Spooky stories from Mole Valley

With autumn in full swing and the colder weather bringing a distinct chill to the air, thoughts naturally turn to ghosts, ghouls and eerie goings-on. Mole Valley may be situated at the heart of the beautiful Surrey Hills, but the region also boasts an intriguing history of sprawling country estates, mysterious ruins, ancient pubs and characterful towns and villages, each with their own hidden histories and spooky stories ready to be unearthed.

Whether it's Halloween or simply a chilly autumn day, Visit Mole Valley, Mole Valley’s official tourism site, shares eight of the region’s most spine-chilling tales, guaranteed to give you goosebumps. Feeling brave? Read on…

A ghostly farmer haunting The Running Horses, Mickleham

With a rich history of more than 400 years, the 16th-century The Running Horses coaching inn in Mickleham once served the main trade route from London to the South Coast. It is not surprising therefore that it has long been associated with highwaymen and thought to have acted a hideaway from the authorities (ancient ladders were found hidden in the upstairs bedrooms, which it is assumed were used as a means of escape for the highwaymen). Yet, it is the pub’s ghostly haunting by a 19th-century farmer who died in mysterious circumstances that really intrigues. Tales tell of his ghost walking the land around the pub, as well as that of a servant woman dressed in 1920’s domestic garb moving silently through the characterful inn.

The tragic tales of Betchworth Castle, Betchworth

Dating back to Elizabethan times, Betchworth Castle was originally built as a fortress, going on to become a family home with the passing of the centuries. Thomas Hope bought the castle in 1834 as part of the Deepdene Estate, deciding to make it into a romantic ruin – but it is also the same man whose ghost is now associated with the crumbling castle. Legend tells of an escaped prisoner who Lord Hope chased in the dark before tragically killing his own son instead when he mistakenly thought he was the escaped man emerging from the shadows. Lord Hope’s anguished spectre is said to still haunt Betchworth Castle today as he wanders aimlessly, wringing his hands with despair.

The Pippbrook House poltergeist, Dorking

Designed by the famous Victorian architect, George Gilbert Scott, and built between 1856 and 1858, the gothic Grade II* listed Pippbrook House in Dorking features ornate arched windows, lavishly painted ceilings, marble fireplaces and elaborately carved woodwork. Today managed as a creative hub, the mansion is also said to be one of Surrey’s most haunted places. Tales tell of a ghostly butler that has been spotted staring out of the upstairs windows silently watching passers-by, as well as of a grey lady haunting the staircase. Perhaps most chilling however are the stories of the house’s angry poltergeist, said to move books in the library, pile pens and pencils in the centre of rooms and, terrifyingly, throw knives down the stairs.

Leatherhead’s lady ghost spotted in the town centre

Located at the heart of the historic town of Leatherhead, the junction of Bridge Street and the High Street is today a pedestrianised area bustling with shops and eateries, but this very spot was once also associated with a chilling apparition. A ghostly figure of a woman has been said to step out in front of cars here, causing them to brake or swerve unexpectedly to avoid her, before disappearing into thin air. Said to be the spectre of a young woman who was knocked down and killed by a car at the same spot in 1930, the modern pedestrianising of the area has resulted in far fewer recent ghostly sightings.

The aristocratic ghost at The White Horse, Dorking

With a sumptuous restaurant, large comfortable bar area and 56 decadent en-suite bedrooms, the historic White Horse on Dorking’s High Street is said to be one of England’s oldest coaching inns. Having been visited by Charles Dickens who wrote his first novel, The Pickwick Papers, whilst staying at the inn, it is instead said to be the ninth Duke of Norfolk, Edward Howard, whose ghost haunts the hotel. Another former visitor, it is said that his ghost is too drunk to leave both The White Horse and the land of the living, staying instead to haunt the halls for eternity.

Spooky sightings at Surrey’s most haunted pub, The Punchbowl Inn, Okewood Hill

Dating back to the 16th century, Okewood Hill’s The Punchbowl Inn is charming, cosy and characterful, offering a wide selection of traditional ales, specialist gins and hearty food combined with attentive service and regularly hosted events. Yet, the inn is equally known for their hauntings – with many claiming that The Punchbowl is Surrey’s most haunted pub, with at least three different ghosts! A former landlord who died in one of the upstairs bedrooms is said to cause havoc banging pipes and wandering the pub, a spooky lady in a grey crinoline dress has also been spotted moving through the restaurant and a ghostly dog lies by the fire on chilly evenings, growling at guests. These combined with moving stools, creaking floors, rattling door handles and unexplained taps on the shoulder surely make the pub one of Surrey’s most haunted.

Spectral armies seen marching on Leith Hill

The lower slopes of Leith Hill, one of the highlights of the Surrey Hills that towers 965 feet (294 metres) above sea level, is associated with an ancient battle between the West Saxon army and the Danes in 851 AD. Though unclear as to exactly where the battle took place, and how close to the famous hill it might actually have been, it has been said by some that the ghostly armies can still be seen continuing to march towards their bloody battle on Leith Hill’s base.

Polesden Lacey’s haunting by a hooded figure

The former retreat of socialite Margaret Greville, who hosted and entertained high society at long weekends and lavish parties, Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham is a beautiful Edwardian mansion and 1,600-acre estate that is today managed by the National Trust. Most well-known for its springtime rose gardens, exquisite collections and beautiful Surrey Hills views, perhaps lesser known is Polesden Lacey’s ghostly associations. For many years it has been said that when the fog descends on the estate by night, a spectral figure of a hooded monk in a long brown cloak walks the grounds.

For more ideas of places to visit and things to do in Mole Valley, see: visitmolevalley.co.uk and follow @visitmolevalley on both Instagram and Facebook.