The Freemasons Tour of London

Discover the Freemasons Tour of London, a captivating 3-hour private journey through the city’s lesser-known sites connected to knights, Crusaders, Templars, and Freemasons. Priced at $246.72 per person, this tour offers an exclusive look at historic landmarks, hidden alleyways, and iconic filming locations. The tour departs from Farringdon Station and ends at Freemasons Hall, with pickup included from your accommodation, making logistics straightforward. With a 5.0 out of 5 rating from six reviews, this experience appeals to those interested in religious and military history and enjoy discovering secret corners of London most visitors overlook. While the tour involves walking and some uneven terrains, it offers a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and storytelling tailored for a curious and moderate physically fit group.

This private tour is perfect for visitors who want a personalized experience, exploring less crowded sites with an expert guide. The extensive itinerary covers over twenty stops, including historic churches, ancient gates, monastic ruins, and the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England. The tour’s strength lies in its detailed explanations of London’s medieval and military past combined with visits to filming locations like the Temple Church and Charles Dickens’ Old Curiosity Shop. The pickup included and group discounts make it a convenient and value-packed choice for those eager to uncover London’s secret history.

Key Points

• Private, guided experience focused on knights, Crusaders, Templars, and Freemasons history
• Includes hotel pickup for hassle-free transportation
• Extensive itinerary visits over 20 landmarks in just 3 hours
• Highlights filming locations and hidden sites like the Temple Church and Old Curiosity Shop
• Suitable for moderately fit guests comfortable with walking and uneven surfaces
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

Starting Point and Duration of the Freemasons Tour

The tour begins at Farringdon Station at 9:30 am, with the end point being Freemasons Hall on Great Queen Street. The 3-hour tour covers a broad selection of sites, offering a compact yet thorough journey through London’s military and religious history. The tour includes complimentary pickup from your accommodation, which simplifies planning and helps maximize your sightseeing time.

Guests should note that tube tickets are not included in the price and need to be purchased separately before and after the tour. This makes the tour well-suited for those familiar with public transportation in London or who prefer a guided experience that minimizes logistical concerns.

Exploring London’s Hidden Well and Clerkenwell

The tour kicks off with a visit to Clerk’s Well, a little-known historic well that inspired the name of the district. This hidden water source dates back centuries and offers a glimpse into London’s medieval past, often overlooked by mainstream tours. Next, the Marx Memorial Library stands as a reminder of London’s leftist heritage, functioning as a working institute that hosts a range of political activities.

Not far from there, travelers explore St John Priory Church, where the beautiful church garden is filled with medicinal plants, and an ancient military weapon surprises visitors. The nearby St John’s Gate serves as an imposing marker of the Knights of St John’s historic presence in London, with the Museum of the Order of St John offering a look at weapons and armor, although the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Discovering Medieval and Monastic Sites

The Charterhouse, once one of London’s largest plague pits, offers a fascinating look into the city’s Black Death history. A recent discovery of plague victims’ skeletons adds a poignant element to this stop, which is normally open to visitors. Nearby, the Church of St. Bartholomew the Great—one of the oldest churches in London—was built by a Crusader, connecting directly to the tour’s religious themes.

The ruins of Christchurch Greyfriars Church create a peaceful garden scene beneath St. Paul’s Cathedral’s shadow, blending natural beauty with historic remnants. Whitefriars Crypt provides an off-the-beaten-path glimpse into monastic life, with its remains tucked away in a quiet corner for those paying close attention.

Exploring the Temples, Knights, and Filming Locations

A highlight of the tour is Temple Church, renowned for its Templar architecture and cinematic fame from “The DaVinci Code”. The church’s medieval design offers a peaceful retreat amid the busy city streets. Nearby, the Inner Temple provides a tranquil space often used in film and television, such as Downton Abbey.

William Wallace Memorial marks the site of the braveheart’s death, linking London’s history to Scottish legends. The Blackfriars area reveals the remnants of a monastic institution, while the Fleet Street walk takes in the street’s historic link to the British press and a long-lost monastic ruin.

The Freemasons’ Hall and the Old City Streets

The tour’s culmination is at Freemasons’ Hall, the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England. This impressive building hosts the Freemasons Museum (closed on Wednesdays), but the Hall itself is worth seeing for its historic and architectural significance. Along the way, Lincoln’s Inn offers a rarely visited square with ties to the Great Fire of London.

The tour also passes The Old Curiosity Shop, famous for its association with Charles Dickens, and the Seven Stars pub, a former Freemasons meeting spot. These stops add flavor and context to London’s literary and secret societies.

Walking Through Historic London Streets

Travel along Fleet Street, once the hub of British newspapers, and see Whitefriars Crypt, a hidden church crypt off the beaten path. The Middle Temple Lane showcases classic London architecture used in TV series such as Downton Abbey. Each of these sites contributes to the story of London’s medieval, monastic, and legal history.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour is suitable for guests with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking and navigating uneven cobblestones and historic pathways. The meeting point at Farringdon Station is accessible via public transportation, and the drop-off at Freemasons Hall is a short walk from nearby Holborn and Covent Garden Stations.

While the tour offers a comprehensive view of many historic sites, some stops like the Museum of the Order of St John and Charterhouse are closed on specific days, so planning accordingly helps ensure the best experience.

Final Impressions of the Freemasons Tour of London

The Freemasons Tour of London provides a rich, detailed exploration of London’s military, religious, and secret society history in just 3 hours. The private, guided format ensures an intimate experience where the guide’s expertise shines as they reveal hidden stories behind familiar and obscure sites.

The inclusion of hotel pickup offers convenience, and the extensive itinerary covers more than twenty locations, making it an efficient way to see lesser-known London. The high rating and positive reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm, especially for the Templar and Freemason themes.

For those interested in medieval architecture, secret societies, or film locations, this tour delivers a focused adventure filled with history, stories, and surprises. It suits visitors eager for a personalized experience that avoids the crowds and explores London’s hidden past in a manageable time frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
This tour involves walking and some uneven surfaces, so it is best suited for moderately fit guests comfortable with walking.

Are tickets included for the sites visited?
Most stops are free to enter; however, some attractions like the Museum of the Order of St John and Charterhouse are not included and may require separate tickets or are closed on certain days.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks. It focuses on sightseeing and storytelling at historic locations.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Since the tour covers outdoor and historic sites, bringing a small water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing is advisable.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility if plans change.

Is there a guide’s name or specific expertise?
The guide is known for their knowledge of London’s secret sites and enthusiasm for history, making the experience engaging and informative.