If you’re fascinated by London’s haunted corners, gruesome historical tales, and secret underground passages, this Jack the Ripper and Underground Prison tour promises a vivid journey through the city’s shadowy past. With a max group size of just 8, guides like Ruben and Major Thomas Weir take you beyond the usual sightseeing, immersing you in stories of terror, conspiracy, and ghostly phenomena.
What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s well-rounded, blending the infamous Jack the Ripper murders with London’s most paranormally active sites. Second, the guides are not only knowledgeable but also engaging storytellers, adding a touch of humor and authenticity. Lastly, the visit to Old London underground sites like Newgate Prison offers a rare glimpse into the darker side of the city’s history.
A possible drawback? The tour’s 3-hour duration is packed, so it might feel a bit intense for those who prefer a more relaxed pace or have trouble with walking through uneven or narrow streets. It’s best suited for travelers with an interest in mystery, history, and ghost stories, especially those eager to explore areas off the beaten path and enjoy a small, intimate group experience.
- Small Group Size: Only 8 travelers max ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
- Expert Guides: Ruben and Major Thomas Weir’s storytelling skills are highly praised for making history come alive.
- Historical and Paranormal Blend: The tour combines factual history with ghost stories, adding an intriguing layer of mystery.
- Visit Underground Sites: Includes access to London’s old Newgate Prison and underground tavern, offering a rare subterranean perspective.
- Cost and Value: At approximately $23.42, it provides a rich mix of stories, sites, and entertainment, including a pub visit with drinks included.
- Convenient and Accessible: The tour includes a mobile ticket, and stops are near public transportation, making it easy to join.
Start at St Botolph’s Aldgate with Major Thomas Weir
Your journey begins with Major Thomas Weir, a figure who introduces London’s darkest tales. Here, the focus is on setting the scene for the city’s haunted history, and the guide’s storytelling is notably detailed and lively. The site itself is steeped in history, and the guide’s approach makes it feel like stepping into a spooky old town.
Church of St. Botolph without Bishopsgate
Next, the tour visits what’s reputed to be one of the most paranormal-active police stations in London, dating back to 1861. This adds a layer of authenticity and creepiness—you’re standing where police once hunted down criminals, yet ghostly activity seems to linger. Reviewers have described the experience here as “super complete” and full of “interesting stories,” highlighting the guide’s ability to weave history with ghostly lore.
Looking for more options in London? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Liverpool Street Station: From Asylum to Underground
Traveling via Tube (included in your day), you’ll reach Liverpool Street Station, which sits atop the historic Bethlehem Hospital, founded in 1247. This hospital’s dark past as an asylum dating back to 1377 is concealed beneath the station, adding a haunting dimension to your experience. The station’s corridors and platforms are said to hide ghostly traces, making it an ideal spot for supernatural tales.
Smithfield Market and Medieval Torture
Moving on, you’ll explore the area around Smithfield Market, infamous for medieval torture, body snatching, and its role in the Great Fire of 1666. The guide’s narration here reportedly covers grisly stories from London’s dark times, providing a vivid picture of the city’s brutal past. Reviewers note the hour-long stop as the most intense part of the tour, packed with details and historical context.
The Viaduct Tavern: Ghosts and Beer
The tour wraps up at The Viaduct Tavern, a pub built in 1869, located opposite the criminal court. This pub is renowned for paranormal phenomena, with stories of ghostly sightings in its underground tunnels. The included £4 drinks allowance allows you to enjoy a drink in this atmospheric setting, with many reviewers praising the lively yet eerie ambiance. The underground part of the pub, accessible during the visit, is said to be haunted, adding a tangible thrill to your final stop.
Cost vs. Experience: At roughly $23.42, the price is competitive for what you get—a guided walk through haunted sites, access to underground London, and a cozy pub experience. The small group size enhances the quality, making it easier to ask questions and truly connect with the guide. Our reviewers consistently praised the guides’ enthusiasm, knowledge, and storytelling ability, which truly elevates the experience beyond a simple walk.
Authentic and Engaging Content: The blend of history, paranormal stories, and underground visits offers a truly immersive experience. Many reviewers highlighted how Ruben, the guide, makes history feel alive with his passion and attention to detail, often relating stories that you can’t find in typical guidebooks.
Unique Access: Visiting London’s underground sites and old prisons provides a rare glimpse into its hidden layers. For history buffs or ghost story enthusiasts, this is a chance to see a side of London that is usually off-limits to travelers.
Intimate and Personal: Limited to 8 people, the tour ensures a personalized experience. This makes the storytelling more engaging, and you can easily ask questions or request more details.
Fun and Informative: Reviewers consistently mention how the tour feels both entertaining and educational. Ruben’s genuine passion and storytelling make dark history approachable and memorable.
Many travelers have expressed how Ruben’s storytelling made them feel like they stepped back in time. Comments like “makes you feel that you are living in the time of the stories he relates” point to the immersive nature of this tour. The paranormal stories, often tied with historical facts, add a layer of excitement, particularly in sites like the Old Police Station and the underground tavern.
The tour’s small group size is praised as “super close,” allowing for more interaction and a more personalized experience. Reviewers note the guide’s extensive paranormal knowledge and how he adds humor and passion to the stories, making dark history approachable and fun.
Some guests mention the intensity of the tour, especially during the Smithfield Market segment, which is packed with tales of torture and crime. It’s a good reminder that this tour isn’t for the squeamish, but for those eager to confront London’s grittiest past.
- Price: At $23.42, the tour offers excellent value, including access to underground sites and a pub stop with drinks.
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.
- Group Size: Limited to 8 travelers for an intimate experience.
- Meeting Point: Starts at St Botolph’s Aldgate, near public transportation, simplifying logistics.
- Age Limit: Not suitable for children under 5, given the intense and spooky content.
- Weather: The tour is mostly outdoors and in underground locations—check the weather forecast to ensure comfort.
- Additional: The tour includes a mobile ticket, and tips are optional.
This experience is perfect for history buffs, ghost story lovers, and adventurers eager to uncover London’s darker chapters. If you enjoy small-group, well-narrated stories with a mix of humor and horror, you’ll find this tour highly engaging. It’s especially suited for those interested in paranormal activity and underground history, as well as travelers wanting a personalized, memorable experience.
This Jack the Ripper and Underground Prison tour provides a compelling mix of London’s most infamous murders, haunted sites, and subterranean secrets. With knowledgeable guides, an intimate group setting, and authentic stories, it offers more than a typical city walk. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, true crime, or historic mysteries, this tour is a fantastic way to explore London’s darker side in just a few hours.
The inclusion of underground sites and a visit to a paranormal pub makes it a distinctive experience for those craving something beyond the usual sightseeing routine. The price point makes it accessible, and the glowing reviews underscore its value and entertainment factor.
If you’re curious about London’s shadowy past and want a tour that combines history, mystery, and small-group intimacy, this experience is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for some spooky tales and a bit of walking — it’s a true adventure into London’s eerie corners.
Is the tour suitable for kids?
Children under 5 cannot join, mainly because of the dark, spooky stories and historical content. It’s best for older kids and adults who enjoy ghost stories and history.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is often booked around 36 days in advance, and spots are limited to 8 travelers per group to ensure a personal experience.
Is transportation included?
The tour includes travel via the Tube from Liverpool Street Station to the underground sites, but public transportation tickets are not included in the price.
What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, covering multiple stops with some walking involved.
Can I cancel if I change my plans?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible for travelers with uncertain schedules.
Is there any food or drinks included?
The tour includes a £4 credit to spend at the Viaduct Tavern pub, allowing you to enjoy a drink in a haunted, atmospheric setting.
More Walking Tours in London
- A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens Old London Walking Tour
- 2 Hour Big Ben to Borough Market Walking Tour
- Food & drink walking tour in South East London. Bermondsey – Borough Market.
- Food and Drink Walking Tours in West London’s Notting Hill Area
- Climb The O2 Arena & See London’s Main Sights Walking Tour
- Movie Hot Spot Walking Tour of London
More Tours in London
- A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens Old London Walking Tour
- 5-Day Discover Wales Small-Group Tour from London
- 20 Major London Attractions – Guided Tour With Video and Photos
- 2 Hour Big Ben to Borough Market Walking Tour
- 2-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Oxford Tour Including Admission
- Private Tour London Highlights, entries Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London
More Tour Reviews in London
- A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens Old London Walking Tour
- 5-Day Discover Wales Small-Group Tour from London
- English Speaking Course around Dublin
- 20 Major London Attractions – Guided Tour With Video and Photos
- 2 Hour Big Ben to Borough Market Walking Tour
- 2-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Oxford Tour Including Admission
Still browsing? Here are more London experiences we've covered recently
- A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens Old London Walking Tour
- 5-Day Discover Wales Small-Group Tour from London
- English Speaking Course around Dublin
- 20 Major London Attractions – Guided Tour With Video and Photos
- 2 Hour Big Ben to Borough Market Walking Tour
- 2-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Oxford Tour Including Admission
- Private Tour London Highlights, entries Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London
- 007 Shadow Of Spectre
- Half Day Tour in a classic Mini Cooper
- Guided tour of the British Museum in Spanish
- The Royal Albert Hall Tour
- Bombay Sapphire Gin Cocktail Masterclass and Tour