The autumn season isn’t just about the beautiful, warming flavours, it’s about watching the leaves change colour, getting out your favourite jumpers and of course, frightening ourselves with stories of ghosts and ghouls.
So, if you fancy having a fright or two after eating your fill of October’s tasty treats read on for the best places to find ghosts across the county!
Knowlton Church
This remains of this 12th century church near Cranbourne can be found in a centre of a stone circle, which is creepy enough as it is. According to local stories, the area is haunted by a phantom horse and rider, a crying nun and a tall cloaked figure. Apparently, you can also see a ghostly face peering through the upstairs window. Plus it is a beautiful place to walk around, so even if you don’t see any ghosts, it is a lovely place to visit.
Nothe Fort
While recently it is has been the host of a number of our pop up markets, this historic attraction in Weymouth is said to be one of Britain’s spookiest places. We’re told that many employees refuse to walk around the grounds alone after dark because of the ghost of the whistling gunner. With the huge amount of underground passageways it’s no wonder it gives people the creeps after dark!
Shaftsbury Abbey
Any trip to Shaftsbury should include a visit to the Abbey, purely for how pretty the site is but if you’re there over Halloween, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for spirits. The abbey is said to be haunted by a monk who was the sole guardian of the location of the Abbey’s hidden treasure. The story is that he was the only person who knew about the treasure, but he died before the information was passed on so now he haunts the grounds to continue to protect the secret. He’s not the only ghost that is said to reside there though, apparently, the ghost of King Edward the Martyr has also been spotted there.
Athelhampton House
Our members will be familiar with this 15th century manor house near Dorchester as it is usually the host of some of our bigger events. However, thanks to Covid, we won’t be able to do our usual events there this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the spooky tales from the house. It is said that Athelhampton is one of the ten most haunted houses in England. The ghostly residents include an ape, a ghost who lives in the wine cellar and some ghostly duellers who like to re-enact their dual in the Great Hall.
Bettiscombe Manor
This manor house is in West Dorset and apparently is home to a screaming skull. The story is that one of the house’s servants had the dying wish to be buried in the manor but was instead buried in the nearby village cemetery. As his wishes were denied, he cursed the house and there was a spate of bad luck until his body was moved to the manor with the warning that if anyone removes his skull it will scream and the person who moves it will be dead within the year.
St Peter’s Church, Dorchester
Dorchester’s St Peter’s Church is said to be haunted by a former vicar who makes an appearance whenever he is angry. So, if you happen to spot anything supernatural there, make sure not to fall foul of the vicar’s bad mood!
Durdle Door
Probably one of the best known sites in Dorset, Durdle Door is a wonderful place to relax with a picnic or to visit after stopping off at one of the nearby cafes or tea rooms. It is also apparently home to a number of spirits including Napoleon!
Have you been to any of these places before? Did you spot anything unexplainable? Let us know!
