Spooky Stories of Bognor Regis and Beyond

When you think of ghost stories in Sussex, your mind might wander to Rye and its long history of smugglers, secrets and spectral sightings. But here in Bognor Regis and the surrounding areas, there are plenty of spooky tales of our own that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

From cursed families and crumbling ruins to ghostly footsteps and mysterious figures in the woods, our coastline has no shortage of chilling legends. Here are a few of the most famous.

The Vicar’s Curse – Sudley Road, Bognor Regis

Smuggling was rife along the Sussex coast, and while some turned a blind eye, one local vicar in Bognor Regis refused to stay quiet. Living on Sudley Road and preaching at St John’s Church on London Road, he attempted to put an end to the smugglers’ illegal trade.

But it didn’t go well. The story goes that a curse was placed upon his home, which quickly gained a reputation for ghostly goings-on. Neighbours reported footsteps in empty rooms, slamming doors, and sightings of spectres.

Though both the vicarage and church were demolished in the 1970s (Boots now stands where the church once did), whispers of strange noises around the site continue to this day.

The Curse of Cowdray

One of the most chilling local legends stretches from Cowdray House to the shores of Bognor Regis.

In 1542, Sir Anthony Browne inherited Cowdray House and Battle Abbey after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Furious at being driven from their home, one monk is said to have cursed Sir Anthony and his family with the words:

“By fire and water thy line shall come to an end, and it shall perish out of the land.”

Centuries passed quietly, but in 1784 disaster struck. Cowdray was destroyed by fire, and within days the 8th Viscount drowned on the Rhine. The 9th Viscount died childless soon after, and while the family line continued through the 8th Viscount’s sister, tragedy followed her sons too. Both drowned in a boating accident off the coast of Bognor Regis in 1815.

Even today, visitors to Cowdray Ruins speak of ghostly figures wandering the grounds, from the wife of the 5th Viscount who spent her life in hiding, to Lady Browne who is said to haunt the path to the farm shop.

The Lady in Blue – The Lion Hotel, Nyetimber

Just outside Bognor in Nyetimber, The Lion Hotel is said to be home to a resident spirit. Guests and staff have reported hearing footsteps echoing between rooms 5 and 6, often in the early hours of the morning.

On rare occasions, the figure of a woman dressed in a silk blue gown has been seen gliding down the corridor. The sound of her dress rustling is enough to make even the bravest guest quicken their pace back to bed.

The Hauntings of Elmer Woods

Closer to the shoreline, Elmer Woods has long been a place of mystery. Since the 1950s, stories have circulated of a farmer named Elmer, evicted from his land, who continues to wander the area in restless spirit form.

But he is not the only figure said to haunt the woods. Many speak of a large black dog, its eyes glowing in the dark, stalking the paths and sending shivers down the spines of those who dare to walk there at night.

Do You Dare to Explore?

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these stories are part of our area’s rich history and folklore. Next time you’re out exploring Bognor Regis and its neighbouring villages, take a moment to look a little closer at the buildings, ruins and woodland around you. Who knows what – or who – you might encounter.