HAUNTED LOCATIONS
North Wales
North Wales is a region of stunning landscapes, ancient castles, and charming villages. But hidden beneath its picturesque exterior are sites with a chilling history of ghostly encounters. From former hospitals and gaols to grand castles and pubs, these locations are known not only for their beauty and history but also for their paranormal activity.
Bron Y Garth Hospital
Bron Y Garth, located in a quiet part of North Wales, has a deep and haunting history that spans several centuries. The building was originally constructed in the early 19th century as a workhouse. At the time, workhouses were designed to house the destitute and the poor, offering them basic shelter and work in exchange for food and accommodation.
The conditions inside these workhouses were often brutal, as the poor were forced into harsh labor with minimal care or compassion.
The lives of those housed within the walls of Bron Y Garth were marked by suffering and isolation, and it quickly gained a reputation as a place of misery and despair. Many died within the walls, their lives cut short by the demanding work, poor living conditions, and harsh treatment from the staff.
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By the early 20th century, Bron Y Garth was repurposed as a hospital for mental health patients. During this time, the building's dark history of neglect continued.
The hospital became notorious for its harsh and often inhumane treatment of patients, with patients enduring long periods of confinement, forced labor, and experimental treatments.
The building’s once-functional design became a labyrinth of cold, imposing rooms and sterile corridors, and the hospital's conditions were not much better than those of the workhouse that had preceded it.
Many patients were subjected to electroshock therapy, lobotomies, and other cruel treatments that left lasting scars. As the decades passed, public awareness of mental health care improved, but the hospital still struggled with overcrowding and inadequate resources. Bron Y Garth continued to serve as a psychiatric hospital until it was eventually closed in the 1980s, leaving behind a legacy of pain and sorrow.
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Today, the building sits abandoned, its once-stately halls decaying. The air of neglect and suffering is palpable, with the past still very much alive within the walls. Though the hospital has since fallen into disrepair, the ghostly remnants of its tragic history remain, drawing paranormal investigators and curious visitors alike.
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Bron Y Garth, notorious for its paranormal activity, is among the most haunted locations in North Wales. Once a hospital and workhouse, its eerie history is marked by reports of unexplained footsteps, slamming doors, and the chilling sound of dragging chains—believed to echo the site’s forced labor past.
Shadowy figures, tall and featureless, are often seen darting through dark hallways before vanishing. Disembodied voices from abandoned wards murmur incoherently or call out for help, thought to be the spirits of former patients and residents. Visitors frequently feel watched, experience sudden coldness, or sense unseen hands touching them. The overwhelming sadness and dread that linger in the decaying corridors seem to reflect the tragic lives lost within Bron Y Garth’s walls.
Gwyrch Castle
Gwyrch Castle, located in Abergele, North Wales, was built between 1812 and 1822 by the wealthy entrepreneur Sir Henry Shone, who envisioned it as a country retreat. The castle, built in a Gothic style, quickly became an imposing landmark in the region with its turrets, towers, and sprawling grounds. The estate passed through several owners during the 19th and 20th centuries and has had many uses, from a private residence to a hospital during World War II. Over time, the castle fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned, leading to its current state as a ruined but still awe-inspiring structure.
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Gwyrch Castle gained even more attention when it was used as the location for the 2020 season of I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!, which sparked renewed interest in its mysterious and haunting reputation. Despite its beauty, the castle’s long history of ownership changes, military use, and decline has left behind an unsettling atmosphere.
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Gwyrch Castle is also widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in North Wales.
Visitors have reported sightings of a lady in a flowing gown, believed to be a former lady of the house who died under mysterious circumstances. The ghostly figure is often seen in the castle’s grand rooms and towers. Staff members have also reported hearing the sounds of footsteps echoing through empty hallways, and unexplained knocking noises are frequently heard. Some even claim to have encountered a cold presence while wandering the castle's long corridors. The castle’s eerie silence and atmosphere of decay only add to the sense that something—or someone—still lingers within its walls.
Ruthin Gaol
Ruthin Gaol, located in the market town of Ruthin, North Wales, was built in 1775 and served as a county prison for over 150 years. The gaol was notorious for its harsh conditions, with prisoners enduring overcrowding, minimal food, and brutal treatment. Executions were carried out at the prison until 1868, and some of the most notorious criminals in Welsh history were held within its walls. The gaol's grim reputation grew over time, and it remained operational until 1916 when it was closed due to the deteriorating condition of the building.
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In the 20th century, Ruthin Gaol was converted into a museum, but its dark history still lingers. The prison's original cells, gallows, and even the execution chamber remain largely intact, making it a chilling place to visit. The gaol has been restored to showcase its long history, and it’s often visited by those interested in both its criminal past and paranormal reputation.
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Ruthin Gaol is known for its haunted history, with many reports of paranormal activity. Visitors have often heard strange noises, such as the rattling of chains or the heavy dragging of footsteps, particularly in the execution room and the prison's dark, solitary cells. Several staff members have claimed to feel a sudden, oppressive weight in the air, and a few have even reported being touched by unseen hands.
Ghostly apparitions of former inmates have been seen wandering the grounds, and the figure of a man in a hooded cloak has been spotted in the execution chamber. It’s believed that the spirits of those who suffered here still remain, trapped in the very cells they once inhabited.
The Former Pool Parc Hospital, Near Ruthin
The Pool Parc Hospital, located outside the town of Ruthin, was established in the early 20th century as a mental health facility. Like many institutions of its time, Pool Parc was designed to house and care for those with severe psychiatric conditions, often with controversial treatments. As with many such hospitals, the conditions were harsh, and patients faced long stays in overcrowded, underfunded wards. There are reports of mistreatment and patient deaths due to the inhumane practices of the era.
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The hospital was eventually closed in the 1990s, and the building has since fallen into disrepair. Its isolation and former purpose as a site for psychiatric care make it a prime location for paranormal activity. The abandoned structure remains a subject of local folklore, with many stories of ghosts and unexplained phenomena.
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There are numerous stories of eerie occurrences at the former Pool Parc Hospital. The most commonly reported experiences are the sounds of faint, distant cries and moans, which seem to emanate from the empty building. Many visitors claim to feel an oppressive atmosphere within the building, particularly in the long, empty corridors. Shadowy figures have been seen moving from room to room, and objects have been known to shift on their own. Cold spots and sudden temperature drops are a common occurrence, as are reports of electrical equipment malfunctioning when no one is around.
Ruthin Castle
Ruthin Castle is one of the most historic and iconic landmarks in North Wales. Built in the 13th century by Dafydd ap Gruffudd, a Welsh prince, the castle has been the scene of numerous battles, betrayals, and bloodshed. It was originally constructed as a military stronghold to defend against the English but eventually became a royal residence.
Over the centuries, the castle was expanded and altered, with different owners bringing their own unique contributions to the structure. In the 17th century, it was used as a private home and later as a hotel in the 19th century.
Today, Ruthin Castle is a popular hotel and event venue, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
The castle’s long history of conflict, royal intrigue, and political unrest has left behind a rich and sometimes chilling legacy. It is said to be one of the most haunted places in North Wales, with a reputation that stretches back centuries.
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Ruthin Castle is often regarded as a hotspot for paranormal activity. The most famous ghost is that of a woman in a blue dress, believed to be a lady-in-waiting from the castle’s past.
Her apparition is often seen in the castle’s grand hall and in the upper chambers. Many visitors report hearing strange noises, such as footsteps echoing through empty corridors, and the sounds of whispers and muffled conversations in the dead of night. Cold spots are common, and some guests have experienced feelings of being touched or watched by an unseen presence.
In one of the most chilling accounts, a ghostly figure was seen sitting at the fireplace, staring into the flames, before vanishing into thin air.
Plas Teg, Pontblyddyn
Plas Teg is a beautiful Jacobean mansion located in Pontblyddyn, North Wales. The house was built in the early 17th century by the prominent Welsh architect Sir John Trevor. It quickly became one of the grandest homes in the region, with its elegant design and expansive grounds. Throughout its history, Plas Teg has been home to several notable figures, including the Trevor family, who made their fortune in the coal industry. The mansion has had various owners over the years, and in the 20th century, it was used as a school and a private residence before becoming a popular tourist attraction.
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Despite its beauty, the mansion has a dark history. Several tragic events have occurred on its grounds, including the deaths of former residents and visitors under mysterious circumstances. These events have contributed to the mansion’s eerie reputation.
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Plas Teg is widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in North Wales. Among the most frequently reported paranormal activities are sightings of a ghostly woman in a long, flowing dress, believed to be the spirit of one of the mansion’s former residents. Many have reported hearing disembodied voices, especially in the old library and bedrooms. Cold spots are common, and some visitors claim to have been touched or even pushed by unseen hands. One of the more unusual reports includes sightings of a ghostly figure on horseback riding through the grounds at night.
The Hand Hotel, Chirk
The Hand Hotel, located in the picturesque village of Chirk in North Wales, dates back to the 16th century. Originally a coaching inn, the hotel has been an important part of the local community for centuries, providing food, lodging, and warmth for travelers passing through the area. The building is set near the Chirk Castle, which has contributed to its historical significance. Over time, the hotel has undergone several renovations, expanding from a modest inn into the grand establishment it is today.
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Despite its welcoming atmosphere, the Hand Hotel is known for its association with strange occurrences. Visitors and staff have long whispered about the building's eerie reputation, with stories of ghostly happenings dating back many decades.
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The Hand Hotel is said to be haunted by a number of restless spirits. Guests have reported seeing the figure of a man in a suit wandering the hotel’s halls, with the most common sighting occurring in the hotel’s oldest areas. Some also claim to have heard unexplained footsteps, whispers, and the sounds of furniture being moved in the dead of night. Cold spots are regularly felt, particularly in the areas near the staircase, and several visitors have reported feeling an invisible presence in their rooms, leaving them with a chilling sense of unease.
The Tivoli Music Venue, Buckley, Flintshire
The Tivoli Music Venue in Buckley, Flintshire, has a long and storied history. Originally built in the 19th century as a theater, the venue has served a variety of purposes over the years, from a cinema to a concert hall. The Tivoli has played host to countless performances and events, hosting well-known musicians and actors. Despite its vibrant history, the building is also known for its mysterious past. Over the years, several workers and visitors have reported unsettling experiences within the venue’s walls.
The theater's legacy as a place of entertainment has now intertwined with stories of hauntings, with some claiming that the venue's former guests have never truly left.
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Several paranormal incidents have been reported at the Tivoli, including strange noises, such as laughter, voices, and even the sound of footsteps when no one is around. Staff have also reported cold spots in certain areas of the theater, particularly near the stage and backstage rooms. A ghostly figure, believed to be the spirit of a former worker or performer, has been seen on multiple occasions walking across the stage before vanishing into thin air.
Golden Lion Pub, Rossett
The Golden Lion Pub in Rossett is a popular establishment that has been serving locals and visitors for generations. It dates back to the 18th century and has maintained its role as a central gathering place for the community. Over its long history, the pub has undergone several renovations but still retains its traditional charm. It is located near the famous A483 road, which historically served as a main route through the region.
The pub has long been associated with stories of ghostly encounters, with many customers and staff members reporting strange happenings over the years.
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The Golden Lion Pub is known for its ghostly sightings and paranormal activity. There are numerous stories of ghostly figures seen in the pub’s old rooms, particularly in the cellar area. Guests have reported hearing strange voices and whispers when no one else is around, and many claim to have felt a sudden chill in the air. One of the most chilling accounts involves the sound of footsteps echoing in the empty pub late at night, with no one present. Some believe these spirits belong to former patrons or even the pub’s original owners, still lingering in the place where they once found solace.
Bodelwyddan Castle
Bodelwyddan Castle, located in Denbighshire, North Wales, was built in the 19th century and was originally designed as a private residence. The castle’s grand architecture and picturesque grounds made it an ideal home for the wealthy Williams family. Over time, however, the castle passed into the hands of various owners and eventually became a hospital during both World Wars. The castle has a rich history, and its use as a military hospital has contributed to the eerie atmosphere that surrounds it.
Today, Bodelwyddan Castle is a museum and events venue, attracting both history enthusiasts and those curious about its paranormal reputation. Many of the castle’s rooms and corridors are still adorned with original features, making it a hauntingly beautiful location to explore.
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Bodelwyddan Castle is notorious for its paranormal activity, with reports of ghost sightings dating back several decades.
The most famous ghost is that of a Victorian woman who is often seen in the castle’s grand hall. Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of footsteps, the clink of glasses, and whispers in empty rooms. Cold spots and unexplained drafts are common, and some have even reported seeing shadowy figures lurking in the castle’s long hallways.
The ghosts of former soldiers, believed to have died in the castle during its time as a hospital, are often cited as the cause of many of the disturbances. Many paranormal investigators have visited the castle and captured eerie footage of these otherworldly occurrences.
Plas Mawr, Conwy
Plas Mawr is a grand Elizabethan townhouse located in the heart of Conwy, North Wales. Built in the late 16th century by the wealthy merchant Robert Wynn, Plas Mawr is considered one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain. The mansion’s stunning interiors and rich history have made it a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into the past of Welsh nobility.
However, despite its grandeur, Plas Mawr has its share of dark stories, with rumors of tragic deaths and paranormal happenings.
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​Plas Mawr is said to be haunted by a number of spirits, with the most common sightings being of a young woman in a white gown, who appears in the upstairs rooms of the house. Some believe she was a former resident of the house, and her restless spirit has been seen moving through the halls and staring out of windows. In addition to apparitions, visitors often report hearing strange noises such as the sound of footsteps, doors creaking open, and whispers in the air. Cold spots and an overwhelming feeling of dread are also frequently experienced, particularly in the more isolated parts of the house.