With halloween just around the corner, an article on some of the best haunted places to visit seemed right. So, if you’re looking for inspiration on some of the most haunted places to visit this Halloween, keep reading!
From forests in Romania (known as being the the Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania), to the Catacombs of Paris (a labyrinth of spooky caves) – and everything in between.
Hoia-Baciu Forest, Romania
Hoia-Baciu hit the spotlight in 1968 when a military technician took a photo of a UFO hovering over some trees. Some people believe it to be a portal, transporting people throughout time and space. Those who have passed through this location have reported experiencing rashes, nausea, and anxiety afterwards.
It doesn’t help that it’s also located in Transylvania – a place known for spooky activity, and the birthplace of Dracula.
Valley Of The Kings, Egypt
The Valley of the Kings is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt. Located along the Nile River near Luxor, the valley served as a burial ground for pharaohs from the 16th to the 11th century BC.
The valley was thrown into the spotlight by the excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb and the ‘pharaoh’s curse’. Lord Carnarvon, who funded the project died of a mystery infection shortly after the burial site was discovered – launching the well-known ‘pharaoh’s curse’ we know today.
It has been reported that visitors to the Valley of the Kings claim to see an Egyptian pharaoh riding a chariot pulled by ghostly black horses.
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
Built in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary took solitary confinement to new levels. Its inmates did everything alone. From living and exercising alone. To not even be allowed to see anyone else as the guards would cover their heads with a hood as they moved around the prison. Forms of punishment at this facility included – chaining a prisoners tongue to his wrists.
However, the prison official shut its doors in 1970 and is now only open to the thousands of visitors it receives every year. Paranormal activities reported have included – disembodied laughter, shadowy figures, and pacing footsteps up and down deserted corridors.
Catacombs Of Paris, France
In the spring of 1780, a bout of heavy rain unearthed the overcrowded, sending rotting corpses into the property next door. According to the Smithsonian, this event then started a 12-year project to transform the limestone quarries into catacombs. Moving bodies from overcrowded cemeteries down into the limestone quarries.
The underground cemetery came to house approximately 6 million dead bodies. Roughly 1 mile of the cemetery labyrinth is open to visitors, who can tour of the tunnels and displays of bones.
Dock Street Theatre, Charleston
Charleston’s Dock Street Theatre is a downtown theatre venue that hosts various plays and concerts. However, the location has had a very haunting history. There was a fire in 1740 that burnt down the original theatre. It also suffered major damage during an earthquake in 1886.
Then, during the mid 1800’s, a woman named Nettie Dickerson was allegedly struck by lightning while standing on the balcony. Since that fateful day, her ghostly spirit is said to haunt the theatre’s floors.
Raynham Hall, England
Raynham Hall is said to be one of the most impressive estates in Norfolk. Built around 1620, the 7,000-acre property is filled well-known for it’s paranormal activity. Most notably is the story of Lady Dorothy (Dolly) Townshend. Dolly was the wife of Viscount “Turnip” Townshend during the 18th century. It is believed Dolly was forever locked in the house by her husband – who now haunts the estate, still trying to find freedom.
Halifax Citadel, Canada
Often considered one of the most haunted places in Canada, the Fort George Citadel (or Halifax Citadel) dates back to 1749. Over the years there have been many reports of ghostly sightings of soldiers walking into rooms and then vanishing. Other reports are of an old lady appearing in windows, and a girl who likes to hold the hands of visitors. The highly popular ghost tours are completed with guides wearing period costumes and corridors illuminated by spooky candlelight.
Crumlin Road Gaol, Northern Ireland
Crumlin Road Gaol is said to be one of the most haunted places in Northern Ireland. It was once a Victorian-era prison that’s now often referred to as Europe’s Alcatraz. The prison had approximately 25,000 inmates (men, women, and children) throughout its 150 years. There they publicly hung prisoners and then went on to bury the dead bodies within the prison walls. It officially shut its doors back in 1996, but the ghosts of the past still linger on.
If you would like to visit, Crumlin Road Gaol puts on daily tours, as well as having many live concerts within its grounds. However, if you want something a bit more relaxing, you can also have a meal at its restaurant.
Ancient Ram Inn, England
One of the best haunted places to visit this Halloween has to be the Ancient Ram Inn. It’s a place i have visited myself many times as it’s only a few minutes down the road from me. It definitely is one of the most haunted inns in England.
It’s thought it was built some time back in 1145. Over the years it has served as a priest’s residence, a public house, and, now, an inn. What happened here? The property is said to sit on two Ley lines (alignments drawn on a map connecting Stonehenge to various historic landmarks and structures), which has made it a prime spot for various paranormal activity. So, be warned, if you plan to stay the night here, there’s a fair chance you’ll experience something paranormal. We did every time we stayed here – from things moving, to noises that couldn’t be explained!
Banff Springs, Canada
Built in 1888, this hotel is located by the Rocky Mountains in Canada’s Banff National Park. Over the years there have been countless reports of paranormal activity within it’s walls. From a bride who was said to have fallen down the stone staircase during her wedding. To Sam the well-known bellman, who worked at the hotel until 1975 and claimed he’d come back to haunt the joint. It’s said he tries to help people carry their luggage before disappearing into nothing.
Where do you think are some of the most haunted places to visit this Halloween?
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Very interesting list, and the Paris Catacombs have to be up there as one of the spookiest looking locations around. I’ve always wanted to spend time over October in a haunted location but there are surprisingly few options where you can actually stay, and the group tours never appeal.
Thank you, glad you found it of interest. Yes, you do have to look hard to find decent places to stay.