Historic tour exploring the area of the City of London to the West of St Pauls Cathedral. London has 2000 years of history, and we find the hidden alleys and talk about some of the people that have contributed to that history.
The City is a maze of medieval streets, hidden alleys and peaceful courtyards together with historic buildings and monuments. We start in the area of Black friars, once the site of a large, powerful Dominican monastery that played an important role in England’s religion, and its own demise. After the Dissolution, some buildings were used for London’s first indoor Elizabethan theater. We will visit the St. Paul’s churchyard and learn of its past uses, not necessarily good ones! The Newgate's prison was notorious for its public executions and is now the site of the Old Bailey, home to many famous criminal trials. We later move to West Smithfield, once a fair, burial pit and much more. Take a look at a quiet park with a moving monument to ordinary people. The Guildhall is a stunning Saxon Hall, the center of administration for the City and once a courtroom, plus much more on this interesting walk through time.
Included
St Paul's Church
West Smithfield Campus
Guildhall
Meeting point
Exit to Blackfriars underground station
Reviews (9)
2025-07-20 18:34:58
“A hidden gem ”
I’ve been living in London for a year, passing through The City almost every day, and I had never seen most of the places John took us to. I’m so happy we did the tour.These astonishing buildings, landscapes, monuments, churches, parks, etc., should be seen by anyone that has ever walked through the city of London
Nicolas Jimenez (English)
2023-08-14 07:18:03
“Román remains”
Excelent
Éva Somogyi (English)
2023-07-03 12:36:59
“John did great!”
We had a great 3 hour walk with John and our group was just 5 people. It really felt like a private tour.
John’s English was not very distinct so tourist with intermediate level tourist would really have a hard time understanding him.
Me and my friend enjoyed it, but by 17 y.o. son said he could get the idea of what was said from the context only.
Yana Chobitok (English)
2023-07-03 11:01:36
“Amazing tour ”
Tour was well organized and really interesting. I will definitely go again
Gabriela Karlova (English)
2023-02-13 10:57:23
“London's history through the eyes of a Londoner”
John is a brilliant guide with immense knowledge about London's history. My partner and I both live in London and wanted to see our city from a tourist's perspective. We've learned so muich. The tour was interesting and entertaining and we will definitely book another one. Thank you!
Denis & Luke (English)
2022-06-27 20:05:40
“Very informative and enthusiastic”
A huge thank you to John, who spent time on Sunday 26th June showing us around Blackfriars alleyways and all the fantastic historical buildings. His knowledge was fantastic and we got to see places we would never have visited on our own!
Carolyn Blythe (English)
2022-02-13 09:20:34
“Personal service Tour!”
Really appreciated John taking the time to escort us around some hidden treasures. Good to have time to talk and share experiences.
Tony Wright (English)
2021-12-03 13:31:01
“John is FANTASTIC! ”
John is prepared , professional , helpful. I recommend John to anyone who would like to have an insightful visit with a personalized touch. John is knowledgeable , kind , and very passionate about history.
Beatrice (English)
2021-11-29 14:47:16
“Tour with John”
We really enjoyed the tour with John. Hope to do another one... :)
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