South Devon may be famous for its beautiful coastline, rolling countryside and picturesque towns, but there’s a much darker side to discover if you know where to look… From eerie legends and mysterious sightings to tales of phantom monks, restless spirits and even a pair of dismembered hands said to haunt the roads of Dartmoor, Devon is certainly not short of unsettling stories.

With Halloween just around the corner, we thought we’d delve into some haunted places to visit in and around South Devon. Whether you’re an enthusiastic ghost hunter, fascinated by local folklore or simply morbidly curious, there’s plenty here to get your imagination running wild.

And you don’t have to be a firm believer in the supernatural to enjoy it. There’s something fascinating about standing in a place where generations of people have told the same strange stories, and wondering whether there might be a little more to them than meets the eye.

So, grab a cosy blanket, a torch if you’re feeling brave, and perhaps a friend who’s willing to walk behind you when things get spooky… Let’s explore the darker side of South Devon.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

If you’re looking for somewhere that combines history, mystery and a seriously spooky atmosphere, Berry Pomeroy Castle is a fascinating place to start. Tucked away in the South Devon countryside, the castle is surrounded by tales of ghostly sightings and unexplained happenings. It’s even said to be one of the most haunted castles in the UK, although whether you believe the stories or not, there’s no denying that its atmospheric ruins make for an intriguing visit.

According to local legends, four ghosts are said to haunt the castle, each with their own chilling story.

The White Lady is believed to be the spirit of Margaret Pomeroy and is said to haunt the castle’s dungeons.

The Blue Lady is perhaps the most unsettling. Legend says she appears in the castle and attempts to lure visitors towards the tower, where they could fall to their deaths.

The Two Brothers are said to appear on horseback. According to the story, the brothers rode their horses towards the edge of the castle grounds before leaping to their deaths.

Whether you’re a dedicated ghost hunter or simply fascinated by the stories hidden within historic places, Berry Pomeroy Castle certainly has an eerie tale or two to tell. Just keep your eyes peeled when exploring – you never know who, or what, might be watching…

The Hairy Hands of Dartmoor

It might sound like the setup to a rather strange joke, but the legend of Dartmoor’s Hairy Hands is anything but funny.

The B3212, which winds its way across Dartmoor, has become infamous for a series of unexplained accidents, with many proving fatal. Reports of strange incidents along this stretch of road date back to around 1910, when drivers began describing a sudden and inexplicable loss of control.

But what makes the story particularly unsettling is what some survivors claimed to have experienced.

According to the legend, large, hairy, disembodied hands would suddenly appear and grab the steering wheel – or the handlebars of a motorcycle – seemingly taking control and forcing the vehicle off the road.

Naturally, there are plenty of possible explanations for accidents on an exposed Dartmoor road, but the strange reports have helped turn this stretch of the B3212 into one of Devon’s most famous supernatural legends.

So, if you’re driving across Dartmoor, perhaps keep both hands firmly on the wheel, and your eyes on the road.

Churston Manor

If you’re looking for a ghost story with a distinctly old-world feel, Churston Manor certainly delivers. This historic building is said to be home to spectral monks, whose ghostly appearances have added an extra layer of mystery to the manor over the years.

But the monks aren’t the only unexplained happenings said to take place here.

One particularly curious tale involves candles that mysteriously blow out, only to relight themselves moments later. Is there a perfectly ordinary explanation? Perhaps. Or could something unseen be making its presence known?

Whether you’re a firm believer in the supernatural or simply fascinated by a good mystery, Churston Manor is certainly the kind of place that gets the imagination going.

After all, if a candle suddenly goes out and then lights itself again… Would you stick around to find out why?

Kitty Jay’s Grave

Not every supernatural story needs a ghostly figure lurking in the shadows. Sometimes, the mystery is much quieter, and perhaps even more intriguing.

Kitty Jay’s Grave is believed to be the final resting place of a young woman who died by suicide in the late 18th century. At the time, people who died by suicide were often denied burial in consecrated ground, leaving Kitty’s final resting place at a crossroads away from the traditional churchyard.

But it’s what happens at the grave today that has turned Kitty Jay’s story into one of Dartmoor’s most enduring mysteries.

Visitors have reported finding fresh flowers placed on the grave each morning. The identity of the person leaving them has never been established, and there’s no clear explanation for where these beautiful bouquets come from.

Is it simply the work of a kind-hearted visitor keeping Kitty’s memory alive? Or could there be something more mysterious at work?

There may be no spectral figure to spot here, but the mystery of the flowers is arguably just as haunting.

Buckfast Abbey

The phantom monks are back, and this time, they’ve apparently found their way to Buckfast Abbey.

This beautiful and atmospheric abbey is said to be the setting for one particularly eerie sighting: a procession of ghostly monks reportedly seen walking in a line towards the abbey grounds. Whether it’s a trick of the light, a lingering memory of the abbey’s monastic past or something altogether more mysterious, it’s certainly an intriguing tale.

But the supernatural stories don’t stop there.

Buckfast Abbey is also closely linked to the story of Richard Cabell, a local figure whose reputation became the stuff of legend. According to folklore, Cabell was said to have been in league with the Devil, earning him a particularly sinister reputation.

When he died, legend says his tomb was heavily secured with a large stone slab and iron bars, supposedly to prevent his restless spirit from escaping and returning to cause trouble.

Dare to Explore the Darker Side of South Devon?

From haunted castles and ghostly monks to mysterious flowers and disembodied hands on Dartmoor, South Devon certainly has its fair share of strange stories and supernatural legends.

Whether you believe these tales are the work of restless spirits, local folklore or simply coincidence, there’s something undeniably fascinating about visiting the places where these stories have been passed down through generations.

So, why not make a day of it this Halloween? Explore the grounds of Berry Pomeroy Castle, keep your eyes peeled on Dartmoor, delve into the history of Buckfast Abbey or see if you can uncover the mystery surrounding Kitty Jay’s Grave. Just remember to keep an open mind, and perhaps a torch handy!

After all, the best ghost stories are the ones that leave you wondering “what if?”

So, if you’re brave enough, venture out and explore the darker side of South Devon this Halloween. And who knows? You might come home with a spooky story of your own.

So, book your stay at Oakcliff now! Click here to secure your spot and create unforgettable memories!

If you enjoyed our guide to haunted places to visit in South Devon, you might like our other blogs. Find them here.