Want London with a side of fright?
This London Comedy Horror Ghost Tour turns iconic landmarks into a one-hour stage show, complete with on-board actors and spooky technical trickery led by a creepy conductor. I especially like the original Necrobus theme on a vintage-style bus, and I also like how the humor and fear sit side-by-side instead of taking over. One drawback: it’s only 1 hour, so if you want a super deep history lecture, you may feel a bit rushed.
You get a quick, night-time sweep past major sights from West End lanes to the riverfront side of the city, and the stories aim for London’s darker corners. Guides I’ve seen named include Cedric, Oliver, Stan, and Ben, and the general vibe is interactive and fast-moving, with effects timed to the ride.
In This Article
- Key things I’d watch for on the Ghost Bus
- Climbing aboard the Necrobus near Trafalgar Square
- The one-hour route: West End, Fleet Street, Tower area, and London Bridge
- The comedy-horror show: conductor narration, actors, and timed effects
- The black 1960s Routemaster feel: why the bus itself helps the story
- What you’ll learn about London’s darker side (without turning it into homework)
- Price and value: is $37 for a 1-hour bus show worth it?
- Who should book this Ghost Bus Tour, and who might skip it
- Should you book this London Ghost Bus Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the London Comedy Horror Ghost Tour on a bus?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- What time should I arrive?
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- Is the tour conducted in English?
- What items are not allowed on the bus?
- Is there a free option for young children?
- Can I cancel and get a refund?
Key things I’d watch for on the Ghost Bus
- The Necrobus concept: a “historic Ghost Bus” ride with a creepy factory-fire backstory
- On-board show, not just narration: conductor commentary plus actors and technical tricks
- Big-name London sightings: you’ll learn spooky facts tied to Westminster Abbey, Fleet Street, The Tower of London, and London Bridge
- Comedy-horror balance: jokes run alongside jumpy moments and staged effects
- Your guide can make or break it: named hosts like Cedric, Stan, Oliver, and Ben are praised for keeping energy high
Climbing aboard the Necrobus near Trafalgar Square
Your evening starts at Northumberland Avenue, just outside The Grand Hotel, near Trafalgar Square. The key practical move is to arrive early: the tour won’t wait for late passengers, and once the show is rolling, latecomers can’t jump in.
This matters more than it sounds. The tour isn’t just drive-by sightseeing. It’s a moving performance built around timing, so getting seated and ready before departure keeps you from missing the opening act and the first wave of effects.
The bus itself feels part of the gag. Based on what you’ll see described, it’s a renovated vintage-style double-decker experience, not a plain coach. That “back in the day” look helps you buy into the theme fast, especially when the conductor starts talking like they own the night.
And yes, the mood is built for an English-speaking show. If you’re not comfortable following fast jokes and punchlines, you’ll feel it.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
The one-hour route: West End, Fleet Street, Tower area, and London Bridge
Even with just 60 minutes, the route packs in a lot of “London at speed.” You’ll cover the West End, get views south of the river, and pass through areas tied to some of the city’s best-known landmarks.
Here’s how the landmarks fit the story, and why they’re fun on a bus:
- Westminster Abbey area: you’re watching a famous religious and political landmark from the outside, while the narration frames it with the darker side of old London lore.
- Fleet Street: this is a street you’ve likely heard of in books and films, and the show leans into the idea that stories in London always come with a shadow.
- The Tower of London: the show uses this as a credibility anchor, making the spooky facts feel tied to places with real-world weight.
- London Bridge: it’s instantly recognizable, and it’s a strong payoff point for the tour’s build-up.
Because you’re not walking between stops, you get the value of seeing multiple “must-see” zones without losing time to transport lines, crossings, and repositioning. It’s a good fix when you want a night activity that also helps you orient yourself around central London.
The main trade-off is scale. A one-hour tour can’t match the pacing of a walking tour where you can linger. This tour moves quickly on purpose, so treat it like a tightly paced show plus a skyline sampler.
The comedy-horror show: conductor narration, actors, and timed effects
The heart of this experience is the show format: a creepy conductor narrates while on-board actors and spooky technical trickery create the scariest beats at the right moments. The result is comedy-horror that stays playful, not grim.
What I like about this approach is that the bus ride becomes a loop of setup and payoff. You’re learning while being entertained, and the narration keeps you focused on what you’re passing outside the window.
Named guides show up repeatedly in the feedback, and that gives you a hint about what to expect in tone. Cedric gets praised for being funny and for using show energy while staying on track with the facts. Stan (and Stan Broker) shows up as an especially engaging conductor type, with interactive moments that keep the whole bus involved. Oliver is mentioned for hitting the comedy-horror balance, and Ben gets noted for making the stories land.
The show also aims to mix in details like:
- haunted palaces
- unmarked burial grounds
- old skeletons in the capital’s closet
That’s a big pitch, but the way it’s delivered matters. Multiple comments point to the experience being spooky but not out-and-out terrifying, which is a sweet spot for people who want thrills without needing nightmares.
There is one consideration. A few mentions suggest the “spooky element” can feel stronger or softer depending on the night and delivery. If you’re chasing full-on fear, you might find this leans more toward campy horror with real theatrical touches.
The black 1960s Routemaster feel: why the bus itself helps the story
Transportation can be forgettable. Here, the bus is part of the show design.
You’ll be on a classic-looking black Routemaster-style vehicle, and the interior setup is described as lovingly restored, with a vintage look (like curtains and lamps) that matches the theme. That sounds like a small detail until you sit inside it. Then you realize it shapes your attention: you’re not just watching out the window; you’re in the world of the tour.
It also helps the pacing. A moving theatre means the effects can be tied to your location and your forward motion. Even traffic and London’s stops can play into the rhythm because the guide’s performance is built for the ride.
And from the same feedback pattern, it sounds like drivers play a real role in keeping the experience smooth. Chris is specifically named for careful driving, and that matters because it keeps the crowd comfortable while the show runs on.
If you’re sensitive to motion, plan to sit where you feel most stable and avoid last-minute shifting once the show starts.
What you’ll learn about London’s darker side (without turning it into homework)
This tour sells the darker side of London, and it does it through storytelling attached to recognizable places. That’s how it stays fun: you get location, then you get a twist.
The value for me isn’t that you’ll memorize dates. It’s that you’ll leave with “mental images” tied to landmarks. Westminster Abbey isn’t just a photo spot; it becomes part of a ghostly narrative. The Tower area isn’t just a major attraction; it becomes a backdrop for creepy facts. That kind of association sticks.
The humor also helps the learning stick. A joke can act like a bookmark, and the conductor’s style—especially when the guide is described as engaging and interactive—turns the facts into something you actually remember later.
You should also know what kind of content you’re getting. The show leans into haunted and grisly details, including skeletons and unmarked burial grounds. Still, the repeated tone from feedback suggests it’s designed to be appropriate for a wide range of ages and comfort levels, including teens on family trips. If you want extremely graphic horror, this likely won’t be your lane.
Price and value: is $37 for a 1-hour bus show worth it?
At around $37 per person for a 1-hour experience, the value equation is simple: you’re paying for (1) the bus ride, (2) live guide performance, and (3) a staged comedy-horror show with effects and actors.
If you compare this to other evening activities, the standout here is that it’s built around a moving production. You’re not paying for a bus tour alone, and you’re not paying for a theatre ticket alone. You’re getting both in one timed package.
One more value point: the tour covers major central sights in a short window. For many visitors, that’s the real win. London can eat time fast. A one-hour “see-and-learn” evening helps you slot something fun into your schedule without losing half a day.
If you’re thinking about cost as “how much entertainment per minute,” this one has a lot going on per minute. The most common nitpicks aren’t about the quality; they’re about wanting more time, which usually means the show lands well.
Who should book this Ghost Bus Tour, and who might skip it
I’d put this tour on your list if you want:
- a fun, spooky evening activity that doesn’t require planning a walking route
- classic London sights paired with story-driven entertainment
- a show format where the guide’s performance matters as much as the landmarks
It’s a solid fit for couples, friend groups, and families with older kids who can handle spooky themes and enjoy comedy.
I’d skip it if you:
- need full wheelchair access (this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
- dislike riding in traffic or can’t handle a moving vehicle for an extended stretch
- want a quiet, low-theatre experience. This is a performance.
Also, bring expectations about language. The tour is conducted in English, and several comments stress that you’ll want solid English to catch the humor.
Should you book this London Ghost Bus Tour?
If you want a night activity that mixes West End sightseeing, iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and London Bridge, and a comedy-horror show with on-board actors and effects, this is a strong bet. The $37 price makes sense because the bus ride is only part of what you’re paying for.
I’d book it if you like campy scares, enjoy a lively guide, and you’re okay with a fast, one-hour pace. I’d think twice if you’re chasing pure horror depth or you want long, slow sightseeing.
If you do go, arrive early at the Northumberland Avenue meeting spot, keep your bags light, and settle in so you catch the show from the start. That’s how you get the full Necrobus experience.
FAQ
How long is the London Comedy Horror Ghost Tour on a bus?
The tour lasts 1 hour.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at Northumberland Avenue, outside The Grand Hotel, just off Trafalgar Square.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time, since the tour cannot wait for late passengers.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes. The tour is conducted in English.
What items are not allowed on the bus?
Smoking is not allowed. Food and drinks are not allowed (except bottled water). Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
Is there a free option for young children?
Only one child under 5 per adult may travel for free, as long as the child does not occupy a seat to the exclusion of a fare-paying passenger.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.




















