The Ghost Bus Tours
Dark comedy meets London history on a theatrical double-decker bus tour through the capital's most sinister stories.
Step aboard a darkly decorated vintage double-decker bus for a theatrical journey through London's most sinister history. This immersive tour combines live performance, special effects, and expertly told tales of murder, execution, and haunting at iconic locations including the Tower of London, Whitehall, and Fleet Street. Charismatic conductors bring gruesome historical facts to life with humor and theatrical flair, making this a uniquely entertaining blend of sightseeing and dark comedy that appeals to those seeking something beyond conventional tours.
A brief summary to The Ghost Bus Tours
- 8 Northumberland Ave, London, WC2N 5BY, GB
- +448445678666
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 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 early to secure a seat on the upper deck, which offers better sightlines and a more immersive experience with the conductor's performance visible on screens throughout the journey.
- Book an evening tour (9 PM departures are particularly popular) for maximum atmospheric effect, as darkness enhances the theatrical elements and makes the experience feel more genuinely spooky.
- Be prepared for audience participation and interactive moments; the conductor will engage with passengers, so embrace the theatrical nature rather than remaining passive for the best experience.
- Check current tour availability and conductor assignments if possible, as the quality and style of the experience varies significantly depending on which performer leads your tour.
- Wear comfortable clothing and be aware that the bus can become warm during peak seasons; ventilation is limited as windows open only partially for safety reasons.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
From Embankment Station (Circle, District, or Bakerloo lines), exit and walk approximately 5–7 minutes northeast toward Northumberland Avenue. The departure point is located near Trafalgar Square. Journey time from central London stations typically ranges from 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point. Single fares cost between £1.75–£2.80 depending on zones traveled.
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Bus
Multiple London bus routes serve the Trafalgar Square and Northumberland Avenue area, including routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, and 87. Journey times vary from 15–40 minutes depending on traffic and your starting location. A single bus fare costs £1.75 (off-peak) or £2.80 (peak hours). Buses operate frequently throughout the day.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Black cabs and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout London and can deliver you directly to 8 Northumberland Avenue. Typical fares from central London locations range from £8–£20 depending on distance and time of day. Journey times vary significantly based on traffic conditions, particularly during evening rush hours (4–7 PM).
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Walking
If you're staying in central London (within 1–2 km), walking to Northumberland Avenue near Trafalgar Square is feasible. The route is relatively flat and passes through well-lit, populated areas. Walking from Leicester Square takes approximately 10–12 minutes; from Covent Garden approximately 8–10 minutes. The area is pedestrian-friendly with clear signage.
The Ghost Bus Tours location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Ghost Bus Tours
A Theatre on Wheels Through London's Darkest Past
The Ghost Bus Tours operates from a specially decorated vintage double-decker bus that serves as both transport and theatrical stage. The bus itself becomes part of the experience, with its interior transformed into a spooky atmosphere complete with atmospheric lighting, sound effects, and visual elements designed to immerse passengers in London's macabre history. The upper deck features screens that broadcast the conductor's performance, allowing all passengers to engage with the storytelling regardless of seating position. This mobile venue travels through central London's most historically significant locations, stopping at sites associated with famous crimes, executions, and supernatural legends.Theatrical Performance Meets Historical Narrative
What distinguishes this tour from conventional sightseeing experiences is its emphasis on theatrical performance. The conductors are trained performers who adopt distinctive characters and personas, delivering historical narratives with comedic timing, dramatic flair, and audience interaction. They recount tales of murder, treason, torture, and ghostly encounters at specific London landmarks, weaving individual stories into an overarching narrative that builds throughout the journey. The performance element includes unexpected character appearances, simulated supernatural events, and interactive moments that keep passengers engaged and occasionally startled. This blend of education and entertainment means visitors learn genuine historical facts while being thoroughly entertained by the delivery.Journey Through Haunted London Landmarks
The tour route encompasses some of London's most historically significant and notoriously dark locations. Passengers travel past the Tower of London, where countless executions and imprisonments occurred; Whitehall, site of political intrigue and royal drama; and Fleet Street, historically associated with crime and mystery. The conductor provides context and stories for each location, explaining the historical events that earned these places their sinister reputations. Rather than stopping to walk through graveyards or enter buildings, the tour maintains momentum as a moving experience, allowing passengers to observe these landmarks from the bus while absorbing their histories through the conductor's narrative.The Conductor as Central Experience
The quality of each tour depends significantly on the individual conductor's performance. These guides are the heart of the experience, responsible for maintaining energy, delivering historical information, engaging with diverse audiences, and executing the theatrical elements that make the tour memorable. Conductors demonstrate varying performance styles—some emphasize comedy and audience participation, others focus on darker storytelling and atmospheric tension, and many balance both approaches. Their ability to adapt to passenger demographics, manage group dynamics, and maintain character throughout the journey determines whether visitors feel entertained, educated, or occasionally uncomfortable in the best possible way.Atmosphere and Special Effects
The tour incorporates various atmospheric elements to enhance the experience. Onboard special effects, including lighting changes, sound design, and visual projections, create moments of theatrical tension and surprise. The bus's decorated interior, combined with nighttime travel through London's streets, contributes to an overall sense of immersion. However, the effectiveness of these elements varies—some passengers find them genuinely atmospheric and enhancing, while others perceive them as occasionally distracting or over-the-top. The theatrical nature of the experience means that suspension of disbelief and openness to performance art significantly influence how individual visitors experience the tour.Duration and Pacing
The standard tour lasts approximately one hour, during which the bus travels through central London while the conductor delivers stories and engages with passengers. This timeframe allows for coverage of multiple significant locations and a complete narrative arc, though some passengers note that traffic conditions in London can affect the actual duration and pacing of the experience. The journey combines seated observation from the bus with the conductor's continuous performance, creating a relatively passive experience in terms of physical activity but an active one in terms of mental engagement and entertainment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
16-18 Whitehall
0.1 km
Explore 16-18 Whitehall, the historic site of England’s grandest royal palace and home to the stunning Banqueting House, a masterpiece of classical architecture.
Royal Tank Regiment Memorial Statue
0.1 km
A commanding bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring the bravery and teamwork of the Royal Tank Regiment’s WWII Comet tank crews.
Nelson's Column
0.2 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Nelson’s naval triumph, standing proudly at the heart of London’s historic Trafalgar Square.
Eleanor Cross
0.2 km
A Victorian Gothic Revival monument marking the final resting place of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession, blending medieval legacy with London’s historic heart.
Obelisk Charles James Napier
0.2 km
A contested monument to a complex military figure in London's most iconic public square.
Old Admiralty Building
0.2 km
Historic heart of Britain’s naval command, blending grand architecture with pivotal moments in London’s maritime legacy.
Admiralty Arch
0.2 km
A majestic Edwardian gateway linking Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, embodying Britain's royal heritage and naval history.
George Duke of Cambridge statue
0.2 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, standing proudly on Whitehall amidst London’s historic military heart.
The Gurkha Soldier Statue
0.2 km
A solemn tribute to the fearless Gurkha soldiers guarding Britain’s legacy on Horse Guards Avenue.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
0.2 km
Georgian masterpiece and spiritual anchor of Trafalgar Square, influencing church architecture worldwide.
Captain James Cook
0.2 km
Bronze tribute to the explorer who charted the Pacific and shaped the British Empire
Royal Marines Memorial
0.3 km
A stirring bronze tribute on The Mall honoring Royal Marines’ sacrifice in China and South Africa, blending art and history in London’s ceremonial heart.
Dover House
0.3 km
Historic neoclassical mansion on Whitehall, home to the Scotland Office with a unique rotunda entrance and rich aristocratic past.
Guards Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the Guardsmen who fell in World War I, set amidst London’s historic ceremonial heart.
The Women of World War II
0.4 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring over seven million British women’s vital roles during World War II.
Unmissable attractions to see
Grand Building
0.1 km
A grand Victorian landmark on the Strand, transformed from a luxury hotel into a vibrant cultural and community hub in the heart of London.
Benjamin Franklin House
0.1 km
Step inside the only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin and experience 18th-century London through immersive tours and rich history.
Charing Cross
0.2 km
Charing Cross and the Strand: a historic London gateway blending culture, theatre, and vibrant city life along a legendary riverside street.
Trafalgar Square
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant culture and rich history at Trafalgar Square, London's iconic public square and cultural hub.
London by Night Tours
0.2 km
Discover London’s iconic landmarks aglow with night lights on an engaging open-top bus tour departing from historic Trafalgar Square.
Embankment Pl
0.2 km
A sleek postmodern complex blending riverside charm with central London’s vibrant urban pulse.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
0.2 km
An iconic neoclassical church at Trafalgar Square blending rich history, architectural brilliance, and vibrant cultural life in central London.
Gordon's Wine Bar
0.2 km
Experience the charm of London at Gordon's Wine Bar, the city's oldest wine bar, offering a delightful selection of wines and traditional British cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
5 Trafalgar Sq
0.2 km
London’s iconic Trafalgar Square: a historic public plaza celebrating naval triumphs and vibrant civic life in the city’s heart.
The Fourth Plinth
0.2 km
A historic plinth transformed into a world-famous stage for cutting-edge contemporary art in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square.
Canada House
0.2 km
Canada House: Historic Greek Revival architecture meets vibrant Canadian culture in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square.
The Household Cavalry Museum
0.2 km
Explore the living history and pageantry of Britain’s elite Household Cavalry at their historic London headquarters.
York Watergate
0.3 km
Explore York Watergate, a serene historical landmark on the River Thames, rich in maritime heritage and stunning views perfect for tourists.
Horse Guards Parade
0.3 km
Historic ceremonial parade ground in London’s Whitehall, famed for royal pageantry and military tradition since the 16th century.
Banqueting House
0.3 km
Explore London's Banqueting House, a Palladian masterpiece with Rubens' ceiling and the historic site of King Charles I’s execution.
Essential places to dine
Ekstedt at The Yard
0.1 km
Experience Nordic wood-fired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, blending ancient fire cooking with British seasonal ingredients.
The Garden
0.1 km
A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
The Northall
0.1 km
Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
Wild Honey St James
0.4 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.4 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
J Sheekey
0.5 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Rules
0.5 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.5 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.5 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Clos Maggiore
0.5 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.6 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Chez Antoinette
0.6 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Punch & Judy
0.6 km
Historic Covent Garden pub blending classic British fare, lively balcony views, and family-friendly charm in the heart of London.
wagamama southbank
0.6 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Strada Southbank
0.6 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Crest of London Ltd
0.1 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Gifts of London
0.2 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.4 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Unique Britain
0.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.5 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
Floral Street
0.5 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
Cool Britania
0.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
M&M'S London
0.6 km
Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
0.6 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.6 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.6 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Covent Garden
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment experience at Covent Garden, a historical landmark in the heart of London.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.6 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.6 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Old Shades
0.1 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
The Spy Bar
0.2 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
The Harp, Covent Garden
0.3 km
A historic Covent Garden pub famed for award-winning ales, traditional ciders, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.4 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
Blind Spot London
0.4 km
Discover a secretive speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and intimate ambiance tucked inside St Martin’s Lane Hotel, Covent Garden.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.4 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.4 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.4 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Mr Fogg's Tavern
0.5 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
Upstairs At Rules
0.5 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.5 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Mrs Riot
0.5 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
0.5 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.5 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
American Bar
0.5 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Lively
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Viral Moments
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Adults Only
