Traveler Description
'The Blood and Tears Walk' has a cult reputation with massive 'word of mouth'. Going for ten years, it is one of the best known London walks. Guide Declan McHugh has been on television and radio and thousands come each year to learn about Jack the Ripper, other London serial killers, witchcraft, executions, conspiracy theories etc. Meets outside the only exit at Barbican station and ends two hours later at Holborn underground station.

Address: Barbican Station
Phone: 44 (0)20 7625 5155

http://www.shockinglondon.com

Traveler Reviews

Amazing look at London with a funny and thrilling guide
Reviewed by Montrealer101 on Mar 19, 2010


This walk was the highlight of my stay in London. It was a great way see the realo London (i.e. not the tuoristy parts which we all tend to go see, and which are often lovely but don't show us what the city is really like. The stories were thrilling, funny at times, and always very entertaining, and the guide (I;m afraid I can't remember his name) was fantastic. He was so knowledgeable and had a great, projecting voice, and was always interesting. A must-do if you are in London.

Highly recommended - trust a person living in London, it doesn't get better than this.
Reviewed by MayaCasz on Mar 18, 2010


How can a person laugh out loud, be terrified, get to know London like no other, rack one's brain, burst into applause in a dark, narrow alley and plan a great escape all in two hours? Blood and Tears, that's how. Thanks Declan, the group had a blast! Will definitely recommend; also looking forward to joining another one of your walks! All the best, Malaya.

I took my date on this tour hoping to...
Reviewed by Bevan111 on Mar 18, 2010


I took my date on this tour hoping to create a memorable evening and boy it was great! Being just the two of us, we were a bit sceptical about how it would turn out but by the end it was our own private tour with a really knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic Declan. I must say the city looks a different beast at night, the streets were eeriely quiet and one could see the words come to life as he set the scene. Both of us walked away feeling sad we hadn't brought a notebook so that we could go home and catch up on some of the interesting characters brought to life. All in all, highly recommended.

Creepy, spooky and loads of fun.
Reviewed by mikeyman67 on Mar 3, 2010


Since it was a cold night in London, I had a private tour (just me and Declan). It starts right outside the Barbican tube stop. Its a good trek through small streets and back alleys. The tour is decidedly different from your typical tourist walking tour....he takes you places the others don't go and weaves some really good tales along the way (storytelling is becoming a lost art these days). He doesn't just talk at you but engages your mind into the "scene" as it was played out years prior. Some of the spots along the tour are more recent than ripper times (a little close for comfort). The tour also comes with some other odd bits of information (8' tall reptile-men anyone) that I am going to find more about. Good exercise, great fun and very informative. If you have a night to "kill" in London, this one "knocks em dead" (couldn't help myself).

Interesting and informative tour of London's underbelly
Reviewed by BrklynAnt on Feb 23, 2010


My wife and I took the Blood and Tears Walk with Declan last week and really enjoyed it. The weather hadn't cooperated during the day which led to us getting our own private walk. Declan is an expert on the subject matter and very engaging. He even pointed out some other interesting sites along the way (look out for the print shop where a young David Bowie once worked) . I would definitely recommend this walk to anyone interested in London's shadier side.