Get in the Halloween spirit with some of these spooky New Forest locations. With stories of ghosts & witches, there are several famous spots for fans of the paranormal...
The longer autumn nights herald the perfect time to indulge in a spooky story or local legend – and the New Forest certainly has a few to keep you on the lookout for ghosts and other creatures lurking around the corner!
There are some great spooky hotspots around the New Forest, perfect if you’re a lover of all things paranormal and fancy catching a glimpse of a ghost or a witch’s old haunt. With a rich history connected to lots of prominent figures, there are plenty of haunting tales about those who have lived and died here.
Check out some of the top places that have been connected with the supernatural over the years to get you ready for the spookiest season.
Beaulieu Abbey and what is now Palace House date back to the 13th century, making the manor, abbey ruins and grounds the perfect setting for apparitions and hints of the past.
Various ghost sightings have been made over the years, with some claiming to see the mysterious ‘blue lady’. The ghost is thought to be Isabella, former Countess of Beaulieu, who died in 1786 – she has been reported to walk through walls and appear in what used to be her private apartment.
Palace House is also particularly well-known for hosting the Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s drawing room séance, where he supposedly made contact with a spirit.
If you want to see the House at its spookiest, the site hosts two special evenings in November, where you can embark on a ghostly tour as the darkness descends, hearing about the legendary hauntings and ghostly residents. Younger spook hunters can also enjoy a host of activities during October half term – from listening to spooky ghost stories and hunting for ghostly ghouls around the National Motor Museum to the new ‘Scarecrow Scramble’ trail around the site, there is lots to enjoy!
Aside from being good for a ghost hunt, Beaulieu is a charming, picturesque village that’s well worth a visit – check out our insider’s guide to Beaulieu for more recommendations on what to do and see.
The New Forest is connected to a few royal figures, including medieval King William II, who was known as ‘Rufus’ either for his red hair or ruddy complexion. He famously died in the New Forest after being shot while out hunting, supposedly by Sir Walter Tyrrell. There is some speculation about whether it was truly an accident or an assassination organised by his younger brother Henry I.
The Rufus Stone, near Minstead, marks the place where the former king died. There are several walks you can do around the Stone, providing a good chance to explore the ancient woodland and walk in the footsteps of long-gone kings.
Some claim to have seen a ghostly red-haired man in medieval clothing walking through the woods here. It is said that on the anniversary of his demise, the ghost king follows a trail of blood through the forest, tracing the route his body was carried on a cart.
Other legends tell tales of a pond at Castle Malwood turning red on the anniversary of the death, as Sir Walter Tyrrell supposedly stopped here to wash the blood from his hands.
Fast forward a few centuries and head down to the coast, and you’ll find more chilling tales of tragic monarchs. Hurst Castle is brimming with history; built in the 16th century by Henry VIII, it was a key artillery fortress and was occasionally used as a prison.
The castle’s most famous inmate was King Charles I, who was held captive here in 1648 before being taken to London and executed. Some claim the spirit of Charles still roams the halls of the fortress, while others claim to have seen the ghost of Henry VIII heading to lookouts.
It’s clear the presence of these two kings can still be felt in the castle, whether through their historical association or something more sinister – either way, the landmark has a great spooky ambience for you to lean into!
If you’re not one for ghosts, you might prefer to check out a witchy hotspot. To this day, the village of Burley remains strongly connected to witchcraft. This enduring reputation is all thanks to Sybil Leek, a famous ‘white’ witch who lived in the village in the 1950s.
She used to walk around the area with a signature black cloak and pet jackdaw on her shoulder. Sybil also claimed to come from a long line of witches dating back to the 16th century. Despite moving to America after being shunned by the locals, Sybil’s influence can still be seen in the village today.
Burley is home to several shops themed around witchcraft and the occult, including A Coven of Witches, which was named by Sybil and pays homage to her with a photo hanging above the fireplace. Other magical stores include the Witchcraft Gift Shop, Cobwebs and Crystals, Sorcerers Apprentice and Away With The Fairies.
After you’ve delved into some local legends and immersed yourself in all the New Forest’s spooky goings-on, you’ll want somewhere cosy to snuggle up and relax.
And don’t worry, you won’t have to share one of our luxury cottages in the New Forest with any ghosts! With a handpicked selection of eclectic holiday homes dotted across the Forest, you’ll be able to find your perfect escape, whatever the season.
If you’re thinking about experiencing some of the New Forest’s spookiness with the family, see our October Half Term Getaways and find the ideal base for your autumn adventures…
