25 spooky Blackpool places and old haunting Halloween tales from Foxhall to Cloggy at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
By Claire Lark
Published 28th Oct 2022, 15:45 BST
Updated 23rd Oct 2023, 12:00 BST
Blackpool has plenty of spooky tales to tell, all entwined in its rich heritage, old buildings and notorious bloody crimes.
Who is the Carleton Ghost which scared the living daylights out of a cab driver one night, or how can heightened spiritual activity due to a ‘paranormal portal’ above the stage at The Grand Theatre, be explained? Whether you take it with a pinch of salt, or you are a firm believer in all things supernatural, some of these tales are unsettling and leave a trail of unanswered questions.
Here are 25 pictures which take you to the heart of creepy Blackpool. You may or may not have heard about them before but they will get you into the spirit for Halloween. (Thank you to local historian Juliette Gregson for her contributions)
The Old Coach House is a former Vicarage reputed to be the oldest building in South Shore. Over the years, the owners have been told by guests about the spirits that reside and watch over them. Allegedly one guest said a male figure was staring at them eating a meal and was wearing a cap and black cloak. A second spectre was female and had the name of Shirley and looks after the dinning room Photo: submit
The Long Gallery at Lytham Hall. JohnTalbot Clifton is said to remind people of his presence at his family home, the now Grade 1-listed Lytham Hall. Gate staff have reported hearing a car pull up - on more than one occasion - only for nothing to be there. And Mr Clifton was a car enthusiast Photo: submit
Blackpool Ice Skating Rink is said to be inhabited by a spooky skater and backstage ghosts. The sound of someone skating on the ice has been heard after the venue has closed for the night Photo: Submit
The ghost of a small female child, aged about nine, is said to have been seen at Sir Hiram Maxim’s Gift Shop and an item moved itself overnight to a completely different spot. Sir Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machines is the oldest ride at the park, built in 1904 Photo: Historical
Several ghosts are said to haunt the Ghost Train at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Cloggy, a former maintenance worker known for his clogs who died in 1970, is said to haunt the Ghost Train. People on the ride have complained of being grabbed – only to be told by staff that this was not part of the attraction. Photo: Submit