Calling all Ghost Hunters: Investigate Hundreds of Haunted Castles and Manors in Wales

NEW YORK, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- With the highest castle-to-person ratio in the world, Wales is the destination for haunted castles. There are 641 castles to three million people, hundreds of historic houses and countless reports of paranormal activity. Here are our top five locations for ghostly encounters in Wales.

1. Ruthin Castle Hotel

Stay in a haunted castle. Guests might meet Lady Gray, Ruthin Castle's resident ghost, who was executed for murdering her husband's lover.  She is often seen roaming the castle grounds and battlements.  Ruthin Castle offers murder mystery dinners, Medieval Banquets and guided tours of the dungeons throughout the year. www.ruthincastle.co.uk.

2. Hotel Maes-y-Neuadd

Snag a few nights in the Morfa Suite at Hotel Maes-y-Neuadd (mansion in the meadow). This haunted bedroom boasts a female phantom thought to be the ghost of a former children's nursemaid. She has been known to calmly lull guests into a deep and restful slumber. The historic manor house dates back to the 14th century and overlooks the Snowdonia National Park. www.neuadd.com.

3. Llancaiaich Fawr Manor

No less than eight raucous residents lurk in Llancaiaich Fawr Manor, a living history museum of the year 1645. Considered one of Britain's most-haunted buildings its ghosts include prank-playing children, soldiers and a maid. Ghost tours run from October through March. www.caerphilly.gov.uk/llancaiachfawr

4. Caerphilly Castle

Don't miss Wales' largest castle. Caerphilly Castle is said to be home of the "Green Lady of Caerphilly." While the castle is fairytale-like, the story of the green lady is tragic: she is thought to be the spirit of Alice, a star-crossed lover who died tragically.

5. Caernarfon Castle

The ghosts of English soldiers are said to be on constant vigil defending against the native Welsh at the mighty Caernarfon Castle. Dating back to 1283, this former military stronghold was once a royal palace of King Edward I. Today visitors can walk the walls and climb the towers in search of paranormal battles.

Featured on the Syfy Channel's "Ghost Hunters International" and the Travel Channel's "Most Haunted," Wales delivers world class paranormal adventures. Serious investigators, Halloween thrill seekers, and vacationers in search of the supernatural will find the best haunted destinations at: www.visitwales.com/ghosts.

About Wales:

• Wales is about the size of Massachusetts: 200 miles long and 70 miles across. The Capital city, Cardiff, is just two-and-a-half hours from London by train or car.
• Wales, England and Scotland are the three distinct countries that make up the island of Britain.
• The people of Wales are called Welsh; many speak the ancient Welsh language (and English).
• Wales is host nation for golf's Ryder Cup tournament to be played at the Celtic Manor Resort in October 2010.
• Visit Wales is the government tourist office, offering vacation-planning assistance at www.visitwales.com.

SOURCE Visit Wales