If you’re a fan of the paranormal and believe in ghosts, then these ten haunted houses may be on your bucket list. From the Banff Springs Hotel in Canada, reputed to be haunted by a bride who died on her wedding night, to the Winchester Mystery House in California, built by Sarah Winchester to confuse the spirits of those killed by the Winchester rifle, and the Lalaurie Mansion in New Orleans, where slaves were tortured and killed, visitors have reported strange occurrences and ghost sightings. The Tower of London, Villisca Axe Murder House, Sallie House, Borley Rectory, Myrtles Plantation, Whaley House, and the Ancient Ram Inn are also on the list.
10 Haunted Houses You’d Never Want to Visit
1. The Banff Springs Hotel
The Banff Springs Hotel in Canada is said to be haunted by a bride who died on her wedding night. Guests have reported seeing her wandering the halls in her wedding dress, and some have even reported being pushed by an invisible force.
2. The Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House in California was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the Winchester rifle. She believed the spirits of those killed by the rifle were haunting her and so she built a house to confuse the spirits. The result is a chaotic maze of rooms, stairs, and doors that includes a door that opens into a two-story drop.
3. The Lalaurie Mansion
The Lalaurie Mansion in New Orleans was once home to socialite Madame Delphine Lalaurie. She was known for her cruel treatment of slaves and it is said that she tortured and killed many of them in the house. Visitors have reported hearing screams and moans coming from the house and some have even claimed to see the spirits of the tortured slaves.
4. The Tower of London
The Tower of London in England has a long and gruesome history. It is said to be haunted by the spirits of the many people who were executed there, including Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded by King Henry VIII. Visitors have reported seeing her ghost wandering the tower, carrying her own severed head.
5. The Villisca Axe Murder House
The Villisca Axe Murder House in Iowa was the site of a brutal murder in 1912. The entire Moore family was killed with an axe while they slept. Visitors to the house have reported hearing footsteps and voices, as if the spirits of the murdered family are still there.
6. The Sallie House
The Sallie House in Kansas is named for the ghost of a little girl who is said to haunt it. She is believed to have died in the house during the Civil War, and visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure and hearing her giggling and singing.
7. Borley Rectory
Borley Rectory in England was once known as the most haunted house in the world. It was home to many strange events, including unexplained footsteps, ghostly apparitions, and mysterious writing on the walls. The rectory was eventually destroyed in a fire, but the spirits are said to still be present on the site.
8. The Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is said to be haunted by the ghosts of slaves who were killed there. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing strange noises at night. One of the most famous ghosts is Chloe, a slave girl who was hanged for poisoning her owner’s family. Her ghost is said to appear in photographs taken at the plantation.
9. The Whaley House
The Whaley House in California was home to the Whaley family, who were plagued by tragedy. Two of their children died in the house, and the family patriarch committed suicide there. Visitors have reported hearing ghostly footsteps and seeing the spirits of the Whaley family.
10. The Ancient Ram Inn
The Ancient Ram Inn in England is said to be one of the most haunted places in the country. Guests have reported being pushed, scratched, and even choked by the spirits that inhabit the inn. The most notorious ghost is that of a witch who was burned at the stake on the site.