Discover the Life of London’s Most Famous Thief for Just $26.94

The London: Georgian Thieves and “Honest Jack” Tour offers an engaging 2-hour journey through the heart of London’s criminal history. Priced at $26.94 per person, this guided walk explores the exploits of Jack Sheppard, one of the city’s most celebrated thieves during the early 1700s. The tour is ideal for those interested in history, crime stories, and the working-class life in Georgian London. It departs from the iconic Trafalgar Square, making it easy to find and accessible via Charing Cross station.

While this tour focuses on outdoor walking without inside site visits, it provides a rich narrative about London’s criminal past, highlighting landmarks such as Seven Dials, Fleet Street, and the Old Bailey. It’s perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, and anyone eager to learn about London’s colorful past without needing to step inside museums or pay extra for entry tickets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Price: $26.94 per person for a 2-hour guided walk
Main focus: The life and escapes of Jack Sheppard, one of London’s most popular thieves
Highlights: Trafalgar Square, Seven Dials of St. Giles, Fleet Street, The Old Bailey, St. Paul’s Cathedral
Location: Start at Trafalgar Square, end at Central Criminal Court
Tour type: Outdoor walking tour led by a live English-speaking guide
Booking flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Planning more time in London? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

Starting at Trafalgar Square: Meet Your Guide Next to George IV

The tour begins in the middle of Trafalgar Square, specifically between the two fountains. The closest station is Charing Cross, making it convenient for most visitors. The guide, identifiable by a blue umbrella, welcomes the group 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

This meeting spot is ideal because it’s a lively, central location with plenty of nearby attractions. From here, the guide begins the storytelling about Jack Sheppard’s daring prison escapes and his reputation as a folk hero among the working-class Londoners of the early 1700s.

Exploring London’s Georgian Criminal Landmarks

The tour takes you through central London, covering notable sites linked to Jack Sheppard and London’s criminal history. You see the Seven Dials of St. Giles, a notorious area associated with poverty and vice in the early 18th century. The guide explains how the disorderly environment contributed to the rise of figures like Jack Sheppard.

The group then walks along Fleet Street, famous for its connection to the media and old prisons, before reaching The Old Bailey. From outside, you learn about historical trials and executions, including Jack’s near execution and famous escapes from prison. The guide shares gripping tales of his exploits, making history feel lively and immediate.

St. Paul’s Cathedral and Surrounding Sites

As the walk progresses, the group views St. Paul’s Cathedral from the outside, appreciating its architectural grandeur and role in London’s spiritual and civic life. The guide offers insights into how the city’s landscape changed during the Georgian era and how public spaces reflected London’s social struggles.

The tour emphasizes outside visits only; no inside entry is included to St. Paul’s or other sites, which means visitors should plan separately if they wish to explore further inside.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Old Bailey: Heart of Criminal Justice

One of the tour’s highlights is the Old Bailey, London’s central criminal court. The guide discusses its history and significance, emphasizing its role in trials of notorious criminals like Jack Sheppard. The building’s exterior is a striking reminder of London’s justice system in the 1700s. Expect to hear stories of trials, executions, and how public perception of crime and punishment shaped London’s society.

While you're exploring London, here are other experiences we've looked into

Walking Through Seven Dials: The Criminal Underbelly

At Seven Dials, the guide illustrates the area’s reputation for vice and crime in the Georgian period. The narrow streets and alleys created perfect hideouts and escape routes for pickpockets and thieves. This part of the tour offers a vivid picture of working-class London life, contrasting with the wealth seen in other parts of the city.

The guide shares anecdotes about the area’s reputation as a hotspot for criminal activity, connecting it to Jack Sheppard’s daring escapes and public fascination with his exploits.

Learning About Jack Sheppard’s Escapes and Execution

Throughout the tour, the narrative centers on Jack Sheppard’s daring prison escapes, which made him a folk hero. The guide details his near executions and adventurous exploits, painting a picture of a rebel figure loved by many despite his criminal status. The story culminates with his execution at Tyburn, outside the city, leaving a lasting impression of justice and defiance.

These stories offer a vivid glimpse into London’s criminal justice system and public attitudes toward crime during the Georgian period.

Practical Tips for Tour Participants

Participants should wear comfortable shoes for the outdoor walking. An umbrella or rain gear is recommended, as the tour proceeds regardless of weather, and London’s weather can be unpredictable. The group size tends to be manageable, and the live tour guide provides engaging commentary throughout.

Because inside site visits are not included, visitors interested in exploring sites like St. Paul’s Cathedral further will need to purchase tickets separately. The tour offers valuable suggestions for other museums, sights, and restaurants in the area, making it a practical choice for those combining sightseeing with history.

The Logistics: Meeting Point and End Location

The tour starts promptly at Trafalgar Square next to the Equestrian Statue of George IV. It concludes back at the Central Criminal Court, allowing for easy continuation of sightseeing or onward travel. The group size and guided nature aim to provide an intimate experience, with the flexibility of canceling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This guided walk is perfect for history enthusiasts, crime story fans, and those interested in London’s social history. It suits adults and older children comfortable with walking outdoor routes. The $26.94 price offers good value for a well-informed tour led by a knowledgeable guide. However, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, due to the outdoor and walking nature of the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Georgian Thieves and “Honest Jack” Tour

This tour provides a fascinating glimpse into London’s criminal past, centered on the legendary Jack Sheppard. The outdoor route takes in key landmarks with vivid storytelling that makes history come alive. Although it doesn’t include inside access to sites like St. Paul’s, the outside views and stories are engaging enough to satisfy many history buffs.

The value is enhanced by the expert guidance and the compact duration, making it an accessible and enriching way to explore London’s lesser-known stories. It’s especially suited for those looking for a themed historical walk with a focus on crime, society, and legends of the Georgian era.

Ready to Book?