New guide to reveal city’s darkest secrets during Oxford Ghost Tour

City Sightseeing Oxford has a ghoulish treat for wannabe ghost hunters this Halloween.

Returning for its sixth year, the Oxford Ghost Tour, operated by City Sightseeing Oxford, has a new guide for 2026.

Tom McDonnell, author of Dead but Awake: A Collection of Paranormal Encounters from the Shadows of Oxford, and an experienced ghost tour guide, will lead visitors on a 75-minute walking tour of the city’s haunted history.

Dead but Awake draws on almost 50 interviews conducted by the author, who has devised a unique ghost tour that will thrill and intrigue with tales of spirit encounters, unexplained phenomena and Civil War strife.

Tours will depart from City Sightseeing Oxford’s Visitor Information Point on the High Street at 5pm sharp daily between 24th and 31st October.

Visitors should arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time to ensure they do not miss any part of the tour. As the tour includes ghost stories and themes that may not be suitable for young children, parental discretion is advised.

Kamini Patel, Retail and Tourism Manager at City Sightseeing Oxford, said: “We’ve added some surprise twists and turns to get customers in the Halloween spirit.

“Tom has 14 years of experience guiding ghost tours in the city and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Oxford Ghost Tour, which continues to evolve and go from strength to strength.

“The tour is perfect for locals who think they already know Oxford, and tourists looking for a fright on the city’s cobbled streets.

“Filled with fascinating stories, spooky surprises and plenty of Halloween fun, it’s a great way for families and visitors to discover the city’s mysterious past and enjoy a memorable seasonal experience.

“Bookings are already proving popular and we’re encouraging those seeking a Halloween thrill to reserve their place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

Prices remain unchanged from last year, with adult tickets at £19, seniors and students costing £17, and children’s tickets priced at £13.

Private tours are also available and those interested should contact the private hire team for more information at [email protected]

Signed copies of Dead but Awake are available to purchase from City Sightseeing Oxford’s shop at the Visitor Information Point.

City Sightseeing Oxford is owned and operated by Oxford Bus Company, part of Go Thames Valley. Its hop-on hop-off open-top bus tour stops at 18 tourist locations, with 14 languages available for recorded commentaries.

For more information and to book tickets for the Oxford Ghost Tour, please visit: www.citysightseeingoxford.com/oxford-walking-tours/the-oxford-ghost-tour/