Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Introducing the Guided Ghost Tour of Frome
If you’re interested in exploring the dark, mysterious side of Frome, this Guided Ghost Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s haunted past. Led by the charming and knowledgeable Rev. Joseph Glanvill — who is in character throughout — this experience combines local history with spine-tingling tales, all wrapped in a lively storytelling style.
What we especially love about this tour is how it balances educational content with entertaining ghost stories. It’s clear that the guide isn’t just reciting facts — he captures the attention of the group with theatrical flair and in-depth knowledge.
A potential consideration is that the route includes some steep cobbled streets, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking. The tour is intimate, capped at just 10 people, making it both cozy and engaging. If you’re a history buff, a fan of ghost stories, or just looking for a fun evening out in Frome, this tour is a great choice.
Key Points
- Authentic storytelling led by a guide in character, creating an immersive experience.
- Balanced mix of history, local legends, and haunted sites.
- Small group size ensures personalized attention and engagement.
- Accessible and walkable route with some steep cobbled streets.
- Affordable price point considering the detailed stories and guided experience.
- Ideal for those interested in local history, ghost stories, or unique night-time activities.
If you prefer having a local expert, these guided South West England experiences could work well
A Deep Dive into the Frome Ghost Tour Experience
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
The first thing that hits you is the theatrical presentation. The guide, reimagined as the Reverend Joseph Glanvill, arrives dressed in clerical robes and a wig, instantly setting a historical and slightly eerie tone. His in-character narration makes the stories more immersive, and it’s a detail that reviewers mention as a highlight, with comments like, “He had a theatre and a presence about him.”
This approach adds a layer of fun and authenticity, making it more than just a walk-and-talk. The guide’s knowledge about Frome’s ghostly tales, including local legends, haunted pubs, and secret tunnels, keeps the group captivated from start to finish. With storytelling that is both educational and spooky, it’s clear that the guide’s expertise enhances the experience — especially when recounting tales of the 12 men hanged on Cork Street or the paranormal activity in pubs like The Griffin and Lamb and Fountain.
What’s the Itinerary Like?
The tour begins outside Christ Church, where the guide greets you and sets the scene. From there, the route includes both historical sites and haunted hotspots.
- The visit to Nunney Road reveals the infamous Beast of Badcox, with stories about why taxi drivers avoid it at night. The nearby Gibbet Hill adds an ominous touch, hinting at execution sites from centuries past.
- The haunted pubs — The Griffin, Lamb and Fountain, and The Sun Inn — are more than just drinking spots. According to reviews, these pubs have strange sounds and paranormal reports that keep the atmosphere tense and fun.
- At Catherine Hill, we hear about secret tunnels and bones, which makes the area feel steeped in mystery.
- The visit to St John the Baptist Church is particularly atmospheric, as it’s built over the remains of an old Saxon monastery and is said to be guarded by spirits, adding to the overall sense of history and supernatural presence.
- Cork Street’s chilling tales of the Duke of Monmouth and the hanged men evoke images of old executions, with some reviewers mentioning the choking sounds that can still be heard.
The tour wraps up at Willow Vale, where stories of the Grey Lady and a paranormal coach leave you with a sense of lingering mystery.
What Do You Actually Experience?
You won’t find any long bus rides or overly commercial stops here. The experience is mostly walks along pavement with some steep, cobbled streets, so comfortable footwear is recommended. The tour lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.
With a small group capped at 10 people, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere. This setup ensures you get to ask questions, hear detailed stories, and enjoy a more personalized experience. Reviewers appreciate how the guide kept everyone captivated, with comments like, “He kept everyone captivated with ghostly stories, and the host was in character the whole time.”
You might also want to explore these South West England activities
The Value for Money
At just $24.64 per person, this tour offers an impressive blend of history, storytelling, and spooky fun. With such a high rating (5.0 from 9 reviews), it’s clear that visitors find it worth every penny. The inclusion of a detailed booklet at the end, as mentioned by reviewers, adds extra value, giving guests a keepsake and additional information to revisit later.
Practical Details
- Meeting point: Christchurch Cemetery (Christchurch Street West). Arrive at least five minutes early for a prompt start.
- Start time: 7:00 pm, making it perfect for an evening activity.
- Group size: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring quality and interaction.
- Accessibility: Suitable for most with moderate physical fitness, but not recommended for those with major walking disabilities.
- Booking: Usually booked 15 days in advance, indicating a popular experience.
- Additional costs: No extra charges for the tour, but gratuities are optional.
Why This Tour Is Worth Considering
This ghost tour isn’t just about spooky stories; it offers a layered experience of Frome’s history, architecture, and legends, all delivered with charm and expertise. The guide’s in-character narration turns what could be a typical walk into something memorable.
The small group setting means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the stories feel more personal. Plus, the mix of pub tales, secret tunnels, and ghostly apparitions makes it appealing to a broad audience — whether you’re a skeptic wanting a fun night out or a history enthusiast craving local legends.
The price point is reasonable considering the depth of storytelling and the personalized experience. And, for anyone keen on evening cultural activities that mix history and thrill, this tour hits the mark.
Final Thoughts: Is It For You?
If you enjoy ghost stories, local history, or theatrical storytelling, this Frome ghost tour is likely to become a highlight of your trip. The fact that many reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge and charisma suggests you’ll be in good hands.
It’s a perfect way to see Frome from a different perspective — uncovering its dark corners, haunted pubs, and hidden tunnels. The tour’s value for money and small group size make it an excellent choice for those wanting a personal and engaging experience.
However, if you’re not comfortable walking on cobbled streets or prefer daytime activities, this might not be ideal. But for a spooky, atmospheric evening, it’s hard to beat.
FAQs
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, providing enough time to explore key sites without feeling rushed.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside Christchurch Cemetery on Christchurch Street West and ends at Willow Vale, near the bridge.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Most children with moderate physical fitness will be fine, but since it involves walking on cobbled streets and some steep inclines, check with the provider if traveling with young or sensitive children.
How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the pavement and cobbled streets. Dress appropriately for the weather, especially since the tour is in the evening.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund.
Is there a guide or host?
Yes, the tour is led by the Rev. Joseph Glanvill, who is in character throughout and is known for his theatrical storytelling style.
Are there any additional costs?
The tour fee covers the experience; gratuities are optional but appreciated if you enjoyed the tour.
To sum it up, the Guided Ghost Tour of Frome offers a delightful blend of history, local legends, and theatrical storytelling. It’s a perfect fit for those craving an authentic, intimate evening exploring the haunted corners of a historic English town. With engaging guides, a reasonable price, and a memorable atmosphere, it’s a night out that delivers both chills and charm in equal measure.
