Leeds Ghost Tour: Haunted Sites with Lord Bartholomew Catch

Walk Leeds' darkest streets and hear the stories the city keeps hidden

A 70-minute ghost tour of Leeds led by Lord Bartholomew Catch, a character guide who takes groups through 11 haunted locations starting at the Corn Exchange. The tour covers sites tied to witches, murderers, and the city's grim past, including Kirkgate Market and the building where the Yorkshire Witch Mary Bateman once lived. Wheelchair accessible, suitable for ages 4 and up, and dogs welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Leeds haunted city evening tour

• Meet guide at Corn Exchange
• Visit Skull and Stones Yard
• Pass unsettling swimming spot
• See Mary Bateman's former home
• Stand on site of first Leeds murder
• Learn about UK's first railway ghosts
• Explore Kirkgate Market's dark past
• Walk through the shambles street
• Discover creepy shopping arcade store
• Haunt the ginnel near Ship Inn
• Meet ghosts at the theatre
• Farewell and end tour

The experience

The tour starts at the Corn Exchange and moves through the city on foot, stopping at sites with stories attached: a parking area called Skull and Stones Yard where two souls are said to linger; the spot of Leeds' first recorded murder; the building that housed Mary Bateman, a fortune teller who poisoned her clients; and Kirkgate Market, where wartime history and an unexplained smell feature in the guide's account. Lord Bartholomew Catch, the character leading the walk, weaves together the architecture, the people, and the legends as you move between stops.

The route takes in the first railway in the UK, shopping arcades with their own dark tales, a street so narrow locals call it a ginnel, and the Ship Inn, where the guide points out spirits of a different kind. The walk ends near a slum that was once considered the grimiest in Leeds. At 70 minutes, the pace is steady but not rushed, and the guide stays in character throughout, mixing local history with the folklore that has built up around each location.

Wheelchair users can join without barriers. The surfaces and areas are all accessible. Dogs are welcome, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Children from age 4 can attend. The tour runs on weekend evenings, and private group bookings or weekday arrangements are available on request.

What’s included

• A character-led tour with Lord Bartholomew Catch as your guide.
• 70 minutes walking through 11 haunted locations in Leeds.
• stories tied to witches, murderers, and the city's dark history.
• wheelchair-accessible route with accessible surfaces and areas throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDepartures at 18:30 and 20:00

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Youth (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.Operator's directions: “Walk towards the Corn Exchange on Call Lane, your guide will be wearing a top hat and will be waiting for you at the building's entrance.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Yorkshire Ghost Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared, character-led walking tour, so you move as a group with the guide in role throughout: suited to anyone who enjoys storytelling and local history told with personality, and to families with children from age 4 who can handle a 70-minute walk. If you prefer a private guide or a faster pace, contact the operator about custom weekday arrangements.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 14 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the story behind Mary Bateman, the Yorkshire Witch?

Mary Bateman was a fortune teller and murderer who lived in one of the buildings on the tour route. She poisoned her clients and was executed for her crimes. The guide covers her life and death as part of the walk through Leeds' criminal past.

How long does the ghost tour take?

The tour lasts 70 minutes and covers 11 stops, starting at the Corn Exchange and moving through the city on foot at a steady pace.

What makes Kirkgate Market part of the ghost tour?

Kirkgate Market has a dramatic past tied to World War II and is the subject of reports about a very specific smell. The guide covers both the history and the folklore that has grown around it.

Is the tour only on weekends?

The tour runs on weekend evenings as standard, but private group bookings and special weekday arrangements can be arranged on request.