Self Guided Haunted Walking Tour in Portsmouth APP/GPS/EMF Reader

Imagine wandering through the charming streets of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, but with a spooky twist. This self-guided haunted walking tour offers an affordable way to explore the city’s ghostly stories, historic landmarks, and underground secrets using your phone. Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or just looking for a fun, flexible activity, this tour provides a unique way to experience Portsmouth’s haunted side.

What we love about this tour is how it combines history with mystery through an easy-to-use GPS-triggered audio guide—no large groups, no fixed schedule. Plus, at just $7.75 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to spend an hour or so discovering hidden tales and local legends. But there’s a hitch—some travelers have found it tricky to get the audio working or experienced issues with downloads and Bluetooth connections, which could be frustrating if you’re tech-challenged or expecting a seamless experience.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy self-paced exploration, especially those comfortable with their own smartphones and earbuds. It’s ideal if you prefer wandering at your own rhythm rather than following a bus or large group. But do keep in mind that some reviews mention challenges with audio clarity and app setup, so patience and a bit of tech know-how may be helpful.

Key Points

• Self-paced exploration allows you to linger or move quickly between sites.
• The tour includes well-known landmarks and hidden stories like the African Burial Grounds and historic buildings.
• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers.
• The GPS-activated audio guide enhances storytelling but may require patience to set up.
• Reviews praise the informativeness and the fun haunted tales.
• Some users experienced technical issues with downloads or Bluetooth connectivity.

What the Tour Offers: A Detailed Breakdown

This self-guided haunted tour in Portsmouth takes you on a walk through the city’s lively streets, revealing its darker, ghostly past. Starting at Ceres Bakery on Penhallow Street, you’ll be prompted via your phone to explore each site in turn, with the GPS feature triggering stories about the buildings and areas you’re passing. The tour lasts roughly 40 minutes to an hour, giving you plenty of flexibility to extend your visit or take breaks.

Stop 1: The Old Red Light District Building (Built in 1814)

Our first stop highlights a building from 1814 with a colorful history. It’s changed hands more times than a sailor has eaten clam chowder—probably because of the ghostly residents said to haunt it. Several reviewers mention that the stories are spooky and intriguing, especially for those interested in Portsmouth’s seedier side. One reviewer notes, “This building was built in 1814 and haunted by ghosts,” adding a layer of eerie charm to your walk.

Stop 2: 1815 Brothel House

Next, you’ll pass a former brothel from 1815 that once was one of Portsmouth’s most popular. The stories suggest that the spirits of past patrons or workers still linger, making this a favorite among ghost enthusiasts. The tales are colorful, and many find it an evocative glimpse into Portsmouth’s less genteel history.

Stop 3: Pre-Revolutionary Building (Built in 1749)

This structure, dating back to 1749, is one of the oldest remaining in the city. Beneath its foundation, an underground tunnel system once connected various buildings discreetly, adding a layer of intrigue—and ghostly whispers—to the site. The history-rich nature of this stop appeals to those who love connecting stories to physical places.

Stop 4: The African Burying Ground Memorial

This significant site is believed to be the largest of its kind in the U.S. and holds the graves of over 200 African American individuals. Visiting this memorial is a sobering experience, and the stories often focus on remembrance and respect. The audio guide offers insight into the significance of this site, with many reviewers noting it as a highlight. Of course, it’s free to visit, so it’s an easy inclusion.

Stop 5: The Rockingham Hotel (Built in 1785)

This historic hotel was once a hotspot for presidents like FDR, JFK, and Ulysses Grant, as well as Mark Twain. The grandeur and storied past make it a captivating stop, and some suggest that the ghosts of former guests still wander the halls. The stories include tales of inexplicable noises and apparitions, perfect for those who like their history with a spooky twist.

Stop 6: John Paul Jones House (Built in 1758)

Known as the home of the famous naval hero, this house is reputed to be haunted by Jones himself, with tales of ghostly cabinets slamming and doors opening. Several reviews mention feeling a ghostly presence here, making it a must-see for history buffs and ghost hunters alike.

Stop 7: The Historic Theatre

This venue has hosted Harry Houdini, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Mark Twain—a lineup of entertainment legends. The paranormal activity said to be linked to these performances makes it a lively, if eerie, stop. The ghosts are said to stick around because of the amazing shows that once took place here.

Stop 8: Portsmouth Brewery

Finally, after a walk through history, you’ll arrive at the Portsmouth Brewery, which not only serves up delicious food and drinks but is also haunted by a flirty ghost of the night. Several reviewers found the brewery a charming way to end the tour, and the ghostly tales add a fun twist to their visit.

What to Expect During the Tour

The experience is entirely self-guided, meaning you’ll walk at your own pace, with your phone acting as a personal storyteller. Most travelers start at Ceres Bakery and finish at the Portsmouth Brewery, both centrally located. The location points are close enough for a leisurely stroll, and the GPS feature helps ensure you’re in the right spot to hear each story.

The audio descriptions are generally well-crafted, blending history with ghostly legends. But some reviewers mention that getting the app and audio to work smoothly can sometimes be a challenge—particularly if you’re not familiar with downloading extra apps or connecting Bluetooth devices. It’s worth noting that most reviews praise the informative and fun stories, with comments like, “The tour was easy to follow and enjoyable for all,” and “You can stop when you want to stare longer at a place.”

Technical Considerations

While the price is very reasonable at $7.75 per person, the value depends heavily on your tech setup. Some users reported needing to download an additional app, which incurs an extra charge, and others faced issues with Bluetooth connectivity or audio clarity. If you’re comfortable troubleshooting your phone and using earbuds, you’ll likely enjoy the experience. If not, there might be some frustration.

Length and Flexibility

Timing varies but expect to spend around 40 minutes to an hour walking and listening. The tour’s flexibility is a major plus—you can pause, backtrack, or linger at favorite spots without missing anything. Several reviews mention the ability to pause the tour to grab lunch or explore shops, which makes it ideal for combining sightseeing and dining.

The Review of Experiences: What Travelers Say

Overall, reviews reflect a mix of enthusiasm and some technical frustrations. Many praise the quality of the stories and how interactive the experience feels, with comments like, “Really enjoyed the self-paced application” and “Loved the fun haunted stories.” On the flip side, some found the audio setup problematic, especially when trying to listen with Bluetooth earbuds or in noisy street conditions.

One reviewer shared, “The story’s were great but only 3 of my 8 friends could download the tour,” highlighting the variable accessibility. Another mentioned difficulty in hearing the tour unless they turned the volume all the way up, which could be a concern for those with hearing sensitivities or in busy areas.

Despite some technical hiccups, the overall impression is that this tour provides an enjoyable, lighthearted way to learn about Portsmouth’s storied, spooky past. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy flexible sightseeing, are familiar with their devices, and are keen on combining history with a little ghostly fun.

The Sum Up

This self-guided haunted walking tour in Portsmouth offers a cost-effective, flexible way to explore the city’s more mysterious side. For those who like their history served with a side of ghost stories, this experience delivers a charming balance of storytelling, landmark viewing, and spooky legends—all at your own pace.

It’s perfect for independent travelers, small groups, or families who want to steer their own adventure without the pressure of a guided group. The app’s GPS trigger and audio narration make it easy to follow along, but some patience with technology might be necessary. If you enjoy uncovering secrets while wandering historic streets, this tour is a fun way to add a ghostly twist to your Portsmouth visit.

However, if you’re not comfortable troubleshooting apps or Bluetooth issues, you might find it less satisfying. Also, those expecting a high-end guided experience may prefer in-person tours. But for the curious, the budget-minded, and the tech-savvy, this haunted walk offers a memorable, eerie outing that brings Portsmouth’s haunted past vividly to life.

FAQs

Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, the tour is designed for you to set your own pace, allowing you to linger or move quickly between sites.

How long does the tour take?
Most visitors spend about 40 minutes to an hour walking and listening, depending on how long you stay at each stop.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the stories are spooky and fun, they are generally suitable for older children and teenagers who enjoy ghost tales.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need a smartphone with the app downloaded, earbuds or headphones, and a GPS connection to trigger the audio.

Are the sites free to visit?
Most landmarks, like the African Burying Ground Memorial, are free. Some buildings may be private, but the tour mainly points out public landmarks.

Is there an issue with technical setup?
Some users have reported challenges with downloading the app or connecting Bluetooth devices, so be prepared for possible troubleshooting.

Can I pause the tour?
Yes, the app allows pausing, so you can take breaks, eat, or explore shops without losing your place.

What is the price?
The tour costs $7.75 per person, making it a very budget-friendly option.

Is this a group tour?
No, it’s a private, self-guided experience designed for individual or small group use.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This haunted Portsmouth tour blends history and ghostly stories with the freedom to explore at your leisure—perfect for independent travelers eager to uncover the city’s spooky secrets.