History tours · HISTORY WALKING TOURS IN LONDON
A shortlist you could hand a friend: 11 history walking tours in London that repay the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to check before you book.
Spend 3.5 hours walking from St Paul’s toward Strand and Covent Garden, stopping at four historic pubs. Guides such as Dave, Tim, Freddie, Shadow, and Lachlan mix London stories, alehouse lore, Dickens connections, and humor. Drinks cost extra, and the tour suits adults 18 and over who can manage a gentle two-mile walk.
“Tour was fantastic, Adam was super informative and a lot of fun!”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Piccadilly Circus, then walk through Soho’s music and nightlife past. You’ll visit four historic pubs, hear stories about John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Bowie, the Beatles, and Mozart, and buy drinks along the way. Guides such as Henry, Gherto, Sy, Ben, and Gary are known for lively storytelling and group banter.
“Gherto was completely the best guide - the tour was worth every minute spent 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟”
Start near Piccadilly Circus and walk through St. James’s, hearing royal and celebrity stories from guides such as Ben, Luke, Henry, Tom, and Carlos. Expect a small group of up to 12, several historic pubs, useful drink suggestions, and about two to three hours on foot. Drinks and food cost extra.
“Ben was an amazing tour guide. We got lucky because we were the only ones that booked the tour on that day. We basically had our own private excursion. Ben is very passionate on what he does. We went to 4 pubs. Ben took pictures of us and sent them to us following the tour.”
Walk from Cheapside toward Holborn with a private guide such as Lyndon, Lachlan, Adam, Ricky, or John. Visit characterful pubs including Black Friar, the Old Bank of England, and Princess Louise, while hearing stories about London’s streets, churches, courts, Dickensian corners, and pub traditions. Drinks cost extra.
“Adam was great not a dull moment! We enjoyed his humor and knowledge of the pubs. Great experience along with the beer and gin!”
Meet your English-speaking guide by the winged statue at Piccadilly Circus for a 2.5-hour walk through London's royal quarter. Visit four tucked-away historic pubs, hear stories of Churchill, royalty, Bond, Chaplin and Ed Sheeran, and choose your own drinks as you go. Guides such as Tom, Henry, Danny, Luke and Ben are known for lively storytelling.
“Our tour was great! Henry went above and beyond to make it an 11/10 experience. He was knowledgeable and fun which created an engaging environment. Would highly recommend him specifically and this experience!”
Meet at Embankment Station and spend about four hours walking through London’s pub country with guides such as Rachel, Mike, Carolina, and Connor. You’ll visit four historic pubs, hear stories of old London and pub folklore, and have time for a drink at each stop. Drinks and food cost extra. The tour ends in Covent Garden.
“Had a brilliant time. As a history teacher I love doing walking tours and this far surpassed previous ones I’ve done. I’ve already recommended to friends. Loved all the pubs we went in and the history which was peppered in between was amusing, really well delivered and memorable. Loved it!”
Join historian Mick Priestley for a two-hour walk from Tower Hill to St Paul’s Cathedral. You’ll cross Tower Bridge, pass HMS Belfast, Borough Market, Winchester Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Millennium Bridge while learning how London grew from Roman settlement to modern capital. Expect a lively pace, plenty of questions, and outdoor walking in all weather.
“As someone who has visited London several times, this was a very informative tour! Mick is super knowledgeable and would answer all your questions. If you want to understand London and its history better, this tour is definitely worth it!”
Follow a costumed witch guide from London Bridge through Southwark, Borough Market, Clink Street, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Millennium Bridge. Hear true stories of suspected witches, witch-hunters, and persecution while taking in landmarks such as the Golden Hinde, Winchester Palace, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Guides include Gary the Grey, Veronica, Beatrix, and Felix.
“Beatrix was amazing. She really knew her stuff and delivered it so well. My daughter was utterly hooked and loved every minute of it. You don’t walk too far, so it’s fine for young kids. Beatrix kept it engaging and entertaining throughout for grown ups and kids alike. Highly recommended.”
Start at Embankment Station and walk with an English-speaking guide to four historic pubs around Covent Garden. You’ll hear local legends, enter an 800-year-old licensed pub with seating guaranteed, and get advice on ales, craft beers, and British spirits. Guides have included Rachel, Mike, Carolina, Adam, and Michael. Drinks and food cost extra.
“Excellent tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. Loved it! Guide: Caroline”
Spend three hours walking from Temple through the City of London with an English-speaking guide. See St. Paul’s, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, the Bank of England, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. On Sundays and Mondays, finish at The Garden at 120, a rooftop garden with sweeping city views.
“Excellent tour, with a lovely exposure to older historic London. Enjoyed the more comprehensive knowledge our guide has, and her ability to answer our interests”
Join Evan for a 2.5-hour small-group walk from Russell Square through Central London’s Brutalist landmarks. You’ll see the National Theatre and Institute of Education, ride the Tube once in Zone 1, and discuss concrete, post-war politics, Modernism, and the future of these bold buildings. Interiors are not included.
“Evan was a fantastic guide. The tour covered more than just the buildings we were looking at - it was great to learn about the social, political and economic circumstances that lead to such iconic buildings as The National Theatre being built. Evan really knows his stuff and we really enjoyed our morning with him.”
Ancient, medieval, colonial, modern, and the cities that do each one best.
