These spine-tingling spots will leave you shaking with fear – from castles and cemeteries, old hospitals and mountain pubs, all the way to haunted castles. Expect footsteps, whispers and the sobs of long-dead widows as footsteps pass overhead or voices cry out with silence in these ghostly places.
Alcatraz Island was once home to an active prison. Now abandoned, this former prison displays many indicators of paranormal activity–from ghostly figures with hoods looming overhead to keys being rattled through doors at nightfall. For an extra chilling experience take a lantern-lit tour at night of this beautiful island!
1. Highgate Cemetery
Cemeterys have long been associated with Gothic imagery and legend, giving rise to numerous ghostly accounts. Additionally, Bram Stoker may have found inspiration here for his novel Dracula.
Highgate Cemetery quickly became the go-to spot for Londoners wanting an extravagant gravesite, prompting monuments to become ever more lavish as families vied with one another to outdo each other in creating lavish memorials for themselves and their loved ones.
At some point during the 19th century, an ominous tall dark figure known as the Highgate Vampire began haunting a cemetery grounds. His presence is signaled by a sudden drop in temperature or when watches and clocks stop working; also believed to have an hypnotic stare that can scare animals before draining their blood away.
2. Castle of Good Hope
Over the centuries, Cape Town’s legendary Castle has been host to many dark secrets, and has since become one of its most haunted locations. Visitors who approach its gates often feel an overwhelming sense of dread as well as experiencing supernatural phenomena like seeing ghostly figures or hearing loud screams from within its hallowed walls.
One of the more chilling stories associated with this castle involves its use as a prison and execution site. Its torture chamber, known as Donker Gat (The Dark Hole), sometimes filled up with water during winter storms, drowning prisoners chained to its walls.
One of the more intriguing ghost tales involves 18th century governor Pieter Van Noodt who was cursed on his gallows by one of seven desertors he had sentenced for desertion. Workers and visitors have reported seeing his ghost prowling the corridors of his dungeon.
3. Prague
Prague is a city rich with history, so it comes as no surprise that it hosts some gruesome ghost tales. While most Czechs do not believe in spirits, this historic capital does boast plenty of tales designed to keep visitors fearfully intrigued.
One of Prague’s more celebrated tales involves an individual who deceived three simple girls into marrying him before murdering and keeping their money for himself. Their ghostly figures returned as hauntings, hoping they might return home one day.
Ghost Hunters International of US television fame conducted an investigation at Houska Castle in Prague during 2009 with McGee’s Ghost Tours providing assistance. Their findings were so striking that an episode was dedicated to it!
4. Corvin Castle
Corvin Castle may seem like an idyllic fantasy location, but its past is anything but innocent. Legend has it that Vlad the Impaler was held prisoner within one of Corvin Castle’s rectangular towers for seven years prior to becoming known for his bloodlust and brutality. It’s thought this experience drove him mad and led to his violent nature that resulted in him murdering many innocent victims before going insane himself and eventually becoming Vlad the Impaler himself.
Visitors have reported doors slamming on their own, whispered voices and being touched by spirits once imprisoned within its cells. A 30-meter well in the yard of this castle has long been considered particularly haunted; according to legend, its excavation was undertaken by prisoners who were promised liberty upon reaching water; unfortunately they never fulfilled this promise.
5. RMS Queen Mary
RMS Queen Mary was once a luxury ocean liner serving only the elite during its heyday; today she remains docked in Long Beach where it draws tourists and ghost hunters. Time Magazine named RMS Queen Mary one of America’s most haunted places; however, some doubt remains as to her paranormal activity.
There are over 150 spirits believed to reside aboard this vessel, with some areas more active than others – engine room, stateroom B-340 (where crew member was tragically crushed during watertight door drill in 1966), and Door 13 being especially haunted. On occasion a ghostly young man in blue coveralls with beard can often be heard humming to himself before suddenly appearing behind people whistling behind.
