The Ghosts of Gwrych Castle: Inside One of Wales' Most Haunted Locations



Nestled among the wooded hills overlooking the Irish Sea, Gwrych Castle in North Wales stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic of the 19th century. While it has gained modern fame as a filming location for I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, this Gothic fortress has long held a darker reputation—as one of the most haunted castles in Wales. With tales of ghostly sightings, phantom footsteps, and a tragic countess who may still walk the halls, Gwrych Castle has become a hotspot for paranormal investigators, ghost hunters, and curious visitors eager to experience the supernatural.

A Brief History of Gwrych Castle

Built between 1812 and 1822 by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh, Gwrych Castle was intended as a memorial to his mother’s lineage. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times and served many purposes from a private home to a sanctuary for refugees during World War II, and even a motorsports venue in the mid-20th century.

However, decades of neglect left the once-proud estate in ruins, inviting not just restoration, but ghost stories.

The Lady in White: The Ghost of the Countess of Dundonald

The most famous spirit said to haunt Gwrych Castle is the Lady in White, believed to be Winifred, Countess of Dundonald, who died in 1924. Witnesses describe seeing a tall, pale woman in flowing white garments, often wandering near the former banquet hall or appearing in castle windows long abandoned. Local legend says the Countess’s spirit is unsettled due to the disputed sale of the castle after her death against her wishes. Some believe her ghost remains to protect her legacy and mourn the betrayal she felt.

Paranormal Activity and Haunted Hotspots

Over the years, numerous paranormal researchers and TV ghost-hunting teams have investigated Gwrych Castle’s haunted reputation. The results are chilling:

• Phantom footsteps echoing in empty corridors
• Cold spots with no environmental explanation
• Doors that slam shut on their own
• Objects moving or being thrown across rooms
• Disembodied voices, captured during EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions

Many of these occurrences center around the castle’s stables, the grand staircase, and servants’ quarters, where staff historically lived and, perhaps, linger in spirit.

Ghostly Children and Shadow Figures

Multiple reports have described ghostly children, seen running through hallways or peeking from behind doorways. These apparitions are said to vanish when approached. In addition, tall, dark shadow figures believed by some to be former castle guards or soldiers have been seen in the courtyard and cellar areas, often late at night or just before dawn.

The Haunted Cellar: A Portal to the Past?

The cellars beneath Gwrych Castle are among its most active paranormal zones. Many visitors describe a feeling of overwhelming dread and oppressive energy, as if being watched or followed. Some claim the cellar acts as a spiritual gateway, with ghosts coming and going between realms. Ghost hunters have documented unusual electromagnetic field readings, sudden battery drains, and poltergeist activity in this part of the castle.

Gwrych Castle on TV: Reality Show Meets Paranormal Reality

The castle became internationally recognized when it hosted the 2020 and 2021 seasons of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. While the show focused on survival challenges, cast members and crew reported strange noises, equipment malfunctions, and a sense of “something unseen watching them” further fueling Gwrych Castle’s ghostly reputation.

Visiting Gwrych Castle: A Paranormal Experience Awaits

Today, the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust is actively restoring the site and offering public tours, historical talks, and even paranormal investigation nights. If you're seeking haunted places to visit in Wales, this is one location that should be at the top of your list.

Why Gwrych Castle Is a Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, Gwrych Castle offers one of the most authentic haunted experiences in the UK. Its combination of Gothic architecture, centuries-old history, and firsthand ghost stories make it a magnet for those fascinated by the supernatural.

So, if you’re wondering where to find haunted castles in Wales, pack your flashlight, bring your EMF meter, and prepare to meet the ghosts of Gwrych Castle, they might just be waiting for you.