City of London Historic Walking Tour (With Rooftop Visit*)

Our City of London Tour will take you from the origins of our capital straight through to the modern-day – without missing anything in between!

Follow us as we lead you to the most historic pub in all of London, through the financial heart of the United Kingdom, and along the glorious and picturesque River Thames. You will travel down medieval alleyways and discover hidden gems as we adventure through London, encompassing world-famous sites and areas off the tourist-beaten track you'd never find on your own.

*And on Sundays and Mondays, this tour finishes with a visit to one of London's most beautiful rooftop gardens!

• St. Paul's Cathedral: One of the most famous churches in the world, St. Paul's Cathedral is the masterpiece of architect Christopher Wren. Completed in the early 1700s, it has been the site of many significant events, including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill and the wedding of Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Lady Diana Spencer.


• The Tower of London is one of the oldest buildings in London, a historic fortress, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this iconic landmark has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury.


• The Bank of England: The world's second-oldest central bank, the Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom and the model for many central banks around the world. Stand on top of the Bank's vaults, which currently hold 310 tonnes of solid bars of gold!


• Royal Courts of Justice: In constant use since the 1880s, The Royal Courts of Justice remains a pivotal institution in the UK’s legal landscape, combining historical significance with ongoing judicial functions.


• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: One of the oldest, best-known, and family-friendly pubs in London, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has hosted some of the biggest names in London's history: Dickens, Conan Doyle, and P.G. Wodehouse, just to name a few.


• London Bridge: Likely the most famous bridge in the world, London Bridge sits on a site that has held a crossing over the River Thames since AD42. The medieval Bridge was famously 'falling down,' and here, your guide will tell you why!


• Tower Bridge: This iconic symbol of London spans the River Thames with its distinctive bascules and towers. The bridge is a draw bridge, and you may get the chance to see it open on one of our summertime afternoon tours.
  
  
• The Monument: Hear the story of the most devastating fire to sweep through our city: The Great Fire of London in 1666. Opened to the public in the 1670s, it is still possible to visit today.
  


• River Thames: Winding its way through the heart of London, this river is a vital waterway that has shaped the city's history and culture for centuries. Its iconic landmarks, such as Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, line its banks. At the same time, its waters have witnessed the ebb and flow of historical events, from Roman settlements to modern-day celebrations.


• HMS Belfast: Across the water, you will see the HMS Belfast, a former Royal Navy cruiser serving as a floating museum moored on the River Thames in London.


• Cheapside is the historic site of London's medieval marketplace, which lends its name to the various roads throughout the area.


• Mansion House: The official residence of the Lord Mayor of London.


• St. Bride's: An iconic church with a rich history dating back to the 6th century. The current structure, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was completed in 1675 after the Great Fire of London and is said to have inspired the design of traditional tiered wedding cakes.


• Dr. Johnson's House: This fine Georgian townhouse dates from the 18th century and was once the home of Dr. Samuel Johnson, who is credited with writing the first comprehensive English dictionary with the help of a feline friend. See a hidden statue that is the highlight of many of our visitors' trips.


• Temple Bar: Did you know that there is a 2,000-year-old City inside our city? This marker shows the boundary lines into the fiscal and governmental districts of the City of London. 


• St. Clement Danes: Built by master architect Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, this unassuming church is now the official site of worship for the Royal Airforce. See the damage, left unaltered, that was done to it during the bombing campaigns in World War II.


• St. Mary-le-Bow: The church is famously associated with the "Bow Bells," whose sound traditionally defined true Cockneys—those born within earshot of the bells.


• The Shard: Still a bit controversial, The Shard, standing at 310 meters (1,016 feet), dominates the London skyline as Western Europe's tallest building. Its sleek glass facade and pyramid-shaped summit offer breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks, making it a popular tourist attraction.
• *(Sundays and Mondays Only) The Garden at 120: Finish with a visit to this beautiful rooftop garden with sweeping views over the London skyline! Note that at busy times, there may be a small wait to access the garden.

NOTE: This tour requires a minimum number of persons to run. In the unlikely event that we have not reached that, we will contact you prior to the tour with some options.