Powis Castle

Powis Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress turned stately home, rises dramatically from red sandstone cliffs above the town of Welshpool in mid-Wales. Originally built by Welsh princes in the 13th century, the castle passed through noble families and was transformed over the centuries into a luxurious residence featuring stunning baroque interiors, world-famous terraced gardens, and one of Britain’s finest collections of paintings and furniture. Despite its beauty and grandeur, Powis Castle harbors a dark reputation as one of Wales’s most actively haunted historic houses.

The State Bedroom is the epicenter of paranormal activity at Powis Castle. This opulent chamber, with its ornate four-poster bed and rich tapestries, has been the setting for numerous ghostly encounters over the centuries. Multiple guests have reported waking in the night to see mysterious figures standing at the foot of the bed or sitting in chairs around the room. These apparitions appear dressed in period clothing from various eras, suggesting that several different spirits are attached to this particular chamber. Some witnesses describe feeling an oppressive presence, while others report being awakened by the sensation of someone sitting on the edge of the bed.

Beyond the State Bedroom, the castle’s long galleries and winding staircases host additional paranormal phenomena. Staff and visitors report hearing phantom footsteps, doors opening and closing by themselves, and cold spots that move through rooms. The castle’s portrait gallery is particularly active, with several people reporting that the eyes in certain paintings seem to follow them. One recurring apparition is that of a woman in grey who glides silently through the upper corridors before vanishing through solid walls. The castle’s ancient dungeons and medieval sections also generate reports of unexplained voices, shadowy figures, and the lingering sense of centuries-old suffering. The National Trust, which now manages Powis Castle, acknowledges its haunted reputation, though the State Bedroom is no longer used for overnight guests.