Our journey begins with three places that are not only haunted by ghosts, but are also important points on the historical map of Wiltshire. The first stop is Old Wardour Castle, an imposing ruin dating back to the 14th century that is still stunning in its architecture. According to local legends, the castle is home to the ghost of Lady Blanche Arundell, who heroically defended the castle during the Civil War. Visitors often report a feeling of being watched and unexpected cool gusts of air, especially around the former chapel. The castle is open to the public year-round, and admission tickets can be purchased on site or through the English Heritage website. Prices range from £5 to £10, depending on age and discounts (as of 2024).

Our next destination is the National Trust-owned Avebury Manor, a 16th-century manor house surrounded by mysterious stone circles. This place is considered one of the most paranormally active in all of Britain. Visitors often report the presence of a monk's ghost in the gardens and unexplained sounds of footsteps and whispers in empty rooms. Although the mansion itself is currently closed due to flooding (scheduled to open in spring 2025), the gardens remain accessible and are equally fascinating. Tickets to the gardens cost about £10 for adults (2024 prices).

The final site in this section is Old Sarum, an ancient archaeological site that was once a powerful fortress. This site is haunted by ghosts from various eras - from Celtic warriors to medieval knights. Visitors often report feelings of unease and impressions of the presence of unseen beings, especially around the ruins of the cathedral. Old Sarum offers not only ghostly encounters, but also breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The site is managed by English Heritage, and admission tickets cost between £6 and £12 (2024 prices).

Each site offers a unique paranormal experience, but also a wealth of history and culture. Old Wardour Castle impresses with its romantic architecture and dramatic history, Avebury Manor offers a combination of an elegant mansion and mystical stone circles, and Old Sarum takes us back to the days of ancient civilizations. All of these sites are accessible to families, although some parts may be difficult to access for those with limited mobility. It's worth remembering to wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing, especially during evening visits, when the atmosphere becomes truly dark and mysterious.

Continuing our tour of Wiltshire's haunted sites, we move on to locations that are known for intense paranormal phenomena and chilling stories. Our first stop is The Ancient Ram Inn, considered one of the most haunted buildings in Britain. This 15th-century inn in Wotton-under-Edge is famous for countless tales of ghosts, demons and witches. Visitors report the touch of invisible hands, unidentified sounds and even cases of possession. The facility is available by advance reservation only, and prices range from £25 to £50 per person, depending on the type of event (as of 2024).

For those who prefer organized guided tours, Bath Ghost Tours offers a fascinating journey through the haunted corners of the historic city of Bath. Although technically located outside of Wiltshire, this tour is worth including for its proximity and wealth of paranormal tales. Guides, dressed in period costumes, lead groups through dark alleys, telling tales of the ghosts of monks, Roman soldiers and victims of epidemics. Tours take place every evening, and tickets cost about £10 for adults (2024 prices).

Another highlight is Farleigh Hungerford Castle, a 14th-century castle ruin with a grim history of family intrigue and murder. The castle is famous for its haunted chapel and crypt, where rare, well-preserved lead coffins can be seen. Visitors often report feelings of unease and cold chills, especially near the dungeon. The castle is open to the public year-round, and admission tickets cost between £6 and £10 (2024 prices).

Lacock Abbey, on the other hand, offers a mix of history, architecture and paranormal phenomena. This place, made famous by the Harry Potter movies, has its own collection of ghosts. Visitors report the presence of the 'White Lady' in the library and unexplained sounds of footsteps in empty corridors. In addition to searching for ghosts, visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens and learn about the history of photography. Admission tickets cost about £15 for adults (2024 prices).

For fans of horror literature, Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein in Bath is a must-see. This interactive museum dedicated to the life of the author and her famous monster offers a chilling experience, including a spooky maze in the basement. Although not typically a haunted place, the atmosphere of horror and eeriness is pervasive here. Tickets cost about £15 for adults (2024 prices).

Each of these places offers unique paranormal experiences, but they vary in level of intensity and type of attractions. The Ancient Ram Inn is by far the most extreme experience, while Bath Ghost Tours and Lacock Abbey are more suitable for families with children. Farleigh Hungerford Castle and Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein offer the perfect combination of history and horror. It's worth remembering that some of these sites may not be suitable for sensitive people or young children due to the intensity of the experience.

In the final part of our tour of Wiltshire's haunted sites, we'll focus on locations that combine ancient mysteries with modern paranormal phenomena. We begin with Avebury, a remarkable complex of stone circles that is not only a UNESCO monument, but also a site of intense paranormal activity. Visitors often report a feeling of being watched by unseen beings, especially at dusk. Some claim to have seen the spirits of druids performing mysterious rituals among the stones. Admission to the circles is free, although there is a fee to enter the museum and manor house (about £10 for adults, as of 2024).

We can't leave out the most famous ancient monument in Britain - Stonehenge. While the site is primarily a tourist attraction, it also has its dark side. Visitors report inexplicable light phenomena, feelings of unease and the impression of the presence of ancient spirits, especially during the summer and winter solstices. Admission tickets are best booked in advance, with prices ranging from £20 to £25 for adults (2024 prices).

For those looking for less crowded but equally fascinating places, we recommend a visit to the Big Belly Oak in Savernake Forest. One of the oldest trees in the UK, more than 1,000 years old, it is surrounded by legends of ghosts and mysterious phenomena. Visitors often report feelings of unease and the impression that the tree is 'watching' them. Admission to the forest is free, but be careful as the tree is close to a busy road.

Another interesting site is Cherhill White Horse, a huge horse statue carved into the hillside. Although the statue itself is not considered haunted, the surrounding area is known for unexplained light phenomena and mysterious figures seen at dusk. It's a great place for adventurous ghost hunters to take a night walk. Admission is free, but caution is advised when walking up the steep slopes, especially at night.

Finally, it's worth mentioning Malmesbury Abbey, a medieval abbey with a rich history and an equally rich collection of ghosts. Visitors report the presence of a monk's ghost in the cloisters and unexplained organ sounds in the empty church. The abbey is open to the public and admission is free, although voluntary donations for the upkeep of the monument are recommended.

Comparing the sites, Avebury and Stonehenge offer the most impressive visual and historical experiences, but are also the most crowded. Big Belly Oak and Cherhill White Horse are excellent options for those who prefer a quieter, more intimate encounter with the paranormal. Malmesbury Abbey combines history, architecture and paranormal phenomena in one place.

It is worth remembering that all of these places, while fascinating, require respect and caution. Always follow local regulations and safety recommendations. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these places offer an unforgettable experience and a deep dive into Wiltshire's rich history and culture. Get ready for a journey that combines thrills with a fascinating history lesson - and who knows, you might even meet a ghost or two!