Whether you’re a UK native or heading across the pond for a vacation, sometimes the tourist hot spots can get a little crowded.
So, let’s have a look at some overlooked, yet fascinatingly mysterious places of significance in the UK.
Black Jack’s Hole, Oxfordshire
When you think of the name, you’re probably going to conjure up an image of trying to play blackjack online, which continues to be a popular game throughout the UK.
Such online blackjack games are played in real-time, hosted by a real croupier, with the opportunity to chat to the dealer and other players instantly. In doing so, players receive an authentic and immersive blackjack experience.
However, for those in Oxfordshire, the immersive experience of Black Jack takes on a different meaning altogether — a legend of a goblin-like creature. This bogeyman figure was said to lurk in the water around a bend in the River Thames near Port Meadow, only appearing to drag unsuspecting swimmers into the depths.
Of course, this legend is thought to have been made up to discourage people from swimming in the dangerous waters around Black Jack’s Hole. That said, there have been many mysterious deaths in the area that have fueled the legend over the centuries. But, whether Black Jack is good or bad remains to be seen.
Nearby, there is another other similarly named water hole — Black Jack’s Well or Spring. The water here, however, has the opposite effect. It is said that the water from the spring can cure eye problems and provide other medicinal properties.
Angel of the North, Tyne and Wear
The Angel of the North is a relatively modern structure, completed by sculptor Antony Gormley in 1998. The largest angelic sculpture in the world, it is located just next to the A1 motorway in Gateshead.
While the sculpture inevitably draws much tourism, it also attracts a wide range of memorials, leading to a large grassroots memorial site. This is highly unusual as it does not mark the spot of any accident, yet it has become a place to remember loved ones — but no one knows why.
This mysterious added layer to the angel does add an eeriness to the landscape. Due to its positioning, the sculpture has a unique soundscape especially, which is added to by the rustling of the memorials in the trees.
This has led to projects by nearby Newcastle University, capturing the distinctive vibrations and natural sounds during a storm.
Major Oak, Nottinghamshire
We’ve all heard of the legend of Robin Hood, right? Well, according to the legend, Hood made Sherwood Forest his home. In the forest, Hood and his Merry Men were said to have slept in The Major Oak — a giant and weirdly shaped tree in Nottinghamshire’s countryside.
The tree is around 800 to 1,000 years old, and its 92ft height and 33ft girth is said to have provided Hood with the perfect secret hiding place.
While debate lies around whether Hood was a real historical figure, this doesn’t explain how The Major Oak got its unique shape, which remains a mystery. Whether real or simply folklore, the tree has been protected with supports since 1908 in an effort to preserve it.
And there you have it — just a few places that have mysterious tales, folklore, and significance that remain unexplained. All that’s left to do is start exploring.
