The ‘buzzy’ Surrey town loved by Phil Spencer that even ghosts are drawn to

A view of the northen end of the High Street
-Credit: (Image: Surrey Live - Grahame Larter)


One of Surrey’s most convenient commuter towns might also be among its most haunted. Legend says that house buyers are not the only ones drawn to this charming eastern hub, but that the area is also home to armies of ghosts, a phantom bell and a mischievous spirit.

As we enter the spooky season, ghost hunters may begin to see Horley in a different light. While the town is most regularly spoken about for its convenience for workers heading into London, it is also apparently a hotspot for paranormal activity.

Among the haunted spots, is Haroldslea Drive which features prominently for Surrey's ghost hunters. This residential area is reportedly home to a very unusual ghost sighting.

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The story goes that King Harold’s men used to rest at Thunderfield castle, which sits at the end of Haroldslea Drive. They were stationed there before marching off to Hastings, a battle where their king would not be victorious.

Ghost spotters claim that at sunset a phantom bell tolls, getting louder as the night goes on. Then at midnight a small army of men can be seen.

This is not the only paranormal activity reported in the town. The Farmhouse pub is also believed to have a more characterful but friendly spirit called Mabel Hewitt who died after falling down a staircase.

Horley high-street
Horley is popular with commuters and ghosts -Credit:Surrey Live - Grahame Larter

While this is perhaps not the most important part of the pub’s history, it is reported that decisions about King Edward VIII’s abdication were made here, Mabel is an extra something.

Aside from the spirituality, the pub has more than 400 years of history and currently features a lot of outdoor space, a small children's playground, and according to one Tripadvisor review “excellent value for money.” Its proximity to Gatwick means it is a popular stop with travellers.

However, for most people Horley is not a hub of paranormal activity but a commuter town. Location, Location, Location star Phil Spencer named Horley as the 8th best commuter town for London.

He described it as a place with “a mix of rural charm and buzzy town life.” Locals can get trains to London Victoria in just 31 minutes while Gatwick Airport is only two minutes away.

Rightmove lists the average property price as £401,843 over the last year, which is 8% down on last year and considerably cheaper than other areas of Surrey. Other than ghost hunting its most popular attraction on Tripadvisor is the Gatwick Aviation Museum where you can view a series of planes from the Golden Age of British aircraft manufacturing.

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