All Aboard the London Ghostbus

Discover the Dark Side of London

The London Ghostbus is a black double-decker that takes passengers on a 75-minute tour through the city’s most haunted and infamous locations. From haunted hotels to unmarked burial grounds, the tour covers a wide array of grisly sites that are sure to send shivers down your spine.

A Cast of Macabre Characters

The tour is hosted by a cast of characters who are well-versed in London’s gruesome history. The conductor, known as "Sid Strangeways," sets the tone for the evening with his eerie costume and dark humor. From the moment he calls for passengers, you’ll know you’re in for a unique and spooky experience.

Highlights of the Tour

• Haunted Hotels: Learn about the ghostly apparitions that haunt some of London’s most famous hotels.
• Murder Sites: Visit the locations of some of the city’s most notorious murders.
• Unmarked Burial Grounds: Discover the hidden burial sites scattered throughout London.

The Ghostbus Itself

The bus used for the tour has its own dark history. Originally part of the Necropolis Bus Company’s fleet, it was used to transport coffins and mourners to their final resting places. After a fire in 1967 destroyed most of the company’s vehicles, the Ghostbus is the last remaining "carcass coach."

The Necropolis Bus Company

The Necropolis Bus Company was established in the 19th century to transport the dead and their mourners from London to Brookwood Cemetery. The company’s black buses were a common sight in the city until the devastating fire. Today, the Ghostbus is painted in the original black and retains many of the eerie features of the original fleet.

Tour Details

• Departure Times: Regular tours depart at 7:30 pm and 9 pm.
• Pickup Locations: The Ghostbus collects passengers along Northumberland Street, but pickup can be arranged at various London hotels.
• Private Tours: The bus can be hired for private events, including birthdays, stag and hen parties, weddings, and funerals.

Interesting Facts

• Scratching Fanny of Cock Lane: One of the most famous ghost stories featured on the tour is that of Scratching Fanny, a woman who was said to haunt a house in Cock Lane in the 18th century. Her ghost was known for the scratching sounds it made in the attic.
• Superstitions: The curtains on the bus are a nod to an old superstition that if a coffin or body was reflected in a window, the spirit would be trapped in the glass forever.

Stats and Data

• Tour Duration: 75 minutes
• Passenger Capacity: 56 passengers
• Historical Accuracy: The tour covers over 20 historical sites, each with its own documented history of hauntings and murders.

Sources

• London Ghostbus Tours
• Necropolis Railway
• Haunted London

Conclusion

The London Ghostbus offers a unique and thrilling way to explore the city’s dark history. With its combination of macabre tales, haunted sites, and dark humor, the tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience the spookier side of London. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Ghostbus promises an unforgettable journey into the city’s haunted past.