Scott’s Hut at Cape Evans, Antarctica, is one of the most historically significant and atmospheric sites on the continent. Built in 1911 for Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s British Antarctic Expedition, the hut has become an enduring symbol of both human endeavour and tragedy. Over time, it has also acquired a reputation for paranormal phenomena, with visitors and researchers reporting a range of unexplained experiences.
The hut was constructed as the main base for the Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913). Prefabricated in London and shipped to Antarctica, it was assembled in just nine days and became home to 25 members of Scott’s team. The site was chosen for its relative protection from the elements and its proximity to the Ross Ice Shelf. The hut was not only a shelter but also a centre of scientific activity, housing laboratories, a darkroom, and living quarters insulated with seaweed and heated by coal.
Scott and his party left their hut in November 1911 to begin their journey to the South Pole. The march south started on November 1, 1911, with a mix of transport methods—motors, dogs, and horses—hauling sledges at different speeds, all intended to support the final group that would attempt to reach the Pole. As the expedition progressed, support teams gradually turned back, reducing the party’s size until, by January 4, 1912, only two four-man groups remained. At that point, Scott decided that five men—himself, Edward Wilson, Henry Bowers, Lawrence Oates, and Edgar Evans—would continue to the Pole, while the others returned to base.
Scott and his four companions reached the South Pole on January 17, 1912, only to find that Roald Amundsen’s Norwegian team had arrived over a month earlier, on December 14, 1911, leaving behind a tent and a letter as proof. The disappointment was immense, as Scott recorded in his diary: “The worst has happened … All the day dreams must go … Great God! This is an awful place”.
Tragically, Scott and his four companions died on the return journey, succumbing to exhaustion, starvation, and the harsh Antarctic weather. Their bodies and Scott’s diaries were found months later by a search party. Meanwhile, the survivors who had turned back earlier continued to use the hut at Cape Evans as their base, carrying on scientific work and awaiting the return of their lost comrades. Scott’s Hut was later occupied by the stranded Ross Sea Party of Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1915–1917, three of whom perished and are commemorated by a memorial cross on Wind Vane Hill above the site.
After 1917, the hut remained untouched for decades, preserved by the extreme Antarctic climate. When rediscovered in the 1950s, it was found in a remarkable state, with artefacts, supplies, and personal belongings left almost exactly as they had been. Today, more than 11,000 artefacts have been catalogued and conserved, adding to the sense that time has stood still within its walls.
The combination of tragic history, isolation, and preservation has given rise to numerous reports of paranormal phenomena. Many visitors describe an intense feeling of unease upon entering the hut, often characterised by a sudden chill or a sensation of being watched. This is sometimes attributed to the psychological impact of the hut’s history and the knowledge of the suffering endured by its occupants.
Auditory phenomena are among the most commonly reported experiences. Visitors have described hearing indistinct voices, murmurs, and even the sound of footsteps on the wooden floors, despite being alone. These sounds are often clear and deliberate, as if someone unseen is moving about the hut. Occasionally, people report the sound of doors opening or closing, or the clatter of objects being moved, even when the hut is empty and still.
Visual anomalies have also been reported, though less frequently. Some individuals claim to have seen fleeting shadows or figures out of the corner of their eye, particularly near the bunks or in the kitchen area. These shapes vanish when directly observed, leaving visitors with a lingering sense of disquiet. The preserved state of the hut, with beds made and food still on the shelves, adds to the unsettling impression that the past inhabitants might return at any moment.
The atmosphere inside Scott’s Hut is often described as heavy, silent, and charged with a sense of suspended time. The cold, the dim light, and the presence of so many personal items left behind all contribute to the impression that the building is more than just a historical site. For some, it feels as though the spirits of Scott and his men linger, their presence imprinted on the hut by the hardships they endured.
Skeptics point out that the extreme environment, the power of suggestion, and the acoustics of the wooden structure can produce strange sensations and sounds. The wind, for example, can create eerie noises as it passes through cracks and gaps, and the play of light and shadow can lead to optical illusions. Nevertheless, the consistency of reports from visitors over many years has fuelled the hut’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in Antarctica.
Scott’s Hut remains a powerful reminder of the heroism, determination and sacrifice of early Antarctic explorers. For more information please visit the Antarctic Heritage Trust and help protect this remarkable site and preserve its story for generations to come.
