Bristol: Ghosts & Dark History Walking Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Ghost tales, haunted corners & Bristol’s hidden past on foot

You’ll walk through Bristol’s shadowy streets with a local guide, hear ghost stories near castle ruins and churches, and pause by Brunel’s SS Great Britain as tales unfold in the dark. Expect laughter, chills, and moments where you wonder what’s real — plus full accessibility for everyone in your group.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re not sure if it’s the wind or something else brushing your arm? That’s how it started for me, right at the edge of Bristol’s floating harbour. Our guide — I think her name was Anna — gathered us under this flickering old streetlamp and just grinned, like she knew something we didn’t. The city felt different at night, kind of heavy and alive in a way I hadn’t expected. Someone nearby was smoking; I could smell it mixing with wet cobblestones and river air.

We shuffled along behind Anna, who told us about witches and ghosts that supposedly still hang around the castle ruins. She had this way of pausing right before a creepy detail, letting silence stretch so long you’d catch yourself glancing over your shoulder. There was one moment outside an old church — honestly can’t remember the name now — where she pointed out scorch marks on the stone and said they were from a fire nobody could explain. My friend tried to joke about it but his voice sounded thin. Maybe it was just the cold.

Stopping by Brunel's SS Great Britain felt weirdly out of place at first — all that iron and history looming over us — but Anna tied it back to some story about sailors seeing things in the fog. I’m not sure if I believed half of what she said, but there was something about hearing those stories while standing right there, boots squeaking on damp wood, that made them stick. At one point a seagull shrieked overhead and everyone jumped. We laughed after, but you could tell we were all a little on edge.

I still think about how Bristol looked that night — yellow light pooling on slick pavement, strangers huddled together listening for footsteps that weren’t ours. It wasn’t really about being scared; it was more like feeling close to the city’s weird old heart for a couple hours. I didn’t expect that part.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bristol's dark historic sites

• Pass by ancient horror locations
• See Brunel's SS Great Britain
• Visit hall church with dark history
• Walk across Bristol’s floating harbour

Top questions

Is this Bristol ghost tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Does the tour include entry to Brunel's SS Great Britain?

The tour stops by Brunel's SS Great Britain for stories but does not include entry inside.

Are children allowed on this dark history walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in prams or strollers; families are welcome.

How long does the Bristol ghost tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several key locations in central Bristol.

Do I need to book in advance for this tour?

Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot with a live guide.

Is public transport nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close to the starting location.

What’s included

Your evening includes a comprehensive walking tour of central Bristol led by a professional live guide who shares stories at each stop; wheelchair access is provided throughout so everyone can join comfortably.