The Haunted Pubs of Old London: Small Group Tour

The Haunted Pubs of Old London: Small Group Tour offers an engaging journey into London’s darker past, blending ghost stories with legendary pubs and historic landmarks. Priced at $103.03 per person and lasting around 3 hours, this tour is designed for history buffs and fans of ghost stories alike. With a maximum group size of 14 people, it fosters an intimate, engaging atmosphere led by a qualified historian who has called London home since childhood.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a mix of local lore, haunted tales, and iconic film locations. It includes a complimentary half-pint at the first pub, access to several historic sites, and a chance to explore London’s lesser-known haunted corners. While it involves some walking and pub visits, most stops are short, making it suitable for a wide range of participants. One consideration is that on Sundays, some pub visits shift from inside to outside or are replaced with alternative stops.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with no more than 14 participants ensures personalized attention
• Led by a qualified historian with local roots and in-depth knowledge
• Visit haunted pubs like The Rising Sun and The Viaduct Tavern, built on historic sites
• See historic landmarks such as Smithfield Market and Old Bailey with ghost stories linked to their dark past
• Enjoy a complimentary half-pint at the first pub, with options to purchase drinks at other stops
• Includes visits to iconic film locations, including Shakespeare in Love and Skyfall filming sites

An In-Depth Look at the Haunted Pubs and Sites

Start at Underground Ltd near Barbican for a Local History Introduction

The tour begins at Underground Ltd on Aldersgate Street, close to Barbican. Here, a qualified historian kicks off the experience by sharing the story of the Barbican, revealing secrets buried beneath its walls. This introduction sets the tone for a journey into London’s haunted past, blending ancient Roman history with modern stories.

The Sutton Arms: A Haunted Pub with a Complimentary Drink

The first pub stop is The Sutton Arms in EC1, where visitors enjoy a complimentary half-pint of beer or soft drink. This pub has a reputation for being haunted, and its dark history intertwines with London’s medieval past. If visiting on a Sunday, the tour visits The Fox & Anchor from outside, maintaining the historic pub atmosphere.

Exploring the Black Death at Charterhouse Square

Next, the tour moves to Charterhouse Square, where stories of the Black Death and its devastating effects on medieval London unfold. This site offers insight into how plague and death shaped the city’s history, with a focus on the grim stories of that era.

Discovering the Last Monastic Buildings at The Charterhouse

The historic Charterhouse stands as London’s last surviving monastic building. Visitors learn about the gruesome fate of monks who once called it home, adding a layer of dark history to the site. The structure’s architecture and stories highlight London’s monastic past and its haunted reputation.

Cloth Fair: From Fairgrounds to Last Pints

Cloth Fair is a street with a notorious past, once hosting the Bartholomew Fair and serving as the last stop for condemned criminals before execution. The street’s oldest house and storied history make it a compelling stop, especially for those fascinated by London’s macabre tales.

London’s Oldest Parish Church: St. Bartholomew the Great

One of London’s most haunted religious sites, St. Bartholomew the Great, is known for its ghost of its founder, Rahere. The church appears in numerous films, including Four Weddings and a Funeral and Shakespeare in Love. Visiting this site offers a glimpse into London’s religious history and its ghostly legends.

The Haunted Rising Sun Pub and Human Remains

The Rising Sun pub has a notorious reputation, historically associated with resurrection men—body snatchers who sold corpses. Visitors can purchase drinks here and experience the haunted ambiance that stems from its grisly past.

Outside Visit to Smithfield Market’s Bloody History

Smithfield Market stands as one of London’s oldest markets, with a history of public executions such as hangings, burnings, and poisonings. Although the market itself is outside during the tour, the stories linked to its violent past add a chilling dimension to the experience.

St. Bartholomew the Less and the Oldest Hospital Courtyard

The small but beautiful St. Bartholomew the Less offers a peaceful contrast to the darker stories. Nearby, the Bartholomew Hospital’s elegant courtyard is believed to be haunted by three ghosts, adding a supernatural layer to London’s medical history.

Cock Lane and the Ghost of Scratching Fanny

Cock Lane carries tales of a famous ghost, Scratching Fanny, and other haunted stories. This narrow lane’s history as a site of ghost stories and supernatural legends makes it a captivating stop.

The Old Bailey and the Ghost of Black Dog of Newgate

The tour concludes with stories about Old Bailey, which rose from the ruins of Newgate Prison. The Black Dog of Newgate legend and tales of the prison’s grisly history tie together the city’s dark judicial past.

The Viaduct Tavern: London’s Most Haunted Pub

Finally, visitors visit The Viaduct Tavern, built on the remains of Newgate Prison, often called London’s most haunted pub. Drinks can be purchased here as the stories of hauntings and prison spirits linger.

Practical Details and Logistics

Meeting Point and Tour Duration

The tour departs from Underground Ltd on Aldersgate Street at 2:30 pm. The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with a relaxed pace that allows guests to explore each site comfortably.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 14 participants, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere. This small group size encourages questions, detailed storytelling, and a more personal experience with the guide.

Pricing and Inclusions

The $103.03 price covers the walking tour and a complimentary half-pint at the first pub. Visitors should be prepared to purchase additional drinks at other stops, with prices ranging roughly from £2.50 to £6.50.

Accessibility and Suitability

Most travelers can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. It involves walking between stops and some standing, but no specific physical requirements are noted.

Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans.

Uniqueness and What Sets This Tour Apart

Led by a Local Historian with Personal Roots

The guide, a qualified historian, has called London home since childhood, bringing authentic local knowledge and engaging storytelling. Their expertise shines through as they share stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

Focus on Haunted Sites and Filming Locations

The tour combines ghost stories with visits to film locations like the sites used in Shakespeare in Love and Skyfall, offering a unique blend of history, legend, and pop culture.

Visits to Iconic and Hidden Sites

From the last remaining monastic building to haunted pubs built on old prison ruins, the tour reveals hidden corners of London that are often overlooked by casual exploration.

Enriching Experience for History and Ghost Enthusiasts

The combination of dark history, ghost tales, and historic pubs makes this tour especially appealing to those curious about London’s more sinister past.

Final Thoughts on the Haunted Pubs of Old London Tour

The Haunted Pubs of Old London offers a lively and informative exploration of London’s shadowy history, led by an expert guide with a passion for local stories. The tour’s small-group format fosters a friendly, engaging environment, making it ideal for those who value personal interaction and detailed storytelling.

While the tour involves pub visits—where additional drinks are at personal expense—it compensates with visits to historic sites, creepy tales, and connections to famous movies. The 3-hour length strikes a good balance, providing enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

This experience suits history lovers, ghost aficionados, and film fans alike, especially those interested in London’s less visible, darker side. The inclusion of free cancellation adds peace of mind, highlighting its practicality for planning a fun, spooky afternoon in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
Most travelers can participate, but the dark historical themes and pub visits may be more enjoyable for older children or adults.

Are drinks included beyond the complimentary half-pint?
No, additional drinks are purchased individually at the pubs visited, with prices ranging approximately from £2.50 to £6.50.

Does the tour visit inside all the sites?
Most stops involve external visits or quick walks through, with some pub visits on Sundays being outside or replaced with other sites.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Participants should be comfortable walking for the duration, as the tour involves several stops and some standing, but no specific physical requirements are noted.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for planning.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others in London?
The combination of haunted pubs, historic landmarks, and a guide with personal local roots makes this experience both authentic and engaging, especially for those interested in London’s darker side.