Ghost Stories from All Hallows Farmhouse
Scary places & spooky tales from a hamlet in DorsetAre you in search of a ghoulish tale this Halloween. Escape to a rural Dorset hamlet.
Dating back to the Domesday Book, we share tales of ghostly sightings, historic events & hidden Churchyards.
All Hallows a hamlet deep in the English countryside
- Hidden from obscurity just beside the farmhouse there is a Churchyard dating back to 1066
- Now home to Barn Owls who roost in the ancient Yew trees
- The Church of All Hallows was demolished in Victorian times, but there’s still lots to discover for any budding taphophile*
*Taphophilia: sharing a passion for death and the study of gravestones
Did you know that Yew Trees are often found in Church yards and regarded as sacred. This is due to their long life, evergreen nature and ability to regenerate. Druids value the tree as a connection to the afterlife whilst Christians believe the red berries and scant, white flowers represent the blood and body of Christ.
Moon Gate In The Farmhouse Garden
Under the shadow of the ancient Yew trees, beside the Church yard
- The red brick gate overlooks the walled garden
- It was built to symbolise the moon, luck and renewal whilst nowadays it is a popular back drop for wedding guest photographs and location shoots
- Throwing long shadows across the lawn in the summer evenings it frames the Mulberry Tree in golden light
- Look beyond the Beech hedge and gaze at the cress beds fed from the clear waters of the chalk stream to the east
A Forgotten Drove To Salisbury
In the 18th Century, the fourth Earl of Shaftesbury planted a circular belt of trees around his village. The Coach Road or Drove connected the western side of the Estate to All Hallows. Now a permissive footpath, follow the gravel track from the farmhouse door. Choose a gentle uphill walk with a circular route around the arable field. Or follow the map for a more serious ramble:
- The Coach Road may have begun at the Old Mill House in Wimborne St Giles. This was once a coaching inn providing an over night stop to rest or change horses.
- Directly opposite stand the listed village stocks
- Discover more of the ‘old coaching road‘ leading towards the Cathedral City of Salisbury
- Wander across Wyke Down or take the road to Cranborne to view Ackling Dyke an ancient burial mound
The Hooded Lady & A Runaway Coach
There have been many sighting of the phantom coach and horses that haunt the road leading from Wimborne St Giles to the nearby village of Cranborne (B3078).
A lady clad in a white hood, walks along the country road but then vanishes into the wooded area lining the road.
As she disappears the echoing sound of a crashing carriage can be heard whilst the panicking horses run free in distress, careering into the trees.
The chilling cries of startled horses, will give you goosebumps until the lane falls silent once more.
This ghostly tale is said to have taken place whilst the carriage was heading in a north beside Bone Acre Copse.*
*Named after a discovery of skeletons disturbed by the Estate woodsmen felling trees.
Bottle Bush Down & The Charging Horseman
The most significant experience of the spectral horseman was made by R C Clay who reported the incident in 1924.
Clay was an archaeologist who could not believe he saw the ghost like figure charging alongside his car whilst he drove along the Cranborne Road. Over the next few weeks he returned several times and searched along Bottle Bush Down in the hope to rule out all possibilities that his earlier sighting was simply a trick of light.
The warrior was described as wearing a cloak and brandishing a weapon but then vanished into the burial mound on the Down. Clay dated his appearance to the late Bronze Age. This ancient horseman has also been spotted by shepherds and cyclists during dusk, as well as dog walkers and ramblers hurrying home as the light fades.
Directions: An easy twenty minute walk from the farmhouse. Limited and difficult parking.
More details on the map here:
Knowlton Church & Neolithic Burial Mound
Regarded as one of the scariest places in Dorset, Knowlton Church is located within easy reach of All Hallows Farmhouse
Steeped in history and remains a place of worship for druids and pagans. We love the light and suggest a visit in the early morning to experience a magical sense of calm.
A former Christian Church built within an earlier burial mound was erected to crush pagan worship. Discover a magical atmosphere of times past and the sense of treading in the footsteps of history.
Now in the care of English Heritage with public access from dawn to dusk. More info here:
View our favourite images of Knowlton by Jack Lodge here:
How to get there: An easy six minute car journey from the farmhouse with limited parking.
Walking distance just over an hour along the country lanes. On the return journey make a detour to the Cockerel.
Are you brave enough to discover more…
We do not claim to have witnessed ghostly sightings at All Hallows Farmhouse, but over the years we have experienced strange happenings which have no apparent explanation.
These include the kitchen sink cold tap beginning to run without being turned on, one of the family rooms filled with an over whelming aroma of a freshly lit cigar
and many time the kitchen door has closed tightly shut for no apparent reason and whilst there was no draft or other windows or doors open.
We think you will love…
- Countless ghost trails and spooky stories to explore on foot, cycle or car
- Blissful countryside views and starlight skies
- Resident barn and tawny owls, plus short-eared owls along the lane*
- Warm and cosy contemporary barn renovation crafted with attention to detail
- Home from home for up to six guests sharing three double bedrooms
- Home produced welcome hamper with Halloween themed treats
- Locally grown pumpkins for carving or baking kit on request
- Fancy a little me time? Relax in the Burleigh bath tub with our favourite selection of Bramley natural toiletries
Things to be aware of…
- The Grade II Listed ‘Snows Barn’ is surrounded by a working farm
- Village pubs are all located within a five minute car journey
- Minimum stay for your reservation may apply
- Free range, hens eggs are included in your welcome hamper, but our ‘girls’ run with a cockerel who can be an early riser!
- The River Allen runs along the foot of the garden which is easily accessible for little ones
- The Ghost Stories and places to visit act as a guide only. Please respect private property with no public access.
- Accommodation can be reserved online. Arrival days are Tuesday and Friday for a three night stay.
Discover Starlit Skies This Halloween
The unique location of All Hallows Farmhouse in Dorset is perfect for stargazing. Wrap up warm and discover the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country which was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2019.
To help you enjoy the night sky…
- There are binoculars in your room for your use during your stay.
- All external lighting is reduced to a minimum to avoid light pollution
- Stargazing guide books, blankets, reclining garden furniture, hot chocolate flasks and treats.
Discover Dorset this Autumn. Learn more about the Cranborne Chase AONB Dark Skies here..
More haunted places to discover in Dorset
Athelhampton House – The upper floors of a Tudor Mansion where The Grey Lady and a Ghostly Monk walk the corridors
NT Badbury Rings – Iron Age Fort & Battle ground of King Arthur
NT Clouds Hill – former home of Lawrence of Arabia before he met his untimely and mysterious death
NT Corfe Castle – Initial built by William the Conqueror, this was the home of Sir John Bankes who was chief justice to King Charles I. The ruins are now haunted by a headless lady dressed in white and covered in blood.