Bristol Ghost Walk

An evening-only tour that weaves Bristol's macabre history into distinctive storytelling. Guides lead small groups through dimly lit medieval streets, sharing documented accounts of plague deaths, executed smugglers, and Georgian-era crimes. The tour leans into local folklore while grounding stories in real historical events. Not suitable for young children; aimed at adults and teenagers 14+ seeking entertainment alongside actual history. Best for those seeking entertainment alongside history. This is a easy activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: 6-15. You meet at Christmas Steps at dusk. Key highlights: Documented plague pit locations and death tolls, Smuggling networks and Georgian crime underworld, Executed criminals and gallows history.

Price: £18

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 6-15

Minimum age: 14+

Best for: those seeking entertainment alongside history

Best time: Year-round, but book October evenings for season-appropriate atmosphere. Avoid summer (June-August) when dusk comes late (9pm+); winter dusk (4-5pm) suits the mood better.

Meeting point: Christmas Steps at dusk

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

7pm start (dusk) Meet at Christmas Steps entrance - Gather as light fades; guide introduces the evening's route and establishes tone with Bristol's darkest history overview.

First 25 min Medieval Old City dark history - Walk narrow alleyways around Corn Street and Wine Street; hear stories of plague deaths in 1349-1350 and mass burial sites.

25-50 min Smuggling and crime in Georgian docks - Move toward harbourside areas; guide recounts 18th-century contraband networks, executions at the gallows, and criminal gangs.

50-75 min Haunted buildings and ghost accounts - Pass buildings with documented ghost sightings and paranormal claims; guide shares local legends and historical explanations.

Final 15 min Wrap-up and historical reflection - Return to starting point; guide separates folklore from documented history and answers questions.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Christmas Steps at dusk.

• Documented plague pit locations and death tolls
• Smuggling networks and Georgian crime underworld
• Executed criminals and gallows history
• Local ghost legends with historical basis
• Medieval alleyways and distinctive evening setting
• Accessibility: Flat, easily walkable Old City streets with some cobbles. No stairs on main route. Pace is leisurely. Suitable for most mobility levels, though some uneven medieval pavement sections exist. Notify guide of accessibility needs in advance.

What is included: 1.5-hour evening guided tour, Storytelling and historical commentary, Access to publicly accessible streets and exteriors.

Not included: Interior building access, Food and drink, Paranormal guarantee (folklore-based content). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Warm jacket (evening temperatures drop), Comfortable walking shoes, Torch or phone flashlight (optional; guide provides ambient light context), Water bottle. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Year-round, but book October evenings for season-appropriate atmosphere. Avoid summer (June-August) when dusk comes late (9pm+); winter dusk (4-5pm) suits the mood better..

Tip: Not suitable for young children

Tip: Brings Bristol's past to life through storytelling

Accessibility: Flat, easily walkable Old City streets with some cobbles. No stairs on main route. Pace is leisurely. Suitable for most mobility levels, though some uneven medieval pavement sections exist. Notify guide of accessibility needs in advance..

Operator: Haunted Bristol Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Bristol Cathedral (8 min walk)
• M Shed Museum (10 min walk)
• Banksy Street Art Trail (15 min walk)

This activity is run by Haunted Bristol Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Less than 48 hours: 50% refund. No-show: non-refundable..

Accessibility: Flat, easily walkable Old City streets with some cobbles. No stairs on main route. Pace is leisurely. Suitable for most mobility levels, though some uneven medieval pavement sections exist. Notify guide of accessibility needs in advance..

Best time to go: Year-round, but book October evenings for season-appropriate atmosphere. Avoid summer (June-August) when dusk comes late (9pm+); winter dusk (4-5pm) suits the mood better..

Is this tour actually scary or just storytelling?

Storytelling with historical grounding, not designed to frighten. The guide separates documented history from folklore and ghost legends. It's entertaining rather than frightening; suitable for teenagers 14+ but not for younger children or those sensitive to dark subject matter.

What time does the tour start and how dark is it?

Tours start at dusk (time varies seasonally: 7pm in summer, 4pm in winter). The tour runs during twilight and early evening, with enough ambient light to walk safely. Guides carry torches; the atmosphere is distinctive rather than pitch-dark.

Are the plague and crime stories factually accurate?

Yes. Guide shares documented death tolls from 1349-1350 plague, confirmed smuggling networks, and known executions. Folklore is labeled as local legend. The guide balances entertainment with real historical events and primary sources.