A black bus turns London spooky in an hour. This London Ghost Bus Tour uses the Necrobus setup and a live comedy-horror narration to show you the city’s darker stories while you ride past famous sights. I especially like the vintage Routemaster feel and the way the conductor’s creepy commentary blends with on-board actors and tech trickery. One drawback: it’s only 1 hour, so it’s a whistle-stop ride rather than a long, stop-and-stare tour.
I also like that you don’t need a plan for multiple stops. In one evening, you get a tour of the West End, the city center, and even areas south of the river, with a story thread that connects big landmarks to gruesome lore. The main consideration is that it’s conducted in English, so you’ll want to be comfortable following jokes and fast storytelling.
If you want a fun night activity that still teaches something, this is a strong pick. Just note the rules on board: no smoking, no food or drinks (except bottled water), and no large luggage. Also, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.
In This Review
- Key things that make this Ghost Bus Tour different
- Getting on the Necrobus at Northumberland Avenue (and why timing is strict)
- The comedy-horror show on a moving double-decker
- What you’ll see at night: West End, central London, and south of the river
- The Necrobus lore: haunted palaces, burial grounds, and skeletons
- On-board bus comfort and what the vintage Routemaster adds
- Price and value: $37 for a one-hour show plus a bus ride
- Who should book this Ghost Bus Tour (and who might skip it)
- Should you book the London Ghost Bus Tour?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for the London Ghost Bus Tour?
- What time should I arrive, and will late passengers be accepted?
- How long is the tour?
- Is the tour conducted in English?
- What’s included in the ticket price?
- Are food and drinks allowed on board?
- Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
- Can I cancel and get a refund?
Key things that make this Ghost Bus Tour different
- Necrobus theme on a historic-style bus: You’re not just listening to facts, you’re riding the story.
- Comedy-horror live performance: The creepy conductor talk is paired with on-board actors and spooky technical effects.
- Night views of major landmarks: Expect passes of places like Westminster Abbey, Fleet Street, the Tower of London, and London Bridge.
- More than scary: funny and interactive: The show is built to keep people engaged, including kids.
- A strong guide matters: Guides like Cedric, Stan, Oliver, Ben, and Harry are repeatedly praised for timing and energy.
- Short, high-energy format: Great if you want an evening activity, not ideal if you hate being on a tight schedule.
Getting on the Necrobus at Northumberland Avenue (and why timing is strict)
The tour meets at Northumberland Avenue, right outside The Grand Hotel, just off Trafalgar Square. It’s an easy area to find if you’re already sightseeing around central London, and it puts you in the thick of the action before the show even starts.
Arrive 20 minutes early. The tour cannot wait for late passengers, and once the show begins, late arrivals can’t be admitted. On a night activity like this, that matters more than you’d think: there’s no “catch up later” option, because the performance is timed to departure.
Practical tip: keep your bags minimal. Large luggage is not allowed, and personal items are carried at your own risk. In plain terms, don’t bring anything you’d be upset to see misplaced.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
The comedy-horror show on a moving double-decker
This is not a quiet museum-style audio tour. You’re on a bus that functions like a moving stage, with a creepy conductor as your guide. As the vehicle rolls through key areas, the narration shifts from jokes to grim details, keeping the tone in that comedy-horror lane.
The show blends three ingredients:
1) Sightseeing narration focused on historic sites
2) On-board actors who help bring the stories to life
3) Spooky technical trickery that adds surprise moments during the ride
The result is a performance you follow while staying seated and watching the city slide by. Several guides are singled out for their energy and delivery—people have mentioned hosts like Cedric, Stan, Oliver, Ben, Scar, Harry, and Stam Broker. The common thread in the praise is timing: funny where it should be funny, and chilling where it counts.
You’ll also want to be ready for interaction. The show is designed to include passengers rather than treating you like silent background. If you’re coming with kids or a group that gets bored easily, this structure helps.
What you’ll see at night: West End, central London, and south of the river
The route is built around a simple idea: pack in recognizable landmarks without needing multiple tickets or transfers. You’ll ride through the West End, the heart of the city, and areas south of the river—all with a story behind what you’re seeing.
While you won’t have time for long stops, you should expect to pass by major sights such as:
- Westminster Abbey
- Fleet Street
- The Tower of London
- London Bridge
Why this works well on a ghost tour format: London’s best-known buildings can feel rushed in daylight. At night, the city’s atmosphere does some of the work for the story. Even if you’ve seen these landmarks before, the show’s framing turns them into characters instead of just photo backdrops.
The Necrobus lore: haunted palaces, burial grounds, and skeletons
The Necrobus story gives the tour its spine. It rises from the ashes of a factory fire, and the conductor treats London like a cabinet of dark secrets. The narration points you toward the creepier side of the city—things like haunted palaces, unmarked burial grounds, and old skeletons tucked into the past.
This is where the tour feels different from typical “here’s what happened here” history stops. The facts are tied to atmosphere and spectacle. You’re meant to leave with images in your head, not a list of dates.
That said, it’s not presented as pure horror. It’s comedy horror: you get laughs, then the stories tilt grim. One useful way to think about it is this: it’s spooky enough to enjoy, but it isn’t trying to be an all-night nightmare. If you want mild chills with humor, you’re in the right place.
On-board bus comfort and what the vintage Routemaster adds
A highlight for many people is the bus itself. It’s described as an older, renovated double-decker, including a black 1960s Routemaster look and feel. That matters more than it sounds. When the vehicle fits the theme, it helps the performance feel “real,” like you’ve stepped into a London story rather than just bought a ticket to a narrated ride.
You’ll also hear praise for the driving and safety. For example, one review specifically credited Chris (the driver) with careful handling. That’s the kind of detail you care about when you’re sitting for an hour in moving traffic.
Still, this is a bus tour: you’re seated, watching from inside, and you’ll feel the pace of the ride. It’s great for people who want an evening activity without lots of walking, but it isn’t for folks who need lots of breaks or who get motion-sick easily.
Price and value: $37 for a one-hour show plus a bus ride
At about $37 per person for a 1-hour outing, the value is all about what’s included. You’re not just paying for transit. Your ticket covers:
- the bus tour
- a live guide
- a staged comedy-horror sightseeing show
- on-board performers and technical effects
That combination is why this tends to feel like more than the sum of its parts. A typical city narration can be fine; a staged performance gives your brain something to do besides scan street signs.
In the practical value category, I’d also count the location. Meeting near Trafalgar Square means it works as a planned evening stop without needing a long commute from your hotel.
If you’re debating whether it’s worth it versus a standard sightseeing option, here’s the honest test: if you’ll enjoy a scripted show with laughs and spooky moments, you’ll likely feel you got your money’s worth. If you want purely historical depth, or you dislike theatrical comedy, you might find the time limited.
Who should book this Ghost Bus Tour (and who might skip it)
This tour is best for:
- people who like spooky stories that don’t take themselves too seriously
- families with older kids and teens who can follow English comedy
- anyone wanting a quick evening activity that covers famous landmarks
- groups that enjoy audience participation and a guide-led show
A few things can be deal-breakers for some people:
- It’s conducted in English, and jokes land faster when you’re comfortable with the language.
- It’s not suitable for wheelchair users.
- No large luggage, and eating/drinking is restricted to bottled water.
- It’s only one hour, so it’s not a slow, thorough tour.
If you’re coming in expecting a full-on horror movie experience, you might feel it’s more playful than terrifying. But if your goal is a fun night that teaches you a different London angle, it fits well.
Should you book the London Ghost Bus Tour?
I’d book it if you want an easy night plan near the city center and you like the idea of a live comedy-horror guide turning famous landmarks into story prompts. The vintage bus vibe, the conductor format, and the blend of humor with dark London lore are exactly what make this kind of tour memorable.
Skip it if you need step-by-step access details, wheelchair-friendly routing, or a longer duration to slow down and explore. Also skip if English jokes aren’t your strong suit, since the show relies on pace and punchlines.
If you like your London evenings a bit theatrical, this is a straightforward way to get scared in a funny way while still seeing the city.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for the London Ghost Bus Tour?
Meet at Northumberland Avenue, outside The Grand Hotel, just off Trafalgar Square.
What time should I arrive, and will late passengers be accepted?
Arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure. The tour cannot wait for late passengers, and they cannot be admitted once the show has started.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 1 hour.
Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the live tour guide provides the show in English.
What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes the bus tour and a guide.
Are food and drinks allowed on board?
Smoking and food or drinks are not permitted on the bus. Drinks other than bottled water are also not permitted.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
