St Albans Sanatorium Screams from Screen Reviews

A sanitorium that treated psychiatric disorders. 4.75 Pumpkins

Let me be clear - the theme this year, "Screams from the Screen", may not be as scary to some, but the OG's scare me no matter what haunted house I'm in. A temporary haunt could not compare to this, seeing as how they still have fixtures, cracked windows, peeling paint, etc. from when this building was in use. So, if you believe in the paranormal, this is going to be scarier than a typical haunt. From seeing the building earlier in daylight, up until we exited the haunt, I felt like I was in a horror movie right before things go left. That's my best description. My mind played tricks on me at every step, including later that evening and here - days later, I wonder if some of those noises/sounds were from the actors. I'm not sure what I believe, but you can't overlook the fact that a lot of terrible sh!+ was done to humans in that building over the years. If any place is truly haunted, it's St. Albans. For the Halloween haunt part, it's great! We were there the 1st night, due to rain delays from 9/27/24. They could've used 5-10 more actors throughout, but the area had flooding and some evacuations, plus we ended up there as the last group, so I only took 1 pumpkin away for that because I can't take part of a pumpkin away for the rating. As far as following the theme, that was excellent. Your favorite scary movie icon will most likely show up. I was just a little thrown off with having the OG villains scaring me in a 130+ year old house that in my opinion only, could've possibly been scarier using actors and scenes that you might find in asylums such as those giving or receiving lobotomies, electroshock treatment, homicidal mentally ill patients, the bullying school boys, paranormal etc. My assumption (but I should have asked), is that they often have the same local-ish visitors every Halloween, and felt they needed to change it up, but I would NOT have done that. There are certainly ways to keep it consistent with the history of the building and also incorporate new techniques, props, mirrors, mazes, make-up, and all around effects to keep people guessing. I would LOVE to offer some ideas for next year just based on the evolution of the land and building. Overall, 4.75 pumpkins considering the actually scary building, the effects they used to follow their theme, the jump scares, the heaviness of the atmosphere, and the very friendly staff. They got some screams out of me, basically because of a relentless Vorhees plus some. PLEASE IF YOU CAN, DONATE TO KEEP THE BUILDING STANDING

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Length of Event:	21-30 minutes
Time Visited:	After 9PM
Would Recommend:	Yes
Suitable For Kids:	Unsure

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Email Verified So Scary

this place was amazing. It was cool to see the inside of the bulding and see all the history. It was so scary! had me jumping at every turn

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2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Great Haunted House!

Great Haunted House! Not incredibly long, usually takes around 20 minutes to go through completely. Usually there are an average amount of actors that are usually very engaging. Myself and people in my group have actually felt touching and I have felt my hat being pulled off my head. It is a no touch haunted house, so any touching is done by the ghosts that inhabit the old sanatorium.

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5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Magnificent!!

It was a huge mansion with a ghastly past. There were winding hallways that was dusty. Now, looking like an old asylum, the history behind this building was too hard to ignore as we were exploring.

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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Perfect Halloween Spot

It was a great time at the Sanatorium and I will recommend it to anyone who love to have a real spooky Halloween. A night long investigation was a scary thought but wanted to experience the thrill.

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Incredibly awesome

It was incredible. Lots of chills and thrills. The staff is super friendly as well. Very impressed and would definitely be back to try another one!

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Wonderful night

It’s been a wonderful night at the Sanatorium. It was an interesting activity and I have always done it every year. Me and my friends went for a private investigation. The basement, broiler room and vast bathrooms are fodder for an existence that you can easily capture. We were given an introduction to the whole thing which was helpful. Waiting for the next opportunity to come back.

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

An unparalleled experience!!!

We got to spend a night here at St Alban's Sanatorium and it was simply awesome. It was a beautiful mansion with an ugly past. It was flashlight tour with my son and it was an experience unparalleled. It sure was scary but we had a guide to take us along the entire place. That was a great relief. The guide was friendly and had good knowledge about the place and its history. Which was good. We got to learn a lot from them and I love to do a longer one.

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Email Verified Very interesting mansion

A great time and is always a lot of fun. Very interesting mansion with a great history of ghosts and horror.

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Email Verified Real adventure is out here...

Went with my friends for the real adventure. I never was the scary type. But when you get equipped with shadow detectors, rim pods and KII your heart starts racing. We liked the stories that were told and its ghostly past was heart breaking. We could get the full spectrum in the equipment and that was superb.

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Bit boring

Personally I did not feel scared at all. The actors and volunteers tried their level best to scare us but did not work much to their exasperation. There were more no scare areas than the scare spots. History tour was uninspiring. It was a bit boring and I’m not coming back.

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4 out of 9 found this review helpful

Fascinating experience

If paranormal is your thing, check this one out. The building itself was very fascinating. Participating in the investigation was a first time experience for me. I spent most of the time in basement bowling alley, Broiler room and the large bathroom. The staff were friendly and they help me to have a safe, organized and undisturbed paranormal hunt. I would certainly love to have a second chance in investigating this building. I will recommend this place.

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3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Definitely not worth

Wasn’t scary at all. The setup of old sanatorium was nice but they didn’t have adequate actors for entertainment. The queue was long and there were hardly any staffs or entertainers who can listen to our queries. It was easy to find where the actors were hiding and scares weren’t of good quality. Besides this, they were charging for parking. Definitely not worth a visit for such a high admission fee.

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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Email Verified Mind blowing experience

The visit to St Albans Sanatorium was my first paranormal investigation activity and it was mind blowing. It was a terrifying experience communicating with the spirits as guided by our volunteer. We investigated and could gather some evidence. It was thrilling as we move from one hot spot to another. It was a huge area to investigate and the staff was very patient with us. We will definitely come back.

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Whole new experience

I was always intrigued by paranormal literature, and when I heard about St Albans Sanatorium, I couldn’t resist. Me and wife had a great time interacting with the spirits. In fact, I was blown away by the experience. The management and staff were really helpful in guiding us. Overall, it was a whole new experience. I would want to come back again. It was a great experience. Characters were spot on and they interacted with us. The staff were quite knowledgeable about St Albions and they were willing to answer any questions thrown at them. I will recommend this place if you are looking for a really haunted place to investigate.

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Email Verified Totally freaked out

I and my husband visited the St Albans Sanatorium and I must say I was totally freaked out by this very old building. It had lights in and some strange noises inside. The spirits leave you spell bound. They even talk to you and take your attention. Yes, it does sound a bit creepy but I will say that just go and visit this place if you have any interest in history. I will be coming back soon spirits!!

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Email Verified Scary paranormal activity

You will get the chills at this place with real paranormal activities around the historical building. Even a non believer will feel there are ghosts in there with the creepy ambience and darkness. St Albans Sanatorium is maze like and is in ruins. It was once a mental health facility updated to a haunt house. It was phenomenal and took about 15 minutes to go through. Each year it is getting longer. The volunteers were quite knowledgeable, engaging and kept us on our nerves. The fact that it is actually haunted makes this place one of the best. Would love to come back to have new ghost adventures.

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Email Verified The spooky old building

I am not a kind of person for this terror of ghosts. I was really spell bound on seeing this beautiful building. The staff here is very much equipped in all details about St Albans Sanatorium and they answer all your doubts. But you will be surprised to know that the spirits here they communicate to you. I had come here as I had heard about their "Flashlight Tours" where they teach you the history this place and let you use some ghost hunting equipment. I loved being here and enjoyed every bit of it. I recommend you all to visit this place once.

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Email Verified Perfect spooky atmosphere

The view of this old sanatorium is very beautiful from outside. Here you will get to see things that are just beyond normal human thinking. It was an unexpected kind of creepiness inside the house. We really enjoyed seeing the building and loved the bowling alley. Reasonably priced and perfectly spooky atmosphere. Little bit of a long wait it was okay!

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Email Verified It was a great experience

It was a great experience. Characters were spot on and they interacted with us. The staff were quite knowledgeable about St Albions and they were willing to answer any questions thrown at them. I will recommend this place if you are looking for a really haunted place to investigate.

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Loved it!

This is a great attraction. The sanitorium itself is the star, full of creepy hallways and narrow stairs. The staff/actors are great. Plus, we took videos when we left, and our phones picked up spirit orbs! Loved it!

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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

The devil

My frat brothers and I went this past Saturday. We weren't really scared but this devil guy popped up 4 different times throughout. It was pretty amazing he knew where we were going to be. Wish we would be here next year to see what they will pull off!

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Best in VA!

We went this past weekend to House of Havoc, and let me tell you, it blew Gallows AND Graham's Forge out of the water! St.Albans has stepped it up since last year! This is the best haunted house I have been to! I def will be back this Friday (Halloween!!!) to see what all they have in store for us! :)

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6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Still Fun

I went for the first time this weekend and it was lots of fun! The rooms were set up nicely, however due to LOTS of fog and strobe lights, I couldn't really even see how some of the rooms were set up. I realize this is all a part of the effect, yet seeing "blood and guts" rather than blinding fog is scarier to me. Also, I personally cannot handle strobe lights because I am very light sensitive, so I had to close my eyes for a lot of it. From what I could see though, the props and decorations were done very well!One other thing is that even with the directory signs, it was still confusing to find your path through the building. My group ended up getting confused multiple times, and in one room and one of the scary characters had to turn on a flashlight and direct us to the door. Despite the excessive fog, strobes, and confusing pathways, it was fun.

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3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Scary

Last night was awesome! I had the hell scared out of me and girl a few times. There's demon rituals, clowns, chainsaws, crazy doctors and nurses.... You name it and is there. I didn't like the chainsaw room very much . All they do is turn it on, they don't even chase you. The graveyard area kinda sucked too because you can't see where you're going. Other than those two things , it was pretty good! I could tell they changed a few things around since last weekend but it wasn't a bad thing. Overall, this place is pretty good and I'm pretty impressed by what they do. I'm looking forward to going again halloween night.

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3 out of 4 found this review helpful

What an Awesome Place

Actors were great...seemed like a long tour inside. Loved the settings and the lab. Was even better than Grahams Forge. Really scary clowns and some places were soooo spooky you could hear a pin drop.....the long hallways and staircases created a very scary atmosphere. So glad we went tonight.

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

A lot of fun

We went last Saturday and are coming back tonight. We had a lot of fun and it's great! If anyone is interested in going to a GOOD haunted house, this is the place to go.

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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Great Historic Haunt

I go to every haunted house event they hold and they never disappoint. All workers are volunteers and their dedication shows. This is a great haunted house and profits benefit a great cause to save this historic landmark. Please go and show your support.

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Best Year Yet

My family went last Saturday night, and it was great. This is our 5th time going. It's fun, scary and great fun for everyone.

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1 out of 2 found this review helpful

Great for families!

Last night I went through with my sons on a no scare. Let me just say the actors were so great with my boys! They got down on their level, spoke with them, and made them feel comfortable being there. One of the actors gave my boys green glow sticks which they later played Star Wars with. (Wish I could post the picture on here.) They begged me this morning to go back tonight, and was disappointed that they couldn't. We will most likely be back Friday. :) I will be recommending this to everyone at work tomorrow! Thank you for at great time!

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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

They really stepped it up!! Bravo!

I went friday and Saturday night this weekend so let me just start with Friday; it was OK but it was lacking. I posted the previous comment called "It's OK... But not the best". ..... I totally take that back! They ROCKED IT last night ! I don't even want to give any details because I think everyone should go and expierience it for themselves ! It IS worth it! It seemed like there were more actors , more pop outs , and definitely more scares. I was Thoroughly entertained! I may even go back halloween night! It would be cool if they did something special for Halloween night or maybe changed it up a bit!

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Had a great time!

I voulenteer at a haunted house in cburg. My group came through last night mostly to bad mouth what they do here. I didn't realize how amazing the building is! We were preparing to get into a yelling match with the workers but to our surprise everyone was super friendly. The areas scared us like really scared us! It seemed like a big family the way they are able to play off each other. This has really made me rethink how I scare.I personal will be back!

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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

OMG!!!!!

They actually have real demon possessions! Best place around! Everyone needs to go! I'm in line again. :)

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1 out of 2 found this review helpful

It's OK.... But not the best

I agree with the person who posted the previous comment ... They were lacking actors. I believe I only got scared once or twice and that was in the house and in that bloody sheet room and that was it. I'm coming back tonight with some other friends hoping it will be better , but we'll just have to see. It is worth the money you pay and I heard great things about them, which made m want to go, but last night was a disappointment. Let's see how they do tonight! You guys are still kick-ass for what you guys do!! Keep it up!

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Yawn

First off I love what this group does. Unfortunately last night they dropped the ball :( This was my second weekend going and the past weekend was amazing! Some of the jump outs were scary and the fog rooms got me but it seemed empty in most areas. The first part seemed like people stepping over each other, the "chambers" seemed to lack then the ending people came at you from all over. I would come back to see the building but I'm very disappointed with how this weekend had changed from last. Keep improving!

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Had fun

I would say my favorite part was the house! The sets were amazing and looked like a haunted mansion! The actors screaming at you to stay, or to get out was a little over played and not scary. I was a little disappointed with the Chambers, you start off in a "fiery smoky room" which got me pumped up, but you were then led to a maze... that was boring, then down the step to what appeared to be a carnival, which I guess was part of the chambers?... then you go down a confusing hallway with body parts. The last area I didn't even understand, seemed like big unfulfilled rooms. I had fun though and got startled but some parts you can do without or at least change the ending to something with a bang. I want to come back Saturday and give the haunted house another shot at scaring me! Hopefully something's will change. ;)

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Scary as all get out!

Me and my friends went to St. Alban's House of Havoc this past Saturday and let me just tell you.... IT WAS WORTH IT. We payed the regular 15$ each to get in and it was quite a long wait to get in but that was alright because we were well entertained in line! I'd have to say that the scariest part was the areas with the demon guy banging a bone on a bucket, the clown chained to a chair (who chased is into the maze room.... Scary!!!), and the maze room! The three girls working in there got us good! One with her face ripped at her moth asked me if I wanted a ripped smile like hers and put a fake knife up to my mouth!!!!..... Then screamed at me to have one like hers and chased me and my friends down the hall! I almost peed myself and the other girls in there were creepy too! The maze was confusing but the actors made it fun, scary, and worth it. One of them wanted us to play hide and seek with her?? Heck no!!! And that devil guy and the clown.... They were crazy!!! The lab part of the house was freaky too and there WAS A LOT of clowns!! I'd have to say it was defiantly worth the 15$! I will be coming back again halloween weekend!

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Scary as all get out!

Me and my friends went to St. Alban's House of Havoc this past Saturday and let me just tell you.... IT WAS WORTH IT. We payed the regular 15$ each to get in and it was quite a long wait to get in but that was alright because we were well entertained in line! I'd have to say that the scariest part was the areas with the demon guy banging a bone on a bucket, the clown chained to a chair (who chased is into the maze room.... Scary!!!), and the maze room! The three girls working in there got us good! One with her face ripped at her moth asked me if I wanted a ripped smile like hers and put a fake knife up to my mouth!!!!..... Then screamed at me to have one like hers and chased me and my friends down the hall! I almost peed myself and the other girls in there were creepy too! The maze was confusing but the actors made it fun, scary, and worth it. One of them wanted us to play hide and seek with her?? Heck no!!! And that devil guy and the clown.... They were crazy!!! The lab part of the house was freaky too and there WAS A LOT of clowns!! I'd have to say it was defiantly worth the 15$! I will be coming back again halloween weekend!

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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Great Time

My girlfriends and I came to the haunted house after leaving the Gallows. This haunted house was 100 times more tasteful than the other place. This was our first time here. The waiting line was a little longer than we had imagined, I would recommend everyone to pay the extra five dollars to jump ahead. I'm not saying that waiting in line was a waste of time there was plenty of entertainment with chainsaws but what awaits you inside is worth it! All through the beginning of the haunted house we were told that "Dr. Havoc" was waiting for us, unfortunately by the end of the haunted house it would appear that "Dr.Havoc" wasn't there? I recommend everyone who is planning on going to any other hunted house to skip it and come here. This hunted house feels like the actors really enjoy what they are doing, plus we were told that all of the money goes back to the building itself. What a great cause!

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2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Crazier this weekend

We have been every weekend so far! It would appear the chamber area changes every time? I had posted before about the guy dancing with the skeleton, this week the room appeared backward... No dancing :( but there was this CRAZY clown chained to a chair trying to get at you, another person would enter and release him! Yes, the clown would run at you! SCARY!!! After going through the maze we would see yet more clowns... I HATE clowns by the way but after be chased by one the others aren't scary... If It was up to me I would lose half the clowns if possible. The ending seemed to be lacking people and a little slow, but overall we loved it! Will be back next week!

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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

You don't want to miss out!!!

We went this past weekend and it was awesome! We got greeted by guys with chainsaws, along with a guy who played the joker, he was pretty darn funny! We didn't have to wait in line for too awful long, as they like to keep the groups from bumping into each other like other haunted houses! I loved the whole haunted house, it was hard to choose which section was my favorite! I will be back soon!!

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Best around!

This was my first time. What scared me was there was this rotisserie room, the rotisserie didn't scare me but there was this man screaming and arguing with himself? And dancing with a skeleton, lol he had us sing the wheels on the bus song before we could leave. EPIC! My group will be coming back next week just for that!!!

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Best around

I went through St.Albans opening weekend and was blown away by all the acting and sets! They have the best Haunted house in the NRV! :) can't wait to go again!!

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Best around

I went through St.Albans opening weekend and was blown away by all the acting and sets! They have the best Haunted house in the NRV! :) can't wait to go again!!

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It was awesome

I went through opening weekend knowing that there would be kinks that had to be worked out. It was amazing. The house was my favorite. It was creepy like the old mansion feeling. The lab and chamber were good to. The characters outside did an awesome job. I will be back again with more friends. Check it out

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