If you’re curious about the spooky side of Bristol’s history but can’t get there in person, the Bristol’s Darkest Secrets Tour might just be what you’re looking for.
Though I haven’t taken this specific tour myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of an engaging, well-organized experience that offers a fun glimpse into Bristol’s haunted corners—all from the comfort of your home.
What we really like about this tour is its interactive nature and the insightful guides who keep things lively and engaging. Plus, the ticket price is quite reasonable, making it an accessible way to experience a bit of ghostly Bristol without breaking the bank.
Jon did a great job of telling stories and showing locations around the cities where they occurred. He was very nice and we had a fun time.
What a good organizef lively virtual tour. Good creepy stories around some ghosts of London . Great guide.
This was an interesting lockdown activity that took us around London and beyond from our chairs. The slides had interesting facts and graphics. Anna was a friendly, enthusiastic, engaging and informative guide who made us all feel included and welcome, especially through the interactive quiz. Good fun!
However, a few reviewers have pointed out some technical hiccups or misunderstandings about the format, so it’s worth being prepared for a virtual experience that’s more story-focused than a real-world walking tour.
This tour is best suited for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique activity during a quiet evening at home. If you enjoy learning about local legends, spooky legends, or just want a good story to tell afterwards, this tour could be a perfect fit.
It might not be ideal if you’re expecting a live walk through the city itself, but overall, it offers a fun, accessible way to explore Bristol’s darker past.
Key Points
- Virtual, interactive experience with a live guide, great for remote adventurers.
- Reasonably priced at around $27.50, offering good value for a two-hour tour.
- Engaging storytelling and quizzes keep the experience fun and participatory.
Some technical issues have been reported, especially with access or time zone conversions.
- Focus on haunted sites and dark history of Bristol, with a mix of spooky stories and historical facts.
Laura C★★★★★
Great stories we’d never heard before about Green Park, haunted London, and spooky pictures of the Hampton Court ghost. Also some laughs along the way. A great quiz running throughout to keep us on our toes. Anna is a brilliant guide – this works really well as a virtual tour & id love to join the real life one when they start up again!
Joanne M★★★★★If you’re looking for an hour of fun interaction during lockdown, this is for you. The host was knowledgeable and energetic and did a great job. However, I think the description of what you’re actually paying for needs a few alterations as I assumed a guide would be taking us around London and actually showing us these places. We were quite disappointed that this wasn’t the case and didn’t feel this kind of tour was our cup of tea. Also, why did I pay £10 for 2 ppl when it really wouldn’t have mattered how many were watching !!
Sarah P★★★★★The quiz was really entertaining and was only £5.00 so really good value for money. There was friendly competition with the quiz which was amusing and was something different to do to easy the lockdown beardom. I would definitely do another one.
Small group size (max 20) provides a more intimate feel, allowing questions and interaction.
- Ideal for fans of ghost stories or local legends, especially during a lockdown or when travel isn’t possible.
The experience is more story-led than a virtual “walk through,” with images and videos supplementing the narration.
What You Can Expect from Bristol’s Darkest Secrets Tour
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bristol.
An Overview of the Itinerary
The tour kicks off at the Equestrian Statue of William Queen Square, setting the stage for a journey into Bristol’s ghostly past. From there, each stop unveils a different piece of Bristol’s haunting history, with stories about historic sites and spooky legends that have persisted over centuries.
One of the first stops is the home to ancient horrors—a place tied to dark tales that have been passed down over generations. The guide guides you through its haunted reputation, sharing chilling stories and facts that really bring the location to life (or afterlife, in this case). Even though you won’t see the place in person, the images and narration make it easy to imagine the eerie atmosphere.
Great fun, knowledgeable host. Look forward to doing the tour in real life but definitely recommend for a lockdown night it
Was more of a history lesson than a tour. The tour guide was informative, but I was under the impression we would actually have been shown through some buildings. We were shown some pictures of haunted places.
The guide was engaging and knowledgable but the experience wasn’t what we expected. It was more of a history lesson rather than a tour. I expected the guide to be in London rather than sat at home showing us historical pictures.
Next, the tour explores the world’s first ocean liner from 1843, which might seem like an odd choice for a ghost story, but the guide weaves in legends of shipwrecks, mysterious disappearances, and maritime hauntings that are tied to Bristol’s port history. If you’re into nautical tales, this part probably stands out as a highlight.
Another key stop is a stunning hall church, which holds a significant place in Bristol’s dark history. The guide shares stories of haunted pews, ghostly apparitions, and strange sounds that have reportedly been heard amid the church’s stone walls. According to reviewers, the storytelling here is lively and engaging, with some noting the guide’s enthusiasm really enhances the experience.
Finally, the tour crosses Bristol’s floating harbour, revealing legends about ghostly ships, mysterious figures seen on foggy nights, and spooky events tied to Bristol’s maritime past. The combination of historical context and ghostly tales makes this a compelling way to learn about the city’s darker side.
The Guide and Presentation
One thing that many reviewers highlight is the quality of the guide. Participants praise guides like Anna and Lula for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to keep the tour lively despite the virtual format. You can ask questions in real time, which adds a layer of interaction many participants appreciate.
Excellent experience and loads of fun. John our guide had many stories to tell and he was very entertaining. Highly recommended!
I wasnt sure how a virtual tour would be, but I need now have worried – Helena did an excellent job, was very engaging and knowledgeable. The interactive quizzes were really fun, and overall this was a fun experience and well worth the cost.
Enjoyable hour learning about some of the London's ghost stories. It could use a bit more photo material, but all in all a nice tour that I recommend checking out. Charming guide made it well worth it.
However, a few reviews mention that the experience is more storytelling and picture-based than an actual walking tour. You won’t be wandering through these sites in person, but the visual aids—photos, videos, graphics—help paint a vivid picture.
The guide’s narration and the interactive quizzes also keep the energy up, making it feel less like a lecture and more like a fun ghost story session with friends.
Technical Aspects and Group Size
This tour uses the Zoom platform, making it accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. The fact that it’s limited to 20 participants means you’re likely to get a chance to ask questions and engage with the guide. The tour starts at 7:00 pm BST, giving it an atmospheric evening vibe suited to ghost stories.
However, several reviewers have faced technical issues, especially with access codes or time zone conversions. Some missed their scheduled slot because of these problems, which can be frustrating. It’s worth logging on early and checking your connection to avoid missing out.
It was my first time to take the virtual tour. I thought it was supposed to be a reality tour guided by someone in a real park or some famous places, but it was not, juts a guide or a lecturer stand in front of camera and show pictures and video through zoom. The experience was interesting. Lula was very informative and passionate. The tour referred to some kinds of background of British histories which I cannot really understand, but Lula made some interactive questions that I can get in. Still recommend to have a try during the lock-down periods.
John was awesome, thanks so much! This was a very nice thing to do during quarantine, very much recommend
Value for Money
At about $27.50 per person, this virtual tour offers a fun, educational experience that’s easy on the wallet. Many reviewers commented that it’s great value, especially given the length and the quality of storytelling. With interactive quizzes and engaging narration, you’re getting more than just a slideshow—you’re entering a world of Bristol’s spooky past.
While some people expected a more visual tour with walking through historical sites, most found the experience enjoyable for what it is: a story-driven, virtual exploration that sparks curiosity and chills.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is ideal for history and ghost story lovers, especially those who want to learn about Bristol’s haunted spots without traveling. It’s perfect during a lockdown, or if you prefer staying in but still want a structured, engaging activity in the evening.
It’s not designed for physical sightseeing or in-depth exploration of sites, but rather as a storytelling session with visuals. If you enjoy interactive quizzes, lively guides, and spooky tales, you’ll likely have a good time.
Travelers who appreciate a small group setting or who want a more personal experience will enjoy the intimate atmosphere. Keep in mind, some technical issues have been reported, so a bit of patience and early login are advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a live, in-person tour?
No, it’s a virtual tour conducted via Zoom, with a live guide sharing stories and visuals.
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2 hours, giving you a good amount of spooky storytelling and historical insight.
What’s the price?
It costs around $27.54 per person, which many reviewers think is good value considering the length and content.
What if I miss my scheduled slot?
Some users reported difficulties with time zone conversions or technical issues, which could result in missing your slot. It’s best to log in early and double-check your connection.
Can I ask questions during the tour?
Yes, the live guide makes it possible to ask questions and engage in real time, adding a personal touch.
Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly advertised as family-friendly, the spooky stories are generally suitable for older children or teenagers. Parental discretion is advised.
What should I expect visually?
You’ll see images and videos of Bristol’s haunted sites, complemented by narration and graphics to help you imagine the locations.
Are there interactive elements?
Yes, quizzes are integrated throughout the tour, making it fun and engaging.
Will I be showing or walking through the sites?
No, this is a story-based virtual experience. You won’t walk through the locations but will learn about their haunted past through visuals and storytelling.
Bristols Darkest Secrets Tour
"Jon did a great job of telling stories and showing locations around the cities where they occurred. He was very nice and we had a fun time."
Final Thoughts
Bristol’s Darkest Secrets Tour offers an engaging, budget-friendly way to explore Bristol’s spooky side from afar. The interactive guide, lively storytelling, and focus on local legends make it a compelling option for fans of ghost stories or curious history lovers. While technical issues might pop up occasionally, most participants find the experience rewarding and fun.
If you enjoy tales of haunted ships, ghostly church apparitions, and eerie legends, you’ll probably find yourself hooked. It’s particularly suited for those who value storytelling and interaction over a physical walk in the city. For anyone looking for a relaxing, atmospheric evening with a touch of the supernatural, this tour is a solid pick.
Whether you’re in Bristol or across the globe, this virtual ghost tour invites you into the darker corners of one of England’s historic cities—and for the price, it’s a fun and memorable way to spend an evening.
Note: Always check your connection and log in early to avoid missing out due to time zone differences or technical issues. And keep in mind, this is more a storytelling experience than a traditional tour, so come ready for some spooky tales and engaging quizzes.
