Overview

Ages 10 and up! Sells out quickly! Reserve in advance!

Duration: 45 Minutes
Meeting Point: 21 Magazine Street Charleston, SC 29401
Min Age: 10
Pricing: • Adults (Ages 13+): Starting at $35
• Child (Ages 10-12): Starting at $25
Description: #The Charleston Haunted Jail Tour
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.

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!
What is Included: - 45 Minute Guided Tour of the Haunted Charleston Jail
What to Bring: Don't forget your flash camera! You never know what spirit images you might capture...
Faqs: 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 10 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.