5 of London's Scariest Attractions Most People Miss

Flying into London for a short break? It must be said that fear is not the foremost reason people visit London, so Buckingham Palace, a stroll by the Thames, some local grub at the pub, and a serving of spine-chilling terror is not the usual itinerary the UK capital! But a city so full of life is also no stranger to those experiences closer to "the other side" – and they can be quite fascinating! To get your heart rate pumping and your skin tingling, here are some of the more neglected creepy spots to visit once you've settled in from your Gatwick airport taxi.

A Murderous Pub

Shady deeds done in dark pubs hidden away behind the mists that cloud London's streets live in the imaginations of many of us. In fact, art seems to truly imitate life, in that many of the stories of murder in and around these famous pubs have, on occasion, a basis in truth. For example, a savage murder at the Grenadier is said to have woken dark spirits and the historic charm of the The Guardsman's Public House is said to echo with ghostly footsteps, unseen hands rattling chains, moving chairs and eerie cold spots. Check these two pubs out and decide for yourself – if you dare!

A Ghostly Bus Ride

The famous red buses of London are a refuge from the cold weather and a very handy way home. But there is one bus that will, literally, keep you on the edge of your seat. The Ghost Bus tour takes you all around the city. A conductor will guide you through the city's most famous eerie spots, apparition-tainted graveyards, and malevolent hot spots – it's a journey that won't be forgotten in a hurry. These sights aren't something you'll see on the Gatwick airport taxi route – thankfully!

A Haunted Station

Speaking of spine-chilling public transport, the London Tube system is famous not just for its peak hour mayhem, but also for its 'forgotten' stations. If you believe the stories propagated by many a Gatwick airport taxi driver, a ghostly Black Nun looks for her brother at Bank; an actor stabbed many years ago at the Adelphi Theatre still performs his ghastly act at Covent Garden; and a thirteen-year old spectre is said to try to make the acquaintance of those who travel around Farrington.

A Spooky Square

A visit to 50 Berkeley Square will allow you to explore at an old book dealer's premises with an attic said to be possessed by the spirit of a young woman who committed suicide. But beware, the spirit in mist form is said to have motivated many to follow her in her tragic course after visiting the ghostly bookshop.

A Macabre Hostel

Perhaps you'll go one step further and experience the thrills and chills of London's ghostly population in the Clink hostel. This 19th century courthouse turned hostel allows you sleep in the original cells where prisoners were once kept – this is an experience not for the faint hearted!

These are just a few of the places around London that can reveal its ghostly underbelly. For some great insider tips ask your Gatwick airport taxi driver – he or she may even be able to take you on your very own introductory tour of the city's macabre and ghoulish sites.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for a Gatwick airport taxi, Shuttle Direct

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.