Bristol: Ghost Tour with Costumed Guide & Haunted Pubs

Summary

Haunted pubs, city legends and costumed ghost guides in Bristol

You’ll walk Bristol’s haunted streets with a costumed guide, hear chilling tales at historic pubs, take part in crowd moments, and learn about bloody riots and centuries-old hauntings. Expect laughter, shivers, and stories you’ll remember long after—especially when you pass those old bridges at night.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t stand too close to that lamppost—she’s supposed to linger right there,” our guide whispered, cloak trailing behind as we huddled near the old bridge in Bristol. It was colder than I expected for June, and the air smelled faintly of wet stone and something sweet from a bakery nearby. The group shuffled closer together—somebody laughed nervously, which made it worse somehow. Our guide (I think his name was Tom? Or maybe he just looked like a Tom in that top hat) launched into a story about riots on this very spot. I tried not to stare at the shadow under the lamplight.

We wandered through narrow lanes and past parks where you could almost believe you saw someone out of the corner of your eye—except it was just a dog walker or maybe not. The haunted pub stops were my favorite part; one had these sticky wooden tables and an old smell like spilled ale mixed with something earthy. Our guide told us about a disgusting secret in the cellar (I won’t spoil it), and everyone made faces. Someone asked if he’d ever seen anything himself—he just grinned and said, “Not when I’m sober.” I liked that answer.

The stories got darker as we moved on, especially around the Georgian square by the docks. There was this weird hush for a second while he described one of Bristol’s bloodiest events—I remember feeling goosebumps even though buses kept rumbling past on the main road nearby. We ended up on a street full of noisy pubs and theaters, people spilling out onto cobbles like nothing spooky had ever happened here. But our little group kept glancing over shoulders anyway. Honestly, I still think about that last story sometimes when it’s quiet at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bristol ghost tour and haunted sites

• Meet at first haunting site
• Visit second haunting and park
• Explore haunted pub with secret
• See double haunting at music venue
• Tour historic haunted location
• Visit medieval church cellar pub
• Walk across old city bridge
• Stroll famous street with pubs
• End at Georgian Square hauntings

Top questions

How long is the Bristol Ghost Tour?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers multiple locations across central Bristol by foot.

Are the guides really in costume?

Yes, all guides are costumed and stay in character throughout the tour.

Does the tour include haunted pubs?

Yes, several stops are historic pubs with ghost stories and secrets shared inside.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are bus stops close to some locations along the route.

Is this suitable for kids or people with health issues?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Where does the Bristol Ghost Tour start?

The meeting place is also the site of the first haunting in central Bristol.

Do I need to book ahead?

This isn’t specified but booking ahead is generally recommended for guided tours.

What’s included

Your evening includes a fully guided walking ghost tour through central Bristol led by a professional costumed guide—expect theatrical storytelling, crowd participation moments, stops at haunted pubs with centuries-old tales, and plenty of local history woven into every step along those cobbled streets.