With the highest castle-to-person ratio in the world—641 castles to 3 million people (and only six Starbucks, though that number may be a rumor)—and a long and turbulent history, Wales is a haven (or heaven) for ghost-hunters. Just in time for Halloween, here are some great haunted destinations in the country.
Lady Gray is the resident ghost of North Wales' Ruthin Castle Hotel, executed for murdering her husband's lover. She is often seen roaming the castle grounds and battlements. (Good to know: Ruthin is hosting a Mediaeval Banquet Murder Mystery on Halloween eve, Saturday, October 30, and offers murder mystery dinners and guided tours of the castle walls and dungeon year-round.)
Overlooking the Snowdonia National Park, Hotel Maes-y-Neuadd (mansion in the meadow) which dates back to the 14th century, has a haunted bedroom called the Morfa Suite where a female phantom of goodly intentions thought to be the ghost of a former children's nursemaid has been known to calmly lull guests into a deep and restful slumber. (No extra charge for this unique service, of course.)
Llancaiaich Fawr Manor (it's easier to see ghosts here than pronounce its name), the living history museum of the year 1645 and voted one of Britain's 10 most-haunted buildings, has no less than eight raucous residents ghosts including prank-playing children, soldiers and a maid. Ghost tours run from October through March. Close by, Caerphilly Castle is said to be home of the “Green Lady of Caerphilly,” presumed to be the spirit of Alice, a star-crossed lover who died tragically.
For more blood and gore, there is the mighty Caernarfon Castle. What began in 1283 as a military stronghold became a seat of government and a royal palace by King Edward I. The ghosts of English soldiers are said to be on constant vigil defending the castle against the Welsh. (One could argue that they aren't doing a very good job, but it's never a good idea to argue with a ghost.)
For more ghostly attractions in Wales, visit www.visitwales.com/ghosts.
