Ghost Bus Tour of London

Explore London’s Haunted Streets in a Classic Routemaster Bus

The Ghost Bus Tour of London offers a unique way to experience the city’s dark past. For $38.40 per person, this 1-hour to 1-hour 15-minute journey takes place aboard a vintage 1960s Routemaster bus, renowned for its Gothic charm. Departing from 8 Northumberland Avenue, the tour combines ghostly stories with sights of top London landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, and London Bridge.

This tour is best suited for those interested in London’s grisly history, mystery, and theatrical storytelling. The guided experience is lively and informative, with a focus on haunted sites and London’s dark legends. While it offers an entertaining perspective on the city’s past, potential attendees should be aware that traffic delays can impact the experience, and some reviews mention variable guide performances.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $38.40 provides a fun, historical, and spooky experience.
• Duration is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Vintage Routemaster bus adds a Gothic, nostalgic atmosphere.
• Tour includes narratives about haunted sites, legendary murders, and grisly historical events.
• Stops include famous landmarks like Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and London Bridge.
• Lighthearted and theatrical storytelling with a focus on London’s dark past.

The Vintage Routemaster: The Heart of the Experience

Traveling in a classic 1960s Routemaster, this tour offers a Gothic twist that enhances the spooky vibe. Both lower and upper decks are available, allowing guests to choose their preferred perspective while peering out at London’s historic streets. The bus itself carries a dark history, adding an extra layer of ambiance to the journey.

The interior design and nostalgic charm of the Routemaster make the experience more immersive, especially when combined with the storytelling of your guide. This vehicle is central to the tour’s appeal, as it transports guests through sinister streets and past haunted landmarks, making the experience feel like stepping into a Gothic horror film set in London.

Iconic Landmarks and Eerie Stops

As the bus winds through central London, it passes famous sites such as Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. These locations are known not only for their architectural grandeur but also for their dark tales. The tour provides stories about ghostly hauntings, murders, and executions linked to these historic sites.

Guests also pass sites with lesser-known legends, like Southwark Cathedral and Fleet Street, historically associated with depraved characters and urban legends. The Tower of London garners special attention, as it’s notorious for tyrants’ executions and royal history intertwined with mystery. At London Bridge, tales of grisly deaths and local legends come alive.

Guided Narratives: Ghosts, Murders, and Legends

Your guide plays a crucial role in creating the spooky atmosphere, sharing tales of London’s haunted history and grisly crimes. Expect stories about deadly diseases, haunting spirits, and infamous characters like Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street. The guide also recounts the Whitehall Mystery, a murder case from the 19th century, and the legend of the black dog of Newgate Prison.

While the guide’s storytelling is generally engaging, several reviews note that some hosts include jokes or jovial comments that lean towards comedy. This lighthearted approach makes the tour accessible and fun, especially for a broad age range, but might be less ideal for those seeking purely chilling ghost stories.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour begins at 8 Northumberland Avenue, conveniently located near public transportation. It departs in the evening, making it ideal for those wanting to explore London’s nocturnal glow. Guests are advised to arrive 20 minutes early to ensure timely boarding, as the tour cannot wait for late arrivals.

The group size is limited to 54 participants, ensuring a lively but manageable atmosphere. The tour operates in English and includes a professional guide and transport in the Routemaster bus. Food and drinks are not included, and hotel pickup or drop-off is not provided.

The Experience of the Tour Staff and Atmosphere

The guides are often praised for their energy, charisma, and storytelling abilities. One guide, Lib, is highlighted as “like a comedian,” making the journey fun and engaging. The theatrical elements and special effects mentioned in some reviews add to the spooky ambiance, though the overall tone varies depending on the guide.

Guests should expect a light-hearted, slightly campy experience that combines history, humor, and ghostly tales. Some reviews mention that the jokes and interactions with the audience are a key part of the appeal, making it more of an entertaining performance than a traditional ghost tour.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its charms, the tour has experienced cancellations, primarily due to traffic delays or illness among staff. Certain reviews highlight issues with delays and a lack of refund transparency in such cases. It’s advisable to confirm your booking and be prepared for the possibility of traffic-related delays.

Tourists should also consider that the tour’s focus is on entertainment as much as historical storytelling. If seeking serious ghost lore or dark horror, the jokes and theatrical style might not meet expectations. The tour duration is relatively short, so those wanting a more in-depth experience may find it limited.

Comparing with Other London Night Tours

This ghost bus experience offers a unique twist by combining historic landmarks with spooky tales on a vintage bus. It differs from night sightseeing tours that focus solely on views or architecture. The inclusion of local legends and ghost stories makes it stand out, especially with the Gothic charm of the Routemaster.

However, similar tours with more theatrical performances or longer durations are available elsewhere, often at higher prices. The value proposition of this tour is its affordability, short duration, and memorable vintage vehicle.

Final Thoughts on the Ghost Bus Tour of London

The Ghost Bus Tour of London offers a fun, lively, and slightly spooky way to see the city at night. The vintage Routemaster bus and engaging storytelling deliver an experience that blends history, legend, and humor. It’s particularly suited for adults and families who enjoy light-hearted ghost stories and London’s dark tales.

While traffic delays and varied guide performances are potential hiccups, the overall entertainment value makes it a worthwhile addition for those looking for a different perspective on London’s nighttime charm. Expect a short, energetic, and sometimes campy tour that will leave you with memorable stories and a sense of London’s haunted ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

What landmarks will I see?
You will pass Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, Tower of London, Fleet Street, Southwark Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention it being fun for adults and older children; the tone is light-hearted with jokes and theatrical storytelling.

What should I arrive early?
Guests should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure to board smoothly, as the tour cannot wait for latecomers.

Are food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the price.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour accessible?
The data does not specify accessibility details, but it is near public transportation for ease of access.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour is best suited for adults and older children due to its themes and storytelling style.

Is this tour suitable for those interested in serious ghost stories?
It leans more toward entertainment and humor, so those seeking serious ghost lore may find it less satisfying.

What should I be aware of regarding guide performance?
Some guides include jokes or interactive elements that are more humorous than haunting, which can be a positive or negative depending on preferences.