London Serial Killers – The Blood and Tears Walk

If you’re drawn to true crime and want to explore a side of London that most travelers never see, this evening walking tour delivers an unforgettable experience. We’ve reviewed the Blood and Tears Walk extensively—examining hundreds of traveler accounts, the detailed itinerary, and the expertise behind it—and found a tour that genuinely stands apart from the typical London offerings.

What makes this experience particularly compelling is the combination of meticulous historical research and the guide’s ability to maintain engagement throughout a heavy subject matter. You’re not just hearing facts about notorious criminals; you’re standing at the actual locations where these crimes occurred, which transforms the storytelling from academic to visceral. Beyond the content itself, the value proposition is exceptional—at just $27.74 per person for two hours with a published author and recognized expert in British serial killer history, you’re getting access to knowledge that would typically require multiple true crime books to acquire.

One consideration worth mentioning upfront: this tour moves at a brisk pace covering two miles in two hours, and it’s designed for people with at least moderate fitness levels. If you have mobility concerns or prefer a slower-paced experience, the tour operator is refreshingly honest about this limitation. This tour is ideally suited for true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, and travelers who want to experience London beyond the postcard attractions—and it works particularly well for families with teenagers interested in history and criminology.

The Guide and the Expertise

Declan McHugh isn’t just another tour operator who decided to capitalize on the true crime trend. He’s the author of “Bloody London,” a well-researched book on the subject, and has been leading this specific tour for 23 years. This longevity matters because it reflects both the tour’s consistency and the guide’s genuine passion for the material.

Travelers consistently praise McHugh’s knowledge and delivery. One visitor noted that “Declan has a mountain of knowledge and really expands your thinking on the subject,” while another observed he’s “very knowledgeable, not only on the topic but also on other historical facts and things.” What’s particularly valuable is that McHugh doesn’t lecture at people for two hours—he creates interactive moments, asking the group questions and genuinely seeking audience participation.

The guide also brings insider knowledge that you won’t find in standard true crime documentaries. At the final stop, McHugh reveals information about a well-known British serial killer that came directly from the Head of Forensics involved in the case—someone who actually attended the tour. These details, he notes, aren’t found in published books or documentaries. This kind of exclusive information justifies the modest price point and explains why the tour has maintained such strong ratings over two decades.

What to Expect: A Detailed Walk Through the Itinerary

The tour begins at 7:00 PM near Barbican Station and covers ten different serial killers across roughly two miles of central London. Understanding what you’ll encounter at each stop helps you prepare mentally for the experience.

The Opening Stops: Building Context

You’ll start at the Church of St. Bartholomew the Great, where McHugh discusses an uncaught serial killer who murdered a six-year-old girl and, seven years later, a seven-year-old girl inside Barbican Station. The guide walks through the disturbing similarities between the cases and offers his analysis of the killer’s profile. This opening establishes the tour’s approach: grounded in documented facts but presented with narrative flair.

The nearby Holy Sepulchre London provides context about grave-robbing and the darker aspects of London’s medical history. McHugh explains how doctors at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital were willing to work with unsavory characters—a detail that illustrates how serial killing existed within the broader context of institutional corruption and desperation.

The Old Bailey: Where Justice (Mostly) Prevailed

The tour’s third stop is the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court where four of the killers discussed on this tour faced trial. Here’s where things get particularly interesting: one killer appeared in court twice and actually sent an innocent man to his death before later confessing to multiple murders of women. Another murdered 13 women over five years, causing widespread terror. McHugh’s ability to connect the legal proceedings to the broader criminal patterns demonstrates why he’s become recognized as a UK expert on the subject.

A Lighter Moment: Printer Street and Horror Movies

About halfway through, you’ll reach Printer Street, where McHugh deliberately shifts the tone. He asks the group to vote on the scariest horror movies of all time, then reveals the top ten from 23 years of tours. One film appears in the top ten but is recommended only by men—not a single woman—which typically sparks conversation. He also recommends a 60-year-old cult classic that’s free to watch on YouTube. This moment isn’t frivolous; it’s a strategic pause that prevents the tour from becoming emotionally overwhelming while keeping energy levels high.

Red Lion Court: The Victorian Serial Killer

At Red Lion Court, McHugh recounts the story of a lesser-known Victorian serial killer who murdered on two continents and lived at this location. He presents this as a tale that would make an excellent film—and notes that despite its dramatic potential, no movie has ever been made about it. The stop ends with a question based on the story, and McHugh claims that very few people can answer it correctly. This interactive element keeps your mind engaged beyond passive listening.

Hare Place: The Jack the Ripper Section

This is arguably the tour’s centerpiece. McHugh presents his personal theory about Jack the Ripper’s identity, explaining precisely why he believes a specific individual was responsible for the murders. The theory gets an entire chapter in his “Bloody London” book. More importantly, McHugh poses what he calls the toughest question of the entire tour—a question that only one in every 500 attendees answers correctly. Getting it right earns you a place on the “Roll of Honour” of the Blood and Tears Walk. This competitive element transforms the experience from passive observation into active participation.

St. Dunstan in the West: The Creepiest Stop

By all accounts, St. Dunstan in the West is the most atmospheric location on the tour. McHugh describes it as “the narrow, dingy, isolated alley” that may be “the creepiest place you have been to in your entire life.” He conducts what he calls a psychic experiment at this murder scene, discussing two devious serial killers who operated in the area. McHugh includes a specific warning: “This is NOT a nice place. And you will feel it.” Reviewers confirm this assessment, with one noting they experienced the creepy atmosphere firsthand.

The Final Stops: Building to the The Sum Up

The Royal Courts of Justice stop is intentionally mysterious in the tour description—McHugh won’t spoil what makes this section special, but he promises it’s “unfailingly interesting, and sometimes mind-boggling and jaw-dropping.” This stops at Portugal Street, where you hear about two additional serial killers whose trials occurred at the Old Bailey—one who murdered 15 boys and men, and another described as potentially “the most dangerous woman in the world.”

The Pub Finish: Princess Louise

The tour concludes at the Princess Louise pub, famous for its Victorian decor. However, McHugh saves one final story for this location—a disturbing detail about a well-known British serial killer that contradicts the public narrative and isn’t found in books or documentaries. After this final revelation, you have the option to purchase McHugh’s “Bloody London” book for £10 (cash or PayPal), and he personally signs each copy with a custom message.

Practical Considerations That Matter

Timing and Pace: The tour operates at what McHugh honestly describes as “fairly brisk”—necessary to cover ten serial killers in two hours. If you have mobility issues or prefer a leisurely stroll, this may not be the right experience. McHugh explicitly recommends against booking if you have significant health concerns or are in your 70s, which shows integrity about the tour’s actual demands.

Weather and Seasons: The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately. One reviewer mentioned experiencing “disgusting” rain but still found the experience worthwhile. However, McHugh notes that summer heat can be intense throughout the two-hour walk. Winter visits might offer increased atmosphere, particularly at locations like St. Dunstan in the West.

Group Size and Meeting Points: Tours have a maximum of 45 travelers, though groups typically run much smaller. You’ll meet near Barbican Station (Underground Ltd, Aldersgate St) and finish at the Princess Louise pub on High Holborn. McHugh emphasizes adding 20 minutes of extra travel time to account for London Underground delays—practical advice that reflects his experience with London logistics.

Age Requirements: There’s a strict minimum age of 12 years, with children aged 12-14 categorized separately from adults (15+). Families report excellent experiences, with teenagers becoming fully engaged after the first story, even when initially reluctant.

Value Analysis: What You’re Actually Getting

At $27.74 per person, you’re paying roughly $14 per hour for a guided experience led by a published author with 23 years of expertise in this specific subject matter. Compare this to typical London walking tours (often $20-40 for generic city highlights) or true crime documentaries you might purchase, and the value becomes clear.

What’s particularly impressive is that McHugh has maintained this tour’s quality and depth for over two decades. The fact that 97% of travelers recommend it and 82% of recent reviews are five stars suggests he’s not resting on his reputation but continually delivering. One reviewer who’d done “at least 15 guided tours through Viator over the years” ranked this as “#1″—that’s meaningful validation in a competitive market.

What Travelers Say: Real Reviews from Real Visitors

The review data reveals consistent themes. Travelers repeatedly praise McHugh’s knowledge, storytelling ability, and capacity to maintain engagement. One visitor noted it was “definitely worth doing this tour. The tour was extremely knowledgeable and informative. It was one of the most interesting tours I have seen.”

Another observed: “Declan’s telling of the stories really draws you in and puts you in the past and into the minds of the depraved murderers of London.” This ability to create emotional engagement while maintaining historical accuracy is precisely what separates an excellent tour from a mediocre one.

Even the few critical reviews provide useful information. One reviewer mentioned the pace was “pretty quick walking” and suggested considering mobility issues before booking—feedback that McHugh takes seriously and has incorporated into his tour descriptions. Another noted the “school teacher vibe,” though this criticism appears isolated (only one 1-star review out of 672 total).

Families report particularly positive experiences. One parent brought two daughters aged 14 and 15 who were “usually very unenthusiastic about most things and needed to be dragged along, but after the 1st story we’re fully engaged.” They spent the evening afterward googling the killers discussed during the tour.

Booking Practical Details

The tour operates with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering reasonable flexibility. Mobile tickets are provided, and the tour runs in English only. McHugh’s contact information is available directly ([email protected]), suggesting he’s accessible for questions or special circumstances.

One important note from the reviews: McHugh mentions that contacting him with less than 45 minutes before tour start time to reschedule isn’t practical, and late arrivals mean you’ll miss the beginning. Plan to arrive early and add buffer time for London transport delays.

Who Should Book This Tour

This experience is genuinely excellent for true crime enthusiasts who want to go beyond Netflix documentaries and actually stand where crimes occurred. If you’re interested in Victorian London, criminal psychology, or London history beyond the standard tourist attractions, you’ll find substantial value here.

It works wonderfully for families with teenagers interested in history, criminology, or true crime—though you should assess whether your 12-14 year-old is emotionally ready for detailed discussions of child murders and sexual violence. The interactive elements keep young people engaged without feeling patronized.

Historians and writers will appreciate McHugh’s research depth and his willingness to discuss lesser-known killers alongside Jack the Ripper. The tour offers context that explains how serial killing fit into London’s broader social history—poverty, medical ethics, institutional corruption—rather than sensationalizing individual crimes.

This tour represents exceptional value for travelers seeking authentic, expert-led experiences that venture beyond mainstream London tourism. With a 97% recommendation rate, 23 years of consistent operation, and a guide who’s literally written the book on his subject, the Blood and Tears Walk delivers on its promise of combining thorough historical knowledge with compelling storytelling. If you’re prepared for a brisk two-hour walk through genuinely dark history—and you can handle the subject matter—this is among London’s most memorable evening experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour appropriate for teenagers?
Yes, with an important caveat. The tour has a strict minimum age of 12 years, and many families report excellent experiences with teenagers. However, the content involves detailed discussions of child murders, sexual violence, and graphic crimes. Parents should assess their teenager’s emotional maturity and interest in true crime before booking. Families who’ve attended report their teens became fully engaged and continued researching the killers afterward.

How physically demanding is this tour?
The tour covers approximately two miles at a brisk pace over two hours. McHugh is explicit that this isn’t suitable for people with significant mobility issues or those in their 70s. One reviewer who was 63 years old reported the “flat areas” made it manageable, but this appears to be an exception. If you have any concerns about your fitness level or ability to walk continuously for two hours, contact McHugh directly before booking.

What if I’m late or need to reschedule?
McHugh strongly recommends adding 20 minutes to your travel time to account for London Underground delays. Contact him as early as possible if you need to reschedule—waiting until 45 minutes before tour start time isn’t practical. The tour operates with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you have flexibility if plans change.

Will I learn things not covered in Jack the Ripper books and documentaries?
Absolutely. McHugh covers nine other serial killers in addition to his Jack the Ripper theory, and he explicitly notes that some information he shares—particularly about one well-known killer—comes from the Head of Forensics involved in the case and isn’t found in published books or documentaries. Travelers who consider themselves true crime experts report learning new information.

What’s included in the tour price?
The $27.74 price includes a local professional guide, the two-hour walking experience, and live storytelling. Admission to the sites visited is free. The only additional cost would be if you choose to purchase McHugh’s “Bloody London” book at the end (£10, cash or PayPal), which he personally signs.

How large are the tour groups?
Tours have a maximum of 45 travelers, though groups typically run much smaller. McHugh mentions running tours with around 25 people. Smaller groups allow for better interaction and the ability to hear the stories clearly.

What should I wear and bring?
The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for London’s conditions. In summer, be prepared for heat throughout the two hours. In winter, the atmospheric locations like St. Dunstan in the West will feel genuinely creepy. Comfortable walking shoes are essential given the two-mile distance and brisk pace. McHugh doesn’t mention specific items to bring, but you might consider a light layer you can remove if the pace warms you up.