Charleston: Night Ghost Walking Tour & Unitarian Graveyard Entry

Summary

Charleston’s haunted alleys and secret graveyard at night

You’ll walk Charleston’s oldest streets after dark with a local guide who brings ghost stories to life, then step inside the Unitarian Church Graveyard for exclusive nighttime access. Listen for whispers among wild vines and weathered stones—sometimes it’s more about what you feel than what you see.

What’s the experience like?

We slipped out of Buxton Books just as the last bit of daylight clung to King Street, following our guide—Tom, I think—who had that easy local drawl and a knack for pausing right before the good parts. The city felt different at night, softer somehow, but also sharper. You hear shoes echo off brick and catch little whiffs of something sweet from a garden you can’t see. Tom led us through narrow lanes where he’d stop and say things like, “Now, this house here…”, and suddenly you’re picturing a woman in old skirts peering out a window, watching us pass. It’s not scary exactly—more like being let in on secrets people usually keep to themselves.

The main reason I booked this Ghosts of Charleston walking tour was the Unitarian Church Graveyard. We ducked through its gate after dark (you only get in at night with this tour), and it was nothing like the neat cemeteries I grew up around. Wild vines everywhere, headstones half-swallowed by green stuff, and that heavy humid air that sticks to your skin. Someone behind me whispered they saw something move—I didn’t, but I did feel a chill when Tom told the story about Annabel Lee (yes, Poe gets mentioned). He even laughed when I tripped over a root; said it happens all the time. Maybe it does.

I liked how the stories weren’t all just about ghosts jumping out—some were sad or just strange, like the one about the lost ring or the church bells that rang by themselves. At one point we passed St. Michael’s Church and Tom pointed out how its clock always seems slow at night—he swore it’s true, though maybe he was teasing us. I still think about how quiet it got in that graveyard when everyone stopped talking at once. If you’re into history or just want to see Charleston from another angle, this is worth your evening—even if you don’t believe in ghosts (I’m still not sure).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Ghost Tour and Graveyard Visit

• Start tour at Buxton Books
• Walk through haunted downtown Charleston
• Listen to ghost stories from licensed guide
• Enter Unitarian Church Graveyard
• Experience supernatural events in graveyard
• Return to Buxton Books for book purchase

Top questions

How long is the Ghosts of Charleston walking tour?

The full tour lasts 1.5 hours; there is also a 1-hour graveyard-only option.

Where does the ghost tour start in Charleston?

The tour starts at Buxton Books, 160 King Street.

Is access to the Unitarian Church Graveyard included?

Yes, exclusive nighttime entry to the Unitarian Church Graveyard is included.

Are children allowed on the Charleston ghost tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this walking tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

It may not be recommended for travelers with spinal injuries; check before booking.

Will we visit any other historic sites besides the graveyard?

The full 1.5-hour tour includes stops around haunted downtown Charleston and St. Michael's Church.

Are service animals permitted on this ghost walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes a licensed guide leading you from Buxton Books through haunted downtown Charleston with stories from The Ghosts of Charleston book, plus exclusive nighttime entry into the 18th-century Unitarian Church Graveyard—you can choose between just the graveyard or add more city stops depending on your mood.