07-05-2025
WATCH: Urban Explorers walk tunnels at former Denbigh Asylum
The Former North Wales Hospital was built in 1844 - 1848, to provide care for Welsh speaking people suffering from mental illnesses.
It was extended in the 1860s and again in the 20th century and by 1956 there were 1,500 patients. The Health Authority announced closure in 1987 and the last patient left in 1995. Since then, the abandoned site has fallen into a serious state of disrepair.
The abandoned site has fallen into a serious state of disrepair (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) B&R Urban Explorers UK spent well over a hour exploring the grounds.
A member of the group, who does not wish to be named, told the Free Press: "Exploring the hospital itself, you get a sense of sadness. You cannot help but think of the many people who have passed through the hospital, some never making it back out.
"In the tunnels it was if someone was there with you, a very eery feeling, especially seeing old operating lights down there.
Eerie... (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) "It felt very cold but intriguing.
"They were dark, damp and some were narrow with one even having a lift in it that went further down as you travelled further down the tunnels.
"You got more of a sense of being watched. It was pretty freaky but really cool to explore.
Up to 1,500 patients lived at the facility (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) "We as urban explorers and have wanted to do this place for sometime.""
Urban Explorers UK aim to seek out the "unknown."
Speaking more about the hospital, the member said: "The hospital has undergone various changes, expansions, and reforms, but its legacy is marked by controversy, tragedy, and paranormal activity.
An old lift (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) "The hospital's history is marked by periods of overcrowding, understaffing, and inadequate care. Patients were often subjected to inhumane treatments, including lobotomies and other forms of psychiatric experimentation. The hospital's mortality rates were also alarmingly high, with many patients dying from neglect, abuse, or untreated illnesses.
Most of the windows have been smashed (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) "Today, the North Wales Hospital is said to be one of the most haunted places in Wales. Visitors and staff have reported a range of paranormal activity, including ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and strange movements. Many believe that the hospital's troubled history has led to a lingering presence of restless spirits, trapped between worlds.
"The North Wales Hospital's legacy is a complex and disturbing one. While it was intended to provide care and treatment for those in need, it ultimately became a symbol of fear, neglect, and abuse. Today, the hospital stands as a testament to the darker aspects of human nature and the importance of prioritising patient care and dignity.
"The hospital was gradually wound down as a health are facility in 1991 and finally closed in 1995.
Crumbling walls and peeling paint (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) Walking the underground tunnels of this place , you cannot help but wonder what went on down there."
The main hospital building is Grade II* listed.
The former hospital had extensive grounds (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) Denbighshire County Council (DCC) are now the owners, while Jones Bros are currently in possession of the site; The previous owners of the site had allowed the buildings to deteriorate. A decision was made for Denbighshire County Council to compulsory purchasing the site using powers available to local authorities under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Prior to DCC taking ownership, the site has had two owners. Since closure it has suffered from neglect, vandalism and theft. It is now in an extremely dilapidated state.
The £107million capital investment project proposal to be delivered by Jones Bros includes restoration of the Grade 2* listed building, development of new homes and green spaces, a skills and training facility as well as over 1,000m2 of commercial space.
The public should not go near North Wales Hospital site. The site is dangerous and contains hazardous materials.
