Wales boasts an array of ancient castles, spooky gaols, inns, and sprawling country houses. Here’s our rundown of the most haunted places in Wales.
Most haunted places in Wales
Skirrid Mountain Inn
The Skirrid Mountain Inn is a public house in the small village of Llanvihangel Crucorney, approximately 4 miles north of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.
The Skirrid Inn, which claims to be the most haunted place in Wales, has a dark past as a former courthouse and jail. It is alleged that many people were sentenced to death by hanging here and meeting their grisly end inside the pub.
Markings said to be from rope marks, still exist on the staircase wood where criminals were said to be hanged from an oak beam.
Ruthin Gaol
Ruthin Gaol, located in North Wales, is a former prison with a rich history and is said to be rife with paranormal activity.
The building dates back to the 16th century and has witnessed many ghost sightings and supernatural occurrences.
Some of the most commonly reported events include cold spots, sudden drops in temperature, and strange noises in the dead of night.
Over the years, Ruthin Gaol has attracted paranormal investigation teams seeking to uncover evidence of the supernatural. Many investigators have claimed to capture ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and other paranormal activity during their stays at the gaol.
Just a stone’s throw away from the gaol is the town’s medieval castle, Ruthin Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and is also said to be very haunted.
Plas Teg Mansion
Plas Teg Mansion, located in Flintshire, is a Grade I listed Jacobean house built in 1610. It is one of the finest examples of Jacobean architecture in Wales.
Over the years, Plas Teg Mansion has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Wales.
It is believed to be inhabited by around 15 ghosts, each with their own unique stories and characteristics. Some of the most notable spirits include a jovial cook and Sir John Trevor V, who is said to haunt the Regency Room.
Visitors to Plas Teg have reported numerous paranormal experiences, ranging from strange noises and unexplained footsteps to sightings of full apparitions.
Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Built-in the early 16th century, Llancaiach Fawr Manor in South Wales has an extensive history accompanied by many spooky stories.
Its historic royal connections include King Charles I, a frequent visitor.
The manor has been named one of the top ten most haunted places in Great Britain. Paranormal activity has been reported in almost every room, with visitors and staff experiencing unexplained occurrences such as apparitions, strange sounds, and even phantom smells.
Currently functioning as a living history museum, Llancaiach Fawr Manor has transported itself back to 1645.
Amidst the bloody Civil War engulfing Wales, visitors can experience everyday life during that time, observing the Prichard family and their servants as they go about their daily activities, including preparing meals, tending to gardens, and trying criminals.
Castle Coch
Castle Coch, also known as the Red Castle, is a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle located in the village of Tongwynlais, just outside of Cardiff.
Designed by William Burges and completed in 1872 for the third Marquess of Bute, its fairytale appearance has made it a popular destination for visitors.
While the exterior of Castle Coch may appear enchanting, the castle boasts a dark and mysterious past. It is haunted by several spirits, including the ghost of an older woman who appears near the well in the castle courtyard.
There have also been reports of a lady in white who roams the corridors and chambers. The castle’s rich history and its eerie atmosphere make it one of the most haunted places in Wales.
Mumbles Head Lighthouse
The Mumbles Head Lighthouse is situated in the picturesque village of Mumbles, Swansea, Wales. This lighthouse dates back to 1794 and has been a significant landmark in the area, guiding and protecting ships from the treacherous Cherrystone Rocks and the Mixon.
Over the years, mysterious ghostly incidents have been reported in and around Mumbles. The nearby Dan-y-coed House and Langland Bay Convalescent Home are also known for ghostly happenings.
Visitors to the Mumbles Head Lighthouse can also explore the beautiful coastline and the Oystermouth Castle, founded by William de Londres of Ogmore Castle soon after the Normans captured Gower in 1106.
Gwydir Castle
Gwydir Castle, located in Llanrwst, Conwy, is a 16th-century castle with a rich history and a reputation for paranormal activity.
Once the residence of royalty, this stunning castle now operates as a hotel and attracts ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike. Gwydir Castle Hotel is one of the most haunted places in Wales.
One of the most famous ghosts at Gwydir Castle is the Grey Lady, believed to be a grieving woman from the castle’s past who is often seen wandering the halls and rooms.
She has been spotted numerous times, and an overwhelming sadness accompanies her presence. Another common ghostly sighting is the evil spectre of a strong, tall man who is rumoured to be responsible for the imprisonment and suffering of the Grey Lady.
Other eerie occurrences at the castle include unexplained sounds, such as footsteps and whispers, in addition to sudden cold spots and objects moving on their own. Visitors often report feeling watched or a sensation of unease throughout their stay.
