(Images: Zazzle; Vincent Dejardins; Mr. J Doe; howzey; Adam Jones; J.smith)
Since our first article in 2009, Urban Ghosts has reported extensively on urban exploration (or urbex) and building infiltration, delving deep into the hidden treasures of abandoned buildings and taking our readers to some of the world’s most bizarre, impressive and intriguing offbeat travel destinations. For those of you who are new to the site, this article links to some of the archived material that has thrilled readers up to this point. While only representing a small slice of Urban Ghosts’ content (and we definitely recommend you take a trip through our archives) these links will transport you to over 30 creepy abandonments, reveal the basics of urban exploration and introduce you to urban adventure. Enjoy!
10 Abandoned Buildings & Places Infiltrated by Urban Explorers - this popular article offers a photographic list of those abandoned places most coveted by urban explorers. Hardly definitive but definitely a great starting point, destinations covered include creepy abandoned hospitals, sanatoriums and insane asylums, deserted amusement parks and defunct industrial complexes, schools, workhouses and abandoned movie theatres. We’ll also explore subterranean rapid transport systems sewers, as well as abandoned military bases, aircraft and missile silos.
Global Urbex: 12 Haunting Abandoned Buildings & Places - If you enjoyed the article above, you’ll love this one! Here you’ll discover more abandoned subways, asylums and schools, as well as disused railway stations, sports stadiums, mining tunnels, creepy prisons and even entire abandoned cities.
10 (More) Abandoned Buildings & Places - on the same theme (of course!), this article takes you behind the locked gates of abandoned zoos, hotels, cemeteries and historic swimming pools. You’ll also discover more chilling prisons, abandoned pubs and bowling alleys, as well as ghost towns and aircraft graveyards.
A Brief Introduction to Urban Exploration - This article from the eerie depths of our archives introduces you to the underground hobby of urban exploration, from its history and origins to the hazards and legal issues surrounding the activity. It also introduces you to terminology such as urbex, building infiltration and spelunking, and outlines ways to explore legally and safely.
Urban Adventure: Geocaching, Elevator Surfing & Drainboating - a branch of urban exploration, urban adventure encompasses many things (including parkour) and doesn’t necessarily involve the infiltration of abandoned buildings. This article will introduce you to elevator surfing (very dangerous, don’t try at home if you happen to have a lift installed in your house), drainboating and geocaching. Click the link above to find out more.
Urbex Accessories: Mouse Pads feature Deserted Structures & Building Infiltration - We’re assuming that most urban explorers use computers in some capacity of another, but even if you’re an armchair explorer, this one is ideal for you. As the link above suggests, there are a variety of mouse pads and other accessories emblazoned with images of abandoned buildings. Click it to find out more.
