London Bridge Ghost Walking Tour

Explore the shadowy streets of medieval London with the London Bridge Ghost Walking Tour, offered at $21.98 per person. This 1 hour 30 minutes guided walk takes place in the evening, starting at 2 St Thomas St and concludes in central London. With a rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 38 reviews, the tour combines history, spooky tales, and iconic sights, making it ideal for fans of the macabre and those interested in London’s darker past.

While this tour emphasizes storytelling and historic intrigue, it also includes stops at notable landmarks such as Borough Market, The Shard, Southwark Cathedral, The Golden Hinde, The Clink Prison Museum, Crossbones Graveyard, and a historic pub associated with Jack Sparrow. The mobile ticket feature offers convenience, and the tour operates rain or shine. Keep in mind, hotel pickup is not included, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this backstreet exploration.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $21.98 per person for a 1.5-hour evening adventure
• Highlights include historic sites, ghost stories, and local legends in the London Bridge area
• Stops at iconic locations like Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, and a haunted pub linked to Jack Sparrow
• Guides are praised for their knowledgeable, engaging storytelling, especially during storytelling moments outside landmarks
• The tour is suitable for fans of horror, history, and atmospheric walks, but some reviews suggest it skews more towards history and lore rather than pure scares
• Booking in advance is recommended, with most travelers reserving about two weeks ahead

The Shadowy Origins of London Bridge

The tour begins at 2 St Thomas St in central London, where guides lead groups into the dusk for an exploration of London’s haunted history. As the city darkens, the atmosphere intensifies, revealing how the London Bridge area was once a hub of fear and superstition. The guide shares stories of notorious figures, body snatchers, and ghosts that are said to haunt this historic neighborhood.

Travelers learn about the grisly history of England’s oldest prison, with tales of unfortunate inmates who suffered there, and see the after-dark views of the city skyline. The experience balances historical facts with spooky stories, making it appealing for those seeking a dark, atmospheric walk through the old town.

Exploring Borough Market’s Haunted Past

The first stop, Borough Market, is not just a food hub but also a site with a horrible history. Guides recount tales of dark deeds and ghostly sightings that linger in the market’s alleys. The 10-minute stop provides a glimpse into medieval London’s darker side, setting a chilling tone for the rest of the walk.

Expect to hear stories about medieval markets and the dangerous trades that once took place there, all underscored by the whispers of restless spirits. The market’s lively atmosphere today contrasts sharply with its grim past, which the tour helps to illuminate.

The Shard and Its Unusual Pet

Next, the group moves to The Shard, where the guide shares an unlikely tale about The Shard’s unusual pet. This brief 10-minute stop offers a more quirky story that adds a local flavor to the tour. Though not a ghost story, it offers a lighter moment amidst the darker tales.

From here, the tour continues to St Paul’s Cathedral and other key sights, all seen from an evening perspective that highlights the majestic skyline and the shadows cast by historic buildings.

Southwark Cathedral’s Ghostly Legends

At Southwark Cathedral, the guide shares stories about the humble beginnings of this grand church and ghostly apparitions said to linger within its walls. The 10-minute stop reveals local legends and the spiritual echoes of centuries past, emphasizing the religious and historical significance of this site.

This stop is notable for its history of spiritual hauntings, offering a more religious context for the darker side of London’s past.

The Golden Hinde and Its Dark Connection

The Golden Hinde, a historic ship, is linked to tales involving the Queen and the Devil. The stop, though outside the main itinerary, is included to showcase the sea-faring history intertwined with London’s darker stories. With admission not included, visitors can explore the ship separately, but the guide’s storytelling spotlights its mysterious legends.

The Clink Prison Museum’s Grim Past

The Clink Prison Museum’s exterior marks a key highlight, with stories about one of the world’s oldest prisons. The 10-minute stop offers insights into medieval justice, torture, and prisoners’ tales, giving a gritty look at London’s penal history. This site is central to understanding criminal justice in old London and the haunted reputation that persists.

Crossbones Graveyard and Pauper Burials

The Crossbones Graveyard and Garden of Remembrance are poignant stops where pauper burials and forgotten souls are remembered. The guide shares stories of poor Londoners’ final resting places and the legends of ghostly apparitions that are said to appear at night. This stop underscores London’s social history and the ghost stories tied to those left behind.

The Haunted Pub Linked to Jack Sparrow

A visit to a historic pub, reputedly haunted and associated with Jack Sparrow, is a highlight. The pub, with its sailors’ stories and ghostly legends, offers a chance to enjoy a brief walk-in and soak up the atmosphere of old London. The guide recounts tales of sailors’ ghosts and sea adventures, connecting the themed story to pop culture.

Shakespeare’s Favorite Pub and the Bridge

The tour includes a walk in Shakespeare’s shoes at his favorite pub, adding a literary element to the evening. The infamous bridge, with its mythical sister, is also visible, providing stunning night views and photo opportunities.

The London Bridge itself remains a central figure, with stories about its historical and ghostly significance shared along the way.

The Guide and the Walk’s Atmosphere

Guides like Henry and Simon earn praise for their entertaining, knowledgeable storytelling. Their witty remarks and engagement help keep the group captivated, especially during outside stops where they deliver animated tales. The balance of history and ghost stories is frequently highlighted as a key strength.

The tour operates rain or shine, with most group sizes capped at 30, ensuring a personalized experience. It is best suited for adults and older teens, with comfortable walking shoes recommended due to the backstreets and uneven surfaces.

Practical Tips and Booking Information

The meeting point at 2 St Thomas St is easy to find, and the tour begins promptly at 7:30 pm. Booking about two weeks in advance is advised, as the tour is popular and often fully booked. The mobile ticket makes check-in quick and straightforward.

Since hotel pickup is not included, travelers should plan their transportation to the start point, which is accessible via public transportation. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is recommended.

Honest Review: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

The London Bridge Ghost Walking Tour offers a blend of historical facts and spooky tales, making it particularly appealing for those interested in London’s darker past. The guides’ storytelling skills are frequently praised, especially when sharing engaging, animated stories outside landmarks.

However, some reviews note that the tour leans more towards historical storytelling than pure ghost-hunting, so those expecting lots of ghost sightings might find this less intense. The value for money remains high, considering the length of the walk and the number of notable sites visited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is generally suitable for most travelers. However, due to the dark and sometimes eerie stories, parental discretion is advised for very young children.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Does the tour include access to sites like The Clink or Crossbones Graveyard?
No, these stops are external views or brief visits, with admission not included.

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

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the start time.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking through backstreets and uneven surfaces, and accessibility details are not specified.

What is the group size limit?
Most groups are capped at 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guides are praised for their entertaining and informative storytelling.

Can I request a specific guide?
Some reviews mention specific guides like Simon and Henry, but this is not guaranteed; advance requests are recommended.

What is the best way to prepare for the tour?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for all weather conditions, and arrive punctually at the meeting point.

This London Bridge Ghost Walking Tour offers a compelling mix of history, legends, and atmospheric sights for those eager to explore London’s darker stories. Its affordable price, engaging guides, and notable stops make it a worthwhile choice for fans of haunted tales and historic streets alike.