London Haunted Pub History and Spirits Tour

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.

Meeting Point

Barbican

Underground Ltd, Aldersgate St, Barbican, London EC1A 4JA, UK

Your guide will meet you outside the main entrance of Barbican Station on Aldersgate Street.

What's included:

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

Not included:

• Persons under 18 years old are not permitted on this tour due to the UK's alcohol licensing laws.

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Old Red Cow

71-72 Long Lane, Smithfield, London, EC1A 9EJ

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 minutes

Rising Sun

38 Cloth Fair, Barbican, London EC1A 7JQ, UK

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 minutes

Bishops Finger

9-10 W Smithfield, Smithfield St, London EC1A 9JR, UK

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 minutes

The Viaduct Tavern

126 Newgate Street, , London, EC1A 7AA

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 minutes

The Cockpit

7 St Andrew's Hill, London EC4V 5BY, UK

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 minutes

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BP, UK

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.

20 minutes