London: Serial Killers Walk with Declan & Signed Book

Summary

Walk London’s shadowy alleys with a guide who knows every grim story

You’ll follow Declan through London’s backstreets as he shares chilling serial killer stories and rare facts you won’t find in documentaries. Expect moments of laughter between unsettling tales, hands-on profiling challenges, and an ending in a classic Victorian pub—if you’re brave enough to stay for a drink.

What’s the experience like?

You don’t really get used to the feeling of following Declan through those narrow London streets — it’s like the city changes shape at night. We started somewhere ordinary (I think there was a Pret nearby?), but within minutes he had us listening to the story of two girls lost years apart, right in Barbican Station. I remember the way Declan paused before describing the killer’s pattern — not dramatic, just careful. Someone next to me shivered and I realized I’d been holding my breath.

Declan’s got this way of making you laugh just when you need it. At one point he asked us to vote on the scariest horror movies (I blurted out “The Shining,” which apparently is basic — Li laughed at me). Then we were back into darker stuff: grave-robbing, doctors at St Bartholomew’s who didn’t ask too many questions. The city felt different after that, honestly — like every old brick could be hiding something.

The Jack the Ripper section was intense, but not in that cheesy tour way. We stood near Fleet Street while Declan laid out his suspect theory (he literally wrote a whole chapter about it). There was this tough question he threw at us — only one person in 500 gets it right? Yeah, I didn’t even try. Later, we ducked into an alley that smelled damp and old; someone whispered they felt cold suddenly, even though it wasn’t that chilly outside. Maybe just nerves.

I liked that Declan never rushed us but kept up a brisk pace — two miles went by fast, even with all the stops for stories and questions. He ended at this Victorian pub (Princess Louise), but after his last story about a notorious killer and what he did… well, let’s just say I hesitated before ordering a pint. He sold his book there too — signed mine with a weird little joke about “not trusting strangers.” I still think about some of those details days later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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
• Listen to Victorian serial killer story
• Visit Jack the Ripper suspect's home
• Enter creepy narrow alley for experiment
• Experience interactive tour section
• Hear about two more serial killers
• End at Princess Louise pub story

Top questions

How long is the Blood and Tears Walk in London?

The tour covers about 2 miles (3.2 km) over roughly two hours at a fairly brisk pace.

Is there an age limit for this London serial killers tour?

The minimum age is strictly 12 years old due to disturbing content; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Who leads the Blood & Tears Walk?

The walk is led by Declan McHugh, an expert on British and world serial killers.

Does this tour include Jack the Ripper stories?

Yes, there is a detailed Jack the Ripper section with theories and profiling challenges.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in prams or strollers.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

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

How do I get picked up for this serial killers walk?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in central London.

Can I buy Declan's book during the tour?

Yes, you can purchase a signed copy of "Bloody London" from Declan at the end of the walk.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from designated points, live storytelling from Declan—a true local expert—plus entry into atmospheric sites along the route. At the end, you’ll have time to buy a personally signed copy of his best-selling “Bloody London” book before heading off into the night.