Medieval London Walking Tour Oxford PhD Historian Guide
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Dr Geoff, Historian and published author has a DPhil in History from The University of Oxford. His specialty is medieval England and its churches. He is an expert on England's medieval churches and England's castles, kings, queens, and wars.
You are getting an expert to walk with you throughout central London. He will bring the silent buildings to life as you learn about the incredible medieval and later history of the great city. Dr Geoff will tell you not just what happened but why it did. You will hear about why and how the churches were built. And if you know about the Da Vinci Code then you will learn about the Knights Templar and their mark on Europe and in London in the Middle Ages.
Dr Geoff has consistent 5 Star reviews on TripAdvisor which you will soon understand why.
Available options
Medieval London Walking Tour Oxford PhD Historian Guide
Pickup included
What's included
Admission costs to all venues
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
We meet at the West end of St Paul's Cathedral near the grand stairs. This marvel was built by Sir Cristopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666. The Fire destroyed most of medieval London but there are plenty of places that survived close by. Sir Christopher plays a role in the other buildings we will see so we need to learn about him and London before 1666. It is an 18 minute walk to St Bart's.
2
On our way to St Bart's Priory we will stop at the memorial to William Wallace the Scot hero who fought for Scottish independence.
3
The Church of St Bartholomew-the-Great is a 12th-century gem. Much of it survived not only the Great Fire of 1666 but also the Reformation, Civil War, and The Blitz of WW2. the eastern side of the church retains stunning arches, columns, and tombs. It is an early Norman church and will be valuable to compare it with the other churches we will visit built in the later medieval centuries.
4
We will discuss the Medieval London's walls and stop at Newgate one of London's old entry points. It later gained fame as a prison. It is where the Old Bailey (London Criminal Court) was built and still used.
5
Stop 5
If you have seen or read The Da Vinci Code then you know about the Knights Templar. These medieval monk-knights were a wealthy and mysterious Crusader force. They had great wealth and built this church in the 12th century. This too survived the Great Fire but the Victorian restorers did most of the damage! Its incredible stone vaulted ceiling survived The Blitz when bombs rained down all around it. There is a great link here to the Founding Fathers of the United States - so it should not be missed!
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total duration includes the walk from the meeting point until the end point.
Meeting point
Dr Geoff will have a blue lanyard showing Historic Tours of England
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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