Ghost Bus Tours in London

Those who want to know the alternative history of the "Big Smoke" should consider hopping on a double-decker and participating in a gripping ghost bus tour in London.

These excursions take you on an adventure back in time, through London's dark and twisted past. You'll hear tales of murder, executions and torture as you visit key landmarks that are world-famous.

You'll also get a look into the paranormal activity that has been occurring in the city for centuries, all the while alongside an energetic guide.

Here's all you need to know about ghost bus tours, one of the most unusual sightseeing tours in London.

What are the best ghost bus tours in London?

Ghost bus tour in London

Dive into the paranormal on this spooky tour of the city after dark.

Hop aboard your bus and allow your guide to take you on a thrilling adventure back through London's history.

You'll travel to the Tower of London where you'll hear all about the executions and torture of many convicts, including King Henry VIII's second wife, Anne Boleyn.

Pass by Tower Bridge, which once served as a morgue, and move on to St. Paul's Cathedral — home to the “Whistler Ghost.”

Other haunted spots you'll pass by include Trafalgar Square, where violent riots have been held, as well as Westminster Abbey, where a squire was murdered in the 14th century.

See the Houses of Parliament — which were almost blown up by Guy Fawkes — Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge, where two ghosts are often seen.

Discover the fictional character of the "Demon Barber of Fleet Street” — Sweeney Todd — who would turn his victims into meat pies.

As you move around London, you'll hear all about notorious murders that have occurred in the city over the centuries, as well as diseases that wiped out the population and specters causing havoc.

Which places do you visit on a ghost bus tour?

Tower of London

The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has since served as a palace, a prison, and a fortress.

The tower had a reputation for being a place of torture during the 16th and 17th centuries, to obtain information from those who did not wish to give away important secrets.

Guy Fawkes — who planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament — was tortured here before his execution in 1606. Two of King Henry VIII's wives were also executed at the Tower of London — Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

Anne Boleyn was sentenced to death after being unable to bear the king a son, while Catherine Howard was found guilty of adultery.

St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral is the newest of several religious constructions on the site and was built in the 17th century. It is thought to now be home to a ghost, often known as the "Whistler."

This specter often appears to visitors admiring the Kitchener Chapel, which is dedicated to the 19th-century army general, Lord Kitchener.

Many have claimed to feel a sudden chill pass over them as they stand in front of the memorial, followed by a mournful whistling sound.

Some have claimed to see this ghost, who appears as an old grey-haired clergyman and always disappears in the exact same spot.

Fleet Street

Fleet Street is known for its association with Sweeney Todd, who first appeared in an 1846 penny dreadful story entitled "The String of Pearls: A Romance."

The story has since been made into a Hollywood movie by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

Sweeney Todd was a barber who killed his victims with a straight razor. He managed to hide the evidence by working with a local businesswoman to turn the corpses into meat pies, which were then sold to the unsuspecting residents of London.

When is the best time for a ghost bus tour in London?

London ghost tours only take place at night, when the pitch-black streets will fill you with adrenaline as you hear about the frightening events that have shaped the city's past.

You can choose between two time slots — 7:30 PM and 9 PM — depending on whichever one suits your itinerary best.

You can enjoy one of these excursions at any point during your vacation. However, it's advisable to book one a few days into your trip, after you've explored London during the daytime.

How much do ghost bus tours in London cost?

Ghost bus tours in London typically cost between £20 and £30 per person, making this activity accessible for most people on their trip to the city.

What do the haunted tours include?

Haunted bus tours in London include the service of a guide who will stay in character to provide you with a chilling yet thrilling commentary of all the sights you pass.

Where do London ghost bus excursions start?

Ghost bus tours in London begin on Northumberland Avenue, in the heart of the city.

You can reach this spot by taking an underground train to Embankment and continuing the remainder of your 4-minute journey on foot. This station is served by the Circle, District, Northern and Bakerloo Lines.

Alternatively, you can take an overground train to London's Charing Cross station and walk to Northumberland Avenue from there.

How long do the tours last?

Ghost bus tours in London last approximately 75 minutes. As your excursion takes place by bus, you'll be surprised by how many landmarks you can see and learn the gruesome history of in such a small stretch of time.

Top tips

• Tour buses do not wait for latecomers, so ensure you set aside ample time for traveling to the meeting point.
• While the dark past of London is the theme of this tour, the excursion itself is light-hearted and fun, making it enjoyable even for those who are easily scared.
• Remember to bring your camera on your ghost bus tour in London.