Ghost hunting in Wales this Halloween - Nos Galan Gaeaf

The beautiful land of Wales is steeped in legend and mystery. Ancient monuments stand throughout the country, in the case of many, their purpose and method of construction is lost in the mists of time. The air of mystery that surrounds these places is enhanced at this time of year during the damp dark days of Autumn and in particular Halloween. It is a celebration that has become global now, particularly in those countries that experienced an influx of migrants from the Celtic nations, who brought with them their own traditions. However, the origins of Halloween are Celtic and in the lands of Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales they marked the old Celtic New Year. A time of supernatural significance that is still reflected in the modern celebrations of Halloween.

The night of Halloween October 31st is called Nos Galan Gaeaf in Welsh. Many traditional celebrations are held throughout the nation. There are also other opportunities to enjoy the season. Wales has many castles reflecting a turbulent relationship with the old enemy England. These often dark foreboding fortresses come with stories of ghosts that glide along their passages and stalk the wind swept turrets in the dead of night. At this time of year, when it is said that the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, brave people are drawn to these places seeking a ghostly encounter. Some of these castles stand remote and isolated and some people make their own way to them and camp out on Nos Galan Gaeaf. Many experience unexplained phenomena that stay with them for the rest of their lives.

In other more managed castles in Wales that are usually open to the public only during normal daylight hours, the opportunity to explore on the eve of Halloween is rare. However, some do offer the chance to experience overnight stays in some of the most haunted castles in Wales. Here are just a couple of suggestions but it is worth seeking out other places that offer these unique experiences:

Castell Coch

Castell Coch was built in 1870 for the Marquis of Bute it actually stands on the site of a much earlier 13th-century castle that fell into ruin. The rebuilding was designed by the architect William Burgess. It stands high up on the heavily wooded slopes above the village of Tongwynlais to the north of the Welsh capital Cardiff (Welsh: Caerdydd). It is thought that the castle is haunted by the ghost of a woman, who died of a broken heart after her son died in the nearby woods. After the death of her husband Lady Bute stayed in the castle, but it is said that she decided to leave because of the repeated ghostly appearances of a lady in white. 

You can join a ghost tour of the castle between October 31st and November 2nd. There are four tours running per night and more information can be found on the Cadw website page on Castell Coch.

Bodelwyddan Castle

Bodelwyddan Castle was built in about 1460 and is located close to the village of Bodelwyddan, near Rhyl in Denbighshire (Welsh: Sir Ddinbych), North Wales. Ghost walks take place between 6pm and 8pm. There is also a ghost hunt from 9pm to 3am. As well as learning about the history of the castle you will be led by the Bodelwyddan Castle Paranormal team. The investigation will use specialist equipment and methods used for seeking evidence of the paranormal. Further information can be obtained from Bodelwyddan Castle Paranormal Events

Craig y Nos Castle

Craig y Nos Castle is a Victorian gothic style country house and is located in the Swansea Valley (Welsh: Cwm Tawe) in Powys, Wales. The house is said to be haunted by the opera singer Adelina Patti (19 February 1843 - 27 September 1919) who once owned the house. The house was also used as a sanitorium for 40 years where many children died of Tuberculosis. The castle links in with The Ghost Walkers who provide tours and information about these can be found on the Ghost Walkers Website.

Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Llancaiach Fawr Manor is located on Gelligaer Road, Nelson, Treharris, in South Wales. There are a number of ghosts said to haunt the house. They include some children who have been seen on occasion and at times can be heard. The kitchen is also haunted by a lady thought to be a former housekeeper. Ghost tours are available between October and March and more information can be found on Caerphilly Council website.

These are just a few suggestions, but there are many more properties in Wales that can be visited over Halloween. Remember though to take care when ghost hunting on this special night. It could well be that the ghosts will be the ones doing the hunting!