Our Favourite Cornish Ghostly Tales
With Halloween just around the corner, it's time for all things that go bump in the night. Cornwall is packed with history and ancient sites, and along with those come some spooky stories! Get into the spirit with our favourite Cornish ghostly tales!
Mawnan
In the spring of 2007 some people were camping in woodland not far from the church, it was a lovely calm and clear night. They were suddenly woken by two bright balls of light outside of their tent. Their dog was shaking with terror and the campers felt a strong sense of fear. The mystery has never been solved!
The Ship Inn, Mousehole
In October 2012 five people were sitting at a table enjoying a pint and a chat when suddenly one of the glasses and a mobile phone were violently moved 6 inches across the table, the four other witnesses confirmed no-one could have moved the objects without being seen. Another time a man in modern clothing was seen in the bar by a member of staff, and disappeared when he was spoken to.
Newquay Harbour
In 2009 a group of fishermen were making their way back to Newquay Harbour on a calm and still evening. Not far from the harbour they came across an old boat drifting. They pulled alongside the vessel, took its details and went below to report it to the harbourmaster, thinking it had broken free from its moorings in the nearby harbour. The harbourmaster then told them it had been reported missing at sea over 18 years ago. When the fishermen went back on deck to check on the old boat, it had vanished! Many fisherman and locals have heard of or seen this boat over the years but keep it to themselves as they believe it is cursed.
Church Cove near Helston
In 2005, 2018 and 2020 photos have been taken near the graveyard of the church near Gunwalloe and unknown dark figures have appeared. These figures weren't seen at the time of taking the photo and only seemed to appear afterwards, very spooky! Will you be brave enough to take a photo there and see what you discover?
Trerice Manor near Newquay
Have you ever visited the beautiful National Trust manor house of Trerice? On a sunny day the Elizabethan house couldn't look more beautiful, but would you want to linger after dark?! You might just catch the lingering scent of lilac, the rustling of skirts or experience a dramatic temperature drop. All said to be from the haunting of a servant girl who met an unhappy end after being seduced by Lord Arundell.
Bodmin Moor
Along a modern dual carriageway you wouldn't expect any spooky goings on would you? Several people driving along the A30 as it passes high across the moor have seen a ghostly hitch-hiker who disappears. Plus there is an old fashioned green car that appears and disappears in front of your eyes. Watch out next time you drive along there in the dark! And at the base of Roughtor you may have noticed a large granite memorial for Charlotte Dymond who was murdered at that spot on 14th April 1844. Her ghost is said to still haunt the spot every year on the anniversary and many people have seen and felt her spirit walking the moor.
St Nectan's Glen
Between Tintagel and Boscastle you'll find the beautiful valley and incredible waterfall of St Nectan. People flock to visit not only for the amazing natural wonders, but also for the magical energy of the site and some of its more supernatural occurrences. The most common spooky sight is a line of hooded monks walking through the valley while chanting. Other people have seen a burning human skull in a tree, heard a chorus whispering voices around them and have spotted two ghostly grey ladies.
Lanhydrock House
The only part of the original house to be saved from a fire was the gallery, and a lady dressed in grey is said to haunt this spot. Many people have approached her to talk to as she looks clear as day, but she then vanishes into thin air! In the newer 19th century section of the house people have heard a young girl giggling and a baby crying in the Nursery, plus they've smelt cigar smoke very strongly.