Ghostly Adventures

It’s not surprising that paranormal phenomena have often been reported over the 900-plus years since the Battle of Hastings.

When it rains, the battlefield seems to be awash with blood. But don't be afraid: it's just the iron oxide in the soil mixing with rainwater.

The ghost of Talifer, an invading knight, has been seen riding along in front of his Norman lines, taunting the enemy by singing La Chanson de Roland, before passing a little too close to the English army and being cut down.

On every 14th October, the anniversary of the battle, the ghost of King Harold –  complete with an arrow in his eye –  is said to appear at the place where he fell: the spot now marked by the Harold Stone.

For more information on 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield

Some people detect a distinct aroma of horses in the former riding school. Others have experienced pinches or slaps from unseen hands.

In the castle's kitchen, the ghostly figure of a woman has often been seen placing a small, mysterious bundle into the fireplace.

According to local legend, the devil was in Bolsover one day and was so impressed by the skills of the local blacksmith that he demanded to have metal shoes fitted to his hooves.

However, the blacksmith drove a nail deep into the soft part of the devil’s hoof. With a scream of agony, the devil took off over the Derbyshire countryside, writhing and kicking in pain.

The nearby church at Chesterfield was in his way and so felt the full force of one of the devil’s kicks – which some say accounts for its famous twisted spire.

For more information on Bolsover Castle

Dover Castle’s turbulent history stretches back over 2,000 years. 

The centuries have produced an abundance of spooky sightings and ghostly goings-on. For example, a mysterious woman in red and a tragic Napoleonic drummer boy. 

A Second World War Naval Officer looking for ‘Helen’ and eerie sounds of running boots, typewriters and sirens are some of the unexplained apparitions in the Secret Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle.

Venture into the Medieval Underground Works which at the best of times are spooky and where many visitors report a feeling of being watched.

Dover Castle is supposedly one of England’s most haunted castles. It's not for the faint-hearted!

For more information on Dover Castle

Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, naturally has its fair share of reported ghosts.

The abbey’s founder, St. Hild, is said to be sometimes seen in the upper windows of the gothic ruins.

There are also amazing stories of a mysterious horse-driven stagecoach being driven over the cliffs at Whitby Abbey.

On 6 January, the old Christmas Day, a phantom choir can sometimes be heard.

However, one of mysteries which visitors can see most days will be the lack of seagulls flying around the haunting ruins.

Legend says that St Hild cast them all out and forbade them from flying over the abbey, and those that strayed over the abbey grounds are said to dip their wings in homage – could that still hold true today?

For more information on Whitby Abbey

This garrison stronghold, built in 1540, will not let go of its past.

Members of the Tudor force have been seen – and felt – in the fort.

Civil War surgeon Dr Richard Wiseman reportedly performed operations on the kitchen table – and some very odd smells have been noticed here.

One visitor recently reported that his wife felt someone rushing past her, trying to barge her out of the way. Yet no other visitors were present on the ramparts at the time.

For more information on Portland Castle