Discover the Top 10 Abandoned Places in Wales: explore eerie, historic locations perfect for urbex enthusiasts and lovers of mystery.
Wales, with its dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and rich heritage, is home to many abandoned places that carry the echoes of the past. From old mines and deserted villages to haunting castles and churches, these sites offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Welsh history. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Wales for urban explorers, history lovers, and those curious about Wales' hidden gems.
1. Dinorwic Quarry (Gwynedd)
Once one of the world’s largest slate quarries, Dinorwic Quarry in Snowdonia National Park closed in 1969. The site is filled with abandoned slate buildings, crumbling machinery, and a network of old rail tracks. Nestled in a stunning mountainous landscape, Dinorwic has an otherworldly atmosphere, capturing the grandeur and harshness of Wales' industrial past.
2. Llanwonno Church (Rhondda Cynon Taff)
Hidden in the forests of Rhondda, Llanwonno Church has been abandoned for decades and is surrounded by overgrown graves and crumbling walls. Known for its mysterious atmosphere and association with the legendary runner Guto Nyth Brân, the church is often said to be haunted. This eerie ruin is a peaceful but haunting spot for history enthusiasts.
3. Capel Celyn (Gwynedd)
Capel Celyn was a Welsh-speaking village in the Tryweryn Valley, flooded in 1965 to create the Llyn Celyn reservoir. During dry seasons, the village’s ruins, including foundations and stone walls, occasionally emerge from the water, offering a haunting reminder of the people displaced by the flooding. Capel Celyn’s story remains an emotional symbol in Welsh history.
4. North Wales Hospital (Denbigh)
The North Wales Hospital in Denbigh was once a psychiatric hospital that opened in the 1840s and closed in the 1990s. Now a crumbling and partially overgrown ruin, the hospital has been the subject of ghost stories and paranormal investigations. Its grand but decaying structure, broken windows, and eerie hallways make it a compelling and haunting place to explore.
5. Ruperra Castle (Caerphilly)
Built in the 17th century, Ruperra Castle was a grand estate before it fell into disrepair following a fire in the 1940s. The partially collapsed walls, overgrown courtyards, and haunting Gothic architecture make it one of Wales’ most beautiful and eerie abandoned sites. The castle’s ghostly appearance and mysterious history add to its allure for photographers and ghost hunters.
6. Porth Wen Brickworks (Anglesey)
Porth Wen Brickworks is a coastal industrial site on Anglesey that once produced fire bricks for steelmaking. Abandoned in the early 20th century, the site features crumbling kilns, chimneys, and machinery now overtaken by nature. Set against a scenic coastal backdrop, Porth Wen’s rusting relics and tidal pools create a hauntingly beautiful landscape.
7. The Ghost Village of Imber (Brecon Beacons)
Imber was a village in the Brecon Beacons that was evacuated during World War II for military training purposes and never repopulated. The remaining buildings, including an old church, now stand abandoned, used only for occasional military exercises. The desolate village, nestled in the hills, captures the haunting legacy of a place left behind by history.
8. Morlais Castle (Merthyr Tydfil)
Perched on a hill overlooking the Taff Valley, Morlais Castle was built in the 13th century and fell into ruin after a siege. Today, its remaining walls and crumbling towers stand as silent witnesses to medieval Welsh history. The castle’s isolated location and decayed state make it a peaceful yet haunting site to explore, surrounded by scenic views of the countryside.
9. Craig-y-nos Castle (Powys)
Though now partially a hotel, parts of Craig-y-nos Castle remain abandoned and in disrepair. Once owned by the famous opera singer Adelina Patti, the castle later served as a tuberculosis hospital. Many believe it to be haunted, and its long, empty corridors, crumbling sections, and ornate but decayed interiors make it a popular destination for ghost hunters and history buffs alike.
10. South Stack Fog Signal Station (Holy Island, Anglesey)
Located near South Stack Lighthouse on Anglesey, the Fog Signal Station once helped ships navigate the treacherous coastline. Abandoned in the 20th century, the station’s crumbling walls and windswept location create a haunting atmosphere. The view of the sea and cliffs, along with the eerie silence of the abandoned building, make it a fascinating place for photographers and explorers.