London: Ghosts & Gallows Walking Tour with Thames Boat Ride

Summary

London’s haunted stories echo along the Thames as you walk and float past shadows, legends, and laughter

You’ll step into London’s shadowy side with haunted houses and royal parks after dark, hear wild tales from your local guide Frankie, then drift along the Thames by boat past the Tower of London—all in one evening. Expect chills, laughter, and maybe even goosebumps as you see familiar sights in an entirely new light.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the air shifted when we stopped outside what our guide called “the most haunted house in London.” It wasn’t even that late yet—maybe just after dusk—but there was this damp, mossy smell coming off the old bricks, and for a second I thought I saw a curtain move upstairs. Our group huddled closer together, someone’s phone buzzed (awkward timing), and Frankie—our guide—just grinned like he’d seen it all before. He had this way of telling ghost stories that made you laugh one minute and check over your shoulder the next. I tried to take a photo but my hand was shaking a bit. Not sure if it was nerves or just the cold.

We wandered through Royal Parks where the trees looked almost black against the sky, and Frankie pointed out spots where people swore they’d seen figures in Victorian dress. I didn’t expect to find myself actually hoping for a glimpse (I mean, what would I do if I saw something?), but there’s something about walking those old paths at night that gets under your skin. The city sounds faded out for a while—just footsteps on gravel and some distant laughter from another group somewhere behind us. When we reached the riverbank, there was this weird hush before we boarded the boat. The Thames at night is different: lights flickering on water, cold wind in your face, London looking both beautiful and kind of eerie.

The boat ride itself was almost too calm after all those ghost stories—except for one kid who kept asking if we’d see any spirits on the water (Frankie said only if we bought him a drink). We floated past the Tower of London, which honestly looks even more menacing from below. Someone tried to tell a joke about Anne Boleyn’s ghost but trailed off halfway through; maybe it felt too real in that moment. There was tea available on board—I spilled mine because I was trying to snap a picture of the tower lit up against the clouds. Still worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted London walk and river cruise

• See the most haunted house
• Hear royal horror stories
• Pass by the spookiest castle
• Go on a Thames river cruise

Top questions

Is this ghost tour suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children can join in prams or strollers; stories are spooky but not graphic.

How long is the walking part of this tour?

The walk covers about 1 kilometer before boarding the boat.

Does this tour include entry into any buildings?

No entry; you’ll visit locations from outside including London's most haunted house and pass by landmarks like Tower of London.

Is there restroom access during the tour?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board during the river cruise section.

What happens if it rains?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or cold evenings.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available close to start/end points.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are welcome on this tour.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is 35 people per tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes storytelling with a professional guide named Frankie as you walk roughly 1km through haunted Royal Parks, then board a Thames River boat (restroom onboard) to float past landmarks like Tower of London—all accessible for wheelchairs or strollers and suitable for all fitness levels.