Boston: 1.5-Hour Ghosts and Gravestones Tour

The Boston: 1.5-Hour Ghosts and Gravestones Tour offers a unique way to explore Boston’s darker side. Priced at $42 per person and lasting 1.5 hours, this tour combines spooky stories with historic sites, making it an engaging experience for those interested in Boston’s ghostly legends and past. Departing from the Old Town Trolley stop #1, near the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, the tour is led by an energetic, knowledgeable guide who brings Boston’s haunted history to life.

This tour is particularly appealing for visitors who enjoy a mix of history, ghost stories, and theatrical storytelling. It’s most suitable for ages 13 and up due to loud noises and some steep walks, making it less ideal for very young children. The small group size—limited to 10 participants—ensures a more personalized, interactive experience. While some may find the 1.5-hour duration packed with stories and stops, the lively guides and engaging narration promise a memorable ride through Boston’s eerie past.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $42 for 1.5 hours of ghostly storytelling and site visits.
• Highlights: Visit historic burial grounds and learn about John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams.
• Guides: Guides are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and theatrical, providing entertaining and immersive stories.
• Stops: Explore Copps Hill Burying Ground and Granary Burying Ground, with on-foot exploration at each site.
• Transportation: Tour includes trolley transport with a small group setting for intimacy and interaction.
• Suitability: Best for adults and teens 13+, especially those interested in history, ghost stories, or Boston’s secret legends.

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Start at Boston’s Historic Long Wharf

The tour begins at Old Town Trolley stop #1, conveniently located at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel on Atlantic Avenue. This central starting point makes it easy for visitors to hop on and get ready for a spooky adventure into Boston’s past. The departure is prompt, so arriving a few minutes early helps ensure a smooth start.

The trolley’s vintage charm adds to the eerie atmosphere, especially as it transports guests around the city’s most haunted sites. The tour’s live guide, usually in costume and character, keeps the energy high and provides a theatrical flair that enhances the storytelling.

Visiting Boston’s Oldest Burial Grounds

A major highlight of this tour is the visit to two of Boston’s oldest burial grounds: Copps Hill Burying Ground and Granary Burying Ground. At each site, the tour stops for on-foot exploration, allowing guests to see the graves of prominent figures like John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams.

At Copps Hill, visitors explore the historic stones and learn about the biggest grave-robbing scandal in New England‘s history. The Granary Burying Ground offers a chance to hear stories of the people buried there and their connection to Boston’s revolutionary past. The on-foot segments are relatively short but deliver a palpable sense of stepping back in time.

Ghostly Tales Guided by a 17th-Century Gravedigger

The tour guide acts as a 17th-century gravedigger, narrating stories with theatrical flair that create a spooky, immersive atmosphere. The guide’s enthusiasm and ability to blend funny moments with chilling tales make the experience lively and engaging.

Throughout the tour, stories of murder, mayhem, ghosts, and ghouls interweave with the city’s historic landmarks. Among the stories are details about notorious characters who once prowled Boston’s streets, including the Boston Strangler. This theatrical approach ensures that even history buffs find the experience entertaining.

The Legend of the Big Grave-Robbing Scandal

One of the tour’s standout stories involves the biggest grave-robbing scandal in New England’s history. This event is tied to Boston’s underground stories of crime and illicit activity, adding a layer of real-life danger to the spooky tales. Visitors learn how such scandals impacted the city’s cemeteries and local lore.

The story’s historical significance is complemented by the eerie setting of the burial grounds, making it a memorable part of the tour.

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Encounters with the Spirits of Notorious Characters

As the trolley stops at key sites, the guide recounts tales of spirits and legendary figures buried beneath Boston’s streets. The graves of John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams are highlighted, with stories about their lives and mysterious legends associated with their burial sites.

While the tour is focused on storytelling, some guests find the atmosphere and tales so convincing that they may imagine encountering ghostly presences or sensing spirits lurking nearby, especially in the evening setting.

The Atmosphere and Timing of the Tour

Most departures take place in the evening and night, enhancing the spooky ambiance. The fall season is particularly atmospheric, with some reviews noting how the cooler weather adds to the experience. The trolley provides a comfortable way to move between sites, especially given the limited walking involved.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as the experience can involve some outdoor exploration and potentially chilly conditions.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour includes transportation and a guide, with the small group limit ensuring a more personalized experience. It’s suitable for visitors who prefer a structured, theatrical storytelling approach rather than extensive walking.

However, a steep walk is part of the experience at one of the burial grounds, which might pose challenges for guests with mobility issues. Children under 6 years are not permitted due to loud noises, and children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult.

What Sets This Ghost Tour Apart

This tour’s theatrical storytelling style, led by guides who perform in character, creates an engaging and memorable experience. The small group size enhances interaction and makes the stories feel more personal. The combination of trolley transport and on-foot cemetery visits provides variety and a sense of adventure.

The stories are highly praised, with multiple reviews noting the entertaining, knowledgeable guides who bring Boston’s haunted tales to life. The value for money is clear, given the mix of historic sites, storytelling, and the overall experience.

Final Thoughts on the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour

The 1.5-hour Ghosts and Gravestones Tour offers an exciting way to explore Boston’s haunted sites and uncover its dark past. With enthusiastic guides, theatrical storytelling, and historic cemeteries, it’s perfect for those interested in history, ghost lore, and lively narration.

While it may not suit those seeking a long or physically demanding experience, it excels as a fun, atmospheric journey through Boston’s spooky legends. The small group setting and well-curated stories make it a highly recommended activity for adults and teens looking for an entertaining evening in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 6 are not allowed due to loud noises.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours and typically departs in the evening or at night.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Old Town Trolley stop #1, at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel on Atlantic Avenue.

What is included in the price?
The price includes transportation and a live guide.

Are the burial grounds accessible for everyone?
The tour involves a steep walk at one cemetery, which may not be suitable for all mobility levels.

What stories will I hear?
Stories include Boston’s haunted legends, details about notorious figures, and tales of crime and ghostly encounters.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor segments.

Is this tour good for a serious history buff?
Yes, guides share well-researched stories alongside theatrical flair, appealing to history enthusiasts.

How does this tour compare to other Boston ghost experiences?
It is distinguished by its small group size, theatrical storytelling, and combination of trolley and on-foot cemetery visits.

This well-paced, lively ghost tour offers a compelling mix of history, spooky stories, and theatrical fun, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting to experience Boston’s haunted side in a memorable way.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby