London’s Historical Pubs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

London , United Kingdom

London’s Historical Pubs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

1h - 2h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a tipply trundle through London’s liquid history on this affordable self-guided walking tour.

• Stroll down the city’s quiet backstreets and hidden courtyards in the literary footsteps of Samuel Pepys, Charles Dickens and Dr. Johnson and see four iconic English pubs
• Hear from producer Johnny Warland, a pub aficionado, lover of all things London and fan of the quirkier side of history
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

London’s Historical Pubs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to this self-guided tour in English

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The tour starts at Blackfriar Station which is just a short walk to Blackfriar pub. You'll learn about the pub and even get to peek inside if it's open.

The tour passes by the first gin distillery in the City of London for over 200 years. You'll hear about its history while you walk.

Stop 3 Pass by

While walking past, you'll get to enjoy the magnificent view of St.Bride's church. You'll learn a bit about the genius architect behind the church while you walk.

Stop 4 Pass by

On this tour, you'll learn a bit about some of the famous regulars who frequented the pub along with some of its history. If you like, you can even stop inside for a quick drink (at your own expense).

You'll pass by the house of Dr Johnson who is the man behind Oxford's first English dictionary. You'll hear a bit about him while you walk.

On this tour, you'll pass by the statue of Hodge the Cat. You can stop to admire him if you like and take in some of the finer details of the statue that are pointed out to you.

Stop 7 Pass by

As you walk, you'll pass by the oldest vintners and wine merchants in the City of London. You'll hear a bit about them as well as a humorous story about a female customer.

Stop 8 Pass by

The tour passes by the narrowest pub in the city. You'll learn a bit about it while you walk.

As you pass by Prince Henry's Room you'll be shown some of its finer architectural details and learn a bit about it.

As you pass by the Royal Courts of Justice, you'll hear about some of the famous names connected to the city's second highest civil court.

Stop 11 Pass by

On this tour, you'll pass by London's oldest tailors. You'll hear a bit about the store and its history while you walk.

The tour passes by The Seven Stars pub. While you walk you'll hear about the pub's clientele, what it's named after, and some of its general history.

Stop 13 Pass by

On this tour, you'll pass by the infamous Hunterian Museum. You'll hear about the museum and what they collect and display.

Stop 14 Pass by

The tour passes by what is quite possibly London's most exquisite small museum. You'll hear about the museum and the man it's named after.

Stop 15 Pass by

The tour ends outside of The Ship Tavern. You'll hear about the tavern, its history and be able to pop in afterward for a tipple (at your own cost).

What's not included

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Smarphone and headphones

Food and drinks

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets