Happy Halloween! Discover the World’s Spookiest Attractions

Warning! Scary & sensitive stories enclosed. To celebrate the ghostly spectacle of Halloween, we have put together a list of the most haunted attractions in the world. Read if you dare!

So it’s Halloween which means it’s time to get the sweets out for the trick or treaters, get the popcorn ready for a horror movie marathon, hang up your fancy dress costume for the party of the year or switch off the lights for a night of ghost story telling. We love the ghouls and ghosts atmosphere at Halloween that sends a good old shiver down the spine! However you have planned to spend Halloween 2018, take some time to read our list of spooky destinations around the world which might inspire you to travel (or crawl into a ball of fear) and will probably open a can of terror, even for the most sceptical of readers.

Monte Cristo Homestead - New South Wales, Australia
Monte Cristo Homestead is a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1884/1885, which has supposedly been a host of multiple tragedies and deaths, including a maid who commited suicide from one of the mansion’s balconies, a servant boy who burnt to his death in the stables and a baby that was dropped down a flight of stairs - it’s all very tragic. The mansion is now operating as a B&B and the current owners have experienced many spooky episodes, from hearing weeping noises to feeling a general presence of spirit in and around the site. There are ghost tours on Saturday evenings allowing an insight into the building’s past, and those brave enough can stay the night… Flights to Australia, anyone?

Poveglia Island, Italy
For such a small island, Poveglia is associated with a large amount of terror. This utterly sinister destination in the Venice Lagoon was used as a quarantine station in the 14th century, where Venetians were sent to die and be buried after being infected with the plague. According to chilling legends, years later after the plague the building on the island operated as a mental asylum where residents were supposedly tortured and experimented on. This terrifying island has been abandoned since 1975 and a ghostly presence has been left behind, with shadows often glimpsed and voices heard. Poveglia Island is not easily accessible for visitors, but if you are particularly intrigued, some locals offer boat tours to the island.

Bhangarh Fort - Rajasthan, India
The historic Bhangarh Fort is set in Bhangarh, a deserted town dating back to the 17th century. These archaeological ruins are truly stunning by day, and make for some wonderful sightseeing with temples, walls, chambers and a royal palace to explore, but come evening, things turn quite darker, and not just because the sun has gone down… There have been many paranormal occurrences reported at Bhangarh Fort, with local villagers often said to witness shadows and hear music coming from the site. The Archaeological Survey of India has instructed that entry from dusk to dawn is forbidden, and according to legend, if you step foot on the grounds during this time, you’ll never be seen again. Ahhh!! You can book a holiday package to India and prepare for the ultimate fright if you like.

The Castle of Good Hope - Cape Town, South Africa
This colonial building is the oldest of its kind in Cape Town, playing a huge part in the city’s rich history. Multiple hauntings and apparitions have been reported at this landmark, including one back in 1915 when a man was seen jumping from the castle wall. The sounds of bells have often been heard from the building’s bell tower which was sealed off years ago, a famous Lady in Grey ghost has also been spotted crying around the castle, and frequent footsteps and voices are heard – total spine chills! The Castle of Good Hope is a popular tourist attraction in general, with an interesting memorial, museums and guided tours which offer an insight into Cape Town’s past, as well as great photo opportunities.

Banff Springs Hotel - Banff, Canada
Banff Springs Hotel is an ancient railway hotel and World Heritage Site. Opened in 1888, the luxury hotel offers stunning views of the lakes, mountains and wilderness with excellent services, amenities and facilities. Banff Springs Hotel has been home to numerous residents over the years, including ghosts… Yep, it’s a significantly haunted building. Many spirits have taken presence on site including a bride often seen dancing in the hotel’s ballroom with flames on her dress, a family seen outside room 873 where they were supposedly murdered (the room is now bricked up) and even a former bellman who wears a 60s style uniform. There is a general eerie presence here with Gothic style interiors and grand décor - a real setting for a horror story.

Have you visited any of these terrifying attractions or been to another haunted house or destination? Let us know in the comments below or via social media.