If you’re game to confront the unknown, why not test your courage at one of Wales’s most haunted spots?This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Newton House in Llandeilo is considered one of the country’s most haunted locations(Image: Portia Jones )
We are now firmly in Halloween season, the perfect excuse to embrace all things eerie and for ghost hunters to plan their spine-tingling escape to Wales. And if you’re game to confront the unknown, why not test your courage at one of Wales’ most haunted spots?
Newton House in Llandeilo is considered one of the country’s most haunted locations. Paranormal investigators and the National Trust often name it their most haunted property in Wales, and visitors regularly report ghostly sightings.
This Grade II* listed beauty sits at the heart of the Dinefwr estate and was once home to Welsh royalty. The area is steeped in history, with Dinefwr Castle, built in the late 12th century, once serving as the royal seat of the kings and princes of Deheubarth.
Recent excavations near Dinefwr Park uncovered two Roman forts, revealing that Llandeilo’s history stretches back to the first century AD.
But it’s Newton House where most of the ghostly activity occurs. For over 300 years, this opulent manor was home to the descendants of Lord Rhys, Prince of Deheubarth, whose formidable dynasty held firm against the Anglo-Normans until Edward I arrived.
The original Jacobean building was erected on land inhabited for nearly 2,000 years.(Image: Mark Lewis)
In 1660, Edward Rice constructed the current house and named it after the medieval ‘New Town’ that once accommodated English settlers. However, the mansion’s roots stretch even further back.
The original Jacobean building was erected on land inhabited for nearly 2,000 years. In 1990, the National Trust took over, and they’ve worked tirelessly to preserve the grandeur and beauty ever since.
When open to the public, the museum offers fascinating exhibitions that bring to life the rich history of Dinefwr, from the grandeur of the estate’s past to the everyday lives of those who lived and worked there.
With its striking Gothic exterior, the house looks every bit the haunted manor. It retains many of its original 17th-century features, including the impressive grand staircase and ornate ceilings.
There are many stories here (Image: Portia Jones )
According to the National Trust, there have been plenty of spooky reports, as the property is said to be haunted by various entities, including a spectral butler, a lady of the manor and other eerie apparitions like a “white lady” or a “ghostly child.”
Visitors have reported paranormal experiences such as unexplained noises, moving objects, cold spots, and even a sensation of being choked on the cantilevered staircase.
Lady Elinor Cavendish’s ghost is one of the most talked-about here. Her tragic tale unfolds in the 18th century when she was coerced into a marriage she desperately didn’t want. Fleeing from her violent husband, she tried to break free, but he tracked her down and, in a fit of rage, strangled her to death.
Today, her spirit is said to roam the grounds of Newton House and the ruins of Dinefwr Castle, eternally chasing the freedom she was denied. Visitors today often spot a beautiful woman, thought to be Elinor, gliding across rooms, only to vanish.
Some also report a strange sensation on the staircase where Elinor is believed to have died. Walter, the butler, often appears in the servants’ basement, where his ghostly presence lingers. People who’ve seen him mention the distinct smell of tobacco smoke, as if he’s still tending to his duties long after his death.
What ghosts lie within? (Image: Shared Content Unit)
The house has also been featured on paranormal investigation shows like Most Haunted. In the Newton House episode, Yvette Fielding and band Bullet for My Valentine investigate the stories of strangulation, suicide and deadly revenge.
You can try your hand at ghost hunting here. This Halloween, Newton House becomes The Dark House, a “chilling, immersive journey into Welsh myth and folklore.”
At this free National Trust event, you can encounter eerie traditions, unsettling tales, and ancient customs from the Tywi Valley. After dark, the house comes alive with light, shadow, and the presence of spirits like Ladi Wen and the Hwch Ddu Gwta. Hear strange stories about the house in the Drawing Room, and see if you can spot a spectre or two.
The Dark House event takes place from 4pm-7pm on October 29 and 31.
Dinefwr Castle is also worth a visit(Image: Mark Lewis)
The formidable 12th-century Dinefwr castle is also worth a visit for spooky sightings. These ruins played a pivotal role in Welsh history, serving as the stronghold of Lord Rhys, the influential prince of the Welsh Kingdom of Deheubarth.
His reign ushered in a rare era of peace and stability, sparking a renaissance in Welsh culture, music and poetry. Following Rhys’s death, however, disputes over succession led to tumultuous years as Welsh princes battled amongst themselves and against the English.
Dinefwr eventually succumbed to English control in 1287 and remained so for centuries, despite Owain Glyndŵr’s attempt to reclaim it during his rebellion of 1403.
You can also spot deer here (Image: Dave Pardoe)
The majestic ruin is now under the care of Cadw and is open to the public. You can also stroll through 800 acres of rolling parkland, meadows, and woodland with many veteran trees. At its heart is a medieval Deer Park with an accessible route and boardwalk.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Newton House, then there are plenty of good options, including The Cawdor. This boutique retreat has earned a spot in The Sunday Times Travel’s list of the top 100 hotels in Britain, and it’s not hard to see why, thanks to its traditional charm mixed with modern comfort. You can book here.