13 Best Historical Tours of London to Book in 2023
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Looking for the best Historical Tours of London?
From Westminster to the Churchill War Rooms, Jack the Ripper, Changing of the Guards, and East London Street Art, these intriguing history tours in London allow you to dive deeper into the city’s fascinating past and appreciate your trip even more!
London is an ancient city with a beautiful historic character. Tangible elements of the city’s past can be found around almost every corner and alleyway.
I’m a local in London, and I still feel like I have so much more to learn about the city!
The best way to learn about the charming, historical side of the city is by taking one of the top historical walking tours London has to offer! You’ll get an up-close perspective and discover the city in a fun and interactive way with an expert.
Best Historical Tours In London
Each tour travels through some of the interesting London walking routes and teaches you essential historical facts that even Londoners struggle to remember from their high school history class.
Most of these experiences are historic London walking tours, so be ready for a day on your feet! These historical tours of London are also led by London historians who are passionate about teaching and take pride in sharing their city with travelers!
1. Hidden London Walking Tours
On this tour, you’ll follow your guide along the quiet side streets of the city. Journey off the beaten path to London’s most unusual sights.
On the historical and unusual walking tour of London’s hidden attractions, you’ll get to;
- Visit an old Cabman’s shelter. This was an area where cab drivers would go to seek shelter, food, or drinks during the second half of the 19th century.
- Discover the Temple Church, built by the mysterious Knights Templar (Assassin’s Creed fans will love this).
- See London’s ‘Roman Bath’ and the abandoned Aldwych tube station. Explore the location of the legendary barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd.
This walking tour is full of weird and wonderful stops. You’ll be entertained by stories of history and mystery the entire way.
Book a Historical Walking Tour of London’s Hidden Sites
2. East London Walking Tours
Discover the alternative sights of East London on this art-focused walking tour. This tour explores the diverse creativity of London’s most trendy neighborhood, admiring urban art and graffiti from around 40 artists along the way.
If you are artsy and interested in graffiti/street art, this tour is for you! You’ll even get to see first-hand the unconventional art of Banksy, ROA, Invader, and Shepherd Fairy in East London!
Meet your guide near the Old Spitalfields Marke and learn the history of the East End as you walk through streets covered in art. Your guide will give you a unique insight into the urban art culture of London.
On the tour, you’ll walk through Brick Lane and the stylish Shoreditch area. Learn about the unconventional art of Banksy, ROA, Invader, and Shepherd Fairy.
East London is one of the city’s most vibrant areas. If you’re looking for a walking tour London offers that explores the city’s edgy side, this tour is perfect for you.
Book an East London Walking Tour
3. City of London – Historic Pubs Walking Tours
This Historical Pub Walking Tour of London takes you to four of the city’s most historic pubs, taverns, and alehouses.
Quench your thirst and mingle with your fellow beer and history enthusiasts as you learn about London’s proud beer culture – which goes back hundreds of years. You’ll even get to walk the ancient streets of London to a tavern that was established back in 1549.
Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy a drink or two along the way, too!
On this historical tour of London, you’ll walk from historic Southwark to the bright lights of the West End – London’s theatre district.
Another perk is that the tour is kept small to provide a more personal experience.
Book a Historical Pub Tour London
4. British Museum & London Historical Guided Walking Tour
This walking tour is for the culture vultures and history buffs visiting London. It combines a trip to the British Museum with exploring the most famous historical places in London.
The tour begins at the British Museum where you’ll explore 6000 years of human history through artifacts. A tour guide will lead you through this large museum and give you a more detailed understanding of the collections.
A few of the highlights include seeing Samurai Armour, the Rosetta Stone, and the Mummy of Katebet.
After the museum, you’ll head to the streets of London to visit more of the UK’s most iconic sites.
These stops include Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and more. Of course, your tour guide will be filling you in on interesting history surrounding each attraction and other fun facts!
This tour lasts for approximately 5 hours, so wear comfortable walking shoes!
If you’re a history buff looking for the best walking tours of London, you’ll gain a comprehensive historical overview of the city.
Book a British Museum and Iconic Sites Historical Tour
5. Historic Spaces – City of London Walking Tour
Travel to eight of London’s green, open spaces and receive a unique perspective of the city’s history. You’ll see churches that lay in ruins, crumbling graveyards, and tranquil parks with many tales to tell.
The tour starts at the rose gardens of St. Paul’s Cathedral. This church once held medieval royal burials.
Next, visit a brutalist development built to reinvigorate the city following WWII and a fascinating area used as a mass gravesite during the 14th century, which is actually a new discovery in London. It was used to bury those killed in public executions.
Finish up the tour by visiting a 17th-century theatre and a cemetery where dissenters and radicals were buried.
This tour is an excellent guide to the non-touristy areas of London. It’s also a great option for people wishing to see a unique side of the city.
Book a Walking tour of London’s Historic Spaces
6. Historic Shakespeare Pub and Theatre Walking Tour
Explore William Shakespeare’s life in London with a tour guide who is also a published author.
You’ll travel to iconic sites associated with the great playwright, including five pubs connected with Shakespeare.
Visit the London theatres, where Shakespeare’s works have been performed, see the church where a member of his family is buried, and explore the sites of two of the most famous Elizabethan theatres.
Of all the history tours in London, this one is perfect for those who want to learn what the impact of Shakespeare’s success in London had on his family back in Stratford-upon-Avon.
You’ll hear about his incredible life and career from your knowledgeable guide and even have a drink at the only property in London that can be identified as being owned by Shakespeare.
Also, this tour visits the grounds of a medieval monastery where you’ll see the site of an indoor theatre that stood in Shakespeare’s time before finishing up with one last drink in a unique Art Deco pub nearby.
Book a Walking tour of London’s Historic Spaces
7. Downton Abbey Walking Tour
On the tour, you’ll explore the quaint historical sites in London where the TV series “Downton Abbey” was filmed and get a glimpse into how the high-end citizens of London lived.
Visit charming and tranquil settings within London that have stood in for other UK cities like Liverpool and Manchester.
Learn how they were used as film locations. Hear fun facts and behind-the-scenes information about how this award-winning TV show was made.
You’ll be able to relive all your favourite moments from the show and even stand where Branson first confesses his love to Lady Sybil. The tour also visits the exterior of Grantham House where the character of Uncle Harold was introduced and looks into the restaurant where Edith dined with Gregson.
This is hands down the best London tour for fans of the hit TV show “Downton Abbey”.
Book A Downton Abbey Walking Tour
8. Jack the Ripper Tour in London’s East End
Jack the Ripper is among England’s most notorious serial killers. He terrorised the citizens (mainly women) of London during the late 19th century and sent shock waves through the city.
On this walking tour of London, you’ll step back in time to 1888 and discover the world that the Ripper and his victims lived in.
Learn about the gruesome crimes that the Ripper committed, to social/historical context of the era, and visit the very sites where the murders took place.
Your guide will fill you in on the facts and rumours that surround these disturbing unsolved cases. This is hands-down one of the best tours of London for fans of true crime.
Book a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
9. Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms
On this walking tour, you’ll explore the Westminster area and visit 20 of Britain’s most iconic and historical London landmarks, including Winston Churchill’s Bunker.
First, you’ll meet your group and start your tour in one of the Royal Parks of London – the beautiful Green Park.
Then, before heading to Westminster, you’ll stop to witness the famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This is a traditional London experience you don’t want to miss.
Continue on to the stunning Westminster Abbey, getting a glimpse of nearby sites, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Queen Victoria Fountain, and Trafalgar Square.
Next, visit the Churchill War Rooms. This was an underground nerve centre used by the British Prime Minister during WWII.
Discover the rich history of this fascinating place from which Churchill directed the Second World War.
Book this walking tour of Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms
10. Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tours
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a quintessential London experience. With a guided walking tour, you’ll get an in-depth look at this British tradition.
Follow your guide through the busy crowds as you’re led to the best vantage point to watch the ceremony take place.
See the iconic red tunics and bearskin hats as the Queen’s Foot Guard march to the palace.
You’ll be equipped with your own personal headset so your guide can entertain you with commentary about the ceremony.
Learn about the royal family and how this fascinating practice is carried out – from beginning to end.
Book a Changing of the Guard Historical Tour
11. London Old City Walking Tour
On this walking tour, you’ll travel back to the very beginning of London. Discover the original square mile – nestled beside the River Thames.
This area has seen some of the most significant events in British history and it also contains some of London’s oldest buildings.
Learn about these important events as you travel to different sites. Some highlights include visiting the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, the site of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.
Hear stories of the great fire of London, the plague, and the Blitz during WWII.
You’ll also visit some of the city’s modern sites, like the Millennium Bridge, the Tate Modern Art Gallery, and the Tower Bridge.
This tour covers a lot of history and provides an excellent overview of the city.
Book an Old City Historical Tour of London
12. London Ghastly Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour
On this walking tour, you’ll discover London’s intriguing haunted history. This tour only takes place after dusk, setting the mood for a spine-chilling experience.
You’ll start the tour at one of the oldest churches in London, All Hallows by the Tower. Your journey will take you from the Tower of London to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Along the way, you’ll hear stories of suffering, crime, and murder. That sounds like a really good night in my books – I’m a horror fan, so love all the gruesome details of ghost stories, murders, and everything in between.
London’s past is full of terrible tales and mysterious hauntings. Enjoy a spooky walk through this ancient city.
Wind through the dark streets and past desolate alleyways. Learn about the city’s ghosts, ghouls, and demons.
If you’re into murder-mystery and haunted history, this tour will captivate you.
Book a Ghastly Haunted History Tour of London
13. London World War II Blitz Walk and Imperial War Museum
On this historic walking tour, you’ll learn about the impact of World War II on England.
In 1940, London was bombed by the Germans continuously for 57 days. Follow your guide through the city streets and learn about the events that left part of London in rubble during WWII.
See buildings where the scars of the attacks are still visible. Hear tales of heroism, including how ordinary men and women helped to save London’s beloved St Paul’s Cathedral from destruction.
This tour also includes a trip to the Imperial War Museum. Discover a vast collection of WWII-related documents, photographs and videos, military vehicles, aircraft, and military weapons.
Book a London WWII Blitz Walk Tour
Conclusion: Best Historial Tours of London
That’s all for this round-up of the best historical tours of London.
There are quite a few London history walking tours that teach you about London’s fascinating past, and you don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate learning new facts about this ancient city.
Whether you’re looking for a haunted history tour or a political walking tour, London has many exciting options to choose from. You can read more on London and London travel tips.
The best way to discover a city is with a local guide, and each one of the best history tours in London allows you to do just that!
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