9 most haunted locations in Conwy and Denbighshire

Conwy and Denbighshire are known for their rich history and abundance of old castles, manor houses, and ancient ruins, which naturally lend themselves to stories of hauntings and supernatural occurrences.

People visit haunted locations for various reasons, and the allure of such places often stems from a mix of curiosity, thrill-seeking, a love of history, and a desire for connection with the unknown.

They are just some of the reasons that supposedly haunted locations attract so many visitors

Here are some of the most haunted places you can visit:

1. Conwy Castle

This medieval fortress, built by Edward I, is one of the most famous haunted spots in North Wales.

There are reports of ghostly apparitions wandering the battlements and corridors.

Conwy Castle stairwell. Picture: Michael Stenson

One of the more famous ghosts is that of a soldier who supposedly fell to his death from the battlements and is said to roam the area where he fell.

2. Plas Mawr

A well-preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Conwy, Plas Mawr is famous for its ghostly history.

It is said to be haunted by the ghost of Robert Wynne, who died in the house. A story tells of a doctor who once visited the house to tend to Wynne’s wife, only to die there himself, trapped in a room.

Some visitors claim to hear footsteps, whispers, and cries within its ancient walls.

3. The Smallest House in Great Britain

Located on Conwy's quay, this tiny red house is famous as a tourist attraction, but some also believe it to be haunted.

Visitors have reported feeling a presence and strange, cold drafts when exploring this pint-sized building, adding to its mystique.

4. North Wales Hospital, Denbigh

One of the most famous haunted places in Denbighshire, this abandoned psychiatric hospital opened in 1848 and is known for its dark past and eerie atmosphere.

It has been a hotspot for ghost hunters and paranormal investigators, with numerous reports of strange noises, apparitions, and feelings of unease. Some have reported seeing shadowy figures in the windows of the decaying building and hearing distant screams or whispers.

5. Ruthin Castle

Ruthin Castle has a long history of hauntings. Among the most famous is the “Grey Lady,” believed to be the spirit of a woman murdered by her husband after he caught her in an affair.

Ruthin Castle. Picture: Karen Hopwood

The Grey Lady is said to wander the grounds and corridors of the castle. Ruthin Castle is now a hotel, and many guests have reported encounters with unexplained phenomena, such as cold spots, strange noises, and sightings of shadowy figures.

6. Denbigh Castle

Denbigh Castle, like many medieval fortresses, has a long and bloody history.

Jim Mcfarlane: "Summer solstice moon over Denbigh Castle"

Visitors and locals have reported strange occurrences around the castle ruins, including disembodied voices, shadowy figures, and the sound of footsteps echoing through the empty stone passages.

7. Nantclwyd y Dre

This medieval house in Ruthin is the oldest timber-framed house in Wales and is known for its many ghost stories.

It is said to be haunted by a number of spirits, including a lady in a long dress and a man wearing old-fashioned clothing.

Some visitors have reported seeing apparitions in the house's upper rooms and hearing footsteps on the creaky wooden floors.

8. Ruthin Gaol

This Victorian-era prison, which operated between 1654 and 1916, has a dark history of harsh conditions, executions, and ghostly tales that make it a popular spot for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.

Numerous reports describe strange noises echoing through the old cell blocks, including the sound of slamming doors, dragging chains, and whispers. Some visitors have also experienced cold spots, particularly in areas where executions took place or where inmates are believed to have suffered.

Ruthin Gaol.

It remains a popular spot for ghost tours, particularly during the Halloween season, and is often included in lists of the most haunted places in Wales.

9. Plas Newydd, Llangollen

Best known as the home of the "Ladies of Llangollen," Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, who moved there in the late 18th century. Their story is one of Victorian-era defiance of social norms, as they lived together in a lifelong partnership, rejecting the expectations of marriage and traditional roles.

Visitors and staff have reported seeing shadowy figures within the house, especially in the areas where the ladies’ personal chambers were located.