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London wears its dark history openly, and few cities do the macabre better. From the fog-bound streets of Whitechapel where the Ripper stalked to haunted taverns and gothic cemeteries, an evening of ghosts and grisly history is one of the city's most atmospheric nights out. This guide covers the ghost walks, Jack the Ripper tours and haunted places worth seeking out, and what to expect from each.
Jack the Ripper walks
The most popular of London's dark tours retrace the 1888 Whitechapel murders through the streets of the East End. Several operators run them, most setting off in the evening from around Tower Hill or Aldgate and winding through Spitalfields and Whitechapel as a guide unpicks the case, the suspects and the London of the time. They are as much a social history of Victorian poverty as a true-crime tour, and the atmosphere is best after dark. Because they cover real and violent crimes, they are not suited to young children.
Ghost walks and haunted London
Beyond the Ripper, London offers a rich seam of ghost walks through the ancient City and around the Tower of London, whose ghost stories include the beheaded Anne Boleyn. For something more theatrical, the London Dungeon on the South Bank turns the city's grim past into an immersive attraction, and novelty ghost bus tours trundle past haunted landmarks with actors on board.
Haunted pubs and sites
You can seek out the spooky under your own steam too. The Ten Bells in Spitalfields is forever tied to the Ripper story, the Viaduct Tavern near the site of Newgate Prison is a gorgeous Victorian gin palace with a haunted reputation, and the tiny Grenadier in Belgravia is among the most famously ghost-ridden pubs in the city. For gothic atmosphere by day, a guided tour of Highgate Cemetery takes in Victorian tombs and the legend of the Highgate Vampire.
Good to know
Where do Jack the Ripper tours start?
Most begin in the evening near Tower Hill or Aldgate East on the eastern edge of the City, close to the Whitechapel and Spitalfields streets where the murders took place. Check the exact meeting point when you book, as it varies by operator.
Are ghost tours in London worth it?
For anyone who enjoys history with atmosphere, they are a memorable way to see a different side of London after dark. The best guides are natural storytellers who weave real history into the scares, so it is worth choosing an established walk with good reviews.
Do I need to book a ghost tour in advance?
Popular walks and the immersive attractions do sell out, especially at weekends and around Halloween, so booking ahead is wise. Some street walking tours can be joined on the night, but a reservation guarantees your place.
Where to go next
Pair a dark tour with a historic drink from our guide to the best pubs in London, or find more after-dark ideas in our things to do in London guides.
