Old City of London Guided Walking Tour

Details

Step back in time on this 2.5-hour private walking tour through the Old City of London, where medieval streets, ancient ruins, and grand landmarks reveal the city's rich and turbulent past. 

Once the heart of Roman Londinium, later the epicenter of royal power, financial might, and devastating fires, this historic district holds the secrets of London's evolution from a walled Roman settlement to a modern metropolis. 

Walk in the footsteps of knights, kings, and rebels as you explore Guildhall, the site of London's medieval government, and uncover the hidden Roman amphitheater buried beneath the city. Marvel at the grandeur of St Paul's Cathedral, where King Charles and Princess Diana wed in 1981, and learn about the Great Fire of 1666, which reshaped the city's skyline. Admire the legendary London Bridge, a crossing that has stood for over 2,000 years, before reaching the iconic Tower Bridge and the imposing Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and a dark history of royal intrigue.

This immersive journey brings London's most historic quarter to life. From Roman ruins and medieval knights to royal power and modern finance, this tour offers a captivating and comprehensive introduction to the heart of historic London.

Itinerary

• Stops include but are not limited to:
• Temple Church (Weekdays) / Royal Courts of Justice (Weekends)— one of London's most fascinating medieval churches, Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century and played a key role in English history. On weekends, visit the Royal Courts of Justice (EXTERIOR ONLY), an architectural masterpiece where Britain's most high-profile legal cases are heard.
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese— step into history at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a rebuilt 17th-century pub that has welcomed literary greats like Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson.
• St Bride's Church— known as the "Journalists' Church", St Bride's is famed for its distinctive wedding-cake spire, said to have inspired traditional tiered wedding cakes. A site of worship for nearly 2,000 years, its crypt reveals layers of Roman and medieval history.
• St Paul's Cathedral (EXTERIOR ONLY)— one of London's most iconic landmarks, St Paul's Cathedral has stood as a symbol of resilience since its reconstruction after the Great Fire of 1666. 
• St Mary-le-Bow famous for its Bow Bells, this church is deeply woven into Cockney culture-legend has it that only those born within earshot of its bells can claim to be true Cockneys. 
• Guildhall & Roman Londinium— once the political heart of medieval London, Guildhall has hosted Lord Mayors, monarchs, and historic trials for over 800 years. Beneath it lies a fascinating Roman amphitheater, offering a glimpse into Londinium, the Roman city that stood here nearly 2,000 years ago.
• "Heart of the City of London" (Bank of England, Royal Exchange & Mansion House)— stand in the financial center of the world's oldest continuous trading hub. The Bank of England, founded in 1694, has shaped Britain's economy for centuries. Across from it, the Royal Exchange, once London's first shopping mall, now hosts luxury boutiques, while Mansion House remains the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London.
• Monument to the Great Fire of London— designed by Christopher Wren, this towering column marks the site where the Great Fire of 1666 began, destroying most of the city. 
• Thames Riverbank— follow the historic banks of the River Thames, once a bustling highway for traders, royals, and invaders. The river has been central to London's history, from Viking raids to Shakespearean theaters and modern-day development.
• London Bridge & Tower Bridge— set foot on the legendary London Bridge, which has existed in various forms for nearly 2,000 years, before reaching the spectacular Tower Bridge, an iconic Victorian masterpiece that still lifts for passing ships.
• Trinity Square Gardens— A tranquil memorial garden, Trinity Square Gardens honors merchant navy sailors and the victims of public executions once held nearby. Here, you'll also find a discreet plaque marking the site where Anne Boleyn and other notable prisoners were executed.
• London's Roman Wall— A surviving remnant of Londinium, this fragment of the Roman wall, built nearly 2,000 years ago, once enclosed the city, protecting it from invaders. Originally standing 6 meters high, the wall marked the boundaries of Roman London.
• Tower of London (EXTERIOR ONLY)— Conclude your journey at the Tower of London, one of the world's most famous fortresses. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has served as a royal palace, prison, and execution site. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels, guarded by the iconic Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters.