London , United Kingdom

The Nursery Rhyme Tour of London

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ever wonder why nursery rhymes can be so violent? This unique tour of London one like no other. Join us on this special tour and get a unique look at London as well as learning the true meanings of those nursery rhymes and places and events that inspired them.

We will see some of the most famous buildings in the world as well as getting away from all the tourists as we explore the ancient streets usually only visited by Londoners & not many of them.

In days gone by it could often be a dangerous, even deadly pursuit to talk politics or news to your friends & neighbours incase you were speaking to or overheard by an informer.

To get round the problem, people would spread news & gossip by dressing up the meanings of what was being said so that their true meanings could be more easily denied to the authorities.

Centuries later, these events are remembered as the nursery rhymes that we all sang in childhood around the world, some of which with much toned down & child-friendly lyrics.

Available options

The Nursery Rhyme Tour of London

Pickup included

What's included

Private Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The infamous Tower of London, with history going back to Roman times, home to Crown Jewels and hideous executions. Also home to one of London's ancient and precious trees and here we will go round the Mulberry bush

An incredible amount of literary history here where the final remains of Old Mother Goose were laid to rest

Stop 3

The famous London Bridge which is still standing, or at least the existing one is. Others have long since fallen down and we will see them too.

Stop 4

Here we will see a huge and not so huge memorials to the Great Fire of London and visit the spot where Londons Burning all began.

Stop 5

Down the medieval alleys of old London we will visit St Clements of Oranges and Lemons fame as well as the rhyme of St Swithins and learning all about Dick Whittington and his cat

Just why is the Cat and the Fiddle on display just a few minutes walk from the very centre of finance and old London at the Bank of England?

Stop 7

Whilst everyone else gasps at the beautiful St Pauls Cathedral (and we can too), we'll actually visit a statue remembering the importance of the wall and meat trade and the tyrannical law that inspired Baa Baa Black Sheep

It may be unexpected enough to find a memorial to William Wallace in the middle of London but how does this relate to the old nursery rhyme of Doctor Foster who went to Gloucester?

Smithfields is a place bursting with history including the possible origins of the nursery rhyme, Three Blind Mice and we can throw in Mary, Mary, Quite contrary into the mix too.

We can't walk through the quiet lanes of medieval London without dealing with The Black Death or Plague and we can't do nursery rhymes with out Ring a ring o' rosies and if you like we can even visit an unfortunate victim of the dreadful Black Death

We will finish off this tour in the heart of Farringdon with a pub that isn't all that it seems and work out what the lyrics mean for Pop Goes The Weasel.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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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

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

We have earmarked this tour as especially safe during the Coronavirus outbreak due to generally quiet places that we visit where social distancing is generally not a problem. All of our tours are private so it is just you/your family and your guide. To make it easier and safer for all concerned we would suggest starting this tour a little later than the usual time, perhaps around 10.30-11am which allows us all to miss rush-hour. We are happy to still come to your hotel to meet you but for the moment we would suggest meeting us at the tour starting point. This allows you to arrive by a taxi or uber rather than public transport. Please feel free to wear masks throughout or at times during the tour. Your guide will also have a mask with them.

Meeting point

Just outside the Underground Station

Important notes

Just show the ticket/confirmation to your guide.

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