Dorset, usually known as a picturesque county in the southwest of England, is also home to a host of haunted locations that are sure to send shivers down your spine.
From the legendary “Screaming Skull” of Bettiscombe Manor to the ghostly apparitions that roam the halls of Athelhampton House, this article will take you on a chilling tour of 12 of the most haunted places in Dorset.
Prepare to be spooked as we delve into the dark histories and paranormal activities of these notorious haunted sites.
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Bettiscombe Manor, Bettiscombe
Bettiscombe Manor in Bettiscombe, Dorset is notorious for its haunting legend of the “Screaming Skull”.
According to the legend, the manor is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former slave who was mistreated and died on the property.
After his burial, horrific screams were heard coming from his grave, leading the manor’s residents to exhume the body.
The skull was then kept in the manor, where it is said to continue emitting screams to this day.
Visitors to the manor have reported hearing these haunting sounds and experiencing other paranormal phenomena, cementing Bettiscombe’s reputation as one of Dorset’s most haunted locations.
Athelhampton House, Dorchester
One of the most haunted houses in England is said to be Athelhampton House in Dorchester. The estate has been the site of numerous ghostly sightings and paranormal activity over the years.
Weirdly, the most well-known ghost is said to be that of a pet ape known as “Martins Ape” that was accidentally buried in a secret passage behind the Great Chamber.
Additionally, there is the ghost of the “Grey Lady”, who is said to roam the halls, and visitors have also reported hearing unexplained noises and sensing a chilling presence throughout the property.
The house was featured on the TV show “Most Haunted” in 2002, further adding to its reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity.
You can see a clip of the episode here:
Northe Fort, Weymouth
Northe Fort in Weymouth, Dorset is known for its paranormal history and has a reputation as one of the most haunted sites in the area.
The fort has been visited by various ghost hunting groups and paranormal investigators over the years, who have reported a range of ghostly occurrences.
Visitors have claimed to hear the voices of former soldiers, witness unexplained movements and shadows, and even experience a “whistling gunner” roaming the grounds.
Langtry Manor Hotel, Bournemouth
The Langtry Manor Hotel in Bournemouth is widely regarded as one of the most haunted hotels in the area.
It has been rumoured the hotel was originally built in the 19th century as a residence for the famous actress Lillie Langtry, who was the mistress of King Edward VII.
It is believed that Lillie’s ghost still haunts the hotel, with guests and staff reporting a range of paranormal occurrences.
Visitors have claimed to see the apparition of a woman in Victorian-era clothing, feel unexplained cold spots, and hear footsteps and voices throughout the hotel.
Corfe Castle, Corfe Castle Village
Corfe Castle in Dorset is a hotbed of paranormal activity steeped in centuries of haunted history. This ancient site, occupied for nearly 6,000 years, has borne witness to no shortage of ghostly encounters.
The most chilling ghost is that of a headless woman in a white nightgown, spotted gliding across a bridge beneath the castle walls.
Visitors have also reported seeing lights flickering on the castle’s ramparts in the dead of night, as well as hearing the haunting cries of a weeping child.
The thunderous hooves of a phantom steed and the apparition of a man in a floppy hat have also been documented, leaving those who venture here with a profound sense of the supernatural lingering in the air.
Trent Barrow, Trent
Trent Barrow is believed to be the site of a haunted and potentially bottomless pit.
According to local legend, a coach and its horses were once swallowed by the mysterious pit, never to be seen again.
The area surrounding the barrow is said to be haunted by the ghostly sounds of the coach and horses, as well as unexplained lights and figures seen in the vicinity.
The legend of King Arthur is also connected to Trent Barrow, which is believed to be the location where Arthur’s renowned sword, Excalibur, was cast.
The Boot Inn, Allington
The now-closed Boot Inn in Allington, Dorset was once renowned for its haunted reputation.
Some reports also mention the apparition of a woman in a long dress, believed to be the spirit of a former landlady who was murdered there.
Additionally, the ghost of a man with half his head blown off was also reportedly seen within the inn. This would be the ghost of the man who died in a shooting accident. That would be a scary looking ghost you wouldn’t want to see in the middle of the night.
Tyneham Village, Wareham
Tyneham Village in Dorset is often referred to as the “ghost village” due to its haunting history and paranormal activity.
In 1943, the entire village was evacuated by the British military and the residents never returned, leaving the buildings and homes preserved in a time capsule.
Visitors to the abandoned village have reported sensing a chilling atmosphere, hearing unexplained noises, and even witnessing ghostly apparitions.
Maybe the reason the spirits of former residents still linger in the derelict buildings, unable to move on, is because of the trauma of their displacement. I suppose we’ll never truly know, but Tyneham’s haunting and gloomy atmosphere has solidified its reputation as one of Dorset’s most paranormally-active locations.
Check out this post for more information on Tyneham Village
Royal Signals Museum, Blandford Forum
The Royal Signals Museum in Blandford Forum is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former military personnel.
According to reports, staff and visitors have experienced a range of paranormal activity within the museum, including the apparition of a ghostly figure referred to as “Fred” or “Mary”.
Unexplained noises, the movement of objects, and a sense of unease have all been documented at the museum.
Durdle Door, Lulworth
Durdle Door, the iconic natural limestone arch located in Lulworth, Dorset, is said to be a site of significant paranormal activity.
Reports claim that young girls are seen dancing along the shoreline before mysteriously vanishing. These are believed to be the spirits of maids who fled a fire at Lulworth Castle in the 1920s.
Another reported apparition is that of a man who stands on the beach, examines a map, and then disappears. Some speculate that this could even be the ghost of Napoleon himself.
Bridport Museum, Bridport
Bridport Museum is home to a haunted Edwardian dress known as “Gladys”. The high-quality dress is believed to be from the 17th century and has been reported to move on its own, appearing in different parts of the museum overnight.
The dress is rumoured to attract the apparition of a young woman who watches over it. Visitors and staff have experienced unexplained phenomena, such as a sense of presence and cold spots.
In 1989, a priest performed an exorcism, sprinkling the dress with holy water and leaving a crucifix in the display. The identity of the dress’s original owner remains a mystery.
The Grosvenor Hotel, Shaftesbury
The Grosvenor Hotel in Shaftesbury is considered one of the most haunted hotels in the United Kingdom.
The hotel’s long and storied history, dating back over 1,000 years, has led to numerous reports of paranormal activity.
Guests and staff have encountered the ghost of a young woman in a grey dress, as well as the eerie presence of a mischievous child who pulls at bedding and other objects.
The Grosvenor Hotel’s haunted reputation has made it a popular destination for paranormal investigators and those seeking to experience the supernatural.
