As sites associated with battles from both World Wars or prisons have long been said to be haunted, it comes as no surprise that they can also be haunted. At The Ancient Ram Inn guests have reported hearing chains clanging as well as feeling hands on their necks.
San Francisco is known to be haunted by Al Capone and Mark Twain – their spirits allegedly haunting its streets.
Highgate Cemetery
No matter your viewpoint on paranormal phenomena, ghosts and supernatural beings can be terrifying to think about. Now is an excellent time to visit some of England’s haunted spots as a trip will allow you to witness these mysteries first-hand!
Highgate Cemetery was created in 1839 to reduce the strain placed upon small churchyard cemeteries by death, offering families an opportunity to show off their wealth and status by placing loved ones into luxurious Victorian-style tombs.
Karl Marx and several members of Dickens family are among those interred at Highgate Cemetery, while its most infamous grave reportedly belongs to “The Highgate Vampire.” According to reports, this mysterious being is said to wander silently and swiftly around without leaving footprints behind, leaving only its mesmerising eyes behind when encountering anyone – with some people even reporting being repulsed by its presence – even animals!
The Castle of Good Hope
Cape Town, known for its long and rich history and majestic Table Mountain backdrop, lies near stormy seas – so it should come as no surprise that its streets contain haunted places. One such instance can be found at The Castle of Good Hope – known in Afrikaans as Casteel de Goede Hoop – the oldest standing building in South Africa which served as the heart of civil, social and military life in Cape Town during its original use.
The castle is said to be home to various ghosts, including Lady Anne Barnard who once held an important position within its walls as first lady and responsible for entertaining important visitors. She can often be found entertaining them in Kat Balcony Hall. Another resident spotted at night is an anonymous woman heard moaning.
Governor Pieter Gysbert van Noodt was cursed by one of his soldiers whom he sentenced for desertion, so his vengeful spirit can often be seen roaming the castle and can often be heard cursing. A fierce black dog has also been reported haunting this castle, lunging at workers and visitors alike.
Akershus Castle
Oslo Castle has long been an integral part of Norway’s history as a fortress, prison and place of execution – it even holds bloody memories! Now considered haunted, its unnerving reputation may stem from this bloody history; though legends also surround this location.
One such tale involves a ghost dog haunting the castle main gate. After realising its weakness, Gatekeeper Garshol devised a strategy to protect his entrance – by burying one of his guard dogs near it, and later seeing its ghost return even more violent than before it died.
The Castle’s haunted past was compounded during the Nazi occupation of Norway from 1940-1945 when it served as both a prison and execution site. Today it has been restored and opened as a museum; however, its eerie atmosphere still persists: staff working there have reported hearing whispering voices in dark corridors as well as being pushed backwards by unknown forces.
The Island of the Dolls
There’s something unnerving about an island full of abandoned dolls staring back at you as you pass. However, this creepy landscape exists for real in Xochimilco near Mexico City as La Isla de las Munecas (The Island of Dolls).
According to legend, in 1950 a young girl drowned in the nearby canals and her death left Don Julian Santana Barrera reeling with grief. On their arrival home the following day they saw a doll floating through the canals that they believed belonged to the drowned girl and began collecting and hanging dolls on their island both as an act of memorializing their deceased loved one and to protect themselves against evil spirits.
In 2001, the island opened to tourists who can explore three huts filled with hundreds of dolls while learning its history. A tragic legend and centuries-old cultural beliefs combined with creepy dolls create an enigmatic and intriguing atmosphere on this mysterious and captivating island.
