The Faerie Folk - Folklore, Myths and Legends from the U.K

“On the morning of the third of February 2014, a bus driver travelling alongside the River Avon spotted something strange - swimming beneath Bedminster Bridge was something remarkable… a crocodile.” In today’s episode of The Faerie Folk podcast, we’re on the hunt of an illusive Urban Legend - the infamous Bristol Crocodile, one of the most contemporary tales we’ve explored on the podcast. So hold tight as we journey back to 2014 to hear about how this peculiar story came to be - and see how an urban legend develops in real time. And of course we’ll take a moment to get to know the history and legends connected to Bristol, one of my favourite cities! CW: Attempted sucide (To skip this section, head to 04:25) There’s more folklore, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefaeriefolk Threads: thefaerie_folk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thefaeriefolk.bsky.social Email: thefaerie_folk@outlook.com The music featured in today's episode is: Galway by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway/ License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Company / LNGR feat. Eyre / courtesy of Epidemic Sound *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.*

In this episode we're reuniting with the faeries as we travel to Herefordshire to learn about the mischievous young girl who was lured into joining a perpetual faerie dance. Today our audio adventure takes us to Kington in Herefordshire where we dive head-first into a dramatic retelling of the Faeries’ Dancing Gate, adapted from the folktale collected by Ella Mary Leather in her book, The Folk-lore of Herefordshire. Then stick around to hear more about fairy/faerie folklore and to learn about Ella Mary Leather’s history - with some travel tips for your own adventures around Kington, Herefordshire and the Black and White House trail. I hope you enjoy the new episode - and remember, do not follow the faerie music no matter how enchanting it may seem! There’s more folklore, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefaeriefolk Threads: thefaerie_folk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thefaeriefolk.bsky.social Email: thefaerie_folk@outlook.com The music featured in today's episode is: Galway by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway/ License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Philip Ayers / River Walk / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Druid Lands / Jo Wandrini / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Roy Edwin Williams / O’Connor’s Jig / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Philip Ayers / Forever Free / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Magnus Ludvigsson / Melancolique / courtesy of Epidemic Sound August Wilhelmsson / A Man With No Name / courtesy of Epidemic Sound David Celeste / Coco Begins His Journey / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Jon Björk / Juggler’s Curse / courtesy of Epidemic Sound *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.*

Welcome to 'Folktales of the Sea' The Faerie Folk's very first storytelling collection, featuring a selection of my favourite folktales from across the podcast, all connected by their oceanic settings. I will introduce each of today’s stories by their title and place of origin, including the version of the story I’ve based mine on, but without the usual history section of the podcast, so you will be able to enjoy today’s tales as background listening to help you drift off to sleep, study, or just to keep you company on a cosy evening! I’ve also included one brand new folktale in today’s compilation that I’ve not told on the podcast before, so make sure to stay to the end to hear the Scottish legend, The Mermaid of Dunnet Bay. I’m currently on a mission to revisit some of the older episodes of the podcast, as I’d like to bring their quality up to the same standard as my later episodes, so I hope this storytelling session can help tide you over whilst I work on those. And you will be getting a sneak preview of some of the updates that I’m making in today’s episode, as I share brand new versions of The Mermaid of Zennor and many of your other favourite folktales, with updated sound quality, music and effects. So then friends, I think it is time for us to travel to the sea… The main music featured in today's episode is: Galway by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ The Mermaid of Zennor From Zennor in Cornwall, England. Based on the version in Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall by William Bottrrell, published in 1873. From the episode 'The Mystical Mermaids of Cornwall'. Music Galatic Battles / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Once in a Life / Howard Harper-Barnes / courtesy of Epidemic Sound The Mermaid of Padstow From Padstow in Cornwall, England Based on the version in North Cornwall Fairies and Legends by Enys Tregarthen published in 1906. From the episode 'The Mystical Mermaids of Cornwall'. Music Highland Hymn/ Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Sphinx / David Celeste / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Restless Pacific / Jon Björk / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Streching the Minutes / Jon Björk / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Wherever I Wander (Edit) / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound The Seal Catcher’s Adventure From John O’Groats, in Caithness (Kayth-ness), Scotland Based on the version by William Grant Stewart in The Popular Superstitions and Festive Amusements of the Highlanders of Scotland, published in 1823. Adapted from the episode 'Scotland's Shapeshifting Seals and Fantastical Faeries'. Music The Road Less Travelled / Gabriel Lewis / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Greyish Regret / Charles Holme / courtesy of Epidemic Sound The Last of Our Kind (Edit) / Jon Björk / courtesy of Epidemic Sound A King's Ransom / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound The Norman Kings / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound The Skinningrove Merman From Skinningrove in North Yorkshire, England Based on John Grave’s account in 1808’s ‘The History of Cleveland in the North Riding of the County of York’ and Folk Tales From The North York Moors by Peter N. Walker, published in 1990. From the episode 'From the episode 'The Mystical Mermaids of Cornwall'. Music Ivory Tower / Philip Ayers / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Where The Thistle Grows / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound The Protagonist / Howard Harper-Barnes / courtesy of Epidemic Sound The Mermaid of Dunnet Bay From Dunnet Bay in The Scottish Highlands. Based on the version in ‘Sketch of the Civil and Traditional History of Caithness’, by James T Calder with historical notes by Thomas Sinclair, published in 1887. Music A Call From the Wild / Rune Dale / courtesy of Epidemic Sound May You Have / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Celtics in Disguise (Edit) / Trabant 33 / courtesy of Epidemic...

Welcome to The Faerie Folk podcast - the audio tour that takes you across the United Kingdom, stopping off at all the magical and mystical places along the way. Join me, your resident myths and legends lover and enjoy brand new retellings of classic folktales, accompanied by immersive soundscapes that take you right into the heart of these traditional tales. Sail across the sea to meet lovesick mermaids, climb mountains to find fire breathing dragons and venture through great forests to spy upon the mysterious faerie folk - all without leaving the comfort of your own home. Then settle down by the fire as we discover the history behind these legends and their unique locations. Plus, I’ll also share some handy travel tips, so you can experience the magic of the UK on your own adventures too. So, what are you waiting for? Come and join the audio adventure here on The Faerie Folk podcast. Oh! And don’t forget, that’s Faerie spelt F-A-E-R-I-E. There’s more folklore, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Threads: thefaerie_folk Bluesky: thefaeriefolk.bsky.social Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is: Galway by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

We’re sailing into spooky season this month with a ghoulish ghost story! Meet The Lady Lovibond, the ghost ship said to haunt the Goodwin Sands off the coast of Deal in Kent, appearing every 50 years - doomed to re-create her tragic fate. In today’s episode we take a virtual trip to the seaside and dive head-first into the world of this legendary ghost story. Enjoy an atmospheric retelling of the ship’s ill-fated voyage, then back on dry land we explore the ghost ship's history, connection to Kent's folklore and (perhaps slightly questionable) origins. This episode is perfect for cosying up to on a dark autumnal evening - and hopefully, a fun start to your Halloween season! There’s more folklore, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Threads: thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is: Galway by Kevin MacLeod / Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway / License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ John and the Land of Plenty / The Green Fields / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Both Are Infinite / The Miner / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Bonnie Grace / A Celtic Blessing / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Charles Holme / Knee Deep / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Fabien Tell / Last Point of Safe Return / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Jon Bjork / The Lifeguard / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Jon Bjork / A Constant Longing / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen / A Path to the Abyss / courtesy of Epidemic Sound DEX 1200, Pawn Krishna / The Ninth Day / courtesy of Epidemic Sound *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.*

All aboard! The podcast is back with a brand new episode, taking you on a magical, mystery tour across England’s capital city, London. Learn all about the infamous Spring-heeled Jack, the city’s many haunted pubs and weird but fascinating urban legends. This episode is as immersive as you can get, in the style of a London bus tour! You won’t be alone on your journey however, as some brilliant familiar voices will be keeping you company as you travel across the city - so thank you to Icy Sedgwick (Fabulous Folklore Podcast), Graeme Cooke (Tales of Britain and Ireland Podcast) & Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon (The Three Ravens Podcast) for coming along for the ride. ***[Please be careful when listening to this episode whilst driving, as it contains road sounds (skidding, beeping etc.) that could be confusing or distracting.]*** If you’ve been enjoying the podcast so far, then please don’t be afraid to leave a review, I appreciate them so much and they really help motivate me to keep going, so thank you to everyone who has left one so far! Right then... what are you waiting for? Hop aboard and let’s discover London’s secrets and mysteries together. Because of the immersive nature of this episode, I recommend listening with headphones. #londontourist #londonfolklore #urbanlegends #londonurbanslegends #londonlegends #springheeledjack #audiodrama #mythsandlegends #uktravel #ukfolklore #folklorepodcast

Today I’m taking you all on a brand new journey up to South Ayrshire in Scotland, to discover a lesser-known, but fascinating folktale, starring a vengeful mermaid and a devastating curse that would last a lifetime. cw: babyloss There’s more folklore, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Threads: thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod. Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.*

Have you heard of Herne the Hunter? The spirit of Windsor Great Park is one of English folklore’s most famous figures and in today’s extra long episode, we travel to the county of Berkshire to learn all about Herne’s mystical origins and consider why his legend has stood the test of time. cw: suicide, animal hunting There’s more folklore, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/twitter.com/thefaerie_folk https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod. Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.*

Today's adventure takes us over to Glaisdale in North Yorkshire, to hear the tale of the famous Beggar's Bridge - also known to some as the Lover's Bridge. This folktale is a really interesting mixture of both history and folklore and so for this episode we are joined by the podcast's very first special guest - historian Catherine Warr, for a closer look at the facts behind this sweet Yorkshire legend. There’s more folklore, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod. Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.

Oh hello, it's been a while hasn't it? Welcome back to The Faerie Folk and thank you for your patience whilst I took a much needed break from the podcast. In today's episode we kick off season three with a virtual trip to Cheshire for an epic retelling of the famous folktale, 'The Wizard of Alderly Edge.' There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod. Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.

Hello, I thought I would send out a little update to let you know that unfortunately I’m having to cancel the planned Halloween special of The Faerie Folk podcast. My family and I are going through a very difficult and heartbreaking time at the moment and I need to spend all my time loving and supporting them as we try our best to make it through this together. Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to place the podcast on hiatus for the time being. It is certainly not the end of The Faerie Folk and there are still more stories to be told, but for now I would appreciate your patience and support as I take some much needed time away. Thank you for being here, thank you for listening, look after yourselves and your families and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day. Goodbye x

Welcome to part two of our two-part adventure to the North East of England! In today’s episode we will be once again be coming face-to-face with the English Faerie Folk who, as always, have a nefarious plot to carry out! Don't forget to subscribe/follow the podcast on your prefered listening platform so you'll be notified when October's Halloween special episode arrives later on. There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod. Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.

Welcome to part one of our two-part adventure to the North East of England! In this episode we're off to the county of Tyne and Wear to learn how the famous legend of the 'Lambton Worm' came to be. Don't forget to subscribe/follow the podcast on your prefered listening platform so you'll be notified when part two arrives later in the month. There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod. Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.

In this month’s episode we will be exploring the spooky tale of a cursed skull that wreaked havoc upon a group of railway workers over in Coombs Moss. Then, the fantastical story of two magicians-in-training, who defied their master and dared to take a look inside his very precious - and very powerful - spellbook. There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there. (Apologies if my voice sounds a bit off in this episode, my hayfever got the better of me once again!)

Our virtual tour returns to Wales for a look at two different folktales featuring the Tylwyth Teg, or Welsh Faerie Folk. The first Welsh tale of the day is the story of the young man from Llyn y Dywarchen, who fell in love with a beautiful faerie woman - and the second is the story of a magical faerie harp, infused with the power to enchant all those that hear its music. There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.

Welcome back virtual travellers! In this month's episode our magical tour takes us over to the county of Wiltshire, to discover the strange origins of a spell said to have been cast upon a vicarage in Wilcot. Then we’re off to the market town, Devizes, to uncover the famous legend of the Wiltshire Moonrakers. There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.

In this month’s virtual adventure we're off to Lancashire to meet the man who made a deal with the devil and was granted three wishes, in exchange for his soul. Then over by the sea in Morecambe, we meet the fisherman who found his way to the magical 'Land of the Nodding Flowers' and befriended a group of Lancashire faeries known as the 'Greenies'. cw: alcoholism There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media! Join us over on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ **** Travel between United Kingdom locations is currently discouraged due to COVID-19 restrictions. The travel information provided in this podcast is designed as a guide for future travel plans once restrictions have eased. If you are planning on travelling, please check the information provided by local authorities beforehand and adhere to local guidelines once there. You can find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus ****

It’s time for another virtual adventure! In this month’s episode we're off to the English county of Warwickshire, to meet the chivalrous medieval hero, Guy of Warwick. Then over in the beautiful town of Stratford-Upon-Avon, we set out to discover the truth behind the gothic legend connected to the town’s most famous resident - William Shakespeare. There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media! Join us over on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *UPDATE* - In this episode I mention that the original 'How Shakespeare's Skull Was Stolen' story was thought to have been written around 1794. This is incorrect. The original story was published in the Argosy in 1879 (then in book-form in 1884), but is based on events said to have happened in 1794. Very sorry for the mix-up and thank you for listening!

This month's podcast episode takes us to Cambridgeshire, to meet the famous folk-hero Tom Hickathrift, who lived in the marshland of Ely and took on a giant! Then we take a relaxing boat trip down the River Cam to learn more about Cambridge University, its long history, fascinating urban legends and chilling ghost stories. There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media! Join us over on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ **** Travel between United Kingdom locations is currently discouraged due to COVID-19 restrictions. The travel information provided in this podcast is designed as a guide for future travel plans once restrictions have eased. If you are planning on travelling, please check the information provided by local authorities beforehand and adhere to local guidelines once there. You can find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus ****

In this Norfolk-based episode, we will be joining the famous 'Pedlar of Swaffham' who travelled from Norfolk to London on the whim of a dream, to seek his fortune over in the city. Then we’ll be heading to the coast to meet a mournful mermaid in search of a soul, whose figure is now immortalised in a church in Upper Sheringham. There’s more folktales, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media! Join us over on: Twitter: twitter.com/thefaerie_folk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9cDyL6Lsm2CWQ_HwUfDmA The music featured in today's episode is 'Galway' by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ **** Travel between United Kingdom locations is currently discouraged due to COVID-19 restrictions. The travel information provided in this podcast is designed as a guide for future travel plans once restrictions have eased. If you are planning on travelling, please check the information provided by local authorities beforehand and adhere to local guidelines once there. You can find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus ****