Tours/London/London Haunted Pub Tour
Viator · Private tour

London Haunted Pub Tour

4.8(6)London1 hour
VIATOR4.7(3)TRIPADVISOR5.0(3)

Description

London has a unique and gruesome history, much of which is fuelled by an excess of alcohol. The locations on this tour have been involved in riots, rebellions, murders, executions, plots, and, of course, plenty of pints of beer! Because of this, each of the unique and individual pubs we visit as part of this tour has its own unique history and unique ghosts. As part of this tour, not only will you visit some great pubs and have a chance to sample the delights of this part of London's pub scene, but you will also hear about the brutal, gory, and disturbing specters and spirits that haunt each pub and even some the locations that we will pass along the way. Starting at one of the most haunted pubs in London, and finishing in one the most historic, this is the perfect tour for people interested in their Spirits and their Spirits. Sadly, due to the UK's Alcohol laws, under 18s are not permitted on this tour, and ALL persons on the tour are expected to carry a photo ID with them.

Tour Options

Haunted Pub Tour of London

Itinerary

20 min

This pub is haunted by two ghosts. One is the old landlord of the pub who keeps a watchful eye on the drinkers even to this day. The other is a red-headed gentleman who disappears without a trace. There was once an ancient tavern on this site and the current pub was built during the Victorian era. Today this pub is one of a handful of independent pubs in central London, and once was a favourite haunt of the nearby market workers.

20 min

The Rising Sun sits on one of the oldest streets in London. Once used as a headquarters for the Resurrectionists, people who would dig up dead bodies and sell them to the medics in the nearby St Bart's Hospital, this pub is haunted by one of London's most creepy and controversial ghosts. Find out why you must not shower in this pub, why a pinch on the bottom is not what it seems, and the gory goings-on with money-making murders happening nearby.

20 min

At the Bishop's Finger, you will learn about the market spirit of Smithfield, a Lawyer who carries a meat cleaver, wears horns on his head, and hunts for the homes of the Butchers who used to live near to this market. This tale involves spoiled meat, and we won't spoil the story for you until you're settled with a drink to hear this dark tale. Before we leave, use the loo and hear how, on one tour, one of our guides who was all alone at a urinal, heard a ghostly whisper that sent shivers all through him.

20 min

The Viaduct Tavern is the most haunted pub in the City of London. Built close to one of the most notorious jails in Britain, this pub is said to be full of the souls of those condemned to die nearby. Whilst you sip your spirits, your guide will explain the gruesome history of Hanging Breakfasts, why you cannot read a Sunday Paper in peace, why dogs are spooked at the cellar, and who the mischievous Fred the ghost is, and what he does in the ladies loos.

20 min

The Cockpit's name comes from the vicious bloodsport of Cock fighting. As you enter the pub, you are also entering the cock-fighting arena where the birds once would fight to the death whilst punters placed bets on the best bird. If you listen carefully in this pub you will hear a woman screaming - the ghost who haunts this premises is calling out for help.

20 min

This final stop on the tour is one of London's oldest and best-loved pubs. Londoners have been drinking at this historic pub since 1538 and the original building was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666 only to be rebuilt shortly afterwards. Marvel at the wood-panelled interior and the cellars, which date back to the 13th century. A favourite place to drink for Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle the writer of the Sherlock Holmes stories. Whilst enjoying a drink here, you will learn about Polly the Parrot, whose death was reported across the world in 1926 and discover how a fire in the upper levels in 1962 led to an eye-opening, x-rated discovery from the 18th century. Finally, hear how the ghost that haunts this pub inspired a 17th-century Ballard.

Highlights

All guiding fees and taxes are included in the cost of this tour.

What's included

Included
All guiding fees and taxes are included in the cost of this tour.
Not included
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available to purchase at each pub for an additional cost. We suggest budgeting between £5-£10 per person per pub.
Snacks
Gratuities
Persons under 18 years old are not permitted on this tour due to the UK's alcohol licensing laws.

Traveller Ratings

4.8
6 reviews
5
5
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • The extra time 30 minutes in itinerary is allocated for walking between the locations

Reviews(6)

K
Kristin_M
July 4, 2026
If I could give 10 stars I would.

If I could give 10 stars I would. David was wonderful. He customized our tour had had no issues staying longer in some places and skipping others. Fascinating knowledge and he is incredibly engaging. I’ve never had a private tour before. Can’t imagine it any other way now. Thank you David!!

P
Pascal_G
May 24, 2026
Cool pups and funny...

Cool pups and funny guide (Michael). The stories were interesting but only somewhat ghostly.

M
MicheleKelly1
March 26, 2026
Great tour!!!

This was a great experience overall! Our guide was so knowledgeable and fun. We had a great time and I would recommend this tour toeveryone who’s interested in learning a little bit about the darker side of London. He took us to places we never would’ve been on our own Kudos!

D
D3731FOjamiel
December 17, 2025
5*

Iain was a great guide for our tour, was a very fun experience that I would recommend to anyone! Iain was full of knowledge and humour, and the pubs were full of history. Thank you for a great time!

Operator response

Thank you for your Review, It truly means a lot to us at Tours of the UK. We're glad to hear you had a good time on your Haunted Pub Tour with Iain and we would be happy to welcome you back on one of our tours. All the Best, Alyson

P
P1998GFjamesw
December 17, 2025
Haunted pub tour

The whole experience from start to finnish was brilliant. Booking the tour was so easy and Iain, our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining the whole way through. I would absolutely reccomend this tour to anybody!

Operator response

Thank you for your review, and we appreciate your recommendation. We're glad to hear you had a brilliant time on the Haunted Pub tour and we hope you consider booking with us again soon. Kindest Regards, Alyson

J
Jessica_D
November 15, 2025
Fun night out!

We had a great tour with Michael. This tour was the perfect blend of history, culture, and booze 🍻 It wasn’t hokey or gimmicky and rather focused on the true macabre history of London from the Great Plague and on. The pubs all offered a variety of drinks, so there’s something for everyone (even if beer isn’t your thing). Michael was a wealth of information and we are so glad we went on this tour at the top of our vacation as he gave us great tips on where to go and what to avoid. Thanks, Michael!

Operator response

Hello, thank you for your review. We are extremely happy to hear that you had a good night out on your Haunted Pub Tour with Michael, and learning lots about London! We will be sure to welcome you back on one of our Tours. Kindest Regards, Alyson

You might also like...