All aboard the 'orrible omnibus for a ride around the dark side. The Ghost Bus Tours' classic Routemaster bus has been redesigned to give passengers York's first 'Fright Bus' service. On-board actors and technical trickery combine to create the scariest tour in town. A creepy conductor will provide the commentary for this entertaining sightseeing show, revealing haunted sites, unmarked burial grounds and the many skeletons in York's cupboard. The Ghost Bus Tours - The Necropolis Bus Company Earth to earth? The Necropolis Bus Company began in the 19th century as a private funeral bus service. The Necropolis vehicles or ?Carcass Coaches? as they were known to Londoners were able to convey the deceased, pall bearers and up to 50 mourners (no standing) to the final resting place. Each bus had an onboard conductor/chief mourner and a special siren or ?mourning whistle? to warn pedestrians of the bus?s approach. The sound of the whistle prompted gentlemen to remove their hats and bow their heads as a mark of passing respect. Ashes to Ashes? Regular service ran until 1967 when a tragic fire at the company depot in South Dulstead razed the building to the ground and destroyed almost the entire fleet of buses. Only one vehicle was salvaged from the ashes and was locked in a storage facility for 40 years. Bus to Bus... The bus is painted in the company?s traditional colour of midnight black. The interior seating is arranged in ?railway style? for comfort and so that passengers can grieve openly and offer condolences to each other. Decorative features include lamps and window curtains, which were always drawn if a coffin was stored in the vehicle overnight. This is based on the superstition that a departed spirit might be trapped by its own reflection in the glass and would be unable to pass on to the other world.  It also helped to keep the bodies cool in the summer months. Please Note: The Ghost Bus Tours take no responsibility for items left on the bus, personal items are carried at the owners risk and The Ghost Bus can take no responsibility for items damaged or lost. Smoking, eating and drinks other than bottled water are not permitted on the bus. There are no toilet facilities on the bus. The vehicle is a 1966 Routemaster and it has not been possible to make the entrance wheelchair accessible.

The York Ghost Bus Tour is a theatrical sightseeing tour, taking you on a journey around the darker side of York. Your creepy conductor will show you the sights while onboard a classic 1960s Routemaster bus. Learn about the sinister side of many of York's most famous landmarks including Clifford?s Tower, York Minster and Dick Turpin's grave. You'll also visit some of the many haunted buildings in what is claimed to be one of England?s spookiest cities while hearing about the ghosts that reside within the medieval City walls. Step aboard this comedy horror show around York, discovering its dark and terrible secrets. Why not combine your visit to York Ghost Bus with other leading attractions and activities in York such as Jorvik Viking Centre or a relaxing York river cruise.