Ghost Bus Tour of London

London’s history isn’t just about royal palaces and iconic landmarks; it’s also filled with tales of murder, ghosts, and grisly events that still echo through the city streets. The Ghost Bus Tour offers a unique twist on sightseeing—an hour-long, theatrical journey on a vintage Routemaster bus that promises to uncover London’s darker stories. While it’s a fun, slightly spooky experience, it’s also packed with entertaining storytelling and fascinating facts.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines fun with education. The guides, especially those like Stan and Lib, are praised for their energy, humor, and storytelling skills, making the experience memorable. Plus, the chance to see top attractions like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral from a different perspective adds a nice touch. On the flip side, some travelers have expressed concerns about traffic delays or the tour feeling more comedic than ghostly. This tour suits anyone looking for an entertaining, light-hearted evening with a spooky flavor—perfect for adults and families alike who enjoy a mix of history and humor.

Key Points

• Engaging Guides: Guides like Stan and Lib are praised for their charisma, making the storytelling lively and memorable.
• Unique Transport: Riding in a classic 1960s Routemaster bus adds authentic charm and a Gothic vibe.
• Haunted Landmarks: The tour covers iconic sites like Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and London Bridge, with a focus on their darker stories.
• Balancing History and Humor: Expect a mix of eerie tales and jokes—some reviews mention a comedy-like atmosphere with jokes and audience interaction.
• Traffic Challenges: Delays due to London traffic have affected some tours, leading to cancellations or shorter experiences.
• Value for Money: At $38.40, it’s an affordable way to combine sightseeing, storytelling, and fun, especially if you enjoy theatrical tours.

What Is the Ghost Bus Tour?

This isn’t your typical sightseeing bus. The Ghost Bus Tour offers a one-hour to 1 hour 15 minutes adventure across London aboard a vintage Routemaster, decked out with a Gothic twist for a spooky, theatrical experience. The tour departs from near Trafalgar Square, a prime central London spot, making it accessible and convenient for travelers staying in the city.

Once onboard, you’ll settle into either the shadowy lower deck or the upper level, both offering a good vantage point for spotting landmarks and catching the stories. The tour is designed to blend London’s famous sights with ghostly legends, grisly tales, and murder mysteries that have haunted the city for centuries.

The Route and Landmarks

The itinerary is carefully curated to hit some of London’s most iconic sights, each with a dark twist. Highlights include:

• Tower of London: Known for its history of executions and imprisonments, this fortress has long been associated with ghost stories and royal secrets. Tour guides talk about the spirits said to haunt the grounds, and the grisly past of its former inmates.
• Tower Bridge: Passing this famed bascule bridge, you’ll learn about its history and some eerie legends linked to its construction and past tolls.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral: The cathedral’s impressive dome masks stories of secret burials and ghostly apparitions, particularly in its crypts.
• Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament: Expect tales of royal tombs, political intrigue, and ghostly sightings in these historic political hubs.
• Southwark Cathedral and Fleet Street: Known for its dark past involving crime, execution, and the infamous Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
• London Bridge: With centuries of history, this bridge’s stories include executions and haunted legends that make for a spine-tingling ride.

Traveling past these landmarks, you’ll get a side of London most travelers miss, with stories that make the familiar feel quite mysterious.

The Experience: What to Expect

The tour begins in the evening, with a chance to choose your preferred start time—most likely around 7:30 pm or 8 pm. Meeting near Trafalgar Square, you’ll be greeted by your guide—an entertainer blending storytelling, humor, and theatrical effects. One reviewer, Adam, raved that “Stan was amazing! His energy and charisma are fantastic,” making the tour lively and engaging.

Board the Routemaster, which has its own dark history—adding an authentic Gothic flair. The lower and upper decks are both atmospherically suited for storytelling, with some travelers preferring the upper deck for the views and the more immersive experience.

Throughout the ride, your guide shares spooky tales, legends, and lesser-known facts. For example, you might hear about the Whitehall Mystery, a grisly murder case from the 19th century, or the legend of the black dog of Newgate Prison. Some reviews note the storytelling is fast-paced, but highly entertaining, with jokes and audience participation adding to the fun.

As you pass Londons major landmarks, your guide will point out their haunted histories, often with theatrical effects or spooky sound effects to amp up the mood. The tour culminates back at the starting point, giving you time to grab a late-night drink or dinner—perfect for discussing the macabre tales you’ve just heard.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

What travelers love:

• The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Lib who was described as “like a comedian,” make the experience stand out.
• The visuals and nighttime views of London’s famous sites create a memorable backdrop.
• The value for money at $38.40 per person is considered reasonable for an engaging, themed experience.
• The theatrical storytelling and added effects make the tales come alive, especially for fans of spooky stories and history buffs.

Some drawbacks:

• Traffic congestion in London has caused delays, with some tours being canceled or shortened, as one reviewer experienced in May 2025.
• The tone can sometimes veer toward comedy, with jokes and audience antics that might not satisfy those expecting a serious ghost tour.
• The tour is conducted in English only, which might be a consideration for non-native speakers.

Is It Worth It?

Considering the price and the reviews, the Ghost Bus Tour offers good entertainment value. It’s less about serious ghost-hunting and more about a fun, theatrical ride that combines London’s history with a spooky atmosphere. If you’re someone who enjoys storytelling, humor, and iconic sights with a dark twist, you’ll likely find this tour entertaining.

However, if you’re craving a serious, haunted house experience or detailed historical analysis, this tour might feel a bit light. The mix of jokes and ghost stories means it’s more suitable for those looking for fun rather than an in-depth exploration.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults and families who want a relaxed, entertaining evening that mixes sightseeing with some spooky stories. It’s perfect for those who appreciate theatrical storytelling and don’t mind a humorous or slightly campy tone. It also works well for visitors who want a different perspective on London’s landmarks without the formality of traditional tours.

The Ghost Bus Tour of London offers a quirky, fun way to see the city’s iconic sights while indulging in tales of ghostly legends, murder, and historical mysteries. Its vintage Routemaster bus, lively guides, and theatrical storytelling create an atmosphere that’s both spooky and humorous—especially if you’re a fan of dark history with a side of comedy.

While traffic delays and the lighthearted tone have been points of critique, the overall experience remains a value-packed, memorable event that adds a playful twist to London’s rich tapestry of stories. It’s best suited for those looking for an evening of entertainment rather than a serious ghost-hunting expedition, and it’s a fantastic choice for history buffs with a sense of humor.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally geared toward adults and older children who can handle theatrical storytelling and some spooky tales. The reviews suggest it’s more of an entertaining experience than a genuinely scary one.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately one hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, making it a quick but engaging activity in your evening.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 8 Northumberland Ave, London near Trafalgar Square and returns there at the end of the ride.

Is the tour conducted in multiple languages?
No, the tour is conducted in English only.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to cancel for a full refund if your plans change.

What’s included in the price?
The price includes a professional guide and transportation by Routemaster. Food, drinks, and hotel pickups are not included.

Whether you’re in London for a quick visit or a longer stay, the Ghost Bus Tour provides a playful, atmospheric way to experience the city’s haunted corners. Keep in mind the traffic hiccups and the humorous tone, but if you’re after a lively, spooky ride with a dash of history, this is a fun addition to your London itinerary.