Date: Thursday 28 May, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: The Square Tower
Ticket Price: £10 - £6.00
Step back to 1813 on Portsmouth's most theatrical ghost walk, led by Theatre of Dark Encounters — specialists in immersive dark history with years of bringing the city's hidden past to life.
Starting at the ancient Square Tower on Broad Street, you'll be plunged into the murky world of Georgian Spice Island: a labyrinth of smuggler alleyways, rival gangs, ale houses, and shadowy "cat" houses that once lined Portsmouth's waterfront. Professional actors perform live scenes, stepping in and out of the story as you walk through the same streets Nelson's sailors once haunted.
You'll hear dark tales of murder and unexplained disappearances in Old Portsmouth, uncover the ghostly history buried beneath today's tourist streets, and take part in the storytelling yourself. This isn't a lecture with lanterns — it's up to 90-minutes of theatrical experiences that happens to be set in one of England's most haunted harbour cities.
Ideal for adults, couples, groups of friends, and families with teenagers aged 12+. No previous interest in the paranormal required — just a taste for a good story told well after dark.
• Live actor performances staged in the streets of Spice Island and Old Portsmouth, recreating Georgian criminal life circa 1813
• Dark historical tales of murder, smugglers, pirates, and unexplained disappearances tied to Nelson's Portsmouth
• Interactive group participation - you're part of the story, not just an audience
• Guided route through Old Portsmouth's most haunted streets, starting at the Square Tower and ending at the historic Round Tower
Starting at the ancient Square Tower on Broad Street, you'll be plunged into the murky world of Georgian Spice Island: a labyrinth of smuggler alleyways, rival gangs, ale houses, and shadowy "cat" houses that once lined Portsmouth's waterfront. Professional actors perform live scenes, stepping in and out of the story as you walk through the same streets Nelson's sailors once haunted.
You'll hear dark tales of murder and unexplained disappearances in Old Portsmouth, uncover the ghostly history buried beneath today's tourist streets, and take part in the storytelling yourself. This isn't a lecture with lanterns — it's up to 90-minutes of theatrical experiences that happens to be set in one of England's most haunted harbour cities.
Ideal for adults, couples, groups of friends, and families with teenagers aged 12+. No previous interest in the paranormal required — just a taste for a good story told well after dark.
• Live actor performances staged in the streets of Spice Island and Old Portsmouth, recreating Georgian criminal life circa 1813
• Dark historical tales of murder, smugglers, pirates, and unexplained disappearances tied to Nelson's Portsmouth
• Interactive group participation - you're part of the story, not just an audience
• Guided route through Old Portsmouth's most haunted streets, starting at the Square Tower and ending at the historic Round Tower
Further Information
Check-in details
Meet your guide and performers at the Square Tower, Broad Street, Old Portsmouth (PO1 2JE) — one of the city's oldest surviving fortifications and the atmospheric gateway to Spice Island. Arrive at least 5 minutes before your tour start time so the experience can begin promptly.
What to bring
Comfortable, flat shoes suitable for uneven cobbled streets in low light
Warm, weather-appropriate clothing — Portsmouth's harbour air is cold after dark, even in summer
A sense of adventure (the actors will need it from you)
Special requirements & accessibility
This experience takes place entirely on foot through Old Portsmouth's historic street network. Some sections include uneven cobbled surfaces and areas of low light, which may not be suitable for all mobility levels. The tour is not suitable for anyone under 12 years of age due to mature historical content.
Restrictions
No alcohol or drugs to be brought on or consumed during the tour. Anyone appearing under the influence will be turned away without refund.
Filming, video recording, audio recording, and live streaming are strictly forbidden throughout the tour and will result in immediate ejection. This protects the integrity of the theatrical performances.
Toilet facilities are not available during the 90-minute tour — please plan accordingly before arrival.
Content advisory
This tour contains mature historical content drawn from Portsmouth's genuine Georgian-era criminal underworld. Stories may include references to violence, abuse, torture, public execution, and death. These are rooted in documented local history, not fiction. Guests who are sensitive to such content are advised to consider carefully before booking.
Route and timing may vary slightly depending on conditions.
Meet your guide and performers at the Square Tower, Broad Street, Old Portsmouth (PO1 2JE) — one of the city's oldest surviving fortifications and the atmospheric gateway to Spice Island. Arrive at least 5 minutes before your tour start time so the experience can begin promptly.
What to bring
Comfortable, flat shoes suitable for uneven cobbled streets in low light
Warm, weather-appropriate clothing — Portsmouth's harbour air is cold after dark, even in summer
A sense of adventure (the actors will need it from you)
Special requirements & accessibility
This experience takes place entirely on foot through Old Portsmouth's historic street network. Some sections include uneven cobbled surfaces and areas of low light, which may not be suitable for all mobility levels. The tour is not suitable for anyone under 12 years of age due to mature historical content.
Restrictions
No alcohol or drugs to be brought on or consumed during the tour. Anyone appearing under the influence will be turned away without refund.
Filming, video recording, audio recording, and live streaming are strictly forbidden throughout the tour and will result in immediate ejection. This protects the integrity of the theatrical performances.
Toilet facilities are not available during the 90-minute tour — please plan accordingly before arrival.
Content advisory
This tour contains mature historical content drawn from Portsmouth's genuine Georgian-era criminal underworld. Stories may include references to violence, abuse, torture, public execution, and death. These are rooted in documented local history, not fiction. Guests who are sensitive to such content are advised to consider carefully before booking.
Route and timing may vary slightly depending on conditions.
Address: Broad Street, Old Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2JE
What3words: taken.daisy.cheer
Parking: Street parking - charges apply
Accessibility: Access to ground floor only. Toilets not accessible without assistance.
The site of the Murdered Bishop - The Portsmouth Ghost Walk
