London: Serial Killers of London Guided Walking Tour

If you’re into true crime stories or just curious about London’s darker past, this guided walking tour might catch your interest. Although it’s not a tour I’ve personally taken, it’s one that seems to appeal to those who want a mix of history, suspense, and a bit of the macabre. For a very reasonable price of around $23, it promises to take you through sites connected to some of the city’s most notorious serial killers—an intriguing, if unsettling, way to spend a couple of hours in the city.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines storytelling with actual London locations, giving you a tangible connection to the city’s dark chapters. Plus, with a guide who’s described as engaging and knowledgeable, you’re likely to get some well-presented stories that go beyond just the gruesome details.

The main consideration? The subject matter is pretty disturbing, so this isn’t a tour for everyone—especially if you’re sensitive to violence or crime stories. It’s probably best suited for adults or older teens with a taste for true crime and a stomach for the darker side of history. If you’re looking for a lighthearted or family-friendly activity, this probably isn’t the best fit.

Overall, if you’re a true crime enthusiast or just want to learn about London’s hidden, eerie stories, this tour could be an interesting pick. Just keep in mind the reviews suggest a bit of variability in the experience, so manage your expectations accordingly.

Key Points

• Affordable insight into London’s notorious serial killers for around $23.
• Visit crime scenes and learn about 11 different killers, making it a rundown.
• Engaging guide who’s been praised for his storytelling, though some found the presentation less factual.
• Explore parts of London you might not visit on typical tours, adding an adventurous element.
• Heavy subject matter that may not be suitable for sensitive travelers.
• Weather doesn’t pause the tour, as it’s held rain or shine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This isn’t a typical sightseeing walk. Instead, it’s designed to shed light on some of London’s darkest tales through the lens of history and crime. Starting outside the Barbican underground station—so plan to arrive about 15 minutes early—your journey begins with stories of infamous murders and the killers behind them. The guide will take you through locations connected to these crimes, with descriptions that aim to bring the stories to life.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start Point: Outside Barbican Station
Your starting point is straightforward, marked by a sign on the guide’s rucksack. From here, the tour begins with a brief intro to London’s serial killer history, touching on infamous figures like Dennis Nilsen and Peter Sutcliffe. This initial segment sets the tone and prepares you for what’s to come.

Crime Scene Visits
While the exact stops aren’t specified in detail, you can expect to visit sites linked to these killers’ crimes. You’re likely to see locations that played key roles in their stories, with your guide providing descriptions, historical photos, and context. While some reviews mention that the pictures shown can be blurry or lacking background, rest assured that the aim is to bring you closer to the stories behind the scenes.

Stories and Motivations
Throughout the walk, you’ll hear about the motives and methods of these killers, as well as the police investigations that eventually caught them. The guide’s role is to make these stories engaging and understandable, potentially offering insights into the social and psychological factors involved.

End Point
The tour wraps up back at the initial meeting point, giving you a chance to reflect on what you’ve learned and perhaps continue exploring on your own.

The Guide and the Experience

One of the common praises in reviews is for the guide’s engagement and knowledge. Lauren, for example, said, “Declan was awesome! Great guide, he was so engaging. From ages 17 to 52, we all loved it!” This suggests that a lively, personable guide can make a significant difference in how much you enjoy the experience.

However, some travelers express reservations about the presentation style. Other reviews point out that the tour feels more like a casual talk or promotional event rather than a strictly factual or serious exploration. A reviewer mentioned, “It seemed like a promotional event for the book that the guide wrote himself… it felt more like small talk about old films and series than a guided tour.” This highlights that the tone might vary depending on the guide’s style, and some might be more sensationalist or playful than others.

The Value of the Tour

At just under $23, this tour offers a fairly budget-friendly way to learn about London’s criminal past. Compared to more expensive attractions, the price is reasonable, especially considering it’s a two-hour guided walk with a live guide included. While some may find the content a bit light on detailed facts, others will appreciate the accessible storytelling and the chance to see parts of London they wouldn’t normally visit.

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The Practicalities

Duration & Timing
The walk lasts about 2 hours, and availability depends on the day. It’s important to arrive at least 15 minutes early as the tour departs promptly outside Barbican underground station.

Weather & Accessibility
Rain or shine, the tour goes ahead, so dress accordingly. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, which could limit some travelers’ participation.

Language & Group Size
Tour is conducted in English, and group sizes aren’t specified but are generally manageable for a walking tour—probably small enough for personal interaction but large enough to maintain a lively atmosphere.

Booking & Cancellation
You can reserve your spot without paying upfront, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility is handy if your plans change unexpectedly.

The Value for Money

For around $23, this tour provides a compact, engaging overview of London’s dark side. It’s not a deep-dive academic experience, but it offers enough for those interested in crime stories and historic London sites. The inclusion of photos and descriptions helps illustrate the stories, even if some reviewers felt that the visuals could be clearer.

If you’re looking for a light, entertaining, and slightly chilling experience and don’t mind the dark subject matter, this tour is worth considering. However, if you favor very factual, serious history or have sensitivities to violence, you might want to think twice.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adults and older teens with an interest in crime stories or London’s lesser-seen neighborhoods. It’s more of an atmospheric walk with stories rather than an educational deep dive. If you’re after a fun, spooky stroll with a lively guide, you’ll likely enjoy it. But if you prefer detailed historical accuracy or are uncomfortable with violent topics, look elsewhere.

The tour is also good for those who enjoy seeing parts of London off the beaten path, as it ventures into areas that typical travelers might miss. Keep in mind, the tour isn’t designed for mobility-impaired travelers, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re intrigued by London’s notorious criminal past and are okay with some unsettling stories, this Serial Killers of London Guided Walking Tour offers a compelling glimpse into the city’s darker side. It’s a budget-friendly option to combine history with a touch of thrill, perfect for casual enthusiasts and true crime buffs alike. The guide’s storytelling can make or break the experience—so if you get someone engaging, it’s a real treat.

Just remember, it’s not a comprehensive or super serious history lesson; it’s more about the stories, the locations, and the atmosphere. The reviews highlight a mix of enjoyment and some disappointment, but overall, it’s a memorable way to spend a couple of hours if you’re into the genre.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Given the dark and disturbing subject matter, it’s best suited for adults or older teens comfortable with crime stories.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside the only exit of Barbican underground station and ends back at the same spot.

Is the tour available in different languages?
No, it’s conducted in English only.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Just wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as it’s outdoors and rain or shine.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Not specifically. Due to the graphic nature of the stories, it’s best for older travelers who are okay with mature content.

If you’re curious about the darker stories lurking behind London’s streets but want a manageable, reasonably priced experience, this walking tour could be a memorable addition to your trip. Just go with realistic expectations, and you’ll probably find it an engaging way to see a different side of the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: