For many of us, the Isle of Wight is known as home. As one of Britain’s sunniest spots, it’s filled with love and happiness. However, the Island also has a mythical past and a supernatural secret. In fact, the Isle of Wight has a reputation as the world’s most haunted island. As a result, it’s a hotspot for the paranormal.
According to local paranormal writer Gay Baldwin, the level of supernatural activity is due to the powerful unseen energy or ‘ley lines’ that run under the Island. So, if you want to experience the best of the Isle of Wight’s supernatural side, where should you go? Here are 5 great ideas.
#1 Knighton Gorges
Certainly the most famous paranormal site on the Isle of Wight. In fact, the Knighton Gorges are so famous that visitors from across the world flock here. The famous ‘ghost house’ is the main attraction, but other alleged paranormal activity includes regular appearances by phantom horse-drawn carriages. No matter whether you’re a believer or you just want to experience a place that’s famous for such legends, you should definitely visit if you haven’t.
#2 Arreton Manor
A sad story that took place here involves a local girl who was pushed from an open window. To this day, visitors say that you can still hear her calling for her mother and she regularly appears in the house and gardens wearing a blue dress. This place is so connected to the paranormal world that it even appeared on the television show Most Haunted.
#3 The Hare and Hounds Pub
Legend has it that local woodcutter Michal Morey was executed for murdering his grandson in 1737. His body was hung to rot and the beams used for this were also used in the construction of the pub. As you sit and enjoy a pint, you can look at the beam that contains the notch and date of his execution. He’s often seen roaming the village with an axe. As a bonus, a nearby shop in Newport sells tarot cards, which can help you get in the spiritual mood. Particularly popular with those searching for love, tarot readings can also connect you to the spiritual world and improve your understanding of situations that challenge your everyday life – even if you don’t believe in ghosts.
#4 Carisbrooke Castle
This castle’s more than 800 years old and it has definitely seen more than its fair share of supernatural happenings. The most common sighting is of a young girl who drowned in the castle’s well. There’s also a young man who haunts the moat and a cloaked lady who appears with lapdogs – or so they say.
#5 Ventnor Botanic Gardens
The Ventnor Botanic Gardens might be family-friendly during the day, but this place is home to a lot more than just flowers. During a recent construction project, workers reported that their machinery would not function in certain parts of the grounds and they encountered some strange smells. Visit in the evening and you might see why…
These are just 5 places where you can start your supernatural adventure on the Isle of Wight. For the best supernatural experience, head to one of the many events that are held across the Island at Halloween.
An Island electrician told me that his company were called to the Botanic gdn’s, as power to one of the buildings had failed. When the underground cable was carefully excavated, it was cut neatly into exactly the same length pieces, I think of a yard each.
The cable was steel wired armoured and very hard to cut unless with saw or angle grinder.