The Great Shakespeare Fire and Elizabethan London

London , United Kingdom

The Great Shakespeare Fire and Elizabethan London

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About this experience

We will take a fascinating journey into 16th century London, little known, different from today’s, but, even then, Europe’s largest city, an important commercial center, a brilliant cultural and multiethnic center, a destination for cultural figures of the time.
The tour begins in the City, the most popular area, until its partial destruction by the Great Fire of 1666. We will pass by the most significant places of the period, immersing ourselves in the history and the particular atmosphere of the time, with characters and curiosities ', and we will see particular places, outside the usual tourist area. We will cross the Millennium Bridge, entering the ancient "city of theatres and brothels", and the oldest pubs, frequented by pirates. We will see Borough Market, the oldest in the city, we will visit Southwark Cathedral, linked to theatre and Shakespeare, and we will see the sailboat of the privateer Francis Drake, the Golden Hinde. We'll finish the tour at London Bridge. A London you don't expect.

Available options

The Great Shakespeare Fire and Elizabethan London

What's included

short break in the middle of the tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The beautiful seventeenth-century palace of the Guilds, the old Guilds, in the heart of the City, located in the ancient Piazza del Comune, escaped the Great Fire of 1666. In the same place, many centuries before, was the Roman amphitheatre

Stop 2 Pass by

The impressive London Cathedral, the city's only neo-classical church, built by architect Christopher Wren on the ruins of a medieval church destroyed by fire. The only dome in all of London

Stop 3

We will cross one of the 2 pedestrian bridges over the Thames, inaugurated on December 31, 1999, which runs exactly from St Paul's Cathedral to the Tate Modern, the largest contemporary art gallery in Europe

Stop 4

Shakespeare's theatre, built in Tudor style in the late 1500s. The Guide will tell you his story and the story of Shakespeare, who acted here as an actor, with his Company. He later wrote his own tragedies and comedies, and became famous, so much so that Elizabeth I often called him to bring her shows to court.

Stop 5

We will visit the beautiful London Bridge church, built in layers on the rubble of a Roman temple, then Norman church, to the Gothic style church we can admire today, finished in the early 1500s. Inside is also the most famous London monument dedicated to Shakespeare, surrounded by his characters. Because it has perfect acoustics for classical music, regular concerts are often held here, usually free of charge.

Stop 6

We will take a tour of the delicious and colorful Food Point of Sale, which already existed in Roman times, and which offers special products: beers of all kinds, cheeses, various specialties, pies, exotic fruits, paella, pastries, bread, chocolates, spices and much more

One of London's oldest riverside pubs, opened in 1600, and certainly one of the most beautiful. We'll take a walk inside, go upstairs, where there's also a lovely terrace overlooking the river, a wonderful place to dine in summer

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

the Guide waits outside the tube station with the words AROUND LONDON TOURS

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