The ORIGINAL Ghostwalk of Charleston

Key Points

• Price: $35.50 per person, with tickets booked on average 9 days in advance
• Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours, making it a flexible evening activity
• Highlights: Visit iconic sites like St. Philip’s Church and the Powder Magazine, with stories rooted in real locations and accompanied by proof
• Unique Aspect: The tour offers original stories from over 42 years in operation, told where events happened with tangible evidence
• Guide Quality: Led by licensed guides known for their seasoned storytelling and engaging personalities
• Crowd Size: Limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience

Discover the Spooky Side of Charleston

The Original Ghostwalk of Charleston is a walking tour priced at $35.50 per person that lasts around 1 to 2 hours. It departs from 160 Church St and takes visitors into the haunted corners of this historic city. What makes this tour stand out is its commitment to original storytelling—the guides share tales based on their own 42 years of experience, with proof of ghost sightings and events. This is not a generic ghost tour, but one rooted in local history and real evidence, making it particularly appealing for those interested in authentic paranormal stories.

While many ghost tours focus solely on folklore, this tour emphasizes credible stories linked to specific sites, such as St. Philip’s Church and the Powder Magazine. Guests will find the stories of spirits and noises at these locations, including photographic evidence of spirits at the church. The tour’s approach is to tell where each event happened—with proof—which adds a tangible and credible element to the experience.

What to Expect at the Meeting Point and Throughout the Tour

The tour begins at 160 Church St, a central location in Charleston, making it easy to reach via public transportation. Once started, the guide leads a guided walk through the Charleston streets, stopping at notable landmarks with spooky histories. The first stop is St. Philip’s Church, where the guide shares stories about two spirits seen in photographs and discusses unexplained phenomena experienced on-site. This segment lasts around 10 minutes.

The second stop is the Powder Magazine, known for ghostly noises sometimes heard from inside. This site is visited briefly, about 3 minutes, and is free of charge. Throughout the tour, the focus remains on credible ghost stories tied directly to the sites, with some visual proof shown during the walk.

The Guide’s Personality and Storytelling Style

The licensed guides are known for their seasoned storytelling and passion for paranormal history. One guide, Tricia, is notably praised for her entertaining impersonations and Southern drawl, which add humor and authenticity. She is recognized for her enthusiasm and ability to make the stories engaging, making the tour both informative and fun.

A common theme in reviews highlights how the guides show numerous pictures—often on an iPad—and share personal stories and proof of paranormal activity. While some guests wish for more actual ghostly encounters or opportunities to walk through graveyards or haunted sites, the tour does focus on storytelling and visual proof rather than hands-on paranormal experiences.

Physical Aspects of the Tour and Accessibility

The walking tour covers a small area of Charleston’s historic district, with some stops being brief. Participants should be prepared for walking on sidewalks and standing for short periods. The tour is suitable for most travelers and service animals are permitted. Since the tour is limited to 20 travelers, it tends to be more personal and manageable for all ages.

The Overall Experience and Value

For $35.50, the tour offers a unique perspective of Charleston’s haunted history, emphasizing credible tales and visual evidence. The small group size and licensed guides ensure a quality experience, especially for those interested in paranormal stories rooted in actual locations.

However, it’s worth noting that some guests express a desire for longer walks or more interactive experiences, such as walking through haunted cemeteries. The tour mainly involves sidewalk walking and storytelling with occasional showings of ghost photographs. For visitors seeking more active haunted experiences, this might be a consideration.

Final Thoughts on the Ghostwalk Experience

The Original Ghostwalk of Charleston provides an authentic, proof-based approach to ghost stories, making it a compelling choice for paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The knowledgeable guides add personality and depth, especially those like Tricia, who are praised for their entertaining storytelling.

While it may not satisfy those craving actual ghostly encounters in the form of walk-through haunted sites, it excels at delivering credible stories in a relaxed, manageable walking format. The $35.50 price point and 1-2 hour duration make it a valuable and accessible evening activity in Charleston’s historic district.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the pace and stops.

Where does the tour begin?
It begins at 160 Church St, in downtown Charleston.

Are the guides licensed?
Yes, the guides are licensed, ensuring a professional and knowledgeable experience.

What stops are included?
The tour stops at St. Philip’s Church and the Powder Magazine, with stories about ghost sightings and noises, supported by photographic proof.

Can I bring service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What makes this tour different from others?
This tour focuses on original stories based on real locations with proof of paranormal activity, not just folklore.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it is suitable for most travelers, with manageable walking and limited physical demands.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience relies on good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made 9 days in advance, but tickets are available sooner or later depending on availability.

What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.