Medieval London: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monument to the Tower of London

Explore Medieval London with a Self-Guided Audio Tour for Under $7

This self-guided audio tour offers an affordable way to explore London’s historic sites at your own pace. Priced at just $6.99 per person, it allows you to discover top attractions such as London Bridge, The Shard, and Tower of London without the need for a guide, giving you the flexibility to pause and resume whenever you choose.

The tour is designed for independent explorers, suitable for those interested in history and architecture. It lasts approximately 40 minutes to 2 hours, making it adaptable to your schedule. The tour begins at the Monument to the Great Fire of London and ends near Tower Bridge, passing through various iconic locations along the South Bank and River Thames.

A notable advantage is the low price combined with offline access to all audio files, maps, and geodata. However, it’s important to know that entrance tickets for attractions like the Tower of London are not included, and the tour only provides outdoor commentary—not inside buildings. This setup suits self-motivated visitors who enjoy independent sightseeing and learning at their own pace.

Key Points

• Affordable private tour costing $6.99 per person
• Flexible schedule with the ability to pause and resume
• Highlights include London Bridge, The Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower of London
• Offline maps and audio accessible on iOS and Android devices
• Focus on history from Roman times to Anne Boleyn
• No entrance fees included; tickets must be purchased separately

Starting at the Monument to the Great Fire of London

This tour kicks off at The Monument, a striking Doric column topped with flames, built to commemorate the Great Fire of London and the city’s subsequent rebuilding. The location is easy to find and close to public transportation, making it a practical starting point. The initial segment sets a historical tone for the journey, highlighting London’s resilience.

From here, the tour takes you across London Bridge, where you learn about its history and how it has changed over the years. The immense structure offers great photo opportunities, especially with a view of the Shard in the background. This part of the tour emphasizes London’s engineering feats and urban development.

Iconic Views of The Shard and the South Bank

One of the highlights is the view of The Shard, London’s tallest building with 95 floors. Built starting in 2009 and opened in 2013, The Shard is also called the Shard of Glass or London Bridge Tower. While you cannot go inside, you get a great vantage point from the street to appreciate its modern architecture.

The tour continues along the South Bank of the River Thames, where you will see HMS Belfast, a historic warship now serving as a museum. The narration shares fascinating details about the ship’s role in history. Walking along this stretch, you also pass London’s City Hall, completed in 2002, which is home to the Mayor of London’s office. These iconic landmarks are perfect for photo stops and observing London’s urban landscape.

Crossing Tower Bridge and Learning its Past

A key moment in the tour is the crossing of Tower Bridge, one of London’s most recognizable bascules. The commentary explains what went into its construction and how it operated historically. Although the tour doesn’t include access inside the bridge, the outside views are impressive, and the history shared enriches your understanding of this engineering marvel.

This section of the tour is especially suitable for those interested in historic engineering and city architecture. Tower Bridge’s pedestrian walkways offer stunning views of the Thames and the surrounding medieval and modern structures.

The Rich History of the Tower of London

A large part of the tour is dedicated to the Tower of London, where detailed commentary delves into its fascinating and sometimes gruesome past. This fortress has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. The tour mentions notable figures like Anne Boleyn, giving insight into medieval and Tudor history.

The garden area within the Tower complex is also included, offering a chance to pause and absorb the historic atmosphere. Although entrance tickets are not part of the tour, understanding the significance of the Tower helps visitors appreciate its role in London’s history.

Passing Tower Hill and Learning About Historic Executions

As the tour moves past Tower Hill, it shares fascinating facts about the executions that took place there. This somber history adds depth to the medieval storytelling and emphasizes the grim aspects of London’s past, making it especially appealing for those passionate about historical tales and medieval justice.

This segment provides a deeper understanding of London’s dark history, complementing the more prominent sites visited earlier in the tour.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour’s meeting point is at the Monument to the Great Fire of London, easily reachable via public transportation. The end point is outside the Tower of London near Tower Bridge, making it convenient for visitors planning to continue exploring the area or visit interior attractions with separate tickets.

Offline access to the audio guides and maps means visitors can explore without relying on mobile data, which adds to the convenience. The tour duration varies from around 40 minutes to 2 hours, allowing for a relaxed pace or a more condensed visit.

However, it’s essential to remember that entrance fees for attractions like the Tower of London are not included. Visitors should plan to purchase tickets separately if they wish to go inside the historic castle.

Considerations from Past Feedback and Limitations

While the tour offers valuable insights and flexibility, a review highlights a potential limitation: it only covers outdoor sights. If the goal is to explore interior exhibits or visit the Tower of London itself, this tour alone does not suffice. For those interested in inside visits, additional tickets are necessary, and this might lead to additional costs.

The tour’s non-refundable policy also requires careful planning, especially considering the limited scope regarding access to interior attractions.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This self-guided experience is best suited for history enthusiasts who enjoy self-paced exploration and have a basic understanding that some attractions require separate tickets. It’s ideal for budget-conscious visitors wanting a private, informative overview of London’s medieval sites, especially if they prefer indoor visits to be booked separately.

Travelers who value offline accessibility and flexibility will appreciate how easy it is to customize their schedule with this tour. However, those seeking comprehensive access inside attractions might find this tour limited in scope.

Final Thoughts on the Medieval London Self-Guided Audio Tour

This affordable and flexible tour offers a solid introduction to London’s medieval and modern landmarks. With self-paced narration, it enables independent exploration of historic streets, bridges, and castles. The highlights, including London Bridge, The Shard, HMS Belfast, and the Tower of London, provide a well-rounded overview of the city’s urban development and history.

While the lack of inside access and non-inclusion of attraction tickets are notable considerations, the price and offline maps make this a cost-effective choice for budget travelers or history buffs. It’s best suited for those comfortable exploring on their own and wanting to learn as they go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entry to the Tower of London?
No, the tour does not include tickets for inside the Tower of London. It covers the exterior and history, but visitors need to purchase separate admission tickets if they wish to go inside.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from about 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at each stop.

Is the tour accessible offline?
Yes, the audio guides and maps are available offline for both iOS and Android devices, making it convenient for traveling without mobile data.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Monument to the Great Fire of London and ends outside Tower Bridge, near the Tower of London.

What attractions are included in the narration?
Listeners learn about London Bridge, The Shard, HMS Belfast, London City Hall, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London, along with historical facts about medieval and Tudor London.

Are there any reviews about this tour?
Yes, the overall rating is 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews, though one review mentions dissatisfaction with the outdoor-only nature and lack of inside access.