Top 10 UK Ghost Tours That’ll Chill Your Spine
Dare to Walk with the Dead?
If you’re looking to level up your Halloween experience — or just love a bit of spooky storytelling — there’s nothing better than a ghost tour. From the ancient alleyways of Edinburgh to eerie underground vaults in London, the UK is packed with creepy corners and tortured tales.
Whether you’re a hardcore ghost hunter or just want a bit of after-dark fun, here are the 10 best ghost tours in the UK that’ll send shivers down your spine.
1. The Jack the Ripper Tour – London
Step back into the gaslit streets of Victorian Whitechapel and follow in the blood-chilling footsteps of history’s most infamous serial killer. The Jack the Ripper Tour in London isn’t just a walk—it’s a journey into one of the darkest chapters of British crime history. Led by expert Ripperologists (yes, that’s a real thing!), this spine-tingling tour immerses you in the grim world of 1888, when terror gripped East London and the elusive killer prowled the shadows.
As you wind through the alleyways and cobbled streets where the Ripper’s victims once walked, your guide will unravel the chilling details of the case: the murders, the suspects, and the theories that have baffled investigators for over a century. Using projected images, old police documents, and historical maps, this tour doesn’t just tell you the story—it lets you live it. Whether you’re a true crime junkie or a history buff, you’ll leave with goosebumps and more than a few questions.
👣 What to Expect:
- A guided walk through Whitechapel and Spitalfields, the heart of Ripper territory
- Grisly murder site visits, with chilling backstories and shocking details
- Fascinating insight into Victorian-era London life, from poverty to police work
- Use of historic documents, photos, and Ripper letters to bring the mystery to life
- Discussion of the main suspects, and modern theories on the killer’s identity
- A haunting atmosphere with evening tours adding to the spine-chilling vibe
👉 Book the Jack the Ripper Tour – London
Bring a coat, hold your nerve—and remember, the Ripper was never caught…
2. The Ghost Bus Tour – Multiple Cities (London, Edinburgh & York)
Buckle up and prepare for a delightfully dark ride aboard the Ghost Bus Tour, a theatrical, immersive ghost tour that runs in London, Edinburgh, and York. Housed inside a classic black Routemaster-style bus with gothic interiors and crimson curtains, this rolling horror show combines live acting, special effects, and spine-tingling storytelling to deliver history with a terrifying twist. It’s not your average city tour—it’s a haunted house on wheels.
Led by ghoulish conductors and eccentric guides who could easily moonlight as undertakers, the Ghost Bus Tour dives into the bloody and bizarre history of each city. Expect tales of execution, plague, betrayal, and ghostly hauntings at famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Holyrood Palace, or York Minster—depending on your city of choice. It’s spooky, silly, and superbly entertaining, making it a perfect pick for families, thrill-seekers, and fans of the macabre with a sense of humour.
🎭 What to Expect:
- A fully immersive theatrical experience on board a gothic-style black bus
- Live actors and creepy comedy, with a plot that unfolds throughout the journey
- Stops and stories featuring each city’s darkest legends, hauntings, and true crimes
- Atmospheric lighting, onboard special effects, and spine-chilling surprises
- Historical landmarks seen through a supernatural lens
- Tours available in London, Edinburgh, and York—each with city-specific horrors
👉 Book the Ghost Bus Tour – London, Edinburgh, or York
Whether you’re in it for the scares or the laughs, the Ghost Bus Tour offers a unique way to explore Britain’s darkest secrets—just don’t sit at the back alone…
3. Edinburgh Vaults & Underground Tour
Hidden beneath the cobbled streets of Edinburgh lies one of the most terrifying and atmospheric experiences in the UK: the Edinburgh Vaults & Underground Tour. This chilling journey takes you into the South Bridge Vaults, a series of 18th-century chambers once used for storage, illicit drinking dens, and—some say—darker, more sinister purposes. These echoing stone rooms have a reputation for paranormal activity, making this one of the most authentically haunted locations in the world.
Led by expert guides cloaked in character, you’ll descend below the city to hear tales of the vaults’ gruesome history, from the lives of the poor and desperate who once inhabited them to legends of witches, body snatchers, and lingering spirits. The temperature drops, the air gets thick, and as the candlelight flickers on the damp walls, don’t be surprised if you feel you’re not alone. Whether you’re a hardened ghost hunter or a nervous first-timer, this tour delivers a serious chill factor with genuine historical insight.
🕸️ What to Expect:
- A guided tour through the haunted South Bridge Vaults, hidden beneath Edinburgh
- Real-life accounts of murders, torture, and paranormal encounters
- Dark tales of the city’s plague-ridden past, witch trials, and the criminal underworld
- A rare chance to explore areas of the city few ever see
- Often conducted by costumed guides for added atmospheric drama
- Options for more intense late-night ghost hunts if you’re feeling especially brave
👉 Book the Edinburgh Vaults & Underground Tour
Warning: this isn’t for the faint of heart—many visitors have reported sudden cold spots, ghostly whispers, and even touching hands from the darkness… enter at your own risk!
4. York Ghost Walk – The Original Ghost Walk of York
Step into the misty, medieval streets of England’s most haunted city on The Original Ghost Walk of York—a legendary tour that’s been sending shivers down spines since 1973. As twilight falls over the ancient city walls, your lantern-lit journey begins. This isn’t a cheesy fright-fest—it’s a deeply atmospheric, story-rich exploration of York’s haunted heritage, led by masterful guides who blend historical accuracy with eerie storytelling.
Expect to hear tales drawn from real accounts, centuries-old legends, and chilling paranormal sightings as you weave through snickleways, shadowed alleyways, and hidden courtyards. The route is carefully chosen to avoid traffic and distractions, allowing the night to work its magic. You’ll learn about plague victims who never left, vengeful spirits roaming ancient inns, and mysterious sightings by tourists and locals alike. It’s spooky, yes—but also deeply engaging and steeped in real York history.
🕯️ What to Expect:
- A traditional, storytelling-based ghost walk—no gimmicks, just pure spooky atmosphere
- A journey through authentic haunted locations in the heart of York
- Insight into York’s Roman, Viking, and medieval past, with tales of the tortured and the trapped
- Guides in period attire, often trained actors or historians with a flair for the dramatic
- A walking route that avoids loud streets, making for an immersive, eerie experience
- Recognised as Europe’s first-ever ghost walk
👉 Join The Original Ghost Walk of York
This is the gold standard of ghost walks—where storytelling reigns supreme, and every whisper of wind might just be something… or someone… watching from the shadows.
5. Liverpool Ghost Walking Tour
Behind the Beatles and football fame, Liverpool hides a darker, more haunted history—and the Liverpool Ghost Walking Tour lifts the veil on the city’s most chilling secrets. This spooky saunter through the city’s eeriest quarters will have you questioning every shadow and chill in the air. Led by passionate, theatrically trained guides, this tour offers a blend of haunting folklore, real-life horrors, and historic oddities from centuries past.
As you explore areas like Rodney Street (known as the most haunted street in northern England) and the creepy St. Andrew’s Cemetery, you’ll hear stories of restless spirits, cursed tombs, and tragic souls who never found peace. You’ll even visit the tomb of William Mackenzie, a man buried in a pyramid-shaped mausoleum—rumored to have made a deal with the Devil. The tour balances spine-tingling suspense with a touch of Scouse humour, making it both entertaining and unnerving.
👻 What to Expect:
- A walking tour through Liverpool’s most haunted hotspots
- Visit to Rodney Street, home to over 40 reported hauntings
- Eerie tales from the Georgian Quarter, cemeteries, and gothic alleyways
- Legends of ghostly children, headless figures, and devilish pacts
- A fun and frightening guide who weaves history and horror seamlessly
- Suitable for older kids, teens, and brave-hearted adults
👉 Book the Liverpool Ghost Walking Tour
With cobbled streets, creepy crypts, and tales that echo through time, this tour will leave you wondering what walks beside you when the city goes quiet…
6. Oxford Castle & Prison Ghost Tour
Step into over a thousand years of chilling history on the Oxford Castle & Prison Ghost Tour, where ancient stone walls whisper secrets of murder, execution, and restless souls. By day, Oxford Castle is a historical treasure; by night, it transforms into one of the most haunted sites in the city, making this after-dark tour a must for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
Guided by costumed storytellers, you’ll explore the castle’s shadowy towers, winding staircases, and the atmospheric crypt—once used by the Saxons and believed to be the most paranormally active spot on site. The stories are drawn from real-life accounts of prisoners, executions, and ghost sightings, including that of Mary Blandy, hanged in 1752 for poisoning her father, and said to still linger. The prison itself, active until 1996, adds a stark modern eeriness to this gothic tale.
🔐 What to Expect:
- A night-time guided tour through Oxford Castle & its historic prison
- Chilling tales of torture, execution, and ghostly hauntings
- Visit to the haunted crypt, execution yard, and prisoner cells
- Stories of famous inmates, including the infamous Mary Blandy
- An atmospheric experience in one of Oxford’s oldest and most haunted locations
- Opportunities for ghost sightings, strange sounds, and unexplained cold spots
👉 Book the Oxford Castle & Prison Ghost Tour
This tour is not for the faint-hearted—so if you feel a tap on your shoulder when no one’s behind you… don’t say we didn’t warn you.
7. Derby Ghost Walk – Derby Gaol
Prepare to walk straight into one of the darkest and most haunted corners of England with the Derby Ghost Walk, centered around the spine-chilling Derby Gaol. Known as one of the most haunted cities in the UK, Derby’s gruesome past comes to life on this unnerving journey through narrow alleys, shadowed courtyards, and the infamous 18th-century prison that once housed condemned criminals and murderers.
Led by renowned paranormal historian Richard Felix (as seen on Most Haunted), this tour is steeped in historical accuracy, true crime, and ghostly encounters. You’ll hear chilling tales of torture, executions, and hangings that took place inside Derby Gaol—and even stand in the very cells where spirits are said to remain. It’s not just storytelling: visitors often report cold spots, disembodied voices, and an oppressive feeling that hangs in the air. This is as real as ghost walks get, and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.
⚰️ What to Expect:
- An eerie walk through haunted parts of Derby, led by expert ghost historians
- A tour inside the restored Derby Gaol, complete with original cells and gallows
- Chilling stories of public executions, violent criminals, and restless spirits
- First-hand paranormal investigations and evidence, including audio and video recordings
- A gritty, no-nonsense experience that feels more like ghost hunting than sightseeing
- Option to attend overnight vigils and ghost hunts inside the gaol
👉 Book the Derby Ghost Walk – Derby Gaol
If you’re looking for a ghost walk that trades cheesy scares for authentic horror—and a chance to come face-to-face with something unexplainable—this one will leave you sleeping with the lights on.
8. Stratford-upon-Avon Ghost Walk
Shakespeare’s hometown may be known for its poetic charm and half-timbered houses, but once the sun sets, Stratford-upon-Avon reveals a much darker, eerier side. The Stratford Ghost Walk is an award-winning tour that leads brave souls through the town’s haunted streets, where tales of tragedy, curses, and lingering spirits are whispered in the dark. It’s spooky, theatrical, and steeped in centuries of storytelling.
Led by professional actors in character—think witches, grave-diggers, or Victorian gentlemen—this isn’t just a ghost walk, it’s a macabre performance. You’ll visit haunted pubs, shadowy lanes, and cursed courtyards, all while hearing true tales of plague victims, phantom footsteps, and ghosts seen by tourists and locals alike. And yes, there’s even a story or two involving the Bard himself. With a perfect balance of eerie suspense and cheeky humour, it’s suitable for families, history fans, and lovers of the paranormal.
👣 What to Expect:
- A live-acted ghost walk with guides in spooky period costume
- Stories of real hauntings, curses, witch trials, and murders from Stratford’s history
- Visits to historic locations, including haunted inns, graveyards, and dark alleyways
- Spine-chilling tales tied to Shakespearean lore
- Plenty of atmosphere, with lantern-lit paths and ghostly surprises
- Ideal for all ages—scary enough to thrill, fun enough to entertain
👉 Book the Stratford-upon-Avon Ghost Walk
So, if you’re visiting the land of Shakespeare and fancy a little more Macbeth than Much Ado, this walk brings Stratford’s sinister side to life in the most hauntingly theatrical way.
9. London Dungeon After Dark Tour
Dare to explore the depths of London’s most infamous attraction… after hours. The London Dungeon After Dark Tour is a terrifying, adults-only experience that takes everything you know about the London Dungeon—and cranks the fear up to eleven. Once the doors close to the daytime crowd, the lights go lower, the screams get louder, and the horrors become a little too real for comfort. This isn’t your average ghost tour—it’s a live-action plunge into London’s darkest, bloodiest past, served with a twist of twisted humour.
Through a series of immersive theatrical sets, creepy corridors, and terrifying tales, you’ll meet characters like Sweeney Todd, Mrs Lovett, and Jack the Ripper himself, all portrayed by actors who really commit to the fright. It’s part haunted house, part historical horror show, and 100% guaranteed to raise your heart rate. There’s even a cocktail at the end to steady your nerves… if you make it that far.
🩶 What to Expect:
- An adults-only, after-hours version of the iconic London Dungeon experience
- Intense live performances based on real historical villains and events
- Chilling sets including the torture chamber, plague streets, courtroom, and gallows
- A darker, more immersive version of the daytime attraction with added frights
- Encounter with infamous characters like Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, and Guy Fawkes
- A cocktail in the spooky Tavern bar to finish the night… if your hands aren’t shaking
👉 Book the London Dungeon After Dark Tour
This is history with a heartbeat—fast, loud, and full of fear. If you thought you knew London’s dark past, wait until you experience it in the shadows… with no kids, no crowds, and no way out.
Not your average tourist trap — this adults-only evening experience at London Dungeon offers drinks, scares, and immersive theatre.
10. Whitby Ghost Walk – Dracula’s Domain
Step into the heart of one of England’s most haunted towns on the Whitby Ghost Walk – Dracula’s Domain. Nestled along the North Yorkshire coast, Whitby isn’t just the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula—it’s also home to some of the most chilling ghost stories in the UK. This ghost walk takes you through the gothic streets, eerie graveyards, and windswept cliffs that inspired Stoker’s iconic novel, blending supernatural folklore with Victorian horror to create an unforgettable, spine-tingling experience.
As night falls over Whitby’s ancient harbour, you’ll be led by expert guides who weave dark tales of ghostly apparitions, spectral ships, and of course, Dracula himself. You’ll visit the famous St. Mary’s Churchyard, with its weathered gravestones, and ascend the hill to Whitby Abbey, where the shadows of history—and perhaps a few vampires—linger. With its rich gothic atmosphere, this tour is as much about the town’s haunted past as it is about the undead legends that still haunt it today.
🌕 What to Expect:
- A spooky, atmospheric walk through Whitby’s historic streets and landmarks
- Stories from the gothic, eerie past, including accounts of Dracula’s influence on the town
- A visit to St. Mary’s Churchyard, one of the most haunted sites in Whitby
- Haunting tales of ghost ships, witches, and lost souls
- A climb up to the dramatic Whitby Abbey, overlooking the town and sea
- An experience that brings together literary horror and local paranormal folklore
👉 Book the Whitby Ghost Walk – Dracula’s Domain
Perfect for fans of Dracula, gothic literature, and true ghost stories, this walk will send chills down your spine—and not just from the wind off the North Sea.
Ready to Walk Among Ghosts?
Whether you’re looking to learn about the macabre history of your favourite city or just want a spooky night out, these UK ghost tours offer thrills, chills, and unforgettable stories. Some may leave you laughing — others, sleeping with the lights on.
Have you done a ghost tour we missed? Let us know in the comments — we’re always dying to try a new one.
