Exploring the dark side of London

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/10/2024 (531 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I don’t know about you, but I find it fascinating to delve into the ‘dark side’ of a destination. I’ve taken part in cemetery tours in New Orleans, haunted tours in Ottawa, and ghost tours in Philadelphia. While there are macabre offerings everywhere – including Winnipeg – London, England, just might be the crown jewel when it comes to creepiness.

One of the most iconic landmarks of the city is the Tower of London. Founded in 1066, it has served as a royal palace, a fortress, and a prison. It’s known for the executions that took place within its walls, most notably the beheadings of Thomas More in 1535, and Anne Boleyn in 1536. They – and many others – met gruesome fates here over the centuries, and their ghosts might still be walking these halls today. People have reported feeling uneasy in certain spots within the medieval castle, while others claim to have encountered unexplained apparitions – all of which make the Tower of London a must-visit for those intrigued by the supernatural.

For a more theatrical take on the city’s morbid history, the London Dungeon offers an interactive experience that brings to life some of the city’s most gruesome tales. Located in the South Bank entertainment district, the 90-minute journey aims to educate and entertain while scaring the heck out of guests. They use live actors, themed sets, scary sounds, and special effects to re-enact bone-chilling stories from the past 1,000 years. Learn about tragic events such as the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London, step back into ghastly locations like the Tower of London’s torture chamber, and get to know notorious murderers such as Sweeney Todd, one of the most infamous serial killers of all-time.

I took part in a Jack the Ripper walking tour conducted by Golden Tours, led by an amazing guide named Johnny Chambers. Having studied Jack the Ripper for over 30 years, Johnny considers himself one of the leading experts in ‘Ripper-ology’. He led us through the alleys and streets of London’s Whitechapel district, where a mysterious man who became known as ‘Jack the Ripper’ terrorized residents in 1888.

Between August and November of that year, at least five victims were slaughtered by the killer. Johnny took us to key locations connected to the crimes, using his iPad and a collection of old photographs to share what the streets would have looked like back then. Something I never knew is that the identity of Jack the Ripper has never been confirmed. So it was interesting to hear from an expert like Johnny the differing theories about who he actually might have been.

Other creepy attractions include the London Tombs tour, which takes visitors into the depths of a former plague pit and burial site. Located beneath the world-famous London Bridge, the immersive experience invites guests to navigate through dimly-lit tunnels designed with unsettling scenes, and re-enactments of hauntings and historical tragedies. It’s a spine-tingling underground adventure for thrill-seekers who want to explore London’s past, and don’t mind jump-scares.

The Haunted Pub Tour combines two of London’s greatest pleasures – ghost stories and a pint. The guided walk takes you to some of the city’s oldest pubs, each with its own stories of hauntings. As you sip on your drink, learn about terrifying tales of ghostly encounters, mysterious deaths, and paranormal activity that is unique to each location. It’s the ideal activity for tourists who enjoy old architecture, regional folklore, and eerie entertainment, along with a good British ale.