haunted jail tour charleston sc

This Charleston Haunted Jail Tour Will Definitely Chill Your Bones

The Charleston Old City Jail might be the most haunted building in the city.

One of the most famous haunted tours in the city is undoubtedly the Old City Jail tour in Magazine Street downtown. This jail operated from 1802 to 1939 and housed some of the scariest criminals in the history of Charleston, including the first female serial killer in the country, Lavinia Fisher, pirates, and Civil War prisoners. However, most of the building’s original structures, like cells and the morgue, have remained intact.

During the tour, you’ll be able to explore the cells and hallways where prisoners spent their life until they died of disease or were executed. The legend says that more than 10 thousand people died within these walls, even though this number has never been confirmed.

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Some of the stories will shock you, including the story of little Jeremiah, a kid that supposedly roams the morgue and that puts rocks in your pocket or tries to hold your hand. You might also get scared an eerie feeling while walking through the torture room, space specifically used to torment the inmates and where countless ouija board sessions have been done ever since. Visitors have described feeling like they’re being choked, losing their breath, or even hearing their name being whispered.

Tours of the Old City Jail are done since 2003, and the building has been featured in a variety of paranormal investigation tv shows, including Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures . The tours are made by a Bulldog Tours company, which has since contributed over 1 million dollars to the restoration of the antique building.

Where: 📍21 Magazine St

Admission: Adult $37 Child $27

Tours: ⏰ 7PM, 8PM, 9PM, 10PM

The tour is approximately 45 minutes.

Featured image by Hannah @causingpandemonium.

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Charleston: Haunted Jail Walking Tour

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The Charleston Haunted Jail Tour

Adults: Starting at $37. Ages 12 and up! Reserve in advance!

Bulldog Tours offers the very best history, culinary, and ghost tours in Historic Charleston, SC. From enchanting graveyards and cobblestone streets to its hidden gardens of antebellum mansions, Bulldog Tours helps you experience all the charm the Holy City has to offer with points of views that you cannot get from a carriage or motor coach.

We’ll give you a taste of Charleston’s best kitchens, a few friendly ghost stories, or a glimpse in time via The Battery, Rainbow Row, and so much more. With a variety of walking tours operating 365 days a year, we have plenty to explore for foodie and history buffs alike. Contact us today to learn more about our culinary, history, ghost, historic graveyard and a variety of other themed walking tours.

Adult - $37.00 + tax 12 and up

Adult - 8pm onward - $45.00 + tax 12 and up

Child - $27.00 + tax Ages 4 to 12

Wee One - $0.00 + tax Ages 3 and under

Adult (Harbor Tour Combo) - $55.00 + tax Ages 12 and over

Youth (Harbor Tour Combo) - $35.00 + tax Ages 4 to 11

Private Tour Buyout - $510.00 + tax Private Group - Bring Up to 15 People

Join us for a behind the scenes tour that is sure to frighten all who dare enter the Old City Jail. Dark and sinister, this jail housed some of Charleston's most heinous convicts, slaves and Civil War prisoners. On this exclusive tour, you'll discover where Charleston's worst criminals lived, died and are rumored to reside today.

As seen on Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and The Travel Channel. Join us for a hauntingly memorable tour of the Old City Jail, which housed some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals, 19th-century pirates, and Civil War prisoners. Located on Magazine Street downtown, the Old City Jail operated from 1802 until 1939, and has recently undergone renovation, leaving the first floor in keeping with its original design. Bulldog Tours, exclusively, guides guests through the cells, hallways and places where Charleston’s earliest criminals lived. Get a glimpse of how the incarcerated were mistreated with primitive forms of torture while living in miserable conditions. Brace yourself as you hear stories like the legend of Lavinia Fisher, the jail’s most famous resident ghost and first female serial killer. Featured on Ghost Adventures, the story goes that Lavinia’s ghost still, very audibly, haunts the premises.

•  Adults (Ages 12+) : Starting at $37

45 minute tour

Tour Details

You'll hear about (& possibly encounter): • The beautiful Miss Lavinia Fisher, quite possibly America's first woman serial killer. She suffered so much in Charleston's all-male jail even the devil wouldn't take her when she died. She remains in the jail to this day. • The remaining black Union soldiers of the Massachusetts 54th (whose story was the basis for the 1989 blockbuster Glory). The jail was the last place they were together after the Battery Fort massacre. • Learn about colonial punishments criminals experienced before the Jail's opening • See a recreation of an old jail block • Hear stories of paranormal activity and evidence of the supernatural discovered through extensive investigations. • This is the only Charleston ghost tour giving you exclusive, behind the scenes access to Charleston's Old City Jail. Step into the realm of the supernatural with Bulldog Tours. Along the way, you'll discover haunted Charleston sites only we can show you! Don't forget your flash camera! You never know what spirit images you might capture...

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advanced purchase is strongly recommended, as tours often sell out well in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.

What if it rains?

Tours will go on rain or shine. If there is a hurricane in Charleston at the time of the tour, there is no need to show up. We will be busy boarding up windows or throwing a Hurricane Party. (Seriously though, we run in every kind of weather.)

Are restrooms available?

Yes, there are two restrooms available for use before the tour.

**Is there an age limit for the tour?

Yes, the Haunted Jail Tour is for guests ages 12 and up only.

What is the difference between your tours? Are they appropriate for children?

Each tour goes to a unique location. The Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour and The Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Tour are family oriented and geared for all ages. The Haunted Jail Tour may be too scary for young children or easily frightened adults. The Darkside of Charleston tour is rated R and not suitable for children because it contains adult content.

Are cameras & video recorders allowed on the tours?

YES!! In fact, we highly recommend taking pictures during the tour. We often get pictures of some eerie stuff from our guests – especially from The Dungeon (Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour) and the Jail (Haunted Jail Tour)!! We would appreciate you sending anything out of the ordinary to us. You can e-mail us any photos.

Are we gonna see a ghost on the any of the tours?

Maybe. However, there is a minimal charge of $3 per person if we see a ghost. That is, if you stick around to actually PAY the $3!!

Why is The Dark Side of Charleston Rated R?

The Darkside of Charleston is an adult history tour. Topics include brothels, scandals, murder, crime, bootlegging, and prostitution. It is only suitable for people who are at least 18 years old, even if your child has watched an obscene amount of cable TV!

What about ghosts in the Old City Jail?

Let's just say that if you get scared easily, do not take The Haunted Jail Tour!! The Jail is not quite as scary if it is light outside. Perhaps the 7pm depending on the time of the year.

Where does the tour end?

The Charleston Haunted Jail Tour ends at the Old City Jail in Charleston's Historic Market District.

How much walking is involved?

This tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers about 3/4 mile. Some of the tour does involve walking up some stairs.

Can I buy food or drinks along the way? What about souvenirs?

Unfortunately, because of time constraints, we make only scheduled stops. You may want to bring a bottle of water as it can get fairly warm in Charleston.

Are these tours only for tourists?

Of course not. All Bulldog Tours are chock full of facts and stories even the oldest Charlestonian couldn't tell you. Tourists and locals alike all learn things about Charleston they didn't know before and have a great time in the process.

Are there other ghost tours that go into the Jail?

No, The Haunted Jail Tour is the ONLY tour in town that goes into the Jail! Bulldog Tours has EXCLUSIVE access to Charleston’s most haunted building!!

Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible?

Only if you are able to climb stairs. This tour does require participants to walk up some steps, so if this is not a possibility, you will not be able to participate in this tour.

I have a group of more than 20 people. Will we all be able to attend the tour together?

Unfortunately, Charleston law prohibits us from leading walking tour groups larger than 20 participants. If your group exceeds 20 people, please keep in mind that we will have to split you into smaller groups in accordance with the law.

Do we guarantee the tours?

Yes, if you are not 100% satisfied with the tour, your money will be refunded.

Are the tours conducted in English only?

Yes. But you don’t need to understand every word out of the tour guide’s mouth to see the historic and supernatural sights.

Can I arrange for a private event?

Yes! A private Bulldog tour can make any occasion more memorable. Please click “Contact Bulldog” to the left of the page to find out more. Advanced notice is required.

Booking Notes

Thank you for choosing bulldog tours we can't wait to see you and show you why we love charleston so much.

PS: We love seeing our tours from the eyes of our customers! Be sure to snap photos on your tour and share them to social media with the hashtag #BulldogTours for a chance to win 2 free tickets in our monthly social media giveaway!

By purchasing a ticket for Bulldog Tours, photographs and/or videos may be taken during the tour, giving Bulldog Tours the right to use these images for promotional and marketing materials without compensation. The customer will release Bulldog Tours from any liability associated with the use of my image for marketing.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Do you provide parking for tours? Unfortunately, we don't have a designated parking lot for our office. Some of our nightly tours have limited parking like our Haunted Yorktown, Haunted Jail and Spirits of Magnolia tours but our tours leaving from our office don't have parking provided. You can find parking around us as we are located in the very popular Market Street area. Call our office to find the best parking location for the tour you are taking.

GHOST TOURS

Are restrooms available? Unfortunately, there are no designated restroom stops along the tour route.

Are cameras & video recorders allowed on the tours? YES!! In fact, we highly recommend taking pictures during the tour. We often get pictures of some eerie stuff from our guests – especially from The Dungeon (Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour) and the Jail (Haunted Jail Tour)!! We would appreciate you sending anything out of the ordinary to us. You can e-mail us any photos.

Is there an age limit for the tour? Do I have to purchase a ticket for my young child? You know your children better than we do, so there is no official age limit for the tour. For children ages 7 to 12, you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 6 years and under may attend for free, but you’ll still need to enter the appropriate number of Wee One tickets labeled “Free” when purchasing. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way.

What is the difference between your tours? Are they appropriate for children? Each tour goes to a unique location. The Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour and The Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Tour are family-oriented but if your child screams the entire trip, we do ask you keep that child at least 100 feet from the other guests. And if your child freaks out from hearing ghost stories, it is probably your fault, not ours. The Haunted Jail Tour may be too scary for young children or easily frightened adults. The Darkside of Charleston tour is rated R and not suitable for children because it contains adult content.

Are we gonna see a ghost on the any of the tours? Maybe. However, there is a minimal charge of $3 per person if we see a ghost. That is, if you stick around to actually PAY the $3!!

Why is The Dark Side of Charleston Rated R? The Darkside of Charleston is an adult history tour. Topics include brothels, scandals, murder, crime, bootlegging, and prostitution. It is only suitable for people who are at least 18 years old, even if your child has watched an obscene amount of cable TV!

What about ghosts in the Old City Jail? Let's just say that if you get scared easily, do not take The Haunted Jail Tour!! The Jail is not quite as scary if it is light outside. Perhaps the 7pm depending on the time of the year.

Where does the tour end? All tours leaving from our office end in the vicinity of Charleston’s Historic Market District. Some of our tours will start and end at the same location, this includes our tours at the Old Jail, Yorktown and Magnolia Cemetery.

How much walking is involved? This tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and covers about 3/4 mile. There are frequent stops along the way and the tour is far from strenuous unless you are grotesquely out of shape, in which case, the walk did you some good. Your doctor and our boss thank you for taking the tour.

Can I buy food or drinks along the way? What about souvenirs? Unfortunately, because of time constraints, we make only scheduled stops. You may want to bring a bottle of water as it can get fairly warm in Charleston.

Are there other ghost tours that go into the Dungeon? No, The Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour is the ONLY tour in town that goes into the Dungeon! Many other tours will walk you by the Dungeon, but we are the only tour that can take you inside.

Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible? Using a wheelchair or a stroller can be very difficult in Charleston due to 300 year-old cobblestone and slate streets. Also, navigating the graveyards and the uneven dungeon floor can be challenging. We recommend our Ghost and Graveyard tour for wheelchairs and strollers as it is the most accessible tour we offer!

Can I arrange for a private event? Yes! A private Bulldog tour can make any occasion more memorable; Please contact Bulldog. Advanced notice is required.

Is the Spirits of Magnolia Tour downtown? Yes! Our Spirits of Magnolia Tour starts at Magnolia Cemetery (not the plantation of the same name!) and takes you around the cemetery with a tour guide. This tour requires a car to get to however as it isn't a walkable distance from the historic district.

Is the Haunted Yorktown Tour a walking tour? In a way, yes! You will be exploring the USS Yorktown for the entirety of the tour so prepare for walking along narrow corridors as well as going up and down ladders!

Can I bring my dog on the tour? All service animals are welcome on our ghost tours. If you would like to bring a non-service animal dog, they must be on a leash and can only attend out Ghost and Graveyard tour!

CHARLESTON FOOD TOURS

How much food is served on the tour? What sort of food will I be sampling? The tour includes four to five stops where tastings are offered, but they are not enough to serve as a full meal. Typical tastings include Stone Ground Grits, Benne Wafers, Sweet Tea, pastries, chocolate, Southern Pralines, Collard Greens, and Lowcountry Barbeque.

How many stops are included on the tour? The tour includes four to five stops.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a child? For the culinary tours, there is only one standard ticket price. Any child 1 year old or above must have a full-priced ticket purchased for them in order to attend. The tour is not recommended for children under 12, but you can bring any children with you, at your discretion, as long as they have a ticket! Infants less than one year old do not need a paid ticket, and you should please just indicate that you’ll be bringing an non-paying infant with you at the time of purchase.

Will I need to buy lunch after the tour? Although we provide a variety of samples for you to try, please keep in mind that this tour will only include a few tastings. You will still want to buy lunch after the tour, as the tour usually does not include enough food for most people to serve as a meal.

Are there any beverages served on the tour? Yes! All participants are provided with a bottle of water.

How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour? The tour covers approximately 1 mile. We walk at a very casual pace

Where does the tour end? The tours end about 10 blocks from the original starting point, downtown near Market Street.

What if I have dietary restrictions? The tour includes a variety of foods at the different locations, so you can choose which foods you are able to sample. Please indicate any allergies or dietary restrictions you have when you are purchasing tickets, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you.

What happens if it rains? Tours run rain or shine, regardless of weather conditions, so be prepared for the day! We will be stepping inside of buildings during some portions of the tour, but be sure to bring an umbrella or poncho, depending on the forecasted weather conditions.

Are there bathrooms along the way? Yes. There are bathrooms available at several locations throughout the tour.

Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible? We have had participants with wheelchairs attend the tour in the past. Please keep in mind that many of the streets are not very accessible and some places have stairs, so additional maneuvering and planning may be required. You are welcome to bring strollers and they may be left outside the establishments we visit with stairs.

Who will be leading the tour? All of our tour guides a licensed by the City of Charleston and have various culinary qualifications and interests.

Are tours offered only in English? Yes, tours are only offered in English. However, our non-English speaking guests always enjoy the experience of visiting Charleston's lovely historic buildings and sampling delicious food tastings along the way.

May I bring my dog on the tour? Due to the various shops and historical buildings we visit, pets of any kind are not allowed on this tour.

Can I book a private tour? Yes, we can accommodate a variety of special requests! Please contact Bulldog to inquire further.

Are gift certificates available for this tour? Yes! Gift certificates for Charleston Food Tours are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate please contact Bulldog.

HISTORY TOURS

Do you offer any other pick-up locations? Yes! We offer two courtesy pick-ups that meet half an hour and 20 minutes before the start of the tour. The exact meeting locations will be provided after you purchase tickets.

Are cameras & video recorders allowed on the tours? YES!! In fact, we highly recommend taking pictures during the tour. You will see so many of Charleston's most beautiful and historic locations, you'll want to remember everyone!

Do I have to purchase a ticket for my young child? For children between the ages of 7 and 12 you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 6 and younger are free, but you’ll still need to enter the appropriate number of Wee One tickets labeled “Free” when purchasing. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way.

What is the difference between your tours? Are they appropriate for children? The Charleston Stroll - A Walk with History Tour is a great way to spend time with your family, as long as your children like history, of course. Unlike our other tours, we will not visit any haunted locations, so this tour is appropriate for all ages!

Does the Uptown Stroll cover the same area as The Charleston Stroll? Our Uptown Stroll takes you through the upper area of the peninsula and ends at our office in the Market Street area, so this tour covers a completely different part of Charleston than our Charleston Stroll!

Why is The Dark Side of Charleston Rated R? The Darkside of Charleston is an adult history tour. Topics include brothels, scandals, murder, crime, bootlegging, and prostitution. It is only suitable for people who are at least 17 years old, even if your child has watched an obscene amount of cable TV!

Where does the tour end? All tours end in the vicinity of the meeting location in Charleston’s Historic Market District.

How much walking is involved? This tour lasts approximately two hours. There are frequent stops along the way and the tour is far from strenuous unless you are grotesquely out of shape, in which case, the walk did you some good. Your doctor and our boss thank you for taking the tour.

Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible? Using a wheelchair or a stroller can be very difficult in Charleston due to 300 year-old cobblestone and slate streets. Also, navigating the graveyards and the uneven dungeon floor can be challenging.

Are the tours conducted in English only? Yes. But you don’t need to understand every word out of the tour guide’s mouth to see the historic sights.

Can I arrange for a private event? Yes! A private Bulldog tour can make any occasion more memorable; Please contact Bulldog to find out more. Advanced notice is required.

Can I buy a gift certificate? Bulldog Tours does offer gift certificates. To purchase or find out more information, please contact Bulldog.

About Bulldog Tours

Bulldog Tours is the only walking tour company in Charleston that can take you anywhere other than the sidewalks at night! We have exclusive access to historic sites around the city.

Conserving America's rich history and landmarks is one of Bulldog Tours' most important commitments. A portion of everyone's admission is donated to the preservation of Charleston's historic landmarks.

Cancellation Policy

This tour does require a minimum of four people to run. Should the tour not meet its minimum, Bulldog Tours will notify you as soon as possible.

Health and Safety Policy

Bulldog Tours is open and welcoming guests! The safety and well-being our guests is a top priority for Bulldog Tours. We have implemented the following guidelines in accordance with both the CDC and the City of Charleston:

• Our current guidelines and policies are walking tour group sizes are twenty (20) participants or less.
• Masks are not required on tour but are available for free, by request, in our office.
• All tours follow CDC and DHEC guidelines within the industry.
• The office staff has a regulated cleaning schedule that requires all frequently touched areas in our office to be cleaned as needed throughout the day. These surfaces include: tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets/sinks, and water coolers.
• All employees have been trained on cleaning guidelines as well as protocol for operating tours in a safe manor and have signed off on this training.
• We are encouraging all tour pre-payments to ensure contactless transactions.

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Ghost Tours in Charleston SC

Charleston is widely considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States of America.

This post reviews and compares the various Charleston ghost tours.

There are many options, including walking tours, carriage trips, prison visits, and pub crawls.

• Ghost Tours
• Dark Side of History Tours
• Ghost Carriage Tours

Haunted Jail Tour

• Ghost Pub Crawl
• Deals & Offers

Disclosure:  While we think you should take our tour, we have listed several other options. Our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

GHOST TOURS

The tours listed in this section are more traditional ghost tours in the sense that they combine both history and ghoulish lore, but do not use any investigative technical equipment.

All of the tours welcome families, though some (as we note) are scarier than others.

Can't attend this tour - we also have a GPS-led audio Ghosts of Charleston tour for those brave enough to go at it alone.

And if you're interested in spooky experiences, consider visiting Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon .

Listen to a sample of the audio tour.

Bulldog Tours

This company offers the widest selection of ghost tours in Charleston.

I have taken the Ghosts and Graveyard Tour with Bulldog Tours. Our guide was a local who shared a great ghostly story from his childhood, making the tour very personable. I love the chance to go inside one of the graveyards - though some we viewed from the street as the grounds were closed. Once he told us the story, I was happy not to be among the graves!

Guests can choose between their Ghost and Graveyard Tour , The Dark Side of Charleston Tour , the Ghost and Dungeon Tour , the USS Yorktown Ghost Tour, and more.

Each tour introduces visitors to the haunted history of some of Charleston’s most famous buildings and neighborhoods.

Though many ghost stories are told throughout the evening, these tours are not intended to terrify guests.

Bulldog Tours aims to offer insight into the darker history of Charleston, and they have exclusive access to the Provost Dungeon, the Old City Jail, and the oldest graveyard in the city.

Ticket Details

• Prices: $37/Adults | $27/Children (7-12)
• Availability: Daily
• Hours: 7 pm - 10 pm
• Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

NOTE: Two of the tours provided by this company are included with a Charleston tourist pass . For more details on this service, please read our deals and offer section.

This company comes highly rated on TripAdvisor thanks to a 4-star rating with well over 1600 reviews.

There are also many positive reviews for their ghost tours.

This tour is typically a hit with anyone who wants to learn about the haunted history of Charleston, but visitors looking for actual paranormal experiences should probably look elsewhere.

It's worth noting that this company offers what they call a "Great Tour Guarantee," which means that if you didn't enjoy the outing, they will do whatever it takes to make it right, including the possibility of a full refund.

Tour Charleston, LLC

The Ghosts of Charleston Tour led by Tours Charleston, LLC is another solid option for those keen to take a ghost tour in the city. 

This is the only company with night-time access to the haunted Unitarian Church Graveyard, which was established in 1772. 

Additionally, this is the oldest ghost tour offered in Charleston!

• Prices: $35/Adults | $25/Students | $22/Children (7-12)
• Senior/Military/AAA Offer: $3 off
• Kids 6 and under are free.
• Hours: 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm & 9:30 pm
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Meeting Location: Buxton Books

This company has earned a 4.5-star TripAdvisor rating and nearly 1,200 reviews for all of their tours.

Reviewers of the ghost tour praise the guides in particular, who they describe as “fab” and “informative.”

An excellent way to learn a bit of Charleston’s history as well as a number of very entertaining ghost stories.

According to guests, the addition of a visit to the Unitarian Graveyard is one of the best things about this outing.

Revolutionary Charleston

This company also offers a Charleston ghost tour which covers a variety of creepy subjects.

During the course of this outing, you can expect to learn about pirates, lost loves, burial practices, and even reported hauntings.

Revolutionary Charleston offers significantly lower prices than their competitors, so if you're looking for something more affordable, this is an excellent option.

While their main ghost tour is open to the public, they also offer private tours for up to 20 people at a price of $450.

At $22.50 per person, that's actually cheaper than the public tour price!

• Prices: $25/Adults | $15/Children (6-11)
• Concession of $5 off for Military, Veterans, Police, Fire & Rescue
• Ages 5 and under are free
• Hours: 7 pm and 9 pm

This is a relatively new tour company in Charleston, but currently, they have a full 5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor.

There really aren't enough reviews to make any conclusions yet, but it's definitely a good sign.

The reviewers who have left comments report that their tour guides are very friendly and informative.

At least one guest suggested the tour was appropriate for kids under 13, so it's definitely family-friendly.

Old Charleston Walking Tours

This is another popular tour company offering a spooky tour covering the haunted history of Charleston, SC.

Lead by Mike Brown, the host of the Pleasing Terrors Podcast, guests can expect this outing to cover a lot of the more frightening and disturbing stories from throughout the history of this city.

One notable location you'll visit is the Charleston Library Society, which is reportedly one of the most haunted locations in the area.

• $28/Adults | $15/Youth (6-14)
• Availability: Tueday - Sunday
• Hours: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm
• Meeting Location: Washington Square

The Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour currently has a full 5 star rating on Viator and has received their badge of excellence.

Guests report that their guide is a great storyteller, managing to keep both adults and children captivated throughout the tour.

There really aren't many negative reviews, but among the few that were left, it appears some had to do with bad weather, which isn't necessarily the fault of the tour company or their professional guide.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to the three most popular ghost tours listed above, there are several additional options you may want to consider.

Here are a few of the other haunted tours available in Charleston.

• Walks in History
• Charleston Pirat e Tours

DARKSIDE OF HISTORY TOURS

These tours aren’t necessarily ghost tours, but some of the tales are dark enough to give anyone a fright.

Rather than focusing on the supernatural, this type of tour will introduce guests to the darker side of history! 

You will hear stories about murder, true crime, prostitution, the city's brothels, ghost encounters, and infamous debauchery.

While some of these outings are more theatrical, others dig deep into the historical background of Charleston.

Darkside of Charleston Tour

In addition to their other ghost tours, Bulldog Tours also offers a Darkside of Charleston Tour for mature audiences.

The tour “takes an uncensored look at history” as it tells tales of prostitution, crime, and other sordid affairs. 

This is not a ghost tour, but rather a history tour that focuses on the more graphic and gruesome side of Charleston’s past.

Due to the descriptions and details provided on this outing, this tour is only available for ages 18+.

• Price: $37 per person
• Availability: Nightly
• Hours: 8 pm & 10 pm
• Duration: 1 ½ hours
• Purchase tickets and learn more .

This company averages an overall 4-star rating on TripAdvisor and the reviews for this tour are generally very positive. 

Small groups such as couples and those who brought their friends were more likely to give a good review of this experience.

GHOST CARRIAGE TOURS

Haunted carriage tours are a unique way to learn about Charleston’s dark past.

As carriage tours tend to be somewhat of a novelty, this is a great way to combine the experience of riding in a carriage with a ghost tour. 

Old South Carriage Company Ghost Tour

Old South Carriage Company offers a range of carriage tours throughout Charleston, including their Haunted Carriage Tour which covers several historic landmarks. 

This is the only haunted carriage tour offered in Charleston.

As it is only 40 minutes long, the Haunted Carriage Tour is also the shortest of all ghost tours offered.

• Prices: $50/Adults | $40/Children
• Kids 3 and under are free
• Availability: Feb - Oct
• Hours: 5:30 pm - 10 pm
• Duration: 40 minutes

Like their other services, the Haunted Carriage Tour by Old South Carriage Co. comes highly recommended with an average of 4 ½ stars and nearly 2,300 reviews for all of their tours. 

Guests describe it as very entertaining and informative, praising the guides for their in-depth knowledge.

HAUNTED JAIL TOURS

This section will provide details about each of the Charleston tours which include a trip to either the Old City Jail or the Provost Dungeon.

If you're a fan of popular television shows such as Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and Paranormal State, chances are you'll be familiar with this historically haunted jail.

These outings cover both the disturbing history of each location and some of the reported hauntings that have taken place.

Old City Jail and Provost Dungeon

There are a lot of reportedly haunted locations in Charleston, but few are as spooky as the Old City Jail and Provost Dungeon.

These historic locations housed a variety of criminals from Civil War prisoners to 19th-century pirates!

In addition to housing disturbing criminals, these landmarks were also the site where several people spent their final days, which makes one wonder whether or not their spirits are still hanging around.

These tours aren’t recommended for small children, but they do provide tickets for kids 7 and older.

• Ticket Prices: $37/Adults | $27/Children
• Hours: Every 30 minutes from 7 pm - 10:30 pm

Ghost & Dungeon Tour

• Hours: 7 pm & 9 pm
• Availability: Tue-Sat

NOTE: The Ghost & Dungeon tour is included with the Charleston Tour Pass . If you’re looking for a way to save money on tickets, check our deals section for more details about this opportunity.

As we’ve mentioned in our ghost tours section, this company has very good overall ratings on TripAdvisor. 

Customers indicate that they learn a lot about the history of the landmark and some even report feeling or experiencing something haunting!

GHOST PUB CRAWLS

Ghost pub crawls can be a fun and interactive way to discover Charleston’s creepy history while also enjoying a few drinks at some of the city’s most popular pubs.

Needless to say, this is an adults-only type of tour, so best for those who are not traveling with kids.

Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market

In addition to their other ghost tours, Bulldog Tours offers a Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market – a ghost tour that doubles as a bar crawl! 

Guests hear stories about the many ghosts haunting Charleston whilst visiting several traditional pubs and taverns, where they'll have the opportunity to grab a few beers or even a cocktail or two!

Additionally, guides share the superstitious history behind certain late-night spirits like Plateyes and Boo Hags.

• Prices: $45 per person
• Availability: Fri & Sat
• Duration: 2 ½ hours
• Hours: 4 pm

Recent reviewers praise the tour as “fantastic” and “a must.”

Guests also highly rate the pubs that are visited during the tour, saying that they in and of themselves were “awesome.” 

This is a popular activity to enjoy with a friend, so consider bringing along your best buddies for this spooky trip through the haunted pubs of Charleston.

US Ghost Adventures

Discover some of the most haunted bars and speakeasies in Charleston while on the Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl.

Much like their competitors, this company also covers notable local legends such as the Boo Hag and Angel Oak.

You'll also visit locations such as the Powder Magazine. Charleston City Market, Washington Park, and more.

• $35 per person
• Hours: 5:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours
• Meeting Location: Blind Tiger Pub
• Purchase admission or learn more .

This outing is just as popular as the pub crawl offered by their competitors, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

Guests note that the pubs (while great) aren't even the best part of this outing, as most people indicate that the storytelling and haunted stories are the real highlight of the service.

If you decide not to take this tour, they offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the pub crawl is scheduled to begin.

DEALS & OFFERS

This section will cover several different ways to save money on various ghost tours in Charleston.

In addition to providing details about tourist passes, we will also include information about concession sites.

Tourist Attraction Concession Pass

Several ghost tours are included with the Charleston Tour Pass , as are some of the most haunted locations in the city.

This pass will allow you to pay one flat price for tickets to each of the included activities and attractions, potentially saving you 50% or more off general admission prices.

Each pass is valid for 3 days, which means you’ll probably have an opportunity to take at least 3-4 different ghost tours if you want!

Here are the haunted tours and sites included with this service:

• Ghost & Dungeon Tour | Bulldog
• Spirits of Magnolia Cemetery Tour | Bulldog
• Powder Magazine | Historic Site
• Provost Dungeon | Historic Site

If you want to save money on tickets for any of these activities, make sure to read our post about Charleston tourist passes for more information about how to use these services.

Promo Sites

For budget-conscious travelers, there are several websites that regularly offer concessions on ghost tours in Charleston. 

Both Groupon and Living Social promote a variety of local ghost tours on their Charleston pages, so be sure to check their websites before visiting to see if there are any great deals you can score.

In addition to the concessions they provide to begin with, these sites also offer promo codes every now and then which allow you to save even more money on tickets.

Make sure to check for these promo codes on banners either at the top or bottom of the page when you visit the site.

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Charleston's historic Old City Jail reopens to public, drawing hundreds for haunted tours

by Charistin Clark

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Charleston's historic Old City Jail, which was in operation from 1802 to 1939, is seeing success after reopening for public tours again after being closed for renovations for two years.

The tours are held on the first floor, as the upper floors are still being renovated into office spaces and an event space.

Six rooms are open for tours, with a different story and historical props in each room as they tell the story of the jail from the time it opened to when it was shut down.

According to a press release, Bulldog Tours has offered ghost tours of the jail since 2004, which has been long believed by many to be Charleston's most haunted building.

READ MORE: Creepy Carolina: The legend of Lavinia Fisher and the Old Charleston Jail

The jail first reopened in the middle of October, and Andrew Kuhn with Bulldog Tours says they've been successful so far, with 600 people taking tours on opening weekend alone.

"We have created kind of visuals to kind of go along with what the jail actually would've looked like in the period," Kuhn said. "And so now we get to kind of fill out the image, and not only with, of course, our stories and our words, but we get to fill it out with things that you get to see in each of these cells. So having all those folks come in, and of course, for them to you know, when we were telling the stories and seeing the chills again and seeing people get kind of freaked out by the sounds and things they heard, it felt like we had never just missed a beat."

During the renovation process, heating and air conditioning were installed as well as more lights.

Tours run every night and last about 45 minutes.

Tickets can be purchased on Bulldog Tours' website .

READ MORE: Charleston ghost tour companies push for enforcement of city regulations

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Haunted Jail Tour - Bulldog Tours

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Haunted Jail Tour

Shawn was our tour guide and he was great! Very interactive and we learned a lot of the history of this historic "haunted" jail. It was a bit spooky, which I enjoyed. Kudos to Shawn for a great job!

We took the 8:30 tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, but for the money the jail was very disappointing. I have been on many different ghost tours, and this one is at the bottom of my list. The jail is no longer the character filled old building it used to be, as it is being remodeled. It is just empty rooms that are being modernized. The lack of lighting gives it a spooky flare, but it's only because the modern lights were turned off. I don't fault the tour company, but this is definately not a haunted jail.

I'm so sorry if you thought the jail tour was going to be like a haunted house experience. We do not tell people that it is going to be that way. It is a tour of the Old City Jail and we tell ghost stories, but no one jumps out at you, etc. We believe our prices are very reasonable as the carriage tours are about $25 and most attractions in the area are at least $25 as well. We charge $20 and most of the other ghost tour companies charge the same or just a couple of dollars less. We are the only company that takes you inside the jail, graveyard or dungeon. I'm also sorry to hear that you think the jail has lost its character. I wholeheartedly disagree! That building is just as creepy as it was when it first opened in the early 1800s, if not more so! There is so much history there and wonderful stories to tell. The building has not been "modernized" per se. It is used as a school during the day for the College of Building Arts so they do use some of the rooms for classes and there are a few computers in there for the students, but for the most part it is the same concrete building as it was when it was originally built. The lighting is there for the students, but we have to have lights in there for safety purposes as well. We don't want our guests to fall. Thank you for your feedback though! We do appreciate it! We hope you will try one of our other tours in the near future. Thank you again!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Haunted Jail Tour. I'm definitely a skeptic, but I still felt shivers running up my spine as we explored the old building by torchlight. Our guide, Sean, was both incredibly knowledgeable and very respectful of the site and it's history. I'd recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in the history of Charleston. You don't have to believe in the paranormal to enjoy a visit.

I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the Haunted Jail Tour. Sean does a wonderful job! I agree that you don't have to be a believer in ghosts to enjoy the tour! The history of the building is definitely interesting. Thank you for the feedback. We would love to see you again in the future!

A few friends and I decided to take a trip down from Myrtle Beach to the experience the jail tour and we were shown around by Shawn (apologies if I spelled your name wrong!). Not only was he informative, but he was open to answering any of our questions and generally passionate about the jail and what happened there. 10/10 for this tour. Awesome guide, awesome experience.

This is by far one of the best tours I've done. The instant you walk up to the jail you get a spooky feeling because of its not being restored architecture. Our tour guide Sean did an awesome job of telling this buildings quite sad history, along with the true ghost stories of the place. Only seeing by flash-light in the pitch black rooms was beyond eerie. At times my friend and I heard pouring down rain yet it was completely dry outside! And there were also many cold—chilly spots throughout while we toured the building. As a paranormal fiction writer, I made this trip to learn about Charleston's history (along with some ideas for my next book). Thank you Bulldog tours and Sean for delivering an unforgettable experience... Next time I'm in town I'll drop off a signed copy of my book as my way of saying thank you again... We loved it!!! D.A. Berry, Author

We did the Old Jail tour and really enjoyed the tour guide Shaun. The tour was very informative with great information pertaining to the history of the jail. Not a very long tour, probably do to the jail being small but that adds to the lure of the history.

101 in 1001- Spooky Old Jail Ghost Tour

By: Author Morgan

Posted on Published: October 18, 2013  - Last updated: November 7, 2022

Happy Halloweek, y’all! I’m excited to bring you Halloween projects all week! If you want to see a couple of our favorites from last year, be sure to click over & check out our scary monster wreath & eyeball picture frames ! We will be back every day this week with a new Halloween inspired project for you!

 To finish off Halloweek in a spooky way, we went on a ghost tour of the old jail in Charleston! This is something that Morgan has wanted to do for a while and brought back some memories for me. In eighth grade, my class took an overnight trip to Charleston from Charlotte and one of the things we did was a walking ghost tour downtown. I don’t remember much about it, but it’s just interesting that I ended up living here and have never done a ghost tour since. The other great thing here was that we get to cross another thing off our 101 in 1001 list!

Charleston Jail Tour

The old jail is in the middle of a residential part of downtown and pretty close to the College of Charleston campus. We met up in front of the building and got a quick history lesson.

After going around the back of the building and hearing about executions, we headed inside to get spooked.

In each room we went in, we heard stories about the most famous people that had been held in those rooms. The stories were pretty freaky and we were always at the edge of our seats.

The part that freaked me out the most was when I took these three pictures that have crazy white streaks all over the place, especially in the first one!

I don’t know if they are actually supernatural spirits, but we were spooked, especially after the guide said that was the most active ghost room.

It was a quick tour, but definitely spooky and very interesting to learn about the history of it. Today, much of the building is a college that trains students how to do structural and design work to old, historic buildings.

Have you ever been on a ghost tour? See any ghosts?

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TOUR DETAILS

Location · tickets · info.

The Charleston Terrors ghost tour explores one of the oldest and most haunted cities in America. Tour times may vary, click on ‘book now’ for all available times. You’ll discover both the paranormal and historical sides of each of the carefully selected tour locations. There are many “ghost stories” surrounding Charleston , but what you’ll hear is researched, up-to-date, and authentic histories form some of the spookiest places around.

In front of Charleston City Hall at 80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401.  Next to Washington Square Park and across from St. Michael’s church. 

Get Directions Find Parking

Standard Tour: About 60 minutes across 1 mile. Includes 8 stops.

Extended Tour: About 90 minutes across 1.5 miles. Includes an additional 4 stops, making 12 total.

The tours are about 60 to 90 minutes. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early and allow time for parking and walking to the location. Tours are held rain or shine.

You do not need to print tickets or have mobile passes. Simply complete your booking by clicking "Buy Now" above. Then, bring your ID so we can verify your reservation before your tour begins.

JOIN US HERE

* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *

Charleston Terrors Tour

Explore 6-10 of Charleston’s most haunted hotspots on the thrilling Charleston Terrors tour in Charleston, South Carolina. Discover the true and truly terrifying tales about each location on our routes. Walk the very paths where history once lived… and still lives on.

Time and Date: Please check our booking calendar for availability; click our booking buttons to view our calendar. Duration & Distance: Standard tour: 1.2 miles. Extended tour: 2.4 miles. Prices: Standard tour: Prices may vary by demand and season. See booking calendar for details. Meeting Location: 80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401

Refund Policy

Parking and meeting place, dog/pet policy, arrival time, how to contact us, how do i order an extended tour, what is an extended tour, how do i order a private tour, weather / cancellation policy, can i show up to a different tour day or time, what if i'm late , i want to work for you how do i apply , what is a ghost plush, what is an emf detector, how do i order emf or ghost plush , do ghost tours go inside buildings , when should i arrive , do you offer food , do we ride on a vehicle , is your tour wheelchair / stroller friendly , can i take photos , can i take a video , can i smoke on tour , policy alcohol and drinking , view our cancellation policy view refund policy.