London Serial Killers: Jack the Ripper & True Crime Walk

Ten Serial Killers, Two Hours, One Creepy Alley You Won't Forget

You walk 2 miles through central London hearing ten serial killer cases from a guide who knows the psychology behind them, not just the headlines. You visit the Old Bailey, stand in a genuinely creepy alley, hear Jack the Ripper theories, and end at a Victorian pub with a final story that won't be in any documentary. The tour takes 2 hours, moves at a steady pace, and includes a signed copy of Declan's book if you choose the "Tour plus Book" option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore London serial killers history

• Hear story of uncaught serial killer
• Learn about grave-robbing and doctors
• Visit Central Criminal Court trials
• Discuss scariest horror movies
• Hear Victorian serial killer account
• Visit Jack the Ripper suspect's home
• Enter creepy narrow alley for experiment
• Experience a mind-boggling section
• Learn about two other serial killers
• End at Princess Louise pub with story

The experience

There's something unsettling about walking through London knowing the stories that happened on these exact streets. Declan, your guide, has spent 23 years leading the Blood and Tears Walk, and he doesn't just know Jack the Ripper. He knows the psychology and behaviour of serial killers worldwide, the patterns that connect them, the details that never made it into the documentaries. You'll stand outside the Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey, where four of the killers on this tour faced trial. One of them murdered 15 boys and men. Another may be the most dangerous woman in the world. Declan will tell you things about these cases that aren't in any book, because some of it came directly from the Head of Forensics who worked them.

The tour covers about 2 miles across central London in two hours, and it moves at a brisk pace. You have to, to fit ten cases in. You'll hear about a Victorian serial killer who murdered on two continents and lived in London, a story so strange it's never been made into a film despite having all the twists a screenwriter would want. There's a section on grave-robbing and the doctors at St Bartholomew's Hospital who were happy to deal with "low-lifes." You'll enter what Declan describes as possibly the creepiest alley in London: a narrow, dingy, isolated place where a murder happened, and where he conducts a psychic experiment. He warns that tough men have been shaken by the atmosphere there, especially in winter. Then there's the Jack the Ripper section, where Declan reveals his suspect and why he thinks this man was the killer. Only one person out of every 500 who takes the tour gets the hardest question right, and if you do, your name goes on the Roll of Honour.

The tour ends at the Princess Louise pub, a Victorian gem with ornate decor, but after Declan's final story (a detail about a well-known British serial killer that never appeared in any book or documentary). You might hesitate before ordering a drink. He'll have copies of his best-selling book "Bloody London" available, nearly 200 pages of dark deeds in London's past, 90% different from what you've heard on the walk. Each copy is signed with a personal message. The tour is rated Excellent on the booking platform and holds Traveller's Choice status on review sites, with 472 five-star reviews. It's 12+ only, strictly enforced, because the stories are chilling and disturbing, and you will leave better informed but also more wary.

What’s included

• Your experience includes a professional local guide (Declan), live storytelling across ten serial killer cases, and pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points.
• Groups are kept to a maximum of 20 people.
• If you choose the "Tour plus Book" option, you receive a personally signed copy of Declan's best-selling book "Bloody London," nearly 200 pages of cases and details not covered on the walk itself.

Options for this experience

4 options

Blood & Tears Walk: Wednesday to FridayGuide in English · 19:00Lasts 2 hours

Serial Killer Tour on 13 DecGuide in English · 19:00Serial Killer Tour on 13 Dec

Serial Killer Tour on 20 DecGuide in English · 19:00Serial Killer Tour on 20 Dec

Serial Killers:Blood&TearsWalkGuide in English · Available from 18 Nov · 19:00Running May 19 to December 22: a Serial Killer Tour featuring TEN serial killers with London connections. Jack the Ripper is included, of course, along with NINE other Serial Killers!

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SaturdayDeparts at 19:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 to 75 years) · Child (12 to 14 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by City Secrets Walks

Is this one for you?This tour is for anyone curious about true crime history and London's darker past who doesn't mind a brisk 2-mile walk and can handle disturbing subject matter: the fixed route and expert guide mean you get ten cases and the psychology behind them without having to research or navigate yourself, and the small group size keeps the atmosphere intimate rather than touristy.

Traveler reviews

4.88★★★★★★★★★★

712 verified traveler reviews

5 ★661

4 ★31

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2 ★3

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 14 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the tour and how far do you walk?

The tour is 2 hours and covers approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) at a brisk pace.

Is the tour suitable if I have mobility issues?

The tour covers 2 miles at a fairly fast pace and is not recommended for people with poor cardiovascular health, significant mobility issues, or those in their 70s. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, but the distance and pace are the limiting factors.

What's included in the tour?

A local expert guide (Declan), live storytelling, and pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points. The "Tour plus Book" option includes a personally signed copy of "Bloody London."

Is the tour really about Jack the Ripper only?

No. Jack the Ripper is one section of the tour. The walk covers ten serial killers across London, including cases at the Old Bailey, Victorian killers, and lesser-known cases.

What if I'm not interested in horror movies?

There's a lighter moment in the tour where Declan shares the top ten scariest horror movies voted by 23 years of tour attendees, plus his personal recommendation. It's optional conversation, not a core part of the walk.

Can I buy the book "Bloody London" on the tour?

Yes. Declan sells copies at the end of the tour for £10 cash or PayPal, and signs each one with a personal message.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. However, the 2-mile distance at a brisk pace may be challenging depending on your mobility needs.

What should I wear?

The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for the season. In summer, it can be hot throughout the two hours.

Do I need to add extra time for travel?

Yes. Add 20 minutes extra to account for constant Underground train delays when planning your arrival.