Portsmouth Ghost Tour

Portsmouth Ghost Tour Review: Exploring the Haunted Corners of South East England

If you’re after a spooky night in Portsmouth that mixes history, ghost stories, and theatrical flair, the Portsmouth Ghost Tour by Supernatural Tours offers a compelling option. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, a thorough look at what it promises suggests it’s a well-rounded experience for those intrigued by the unknown and local legends.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the live actors bring ghostly tales vividly to life, creating a theatrical and immersive atmosphere. Second, the tour covers notable haunted spots like The Square Tower and Spice Island, giving you both spooky stories and a glimpse into Portsmouth’s storied past. Third, the price point of $17 is quite reasonable for an evening of entertainment, especially considering the mix of history and theatrical storytelling. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour runs in all weather, so dress appropriately for rain or shine.

This experience is ideal for history buffs, ghost story lovers, or anyone seeking an unusual way to explore Portsmouth after dark. It’s suitable for most age groups but not recommended for children under 12, making it a good choice for families with older kids or groups of friends. If you enjoy stories that blend fact and legend while adding a theatrical twist, this tour could be a highlight of your visit.

Key Points

• Authentic Haunted Spots: Includes The Square Tower, Spice Island, The Dolphin pub, and more.
• Engaging Live Actors: Theatrical storytelling enhances the chilling tales.
• Historical & Ghostly Stories: Covers stories like the Duke of Buckingham murder and Buster Crabb.
• Affordable Price: At $17 per person, it offers good value for a spooky night out.
• Weather-Ready Tour: All tours go ahead regardless of weather, so dress accordingly.
• Flexible Booking: Book now, pay later, with full refund options if canceled 24 hours before.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Portsmouth Ghost Tour Experience

Starting off at the historic Spice Island Inn, this tour sets a cozy yet eerie tone. Meeting at the bottom of a staircase near the bar, you’re immediately immersed into Portsmouth’s old-world charm. The guide, though unnamed in the info, is likely to be well-versed, providing a mix of storytelling and historical context. Expect to venture into the night, walking through streets and alleys that whisper of ghostly encounters.

The tour’s route includes several of the city’s most haunted locations. Among the highlights is The Square Tower, a site that’s supposedly haunted by spirits linked to Portsmouth’s military past. One reviewer mentions hearing stories of who or what still lingers there, which adds to the eerie authenticity. The tower’s history as a defensive structure lends itself to ghostly legends, and hearing about it from a lively guide makes the stories more engaging.

Spice Island marks the starting point and the final destination, making the walk feel like a full circle through Portsmouth’s dark corners. As you wander, the guide shares tales of death, torture, and murder—stories that have been passed down through generations. For example, the story of Buster Crabb, a famous diver, is covered, adding a layer of intrigue blending history and legend. Some reviews note a particular delight in the way actors animate the tales, making each stop feel alive with the past.

Of course, the tour isn’t just about spooky stories. It’s also about understanding the stories behind Portsmouth’s landmarks, which adds depth and context. The Dolphin pub, for instance, isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s also a site with its own ghostly tales. Many find that the stories help bring the city’s dark history into focus, turning what could be a simple walk into an engaging history lesson wrapped in ghostly tales.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

The itinerary is structured around a series of stops, each with its own story. You’ll start at Spice Island Inn, where the guide sets the mood with some introductory tales. From there, you’ll head out into the streets, visiting sites like The Square Tower, known locally for its ghost stories. The stories aren’t just narrated—they’re brought to life through live actors, who sometimes enact scenes or appear in ghostly costumes, adding a theatrical element that many reviews find captivating.

Other notable locations include The Dolphin pub, which has its own haunted reputation. The tales often involve death and torture, drawing from Portsmouth’s turbulent past. The guide’s storytelling style is described as lively and engaging, which helps keep the group captivated even as the stories get creepier.

The duration of the tour isn’t explicitly listed, but most ghost walks last about 1 to 1.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity. The tour ends back at the starting point, which makes logistics simple—no need to worry about transportation after.

The Value of the Experience

At just $17, the tour offers a cost-effective way to see a different side of Portsmouth. It’s especially appealing because of the combination of live actors and genuine stories, which elevates the experience beyond a simple walking tour. The inclusion of some of the city’s most haunted spots and stories tied to local legends makes it satisfying for those who enjoy a mix of history, ghost stories, and theatrical fun.

While some reviews mention that the tour proceeds in all weather, so dressing warmly and appropriately is needed, this is a small inconvenience that shouldn’t deter anyone interested in the experience. The flexibility to reserve and pay later is also a bonus, allowing you to plan your trip without immediate commitment.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour

This ghost tour is best suited for adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, and those with a fascination for haunted stories. It’s perfect for groups of friends, couples, or even solo travelers who want a fun, spooky experience. It’s not suitable for children under 12, so consider whether older kids or teenagers will enjoy the theatrical storytelling and spooky tales.

In summary, if you’re after a reasonably priced, theatrically hosted ghost walk that combines local legends with spirited storytelling, this Portsmouth Ghost Tour delivers on both fun and authenticity.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those interested in a lighthearted but spooky exploration of Portsmouth’s haunted side, this tour offers a good balance of entertainment and history. The live actors bring a theatrical energy that enhances the storytelling, making each stop memorable. It’s a great way to experience some of Portsmouth’s most haunted locations, especially if you enjoy stories that blend fact and legend.

While not overly long, the tour packs enough chills and insights to justify the cost. The physical walk-through city streets, paired with engaging tales, makes it a valuable nighttime activity. If you’re prepared for weather, enjoy a good ghost story, and want to add a spooky twist to your visit, this tour is a solid choice.

Ultimately, this experience is best for those seeking a fun, accessible, and atmospheric ghost walk that doesn’t break the bank but still offers plenty of spine-tingling moments.

FAQ

What is the starting point of the Portsmouth Ghost Tour?
It begins at the bottom of the staircase by the bar at the historic Spice Island Inn, a charming and central location in Portsmouth.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, ghost walks typically run about 1 to 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of spooky stories without feeling rushed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 due to the nature of the stories, which include tales of death and torture.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can reserve your spot and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

What should I wear?
Since the tour takes place in all weather, dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for walking through Portsmouth’s streets at night.

Are there any added costs?
The price of $17 covers the tour itself; no additional fees are typically required unless you choose to explore further on your own.

What locations will I visit?
Key stops include The Square Tower, Spice Island, The Dolphin pub, and other haunted spots, each with its own ghostly story to tell.

Is this tour guided by a professional storyteller?
Yes, the tour features live actors who help bring the ghostly tales to life, adding theatrical flair and making the stories more immersive.

Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or just curious about Portsmouth’s darker tales, this ghost tour offers an engaging and reasonably priced way to spend an evening exploring the city’s haunted secrets.

You can check availability for your dates here: