Ghostly Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, as pretty as they might be - still have hidden secrets and tales not for the faint hearted. Don't be fooled by its beauty because hidden behing that pretty exterior are myths and legends that will turn your hair grey!!!!

More than two dozen spirits are said to haunt the village of Prestbury, on the edge of Cheltenham, the most famous being the Black Abbott, who has been seen in the church and the churchyard.

Haunted buildings include Owlpen Manor, a romantic Tudor manor house reputedly haunted by the ghost of Margaret of Anjou, queen consort of Henry VI.

The most famous ghost at Sudeley Castle isn't royal, but is a loyal former housekeeper called Janet, who appears in a long dress and a mob cap.

Chavenage House, near Tetbury, has many ghosts, and was once visited by a spectral black coach and horses, driven by a headless coachman.

Woodchester Mansion was mysteriously abandoned in 1868 and in 1989 a Trust was formed to save this unique listed building. A colony of bats lives there, and a couple of years ago it was used as a location for the BBC production of "Dracula".

Berkeley Castle, dates from the twelfth century, and was the scene of the infamous murder of Edward II. The dead king hasn't been seen, but the ancient corridors are said to harbour several spirits.

Haunted pubs include The Ram at Wotton-under-Edge and The Ragged Cot at Hyde, near Minchinhampton. Some people have said that when they go into the ladies toilets in the The Dick Whittington pub which is the site of the 17thC cellars, they feel very weepy and frightened and don't stay in there for very long. Rumour has it that the The Dick Whittington has its very own ghost.

Gloucester has been named one of the top 10 creepiest corners of the country in a new report on supernatural Britain. According to the survey, one of the city's most famous phantoms is the ghost of Bishop John Hooper, who was burned at the stake for his beliefs and is rumoured to still haunt Gloucester. His ghost has been reported in the area near his monument.

For a real fright why not try Cheltenham Ghost Walks or Gloucester Ghost Walks - if you think you're BRAVE enough!!!

Click here for haunted hotels to stay the night in the Cotswolds....