How to Start a Ghost Tour in Your Town

The word on the internet is that the world's first ghost walk or haunted tour was first established in the city of York, England in 1973. Since then, many have sprung up throughout Great Britain, the United States and for the most part the entire world. In each case, one or two people lead a group of other people through the streets to haunted houses, haunted buildings, crime scenes and local cemeteries, pointing out local ghost stories and urban legends along the way. It's as simple as that. Or is it?

If you want to create a ghost tour that will be of authentic use in sharing real information about your town and which will be a popular attraction that will continue to hold the attention of participants, here is what you need to do.

To begin, do your research. Start with the Internet, and look for ghost stories that take place in your town. Check out the local library for books on ghosts and local history and see what you can find. Ask questions of residents and business owners. Check with the local visitor's bureau. Visit any museums and historic locations.

Now, plan your tour. A good ghost tour should last from ninety minutes to two hours and cover not more than a mile or a mile and a half, and should include a number of places to stop and sit on steps or at benches or tables. It should not include many steep hills or strenuous walking, should avoid unsafe areas and should consider the privacy of property owners. Get permission if you intend to get close to an occupied, allegedly haunted location. About 8-10 locations is ideal.

Take care of the details. Find out if you need a license. Decide if you want more than one guide. Write out and rehearse your script. Set a price (find out what other tours in the area are charging.)$10-$15 is common. Decide whether or not this will be a costumed tour.

You also need to decide if children will be allowed, and how you will handle rude or obnoxious behavior.

It is a good idea to prepare a waiver, and have every participant sign it, in case someone should stumble and fall or some other accident should occur.

Now you are ready to advertise. Put leaflets in the local Welcome Center and ask businesses to display them in their windows. Team up with local paranormal investigation groups or historical societies. Send out press releases. Offer to be interviewed for local radio and television stations. Never turn down an opportunity to promote yourself if you can help it!


Take a few trial runs with close friends, and then begin! Have fun! Be aware that ghosts do not perform on cue and you may not have ghostly activity; the key is to learn engaging, entertaining stories and some local history, and have a good time. If you enjoy the tour, your visitors will enjoy the tour as well.