London Serial Killers - The Blood and Tears Walk
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
London, England
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the dark side of London’s East End on this evening walking tour, ideal for travelers who want an entertaining, and potentially frightening, alternative to typical city tours Follow in the footsteps of historic serial killers such as Jack the Ripper and listen to stories of grave-robbing, witchcraft, murders, and executions. This tour is led by writer Declan McHugh, author of “Bloody London.”
- Perfect for horror fans and those interested in dark history
- Learn about London's dark past as you explore on foot
- See East End spots that few London tours visit
- This tour is led by "Bloody London" author Declan McHugh
What's Included
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Live entertainment
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Underground Ltd, Aldersgate St, Barbican, London EC1A 4JA, UK
I meet you directly opposite the ONLY exit at Barbican underground station, just 6 metres (20 feet) away from the only exit. Look for the black and red sign, saying 'The Blood and Tears Walk', on my rucksack on the ground.
End point
- 125 High Holborn, London WC1V 6AN, UK
We end at the wonderful 'The Princess Louise' pub 208 High Holborn, Holborn, London WC1V 7EP. Holborn underground station (Central and Piccadilly lines) is only 60 seconds away from that pub.
Operating hours.7:00 pm
Itinerary
1
Church Of St. Bartholomew The Great
8 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Holy Sepulchre London
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Old Bailey
8 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Printer Street
6 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Red Lion Court
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Hare Place
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
St. Dunstan In The West
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Royal Courts of Justice
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
9
Portugal Street
7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
10
Princess Louise
6 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- A maximum of 20 people per booking
- Near public transportation
- Operates in all weather condition so dress appropriately
- MINIMUM age is 12 years. This is strictly enforced.
- Children are 12-14 years old. Adults are 15+.
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- You MUST add 20 minutes extra travelling time, due to constant Underground train delays
- I would seriously consider choosing a different Tour if you have mobility/significant health issues. It’s a fairly brisk pace – it has to be to cover 10 serial killers in two hours - and we cover 2 miles (3.2 km). And in Summer it can be hot all through the two hours. Truthfully (and quite apart from the subject matter), this Tour will not be suitable for everyone because of the distance and the reasonably fast pace. This Tour is also not recommended for people in their 70s because, as I said, it's quite fast-paced and we cover about 2 miles =3.2 kms.
- Don't attend if you are feeling unwell and have a temperature with a new persistent cough
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 701 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Gilda_L, Jun 2026
It was fun and informative. The route was great too! It's both interesting and entertaining. An enjoyable tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
I'm glad you liked my efforts!
Declan
scott_m, May 2026
Interesting. Tour guide was a little over the top. Not really interested in groups opinions. But very enthusiastic.
Response from Host, May 2026
I don't agree about not being interested in the group's opinions and I very much doubt others on the tour would agree.
Let's just say I made certain observations about a few people who came together to this performance, one of whom may be connected to this review.
I know what works for the tour and I ask people to stay close, because it's about immersive story-telling.
One person made it clear that he was reluctant to do this, despite it being best for the tour. I could say he didn't really care about what works best for the group although I have 25 years experience.
Also this person engaged in some badly-timed fart joke 'humour'. Plus there was a statement from a member of this family grouping, when I was talking about Jack the Ripper, that I really thought it best and kindliest not to engage with. The statement being: "He was trying to excite women's parts".
One other thing. Towards the end of the tour, a member of this family group, who were at the back, went into a pub to urinate. Only he didn't tell me he was going to do that, and neither did the other family members.
When it became clear they were no longer with us, I then waited SIX minutes - obviously impacting the other people on the tour - for that family grouping to reappear so we could end the tour together.
So I leave it to the reader to decide who cared about the group and who didn't...
Jonathan_H, May 2026
Great walking tour, Declan was enthusiastic and passionate about the subject. Enjoyed the stories and the questions to make you think. Would recommend!
Response from Host, May 2026
NICE!
Declan
Jane_P, Apr 2026
Knowledgeable and fully committed. A fascinating tour. The 2 hours just flew by. The walk through the streets and laneways was immersive.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you! I really do try and bring people back to former times and grim incidents...
Declan
Sophie_S, Jan 2026
Different from what we expected but exceeding our expectations! Very interactive. Declan has a mountain of knowledge and really expands your thinking on the subject. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
"Exceeding our expectations".
So nice to hear!
Great bunch tonight....
Declan
Ashley_B, Nov 2025
It is definitely worth doing this tour. The tour was extremely knowledgeable and informative. It was one of the most interesting tours I have seen. I would highly recommend
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Very nice of you to say so!
Declan
simona_c, Nov 2025
It was really good!! We enjoyed every minute of it!! The story teller has a great knowledge and was super intersting to listen to him , we had so much fun!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
I do try!
Many thanks for staying with it during the rain and enjoying it that much...
Declan
Callum_B, Oct 2025
Declan spent more time repeating himself and making us feel like children being very condescending than telling us information. Kept quizzing us on things that nobody could be expected to know in a very rude way ‘ what FOUR letter word did he say’ ‘NO I ALREADY MENTIONED THAT IT WASNT THAT CMON PEOPLE!’ Defo agree with the schoolteacher vibe someone else wrote. Never asked if we had any questions. Berated for not knowing much - that’s why we’re on the tour to learn! Kept talking about how in 23 years most people say this, I once had someone say this, rather than just encouraging curiosity. Arrogant. Jaded. He should do something else for a bit. The tour was busy about 35 people each he was making £700 for every 2 hours work undeserved IMO
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Firstly, I get the message loud and clear that you hated the Tour.
To check if your feelings are representative, I looked up the ratings of the last 50 reviews on Viator, including yours.
82% were 5 stars. Nobody else gave it a 1-star review.
I don’t understand your “repeating himself” comment. I talk about TEN different serial killers. They’re all different. I’m not repeating myself. There’s a heck of a lot of research and, hopefully, some good story-telling.
As for the “quizzing” accusation, it’s called being interactive, it’s not an exam. It’s just fun, interesting and appropriate to do some profiling exercises on a Serial Killer tour.
People did have questions, they came up to me as we walked between stops, asked their questions and I answered them. You could have done the same.
I am not jaded, I am the opposite – passionate.
Your last sentence is strange, bitter and totally factually wrong.
There were 25 people exactly on the Tour, not “about 35”. I have to pay most third parties I work with, like Viator, between 30-40% commission on every single ticket. Your ‘calculation’ of my earnings was ludicrously over-inflated.
And how I wish I had 25 on every Tour….
As for “He should do something else for a bit” - if it’s ok with you, I’ll keep going since 82% think what I am doing is fantastic….
Declan
Kellie_P, Oct 2025
Unique experience with an entertaining guide.
A glimpse into the dark past of this large & complex city
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Very pleased you liked it!
Declan
Wayne_A, Sep 2025
Excellent tour! Declan was very knowledgeable and put his all into the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed his story telling.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks for noticing the energy I still devote to the Tour after all these years!
Declan
Victoria_I, Sep 2025
Declan was very knowledgeable and was able to create the right atmosphere for the tour. It was so interesting and I will definitely be buying his book!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Big smile here. Thanks!
Liking the tour = pretty much certain to like the book.
Declan
avanburroughs, Sep 2025
Great guide with Declan ! Very knowledgeable and interesting. Very flat areas to walk so even a 63 year old grandmother could do it Can’t wait to order his book to read more. We also enjoyed London history thrown in around the area !
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Many Thanks!
If you liked the Tour, it is almost certain you will like the 'Bloody London' book.
If you do enjoy it, a little review on Amazon would be great!
Declan
Sarah_C, Sep 2025
I loved this tour! I adore true crime and the stories behind them. This tour was a walk backwards into the dark side of London’s history.
As a true crime fan, I thought I knew a lot about the UKs serial killers. But this tour opened my eyes to ones I’ve never heard of before. Standing at the sights were murders have occurred and places that London’s killers frequented was a great experience.
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.
Highly recommend this tour for any true crime fans
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Such a brilliant review. You knew a lot!
Declan
Nicole_T, Sep 2025
Great small group. Very interesting stories and alot of history around that small area of London. Would recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Cheers for saying this!
Declan
Timo_S, Aug 2025
Probably the best walking tour I've ever been on! Declan was our guide and he is very knowledgeable, not only on the topic but also on other historical facts and things. His sense of humour is a great bonus for the tour. Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Words that lift my heart.
Thanks,
Declan
Kristen_K, Aug 2025
Guide is a fun storyteller. We all enjoyed it. Interesting section of town I wouldn’t have seen otherwise, too.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for these nice comments!
Declan
Johanna_F, May 2025
There isn't much I can add that hasn't been said before, it's weird calling it a wonderful experience given the nature of the topic, but it really was. Even through the dark and horrific stories, the tour was entertaining. The horror movie questions were especially interesting because 3 days later I am still thinking back to them, and all I can add to that is: at the end of the day, movies are entertainment, and so they will never capture the horrors and cruelty that humans are able to inflict onto each other in real life.
Thank you for signing my book and we will definitely join your tour again!
Response from Host, May 2025
Not much more I can say beyond "WOW, Thanks".
Glad you found my 'light moment' about Movies so interesting.
See you again!
Declan...
Joseph_S, May 2025
If looking for something different to do, this is it. The walking isn’t that bad, and he keeps it at a good pace. Very knowledgeable, I would guess one of the top experts in serial killers in the UK.
Response from Host, May 2025
Loving that last line. In the future I may do some webinars on the subject!
Declan
Belinda_M, May 2025
Was a very interesting tour and Declan was so
knowledgeable, we loved the tour would highly recommend it, could of listened to Declan for hours and hours
Response from Host, May 2025
Blushing....
Declan
Anne_G, Apr 2025
Great tour with a highly engaging guide. Very good range of stories and interactive sections. Perfect balance of humour and facts.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
The great review is much appreciated!
Declan
Heather_H, Apr 2025
Very interesting and he was very knowledgeable about the topic. We asked some questions during and after and he was more than happy to answer us.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Giving a big smile here after reading this lovely review...
Declan
James_L, Mar 2025
What a great tour. I have done at least 15 guided tours through Viator over the years and this ranks as #1. The guide, Declan, is personable, a great story teller, very knowledge about what he is talking about and does a tremendous job in interacting with the rest of the group and getting them involved. Wonderful tour. 10/10 would recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
What gracious and generous words! Thank you so much!
Declan
David_S, Feb 2025
Declan was a fantastic , funny, knowledgeable and friendly host. He took us to some very creepy places and has a natural talent for spinning a story that has you hooked from the start. An absolute must for anyone interested in serial killers or true crime
Response from Host, Feb 2025
A really great review.
I'd go on that walk myself, it sounds good!
Declan
Dawn_H, Feb 2025
The sights are really great to see and it starts at a little known part of London. We had terrible rain which made the tour less enjoyable. No ones fault. We wouldn’t have taken photos because of the rain, but the guide was pretty quick walking and we struggled to keep up with home, so we wouldn’t have been able to if we wanted too. If you have any mobility problems or just can’t walk fast, think carefully before going on this trip. Reasonably priced though.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hi.
As I said at the beginning of the Tour, anyone who wants to take a photo during the tour only has to say the word 'Photo' after I finish speaking about whatever I've stopped to talk about.
It really is that simple.
This is not the Tour if you have considerable mobility problems. It's exactly why I say the following on TripAdvisor, which you booked through:
"I would seriously consider choosing a different Tour if you have mobility/significant health issues. It’s a fairly brisk pace – it has to be to cover 10 serial killers in two hours - and we cover 2 miles (3.2 km). Truthfully (and quite apart from the subject matter), this Tour will not be suitable for everyone because of the distance and the reasonably fast pace".
I have to agree that the weather was disgusting though. But beyond my control....
Declan
Shelley_S, Jan 2025
We had a great time on this tour. Declan is very entertaining and knowledgeable. There's not a lot of people that can make you laugh while learning about murder but he can. I booked it because it wasn't just Jack and I'm glad I did. We went to so many places we wouldn't have seen otherwise.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
THANK YOU!
I do create an unlikely mixture of humour and horror, but that's because I know that without the humour the horror would get too bleak...
Declan
Donnie_G, Dec 2024
Declan was very informative and knowledgeable passing on his obvious passion for the subjects. Well worth a visit.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for this little Christmas present!
Declan
Philip_C, Dec 2024
Fun and informative tour. Excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable and entertaining. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
You are welcome!
Declan
Mark_W, Nov 2024
Great tour. Very informative. Well presented with an acceptable walking pace, so not too strenuous. Weather was acceptable.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you!
Declan
Michelle_H, Nov 2024
Tried to reach the guide through the APP and site to reschedule my tour - no response at all. No communication on rescheduling disappointing but they have charged me.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
You were booked with a friend for the 19:00 Halloween walk yesterday.
41 People booked for that Tour (from all third parties).
You two and two others were the only 4 who did not turn up in time. 37 other people made it on time.
I have discovered tonight, Friday 1st November, that you only contacted me last night at 18:12 pm to try and rearrange for the 19:00 Tour.
I am not automatically contacted with such messages.
Frankly, contacting me with about 45 minutes to go until the Tour begins is too late, you gave no reason why you wanted to reschedule at such late notice, and you did not even apologise that you had clearly not timed it properly.
I urge people to add 20 extra minutes and NOT to aim to come at 7pm because of the danger of turning up late.
You gave a 2-star review to a Tour you did not experience, through your own fault, and TripAdvisor will be informed as such....
Declan
Kathryn_L, Oct 2024
I enjoyed the interactive parts where we shared our favorite horror movie, how we felt in a particular alley, etc. The guide Declan researched his material well and sticks to the facts.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Yes, I try not to talk AT people for two hours, I'm genuinely interested in audience contributions....
THANK YOU!
Declan
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