York: Ghost Bus Tour with Routemaster & Haunted Stories

Summary

York’s haunted legends and laughter on a rolling ghost bus

You’ll ride through York at night on a classic double-decker bus, hearing haunted stories from your guide as you pass Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and even Dick Turpin’s grave. Expect a mix of chills and laughter—and maybe you’ll spot something unusual out those big windows yourself.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that fog or just my glasses?” I asked, trying to wipe the window as our old Routemaster rattled past Clifford’s Tower. The guide—he called himself “Dr. Graves” but I’m not sure that’s his real name—leaned into the mic with this wild grin and started telling us about the tower’s ghosts. There was this moment when he described a chill in the air right where we were passing, and honestly, I felt it too (though maybe that was just the wind sneaking through the window gaps). Someone behind me let out a nervous laugh—nervous or maybe just contagious, because soon half the bus was giggling for no reason.

We rolled past York Minster next, its spires looking even taller under streetlights. Dr. Graves pointed out some stone faces in the shadows and told us about monks who supposedly still wander there at night. He switched between jokes and proper history so fast I almost missed the bit about Dick Turpin’s grave—apparently he’s buried not far from where we stopped, though nobody agreed on which ghost story was true. There was this odd smell of old upholstery mixed with rain-soaked coats—kind of comforting, actually. The whole thing felt like being part of a slightly spooky play rolling through real streets.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much during a ghost bus tour of York, but somehow it made all those stories stick with me more than if they’d been whispered in some dark alley. The city looked different from up on that red double-decker—familiar places suddenly strange again. Even now I catch myself thinking about those flickering lights outside York Minster and wondering if anyone else saw them or if it was just my imagination running wild after too many ghost tales.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — York ghost bus tour highlights

• Board classic double-decker bus
• Pass Clifford's Tower and learn history
• Pass York Minster and learn history
• Pass Dick Turpin's grave and learn history
• Return to pick up and drop off point

Top questions

How long does the York ghost bus tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one hour from start to finish.

What landmarks are included on the ghost bus tour?

The route passes Clifford's Tower, York Minster, and Dick Turpin's grave.

Is there a live guide on board?

Yes, a professional guide leads the tour with commentary throughout.

Where is pickup and drop-off for the tour?

The pickup and drop-off point is provided at booking; arrive 20 minutes early.

Are service animals allowed on the bus?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are close to the departure point.

Can infants join the ghost bus tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during the ride.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels as it is bus-based.

What’s included

Your ticket covers a seat aboard an iconic Routemaster double-decker bus with live commentary from your professional guide as you pass key sights like Clifford’s Tower and York Minster; just be sure to arrive 20 minutes before departure since late arrivals can’t be admitted once things get rolling.