Salem: Witch Trials Walking Tour with Storyteller Guide

Summary

Walk Salem’s streets and feel the echoes of the witch trials in every stone

You’ll walk Salem’s streets with a licensed storyteller as your guide, pausing at places tied to the witch trials—Sheriff Corwin’s house, the old courthouse site, and finally the Witch Trials Memorial. Expect moments of laughter and quiet reflection as you move through stories that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to stand where history turned dark? In Salem, I found myself shuffling along wet cobblestones, listening as our guide (her name was Sam, she wore a scarf with tiny black cats) started telling us about 1692. The way she said “fear spreads faster than fire”—I don’t know, it stuck with me. We stopped outside this old brick building (apparently in Hocus Pocus too), and I caught the scent of rain on old wood. Someone nearby was eating fried dough; weirdly sweet against the heaviness of the story.

We passed the spot where Sheriff Corwin’s house stood—our guide called him “the man with too many hats,” which made us laugh for a second until she described his role in the witch trials. It got quiet after that. The courthouse site is just a patch of road now, cars rolling over what used to be life-or-death decisions. I tried to picture it all, but honestly, it’s hard when people are just going about their day around you. That contrast makes it hit harder.

The old jail site felt colder somehow, maybe just my imagination or maybe not. Sam pointed out how cramped and brutal it was for those accused—no real windows, just stone and darkness for months. We ended at the Witch Trials Memorial, stones etched with names no one ever really got to say goodbye to. People left flowers there; someone had tucked a note under a stone. I didn’t read it but I still think about what they wrote.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Salem historic sites

• Stop at Hocus Pocus filming location
• Visit site of Sheriff Corwin's house
• See location of First Church of Salem
• View site of Salem Courthouse
• Stop at Old Lyceum Hall/Turners Seafood
• Visit near Old Salem Jail site
• Pay respects at Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Top questions

How long is the Salem Witch Trials walking tour?

The walking tour lasts approximately 90 minutes from start to finish.

Does the tour include entry into any buildings?

No, this is an outdoor walking tour; you’ll stop at historic sites but won’t go inside any buildings.

Is the Salem Witch Trials tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the Salem Witch Trials tour end?

The tour ends at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial in central Salem.

Are children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller; families are welcome.

Who leads the Salem Witch Trials walking tours?

Tours are led by professional storytellers licensed by the City of Salem.

Is transportation provided for this tour?

No transportation is included; public transport options are available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided 90-minute walking tour through historic Salem with stops at key witch trial locations such as Sheriff Corwin’s house site and Turners Seafood (on Bridget Bishop’s former land), ending at the Witch Trials Memorial—all led by a licensed city storyteller guide. There’s no admission or entry inside attractions; everything is experienced from outside along accessible routes.