Have you ever wondered what secrets lurk beneath the misty waterways of the Cambridgeshire Fens? By day, a canal boat holiday offers calming countryside views, cosy village pubs, and time to slow down with family and friends. But by night, when the moonlight shimmers on the water and the owls begin to hoot, the waterways have stories to tell… ghostly tales whispered at locks and bridges for centuries.
fenland misty tree – yogesh pedamkar
This Halloween, we’re sharing some of the Fenland’s most spine-tingling legends. From haunted bridges to eerie echoes in the dark, discover why the waterways are the perfect place to enjoy a shiver down your spine, and why autumn is one of the best times to book a Fox Narrowboats holiday.
Haunted Hotspot: Lurking in Littleport
The most famous of Fenland phantoms is Black Shuck, the legendary hellhound said to have inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles. This ghostly black dog has been spotted more than once around Littleport, on the Great Ouse near Ely.
black shuck – john knifton
One story says the beast haunts the town after being slain while protecting a local girl from the clutches of a lustful friar. Another tale (tail?!) places the spectral dog along the A10, where its unfortunate owner drove his carriage into a bog in the 1800s, and drowned.
The legend gained eerie credibility in 2014, when archaeologists discovered the remains of a seven-foot dog in the grounds of Leiston Abbey, Suffolk. Locals immediately suspected the shallow grave belonged to Black Shuck himself. Experts suggested the animal could have weighed more than 14 stone in life.
Whether a dark omen or a supernatural protector, Black Shuck is still said to roam the Fens. On certain nights, if you dare to walk the local towpaths, you may hear his ghostly howls carried on the wind.
Read John Knifton’s Blog on Black Shuck
The Lantern Man
The Lantern Man is another chilling figure of Fenland folklore, often linked with Wicken Fen. This spectral light, known elsewhere as Will-o’-the-Wisp, drifts mysteriously across marshland. The phenomenon has been reported around the world, though scientists now suggest it may be caused by pockets of burning phosphorous gas.
ghostly reeds fenland – janek valdsalu
Folklore paints a darker picture: the Lantern Man lures unwary travellers from the safety of the path into dangerous bogs and waters.
So, if you ever see a flickering glow on a misty night in the Fens… don’t follow the light! Head back to the comfort and safety of your narrowboat.
You can reach Wicken from the GOBA moorings on Wicken Lode. It’s only a short stroll to the National Trust Visitor Centre at Wicken Fen, where a café offers snacks and drinks. Wander a little further and you’ll come to the village and The Maid’s Head pub, a traditional 13th century thatched pub and restaurant. Wicken Fen is described by the National Trust, as its oldest nature reserve and England’s most famous fen.
A Famous Ghost: The Lord Protector
No catalogue of Fenland hauntings would be complete without Oliver Cromwell. The former Lord Protector of England is said to appear in his old bedroom at Ely, and his ghost has also been spotted at “Ghost Hill” near Murrow, a hamlet close to Wisbech.
Although Cromwell’s head is buried in the grounds of a Cambridge college, the final resting place of his body remains a mystery. Perhaps that is why his restless spirit still lingers in his old home. Oliver Cromwell’s house is now a museum and tourist information centre, and can be visited by narrowboat on the River Great Ouse. Every year the museum organises some events for the spooky season, such as Fen Tales in the Crypt, a guided tour of Witchcraft in Ely, and The Haunted Ely walking tour.
Set the Scene for Your Own Tales
Whether you’re seeking peace, adventure, or a touch of the paranormal, a Fox Narrowboats holiday lets you experience the waterways in a whole new light. Enjoy crisp spring mornings, leisurely cruises, and evenings snug aboard your own little boat, swapping ghost stories with your crew as the mist rolls in.
Ready to make your own memories (spooky or otherwise)? We are now taking bookings for March 2026, when you can discover the charms, and the chills, of these ancient waterways.
And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more insider tips, local history, and stories from the water’s edge.
Photo Credits: Tree mist Yogesh Pedamkar on Unsplash Reeds night Janek Valdsalu on Unsplash
