Exploring the 10 Most ‘Haunted’ Places That are Likely Just Urban Legends

If you love a good ghost story, there is no shortage of hauntings to explore around the world. From the Winchester Mystery House to Eastern State Penitentiary, to Aokigahara Forest, there are numerous places reportedly filled with paranormal activity. Here, we take a look at the ten most ‘haunted’ places, which are likely just urban legends.

1. The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

The Queen Mary was once one of the most luxurious and beloved ships in the world. After being retired in 1967, it now serves as a hotel and museum in Long Beach, California. Many visitors claim to have spied the ghost of John Pedder, a young stoker who died aboard the ship in 1966. There have also been reports of sightings of a woman in white, thought to be a crew member who died in childbirth, and even the noises of children playing in the pool.

2. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel is a popular destination for tourists looking for a bit of excitement. Located in Estes Park, Colorado, this former luxury resort has a long history of strange occurrences. Guests have reported hearing phantom piano music in its halls and seeing the ghosts of past owners throughout the property. In Room 217, visitors say they’ve experienced everything from knocking on the walls to cold spots.

3. The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana

Myrtles Plantation, located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is known for being one of the most haunted places in the country. It is said that the plantation is home to more than 12 ghosts, including the spirit of Chloe, a former slave who apparently died after having her ear cut off by an angry master. Other reported hauntings include lights flickering and objects moving on their own.

4. Ballygally Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Ballygally Castle is a 17th-century castle that is allegedly haunted by the spirit of Lady Isobel Shaw. According to legend, she jumped from the castle’s tower to her death after learning of her husband’s infidelity. Guests staying at the castle have reported hearing her footsteps and cries from the top floor.

5. The Tower of London, England

As one of the oldest buildings in London, the Tower of London is no stranger to stories of hauntings. It is said that two of Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, still haunt the castle grounds. Visitors have also claimed to hear phantom trumpets and glimpsed the spirits of other prisoners and nobles who were executed there.

6. Poveglia Island, Italy

Poveglia Island is an abandoned island near Venice, Italy that has long been the subject of rumors. Legend has it that this place was used as a dumping ground for plague victims, as well as a psychiatric hospital where a doctor allegedly tortured his patients. Today, it is considered one of the most haunted places in the world and visitors often report strange sounds and voices.

7. Leap Castle, County Offaly, Ireland

Leap Castle is a medieval fortress in County Offaly, Ireland that has a dark and violent past. It is said that a stable boy was killed in the castle and his ghost still haunts the premises. Visitors have also described feeling a chill down their spine, as well as hearing eerie sobs and whispers.

8. Château de Brissac, Maine-et-Loire, France

Château de Brissac is an 11th century castle in Maine-et-Loire, France. According to local legend, it is the home of a fiery ghost known as the “Green Lady”. The story goes that while searching for his lost ring, a nobleman stumbled upon his wife having an affair. He killed both of them in a fit of rage and ever since, the Green Lady has been said to haunt the castle.

9. Monte Cristo Homestead, Junee, New South Wales, Australia

Monte Cristo Homestead is a estate located in Junee, New South Wales, Australia. Its residents over the years have reported hearing ghostly voices, seeing apparitions, and feeling inexplicable fear when entering certain areas. The house is believed to be home to the spirit of a little girl, who is said to wander the halls.

10. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India

Bhangarh Fort is an ancient fort located in Rajasthan, India. It is said to be cursed and anyone who enters it after sunset will never return. There have been numerous reports of people hearing strange noises, disembodied screams, and mysterious music coming from inside the fort. Some believe this is due to the curse cast by a powerful sorcerer.

Whether or not these tales are true, the stories of hauntings in these ten places are certainly captivating. While further research may prove some of these stories to be truth, others may remain shrouded in mystery.