An organised ghost tour is always good fun at this time of year and keeps the kids on their best behaviour, but few are brave enough to venture into the wild at night and apparently with very good reason.
We take a look at some of the spaces around the UK most likely to send a chill through your spine.
Kent
Pluckley & Dering Woods
Just west of Pluckley, said to be the most haunted village in Britain, Dering Wood is rumoured to be haunted by a highwayman who was captured and killed by villagers, as well as a man who fell to his death. Legend has it that at night, blood-curdling screams can be heard coming from the forest.
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Ghosts of Pluckley & Dering Wood
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The Highwayman's Spectre: A highwayman's spectre is said to lurk, hidden in the branches of a tree, watching over the village. His ghostly presence adds an air of mystery to the area.
Phantom Coach and Horses: Residents and visitors have reported sightings of a phantom coach and horses at various locations around the village. These ghostly apparitions harken back to a bygone era.
The Tragic Gypsy Woman: The ghost of a Gypsy woman who met a watery end in a stream at the Pinnock continues to haunt the area. Her story is a poignant reminder of the village's past.
The Miller's Apparition: The miller, once a living presence at Mill Hill, is said to have returned from the beyond, making appearances that both intrigue and unsettle those who encounter him.
Dicky Buss's Lane: A haunting tale unfolds in Dicky Buss's Lane, where the haunting image of a schoolmaster's hanging body lingers, a chilling reminder of a tragic past.
Colonel's Despair: Park Wood holds the sorrowful spirit of a colonel who took his own life. His restless presence adds a sombre note to the village's history.
Brickworks Tragedy: The tale of a man smothered by a wall of clay at the brickworks serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of industrial labour in days gone by, and his ghostly figure is said to still haunt the area.
Lady of Rose Court: In a story of love and despair, the Lady of Rose Court is said to have poisoned herself over a love triangle. Her ghostly presence resonates with the heartache of lost love.
The White Lady: St. Nicholas's Church is haunted by the enigmatic White Lady, a young woman who was reportedly buried inside seven coffins and an oak sarcophagus. Her presence is both mysterious and unsettling.
The Red Lady and Her Companion: A member of the Dering family, the Red Lady, is said to haunt the churchyard of St. Nicholas's Church. The sighting of a small white dog in the same location adds to the intrigue surrounding this area.
Round Oak Farm is a smaller, CL-style campsite on a working farm that focuses mainly on rare breed sheep and cows. Located in the heart of the Kentish countryside, south of the county town of Maidstone. The grassland farm consists of 180 acres, including 5 acres of a natural oak woodland walk and 9 acres of walking routes open to guests. Dogs are allowed on site but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Broadhembury Caravan & Camping Park is found in the quiet countryside just outside Ashford and within easy reach of London, Dover, Folkestone and the Kent coast. There are areas for family camping with play areas and amenities designed with children in mind and separate quiet meadows just for adults with modern luxury facilities.
Set in 500 acres of the Garden of England, The Hop Farm Touring & Camping Park is the venue for many special events throughout the summer, including music festivals & shows. To one side, overlooking all this activity and the attractive cluster of oasts, is the touring park, which provides 150 pitches, of which 75 are hardstanding on flat, open fields. Electricity (16A) and water are available.
On the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden Moor, ghosts of fallen soldiers are said to rise, and eerie sounds fill the air. Witnesses have seen a tall, tartan-clad man muttering "defeated." Some claim to have uncovered wounded apparitions beneath tartan cloths on grave mounds. Birds avoid the area. Haunted wells, like St. Mary's Well and Clootie Well, add to the area's mystique.
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The Battle of Culloden Moor
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Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle on British soil, saw the bloody end of the Jacobite rebellion in 1746. In just 40 minutes, the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was annihilated by the overwhelming government forces. The odds were stacked against them due to the boggy terrain and exhaustion from a failed support-seeking mission in England.
The battle began with artillery exchanges, but government troops dominated. With no leadership from Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Jacobites hesitated and eventually charged. They were outmatched, and government troops used a new tactic to devastate them. The slaughter continued even after the wounded couldn't fight. Bonnie Prince Charlie fled, never to return.
Culloden Moor Caravan and Motorhome Club site is a quiet and tranquil place ideally located for exploring the city of Inverness and the surrounding areas. Gently sloping to face a glorious, unspoilt view over the Nairn Valley, it has the asset of being sheltered on one side by an abundant belt of mature trees to afford extra privacy and wind protection. It has 87 mainly hardstanding pitches (some seasonal), and most have 16 amp electricity.
Epping Forest in Essex boasts a captivating history, tracing its roots back to the Iron Age. It has witnessed Roman conflicts, Norman invasions, and the exploits of notorious highwaymen, including Dick Turpin, who used a cave in the High Beech area as his secret refuge. Hangman's Hill is a particularly chilling locale, featuring sightings of a man's apparition in the woods and harrowing screams.
An unsettling phenomenon occurs when cars are left in neutral on the hill; they seem to roll uphill toward a tree where hangings reportedly took place.
Ghosts of Epping Forest
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Aside from Turpin, other spectres have made appearances over the years. The ghost of Boudica, the ancient Queen of the British Iceni tribe, is said to haunt the forest. Reports of poltergeist activity, such as unexplained pushes, are common.
Witnesses have also described a man in a tricorn hat and cape riding a black horse. The Wake Arms roundabout is known for sightings of a headless biker and a horse-drawn coach in the dead of night. A restless spirit is said to dart in front of vehicles, gazing into the driver's eyes before vanishing. The ghost of a young girl who purportedly drowned near the Kings Oak Hotel and a headless horseman have also been sighted.
Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club site feels positively rural when you reach this gently sloping verdant site. It has mature tree screening and spacious grounds, making this a 'green oasis'. It is hard to believe that this park is in London and the wardens have made every effort to create an attractive environment. There are 159 level pitches, all with 16A electricity and TV aerial connections; 95 are hardstanding. A tent area provides 35 pitches.
This attractive site provides an excellent base from which to visit London, having both easy access to the M25 and excellent public transport links into the centre of London. Close to Epping Forest in the heart of the Lee Valley, this site is on a hillside overlooking the King George reservoir in an enjoyable and relaxed setting. Like its sister sites, it is understandably very popular with overseas tourers. With capacity for 160 units, the site is mostly level, with several bush sheltered avenues and plenty of trees throughout providing shade. There are 65 pitches with hardstanding and 80 with 10A electricity. American motorhomes are welcome.
Certainly one of the only sites in this guide with a multiplex cinema just outside the gate, you are greeted here by a very attractive entrance with flower displays. The site offers 160 spacious level pitches, 44 with hardstanding and 100 with 10A electricity hook-ups. The pitches are well laid out around a large field and there is a tent area just behind two grassy mounds. The grass and gardens are well trimmed and kept very tidy. The site also offers hook-up points for tents. The adjacent sports complex has been rebuilt and was used for the 2012 Olympics.
Pembrey Woods are the chosen grounds for many a roaming ghost, most notably the ‘little hatchet men of Pembrey’, men who lured ships to the rocky coastline, then slaughtered the sailors and robbed the wrecks. Sightings of both the little hatchet men and the dead sailors have been reported.
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Pembury Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club site is set on the edge of the 520-acre country park. It enjoys a wonderful location with a vast range of outdoor activities, including the use of a seven-mile stretch of safe, sandy beach a mile away. Well sheltered, the site is set in 12-acre grounds and provides 125 touring pitches, of which 69 are on hardstanding for caravans and motorhomes. All are equipped with 16 amp electricity. Thoughtful landscaping has included the planting of many species of trees and a circular, one-way tarmac road provides easy access. Sensibly placed service points provide fresh water and waste disposal of all types. RAF jets do practise in this area (although becoming less frequent and generally not flying at the weekend). Tents are not accepted.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, located near Mevagissey in Cornwall, are indeed renowned for their beauty and historical significance. However, they also carry an eerie reputation as one of the most haunted botanical gardens in the country. Many staff and gardeners have experienced unsettling sensations while working in the 19th-century gardens, to the point where some have been hesitant to enter them alone, especially after dark. In fact, the hauntings were reportedly so severe at one point that an exorcist was summoned to address the unsettling energies.
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While no actual apparitions have been reported in the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the grotto area seems to be a focal point for these eerie encounters. This area consists of short, rock-lined paths, rockeries, and a small man-made cave. It's in these secluded and atmospheric spaces that lone gardeners most frequently report feeling the oppressive and unsettling energy that has contributed to the garden's haunted reputation.
The exact source of these eerie sensations remains a mystery, but they add a layer of intrigue and mystery to an already enchanting and historically significant garden. Whether one is visiting to admire the lush botanical wonders or to seek a brush with the paranormal, the Lost Gardens of Heligan offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Merrose Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club site is a 14-acre site with 177 touring pitches (some seasonal) including 73 hardstanding. It consists of five areas surrounding the main facilities block. Set in the beautiful Roseland Peninsular, it is an ideal touring centre.
A peaceful, attractive park in a mature garden setting, Heligan Woods Caravan and Camping Park complements its sister site, Pentewan Sands with its busy beach life and many activities. One can enjoy the mature trees and flowering shrubs here which have been further landscaped to provide an attractive setting for a number of holiday homes (17 to rent). These face out over a part of the ‘Lost Valley’ of Heligan fame with the touring pitches below on sloping grass, some terraced and others in a more level situation (some with handstanding) amongst trees and shrubs. In all, there are 81 good sized touring pitches, 68 with 16A electricity.
Pendle Hill, located in Lancashire, England, is infamous for the Pendle Witch Trials that took place in the early 17th century. The trials resulted in the execution of ten individuals who were accused of witchcraft. Over the years, Pendle Hill has gained a reputation as a haunted and eerie location, with numerous reports of ghostly activity and supernatural phenomena.
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Ghosts of Pendle Hill
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The Pendle Witches: The spirits of the accused witches, including Alizon Device, Elizabeth Device, and Alice Nutter, are said to haunt the area. They are often described as wandering the hillside or appearing as apparitions.
The White Lady: A White Lady ghost is said to roam the area, particularly around the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church, Newchurch-in-Pendle.
Unexplained Lights: Mysterious lights and orbs have been witnessed on Pendle Hill. These lights are often considered to be paranormal in nature and have fueled the area's ghostly reputation.
Feelings of Unease: Visitors to Pendle Hill sometimes report feelings of unease, dread, or being watched. These sensations are often attributed to the residual energy from the witch trials.
Apparitions and Shadow Figures: Some hikers and paranormal enthusiasts have claimed to see apparitions or shadowy figures on the hill, particularly around the possible location of Malkin Tower near Blacko, which was associated with the accused witches.
In a very attractive setting, this park is located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the whole area a paradise for hill-walking, fishing and pot-holing, and it has outstanding scenery. The camping area is on slightly sloping grass, sheltered by mature woodland. There are 100 touring pitches (20 are seasonal), 60 with 16A electricity and water and 25 with hardstanding. A separate area contains 66 privately owned caravan holiday homes.
The pretty, tree-lined approach to Riverside leads into an attractive park, owned by the Marshall family since the late 1960s. Nestling in beautiful countryside, alongside the River Wenning, the park has easy access to the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. For touring units there are 12 fully serviced pitches, 15 on hardstanding and 30 grass pitches. All have 16A electricity and TV hook-ups. An area has been developed for 50 seasonal pitches on gravel. Located away from the touring area are 206 privately owned holiday homes. Tents are not accepted. The smart reception building includes a small shop selling caravan accessories.
Rob has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.
He is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and the publication of the Alan Rogers Guides and 'Destinations' magazine.
Rob has owned several caravans, and he regularly travels with his wife and young daughter in their VW Transporter, complete with a Tentbox roof tent. A keen cycling fan, Rob can often be found in a field in Belgium during the 'Spring Classics' season.
Despite winter’s frosty return just around the corner, you shouldn’t be thinking about quiet nights with your feet up in front of the TV and fire blazing.
