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

The City of London Historic Walking Tour offers a captivating journey through London’s oldest streets for just $49 per person. With a duration of approximately 3 hours, this guided excursion explores over 2000 years of history, making it an excellent choice for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone wanting a comprehensive yet engaging overview of central London’s most iconic sites. The tour departs from Temple Station and features a mobile ticket, simplifying access. One of the unique highlights is the optional rooftop visit at Garden at 120, available on Sundays and Mondays, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of London’s skyline. While the tour covers a broad array of landmarks, it is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for both adults and children, making it a versatile option for diverse groups.

This tour stands out for its detailed storytelling, lively guides, and the inclusion of a rooftop garden visit, which adds a scenic reward to the historical route. With an impressive rating of 5.0 based on 26 reviews and a 96% recommendation rate, it clearly resonates with past participants. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience, and the tour is well-booked in advance, with an average of 32 days ahead. This tour offers an immersive look into London’s history, blending architectural marvels, stories, and panoramic views into a compact three-hour experience, ideal for those who want a detailed yet enjoyable exploration of London’s core.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $49, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Approximately 3 hours in duration, perfect for fitting into a day.
• Guided by knowledgeable locals, with engaging stories infused with humor.
• Includes optional rooftop visit at Garden at 120 on Sundays and Mondays for stunning skyline views.
• Stops at major landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, and the Bank of England.
• Limited group size ensures a more personalized experience, with a maximum of 20 participants.

Exploring London’s Oldest Streets and Hidden Alleys

The City of London Historic Walking Tour takes you through some of the oldest parts of London, revealing the city’s roots from Roman times to modern skyscrapers. The guides are experts at sharing stories that bring these historic sites to life, making the experience both informative and entertaining. The walk covers famous streets such as Fleet Street, known for journalism and the infamous Sweeney Todd legend, and historic alleys that whisper tales of centuries past.

The tour begins at Temple Station, with the first stop being St. Clement Danes Church. This late 17th-century building was designed by Christopher Wren and now serves as the RAF’s church. Visitors see the battle scars from World War II bombing campaigns, adding a poignant touch to the church’s story. The guide explains why the RAF chose this location, offering insight into London’s wartime history.

Visiting the Royal Courts of Justice and Temple Bar

Next, the group visits the Royal Courts of Justice, opened by Queen Victoria in 1882. This Neo-gothic building, resembling a medieval palace, contains over two dozen courtrooms and remains a bustling part of London’s legal system. The guide highlights its significance while pointing out its architectural grandeur.

A walk along Fleet Street follows, crossing the historic boundary marker at Temple Bar. This boundary, dating back to the 1800s, historically marked the entrance to the City of London. It’s where the monarch must seek permission to enter and signifies the end of royal jurisdiction. Walking along this Roman road offers a glimpse into London’s ancient roots.

Dr. Johnson’s House and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

The tour then leads to Dr. Johnson’s House, an 18th-century Georgian townhouse once home to Samuel Johnson, who compiled the first comprehensive English dictionary. Visitors can see the curious statue in the courtyard—an amusing homage to Johnson’s feline companion that helped with the dictionary’s creation.

Afterward, the group visits Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a medieval pub frequented by Charles Dickens, Conan Doyle, and P.G. Wodehouse. This historic tavern offers a cozy atmosphere, with centuries of literary history echoing through its stone walls. It’s a perfect spot to imagine writers of the past enjoying a drink amid historic surroundings.

The Churches of Wren and the Financial District

Continuing the journey, the tour stops at St. Bride’s Church, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the Baroque style. Its distinctive tiered spire is said to have inspired traditional wedding cakes. As an active church, it also hosts services and cultural events, linking the city’s spiritual and historical life.

Next, the guide takes you to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Wren’s masterpiece, completed in the early 1700s. Known for its exquisite mosaics, impressive arches, and the Whispering Gallery, it is one of London’s most iconic religious buildings. The guide ensures you get the best viewpoints for photos, emphasizing its importance in events such as Churchill’s funeral and royal weddings.

The Royal Exchange follows, founded in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1844 with its grand neoclassical architecture. Today, it combines historic grandeur with modern retail, housing luxury shops and restaurants, symbolizing London’s commercial evolution.

Mansion House, Bank of England, and the Great Fire Monument

The Mansion House, built between 1739 and 1752, is the residence of the Lord Mayor of London. The guide highlights its role as a venue for official functions and its prominent Georgian architecture.

Close by, the Bank of England impresses visitors with its 1827 Sir John Soane-designed building. The guide stands atop the vaults, which currently contain 310 tonnes of gold bars, making it a fascinating peek into London’s financial strength.

A visit to the Great Fire of London Monument offers a compelling story of the 1666 disaster. Climbing its 211 steps provides some of the best views of the city skyline and a chance to see the fire’s impact on London’s rebuilding.

London Bridge, The Shard, and Tower Bridge

The tour then moves to London Bridge, a site with a crossing that dates back to AD 42. The current bridge, built in the 1960s, replaces the medieval structure famously “falling down” in nursery rhymes. The guide points out where to see the original medieval bridge remnants.

Across the river stands the Shard, completed in 2012. It is Western Europe’s tallest building, designed by Renzo Piano. Visitors get a chance to see its observation decks and panoramic views, alongside its mix of offices, restaurants, and luxury apartments.

A visit to Tower Bridge follows, a Victorian engineering marvel finished in 1894. The Gothic-style bascules and towers make it instantly recognizable, with walkways offering spectacular city views. During summer, the bridge may open, allowing boats to pass underneath.

The Historic HMS Belfast and the Thames River

Over the water, the HMS Belfast serves as a museum tied to World War II history. It played a vital role during the D-Day landings, and visitors can explore its decks and learn about naval life with interactive exhibits.

The River Thames itself provides lovely scenic views throughout the tour. The guide highlights landmarks like Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, emphasizing the river’s role as a historic artery for trade and transportation.

The Tower of London and the Crown Jewels

Finally, the Tower of London caps the sightseeing with its 11th-century origins and diverse roles—royal residence, prison, treasury. Visitors can see the White Tower, royal armor, and the Crown Jewels. The guide shares stories of intrigue and royal drama that surround this fortress.

The Rooftop Garden at Garden at 120

On Sundays and Mondays, the tour concludes with a visit to Garden at 120, a spectacular rooftop garden with sweeping views of London’s skyline. Access may involve a short wait during busy times, but the panoramic vistas make it well worth the effort, offering a fitting finale to this historic walk.

Logistics, Accessibility, and Overall Value

The tour begins at Temple Station and ends at a different location, with a maximum of 20 travelers in each group. The guided experience is led by a local expert, known for being knowledgeable, personable, and humorous. Past reviews praise the guide’s storytelling, as well as the attention to detail and timing of the stops.

The price of $49 covers the guided walk and the rooftop visit on select days, making it an affordable way to see London’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide. The tour is well-suited for families and adults alike, with a moderate pace that allows for photo stops and storytelling.

The Best for Who and What to Expect

This tour is ideal for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of central London. The walking pace is manageable, but some stops—like the Monument or Tower of London—involve stair climbing, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The inclusion of select sites with admission fees not included means visitors should budget extra for certain attractions.

The City of London Historic Walking Tour provides a well-rounded, engaging, and cost-effective way to explore London’s ancient streets, grand buildings, and scenic views, all led by a passionate local guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the rooftop garden visit included in the ticket price?
Yes, on Sundays and Mondays, the tour includes access to the Garden at 120 as part of the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it easy to fit into a single morning or afternoon.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Temple Station, located on Temple Place, London WC2R 2PH.

Are tickets required for the stops like St. Paul’s or the Tower of London?
No, the admission tickets are not included for stops such as St. Clement Danes Church, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London, so visitors should plan to purchase those separately if they wish to explore inside.

How accessible is this tour for families with children?
The tour is designed to be enjoyable for both adults and children, with a moderate pace and engaging storytelling. Some stops involve stairs, so suitable footwear and a bit of stamina are recommended.

What makes this tour stand out from other London walking tours?
The combination of historic landmarks, humor-infused storytelling, and the optional rooftop visit creates a rich and memorable experience that balances education with scenic reward.