London is a city packed with fun and interesting things to do from top museums and attractions to castles, palaces, parks, and more. But the city also has a dark history and one of the best ways to explore the underbelly of Victorian London is on one of the many Jack the Ripper tours.
But who was Jack the Ripper? The notorious serial killer stalked the dark alleys of Whitechapel in London’s East End where a number of women met a grisly end between 1888 and 1891. Nobody was ever caught for the murders, leaving behind lots of theories as to who the killer really was.
I’ve spent a lot of time around the east end and even today it’s easy to get a sense of the terror that permeated the foggy streets of London in the late 1800s. As someone who’s always been fascinated by dark tourism in London and around the world, I find this particular period very interesting.
7 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
Below, you’ll find a selection of Jack the Ripper tour reviews, each offering something a little different. From guided walks to bus trips and even a “whodunnit” where you can try and help solve these gruesome crimes, these London ripper tours are a fun and quirky way to explore Victorian London.
1. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour in London
This two-hour guided walk around Whitechapel is one of the top-rated Jack the Ripper tours in London. Discover the highways and byways of the old East End with your very own “Ripperologist” who will fill you in on all the gory details of the murders.
You’ll learn about some of the victims and their families, visit the real-life crime scenes from the 19th Century and also see some of the famous sights in the area such as Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, and the Ten Bells Pub (a traditional East End boozer – I recommend a pint of the Camden Pale Ale).
The tour starts at the entrance to Altab Ali Park opposite Aldgate East tube station (somewhere I used to walk past every day). Children under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult, but bear in mind the graphic content of the tour isn’t suitable for young children.
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour in London Details:
2. Walking Tour With Ripper Vision
This quirky Jack the Ripper tour of London comes with “Ripper Vision”; a handheld projector that instantly transports you back to Victorian London through a series of lifelike images and projections.
This night tour explores the old crime scenes and recounts the stories surrounding victims of London’s most infamous killer. The Ripper Vision displays old police and mortuary photos, as well as some potential suspects, making this one of the most interactive Ripper tours in London.
The tour kicks off at 7:30 pm each evening and lasts for just under two hours. You’ll get to explore the Jack the Ripper murder locations as well as some other East End sights around Whitechapel.
Walking Tour with Ripper Vision Details:
3. Bus Tour With Fish and Chips
One of my favorite things to do in London, aside from exploring its dark history, is to eat fish and chips, and this excellent Jack the Ripper experience includes a taste of this traditional London food as part of the experience.
You’ll get to hear the stories of Jack’s reign of terror from a world-class storyteller onboard a luxury coach and will also visit some of the most haunted places in London such as the Old Bailey and the former home of Sweeney Todd – the homicidal barber of Fleet Street.
This experience lasts for three hours and is a combined coach and walking tour that finishes up at the Ten Bells Pub where you can grab a pint and sample traditional fish and chips. This is definitely one of the best Jack the Ripper tours in London and packs a lot into the time.
Bus Tour With Fish and Chips Details:
4. Jack the Ripper (Solve the Crime Tour)
Follow in the blood-drenched footsteps of Jack the Ripper on this tour of his East End stalking grounds with a local guide. Immerse yourself in the gruesome history of London’s notorious killer and attempt to solve the crime that’s thwarted police for over a century.
You’ll get to see crime scene photos, the location of the only clue ever found, and see a copy of the famous letter that first gave rise to the name Jack the Ripper. Will the clues help you solve the murders, or will they remain unsolved forever?
Your experienced guide has lived in London for over 20 years and in Whitechapel for five, bringing a wealth of local knowledge. The tour lasts for two hours and starts daily at 7:30 pm.
Jack the Ripper: Solve the Crime Tour Details:
5. Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes Tour
This Jack the Ripper Murder tour also explores the legend of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional London detective hot on the heels of the Ripper. This is one of the best Jack the Ripper tours for those interested in London’s dark history and fans of the Sherlock series.
You’ll get to explore a mixture of fact, fiction, and legend as you journey through the East End by double-decker bus and on foot. Listen to stories about the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, and other notorious figures that stalked the London streets after dark. You’ll visit execution sites, crime scenes, and other top London landmarks such as Trafalgar Square.
The tour lasts for two hours and thirty minutes and starts at 7:00 pm. The price includes transport on a vintage 1960s red London bus, and an experienced guide. You’ll finish up in the Sherlock Holmes pub where you can enjoy a pint and peruse the memorabilia on display.
Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes Tour Details:
6. The Five Women and Jack the Ripper
This fantastic murder mystery tour is completely virtual so you can explore the Ripper’s London from the comfort of your own home. Join your virtual guide online as you take a trip back to the foggy streets of old London town and learn about five of the victims.
You’ll be given a suspect card to help try and solve the crimes that have been stumping police, historians, and amateur sleuths for well over a century. Along with up to nine other explorers, you’ll get to learn all about the crime scenes and top suspects, and witness the dimly lit streets without having to take a step.
This is an excellent option for those who aren’t in London (though I highly recommend you visit England’s incredible capital if you can) and is a fun way to explore Lonon’s dark history for two hours. Guides are available in English, German, and Spanish.
The Five Women and Jack the Ripper Details:
7. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour and Museum
This four-hour walking tour provides a more intimate look into the crimes of Jack the Ripper and includes a visit to the Ripper Museum. This small group tour with a personal guide will allow you to explore Whitechapel and the scenes of the Ripper’s grisly murders.
You’ll get to traverse an off-the-beaten-path part of London that few tourists experience while learning an extended history of the area, the Ripper’s crimes, and the hunt to catch him. What’s more, you’ll experience the Jack the Ripper Museum that’s housed in an old Victorian building and contains lots of interesting displays about the killer.
The night tour starts at 7:30 pm to heighten the sense of fear as you explore the back alleys of the East End. You’ll need to arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a prompt departure into London’s dark past.
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour and Museum Details:
Where to Stay in London
These are a few of the best neighborhoods in London for tourists wanting to join a Jack the Ripper walking tour.
The East End – Best for Jack the Ripper Tours and Budget Travellers
The East End is a great option for budget travelers. The area around Stratford railway station is perfect as it’s generally cheaper than central London but is only 10 minutes away by tube.
The Snoozebox Olympic Park is a great budget hotel a few minutes walk from the station and just three stops from Whitechapel. Check prices on Booking.
Covent Garden – Best for First-Time Visitors
Covent Garden is located in the heart of London’s West End with plenty of excellent restaurants, theatres, and shopping opportunities right on the doorstep. It’s well connected to the rest of the city by bus and tube, and many of the top sights are just a short walk away.
The Z Hotel Trafalgar is an excellent option just a few minutes walk from Covent Garden. Click here to reserve on Booking.
Soho – Best for Nightlife
Soho is London’s best nightlife area with many top bars, restaurants, and clubs to choose from – check out my favorite bar, Garlic and Shots. It’s also within walking distance of many top sites such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Covent Garden.
Mimi’s Hotel Soho is the perfect place for those looking to experience Soho’s nightlife. Check prices on Booking.
Best Restaurants in London
Don’t miss these great places to eat in London and some of my favorite spots for dinner. The capital is packed with excellent restaurants, pubs, and cafes, and these are three of my top choices for visitors (and locals).
The Garden Gate, Hampstead
The Garden Gate in London’s plush Hampstead neighborhood is one of my favorite gastropubs in the city and is the best place for a Sunday lunch. The menu includes pub classics with a contemporary twist such as sausages and spring onion mash, beer-battered fish and chips, and some great vegetarian and vegan options.
Bread Street Kitchen and Bar
Bread Street Kitchen is celebrity chef and shouty man Gordon Ramsey’s flagship London restaurant and is a great place to sample some of Britain’s best foods. It’s a fantastic option for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner and serves an excellent Sunday roast. The beef Wellington is the best you’ll find in London.
Bill’s Covent Garden
Bill’s is a traditional London cafe selling everything from full English breakfasts to burgers, salads, and desserts. It’s also a great place to indulge in an English afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream, and jam. It’s located in the heart of Covent Garden close to many of the major tourist attractions.
Getting to London
London is easily reachable from most major cities around the world with three major airports all within easy reach of the city. Stansted, Heathrow, and Gatwick are all connected to London with excellent public transport links from shuttle buses to the Airport Express lines.
The capital is also connected to mainland Europe via the Eurostar and is just a two-hour journey from Paris. There are hourly train services between London and Edinburgh, York, Liverpool, and other major towns and cities across the UK.
Getting around London is a piece of cake with an extensive subway system (the tube), 24-hour buses, taxis, and shared bikes. Grab an Oyster Card to make navigating the city easier and cheaper (it can also be used in shops and for entry to some attractions). You can buy the card and top it up at any station and many convenience stores around the city.
Jack the Ripper: FAQs
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about Jack the Ripper.
Jack the ripper was a notorious serial killer active in London’s East End between 1888 and 1891. No one was ever caught for the series of grisly murders attributed to the Ripper. A total of five murders were attributed to the ripper, all women of the East End.
Jack the Ripper was never found and his crimes remain a mystery today, over 100 years later. There were plenty of suspects from Prince Alber to Dr. Barnardo, but no one was ever caught for the grisly murders.
No one knows who Jack the Ripper was, but if you take one of the Ripper tours in London you can have a go at solving the mystery yourself…
Before the name Jack the Ripper caught on he (or she) was simply known as the Whitechapel Killer. Jack the Ripper was attributed to a letter published in local newspapers at the time of the attacks.
There are many great Jack the Ripper tours in London. One of the best is the Walking Tour with Ripper Vision, which brings the crime scenes to life using a series of projections.
In Closing
Now you know about the best Jack the Ripper Tours in London, which one will you choose? Each tour offers a unique look at 19th-century London and gives you the chance to learn more about this dark period in the nation’s history. Many of the tours also include some intriguing sites and traditional London pubs – a must when visiting London.
I love exploring London’s dark history and these tours are a great way to discover a part of history that’s often overlooked. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tour today, if you dare.