Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
York, often called England’s most haunted city, boasts a history stretching over 2,000 years, from its Roman founding as Eboracum in 71 AD to its Viking and medieval eras. The city’s dark past includes gruesome executions, plagues, and ghostly legends tied to its ancient landmarks. York Minster, a 7th-century Gothic masterpiece, is said to be haunted by spectral monks, while Clifford’s Tower, site of a 1190 massacre of Jewish residents, carries eerie tales. The grave of Dick Turpin, the infamous 18th-century highwayman executed in York, adds to the city’s sinister lore.
The York Ghost Bus Tour, conducted on a 1960s Routemaster bus, blends this macabre history with theatrical comedy, a concept popularized in the UK to bring haunted heritage to life. The tour’s “Necrobus” and its creepy conductors tap into York’s reputation for paranormal activity, with over 500 reported hauntings, making it a unique way to explore the city’s shadowy side through storytelling and humor.
Highlights
- Experience a 75-minute comedy horror tour aboard the eerie Necrobus
- Discover York’s haunted history at landmarks like York Minster and Clifford’s Tower
- Hear chilling tales of ghosts and Dick Turpin from a creepy conductor
- Enjoy theatrical performances by onboard actors in a 1960s Routemaster bus
- Explore one of England’s spookiest cities with a blend of scares and laughs
Full Description
Embark on a spine-chilling yet hilarious 75-minute York Ghost Bus Tour, departing from Bus Stop RD by York Station, near the Royal York Hotel. Arrive 20 minutes early to board the “Necrobus,” a 1960s Routemaster bus decked out in eerie decor, where your creepy conductor and onboard actors deliver a theatrical blend of comedy and horror. The tour, conducted in English, weaves through York’s historic streets, revealing the city’s darkest secrets.
As you pass landmarks like York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and Dick Turpin’s grave, your guide shares tales of ghostly monks, tragic massacres, and notorious highwaymen, all rooted in York’s 2,000-year history. Learn about the city’s medieval walls, said to harbor restless spirits, and hear stories of its 500+ reported hauntings, making York one of England’s most haunted cities. The actors’ performances, infused with dark humor, ensure a spooky yet entertaining ride, perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
The tour concludes back at York Station, leaving you with a mix of chills and chuckles. With no food, drinks, or recording allowed, the focus remains on the immersive storytelling and eerie atmosphere, making this a standout way to experience York’s sinister side.
Why Choose This Experience?
This tour is perfect for fans of ghost stories, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a fun, theatrical twist on sightseeing. The 75-minute duration fits easily into a York itinerary, and the $27 price offers great value compared to other guided tours (e.g., walking tours at ~$20). The unique blend of comedy and horror, delivered by live actors on a themed 1960s bus, sets it apart from standard city tours, while the focus on York’s haunted landmarks like York Minster and Clifford’s Tower taps into its ghostly reputation.
The wheelchair-accessible Necrobus (with prior notice) ensures inclusivity, and the evening setting enhances the spooky vibe. Unlike traditional history tours, this combines entertainment with education, making it ideal for families (with older kids), couples, or groups looking for a memorable, lighthearted scare.
What’s Included
- 75-minute comedy horror tour on the Necrobus
- Live English-speaking guide and onboard actors
- Admission fees
Itinerary
- Meet at Bus Stop RD, York Station, near Royal York Hotel
- Board the Necrobus for a 75-minute tour
- Pass York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, Dick Turpin’s grave, and more
- Enjoy theatrical commentary on York’s haunted history
- Return to York Station
Pricing
From $27 per person
Meeting Point
Meet at Bus Stop RD, Station Road, York, YO1 6GA, by the Royal York Hotel, opposite York Station. Arrive 20 minutes early.
How to Get There
- By Foot: The stop is a 2-minute walk from York Station or a 10-minute walk from York Minster.
- By Bus: First York buses (e.g., routes 1, 3, or 7) stop at York Station, a 1-minute walk to the meeting point.
- By Train: York Station, served by LNER and Northern, is directly opposite the bus stop.
- By Car: Park at York Station Car Park (YO1 6HP), a 2-minute walk; limited street parking available.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (evening tours can be chilly)
- Camera for photos (no video recording allowed)
- Bottled water (no other food/drinks permitted)
Know Before You Go
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- The “reserve now, pay later” option allows booking without upfront payment.
- The tour is in English only, with no audio guides or translations.
- Wheelchair accessible; contact the operator in advance for arrangements.
- No food, drinks (except bottled water), smoking, or video recording allowed.
- Luggage or large bags are not permitted; personal items are carried at your own risk.
- Arrive 20 minutes early, as late passengers cannot join once the tour starts.
- Content includes spooky themes; parents should assess suitability for younger children.
Reviews
- Brilliant and funny hosts! The tour was spooky and entertaining—highly recommend!
- Great fun! The driver and conductor were fantastic, making York’s ghosts come alive!
- Loved every moment! Super entertaining and a perfect mix of scares and laughs.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What is the duration and structure of the York Ghost Bus Tour?
This 75-minute tour departs from Bus Stop RD by York Station, taking you through York’s haunted sites like York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and Dick Turpin’s grave aboard a 1960s Routemaster Necrobus. Live actors deliver comedic horror commentary in English, blending ghost stories with history. The tour returns to the starting point. Check times when booking, arrive 20 minutes early, and note the spooky content may not suit young kids.
Is the tour suitable for families or those with mobility issues?
The tour is family-friendly for older children (spooky themes may unsettle younger ones; parents should assess). The theatrical format and short 75-minute duration engage teens and adults. The Necrobus is wheelchair accessible with prior notice; contact the operator for arrangements. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, as evenings can be chilly, and only bottled water is allowed onboard for comfort.
Can I cancel or modify my booking if plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers adjusting their York itinerary, ideal for combining with Minster or Jorvik visits. The “reserve now, pay later” option allows booking without upfront payment. Modifications depend on availability—contact the operator via your booking confirmation email. Confirm terms at booking, as evening tours are popular.
What landmarks or stories can I expect?
Expect to see York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, Dick Turpin’s grave, and the medieval walls, with tales of ghostly monks, 1190 massacres, and highwayman hauntings. The actors share York’s 500+ reported hauntings, blending humor with history. No video recording is allowed, but photos are fine for capturing the eerie atmosphere.
What makes this tour unique compared to other York tours?
This tour stands out for its theatrical comedy-horror format on a 1960s Necrobus, blending spooky tales with humor, unlike standard walking tours. The focus on York’s haunted reputation, covering 2,000 years of ghostly history at sites like York Minster, and the live actors’ performances make it unique. At $27, it’s an affordable, wheelchair-accessible evening adventure, perfect for a fun, memorable dive into England’s spookiest city.
