The Brecon Beacons, renowned as a destination that offers escapism and sheer beauty to visitors looking to explore one of the most picturesque places in Britain...however there’s also a lesser known darker side behind the heavenly scenes. Not only do we have the most haunted pub and castle in Wales, we also have a few places where there have been a few ghostly sightings…so here’s our Halloween special round-up of what you can get up to during a spooky visit to our National Park.
Reputed to be one of the oldest pubs in Wales, the Skirrid has a woven itself into history & folkore. Shakespeare himself is said to have taken inspiration from this place & Owain Glyndwr may have rallied his men on this very site. If you are lucky enough to be able to spend a few nights at the Inn, you will have the chance to maybe encounter a ghost or two! The pub hosts regular ghost hunting vigils and séances in small groups as well as leading ghostly experiments including glass divination, table tipping and ouija boards. Prices: Ghost tours start from £49pp. More info can be found here.
Craig Y Nos is a Victoria Gothic castle, known as the most haunted castle in Wales and is the former estate of acclaimed 19th century opera singer, Adelina Patti - once one of the world’s most famous women! Ghost-hunters can test their stamina at one of the castle’s overnight paranormal investigation events, where you can carry out spirtual experiments throughout the night, enjoy a three course meal and enjoy a tipple at their Cross Bar. Brave enough to stay the night? You can stay at the castle itself as part of the package. Click here for more information.
We can’t think of a more fitting place to spend Halloween than at the caves! Hundreds of feet below ground in areas that might have been used as burial chambers.
Can you survive the dark terrifying passages? Be sure to stop by the “bone cave” which has a reconstructed burial grounds from the Stone Ages. Watch out and don’t forget to duck if you spot a few bats…
If you’re brave enough to visit you’ll be sure to enjoy a spooky day at the show caves!
Telephone 01639 730 284, click here for more information, or email info@showcaves.co.uk
A trip to Tretower Court and Tower and the wandering “white lady”…
Tretower Court is a majestically preserved 14th century manor house with a ruined castle tower nearby that dates back to medieval times.
It’s so soaked in history, a few people suspect it might be haunted. So it was no surprise when the TV series “Most Haunted”filmed an episode there and discovered a few things. According to the guides who were working that day, the presenters “made lots of noise and all came out feeling very sad!”. We’re quite sure you’ll be feeling more amazed than sad when you visit this quite outstanding place.
The White Lady Ghost..
However maybe a visit on the scariest day of the year might stir-up a resident from the past. It is believed that a ghost known as the “White Lady” can be spotted walking along the balcony and across the courtyard, she’ll then stop and stand staring out to Chepstow. In the female quarter of the bed chambers some people have also said to have felt very cold and like there was a presence in the room.
It is believed the ghost does this as she is still waiting for her husband Roger Vaughan to come home to her. The tragic history goes that Roger Vaughan was beheaded, after being captured by his rival Jasper Tudor during the War of the Roses. Leaving the “lady in white” known as Lady Margaret, to live a lonely life alone and forever waiting in Tretower Court.
Tretower court is a really worthwhile place to visit and provides tours. So be sure to stop by to discover a place that has had a lot of influence to Wales and the Brecon Beacons.
The building has been restored to how it would have been when Henry Vaughan and family would have lived there. Why not go on their spooky Halloween trail? Find more information on Tretower Court here.
Designed to spook everyone, but scare no one! Expect a fearfully fun day out at Halloween at the funnest family farm in the Brecon Beacons.
Hop aboard the Cantref Express through Platform 9 and 6/8 to driving past the spooky forest,continue on your journey to marvel at the talking pumpkins and complete your wizard training at Wizard School with the star attraction Harry Trotter himself!
Take a walk to the Pumpkin Patch, pick out a pumpkin, push up those sleeves, get stuck in and carve your pumpkin before taking home to enjoy your creative delight. A visit to the Pumpkin Patch will be £3.50, including pumpkins your own carving kit and a tealight. Plus much, much more! For more information click here.
