Prepare to step into the twilight, where history and mystery converge when you book one of these ghost tours in the UK. Do you dare to venture forth?
In the UK, where history weaves its intricate tapestry through ancient castles, cobbled streets, and centuries-old buildings, there exists a world that defies the boundaries of the living.
From the dark dungeons of York to the ancient alleys of London, this enchanting land is home to some of the most renowned and hair-raising ghost tours and walks worldwide.
Read on to unearth 10 of the best ghost tours in the UK…
Ghost Tour Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and darker, more mysterious side. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and charming cobblestone streets lies a hidden world of spectral tales and restless souls.
1. The Real Mary King’s Close
Beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile lies a secret world frozen in time, waiting to be discovered. The Real Mary King’s Close is not just an attraction; it’s a portal to the past, offering a unique and immersive experience that transports you to the heart of 17th-century Edinburgh.
As your ghost tour guide leads you through this cold, underground maze of uneven walkways and dimly lit rooms, you’ll not only hear spine-tingling tales of phantom shadows but also learn about Scotland’s intriguing history.
This spooky UK ghost tour is suitable for children aged 5 and over, making it a perfectly ghoulish activity for families this Halloween.
When: 7 days a week all year round; opening and closing times vary seasonally
Tour times: Tours run every 15 minutes from 10.00am
Where: Entrance doors are located on The Royal Mile, opposite St Giles Cathedral, EH1 1PG
Cost: Adult £21; Children (5-15 years) £15
2. The Haunted Graveyard Tour
Our next ghost tour offers a careful blend of history and humour and begins at Edinburgh’s Tree of the Dead.
The Haunted Graveyard Tour in Edinburgh offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into the city’s haunted past, where history and the supernatural collide to create an unforgettable, spine-tingling experience.
On this Edinburgh ghost tour, you can enjoy sole access to Edinburgh’s Covenanter’s Prison and the Black Mausoleum, which is the resting place of George Mackenzie, a fearsome figure in Scottish history.
If you are lucky, you may encounter the poltergeist of George Mackenzie himself, which is now considered to be the best-documented supernatural case of all time!
When: Summer (Easter to Halloween) every night from 9pm, Winter (Halloween to Easter) 8.30pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Where: The Tree of the Dead, the roadside wall of St Giles’ Cathedral on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
Cost: Adult £16; Students £14. No children under 12.
Ghost Tour London
From its ancient streets to its historic landmarks, the capital of England is teeming with ghostly tales and eerie legends. If you’re seeking a thrilling and spine-tingling experience, look no further than London’s ghost tours.
3. The Ghost Bus Tour
Climb on board this classic 1960s Routemaster bus for a journey of nightmares…
For those seeking a fright with a twist this Halloween, look no further than The Ghost Bus Tour. This quirky London ghost tour is the only comedy-horror sightseeing experience in the UK where you will also encounter the top sights of the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge and Downing Street.
More impressively, should you wish to treat (or trick) your loved ones this Halloween, you can book one of the private hire opportunities, which has been enjoyed by the likes of Whoopi Goldberg and Little Mix.
When: All year round on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Where: Northumberland Ave, London, WC2N 5BY
Cost: Adult £24; Children (5-15 years) £16; Family (2 adults + 2 children) £61; Student/Senior/Concession £18
York Ghost Tours
Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, England, lies the historic city of York. Known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and picturesque streets, York is also famous for its ghostly past.
4. The York Dungeon
Head to this beautiful and historic city to embark on one of the freakiest ghost tours in the UK, leading you through the spine-tingling passages of York Dungeon.
The York Dungeon Ghost Tour isn’t your typical ghost tour. Instead, it’s a theatrical and interactive experience that combines storytelling, live actors, and special effects to bring the city’s most chilling tales to life.
As you venture deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of the dungeon, you’ll encounter a motley crew of sinister characters.
In addition to being a captivating and chilling experience, the York Dungeon Ghost Tour provides a unique and entertaining way to learn about York’s gruesome past, from the horrors of the Plague to the brutalities of the Viking invasions.
When: 7 days a week all year around, however opening and closing times vary seasonally
Tour times: Standard walk 10.30am- 4.00pm
Where: The York Dungeon, YO1 9RD
Cost, Starting From: Adult (16+) £21; Children (5-15) £17
5. The Original Ghost Walk of York
For a night of history and mystery, be sure to book this UK ghost tour! As one of the longest-running ghost tours in York, it has earned a reputation for delivering a truly immersive and chilling experience.
One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to some of York’s most haunted locations, including the medieval Shambles and the historic Treasurer’s House. The guides masterfully blend history, folklore, and the paranormal, making each stop a memorable and eerie experience.
This UK ghost tour provides a unique glimpse into the city’s dark and supernatural side. It’s an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those who came before us, leaving you with a lingering sense of the mysterious and the unexplained, long after the tour ends.
When: 7 days a week all year round, however opening and closing times vary seasonally
Tour times: Everyday night from 8pm (The tour lasts up to 90 minutes)
Where: The King’s Arms Pub, Ouse Bridge
Cost: Adult £7.50; Children £5
Oxford Ghost Tours
Ghost tours in Oxford offer a fascinating and eerie way to explore the rich history and haunting legends of this iconic university town. With its centuries-old buildings, Oxford is the perfect backdrop for tales of restless spirits.
6. Spectre Ghost Tour at Oxford Castle
Built in 1071, the intimidating appearance of Oxford Castle is enough to give anyone the jitters, but venture inside during the Halloween season and you’ll experience a UK ghost walk like no other.
The castle’s 900-year dark history is only made more terrifying when you learn that its main role, after the Civil War of 1642, was as the town’s prison, housing a host of vermin, prisoners and corrupt guards.
Suitable for those aged 11 and older, this spooky tour takes you into some of the most haunted areas of the castle, including a trip to the dark underground crypt.
When: Every Friday
Tour times: 6.30pm (The tour lasts up to 1.5 hours)
Where: Oxford Castle, Oxford, OX1 1AZ
Cost: Adult £14; Children £8.95
Liverpool Ghost Tours
Nestled along the banks of the River Mersey, Liverpool is a city steeped in history. With its vibrant maritime heritage and centuries-old architecture, it’s no surprise that the city of Liverpool is one best places in the UK for ghost tours!
7. Shiverpool Ghost Tour
Liverpool’s storied history is replete with tales of tragedy, war, and the supernatural. From the eerie structures of the old Wellington Rooms to the ghostly encounters of the Georgian Old Town, this city is a treasure trove of haunted locations.
With Shiverpool, you can choose from a number of ghost tours spanning across the city. This includes the award-winning Hope Street Shivers experience, leading you through Hope Street’s Cathedral Quarter.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a paranormal investigator, or simply looking for a unique way to experience this captivating city, Liverpool’s ghost tours will leave you with memories that are sure to haunt you!
When: Starting times vary, see the website for more details
Where: Starting points vary, see website for more details
Cost: Adult (16+) £19.50; Concessions £17.50; Family (2 adults & 2 children) £72
8. Tales from the Necropolis
Liverpool’s St. James Cemetery lies in the shadows of the UK’s biggest cathedral and is the setting of our next UK ghost tour. Join the friendly guides on this ghost tour as they lead you down by lanternlight and tell tales of local legends, ghosts, witches and much more!
Spend the evening exploring the settlement of an ancient pagan witch-cult, then a quarry, then a Victorian graveyard. Find this remarkable Canyon of the Dead is crammed with almost 60,000 Victorian and Edwardian corpses!
When: All year round on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Tours Times:
Where: Upper Duke Street, L1 9DU
Cost: Adult £18.50 (16+); Children £16 (11-15 years); Family (2 adults & 2 children) £59
Brighton Ghost Tours
Brighton is not just famous for its pebble beaches and collection of narrow lanes, but also for its intriguing ghost tours. Uncover the chilling tales of the Royal Pavillion and walk in the footsteps of restless spirits that linger amongst the historic buildings!
9. Ghost Walk of The Lanes
A popular seaside resort or an ancient town packed with murderous tales, gruesome history and frightful spirits? Ghost Walk of The Lanes, one of the finest UK ghost walks, will let you see the hidden side of Brighton’s most celebrated quarter by taking you on a supernatural journey of discovery.
Be prepared to hear grisly tales of apparitions, poltergeists, wandering nuns and more about the city’s infamous links with Jack the Ripper on this unforgettable ghost tour.
This ghost tour is suitable for children, and those brave enough to attend will receive a treat from the guides!
When: The walk takes place every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Tour times: 7.30pm and lasts around 75 minutes
Where: The Druids Head, Brighton Place, BN1 1HJ
Cost: Adult £12; Senior (65+) £10.00; Student (inc. under 16s) £8; Family (two adults and two children) £32.00
10. Ghost Walk and Cellar Dining at The Old Ship Hotel
If you are looking for an extra special ghost tour experience, we recommend booking The Old Ship Hotel’s walk and dining experience.
The historic hotel, dating back 460 years, is buzzing with tales of the past and they invite you to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at the historic Cellars.
Beforehand, a tour guide will lead you through the cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways of The Lanes, revealing spine-tingling stories of apparitions, unexplained phenomena, and the restless spirits of Brighton.
When: The walk takes place every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Tour times: 6.30pm-10.30pm
Where: Old Ship Hotel, BN1 1NR
Cost: £55, which includes a welcome drink and a three-course meal.
Be sure to spend the Halloween season walking in the footsteps of fearsome figures on one of our selected UK ghost tours, just one of the many ways to discover the UK’s spookiest destinations.