Top 9 Super Spooky and Most Haunted Places on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is world renowned for its natural wonder of spectacular coastlines, rolling hills and jaw-dropping scenery. It has long been famous as well for the legends and myths that had been handed down over the centuries.

This stunning haven in England is unsuspecting during the day but apparently when twilight beckons, the island is the spookiest and the most haunted in the world! So, if you are looking for some hair-raising after-dark trails or for some Halloween “fun” on the ‘Isle of Fright’, you are in the right place. There is nowhere better than our top 9 most spooky and haunted places on the Isle of Wight to head to.

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‘Ghost Island’ – Haunted places on the Isle of Wight

Some say the legends hold true to witness accounts of eerie feelings and sightings, and that the spirits will continue to haunt the places for years to come. Some others regard them, simply as stories.

The creepy-aura on the island piqued in the 1970s and earned itself a reputation as ‘Ghost Island’, attracting ghost-hunters and spooky enthusiasts alike ever since. There has been several books written on the witness’ accounts spurring on more interests in all things that goes “bump” in the night!

Whether one believes in the experiences or not is entirely up to the individual. In this article, I share the places where weird sightings, noises and feelings have been reportedly experienced.

1. The Ghosts of Ventnor Botanic Gardens

Ventnor Botanic Gardens is a tourist hotspot on the Island. It is renowned for its scenic location and the incredible range of flora and fauna along with rare plants from around the globe that grows spectacularly here.

The Ventnor Botanic Gardens is also home to a wide range of butterflies and insects not found anywhere else in the UK.

It is hard to believe that this beautiful place could be haunted but it has been said that it is indeed one of the most haunted places on the Isle of Wight.

Before it became famed as Ventnor Botanic Gardens, it was the location of the Old Royal National Hospital. Patients here were treated for the deadly tuberculosis disease. Over the very many years, thousands of patients, sadly died and their souls are said to haunt the site. There has been several reported sightings since the demolition of the hospital building (where the car park for Ventnor Botanic Gardens is now located) in 1969.

Sightings of sickly-looking ghosts, and phantom nurses in old-fashioned uniforms walking between the flower beds has been reported. Ghostly weepings and groanings have also been heard.

There are several remnants of the old building still remaining, including an old disuse tunnel leading out to the cliffs from the end of the gardens. The tunnel was once used for disposing of medical waste. A strong scent of ether has been reported at the garden end by some.

The Ventnor Botanic Gardens usually run a Halloween Ghost Walk special event with access to areas not usually open to the general public.

WHERE: Ventnor Botanic Garden, Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1UL

2. The Ghosts at St Catherine’s Lighthouse, IOW

Built in 1838 and located near the village of Niton, on the most southerly point of the island, the Lighthouse at St Catherine’s Point is a spectacular place on the Isle of Wight. It’s location is a photographer’s paradise for photos of storms working their way across the English Channel and for perfect views of the stars and milkyway at night.

This tranquil location has been home to many spooky tales which makes St Catherine’s Lighthouse to be one of the most haunted places on the Isle of Wight. From ghost animal sightings, unexplained footsteps and noises to slamming doors and missing items but the most striking story of St Catherine’s Lighthouse goes way back to Second World War.

In an enemy raid during the War, three lighthouse keepers were killed by a bomb. The three keepers were buried in the churchyard at Niton. A memorial plaque dedicated to them is placed inside the lighthouse.

The lighthouse has been fully automated since 1997 but it has been said that there is a ghost that still walks the tower with sightings of a figure in the lamp room and beams of light cutting through fog.

Ghostly sightings aside, St Catherine’s Lighthouse is a popular destination for overnight and weekend or short stays on the island for couples and families.

WHERE: St Catherine’s Lighthouse, Niton, Ventnor, PO38 2NF

3. Appuldurcombe House and It’s Ghosts Hauntings

This incredibly grand and “complete” mansion at Wroxhall is rather deceiving from a distance but it is only when you are close that it reveals itself as nothing more than ruins.

This extraordinary English Baroque mansion began its story in the 18th century as the seat of the Worsley family. Once the grandest house on the island, it is now one of the grandest haunted places on the Isle of Wight!

Amidst a Worsley Scandal, the mansion was long been the home for spooky stories of phantom carriages, strange lights and ghostly monks. It was almost destroyed by a bomb during the Second World War but the stories seemed to have survived the destruction.

To establish a connection to these stories, Appuldurcombe House was investigated in a television series, “Most Haunted” in 2005. Several areas of the house were filmed including the cellars in the mansion which showed some credibility to the spooky stories.

The property is managed by English Heritage and the grounds are freely accessible by the public from April to October between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Sunday through to Friday. However, there are no facilities here.

WHERE: Appuldurcombe Road, Wroxall, Isle of Wight, PO38 3EW

4. The Mysterious House at Knighton Gorges

Reportedly, the Knighton Gorges location near Newchurch is another of the most haunted places on the Isle of Wight since medieval times.

Once, there stood a grandest Elizabethan-Tudor style manor house that has seen many tragic events and phenomenal curses had followed the residents throughout the ages.

The curse is said to have started with one Sir Hugh de Morville (d.1202) who was one of the four knights who murdered the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett on December 27, 1170. He, along with the three took residence in the manor house. His sin haunted him throughout his life and he believed the manor house to be haunted.

Thereafter, mysterious deaths and weird happenings followed the owners and tenants of the manor house at Knighton Gorges throughout the centuries. This include the mysterious death of Sir Tristram Dillington in 1718, until the final owner, George Maurice who destroyed the house in 1821. He did so out of spite because he disapproved of his daughter marrying a clegyman, thus preventing her from inheriting the manor.

There are many ghost stories surrounding the manor house at Knighton Gorges. The removed gargoyles at the gates leading to the manor house are said to reappear every now and again and sightings of Sir Tristram riding his horse on the anniversary of his death.

By far the greatest draw for thrill-seeking ghost-tourists is the reappearing of the manor house, all lit up with candles on New Year’s Eve. A New Year’s ball was said to have been held every year and ghost-hunters gather in the hope of hearing music echoing along the fields.

NOTE: Just so you know, the land is privately owned and there is no public access to the property. The furthest you can get to without trespassing is up to the two lone gateposts.

WHERE: Knighton Gorges Manor, 8 Winford Rd., Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0FB. Click here for directions.

5. The Hare and Hounds, Burnt House Lane

The stories surrounding the Hare and Hounds is unbelievably chilling – even for a ghost story!

This infamous location is the backdrop to the gruesome stories revolving around an infamous Michael Morey. He killed his grandson, James Dove (14 years old) in the nearby woods, known as Burnthouse Woods. Morey burnt his cottage to the ground to conceal his crime.

Dove’s dismembered body was found three months later. Morey was eventually executed and his body hung on the gibbet. The gibbet was positioned near a crossroad on Gallows Hill at the end of Burnt House Lane. The scaffold has the date 1737 carved on it and now forms part of a roof beam in the original pub of the nearby Hare & Hounds.

People wandering or driving along Burnt House Lane has reportedly seen a headless torso directing them to take a different route home. Some others have had the unnerving experience of having their car engines turned off and lights dim for no apparent reason.

WHERE: Hare & Hounds, Downend Road, Newport, PO30 2NU. Check directions here.

6. Arreton Manor – Haunted places on the Isle of Wight

Arreton Manor is a Grade II listed building and has a long history that dates back to 872 AD. Most of the manor was built in the 16th and 17th century with some areas built in the 14th century. Back in the day, the manor was frequented by royalties such as Queen Victoria and Queen Mary.

In recent years, the manor has been a popular place for visitors to explore the gardens, enjoy a stay or to have their wedding ceremonies in this 5-star hotel. Many also make their way here to experience the illusions that are said to haunt this historic manor.

One of the stories surround two brothers who fought to see who would inherit the manor. One was killed and the other died three days later due to injuries sustained from the feud.

The title of the manor went to Barnaby Leigh. His son smothered him so he could inherit the manor. After smothering his father, he looked up and found his little sister, Annabel who witnessed the whole crime.

The story goes that he picked up his sister and threw her out of the window. The ghost of Annabel, dressed in blue is seen often. Some have heard her calling around for her mother as well. An awful, chilling terrifying tale, for sure.

WHERE: Arreton Manor, Main Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 3AA. Find Google directions here.

7. Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle, owned and managed by the English Heritage, is a popular destination throughout the year for all the family. Deeply rooted in history since its beginnings in the 11th century, this famous castle had undergone modifications and added defences throughout centuries.

Carisbrooke Castle was also a prison at one point in time. Notable prisoners were Charles I who tried to escape but was caught, and later executed in London. His two children, Prince Henry and Princess Elizabeth were sent here as prisoners after his execution. Soon afterwards, Princess Elizabeth, who was just fourteen at that time was found dead. Her face resting on the Bible given to her as gift by her father.

As a famous fortification in English history, Carisbrook Castle has a long-standing reputation of being haunted by all manner of residents. Tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors of history have all been cited.

The moat seems to be one of the most popular locations for ghostly sightings. Reported sightings have been of a grey woman walking around the castle grounds and a huge man in a long white gown around the moat.

If you are up for a bone-chilling experience at Carisbrooke Castle, join-in in their Halloween Week activity designed for 16+ adults.

WHERE: Carisbrooke Castle, Castle Hill, Newport, PO30 1XY

8. Golden Hill Fort, Freshwater – Haunted Places on the Isle of Wight

Built in the Victorian era between 1863 and 1869, the Golden Hill Fort was built on highground in Freshwater as a barracks and coastal defence overlooking the Solent. The six-sided fort is a Grade I listed building and was recently converted to a series of luxury homes.

One may wonder why this remarkable building is one of the top haunted places on the Isle of Wight. Well, here’s the story…

The ghostly happenings at the Golden Hill Fort goes way back to its days as an army barracks. There are accounts of the ghost of a much hated sergeant major who died “accidentally” by missing his steps on the spiral staircase. His yells, tobacco smoke and doors slamming have all been seen and felt over the years.

There is also the chilling tale of the ghost of a sailor who was put to death for espionage roaming the halls of the Fort, along with other hair-raising tales where apparitions of soldiers roaming freely through walls and doors.

WHERE: Golden Hill Fort, Norton Green, Freshwater, PO40 9SJ

9. Whitecroft Hospital, One of the Haunted Places on the Isle of Wight

After about a century in operation, the Whitecroft Hospital finally closed its doors in 1992. The building is converted to residential apartments as Gatcombe Manor.

Workmen involved in the construction of the apartments have reportedly seen nurses in faded uniforms, and the unnerving feeling of being watched. A regular sighting has been of a doctor strolling along the car park, seemingly arriving for work. He has also been seen peering through the ground floor windows of the building.

WHERE: Gatcombe Manor, Sandy Lane, Gatcombe PO30 3DW

On a final note…

From haunted hospitals to New Year’s Eve ball at an Elizabethan manor house – the haunted places on the Isle of Wight is home to all manner of spooky and mystical sightings which is an ideal destination for everyone who wants a ghoulish fix! While these hair-raising after-dark activities can be experienced throughout the year, the Isle of Wight is especially popular during Halloween.

The ones mentioned in this article are just a few that had come up frequently. There are many more spooky and haunted places on the Isle of Wight and it seems that you are never alone on this island!

If you do wish to visit any of these haunted places on the Isle of Wight, it is a good idea to read some books on the Isle of Fright before heading out.

Gaynor Baldwin is a world renowned paranormal expert and author who has written several books on the ghostly happenings of this island. Here are a few of them if you wish to learn more:

• The Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Isle of Wight
• Most Haunted Island- Bk 6
• Even More Ghosts