London’s Old Town: Romans, Riots and Royals
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
- Guided walking tour
- Qualified City of London guide
- Entry to Tower of London and Sky Garden
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Guided walking tour
- Qualified City of London guide
- Entry to Tower of London and Sky Garden
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
Meet your guide near the Tower of London and set off on a journey through the city’s rich history. Begin by visiting the best remaining sections of the original Roman city wall near the Tower and at Vine Street. Hear about London’s 2,000-year-old origins, its abandonment, and eventual Saxon resettlement.
Move on to the site of Aldgate, a former home of Chaucer, and hear about the dramatic Siege of London, a bloody battle fought here during the 15th-century Wars of the Roses. Then, view the remains of the Holy Trinity Priory, a monastery torn to pieces during Henry VIII’s Reformation and break with the Catholic Church of the 1530s.
Continue to Mitre Square, where one of Jack the Ripper’s last known victims was found in the late 19th century. Next, see a fine example of the unique architectural contrasts the City of London offers at St Helen’s Bishopsgate, a 13th-century convent and church and Shakespeare’s former parish, with the gleaming 21st-century Gherkin skyscraper looming behind.
Pass through the ornate 19th-century Leadenhall Market, a popular filming location including that of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films, on the way to the quiet Fen Court with its moving monument to the Slave Trade. A quick stop at the base of the Sky Garden then sees you travel on to Pudding Lane, the origin of the Great Fire of London of 1666, and then on to a lovely oasis garden amid the ruins of St Dunstan in the East, a Blitz victim.
A visit to All Hallows by the Tower takes you back to the story of the Saxon resettlement of the City, with its Saxon archway above a Roman undercroft. End your walk overlooking the bloody Tower of London, William the Conqueror’s 11th-century fortress, palace, and prison. Here, learn about the fates of many tragic prisoners, including Anne Boleyn and the Princes in the Tower.
- Discover the history of London on a guided walking tour of the Old Town
- Explore the remains of the Holy Trinity Priory and learn about its history
- See the original Roman city wall and hear about London's 2,000-year-old origins
- Visit Aldgate, a former home of Chaucer, and hear about the Siege of London
- Walk through Leadenhall Market, a filming location for the Harry Potter films
The meeting point may vary. Always check the tickets we sent you to confirm the final details before the activity.
Not suitable for
- Children under 4 years
- People with low level of fitness
- People with mobility impairments
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Know before you go
- The nearest tube station is Tower Hill
- The tour lasts approximately 2 hours
- The tour starts and ends near the Tower of London
