Most haunted places in Berkshire

Berkshire is no stranger to paranormal activity and is actually home to some famous phantoms with national renown. Whilst our approved contractors are not afraid of your noisy pipes, creaky floors or chilling draughts, some of the creepy tales from across the county are enough to even give them the chills!

We collected some of our favourite ghost stories from all over Berkshire to bring to you this spooky season. Could these tales of scary spectres and gruesome ghouls be true? Or are they just old wives’ tales, myths and fables? One thing is for sure – you are never too old for a good ghost story.

South Hill Park, Bracknell

A grade II listed building steeped in history, South Hill Park art centre in Bracknell is a well known hub of paranormal activity.

A man in Victorian top hat and tails has been spotted strolling along the veranda and walking down the corridor to the studio theatre, which is one of the most active areas in the mansion for spooky sightings. The man is believed to be a former owner, Major Rickman, who took his own life in the gun room in 1917 after struggling with crippling debt. His footsteps have been heard by staff late at night and one employee has witnessed him walking towards her.

A lady in red has made frequent appearances on Saturday evenings, spotted by staff in a 1940s dress at the top of a staircase. When the staff member turned around, no one was there.

Accompanying these tales are reports of doors slamming, wailings, rattlings and bangings. Two sound technicians were allegedly working alone one night when they heard footsteps through the stage microphone, but when they rushed to auditorium, there was no one there.

Maidenhead Thicket

A hotbed of menacing highwaymen in the 17th and 18th centuries, Maidenhead thicket is patrolled by a number of phantom highwaymen on horseback, who allegedly hide in the thick vegetation.

Queen’s Oak, Finchampstead

Queen’s Oak pub in Finchampstead is another famous venue for spooky goings on. The owner first realised that they were not the only inhabitants when they noticed a figure standing behind the bar, watching them. They have also claimed witness to a little girl, a woman believed to be the girl’s mother, and an old woman in a rocking chair upstairs. Yet the owners are not frightened – they want to get to know the ghosts and have even left toys out for the little girl to play with.

Berkeley Avenue, Reading

In the dead of night, a ghostly car is said to creep, soundless, up Berkeley Avenue, with no lights or engine to speak of. Numerous drivers have spotted the phantom vehicle, and witnesses have claimed that the car gets so close that you can see the spectral driver, who is said to be a good-looking red-headed woman.

Windsor Castle

Built in 1066 and seeing its fair share of deaths, executions and suicides, it is no surprise that Windsor Castle is home to a number of ghostly figures, many of which are famous. King Henry VIII is known to ‘pace furiously’ around the castle, groaning in pain and shouting occasionally as he drags around the ulcerated leg that resulted in his death.

Queen Victoria is said to be ‘most unamused’ by the alterations made to the castle by her grandson, King Edward VIII, especially the removal of the family spruce tree in the castle grounds. Workmen allegedly spotted her spectre waving her arms and groaning loudly as they went about removing the tree.

Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife who was executed for witchcraft, treason and adultery, has been spotted peering through the window of Dean’s cloister and weeping. Elizabeth I has been sighted in all black at the same window and her high heels can be heard pacing the hallways. The ghostly figure of George III allegedly gazes mournfully out of the library’s windows and doorways which he was confined to during his periods of madness.

Windsor Great Park

It is not just royals who haunt the castle and surrounding grounds. The phantom of a melancholic guardsman who shot himself in 1927 has been spotted roaming the long walk by the castle. Reportedly, the ghostly figure is often seen smiling, suggesting that he found more happiness in death than in life.

One of the greatest legends of Windsor Castle and the Great Park is that of Herne the Hunter. Herne was a huntsman for King Richard, and allegedly threw himself in front of an angry stag that charged at the King after he had injured it. A wizard appeared as Herne lay dying and said that the only way to save the huntsman would be to cut off the stag’s antlers and tie to Herne’s head.

After his recovery, he soon became the King’s favourite, but the other huntsmen were jealous and pressured the King for his dismissal. He subsequently hanged himself from a great oak tree, which he now haunts the site of. His horned spectre is said to ride around the park, rattling his chains and terrorising the wildlife. Apparently, he appears when England is in dire trouble… so you would perhaps catch a glimpse of him if you strolled through the park in current times!

Watlington House

Witnesses have spotted a ghostly figure in red uniform puffing on a pipe and gazing out the window of this grade II listed community building in Reading. The figure is believed to be the spirit of Captain Edward Purvis, the first known occupant of the house in 1764.

Quelm Park, Bracknell

Derived from an old English term for ‘death, murder or slaughter’, Quelm Park estate in Bracknell is believed to be an old sight of highwaymen executions. A man on a white horse is said to haunt Quelm lane, and dogs reportedly will not walk there!

Are things going bump in the night in your home? Contact us today and we’ll get a PMP approved contractor on the case. Unless you have a poltergeist, in which case you may need a paranormal investigator…