Castell Coch, Tongwynlais, Wales

10 very spooky and haunted places in Wales

If you’re drawn to the spooky and the supernatural, Wales is certainly not lacking when it comes to haunted places to visit. So if you’re up for a bit of spine-chilling adventure, check out these 10 haunted places in Wales for frightfully delightful explorations.

Skirrid Mountain Inn

The Skirrid Mountain Inn is located in the pretty village of Llanvihangel Crucorney but has a rather dark event in its history. In 1685 a beam within the Skirrid Inn was used to hang 180 rebels who participated in the Monmouth Rebellion. Spooky activity at the inn includes strange noises at night and glasses that were sent flying during an attempt by a former landlady to sell the pub. Some believe that the ghostly happenings could be caused by the spirits of the rebels or the judge who sentenced them but they are reputed to be friendly.

Llancaiach Fawr

Located in the village of Nelson near Caerphilly is the 16th century Tudor manor house known as Llancaiach Fawr Manor. The manor house is reputed to be not just one of the most haunted places in Wales but one of the most haunted buildings in Britain. There have been reports of ghostly goings-on in nearly every room of the house and along the stairs and corridors, from noises and sightings to feelings and even smells such as that of lavender or roast beef. One of the more common experiences is hearing the rustle of petticoats believed to be those of a 19th century housekeeper known as Mattie, but several other spirits are claimed to frequent the building and visitors who are keen to experience strange happenings for themselves can participate in the ghost tours held at the manor house.

Gwydir Castle

Gwydir Castle is a beautiful Tudor house in the Vale of Conwy near the town of Llanrwst. Within this aesthetically attractive house, however, a thoroughly unappealing event was said to have taken place – the murder of a serving maid whose body was subsequently concealed in a space within a chimney breast. These events would account for the ghost who has been most frequently experienced at the house, that of a young woman whose sightings are accompanied by an awful smell of putrefaction. A number of other spirits have also been seen, heard or felt here, such as various former residents, crying children and even a ghost dog!

Plas Teg

At least 15 ghosts are reputed to frequent grand Plas Teg, a Jacobean country house near the town of Mold in Flintshire. A variety of ghostly noises have reportedly been heard in the house ranging from giggling to crying and talking, as well as the sound of footsteps. Some people claim to have been pushed by an invisible being and individuals also frequently experience sudden changes in their emotional state, ranging from sadness to happiness and anger, depending on which parts of the house they are in.

Bodelwyddan Castle

In addition to human bones situated in a wall close to one of the chimneys, Bodelwyddan Castle has been the site of a variety of spooky events. These including sightings within the Sculpture Gallery of an unknown lady wearing a long dress, ghostly figures traveling through walls and down corridors, strange noises and lights and even reports of visitors’ hair being pulled. Anyone keen to find out more can participate in a variety of paranormal events held at the castle, including ghost walks, ghost hunts and Victorian séances.

Castell Coch

Castell Coch located near Cardiff is reputed to be haunted by a ghost known as the White Lady. It is said that while alive the woman’s son was lost after falling into a bottomless pit of water and his mother subsequently died due to grief but her spirit continues to search for her son within the castle and the surrounding area. People also claim to have seen the ghost of a cavalier who is rumoured to have hidden treasure somewhere in the castle.

Aberglasney House

Situated in the Tywi valley, Aberglasney House and its surrounding gardens are an attractive sight but not without their own spooky tales. Five maidservants died in what is known as the Blue Room, possibly due to fumes from the new plastering or carbon monoxide poisoning from a charcoal stove that had been used to dry the plaster. The spirits of the women have reportedly been seen, as have floating candle lights near the vicinity of the room. The ghostly figure of a girl cooking in the basement has reputedly been sighted too, as has the spirit of Thomas Phillips who once owned the house.

The Queen’s Head Inn

The Queen’s Head in Monmouth is reputedly the third most haunted inn in Wales. Spirit sightings include that of an old man by the fire, a young girl wearing a frilly dress who is often seen near the bar, as well as an old man who is said to walk along the landing upstairs. There have also been guests at the bar who vanish suddenly, so bear that in mind as you have a drink!

Newton House

Newton House in Llandeilo is also home to a white lady who is believed to be the spirit of Elinir Cavendish, who was supposedly fled to Newton House to avoid being forced to marry a man she didn’t love. Unfortunately the man followed her there murdered her. The spirit made her presence felt most frequently in the 1980s when a television services company used the house, during which time the house reportedly had a strange atmosphere and the ghostly figure of a girl was frequently seen.

Margam Castle

Margam Castle in Port Talbot has more than its fair share of ghostly activity. The primary ghostly figure is that of a gamekeeper called Robert Scott who has been seen climbing the main staircase and has reportedly thrown stones at and around individuals who tried to contact him. Sightings have also been made of children in Victorian dress and the sounds of children giggling and playing have been reported too.

Strange and spooky sounds and sightings

There is no guaranteeing what you’ll see or hear in these haunted places in Wales, maybe a friendly ghost or possibly a scary spirit, but you’re sure to have fun exploring them – and questioning every little sound you hear…

This article was last updated on May 07, 2014
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