Experience the Haunted Side of Westerly on a Guided Ghost Tour
If you’re looking to uncover a different side of Westerly, Rhode Island, the Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour offers a captivating hour and forty-five minutes of spooky storytelling and real local history. For just $30 per person, you’ll join a guided walk around some of Westerly’s most haunted and historically significant sites, all while soaking in the eerie atmosphere that makes ghost tours so memorable. Led by engaging guides—like Sierra, who gets high praise for her storytelling—this tour is designed for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of history, local legends, and a little thrill.
What we love most about this tour is how it combines storytelling with authentic sites that you might overlook during your day visits. The sites include the Westerly Memorial Library, the Granite Theatre, and the Public Works Building, each with its own ghostly tales. Secondly, the tour’s pace and structure make it accessible for most travelers, with stops that are short but packed with stories. A potential consideration is that the tour operates rain or shine, so it’s wise to come prepared for the weather. This experience suits history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an unconventional evening activity in Westerly.
Key Points
- Authentic Haunted Sites: Discover Westerly’s lesser-known haunted landmarks with stories rooted in local history.
- Engaging Guides: Guides like Sierra and AJ are praised for their storytelling skills and knowledge.
- Balanced Mix of History & Spookiness: Stories alternate between historical facts and ghostly legends, appealing to a broad audience.
- Accessible & Well-Paced: The tour covers many sites in less than two hours, suitable for most travelers.
- Weather-Ready: Operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
- Great Value: For $30, you get a memorable experience that combines education, entertainment, and ghostly intrigue.
Exploring Westerly’s Haunted Past: A Deep Dive
For travelers seeking something beyond the typical sightseeing, the Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour delivers a spirited glimpse into the town’s supernatural side. The tour begins at Westerly Town Hall, a central point that sets the tone for an evening filled with ghost stories, maritime tragedies, and pirate legends. Starting with historical sites like the Memorial Fountain at Wilcox Park, your guide will weave stories of strangely timed deaths and industrial family histories, giving you a sense of Westerly’s layered past—and the ghosts that may still linger.
What’s special about this first stop is how it ties local history to ghostly tales. The guide’s storytelling, as noted by reviewers, is compelling and vivid. One reviewer even mentioned how the guide, Jason, “did an excellent job with the storytelling and setting the spooky mood,” during a busy Memorial Day weekend, showing that even large groups are kept engaged. We loved the way the stories blend facts—like the 1938 hurricane tragedies—with eerie legends of spirits believed to haunt the area.
Next, the tour continues to Wilcox Park, where stories of a hurricane of 1938 are intertwined with tales of body discoveries and ghost sightings, especially around the library and the rear view of Wilcox Park. Here, you might find the ghost stories especially compelling, as the tangible history of natural disasters becomes haunted lore, adding an emotional punch. The tour then moves to the Fountain at Wilcox Park, where local legend speaks of the Titanic of New England and a deadly shipwreck, bringing maritime history vividly to life with a spooky twist.
The Crandall Urn, also in Wilcox Park, reveals tales of pirates, including Captain Kidd and Elias Crandall, with stories of disappearing treasures and pirate hauntings. Reviewers praised guides like Sierra for their storytelling skills, saying she “made the ghost tour fun,” which is crucial for an experience that relies heavily on narrative. The urn itself, free to visit, adds a tangible point where history and legend collide.
Moving on, the tour reaches 10 Union Street, home to the Old Town Hall, where tales of the 1938 hurricane continue, and then visits the Bridge Restaurant along the river patio. Here, stories of ghostly lights and hauntings around the bridge add a visual element that makes the stories more immersive. The Bridge Hauntings are a highlight for many, providing a sense of place for the supernatural tales.
At 53 High Street, the Public Works Building becomes another ghostly hotspot, featuring stories of a fallout shelter and the Jackson murder. This stop demonstrates how even municipal buildings have haunted histories—perfect for those who enjoy stories about local legends hiding in everyday places. The Granite Theatre rounds out the tour, where you might hear about “Two Souls, One Skull,” and experience the theater’s own hauntings, according to reviews that praise guides for knowledgeable narration.
Throughout the walk, you’ll find that the stops are thoughtfully chosen, blending history, local legend, and paranormal stories. And with most sites being free to visit, the tour offers great value. The group size, capped at about 50 travelers, maintains an intimate atmosphere, allowing questions and interaction—something previous participants appreciated.
The guides are a critical part of the experience. Multiple reviews mention Sierra as “awesome,” “knowledgable,” and “sweet,” with storytelling skills that keep the audience engaged and entertained. AJ is also praised for his knowledge and personable approach. Their ability to balance historical facts with spooky tales makes the experience both educational and fun.
Practical details, such as the duration—around 1 hour 45 minutes—and the booking window—most people book about six days in advance—mean you’ll want to plan ahead, especially during peak season. The $30 ticket price is very reasonable given the length, the quality of storytelling, and the variety of sites covered. The tour operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately for weather, which is important since most stops are outdoors and involve walking.
What about the drawbacks? For some, the weather might be a concern—though the tour’s commitment to operate rain or shine could mean some wet feet or cooler weather. Also, since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are a must. If you’re very sensitive to spooky stories or are traveling with very young children, keep in mind that some tales may be more intense than expected.
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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This ghost tour is ideal for history lovers who enjoy uncovering local legends and maritime stories. It’s perfect for adventurous families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a unique way to explore Westerly after dark. If you appreciate engaging guides and storytelling that feels both authentic and entertaining, you’ll find this tour well worth the price.
People who enjoyed the stories about pirates, shipwrecks, and hauntings—mentioned repeatedly in reviews—will especially appreciate how these tales bring Westerly’s past to life in a fun, spooky way. It’s also a good fit for those who want a short, well-paced experience that covers a lot of ground without feeling rushed.
FAQs
- How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. - What sites are visited during the tour?
Sites include Westerly Town Hall, Wilcox Park, the Fountain, the Old Town Hall, the Bridge Restaurant, the Public Works Building, Canal Street, the Savoy Bookshop, Tapped Apple Cidery, and the Granite Theatre. - Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but check with your group about the spooky nature of the stories if traveling with very young children. - Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 6 days ahead on average. - What is the price of the tour?
$30 per person, offering good value for the experience. - Are there any age restrictions?
Not explicitly, but the tone and stories are geared toward those comfortable with spooky tales. - Is the tour operated rain or shine?
Yes, it runs no matter the weather, so dress accordingly. - Are tickets refundable?
No, all sales are final. The tour is non-refundable. - What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. - Is there a contact for questions?
Yes, you can contact Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours via their email or phone for inquiries.
Final Thoughts
The Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour offers an engaging and atmospheric way to experience the town’s hidden stories and haunting legends. With skilled guides, diverse sites, and a captivating mix of history and ghost stories, it provides excellent entertainment for those interested in local lore and a bit of spooky fun. The reasonable price, combined with the chance to see Westerly’s haunted sites up close, makes it a worthwhile evening activity, especially if you enjoy storytelling with a paranormal twist.
Perfect for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to experience Westerly in a different light, this tour promises stories that will both entertain and give you a sense of the town’s mysterious past. It’s a lively, memorable way to spend an evening—and an experience you’ll be talking about long after the tour ends.