A Forest cloaked in mystery
The New Forest, with its ancient woodlands, misty mornings, and quiet moors, is a location full of unique experiences and tales of years gone by. When dusk falls and the trees cast long shadows, the Forest takes on an eerie magic — when legends awaken, and stories of the unexplained come to life. Join us as we delve into the mysteries of the New Forest, exploring myths, ghostly stories, and the witchcraft that has left its mark on this timeless location.
Legends and Myths of the New Forest
The Tale of the Rufus Stone
In 1100, the New Forest was the scene of a mysterious death: King William II, known as William Rufus, was allegedly killed by an arrow near what is now called the Rufus Stone. Although it’s said to have been an accident, some whisper that it was, in fact, actioned on purpose. Even centuries later, locals and visitors alike report feeling an unsettling chill near the stone, as though King William’s restless spirit still haunts the spot where he met his untimely end.
Image - Rufus Stone
Secrets of the smugglers’ hideouts
The twisting trails and dense woods of the New Forest provided perfect cover for smugglers in the 18th century, who used hidden routes to sneak contraband through the area. Some say the spirits of these lawbreakers never left. Legends tell of ghostly figures in cloaks appearing on forest paths, perhaps eternally keeping watch over their hidden loot. The tales warn that if you hear footsteps behind you in the dead of night, you may be crossing paths with one of these ill-fated souls.
The Witch’s Trees
Throughout the New Forest, ancient trees bear silent witness to centuries of superstition. There have been over 100 examples of graffiti etched on trees across the National Park, including symbols and writing on the trees, some of which date back hundreds of years. Included in these marks are from those seeking protection from witches.
Image - Autumnal Ancient Woodland
Ghostly haunts
Spirits of the old country pubs and inns
The New Forest’s historic pubs and inns are rich in atmosphere—and, some say, ghostly residents. At multiple of the New Forest’s pubs, guests have reported seeing shadowy figures out of the corner of their eye, glasses mysteriously tipping over, and even cold spots that seem to defy explanation. These lingering spirits may be patrons of a bygone era, reluctant to leave the cosy havens they once knew.
Image - Waterloo Arms
Friendly ghosts of Beaulieu
Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House have long been home to tales of restless spirits. Within the ancient stone walls of the Abbey, visitors and staff report inexplicable cold spots, soft murmurs echoing through empty halls, and the occasional sight of a shadowy monk gliding silently through the cloisters—a spectral reminder of the Abbey’s monastic past. At nearby Palace House, the Montagu family’s historic residence, apparitions have been seen drifting through rooms and along the grand staircase, where footsteps sound with no one in sight. Perhaps the most famous of these spirits is the “Lady in Blue,” a sorrowful figure believed to be a former servant, still lingering to keep watch over the house she once called home. The haunted atmosphere at Beaulieu, especially at twilight, offers an experience both enchanting and chilling.
Image - Palace House at Beaulieu
Witchcraft in the New Forest
The Witch of Burley
The New Forest’s most famous witch, Sybil Leek, brought the old ways of witchcraft into the 20th century, earning her a place in local folklore. Known for walking around Burley with her pet jackdaw perched on her shoulder, she openly practiced witchcraft, captivating the village with tales of spells and nature magic. Today, Burley embraces its connection to her, with shops celebrating her legacy and visitors intrigued by the village’s magical reputation.
Image - Witchcraft in Burley
Ancient superstitions
In centuries past, New Forest locals turned to charms and talismans to ward off bad luck and protect themselves from the “evil eye.” From carrying herbs like rosemary for protection to hanging symbols in their homes, these age-old traditions reveal a time when nature was deeply intertwined with the supernatural. Some of these practices have carried through to modern times, connecting today’s residents to the forest’s mystical roots.
Enter if you dare!
As the colder and darker months descend upon the New Forest, the line between past and present, the living and the dead, begins to blur. For those who seek a taste of mystery and adventure, the New Forest awaits, cloaked in shadows and stories that continue to enchant—and unsettle—all who wander its paths. So, dare to explore, and who knows what mysteries you might uncover?