London , United Kingdom

Castles, Crusaders, Communists & Courts

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About this experience

Get a taste of real London as we explore narrow lanes & see a different side to London. Starting at Smithfields, where William Wallace of Braveheart fame met his terrible end.

At St. Barts we will hear how one of the oldest hospitals in the world came to be created by a Crusader after a close encounter with a Saint & explore some of the places that were built as a result.

Nearby Charterhouse started off as a Priory. It also sits next to one of the biggest known plague pits in London, we can see the remains of an unfortunate victim who was recently unearthed.

See old gatehouse of the Knights of St John and see some of their great treasures & pass through old Dickensian Clerkenwell whose terrible poverty saw the first meeting between Lenin & Stalin.

See beautiful streets & squares of one of the most prominent legal districts in London including the largest (& unvisited) square in London before we finish at the end of famous old Fleet Street outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

Available options

Castles, Crusaders, Communists & Courts

Pickup included

What's included

In-person guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Marvel at the beautiful cathedral of the City of London, the latest in the long time of holy sanctuaries to be built here since before the Roman times.

The Oldest Court in the Western World and famous for its high profile cases that still are held here today.

This old pub infamously has jail cells beneath it where people would await their fate... normally being publicly executed just outside as highlighted in the works of Charles Dickens.

See the place where William Wallace of Braveheart fame died, along with many others through the ages.

We will explore the ancient church, often used in movies and built by a dying crusader who had had a vision of a Saint in the Holy Lands. We will also visit nearby sites associated with the same encounter.

Charterhouse Square, one of the largest plague pits before entering Charterhouse chapel and amongst other things seeing a recently discovered skeleton of a victim of the Black Death (Plague).

We will see the gatehouse belonging to the Knights of St John Crusaders and have a quick look inside at their collection of weapons and armour.

Stop 8

Clerkenwell was the scene of dreadful poverty in the 19th Century and the inspiration behind one of Charles Dickens great novels. This poverty led to Lenin and Stalin meeting here for the first time in what is now a beautiful old pub.

The communist heritage of Clerkenwell continues with this working institute.

Stop 10

This beautiful street was the scene of both a wedding a dreadful act by King Henry VIII and technically is part of Cambridgeshire... in the middle of London.

The largest square in London though rarely visited by tourists which is a shame as it is a beautiful, ancient and tranquil square with great halls, a wonderful chapel and well tended gardens. Home to one of the great Inns of Court.

We will finish at the Royal Courts of Justice, one of the great courts which stands at the end of famous old Fleet Street on the borders of the City of London and the City of Westminster.

What's not included

Tube travel, before or after the tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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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

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

An alternative starting point just outside the station.

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