It’s October, which means everyone is getting the mood for Halloween by visiting haunted houses or planning their spooky party. However, dotted around the world are several tragic abandoned settlements which have long been uninhabited. Some of them are rather eerie, whereas others leave a sombre reminder of the devastation that war can leave behind. All of these towns are available to visit, so if you’re looking for a day trip that is a little outside of the box, look no further.
Pripyat, Ukraine
The abandoned town of Pripyat, Ukraine sits in decay after it’s 50,000 residents were forced to flee following an explosion at the nearby Chernobyl power plant three decades ago. Now, the buildings are slowly being reclaimed by nature and tourists are allowed to visit on day trips- the radiation level has decreased greatly since the incident. You can choose to have guided Chernobyl tours where your guide will tell you lots of Chernobyl facts. One of the most notable landmarks of Pripyat is the abandoned ferris wheel, part of a theme park that was only open for a few hours before the disaster.
Getting there: You can fly from most major UK airports to Kiev, where Pripyat is an hour and a half drive away. KLM airlines is one of the airlines offering flights to Ukraine.
Hashima Island, Japan
More than 5,000 people lived on Hashima Island until 1974, when a coal mine shut down and the island was promptly abandoned. Film fans will recognise the island as it served as the inspiration for the villain’s lair in ‘Skyfall’. Also known as Battleship Island Japan, you can use Google Street View to take a virtual tour if it’s a bit far for you to visit.
Getting there: To reach Hashima Island, you have to book through a tour company. British Airways flies to nearby Nagasaki in partnership with Japan Airlines with a stopover in Tokyo.
Varosha, Cyprus
The sandy beaches of Varosha Cyprus were once frequented by the stars of yesteryear such as Elizabeth Taylor and Bridgette Bardot. However in the summer of 1974, the resort was invaded by Turkish troops and therefore evacuated by its 40,000 residents. Today, the resort is fenced off and patrolled by Turkish troops. Photography at the barbed wire border is heavily prohibited.
Getting there: Many companies offer transfers to the area of Varosha from Larnaca. Easyjet is one of the airlines who travel there.
Bodie, California
Bodie is a classic example of a thriving settlement left to wither away. In the 1880s, it had a population of around 10,000- mostly miners looking for gold. However, they all eventually moved on to look for gold elsewhere. By the 1940’s, it had just a handful of residents and it was later named a historic park. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this town is that the houses are still filled with the previous owner’s belongings.
Getting there: Bodie is located a few miles of dirt road off the highway in California. The closest place to fly to is San Jose, perhaps with Virgin Atlantic.
Fordlandia, Brazil
You’ll find this town deep in the Amazon Rainforest. It was the brainchild of car manufacturer Henry Ford, who wanted to create a Michigan style environment for his overseas workers. However, both women and alcohol were banned and soon the native workers began to rebel. The idea never really took off and was finally destroyed once the invention of synthetic rubber came along. Today, all that remains of Fordlandia is decaying buildings.
Getting there: The town is miles from anywhere, but the closest place is most likely Belém- no direct flights here from the UK, but you can fly to Sao Paulo and get a transfer.
Oradour-Sur-Glane, France
Last up, it’s by far the most haunting of this list. Oradour-Sur-Glane is a small village in France which lies abandoned after almost all of its residents were massacred in 1944 by Nazi soldiers as a revenge act for the capture of a German soldier by French forces. Since that fateful day, the village has remained untouched to serve as a reminder of the horrors of war.
Getting there: The closest airport is Limoges, with a range of airlines such as Flybe and Ryanair flying there.
