Phantom Highwayman of Nuneaton
The A5 between Nuneaton and Hinckley has a reputation for being haunted by a phantom highwayman. Locals and travellers have reported strange sightings along this stretch of road, which follows the historic route of Watling Street. One of the most vivid descriptions is of a ghostly figure clad in a jacket with bright crimson sleeves and a tricorn hat that casts a shadow over his face. This spectral character is said to appear by the roadside, searching for his next victim or perhaps reliving his past exploits.
Historical records and folklore suggest that the phantom highwayman may be linked to the infamous Dick Turpin, a notorious 18th-century highwayman who was known to operate in this region. Over the years, there have been multiple sightings of this ghostly figure, with reports dating back to 1926 and 1927 describing the phantom wearing a jacket and riding a horse across common land. In 1979, a witness reported seeing a shimmering shape that swirled like water, which may have been the same entity. Interestingly, this witness went on to have an accident near the same spot later that day, adding a layer of mystery to the encounter.
The area has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, with Watling Street being an important route for trade and travel.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghostly Mail Coach Haunting
Oaston Road, Nuneaton
Oaston Road in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of an old mail coach. Locals claim that at midnight, the sound of rattling wheels and horses' hooves can be heard as the phantom vehicle makes its way along this stretch of road. The story of this ghostly mail coach has been passed down through generations, with many believing it to be a lingering presence from a bygone era. While there's no concrete evidence to support the existence of this paranormal phenomenon, the tale has become an integral part of local folklore.
Phantom Train Accident
Railway line and bridge near the Bomb Hills, Nuneaton
Deep in the heart of Warwickshire, near the town of Nuneaton, lies a railway line and bridge known as Bomb Hills. It's a spot where the ordinary and the paranormal collide. In October 1986, two people walking home stumbled upon a bizarre sight. As they approached the bridge, they noticed steam rising from beneath it. Peering down, they saw a steam locomotive had seemingly materialised, surrounded by dozens of people lying across the tracks. The scene appeared semi-transparent, as if it was a ghostly apparition. The witnesses quickly ran off to find someone to share their incredible discovery with, but by the time they returned, the train and figures had vanished into thin air.
Bloody Handprints of Attleborough
Attleborough Hall, Nuneaton
Attleborough Hall in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was once home to a rather unsettling phenomenon - a pair of bloodied handprints that appeared on the front step of the hall. These eerie marks were said to reappear time and again, even after the stone step was removed and replaced. It's a mystery that has left many scratching their heads, wondering what could have caused such a strange and persistent occurrence.
Poltergeist at Coniston Tavern
Coniston Tavern, Nuneaton
The Coniston Tavern in Nuneaton has been witness to some strange occurrences. A ghost named Dave seems to have been blamed for a couple of unexplained events. A pint of lager suddenly exploded on a table, covering customers in liquid. This wasn't an isolated incident, as a few months prior, another pint glass had slid off the same table and onto the floor without any human intervention.
Caldecote Ghostly Figure Sighting
Weddington Lane, Caldecote
On a winter's evening in January 2012, a driver and their passenger were travelling along Weddington Lane in Caldecote when they witnessed a bizarre and unsettling event. As they approached a particular stretch of road, they saw a figure step out from behind a hedgerow and cross the road ahead of them. What made this sighting particularly unusual was that the witnesses could see the oncoming car headlights shining through the figure, which appeared to shimmer as it moved. This ghostly apparition seemed to be impervious to the physical world, and its ethereal nature left the witnesses with a lasting impression.
Lord Hop Haunted Inn
Dun Cow Inn Inn, Nuneaton
The Dun Cow Inn in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, has a rather unusual and intriguing ghost story attached to it. Apparently, the ghost of Lord Hop was exorcised and banished into a bottle, which was then thrown into a clay pit. But, as fate would have it, when the pit dried out, some curious locals opened the bottle and, well, Lord Hop was back. He took up residence in the Dun Cow Inn, where his presence was likely felt by patrons and staff alike. Unfortunately, the inn was demolished in 1957, but that hasn't stopped Lord Hop's legend from living on.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near A5 between town and Hinckley
