If you’re reading Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington reviews before deciding whether to book, the overall picture is positive: travelers especially praise the storytelling, local history, and personality of the guides.
But this is important to know before you go: it’s more of a historic ghost-story walk than a scary haunted attraction. If you enjoy old Wilmington, local legends, and atmospheric stories after dark, it’s a strong choice. If you want jump scares or a paranormal investigation, it may not be what you’re looking for.
Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington Review Snapshot
| Google rating | ⭐ 4.7/5 from 529 reviews |
|---|---|
| 4- or 5-star Google reviews | About 92% |
| Tripadvisor rating | ⭐ 4.3/5 from 349 reviews* |
| Yelp | ⭐ About 4.0/5 from 100 reviews |
| Tour length | About 90 minutes |
| Walking | About 1 mile |
| Best for | History, ghost stories and atmospheric walking |
| Scare level | Spooky rather than intensely scary |
Google's 529-review total includes 463 five-star and 26 four-star ratings, meaning roughly 92% of reviewers gave the experience four or five stars. Yelp's syndicated listing currently shows about 4.0/5 across 100 reviews.
Check current availability and booking options on Viator.
What Do Travelers Like Most?
The storytelling stands out
The most consistent theme across recent reviews isn't simply that the tour is “haunted.” It's the guides.
Travelers repeatedly describe guides as engaging storytellers who combine Wilmington history with ghost stories rather than simply walking from one location to another and listing paranormal claims. Recent reviews frequently praise guides for keeping groups interested throughout the walk.
That makes this tour particularly appealing if you enjoy stories and local history even if you aren't convinced ghosts are real.
You get history along with the ghosts
Many positive reviews mention learning about old Wilmington alongside hearing stories of hauntings, deaths, legends and reported encounters.
The tour operator says it has researched local ghost stories since 1978 and currently has around 30 researched locations available. You won't visit all of them in one night: typically, only five or six locations are included on a particular tour.
That also means taking the tour a second time doesn't necessarily guarantee exactly the same route or stories.
What Should You Know Before Booking?
There is a fair amount of walking and standing
This is a walking tour, not a sightseeing ride.
The official FAQ describes the Ghost Walk as approximately 90 minutes and about one mile of walking. You'll also spend time standing while the guide tells each story.
Comfortable shoes are a good idea, particularly on a hot or humid Wilmington evening.
It isn't a haunted house
Don't book this expecting actors jumping out at you, elaborate special effects, or nonstop scares.
Based on traveler reviews, a better description is spooky storytelling in a historic setting. Some stories may be creepy, but the experience is built around atmosphere, history and storytelling.
For many visitors, that's actually its biggest strength.
Is Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington Scary?
Not extremely.
The tour can be eerie, particularly after dark when you're hearing stories at historic homes, burial grounds and old streets, but reviews generally point to a balance between spooky stories and Wilmington history rather than intense horror.
If you want an entertaining ghost tour without the feel of a haunted-house attraction, it should fit well.
If you specifically want jump scares or a hands-on paranormal investigation, look for a different type of experience.
Is It Good for Families?
For many families, yes.
Recent reviews include positive experiences from families with children, although age and attention span matter. A 90-minute walking tour that relies heavily on listening to stories may be easier for older children than very young ones.
Children who already enjoy ghost stories, history, or walking around old neighborhoods are more likely to stay engaged.
One Important Note About Tripadvisor Reviews
Tripadvisor currently shows the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington listing at about 4.3/5 from 349 reviews.
However, we wouldn't treat all 349 as reviews of the standard Ghost Walk alone.
The Tripadvisor review feed includes comments about other experiences from the same operator, particularly the Haunted Pub Crawl. You can see pub-crawl reviews mixed into the Ghost Walk listing itself.
For that reason, the Google rating is more useful when looking at the overall review pattern, while individual Tripadvisor reviews should be checked to make sure they actually refer to the Ghost Walk.
So, Is Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington Worth It?
Yes — for the right traveler.
The strongest reason to book isn't simply the possibility of hearing something scary. It's the combination of Wilmington history, local ghost stories, nighttime atmosphere and a guide who knows how to tell a story.
It's a particularly good fit if you want:
- A ghost tour that's also about Wilmington's history
- An evening activity in historic downtown
- Spooky stories without extreme scares
- A walking tour rather than a staged haunted attraction
You may want something different if you dislike walking or standing, want intense scares, or are primarily looking for paranormal equipment and investigations.
With a 4.7/5 Google rating and more than nine out of ten Google reviewers giving it four or five stars, the review record is strong. Just go in expecting a story-driven historic ghost walk, rather than a haunted house.
Tour details and availability can change. Check current options before booking.
Quick FAQ
How long is the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington?
The official tour is approximately 90 minutes and covers about one mile on foot.
Does the tour visit the same places every night?
Not necessarily. The operator has around 30 researched locations and says guests normally visit about five or six during an individual tour.
Does the tour run if it rains?
Yes. The operator states that tours run rain or shine, subject to its weather and safety policies.
Where does the Ghost Walk begin?
The tour meets at the Ghost Walk sign near Market and Water Streets in downtown Wilmington. The operator recommends using the Black Cat Shoppe at 8 Market Street for GPS directions.
Review figures checked in October 2026. Ratings and review counts may change as new reviews are posted.