comedy horror ghost bus tour york

The Ghost Bus Tours York

The Ghost Bus Tours

Unsure of what to do during your time in York? Look no further for sightseeing than The Ghost Bus.

Departing from Bus Stop RE daily, directly outside York station, on Station Road, on the south side of The Principal York. If you can see The York Tap pub, you’re in the right area!

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, dependant on traffic. There are no seat reservations, we operate on a strictly first-come first-served basis. We recommend that you arrive at least fifteen minutes early to ensure the best choice of seats.

You will encounter all of the top attractions of York, including: Clifford’s Tower, Treasurer House, York Minster and Dick Turpin’s Grave.  Whether you are a tourist visiting York or a resident of the city, there is so much that will surprise you about the haunted history of York’s most famous and best loved tourist attractions.

Join us on the UK’s ONLY comedy-horror theatre experience on wheels.

Tour times, tickets, maps and the features of our route can be found below.

Adult = £18.00

Child (5 – 15 years) = £14.00

Family (2 adults + 2 children) = £49.00

Student / Senior / Concession = £15.00

Ghost Bus Tours Ltd, Lynton House, 7-12 Tavistock Square, London, England, WC1H 9BQ

T’s And C’s

Private hire, work with us, connect with us, award-winning comedy actors.

All of our tours are hosted by trained actors. We have been the recipients of a number of prestigious tourism awards including the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. We also host a venue at Edinburgh Fringe Festival annually, an internationally renowned hotbed for comedy acts.

Scott Monument

This Victorian-Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott stands in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens. At 200 feet, six inches tall, it is the second largest monument in the world dedicated to a writer. The monument is adorned with countless figurative statues, including Scott and his dog.

Calton Hill

The site of the headquarters of the Scottish government, Calton Hill is also home to many other famous landmarks such as Holyrood Palace, the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the old Royal High School, the Robert Burns Monument, the Political Martyrs’ Monument and the City Observatory.

Grassmarket

Directly under Edinburgh Castle is the historic market place of Grassmarket. As well as traditionally being the site for many hotels, hostels and taverns, it was also one of the major sites for public executions. 

The Royal Mile

A succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh’s Old Town comprise The Royal Mile. From the castle gates at one end to the palace gates at the other, it is almost exactly a mile long. It is made up of Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate, and Abbey Strand.

Parliament Building

Established in 2004, the Scottish Parliament Building is the heart of Scottish politics. 

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is a royal park in central Edinburgh. It has an array of hills, lochs, glens, ridges and basalt cliffs. Arthur’s Seat at the center of Holyrood Park is the highest point in Edinburgh.

St. Giles Cathedral

The principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. Built in the 12th century, it was named after St. Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh. 

Greyfriar’s Church

One of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving buildings, Greyfriar’s Church was established by the Franciscan order of Greyfriars in 1620. The churchyard was at one time used as a prison and is also the site where Greyfriars Bobby guarded his owners grave until death.

Greyfriar’s Bobby

At the corner where Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge meet, a statue of Bobby the Skye Terrier sits. Bobby was renowned for having guarded his owners grave for over 14 years, until Bobby died himself. Loyal beyond the grave.

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating Edinburgh’s skyline from it’s perch upon the Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the iconic sight of Edinburgh. In it’s history of over a thousand years, it has been sieged an astonishing twenty-six times, leading to it being dubbed “one of the most attacked placed in the world”.

St. Cuthbert’s Grave

The site surrounding St. Cuthbert’s Church has been a place of Christian burial for over a thousand years, although today, the oldest surviving headstone is that of Reverend Robert Pont, who died in 1606. It has seen it’s fair share of grave robbery too over the years!

Knavesmire Gallows

One of The Strays of York, Knavesmire is a marshy area in York. It was the usual site for public hangings for a long time, the gallows were originally erected back in 1379. Today it is a recreational area and the host of many of York’s public events.

Terry’s Chocolate Factory

Also known as The Chocolate Works, Terry’s Chocolate Factory was opened in 1926 to produce Terry’s chocolate. It was closed in 2005 when Kraft Foods acquired Terry’s and outsourced production to mainland Europe.

Dick Turpin’s Grave

This notorious highwayman, horse thief, poacher, burglar and killer was executed in Knavesmire, York in 1739 for his many deeds. Turpin ascended to the status of ‘hero’ and ‘legend’, romanticised by subsequent dramatic interpretations of his life. He now lies under York.

Clifford’s Tower

The ruins of York Castle, known as Clifford’s Tower overlook York. Built on the orders of William I, the tower served as a fort until a major explosion in 1684 rendered it uninhabitable. It was then used as a prison until 1929.

Golden Fleece Pub

They claim to be the most haunted public house in York! The Golden Fleece is an inn and public house that dates back to the sixteenth century, facing on to The Shambles.

The Shambles

Originally home to over twenty five butcher’s shops, The (Great Flesh) Shambles name originates from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘Fleshammels’ which means ‘meat shelves’, referring to not only the butcher’s hooks, but also the shelf-like structure of the buildings themselves. Some of The Shambles buildings date back to as far as the fourteenth century. 

Black Swan Pub

This fifteenth century public house and inn is a hotbed of ghostly history. A haunt truly unlike another!

York Minister

The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter, better known as York Minster, is one of the largest cathedrals in northern Europe. The Minister is the seat of the Archbishop of York and the second highest office of the Church of England.

St Crux Parish Church

Erected in 1888, on the remains of a medieval church of St. Crux, which was shut down and eventually demolished after becoming unsafe, it’s tower leaning dangerously. The remaining parish is now home to the exuberant ornaments retained from the original church.

This four-storey gatehouse sits at the limits of the walls surrounding York city. It was originally a fort capable of being defended on every floor.

St.Mary’s Abbey

These ruins in the York Museum Gardens were once the richest abbey in the north of England. The original church was founded in 1055 and dedicated to St Olaf II of Norway. All that remains today are the north and west walls, the pilgrim’s Hospitium, the west gate, and the King’s Manor.

Holyrood Palace

Opposing Edinburgh Castle at the other end of the Royal Mile. It has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century. A witches ghost is said to haunt the palace.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a famed suspension bridge linking Tower Hamlets and Southwark across the River Thames. Originally built between 1886 and 1894, the bridge is an iconic symbol of London itself.

The most popular paid tourist attraction in the entire United Kingdom. Erected in 2000, it was originally known as the Millennium Wheel or the Millennium Eye. At the time it was the largest ferris wheel in the world, it is now only the largest ferris wheel in Europe.

The tallest building in the United Kingdom and the European Union. It was completed in July of 2012 and is the residence of many restaurants, bars and even a hotel.

Tower of London

“What hasn’t taken place here?” might be a better question. The Tower of London has variably served as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. It was originally built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, following the Norman conquest of England. It was originally resented and held as a symbol of oppression.

St. Paul Catherdral

Situated at the highest point in London, Ludgate Hill, St’ Paul’s Cathedral is the second largest church in the UK and one of London’s most recognisable sights. It was originally constructed in 1697 by Sir Christopher Wren as part of the rebuilding project following the Great Fire of London. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle.

Downing Street

Built by Sir George Downing in 1680, Downing Street is the heart of British politics. The Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer both reside on the street. The street is understandably inaccessible to the public, but can be viewed from Whitehall.

Buckingham Palace

Our royal family’s primary residence. Originally erected as a large townhouse for the use of the Duke of Buckingham, the townhouse was acquired in 1761 by King George III and quickly transformed into a palace fit for a king.

Westminster Abbey

A titan feat of Gothic architecture, built in 960, with many additions over the years. Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all coronations of British monarchs have taken place right here.

Trafalger Square

The home of political demonstrations, contemporary art and of course Nelson’s Column. Trafalgar Square was named as such to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. The site was once known as Charing Cross and was the original site of the King’s Mews.

Classic Routemaster Bus

Our large fleet of vehicles is comprised entirely of 1960’s Routemaster double-deckers. These gorgeous vintage buses are a wonderful reminder of London’s rich transport history. Lovingly restored in our signature ‘midnight-black’ livery, finished with antique lampshades and plush red velvet curtains.

High Class Customer Care

We are proud of our consistently outstanding reputation for customer service. Whether you are booking online, booking over the phone or booking on the street from one of our sales representatives, you will truly be in good hands prior to boarding with us. Our trained actors are then primed to entertain you for the duration. Try one of our Private Hires for a real touch of the exclusive VIP experience.

Things to Do, Tours & Guides, York Ghost Walks & Tours

The ghost bus tours york.

The York Ghost Bus Tour is a theatrical sightseeing tour around the darker side of Europe’s most haunted city, in a classic 1960s Routemaster bus. Enjoy a hilarious comedy horror show while you see the sights.

Enjoy up to 75 spooky minutes of sightseeing in York on board the Ghost Bus! Your creepy conductor will show you the city’s top sights and give you bone-chilling and humorous insights into some of the more gruesome events in York’s past.

You will encounter all of the top attractions of York, including: Clifford's Tower, Treasurer House, York Minster and Dick Turpin's Grave. Whether you are a tourist visiting York or a resident of the city, there is so much that will surprise you about the haunted history of York's most famous and best loved tourist attractions.

Departing daily form bus stop RE daily, directly outside York station, on Station Road, on the south side of The Principle York

Join us on the UK's ONLY comedy-horror theatre experience on wheels!

Opening Times

Our usual tour schedule is Tuesday - Sunday 7:30pm with additional 6pm tours Fridays and Saturdays.

Additional tours will run throughout the year based on demand.

Please check our website for up to date information on available tour dates and times.

• Contactless payment available
• Child and family friendly
• Private hire available
• Group welcome
• Guide dogs welcome
• Operates in all weather

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Ghost Bus Tour of York

• Visit some of York’s most haunted sights on this bus tour
• Stay entertained as you travel—guide commentary is provided
• Hear spooky stories about famous city sights, including York Minster
• See the grave of Dick Turpin—the infamous highwayman
• See itinerary
• Professional guide
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• The Ghost Bus Tours York, Station Rd, Bus stop RE, York YO24 1AA, UK Departing from Bus Stop RE daily, directly outside York station, on Station Road, right outside of The Principal York.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Please arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The tour cannot wait for late passengers and they cannot be admitted once the show has started.
• Please note that the tours are conducted in English
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 54 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at The Ghost Bus Tours York Station Rd, Bus stop RE, York YO24 1AA, UK Departing from Bus Stop RE daily, directly outside York station, on Station Road, right outside of The Principal York. See address & details
• Pass by Clifford's Tower York Minster Dick Turpin's Grave The Ghost Bus Tours
• You'll return to the starting point

• Jake O 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun, laughs, and spookily interesting stories!! Don't miss out! Excellent from start to finish. Lots of fun, laughs and interesting facts. Isaac Blood the conductor was awesome and really gets involved with the group on board. Particularly liked when there is a section to get off of the bus and take a walk down the Shambles for some spooky stories. If you come to York. Don't miss out on this! Jake and Chloe Read more Written February 3, 2024
• kellyduke33 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time Had this booked for a Friday night, we arrived for a long weekend and this was the first part of our weekend. Our conductor “Phil Graves” 😂 was brilliant very funny and engaging. We learnt things as well as some funny antidotes Highly recommend Read more Written January 14, 2024
• lisa_b_0803 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Ghost Bus Tour Absolutely hilarious!! Put heart & soul into this. Full of interesting info but did, not, stop, laughing!! Brilliant guys, 💯 recommend. Read more Written January 5, 2024
• Joel6647 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Great food Highly recommend Try garlic tikka chicken Very tasty Reasonably priced and staff very friendly Read more Written December 31, 2023
• howzaM 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Cringey waste of money. Awful. Inappropriate sexual jokes, a badly framed comment about wiping out Jewish communities, a tour guide who kept blaming the traffic lights for his lack of anything insightful to say, cringeworthy banter. Added to that the stories were boring and you couldn’t see anything out of the steamy windows and I have to conclude it was a bit of a rip-off. Save some money and do the Ghost Walk Tour - that is highly entertaining. Read more Written December 17, 2023
• Don A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding Outstanding - Great for kids and couples. Phil and Bob engaged with the audience so well. This is the second time we’ve been. Worth the money Worth the time Worth the journey. Read more Written October 29, 2023
• JessBarlow92 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliantly funny Brilliant time, never done this before and we loved it Phil was so good and respectful. We laughed from start to finish! Lots of information Read more Written October 19, 2023
• leahhB9649MM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant 👍 Brilliant, lots of fun, our guide Phil was brilliant and our driver Bob was great, highly recommend. Read more Written April 10, 2023
• LisaH5619 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Had the best time Thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Such a laugh. Phil Graves was the conductor and was very funny and knowledgeable. Will definitely book again for next year P.S. Fingers crossed Bob has his full driving licence by then 😁 Read more Written April 6, 2023
• helharg 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Very poor. Cannot recommend this tour. It was overpriced, hard to listen to, not particularly interesting. Total rip off. Read more Written April 3, 2023
• tracysheffield10 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour Had a fabulous hour or so with Frank Stein and Bobby tonight. Packed bus with lots of good audience participation. Lots of stories told with humour and theatrics. Would recommend. Read more Written February 7, 2023
• stevecR9957LH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loads of fun! Definitely recommended. What a brilliant night! Phil Graves and Bobby had us laughing the whole way round. If you want some lighted hearted fun and lots of giggles, I'd certainly recommend it. Read more Written December 3, 2022
• Snotwebs 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good time, Frank Stein is a legend Had a fun time on the tour led by Frank Stein and Bobby. There were some interesting stories told with great detail. Frank Stein was enthusiastic and knowledgeable - and very funny! I'd definitely recommend this tour for those who'd like a good evenings entertainment. It's not a scary tour by any means, and certainly leans more towards the comedy and history side, with confident theatrics and audience interaction to leave you happy and laughing. Read more Written November 17, 2022
• ochayecanoe 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Was excited… but boring I was excited and looking forward to this, reality is it was boring and most things that were pointed out you couldn’t see. Inappropriate sexual jokes. No warning about having to get off bus and walk to places - then when they said to take photos we were chased up for not keeping as a group. Expensive and not worth the money sadly. Read more Written November 6, 2022
• sarahjaneandrews 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Spookily Funny! Fantastic experience! Frank Stein and Bobby the bus driver were great fun! Funny, comedic and spooky all rolled into one. Would highly recommend. Great for families too. Read more Written October 30, 2022

More to explore in York

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Ghost Bus Tour of York provided by The Ghost Bus Tours

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England Welcome

• Attractions

York & Yorkshire

The York Ghost Bus Tour

Culture Vultures, Family Friendly, First Timers, Night Owls

Board The York Ghost Bus and get ready to embark on a 75-minute theatrical sightseeing tour. Let the darker side of York’s history send a chill down your spine, as you discover the city’s dark and haunting secrets.

Enjoy a spooky journey onboard The York Ghost Bus. See all the eerie sights and hear all the ghostly stories during this comedy horror show as you travel around one of the most haunted cities of England. Some might even say of Europe. It is the perfect way to see York and discover its dark and unusal secrets. The 1960s Routemaster bus, painted in the traditional midnight black, takes you on a sightseeing tour around York’s seedier past.

Whether you are a tourist visiting York or a resident of the city, there is so much that will suprise you during The York Ghost Bus tour. Listen to the historical tales from your creepy conductor and learn about grave robbers, murderers and hauntings all hidden under the surface of the streets.  The on-board actors, the technical trickery and eerily decorated bus ensure you have the spookiest ride in town.

Along the journey, learn about the sinister side of many of York’s most famous landmarks, such as Clifford’s Tower , York Minster and Dick Turpin’s grave . Let your imagination run wild as you hear about the ghosts that reside within the medieval walls of one of England’s spookiest cities.

Join the UK’s ONLY comedy-horror theatre experience on wheels!

Are you visiting London anytime soon? Then why not discover the darker side of the capital on The London Ghost Bus tour. Learn spooky facts about the most famous sights of the city, such as Westminster Abbey , The Tower of London and London Bridge .

Select participants and date

• Adult Adult - Y
• Child (5 - 15 years) Child - Y
• Family (2 adults + 2 children) Family - Y
• Student / Senior / Concession Concession - Y

Checking Availability With Our Providers

• Enjoy a comedy horror sightseeing through York
• See the sights of one of England's most haunted cities
• Let your creepy conductor's narration send chills down your spine
• Enjoy on-board actors and spooky technical trickery
• Hear about the ghosts that reside within the medieval walls
• 75-minute York Ghost Bus Tour

Meeting Point

Is the bus wheelchair accessible, can i take drinks and food onboard, is the tour suitable for children, where does the tour depart from, can we bring a dog, can we bring a pram onboard, write a review.

FREE CANCELLATION

Plan ahead risk free. Cancel at least 24hrs before your booking for a full refund

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York Ghost Bus Tour Review: A Funny and Frightening Experience

Last Updated on 12/03/2023

Disclosure: this York Ghost Bus Tour experience was gifted for the purposes of this review. ALL opinions shared in this post are my own.

The pretty medieval city of York has a dark and deadly side. Hop on board the old vintage Routemaster for your York Ghost Bus Tour. Keep reading to discover my take on this comedy horror tour of York.

In this York Ghost Bus Tour review, I share my experience of the tour, what to expect and whether it is really worth visiting when you are in York. I have included other essential information to know before you go and frequently asked questions.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

About York Ghost Bus Tour

Before we delve into the York Ghost Bus Tour review, here is a quick introduction to the tour and all the valuable information you need to know.

What is York Ghost Bus Tour?

York Ghost Bus Tour is a sightseeing tour aboard a vintage Routemaster bus. It takes you around the city centre, sharing ghastly stories and haunted sights along the route.

The tour discusses dark tales of misery, misfortune and death but delivers them with a touch of comedy that will leave you laughing. It is a unique combination of dark tourism and comedy show unlike anything else.

How long is the ghost bus tour in York?

The tour lasts 75 minutes, which is primarily delivered while you’re on the bus. However, mid-way through the tour there is a short walk off the bus to explore the Shambles.

Is York Ghost Bus Tour worth visiting?

For anyone who loves to explore the darker side of the city, York Ghost Bus Tour is a must!

I’ve always had a fascination for haunted locations and ghost stories. Which makes ghost walks one of my favourite activities to do!

However, this was the first time I’ve been on a ghost bus!

The real advantage of the Ghost Bus tour over a ghost walk is that you can visit haunted locations a little further out from the city centre. Even though I’ve done several ghost walks in York, I visited lots of new locations on the bus tour, which I haven’t seen before.

The other advantage of the bus over a ghost walk is the ability to integrate additional theatrical elements. Thanks to screens on the bus, additional media and film footage is used to create a backstory to the ghost bus, which can’t be achieved on a traditional ghost walk.

Overall, if you enjoy ghost walks and are looking for a new experience, or you are looking for an experience that enables you to rest your feet after a long day of sight-seeing, York Ghost Bus Tour is definitely worth visiting!

Book your York Ghost Bus Tour tickets here .

How to book your York Ghost Bus Tour experience

You can book your York Ghost Bus Tour tickets here .

Our tour was gifted by Get Your Guide, which is my preferred experience booking platform.

I love how easy it is to find and book tours using Get Your Guide. The app contains all the information you need about your tour, including your tickets, important things to know before your tour, plus the option to navigate to your start point when you are ready to start the tour.

The app also uses push notifications to remind you when your tour is due to take place. Plus, it includes direct contact information with the tour provider should you encounter any last-minute problems.

As someone who typically relies on printed tickets and booking information, it was refreshing know that everything I needed was available and easy to find in one place.

York Ghost Bus Tour Review

Here is my detailed York Ghost Bus Tour review. It includes a thorough overview of the various elements of the tour and my thoughts on the experience.

First Impressions

Seeing the classic Routemaster bus roll up to the bus stop is an incredible sight! The suitably black-painted bus has an air of intrigue and mystery to it, which certainly set the tone for our trip!

Once on board, the decor continues the eerie atmosphere. Black leather seats and red velvet curtains adorn the inside of the bus. Vintage lamps are positioned on small red ledges throughout, which creates a ‘haunted house’ aesthetic. It does a fantastic job of setting the scene!

The care and attention that has gone in to choosing appropriate decor for the bus, both inside and out is clear. Plus, it really emphasises the eerie feel that sets the tone for the experience.

One of the main benefits of a ghost bus tour over a regular ghost walk is that you can visit more haunted sights. Plus, you can visit sights that are not located directly in York’s city centre.

As you kick back and relax, you’ll hear ghost stories of famous sights such as The Shambles and York Minster. However, the bus also takes you to sights slightly further away such as Dick Turpin’s grave and Knavesmire.

It was great to discover some new haunted sights on the tour, rather than just visiting the regular haunts that most ghost tours visit.

However, the only slights downside I noticed to the bus tour was that many of the stories about each site had to be told quickly as you were driving past, so you didn’t get a lot of time to admire each spot. However, this did enable us to see a lot of sights on the tour, so it was a reasonable trade off!

At one point you also hop off the bus briefly to explore The Shambles. Given this is a pedestrian street, I like the fact they have still found a way to include it in the tour. Plus, it is a wonderful way to stretch your legs part way through the ride.

The Tour Guide

I would be remiss to not call out the tour guide on the York Ghost Bus Tour. Your conductor acts as your guide to ghostly York, and what a fantastic job he did!

The guide was not only knowledgeable about the sights and their hauntings but was an integral part of the overall experience.

Your guide is key in setting the tone throughout the journey and does so with their theatrical act. On the extremely warm night when we visited, he was running up and down stairs, screaming hysterically, cracking jokes, and telling the haunting tales with sufficient melodrama to have us crying with laughter.

With so much of the experience riding on the tour guide, it was fantastic to see that York Ghost Bus Tours has such a fun and enthusiastic one who went beyond to deliver a memorable tour.

The comedy of the ghost bus tour really surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to laugh so much!

Many of the ghost walks I have experienced in the past use comedy as they deliver the tragic tales to make the experience more family friendly. I knew that York Ghost Bus Tour advertises itself as a ‘comedy-horror tour’, but I wasn’t expecting to laugh as much as I did!

Much of the humour on the tour is designed for a family audience and is designed to make the show less frightening. However, there was a healthy dose of adult humour thrown in too, which had us laughing so much we were crying!

The comedy is inserted so well, it doesn’t take away from the horror of the stories. Instead, it provides some light relief and is a great transition from one location to the next.

Despite the comedic delivery of the script, there are some truly horrifying moments on the bus too!

Each of the ghost stories told touches on some element of horror, from execution to suicide and murder. Even though the stories are told with an air of comedy, they do touch on some dark topics.

In addition to the ghost stories, there is an underlying backstory about the bus itself which unfolds throughout the journey. This is delivered through the screens on the bus.

The backstory is a terrific way to tie the overall journey together, plus, it makes the tour much more interactive. Parts of the narrative are likely to make you jump and could be quite frightening for young children.

However, the horror is quickly followed by further comedy elements to keep you on your toes and to help you instantly recover from those frightening moments!

I was relieved to find that the York Ghost Bus Tour does not use live actors throughout the tour. You are simply guided by your conductor and your driver. The use of live actors always terrifies me, so I was pleased to discover that no one unexpectedly jumps out of nowhere!

If you are like me and don’t like experiences that include live actors, you will enjoy York Ghost Bus Tour as you have nothing to fear! Don’t let the thought of it put you off as you will miss out!

Final Thoughts

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed York Ghost Bus Tour! This surprising experience was equally scary and hilarious and had me laughing much more than I expected!

The idea of a Ghost Bus tour is a novel and unique way to discover hidden parts of York and the horrific tales that go with them.

I was a little hesitant going into the experience, as I was concerned the tour might be too scary. I’m a fan of ghost stories and their history but not so much a fan of horror and frightening experiences! However, the ghost bus tour really struck the perfect balance between creepy and comedy.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in York on your next visit. the York Ghost Bus Tour is the perfect evening activity. Especially since it gives you the opportunity to rest your feet, plus, you can enjoy the tour no matter the weather!

York Ghost Bus Tour FAQ

Before you book your York Ghost Bus Tour experience, here is some handy information you need to know.

Where is York Ghost Bus Tour?

The bus stop for the York Ghost Bus Tour is directly outside York Station. It is located on the south side of The Principal York. You’re looking for bus stop RE.

Our York Ghost Bus Tour experience was booked through Get Your Guide . Within the Get Your Guide app we could navigate directly to the start point at the click of a button. This was helpful and made it easy to find exactly which bus stop we needed.

What time is York Ghost Bus Tour?

The bus departs at 7.30pm every evening between March – December. However, the timetable excludes Mondays and major holidays such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

During school holidays additional services also run. These are usually at 6pm and 9pm but you can check available tours at your time of booking.

Is York Ghost Bus Tour suitable for children?

York Ghost Bus Tour advise that the content of the tour is not suitable for children under the ages of five. However, children of this age group can board the bus at the parents’ own discretion.

Please bear in mind there is no storage space for prams or pushchairs on the bus.

Based on my experience of the tour, I would advise parents with children under the age of ten book with caution. Some of the content may be frightening for children so keep this in mind when booking.

Is York Ghost Bus Tour accessible?

The York Ghost Bus Tour is a great alternative to a walking tour for those with mobility issues.

However, due to the design of the classic Routemaster bus, unfortunately it isn’t possible to access the bus on a wheelchair. There is also no storage space on the bus for wheelchairs, even when folded.

Other things to do when visiting York

If you’re looking for more things to do in York, here’s some ideas of other attractions to visit on your trip:

• If you love the York Ghost Bus Tour, be sure to visit York Dungeon . This thrilling experience introduces you to some of the darkest characters in York’s history using live actors and detailed sets.
• Discover even more of York’s dark history on a Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour .
• Grab a York City Pass to see 20 of the top attractions in York for one bargain price.
• See the best of all the Yok sights with a hop on, hop off bus sightseeing tour .
• Track down the 22 cats on York cat trail .
• Discover the most romantic things to do in York for couples for the ultimate date night.

Before you go

So, here is your guide to the York Ghost Bus Tour . Would you dare to hop on board? If you’re feeling brave, get your tickets here and let me know about your experience in the comments below!

And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!

Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!

Until our next adventure,

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P.S. Love it? Pin it!

If you like this York Ghost Bus Tour review, be sure to follow  Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great  North Yorkshire travel guides .

Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

32 thoughts on “York Ghost Bus Tour Review: A Funny and Frightening Experience”

How wonderful! Gosh, this is right up my (back) alley!

York Ghost Bus tour is such a fantastic experience, I hope you get an opportunity to try it out!

I have never done a bus tour like this, although have some a number of ghost walks including in York. But I do like that you are able to go a little further than you can on foot. Sounds like a great tour and a fun experience, perfect for this time of year

I agree! I love a ghost walk and have done several before, including a handful in York, but the bus tour was such a different experience! I got to visit many new spots since we’re able to cover a longer distance. It was a fantastic evening!

Gosh, this sounds like something I’d love! I know you mentioned they don’t recommend for young children, but what do you think about taking a young 7 year old? Is it violent? Or just spooky?

York Ghost Bus tour is so much fun! Personally, I think it depends on the child. There are a few bits shown on the TV screens that are quite creepy and relate to possession, but they are quickly followed up by some comedy from the conductor. Some of the stories are also a bit gruesome but they are delivered in a ‘horrible histories’ style way so some kids might be ok with it. I’m not sure me and my brother would have enjoyed the experience when we were as young as seven, but to be honest I expected to find it frightening as an adult before I went so I’m a bit of a wimp by comparison! Most seven-year-olds are probably braver than I am!

Great tips. I must admit I’m not much for the scary side of things, but your description of the comedy portion might convince me to change my mind for this one.

York Ghost Bus tour is very very funny! It’s a great, family-friendly tour with a touch of spooky but lots of comedy and entertainment! I was expecting it to be too scary for me but I had a fantastic time and laughed so much!

This sounds like so much fun. I am definitely adding this to my itinerary for my trip to York.

It is a brilliant tour – I didn’t expect to laugh so much! I hope you have an opportunity to visit soon!

This looks like SUCH a fun activity! I love learning about a destination’s darker side and this bus tour seems like the perfect way to do it by mixing the horror with comedy. Thanks for sharing your experience!

We had such a fantastic time on the York Ghost Bus tour! It was so much fun and provided a great insight into the darker side of York! Thanks for reading!

This ghost bus tour looks like SO much fun!!! I really loved the decor on the inside of the bus. I wish I was visiting York soon so I could do this with my teenage son.

The bus is fantastic, isn’t it? It really sets the mood as soon as you step on board! I hope you and your son have an opportunity to visit York and try it out soon!

This sounds amazing! I visit England often so this is a great thing to know!

We had so much fun on York Ghost Bus tour! I hope you get the opportunity to visit when you’re next in the UK!

Loved reading this! I was debating going on this tour the next time I’m in York, so it’s good to know that it isn’t too scary.

The balance between spooky and funny is really well done! I was worried it was going to be super scary but I laughed so much! It’s a fabulous tour, I hope you have a opportunity to visit York and try it out soon!

I’ve never been on a ghost bus tour before, but it sounds like such a fun experience! Good thing that they don’t use live actors along the tour, it’s always weird interacting with one!

Haha I agree! I visited a scary attraction with live actors before and it was terrifying! I’m so glad York Ghost Bus tour doesn’t incorporate any! It is a brilliant tour, we had so much fun!

This sounds really fun! I’ve never done anything like this before.

The York Ghost Bus tour was such a unique experience, I’d love to do it again – we had so much fun!

This looks like it would be so much fun to do.

I really enjoyed York Ghost Bus tour – it was so fun and such a unique way to see York!

This is definitely a unique way to see the city! Not only do you learn about some of the spookier parts of York, but it’s also a fun way to explore.

It was so much fun! The spooky ghost stories were so interesting and the Routemaster was such a fun way to travel! Everyone’s heads were turning as we drove past!

This sounds like a great tour! I love that there is a mix of funny and scary stuff!

I was really surprised by how funny the tour way! The got the balance between spooky and entertaining just right!

oh how fun – though I’m glad there’s some humour to even out the scares!! I like ghost stories but wouldn’t want to be TOO scared so this sounds like a great mix!

I agree! I love a ghost story, but I don’t love frightening experiences. It was definitely entertaining and very funny though – I’d definitely recommend it!

I’m always drawn to ghostly, crime content, so this tour sounds super interesting! I’ll save this for when I visit York. Thanks for this review!

Ah me too! You’ll absolutely love this tour! I hope you get an opportunity to try it out soon – thanks for reading!

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Suitetrails

Comedy Horror Show, York Ghost Bus Tour

The Ghost Bus Tours Ltd

Enjoy 75 spooky minutes of sightseeing in York on board the Ghost Bus! Your creepy conductor will show you the city’s top sights and give you bone-chilling and humorous insights into some of the more gruesome events in York’s past.

Let the darker side of York's history send a chill down your spine as you discover the city’s dark and terrible secrets. Board the Necrobus and get ready to embark on a 75-minute theatrical sightseeing tour. Enjoy a comedy horror journey around York's seedier past as your creepy conductor shows you the sights from a classic 1960s Routemaster bus. The on-board actors and eerily decorated bus will ensure you have the spookiest ride in town. Learn about the sinister side of many of York's most famous landmarks including Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and Dick Turpin's grave. Let your imagination run wild as you hear about the ghosts that reside within the medieval walls of one of England's spookiest cities.

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve now & pay later

Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.

Duration 75 minutes

Check availability to see starting times.

Live tour guide

About this experience

Hotels and accommodations near clifford's tower.

ChocoLets - The Quality Suite

43 Cocoa Suites Navigation Road, York, YO1 9AE, United Kingdom

Located less than 1 km from York Minster and a 18-minute walk from York Railway station in the centre of York, ChocoLets - The Quality Suite provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. It is set 37 km from Harrogate International Centre and features a lift. The property is non-smoking and is situated 36 km from Bramham Park....

GLOBALSTAY Modern Apartments in North York Skyscraper

2 Anndale Drive, North York, M2N 0G5 Toronto, Canada

GLOBALSTAY Modern Apartments in North York Skyscraper is a sustainable apartment in Toronto, where guests can makes the most of its outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and garden. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi. Guests can use the sauna and the hot tub, or enjoy city views....

West 119th Guest Suites

115 West 119th Street 1, Harlem, New York, NY 10026, United States

Set in New York, 1.6 km from Columbia University and 3.8 km from Metropolitan Museum of Art, West 119th Guest Suites offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. It is situated 4.9 km from Strawberry Fields and provides luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is located 4.3 km from Yankee Stadium....

The Beach Place

79 Sims Esplanade , 4878 Yorkeys Knob, Australia

Located on Yorkeys Knob Beach, The Beach Place features apartments with a private balcony and lovely ocean views. The property features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and a beachfront café. Free parking is available on site....

Squirrel Lodge at Owlet Hideaway - with Hot Tub, Near York

Owlet Hideaway Black Horse, South End, Seaton Ross, York, YO42 4LT, United Kingdom

Featuring garden views, Squirrel Lodge at Owlet Hideaway - with Hot Tub, Near York provides accommodation with a garden and a patio, around 25 km from York Minster. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 26 km from York Railway station....

Clifford's Tower

• Ghost Bus Tour York: All You Need To Know
• Haunted Places
• By Sam Ashford
• First Published: January 30, 2024
• Last Updated: February 7, 2024

Grab your jacket and your hat, because we are off to see the scariest ghosts and ghouls in York, England – a renowned haunted city. With a macabre history steeped in horrors and mysteries that remain unsolved, the York Ghost Bus Tour has much to share about the darker side of the city.

Don’t shiver too hard in your boots just yet. The York – Ghost Bus Tours are as much about the fun as they are about the thrills. The actors on board will keep you entertained between stops at each of the much-loved tourist attractions that you’ll discover. This is one bus you don’t want to miss!

How The Ghost Bus Tours – York Work

When you stand at York Station on Station Road outside the Principal York Hotel, waiting for the Ghost Bus, you have no idea what awaits you. But when you return, you may have a newfound appreciation for the spirit realm in this haunted city.

The creepy conductor’s narration sets the tone for the tour ( just don’t tell him he is a creepy conductor ). He weaves a tale that starts at York Station Rd. You will discover the sinister side of the city and the secrets that are kept behind York’s mediaeval walls. You may want to get your ghost hunting apps and SpiritPod ready because you’re about to meet some ghosts.

The ghosts and spectres you may find on this tour are far from frightening, and the technical trickery that brings them to life is spectacular. Yes, it’s not all real . Some of it may be lighting and sound effects, and with every good trick comes a sleight of hand. But, all this creates a lot of fun and laughter (and some spine chills from the ghost stories ).

The tour lasts just over an hour, so you won’t have a very long stop at each spooky location. The bus becomes a stage for ghostly tales. Along the way, you may encounter actors who play a part in this comedic horror, adding to the trickery and entertainment.

What is a York – Ghost Bus Tour like?

The Ghost Bus Tour couldn’t be described better than in this review by Conrad Froude:

“Hopped on the bus of horrors and fright this weekend and was blown away by the information and comedy provided by the conductor, Mr. Blood. An absolutely rip-roaring ride of intrigue, ghostly goings-on and history of York. Would highly recommend it.”

Ghost Bus Tours York – Bus Stop Points

The departure point for the ghost tours is from Bus Stop RE, which is directly outside York Station, on Station Road, across from the Principal York Hotel.

You’ll get over an hour’s worth of the most hilarious comedy-horror theatre experience in the UK. These are some of the top attractions you will encounter that are worthy of being on a sightseeing bus tour:

St. Mary’s Abbey

York minster, black swan pub, st. crux parish church.

• The Shambles

Golden Fleece Pub

Clifford’s tower, dick turpin’s grave.

• Terry’s Chocolate Factory

Knavesmire Gallows

Ghost bus tours york – highlight points.

The Ghost Bus Tours – York will take you past St. Mary’s Abbey. Built in 1088, St. Mary’s Abbey is steeped in history and filled with ghostly tales. While the stone walls still stand strong, so do the ghosts that haunt the abbey. Situated next to St. Olave’s Graveyard, there are many old souls caught in the material realm.

York Minster Cathedral is one of York’s famous landmarks. It has survived many attempts to destroy it, including fiery blazes where lives were lost before their time. This has led to it having one of the most haunted histories of all.

Some of the more famous ghosts are Dean Gale, who was part of the clergy, and Jonathan Martin, who set one of the fires in York Minster. Any tourist visiting York will find the spooky cathedral quite fascinating. Get your full spectrum camera ready to catch a glimpse of these spectres on your tour.

Directly to the north in Minster Garden is the Treasurer House, which is another spooky place. With sightings of ghostly visitors, children, and even cats that haunt the premises, this may be one of York’s most haunted places to visit.

The Black Swan Pub was built in the fifteenth century. It is a 10-minute walk from York Castle and is a half-timbre pub. Ghosts are haunting the bar – one sitting and staring at the fire and another in his bowler’s hat sitting at the bar. There is also the spectre of a jilted bride who haunts the pub. Just don’t stare into her eyes because it is rumoured you could die from ecstasy.

At the end of The Shambles, you will find an ancient mediaeval church called St. Crux Parish Church. Here, you should watch out for the restless spirit of Mary Queen of Scots. It seems that she may still be searching for peace as she wanders sadly through the church grounds.

The earliest documentation of the Gold Fleece York Pub dates back to 1503. It is rumoured that the ghost of Lady Peckett is still taking care of guests as she wanders the hallway and moves furniture around. She seems to have quite a sense of humour, as she enjoys playing pranks on unsuspecting guests. There may be as many as 14 other ghosts haunting this quaint pub and hotel.

William the Conqueror built Clifford’s Tower as a mediaeval stronghold to hold off the rebels from the north. Clifford’s Tower has been a big part of history, and on this tour, you get to see a small part of its very dark past. It is said that you can hear strange sounds as the past and the present collide. Are those whispers in the hallway, or is it just the wind being eerie?

England has more than one notorious bandit. In 1739, Dick Turpin was hung on the gallows for his horse-thieving and murderous ways. Today, Dick Turpin’s grave is one of the city’s famous landmarks. His grave is only 50 metres from the entrance to St. George’s Graveyard. If rumours of a ghostly horseman riding his black horse through the night are true, you may just catch sight of this phantom.

Terry’s Chocolate Works

Terry’s Chocolate Works once created sweet treats. However, nowadays, you can hear the bittersweet laughter of factory workers who restlessly haunt the shadows. Perhaps they couldn’t get enough of the sweet delights?

The Knavesmire Gallows saw the end of many criminals and some petty thieves, including Dick Turpin. For over 400 years, this is where executions took place, until the last hanging in 1868. The anguished cries of those headed for death can be heard in the air. Although horses race here during the day, the souls of the dead may still meander at night.

Can I bring my drinks onboard?

You can take bottled water onto the bus; however, there is no smoking, eating, or drinking (other than bottled water) permitted on the tour. If you bring any personal items, it will be at your own risk.

Can I get a full refund for my Ghost Bus Tour if I missed it?

If you miss the bus, you may get a transfer to another tour if one is available. Otherwise, the only instance of a full refund would be if the tour was unavailable due to the tour company’s fault.

Is a ghost bus tour worth doing?

Yes, it is worth doing a sightseeing ghost bus tour, especially because you learn some history and get to explore the city at its spookiest. It also has great entertainment value, so it is well worth your time.

Final Thoughts

York is known for its ghosts , so be prepared for everything and anything once you board the York – Ghost Bus Tour because you never know what you could come across. As one of the most haunted cities in the UK and probably even the world, there is no better place to experience a ghost bus tour than in York. So head on over to the south side of the Principal York and get ready for some nail-biting, spine-chilling ghoulish action.

Hey, I'm Sam Ashford! I'm a ghost-hunting expert, writer and founder of SpiritShack. My mission is to help people like yourself learn about spirituality and how to hunt ghosts!

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Whispering Walls: Discover the 7 Best Ghost Walks in York 👻

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York is Europe’s most haunted city! Here’s the lowdown on the best Ghost Walks in York that will surely give you the thrills!

A ghost walk in York is the perfect way to learn about York’s thousands of years of bloodcurdling history while walking through the city’s incredibly atmospheric medieval streets with your knowledgeable guide. It’s one of the best things to do in York and the ideal way to explore the city’s darker side! I know – I’ve been on all of these tours 😂👻

🏆BEST YORK GHOST TOUR

No time to read the full article? Don’t worry! This Private Ghost Tour of York is your best option because it takes you to hidden haunted places that most other tours miss, and you get to choose the schedule.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a seasoned traveller, or a York local looking to try something different in your home town, there is something for everyone to enjoy on these spooky Ghost Walks in York .

Prepare yourself for spine-chilling tales of scandal, disease and death – of phantoms, ghosts, and apparitions, with a scary side order of supernatural stories drawn from thousands of years of history.

From narrow passageways (or “ginnels”) to creepy dark streets and the majestic walls of York’s fabulous 12th-century Minster, you’ll love every moment you spend discovering this ancient city’s mysteries, folklore and legends.

7 Best Ghost Walks in York

Are you ready to travel back in time for a blood-curdling evening discovering York’s hidden history? Let’s look at why York is the UK’s top destination for ghost tours.

1. Private Ghost Tour of York (Highest-rated York Ghost Tour)

⭐️ Rating : 5/5 stars | ⌛️ Tour length : 2 hours | ➡️ BOOK NOW

This Private Ghost Tour of York takes guests on an unforgettable walk through medieval York’s winding warren of narrow streets after dark.

As a private tour, it’s completely customisable, so you can pick what you would most like to see or ask for your guide’s recommendations – they have an excellent reputation, with over 200 ghost stories to share from locations across the city, including:

• Medieval York Minster
• The Treasurer’s House (one of York’s most haunted sites)
• York City Walls (World Heritage Site)
• The Shambles (the world’s most famous medieval street, with a very dark history!)
• King’s Manor (once home to the Abbot of St Mary’s Abbey)
• Jorvik Viking Centre (where you’ll find the only Viking houses in the world!
• Clifford’s Tower (the last part of the Norman colossal motte and bailey castle that once controlled Northern England)

John is fun and incredibly knowledgeable! Love getting a healthy dose of history sweetened by some deliciously creepy stories. This was our second ghost tour with John, looking forward to a third next year! – LEAH (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

This tour is perfect for history lovers wanting to delve into detailed stories behind York’s legends and folklore.

Key Information about the Private Ghost Tour of York:

• The tour is offered in English
• Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Guests will need a moderate level of physical fitness
• Only your group will take part in this tour

2. The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York: Visit York Award Winner

⭐️ Rating : 5/5 stars | ⌛️ Tour length : 1 hr 30 min | ➡️ BOOK NOW

With over a thousand stellar reviews, this inexpensive and family-friendly award-winning ghost walk introduces you to York’s dark underbelly in the company of a great guide with a delightfully dark sense of humour. Expect to hear stories of plague, Vikings, butchery and murder!

This classic ghost tour visits some of York’s best-known attractions, including York Minster, the Shambles and the bizarrely named Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma Gate (the shortest street in York).

Amazing commentary , so funny and entertaining . Would 100% recommend. Great value for money . The person taking the tour was very impressive. elaine (read more reviews )

Best suited to those with a wicked streak, this ghost walk in York thrills with tales of dastardly crimes in bygone days and will make you jump at ghostly things that go bump in the dark. You won’t look at York Minster the same after this ghost walk!

Key information about the Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York:

• Tour start point: Outside 1331 Bar and Restaurant on Grape Lane
• Tour endpoint: Clifford’s Tower, Tower St
• Family, stroller, wheelchair, and dog friendly
• Max group size: 55

3. Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour

⭐️ Rating : 4.4/5 stars | ⌛️ Tour length : 75 minutes | ➡️ BOOK NOW

This York Ghost Bus Tour on a classic old 1960s Routemaster bus known as the “Necrobus” offers a comedy horror trip through the seedier side of York’s history, and it’s fabulous!

Expect plenty of theatrics and laughs, and sit downstairs to get the most from the experience. It’s the best place to hear your host “Frank Stein” commentary.

Absolutely loved this! A great all rounder! Informative, funny, with a few ‘jumpy’ moments the host/conductor was just fantastic absolutely made the whole experience brilliant from start to finish this is a must when visiting York! You will not be disappointed!

Key information:

• Tour start point : Bus Stop (RE) by York Station on Station Road by the Royal York Hotel (2 minutes walk from York Station)
• Guests MUST arrive 20 minutes before the departure time. (Get there early, as seating is on a first-come-first-served basis)
• The tour does not wait for any late passengers
• The tour includes a short (10 to 15-minute walk) through the ancient streets of the Shambles)
• No food or drinks (except water) are allowed on the bus
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible

4. Dark Tales of York: Private Ghost Tours

⭐️ Rating : 5/5 stars | ⌛️ Tour length : 1 – 2 hours | ➡️ BOOK NOW

This excellent private ghost walk in York is completely customisable, so you can pick your start and end points or meet in central York at the Roman Baths.

You will visit some of the scariest places in the city on this brilliant ghost tour in York, including:

• The Shambles : Learn the history of one of Europe’s oldest streets
• Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow : Learn the gruesome fate of the woman who became a Catholic Saint
• St. Crux Parish Hall : Hear of the horrible fate that befell Sir Thomas Percy at this execution site)
• Bedern : Discover the ancient history of Bedern and hear about the spirits that still haunt the area
• St William’s College : Hear about murder and betrayal in this historic building
• The Treasurer’s House: Hear one of York’s most infamous Ghost stories, which dates back to Roman times
• York Minster : Listen to a thousand years of spooky tales about this magnificent cathedral
• Stonegate : Hear about the spirits that still haunt this historic shopping street

Great personal ghost tour of York made better by Nigel’s local knowledge and energetic delivery. Really enjoyed it and would recommend to others – tim g (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Your top hat-wearing guide will share dark tales from York’s gruesome past, with plenty of information about executions, ghosts, cruelty, crime and other dark deeds.

Key information::

• Pick up available from city centre hotels (within the city walls)
• Tour start point: Roman Bath, 9 St Sampson’s Sq (outside the pub)
• Tour endpoint: Stonegate
• Stroller and wheelchair accessible
• Tour size is determined by the size of your private group, with a maximum of 15 participants

5. The Bloody Tour of York: Tourism Award Winner, Experience of the Year

⭐️ Rating : 5/5 stars | ⌛️ Tour length : 90 minutes | ➡️ BOOK NOW

This immersive Ghost Tour of York with “Mad Alice” is super atmospheric and a real crowd-pleaser, with more than 1,200 rave reviews.

If you love theatrics and are looking for an entertaining costume-wearing York tour guide, this is the best of the ghost walks in York by a mile!

Tour highlights

• York Minster : Admire the touring walls of one of Britain’s largest Gothic Cathedrals and discover some of the secrets they have to tell.
• Stonegate : (Pass By) A vibrant street with “Snickleways” (tiny narrow streets) to visit
• The Roman Column : Discover the Roman origins of the city
• Shambles : Travel back in time down this warren of Medieval streets
• Jorvik Viking Centre : Find out how the Vikings left their mark on York
• Clifford’s Tower : Hear about the tragedy that unfolded at this great tower that is all that remains of William the Conqueror’s grand Norman Castle

BRILLIANT. BRILLIANT. BRILLIANT. Amazing experience! Mad Alice was a brilliant storyteller, engaging and entertaining the whole way through. Would definitely recommend to others. – MARC (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Mad Alice’s ghost tour is perfect for participants of all ages – I’ve joined it on my own and with kids and can highly recommend it!

• Tour start and end point: Outside St. William’s College, College Street (The black and white building at the back of York Minster)
• Maximum of 40 participants

6. Dark Chronicles Horror Walk of York

⭐️ Rating : 4.5/5 stars | ⌛️ Tour length : 90 minutes | ➡️ BOOK NOW

This spooky ghost walk in York is full of fun and cheeky (but harmless) innuendos and is an excellent introduction to some of the best ghost stories and ghostly tradition around York.

Absolutely great tour. The guide was so entertaining and navigated everyone safely through the tour. Was really interesting and the guide was charismatic and enjoyable to listen to. I would definitely recommend this to everyone. It was also suitable for kids. – mike (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

The tour guide has an incredible passion for history (even the gruesome bits) and brings all the details to life, making this one of the most entertaining ghost tours in York.

• Tour start point: Drake’s Fish & Chips 97 Low Petergate, from outside Drakes Fish & Chips Shop, on the corner of Kings Square.
• Tour endpoint: Kings Square
• Maximum of 20 participants

7. York Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating : 4/5 stars | ⌛️ Tour length : 85 minutes | ➡️ BOOK NOW

This spooky ghost hunt of York will transport you to York’s sinister side, with tales of witches, mysteries, and ghost sightings that don’t usually feature on other evening ghost tours.

With entertaining commentary, your ghost tour guide will navigate you past famous historical sites, including York Minster and the Shambles.

Thoroughly engaging and entertaining. Our guide was absolutely brilliant! My family had loads of fun and the potion making at the end was the perfect ending to the perfect tour. richa (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

You’ll learn about the grim history of York and the witches of Yorkshire on this unique evening walking ghost tour of York, and discover secret spots you might not find alone.

After all the bloodcurdling tales of scandal, you’ll visit a magical drinks emporium (the Potions Cauldron), where you can try out some potion-making!

York Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best ghost walk in york.

⛪️ Best for Histor y Lovers : Private Ghost Tour of York 🤣 Most Fun : Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour 👑 Visit York Award Winner 2022: The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York 👻 Tourism Award Winner 2022, Experience of the Year: The Bloody Tour of York

Where is York located?

York is the capital city of North Yorkshire in Northern England. 📍 You can find it on Google Maps here .

How far is York from London?

🚗 York is about 15-miles (25 km) from London. You can get there by rental cars , taxi, Uber or public transport.

Is it worth going to York?

Yes — It is definitely worth going to York. It’s one of the most popular cities to visit in the UK .

It is an enchanting city with Roman, Viking and medieval history to discover throughout the city. As a relatively small city, walking around and seeing many of the most popular tourist attractions and historic buildings is easy.

How much time do you need in York?

York is a popular destination for day trips from Leeds ; however, many visitors like to spend a weekend in York . To get to York from London, plan for about two and a half hours of travel time by train, or around four hours drive.

📆 What’s the best time to visit York?

York is a popular year-round destination, and it’s usually very busy during the weekends or majorUK holidays. One of the most enchanting times to visit is at Christmas for the fabulous York Christmas markets .

You should definitely buy a York Pass for your city visit , as it saves a huge cost on visiting individual attractions.

What is the weather like in York?

Like the rest of the UK, York has a cool climate in Spring and Autumn, is warmer in the summer, and can be very cold in winter.

The best time to visit Yorkshire is from April to mid-October. 

What should I wear in York?

York is in the north of England, and winter can be very chilly, but spring and summer can be pleasantly warm. If you visit Yorkshire any time of the year, add layers, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella to your packing list.

Is York safe?

North Yorkshire is one of the safest counties in the UK, and York is a great place to visit.

What is York famous for?

York is famous for its medieval city walls, fabulous Shambles market, and Roman and Viking heritage. The absolute shining star is the incredible gothic cathedral – York Minster.

The best ghost walks in York are also pretty famous, with people travelling from all over the country – and internationally – to experience the most haunted city in Europe.

Final Thoughts: Best Ghost Walks in York

We’re at the end of a comprehensive guide to York, including historical info and all the best ghost tours in York. I hope it helped you to decide which York ghost walk you want to book.

In case you skipped to the end (we all do it sometimes!), these are my top recommendations for the best ghost walks in York – with options for every kind of traveller:

⛪️ Best for Histor y Lovers : Private Ghost Tour of York

🤣 Most Fun : Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour

👑 Visit York Award Winner: The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York

👻 Tourism Award Winner, Experience of the Year: The Bloody Tour of York

Exploring York at night with a guided ghost walk is a superb way to experience the city’s culture and history, and see some of the best points of interest in a new light.

From ghostly Roman soldiers to spooky howling dogs and apparitions of locked-in plague victims to paranormal entities, you’ll get to satisfy your taste for scary stories while exploring this historic city.

Whether you’re looking for the best ghost walks in York tour or light-hearted, fun ghost bus tours, or a Victorian guide in a frock coat, there’s some ghostly fun for everyone in this fascinating city!

So why not book a York ghost tour to experience the city’s spookiest sights in this incredibly atmospheric Yorkshire city?

Planning a trip to York? Check out these useful posts to help you plan your trip:

Is York Worth Visiting? Best Things to Do & Reasons to Visit

14 Exciting Things to Do in York at Night

16 Best Day Trips from York, UK That You Will Love in 2023

15 Wonderful Things to do in York at Christmas

Pin the Best Ghost Walks in York for later!

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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