Salem Witch Trials: Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour

Uncover the dark history of the Salem Witch Trials with this self-guided walking tour in Salem, Massachusetts. Explore the haunting sites and learn about the tragic events that unfolded over 300 years ago.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Old Burying Point Cemetery - Next, you’ll visit the cemetery where many of the witch trial victims are interred. Interestingly, it’s also the final resting place of the chief investigator of those trials, who was responsible for many deaths.

Note: This 4+ mile-long tour highlights the key sites of Salem in 1-2 hours.

  • John Ward House - Following that, at the Joshua Ward House, you’ll see the remnants of the home that once belonged to Sheriff George Corwin, who signed the arrest and execution warrants for those accused of witchcraft.
  • Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church - Next, you’ll reach St Peter’s Episcopal Church, located on land that the town seized after the owners, accused of witchcraft, fled.
  • The Burying Point - The Salem Witch Trials are often linked with women and girls. … Corey was buried in an unmarked grave in what is now the Howard Street Cemetery, … If you want to avoid his ghost’s wrath, join us on our tour through historic Salem.
  • Roger Conant Statue - You’ll then pass by a striking statue of Roger Conant, Salem’s founder and first governor, as well as the Witch Museum, which offers in-depth information about the trials and the surrounding hysteria.
  • Broad Street Cemetery - Another stop takes you to the Broad Street Cemetery, where Sheriff Corwin was buried after dying from a mysterious heart attack.
  • Hamilton Hall - Next, you’ll see Hamilton Hall, a venue that has hosted notable figures like Alexander Hamilton, FDR, and the Marquis de Lafayette.
  • Nathanial Hawthorne Statue - Literature enthusiasts will appreciate the Nathaniel Hawthorne statue, dedicated to one of America’s greatest authors.
  • Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace - You can also visit the preserved birthplace of the renowned author Nathaniel Hawthorne.
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Discover the truth behind the notorious Salem Witch Trials with this self-guided walking tour of Salem, Massachusetts! This charming and scenic town conceals a profoundly dark history, and you’ll delve deep into that past as you traverse these historic grounds. Learn how the hysteria started, meet the key figures in this chilling story, and see somber reminders of this tragic period in history. This walking tour of Salem is the ultimate way to see, explore, and comprehend this haunting true story.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require a good internet/Wi-Fi connection. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extended validity — now available for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Ideal for holiday travelers and team-building groups.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
Location
1 New Liberty St
New Liberty Street
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(43 Ratings)
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Tracie_c
Jul 13, 2024
Great price! - Great tour we could start and stop at our own pace. We learned a lot about the witch trials and Salem
Review provided by Viator
Tina_l
Apr 28, 2024
Salem self guided tour - Great self guided tour. Audio good and easy to follow 👌 Would recommend - fantastic town and history Weather wasn't kind to us so we did a few short cuts but saw main parts.
Review provided by Viator
Rebecca_z
Dec 11, 2023
Get an overview of history while exploring at your own pace! - Easy to follow & great narrator. A perfect choice if you want to explore Salem at your own pace while getting an overview of the history.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifertx6300vo
Nov 6, 2023
Very knowledgeable and easy - The app is very easy to use and the narration kept even my teenagers interested in learning about the history in Salem. I am going to look for more look for more self guided tours from this creator.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christinaae723xv
Oct 23, 2023
Great informative tour helps you visit Salem at your own pace - We were so happy that we purchased this tour. We learnt a lot of the history and were able to visit Salem at our own pace. We also enjoyed the extra alternates added into the app. The app guides us and starts when we are at the next stop. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alanna
Oct 18, 2023
Great for newbies with zero planning skills! - Great self guided tour if you don’t really know anything about salem! Had lots of detail and a map to show where to go that connects to google or apple maps!! Great price and you only have to get it on one phone if you really are trying to save money!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomasfz9700ji
Oct 16, 2023
Excellent self-guided tour of Salem - Excellent self-guided tour! Salem is a zoo on weekends so it was just perfect having our own narrator and the app worked well. Very informative and enjoyed being able to take breaks and easily resume.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomas_h
Oct 30, 2023
Not worth the time but cheap activity - Very cheap activity to do. Tickets sell out almost every day so you must buy them online starting at midnight the day you want to go. The activity wasn’t worth spending the hour it was very dated, basically a few maniqin sets you look at with a voice over. Very cool outside of the building though. Gift shop is accessible from outside.
Review provided by Viator
Melissa_e
May 27, 2024
Didn’t open to listen - Never could get it to open. Waste of money. Tried off and on all day and never got the email you said I would get. Checked all folders in email accounts and got nothing. Even got the app and nothing worked.
Review provided by Viator
Joseph_b
Oct 16, 2023
Rip off. - Waste of money. Never received the link. Rip off. Sent me to the visitor center and they knew nothing about the tour.
Review provided by Viator
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October 2024
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