Private City of London Guided Walking Tour

London , United Kingdom

Private City of London Guided Walking Tour

Active

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The tour is a meandering journey through the ancient City of London where we walk from west to east and see the most important sites along the way including St. Paul's Cathedral, the Guildhall and the Bank of England.

You are led by an experienced history teacher who is ready to answer your questions along the way.

The route has been chosen to include interesting features, hidden alleyways and more obscure historical details such as the burial place of John Adams who married Pocahontas and several old pubs.

You are collected outside Blackfriars station which is on the District Line of London Underground and dropped off at Monument station which is also on the District Line of London Underground, so it is easy to arrive to the tour and leave.

Available options

Private City of London Guided Walking Tour

What's included

A guided walking tour. Opportunities to sit down at a few pubs on the way where you can buy a drink

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We gather at the station meeting point and look at a curious historic pub called The Blackfriars. We then walk from here to our first site.

We pass this beautiful church in the City. The church has some historic features which will be pointed out as we wind our way through passageways.

Stop 3

Some architecture is pointed before we enter London's oldest pub Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese which is a location for Charles Dicken's 'A Tale of Two Cities'.

We walk to the viaduct on the boundary between London and Westminster and take in the view.

We visit this medieval church which survived the Great Fire and see the grave of John Smith who was the leader of the Virginia Colony and helped found the first English settlement in North America, Jamestown, in 1607. He was also Pocahontas's boyfriend for a while...

We pass the Central Criminal Court otherwise known as the Old Bailey where world famous trials have taken place.

Stop 7

We pass the Temple Bar and then see the glorious St. Paul's Cathedral. There will be lots of opportunities to take photos of the outside of the building and discuss historic details.

Stop 8

We walk to the centre of the ancient government of the City and see the Guildhall. The location of Roman buildings is discussed. Many chances for photos.

Stop 9

We walk to the centre of the finance district and see the outside of the Mansion House (the home of the Lord Mayor), the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange where Royal Proclamations are made.

We walk through a maze of alleys close to the Bank of England

Stop 11

We take in the view at the Sky Garden.

Stop 12

We pass the famous Monument marking the spot where the Great Fire of London began in 1666. After this our tour is complete.

What's not included

TIp

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

You need to be fit enough to be able to walk for a couple of miles

Meeting point

Outside the main entrance of Blackfriars Station (which can be reached on the District Line of London Underground as well as mainline railways) on Queen Victoria Street.

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