Haunted Places to Visit on Anglesey
Isle of Anglesey is home to an intriguing blend of natural beauty and rich history. This quiet island, and its historic spots, many of which have witnessed centuries of bloodshed, power struggles, and intrigue, provide the perfect backdrop for an eerie Halloween adventure.
1. Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle, often hailed as the most technically perfect medieval castle in Britain, was the last and largest of Edward I’s Welsh fortifications. Built in the 13th century to stamp out Welsh rebellion, Beaumaris has seen its fair share of bloodshed, betrayal, and battles. Some say that the tortured spirits of those who fought against Edward’s power still linger.
One of the castle’s most famous apparitions is that of a heartbroken woman, thought to be the ghost of a medieval lady who lost her lover during one of the many sieges. Visitors have reported eerie sightings and strange whispers echoing through the castle’s corridors.
2. Aberlleiniog Castle
Hidden deep within the woodlands near Llangoed, Aberlleiniog Castle is often overshadowed by the more famous Beaumaris, but it is no less fascinating – or spooky. Built in the 11th century by the Norman conquerors, this lesser-known spot has been the site of battles between Norman and Welsh forces, and some locals claim that spirits of ancient warriors still guard its grounds.
Visitors have reported strange lights flickering in the surrounding woods and heard disembodied voice.
4. Plas Newydd
Plas Newydd is an 18th-century Gothic mansion that has haunted charm. This historic house, situated on the Menai Strait, is the ancestral seat of the Marquess of Anglesey. The house is famous not just for its grandeur, but for its resident ghost. The most frequently reported is that of the 1st Marquess himself, Henry Paget, who fought in the Battle of Waterloo. Legend has it that his restless spirit roams the halls of Plas Newydd, particularly around the Waterloo Room, where guests have heard phantom footsteps and seen shadowy figures.
Another spooky tale is that of a black-clad woman who is said to appear in the corridors, startling visitors. Some even believe her to be connected to the dark and mysterious rituals said to have taken place on the grounds during the Victorian era.
5. Beaumaris Gaol
Beaumaris Gaol is a grim 19th-century prison known for its dark history. The gaol is infamous for its brutal conditions and the execution of prisoners—some say their restless spirits never left. The most well-known ghost here is Richard Rowlands, the last man to be hanged at Beaumaris, who was executed for the murder of his father-in-law. His ghost is said to roam the cells, still protesting his innocence. Visitors report hearing heavy footsteps, ghostly whispers, and even the feeling of being grabbed by unseen hands.
6. Parys Mountain
Known for its copper mines and Martian-like landscapes, Parys Mountain has been mined since the Bronze Age. However, the eerie beauty of the area comes with a haunting history. Stories of ghostly miners and strange apparitions in the tunnels have been passed down for generations. It’s said that the spirits of miners who died in accidents or due to the harsh conditions still haunt the mountain. Visitors have reported hearing the clinking of tools echoing through the old mines and even seeing shadowy figures moving in the distance.
7. Baron Hill
Baron Hill, an abandoned mansion near Beaumaris, was once a grand estate but is now derelict. During World War II, Baron Hill was used to house Polish soldiers, and after a devastating fire, the mansion was left in ruins. Visitors report strange noises, disembodied voices, and the feeling of being watched.
If you’re still craving more spookiness, Anglesey is also home to several ancient burial sites and standing stones that date back to the Bronze Age. Some of these areas, like Barclodiad y Gawres, are said to be cursed or haunted by druids and ancient spirits. Exploring these dark, desolate landscapes might just bring you face-to-face with Anglesey’s oldest ghosts.