours of the morning.
Historical records indicate that the Red Lion was a hotspot for smuggling activities in the past. A machine used by the gang to break up tobacco leaves is still on site today and has been known to make eerie noises, adding to the pub's ghostly reputation. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or time of these occurrences, the consistent reports of paranormal activity make the Red Lion a fascinating destination for those interested in the supernatural.
The Red Lion Public House was a smuggling hub in the 18th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Transparent Man of Midhurst
Approach to town on the A286, Midhurst
On a misty October morning in 1999, a driver travelling along the A286 into Midhurst witnessed a rather unusual pedestrian. As he slowed down to let the man cross the road, he noticed something strange - he could see right through him. The pedestrian, dressed in a tricorn hat, seemed to be completely transparent. The driver must have been quite taken aback, as he watched the ghostly figure disappear into the trees on the opposite side of the road. This brief encounter has become a well-known local ghost story.
Ghost of Olivia at The Spread Eagle Hotel
The Spread Eagle Hotel, Midhurst
The Spread Eagle Hotel has a long history dating back to 1430, and it's said that the ghost of Olivia still roams its halls. According to reports, her presence is felt in Room 6, where visitors have reported indentations on the bed as if someone sat there.
Roman Soldier Ghost
The Castle Public House, Chichester
The Castle Public House in Chichester is home to a rather unusual ghost, a Roman soldier who's said to make appearances within the pub. It's believed he walks the boundary of the old city wall before popping in for a visit. His presence is noted in various parts of the pub, with reports of him being seen and causing disruptions, particularly in the loft area where unseen hands have been known to cause a ruckus. While there's no clear evidence of what triggers his visits, it's thought that he might be a displaced warrior from Roman times.
Lady Montague's Ghostly Wraith
Ruins of Cowdray House & Park, Midhurst
The crumbling remains of Cowdray House & Park in Midhurst are said to be haunted by the ghostly wraith of Lady Montague. This eerie apparition is believed to be a result of a curse placed upon the estate by a prioress after the owner ransacked the local priory. The legend goes that the fortune of the building fell, and Lady Montague's spirit has been doomed to roam the gardens surrounding the ruins ever since. On a couple of occasions, people have reported seeing a very tall, black clad figure gliding away from the ruins across the causeway, moving with an unnatural speed.
Phantom Church Choir Haunting
St Andrew's Church, Didling
St Andrew's Church in Didling, Sussex, is home to a hauntingly beautiful phantom choir. The ethereal sounds of singing have been reported to emanate from within the church, with some accounts describing a full choir and others a lone, solitary voice. These ghostly melodies have been heard at different times, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this paranormal phenomenon. The church, with its rich history, provides a fitting backdrop for such unexplained events.
Ghost of the Last Bear
Ruins of Verdley Castle, Fernhurst
Deep in the Sussex countryside, the ruins of Verdley Castle stand as a testament to a bygone era, and it's here that a rather unusual ghost is said to roam. This location is famously known as the spot where the last wild bear in England met its untimely demise, and locals claim that the creature's spirit still returns, year after year, on Christmas Day. They call it the Final Bear, a haunting manifestation that's as intriguing as it is tragic. On one hand, it's a poignant reminder of the impact humans can have on the natural world; on the other, it's a chilling encounter for anyone unlucky enough to cross paths with it.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Red Lion Public House

Amberley Castle
Amberley, West Sussex

Chichester Inn
Chichester, West Sussex

Angmering Manor Hotel
Angmering, West Sussex