Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

Discover Boston’s Haunted Secrets with the Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

The Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour offers a chilling journey through the city’s darker history for a ticket price of $47.20 per person. Lasting approximately 2 hours, the tour takes place aboard the Trolley of the Doomed, where you’ll encounter stories of Boston’s most sinister characters and visit some of the oldest burial grounds in the city. This tour is perfect for those interested in history combined with ghostly tales, and it appeals to a wide audience with a family-friendly PG-13 rating.

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the engaging narration by a costumed host, who plays a 17th-century grave digger cursed with eternal damnation. This character guides you through Boston’s haunted streets, sharing stories of notorious figures like the Boston Strangler and heroes of the American Revolution buried in historic cemeteries. The two-hour tour balances storytelling, history, and spooky sights, making it a compelling option for anyone curious about Boston’s darker side.

Despite some reviewers noting that the tour isn’t overly scary, the combination of entertaining guides, historic cemeteries, and haunting ambiance provides a memorable experience that’s both fun and educational. The tour operates rain or shine, adding to its practicality, and is designed to accommodate most travelers, with limited accessibility for those unable to navigate stairs or uneven terrain.

Key Points

• Two-hour trolley tour exploring Boston’s haunted history and historic cemeteries
• Costumed guide as a 17th-century grave digger, offering engaging storytelling
• Visits to Copp’s Hill Burying Ground and Granary Burying Ground, final resting places of notable figures
• Includes two cemetery walks and a pass by the Boston Tea Party Ships
• Suitable for PG-13 audiences, with no children under 6 allowed
• Starts at 200 Atlantic Ave, with free cancellation available

Starting Point and Booking Details at 200 Atlantic Ave

The tour departs from 200 Atlantic Ave in Boston, a central location close to public transportation. It’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and settle in before the trolley departs. The mobile ticket makes it easy to confirm your reservation instantly, and most bookings are made about 18 days in advance.

Given the 2-hour duration, travelers should be prepared for some walking, especially during cemetery visits which involve exploring two of Boston’s oldest burial grounds. The tour is not recommended for children under 6 and may involve stairs or uneven cobblestone surfaces, so a basic level of mobility is advised.

The Costumed Guide: A 17th-Century Grave Digger

The guide plays a central role in creating the eerie atmosphere. Acting as a cursed grave digger, the guide shares macabre stories and local legends with a theatrical flair that adds to the spooky vibe. This storytelling style, combined with historical facts about Boston’s most sinister characters, makes the experience both informative and entertaining.

Many reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and engaging personality as key to the tour’s success. The storytelling includes tales of the Angel of Death, the Boston Strangler, and other infamous figures, making history come alive with a darkly humorous twist.

Exploring Copp’s Hill Burying Ground and Granary Burying Ground

Two of the tour’s main stops are Copp’s Hill Burying Ground and Granary Burying Ground.

Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, perched atop the tallest hill in one of Boston’s oldest districts, is notable for being the final resting place of Cotton Mather, a figure associated with the Salem Witch Trials. Visitors also see the famous graves of early Boston residents and learn about the historical imagery found in 17th-century burial markers.

Granary Burying Ground is home to heroes of the American Revolution, including John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams. During the 10-minute walk through this cemetery, the guide explains the symbolism of burial art and shares stories about some of the not-so-famous but intriguing occupants. Both sites add a haunting sense of history and are perfect for fans of early American stories.

The Cemetery Walks and Street Stops

The tour includes short walks inside the cemeteries, giving close-up views of ancient gravestones and symbols. These stops are often praised for making the stories more personal and tangible. The 15-minute walk in North End offers an overview of Boston’s most sinister characters and provides an opportunity to learn about haunts and local legends in the historic district.

Between cemetery visits, the trolley moves through Boston’s streets, passing notable sites such as the Boston Tea Party Ships. The pass-by offers a glimpse of Boston’s revolutionary history, adding context to the dark tales shared during the tour.

The Trolley of the Doomed: A Theatrical Ride Through Boston’s Dark Side

The trolley itself enhances the spooky experience with dark decor and themed music, creating an immersive atmosphere. The mobile ticket allows for a smooth boarding process, and the small group size – limited to 20 travelers – ensures a more personal experience. The trolley’s comfortable seating and haunted soundtrack contribute to the overall mood.

This setup is praised for making the tour feel like a gothic adventure, with some reviews highlighting the entertaining narration by guides like Petunia and Lyle. Their storytelling, often described as engaging and humorous, brings the dark history of Boston’s streets to life.

Considerations: Accessibility, Weather, and Age Restrictions

While the tour is designed to be accessible to most, it involves stairs and uneven terrain at cemetery stops, so those with limited mobility should plan accordingly. The tour operates rain or shine, so be prepared for outdoor walking in any weather.

Children under 6 years old are not permitted, and the PG-13 rating means the content can be spooky but generally not overly frightening. Guests should expect haunted house-style moments and dark storytelling, making it suitable for teens and adults but not for very young children.

Value and Overall Experience

The price of $47.20 includes the trolley ride, guided narration, and cemetery visits, offering good value considering the depth of stories and the unique atmosphere. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills as key highlights.

Some find the ghost stories less frightening than historical or cultural, noting that the tour balances history and entertainment well. Others mention that it’s not overly scary, making it perfect for those interested in history with a spooky twist rather than true horror.

Final Thoughts on the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

This tour offers a memorable journey into Boston’s haunted past with a blend of history, storytelling, and theatrical flair. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy dark legends, historic cemeteries, and engaging guides. The small group size and themed trolley create an intimate and immersive experience, especially for those curious about Boston’s sinister stories.

While not a scare-fest, the atmosphere and tales provide plenty of creepy moments and fascinating insights into Boston’s darker history. It’s a great choice for families with older children, history buffs, or anyone looking for a fun, spooky excursion in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour start? The tour departs from 200 Atlantic Ave in Boston.
How early should I arrive? It’s best to check in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start.
Does the tour run in bad weather? Yes, the tour continues rain or shine, unless conditions are dangerous.
Is the tour accessible? The tour is not fully ADA accessible due to stairs and uneven terrain, but accommodations can be arranged with advance notice.
How scary is it? Rated PG-13, the tour involves haunted house-style moments but is generally suitable for teens and adults.
Can I bring food and drinks? Yes, food and drinks are allowed, but alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Are pets allowed? Only service animals are permitted on the trolley.
What’s included in the ticket price? The trolley ride, narration, cemetery visits, and local taxes.
Can I cancel? Yes, free cancellation is available if done at least 24 hours in advance.
Who runs the tour? The experience is provided by Historic Tours Of America.
Is the tour suitable for children? Children under 6 are not allowed.
What makes this tour different? The costumed guide, themed trolley, and visits to historic cemeteries set this experience apart from other city tours.