With the end of October slowly approaching, everyone is getting in the Halloween spirit. For some, that may mean binging on sweets, watching scary movies or figuring out the all-important group costumes.
Whether you’re into ghost stories or you’re the world’s biggest sceptic, this guide to Cardiff’s spookiest spots (according to our friend, ChatGPT) will have you believing in all sorts of paranormal activity – just in time for Halloween.
1. Cardiff Royal Infirmary
“Diagnosis: Definitely Haunted“
According to ChatGPT, there have been a lot of strange occurrences at the infirmary. Some of which include disappearing matrons, wounded soldiers, cold spots and peculiar footsteps. Considering this place has dealt with all kinds of sick and wounded souls, there’s a good chance it’s crawling with ghosts, too. Vanishing nurses, phantom kids and shadowy soldiers are just some of those haunting the area.
To sugarcoat it, it’s basically a Victorian soap opera, but with more screaming (both from the living and dead). If you ever visit, just ignore the footsteps behind you – it’s probably just a ghost doing its rounds.
2. Cardiff Castle
“Home to much history, and even more haunting”
There’s no surprise that Cardiff Castle is number two on this list, since it has Roman ruins, Norman towers, and was fixed up by a Victorian who is a fan of one too many fake medieval stories. The occasional ghost tour that occurs here definitely makes this one of Cardiff’s most haunted tourist traps. Our word of caution is to watch out for the gift shop (there’s no telling what is haunting those dragon plushies.)
3. Castell Coch
via YouTube
“Looks like a Fairy Tale Castle? Check. Most definitely haunted? Check.”
Although this must-see castle is beautifully built, some argue it looks like it jumped out of the movie Shrek. There are many creepy legends behind the castle gates, one of which is the White Lady. She supposedly wanders the grounds mourning her drowned child, and there are tales of a ghostly cavalier who roams the castle, waiting for someone to find his lost treasure (It’s always where you’d least expect it).
4. Llandaff Cathedral & Bishop’s Palace Ruins
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“Go to meet the Holy Spirit, leave after meeting the spooky kind instead.”
If you’ve never heard of this place before, you’re in luck because we have some expert advice for you. The “Road of the Dead” behind Llandaff Cathedral is the perfect place to bring someone on a first date, especially if you want to scare them into holding your hand – hey, a win is a win.
But proceed with caution, as this could backfire. There’s more to this spot than the seemingly petrifying path. Ghost monks, eerie children, and the place having the ambience of a Tim Burton movie makes this spot a 10/10 on the “spooky” scale. I definitely recommend bringing some holy water along with you.
5. Insole Court
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“Come for the Victorian architecture. Stay because a ghost locked the door behind you.”
Insole Court is a beautiful mansion that’s located in Fairwater. It’s been restored to look better than ever – which is more than we can say for the ghosts wandering around upstairs.
There have been many reports of paranormal activity in and around the mansion, some of which include cold spots, moving shadows, and the eerie feeling of someone judging you and your interior decorating skills, from beyond the grave.
6. The Rummer Tavern
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“Do you want some spirits with your spirits?”
This tavern holds the record as one of Cardiff’s oldest pubs – and possibly the only one where the ghosts drink more than the people do. It’s been said that the cellar is haunted by the ghost of a jealous sailor (sounds like the start of a very niche rom com if we’re being honest). Don’t be scared if the beer starts pouring itself, just thank the sailor and leave a hefty tip.
7. The Exchange Hotel (aka the Coal Exchange)
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“Ghosts? In suits? With business cards?”
This hotel was once a place full of coal barons and deals worth millions. Now, it’s just a fancy hotel with haunted hallways, spots that seem a little too cold for comfort, and doors that open themselves – even without keycards (which seems like a safety issue). Just imagine The Shining, but with more Welsh accents and less red rum.
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Featured image via Youtube
