The Ghost Bus Tours York
Experience York’s haunted past with a spooky, comedic twist aboard a vintage ghost bus tour full of laughs, legends, and local lore.
The Ghost Bus Tours York offers a unique blend of comedy, history, and spooky storytelling aboard a vintage 1960s Routemaster bus. This interactive sightseeing experience takes you through York’s haunted streets, featuring theatrical hosts, eerie decor, and a memorable stop for a walking segment in the historic Shambles. Perfect for families and groups looking for a fun, lighthearted exploration of York’s ghostly past.
A brief summary to The Ghost Bus Tours York
- Station Rd, Bus stop RE, York, YO24 1AA, GB
- +448445678666
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.25 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-10 pm
- Thursday 9 am-10 pm
- Friday 9 am-10 pm
- Saturday 9 am-10 pm
- Sunday 9 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to secure the best seats, especially on the upper deck for panoramic views.
- Prepare for a mix of comedy and spooky stories; the tour is family-friendly but includes some adult humor.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you want to join the short walking segment in the Shambles during the tour.
- Check weather conditions and dress accordingly, as part of the tour involves walking outdoors.
- Bring a camera for unique photo opportunities of York’s historic streets and the vintage bus interior.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Take local bus services to York Station or Station Road stops; from central York, buses run frequently every 10–20 minutes. The bus stop RE on Station Road is a short walk from York Station. Tickets cost around £2–£4 one way, and the journey takes 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point.
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Train
York Railway Station is the nearest major train station, well connected to major UK cities. From the station, the tour departure point at Station Rd, Bus stop RE is a 5-minute walk. Train travel times vary by origin; tickets start at approximately £15 from nearby cities.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at Station Rd, Bus stop RE. From central York, expect a 5–10 minute ride costing roughly £5–£10 depending on traffic and time of day.
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Car
If driving, use nearby public car parks such as York Station long-stay car park. Parking fees typically range from £6 to £12 for a few hours. Note that the tour start point is in a busy area; allow extra time for walking from parking.
The Ghost Bus Tours York location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Ghost Bus Tours York
A Theatrical Journey Through York's Haunted History
The Ghost Bus Tours York invites you on a 75-minute comedy horror sightseeing adventure aboard a vintage 1960s Routemaster bus. This immersive tour combines theatrical storytelling with York's dark and intriguing history. Your conductor, often in character with witty and humorous narration, guides you past famous landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and the grave of the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin. The bus itself is decorated with gothic and spooky elements, setting a chilling yet playful atmosphere.Interactive and Entertaining Experience
Unlike traditional ghost tours, this experience leans heavily into comedy and audience interaction. The conductor engages guests with jokes, puns, and theatrical antics, creating a lively and entertaining environment. At one point, the bus theatrically 'breaks down,' allowing guests to disembark for a short guided walk through the narrow medieval streets of the Shambles, where more ghost stories and local legends are shared up close. This blend of bus and walking tour adds variety and intimacy to the experience.Rich Local Lore and Spooky Stories
Throughout the tour, you’ll hear tales of York’s haunted past, including grisly historical events and ghostly sightings. The stories are carefully crafted to entertain without being overly frightening, making the tour suitable for families and those new to ghost tours. The narrative balances spooky themes with humor, ensuring a light-hearted yet informative journey through one of England’s most haunted cities.Atmosphere and Unique Features
The vintage bus, affectionately driven by 'Bob,' and the charismatic conductor create a unique ambiance that sets this tour apart. The use of special effects, spooky decorations, and theatrical performances enhances the experience. The tour’s route includes less obvious haunted spots, providing a fresh perspective on York’s ghostly reputation. The inclusion of audience participation, occasional jump scares, and comedic timing ensures a memorable night out.Accessibility and Practical Details
The tour departs from Station Rd, Bus stop RE, near York Station, running daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, with each tour lasting approximately 75 minutes. It is accessible to a wide audience, including families with children, thanks to its balanced tone of humor and mild spookiness. The vintage bus’s upper deck offers panoramic views, although some seats have cozy lamps that may slightly limit visibility. The tour is conducted in English and is suitable for most weather conditions.Why Choose The Ghost Bus Tours York?
This tour offers a unique combination of comedy, history, and ghost stories delivered in an engaging theatrical format. It’s ideal for visitors seeking a fun and memorable way to explore York’s haunted heritage without the intensity of a traditional ghost walk. The lively hosts, interactive elements, and atmospheric vintage bus make it a standout experience for both locals and tourists.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic England - York Office
0.2 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.5 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
Anglian Tower
0.5 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
Ouse Bridge
0.6 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Bootham Bar
0.6 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
The Norman House
0.7 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.7 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Shadows of York Ghost Walk
0.7 km
Experience York's haunted history with the Shadows of York Ghost Walk, a thrilling journey through the city's ghostly past and chilling legends.
St Michael Le Belfrey
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting St Michael Le Belfrey, an Anglican church in York, rich in history and architectural beauty, perfect for spiritual reflection.
The Deathly Dark Tours
0.7 km
Unearth the chilling tales of York's past with The Deathly Dark Tours, where ghostly legends and history intertwine for an unforgettable adventure.
Parliament St
0.7 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
Parish of All Saints, Pavement
0.7 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of the Parish of All Saints, Pavement - a majestic Anglican church in the heart of York, England.
Roman Column
0.7 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Shambles Market
0.7 km
Discover York’s vibrant Shambles Market, where historic charm meets artisan crafts and global street food in a lively covered marketplace.
Unmissable attractions to see
York's Tansy Beetle Mural
0.3 km
A vibrant street art tribute in York celebrating the rare, shimmering green Tansy Beetle and its fragile riverside habitat.
Micklegate Bar
0.3 km
Step through Micklegate Bar, York’s iconic medieval gatehouse steeped in history, legends, and centuries of city defense.
A Very Magical Adventure
0.3 km
Embark on a whimsical family-friendly magical quest through York’s historic streets at Jacobs Well.
Hooting Owl Distillery York
0.3 km
York’s first city distillery: where craft gin, rum and vodka meet myth, magic and a touch of owl-inspired flair in a stylish bar-lounge.
Barker Tower
0.3 km
Discover the medieval charm and historical significance of Barker Tower, a must-visit landmark in the heart of York.
Dame Judi Dench Walk
0.3 km
A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
All Saints North Street, York - The Shrine and Parish Church
0.4 km
A medieval York church with breathtaking 15th-century stained glass and a rebuilt anchorite’s cell, offering quiet reflection and a vivid glimpse into medieval faith and art.
National Railway Museum York
0.4 km
Explore Britain's rich railway heritage with iconic locomotives, interactive exhibits, and historic carriages at York's National Railway Museum.
York Observatory
0.4 km
Explore Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory nestled in York’s scenic Museum Gardens, home to historic telescopes and star clocks.
Museum Gardens
0.4 km
Discover York Museum Gardens: a historic botanical oasis blending medieval ruins, lush greenery, and vibrant community life in the city centre.
Locked in Games York
0.4 km
Solve puzzles, beat the clock and escape in York’s clever escape room centre near the museum gardens.
Black window cat
0.4 km
Explore Black Window Cat in York, a vibrant tourist attraction blending art, culture, and community in a historic setting.
Miniature Railway
0.4 km
A charming miniature railway ride nestled within York’s National Railway Museum, blending family fun with historic railway heritage.
Multangular Tower
0.5 km
Explore York’s iconic ten-sided Roman tower blending ancient military might with medieval defense, nestled in serene Museum Gardens.
Yorkshire Museum
0.5 km
Explore Yorkshire’s rich history from prehistoric fossils to Viking treasures in York’s iconic Greek Revival museum nestled in tranquil gardens.
Essential places to dine
The Rise
0.2 km
Modern British dining with a Yorkshire twist in York’s only five-star hotel, featuring an open kitchen, terrace views, and award-winning afternoon tea.
Skosh
0.2 km
Inventive small plates, global flavors, and theatrical kitchen views in intimate York setting.
Partisan
0.2 km
Artistic café serving seasonal brunch and lunch in a bohemian Parisian-inspired setting on historic Micklegate.
Delrio's Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian and Sardinian cuisine in York’s cozy cellar setting, where passion and tradition create unforgettable flavors.
Kapadokya
0.4 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Roots York
0.4 km
Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.
The Star Inn The City
0.4 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
Casa Brazilian Rodizio
0.4 km
Experience authentic Brazilian rodizio dining with expertly grilled meats and vibrant flavors in the heart of York’s city centre.
The Whippet Inn
0.4 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.5 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
Brew & Brownie
0.5 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.5 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.5 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.6 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
The Botanist York
0.6 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hidden Treasures
0.3 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Greybear
0.5 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.5 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
The Imaginarium
0.5 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
York Souvenir's
0.6 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.6 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Paper Doll
0.7 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
Rookscroft
0.7 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Shared Earth
0.7 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
Cello by Collectables
0.7 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
The Cat Gallery
0.7 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
Coppergate Shopping Centre
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant shopping scene at Coppergate Shopping Centre, where unique stores meet delightful dining in the heart of historic York.
SOCTOPUS
0.7 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
York Minster Shop
0.7 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.7 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
York Tap
0.1 km
Discover York Tap, a historic Edwardian pub at York Station, offering 32 rotating craft beer lines and a lively atmosphere for beer lovers.
The Maltings
0.3 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
Jalou York
0.4 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Revolution York
0.5 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.5 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Lendal Cellars
0.5 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Tank & Paddle York
0.5 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.5 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Dusk
0.5 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Punch Bowl
0.6 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
0.6 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.6 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.6 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
Evil Eye
0.6 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Plonkers
0.6 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.3 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.3 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Club Salvation
0.3 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Flares - York
0.3 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Popworld York
0.3 km
York’s lively nightclub with five decades of pop hits, a unique revolving dancefloor, and a safe, fun party atmosphere.
BlueBox
0.5 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Kuda
0.7 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.7 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.1 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.4 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.0 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Disco Stu's
34.3 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.3 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
34.4 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
34.5 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
