Original Ghost Walk of London

This walking tour covers 800 years of London's dark history through plague pits, execution sites, and murder locations in the ancient City of London. Guides dress in period costume and deliver theatrical accounts of documented historical events rather than pure supernatural claims. The route takes you past sites where victims of the Great Plague were buried and where medieval criminals met their end. Expect a balanced mix of factual history and storytelling presented with energy but without jump-scares. Best for first-time ghost tour participants. This is a easy activity lasting 1.75 hours. Group size: 6-25. You meet at Barbican Underground Station exit 2. Key highlights: Operating continuously since 1982 with established historical research, Guides in period costume add theatrical context without being melodramatic, Covers actual execution sites and documented plague burial pits.

Price: £20

Duration: 1.75 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 6-25

Minimum age: 12+

Best for: first-time ghost tour participants

Best time: Evening departures at 8pm. Tour operates daily year-round, but fewer tourists on weekday nights.

Meeting point: Barbican Underground Station exit 2

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

8:00pm Meeting and introduction at Barbican Underground exit 2 - Guide introduces themselves, explains the route, and covers safety information for the group.

First 20 minutes Walk through medieval streets of the City of London - Guides point out the oldest remaining buildings and explain how the neighbourhood appeared in medieval times.

20-45 minutes Visit documented plague pit locations - Stop at sites where mass burials occurred during the 1665 Great Plague, with historical context about mortality rates.

45-70 minutes Execution site stories and true crime accounts - Learn about historical criminals and their fates at specific locations where executions took place.

70-90 minutes Final stories and question time - Guide shares lesser-known tales and answers questions about the sites visited.

End Walk concludes at or near starting point - Tour wraps up, guide recommends nearby pubs or points out any final historical landmarks.

The whole experience takes 1.75 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Barbican Underground Station exit 2.

• Operating continuously since 1982 with established historical research
• Guides in period costume add theatrical context without being melodramatic
• Covers actual execution sites and documented plague burial pits
• Year-round nightly departures at 8pm regardless of season
• Walking route stays within compact medieval City of London area
• Accessibility: Walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles over 1.75 hours on London street surfaces. Not wheelchair accessible due to walking requirements and street terrain. No fitness requirements beyond basic walking ability.

What is included: Guided walking tour with costumed historian, Access to public streets and sites, Historical commentary and stories.

Not included: Food or drink, Entry to any buildings or museums, Photos with guides (policies may vary). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Warm jacket or coat (evening temperatures). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Evening departures at 8pm. Tour operates daily year-round, but fewer tourists on weekday nights..

Tip: Nightly at 8pm year-round

Tip: Not recommended under 12

Accessibility: Walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles over 1.75 hours on London street surfaces. Not wheelchair accessible due to walking requirements and street terrain. No fitness requirements beyond basic walking ability..

Operator: Ghost Walk LTD

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Tower of London (15 min walk)
• British Museum (20 min walk)

This activity is run by Ghost Walk LTD.

Cancellation policy: Check operator website for current policy.

Accessibility: Walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles over 1.75 hours on London street surfaces. Not wheelchair accessible due to walking requirements and street terrain. No fitness requirements beyond basic walking ability..

Best time to go: Evening departures at 8pm. Tour operates daily year-round, but fewer tourists on weekday nights..

Are children allowed on the Original Ghost Walk of London?

The tour is not recommended for children under 12 due to content about plague deaths, executions, and historical violence. Children 12 and above can attend with adult supervision. The tour is factual rather than horror-focused, but the historical subject matter involves death and suffering.

What is the best time to book the Original Ghost Walk?

Tours depart nightly at 8pm year-round, so booking flexibility is good. Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends. Book online in advance during peak season (May-September). Weather is mild spring through autumn, while winter tours in December offer festive crowds but colder conditions.

How much walking is involved in this ghost tour?

The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles on foot over 1.75 hours, moving at a slow pace with frequent stops for stories. The route stays within the ancient City of London with relatively flat terrain. Comfortable shoes are essential as you'll be standing and walking on London's historic street surfaces.