10-Villisca Axe Murder House:
The story of the Villisca axe murders has been etched into the history of this small town forever. On June 10, 1912, what used to be the home of Josiah and Sarah Moore and their four children, became a grisly crime scene that would forever haunt those who heard of it. The killer of this brutal massacre was never identified, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and speculation for over a century. However, despite its dark history, the house still stands today, fully restored to its original condition, and open for visitors to explore. During lamplight tours from April through November, or overnight experiences available by reservation for groups, visitors can immerse themselves in the chilling ambience of the home. It’s an experience that’s not only interesting but also healthy for those who seek to unravel the mystery that surrounds this infamous crime.
9-MARY KING’S CLOSE, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND:
Mary King’s Close is an underground maze of streets and dwellings. It was once a thriving trading hub where Edinburgh’s artisans lived and worked. However, in 1645, the close was believed to have been deserted following an outbreak of the plague. Those infected individuals chose to remain behind in solitude. The location is now a popular tourist spot, offering daily tours to history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the tales associated with the close.
Since the 17th century, there have been reports of supernatural occurrences in the close, establishing it as one of Scotland’s most haunted places. The Coltheart family, residents in 1685, were the first to report paranormal phenomena. Shortly after moving in following the plague outbreak, they began witnessing apparitions and were filled with fright after encountering phantom detached limbs and enduring vivid nightmares.
Presently, both staff and visitors have claimed encounters with the apparitions of a ‘worried woman’, a woman dressed in black, and a young girl named Annie. Annie’s spirit has been known to engage with individuals who leave her gifts in one of the rooms.
Additional reports include the sounds of scratching, echoes of a party or tavern, and footsteps that seem to trail behind you. There have also been accounts of thrown stones and frequent capture of intense EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) throughout the area, particularly in Mr Chesney’s house.
8-THE QUEEN MARY HOTEL, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, USA:
The Queen Mary Hotel is a former ocean liner that sailed primarily in the North Atlantic during the 1930s to 1960s. Since the 1970s, the liner has been operated as a hotel in Long Beach, California.
It’s considered one of the most haunted hotels in America, and with the wide array of experiences that have been reported there, it’s difficult to argue. The ship has so many ghostly areas that it’s challenging to know where to start when describing them.
The most popular reports seem to be from the First Class Swimming Pool. Two women drowned here during the 1930s and 1960s. Their apparitions have been seen on numerous occasions in this area.
The figure of a woman in white has been observed in the Queen’s Salon. There have been sightings of a gentleman in a formal 1930’s suit in the First Class suites. The spirits of two children have been seen and heard near the storage room, and the apparition of a young woman has been observed walking through the Tourist Class Swimming Pool.
In cabin B340, there have also been numerous paranormal reports. However, this is no longer available for rent. Whether this is due to the experiences reported there or for completely different reasons is unknown.