London's Ghosts & Gruesome Past Nighttime Walking Tour
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London's Ghosts & Gruesome Past Nighttime Walking Tour

Active
(28 reviews)
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a walk through the sinister past of the Dark Side of London, hearing ghost stories, tragic tails, and creepy facts and figures, all the more unsettling because it is true! You will learn the salacious history of the Barber Surgeons, see the site of the execution of a legendary hero, and stand before an old Victorian hospital famous for grave-robbery.

On this tour you'll find out why Londoners used to drink blood and eat bones, learn who is said to haunt London's Underground network, and hear the story of England's most prolific serial killer (and if you think you know who it is - think again!). You'll walk over plague pits, through haunted graveyards and along the very same paths the condemned would have once taken on their final journeys.

This tour, guided by a professional storyteller and scholar, is a must for anyone who wants to get off the beaten track and learn about the macabre tales that this ancient city has to offer. You’ll never look at London the same way!

Available options

London's Ghosts & Gruesome Past Nighttime Walking Tour

What's included

An entertaining tour with a local guide.

Detailed itinerary

1

Your local guide will meet you just outside the station and will ensure you "mind the gap" as you learn about the ghost of a girl that is said to haunt the station.

It's busy and colourful, but try to listen through the noise or - if you are not afraid - come after midnight... It's a tragic story of a young girl badly treated when she was alive and even worse after death. Is she still here? Some say you can spot her if you know what to look for.

We will tell you what happened to her in the 18th century and then you can decide if you are brave enough to look for her remains or just listen to her scream.

2
Stop 2

It's a great place to buy some meat, but that's not why we will bring you here.

We will ask you to close your eyes and try to imagine how it looked back then... This market was a place for public executions for centuries. Heroes, martyrs and innocent folk were tortured and killed in many different ways.

But, you have hand it to the executioners - they were very inventive when it came to drawing the last bit of life from exhausted human flesh...

3

This is a lovely and peaceful park in the middle of a busy city. But before you sit on a bench, be careful, as they are made of snakes!

And that's just the beginning. Layer after layer, century after century and one horrendous disease after another...Deeper and deeper we will unravel how plagues changed London, how deadly they were, how doctors tried to stop them and just what happened to those who survived.

Keep an eye out under your feet, as you're never far from a skull as you stand on top of London's plague pits.

4

Here your guide will show you where to pick up a drink before attending a public London execution.

5

Here we will make our way through some narrow passages and old streets until we discover one of the oldest churches in London - St. Bartholomew the Great.

For nine hundred years it served the people, both alive and dead. Among other famous burial stories we'll tell you one about the founder of this church: How his eternal rest was disturbed, what's missing from him now, and how he tried to get his revenge.

You'll take in these stories while standing in tranquil settings surrounded by centuries-old tombstones as you find yourself standing in one of London's most haunted graveyards.

6

Here we will take you into the past as we go way back to when England and Scotland were at war. One Scottish freedom fighter has a special place in the memory of his people - and also on this spot.

Hear the true story of William Wallace from the gory details of his triple execution, the later consequences for the UK as a result, and also the inaccuracies of the film loosely based on his life.

7

Here we will wander past another church before we end up in the middle of the hospital yard.

Both the church and hospital have the same patron and the same long history. You will be grateful for your current medical service when you find out what methods, tools and means the doctors here used in the past!

You wouldn't believe what you had to drink, eat or smear on yourself in the hope to get better! Imagine a doctor not washing their hands; sharing a hospital bed with another patient; having an audience watch your surgery or amputation. Oh, and be careful because even just watching can be deadly on its' own...

8

Visit yet another historic church and graveyard, but this one seems to be missing something. Where are the graves?

These empty pits are a reminder of the times, over two hundred years ago, when some people made a living by taking dead bodies out from their graves and selling them.

Taking or stealing? That's debatable and, as you will find out, sometimes the distinction could make a very important difference. But most importantly, who would buy a dead body? Well, we've just been to the hospital and on the way we passed the pub ... just connect the dots.

Was it legal? Was it profitable? And how did it end? The answer is a book with a very disturbing cover.

9

We always keep the worst for the end! At this legendary courthouse, your guide will introduce you to the "worst serial killer" England ever saw. And if you think it's Jack the Ripper - think again!

Here you will stand outside an imposing court building which stands on the site of a former prison. In that prison, among many murderers, thieves and degenerates one stands out.

An ordinarily looking woman, but with a piercing, chilling look and a deadly touch. To make matters worse she specialised in killing the innocent. Even worse, she was making money out of it. Even worse than that, she was actually twice caught and allowed to carry on! And worse still, she had a daughter herself. And even all of that is not the worst part of this story...

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
6 reviews
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Tripadvisor 4.9
22 reviews
5★
20
4★
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1★
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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the main station entrance/exit directly in between the new and old stations - near Timpson and Pret.

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
  • • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air
  • Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
  • Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton
80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

  • Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
  • Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
  • Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
  • Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
  • Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 16-99
1
Childs
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 9
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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