Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers
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Quick answer
Is Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers worth booking?
Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers is a 1.8-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from £16 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- £16 per person
Explore the haunted streets of Clerkenwell and Smithfield, where nearly a thousand years of bloodshed and mystery linger. This captivating walk led by qualified guide Jon Cox reveals the sinister past of these historic areas, from the grim executions at Smithfield to the chilling tales of body snatchers and ghostly apparitions. Delve into the stories of heretics, martyrs, and spirits that have shaped London's darker history, all while meandering through hidden alleys and ancient churches. Discover a side of London few visitors experience, enriched with true stories and local legends. - Journey through Clerkenwell and Smithfield's violent history - Learn about notorious executions and the body snatching trade - Encounter tales of ghostly monks and spectral happenings - Guided by local historian Jon Cox, a passionate storyteller
What you get
About this experience
Explore the haunted streets of Clerkenwell and Smithfield, where nearly a thousand years of bloodshed and mystery linger. This captivating walk led by qualified guide Jon Cox reveals the sinister past of these historic areas, from the grim executions at Smithfield to the chilling tales of body snatchers and ghostly apparitions. Delve into the stories of heretics, martyrs, and spirits that have shaped London's darker history, all while meandering through hidden alleys and ancient churches. Discover a side of London few visitors experience, enriched with true stories and local legends. - Journey through Clerkenwell and Smithfield's violent history - Learn about notorious executions and the body snatching trade - Encounter tales of ghostly monks and spectral happenings - Guided by local historian Jon Cox, a passionate storyteller
What's included
Included
- Small group of up to 12 people
- Qualified London Tour Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Meet your guide at Farringdon Station and begin your journey into the darker side of Clerkenwell and Smithfield. Discover how this fashionable part of modern London hides centuries of murder, imprisonment, executions, rebellion and ghostly legends.
10 minutes here
Smithfield Market
Explore historic Smithfield, one of London's oldest and most atmospheric districts. Discover its fascinating history as a livestock market and hear how this ancient open space also became notorious as a place of public execution and punishment. Smithfield Executions and Martyrs Stand close to the site where some of the most infamous executions in London's history took place. Hear the gruesome stories of William Wallace, religious martyrs and others who faced terrible deaths before enormous crowds.
10 minutes here
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
Discover one of London's most remarkable medieval churches and step back into the world of monks, monasteries and ancient Smithfield. Hear about the church's extraordinary history alongside eerie stories and ghostly legends associated with this atmospheric corner of London.
10 minutes here
Stop outside the historic Rising Sun in atmospheric Cloth Fair and hear one of the area's darkest tales. Discover the stories linking this old Smithfield pub with London's notorious body snatchers, who are said to have targeted unsuspecting victims before supplying bodies for medical dissection. Hear about the gruesome trade in human corpses and the terrifying world of the resurrection men who operated around London's hospitals and burial grounds.
10 minutes here
Charterhouse Square
See the historic Charterhouse and discover one of the darkest chapters in London's history. Hear how this area became the site of a vast burial ground during the Black Death of 1348 and 1349, when thousands of Londoners died from the plague. Discover how the land later became home to a Carthusian monastery and hear how modern archaeology uncovered evidence of plague victims beneath the surrounding streets, a chilling reminder of the medieval catastrophe that devastated London.
10 minutes here
Old Bailey
Stand outside the famous Old Bailey on the site of Newgate Prison, once London's most notorious and feared gaol. Hear dark tales of condemned prisoners, brutal conditions and public executions that drew enormous crowds. Discover the chilling medieval legend of the Black Dog of Newgate, a terrifying spectral beast said to have appeared within the prison after a particularly gruesome act by starving inmates. Hear how the creature supposedly haunted Newgate for centuries and became one of London's oldest and most sinister ghost stories.
10 minutes here
The Viaduct Tavern
Stop outside the magnificent Victorian Viaduct Tavern, one of London's most atmospheric historic pubs, standing opposite the Old Bailey. Hear chilling tales of strange happenings in its cellar, including the story of a ghostly figure said to haunt the rooms below. Discover the pub's connection with the old Newgate Prison area and decide for yourself whether its underground spaces really hold echoes of London's darker past.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Meet outside Farringdon Underground Station at the corner of Cowcross Street
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends at St Pauls Underground Station
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- London Heritage Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers cost?
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Prices start at £16 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers take?
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Plan for about 1.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 1.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers?
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Included: Small group of up to 12 people; and Qualified London Tour Guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers?
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Meet outside Farringdon Underground Station at the corner of Cowcross Street Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Dark History of London Ghosts Gallows and Body Snatchers if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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