From ancient markets and medieval landmarks to royal palaces and war rooms, London is steeped in history and heritage and there are a bunch of tours you can go on that showcase the very best of it. Here’s our list of the best guided tours of some of London’s most popular attractions.
(WA=Wheelchair Accessible)
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Enjoy a Walking tour around Spitalfields in the East End
Discover the storied history of London’s Spitalfields on this tour of Spitalfields and the East End. Led by an expert guide, this immersive experience takes you on a journey through the cobbled streets of Spitalfields. Take time to explore the area’s rich heritage, from its Huguenot silk-weaving past to the colourful contemporary culture that makes it a hot spot today. Admire architectural landmarks, like Nicholas Hawksmoor’s Christ Church built in a classic English Baroque style, and hear tales of the district’s quirky characters, like the 17th century herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper. Follow your guide as you walk around the famous Old Spitalfields Market that dates back to the 17th Century. This bustling market has been home to a market for more than 350 years and is an architectural Victorian masterpiece. Today, it’s a vibrant East End market, serving everything from ceramics and street food to paintings, clothes and more.
Walking Tour around Spitalfields in the East End of London | Spitalfields
Tour the British Museum from a different perspective
Take a leap into the past on The Unfiltered History Tour, an immersive journey through time and untold stories from an entirely different perspective that one might expect when they visit The British Museum. With this tour, which is not actually led by a tour guide but is a self-guided audio tour, you’ll get a unique perspective on ten disputed artefacts from the museum’s collections. Many of the artefacts now on display at the museum (and at many museums around the UK) were taken from other nations by the British Empire during colonisation, and it’s said that the British Museum is home to the largest collection of these stolen objects in the world. Plug in and follow the recommended route as you discover the secrets, scandals, and narratives of people from the countries the artefacts were removed from, offering an unfiltered perspective on the past.
The Unfiltered History Tour | Holborn | WA
Image Courtesy of Walks
Get after hours access to the Tower of London
This tour of the Tower of London promises an intimate exploration of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks after it’s officially closed to the public. You’ll be guided by a Yeoman Warder – one of the tower’s iconic beefeater guards – as you dive head first into the tower’s intriguing past, from its origins as a royal palace to its dark days as a prison. Spend some time strolling along the majestic medieval walls and hear tales of sordid plots and royal stories. You’ll also get to see the Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient tradition that happens every day when they close the gates to the public for the night. With after-hours priority access, you’ll avoid long lines and hordes of tourists, meaning you’ll get a real personal experience of one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys | Tower Hill
Image Courtesy of Walks
Retrace the footsteps of Winston Churchill
Next on our list of guided tours of London attractions is this London World War II walking tour, which includes a visit to Churchill’s war rooms. Alongside your guide, you will explore the complex underground headquarters where he and his team made profound decisions that ultimately contributed to winning World War II. Follow your guide beneath the city streets and fully immerse yourself by retracing the steps made in these exact historic spaces, imagining the conversations that would’ve taken place here. Above the underground rooms, your expert guide will lead you to Churchill’s frequented hangouts and other significant places, uncovering tales and tribulations about the happenings of these locations throughout the war whilst also delving into how WWII has left a lasting influence on London. Along the way, you’ll hear captivating historical facts and stories, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of this iconic leader and experience the enduring legacy of the war.
Life of Churchill and World War II | Westminster
Image Courtesy of Walks
Visit the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
Embark on an immersive journey through British politics and history on this Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey tour. Unlike the usual audio-guided tours, this experience is led by an informed London guide who will take you deep into the heart of British democracy. Explore the inner workings of Parliament, including the iconic Chamber of the House of Lords and the historic Upper House, which played a pivotal role in shaping the British Empire. Visit the crypts where legends are laid to rest, including Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. You’ll also get the chance to explore Westminster Abbey, a medieval venue that has functioned as a political gathering place for nearly a millennium.
Exclusive Houses of Parliament Tour with Guided Visit & Skip-the-Line Westminster Abbey Tour | Westminster
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Head on a Kensington Palace tour with royal afternoon tea
Kensington Palace has been a part of Britain’s monarchy since the 1600s, earning its reputation as one of London’s most impressive royal landmarks. It’s been home to members of the British Royal Family for years and today remains a royal working residence where functions and gatherings continue to take place. The complex structure has seen illustrious architects like Wren, Hawksmoor, and Vanbrugh leave their marks during its construction from the early 17th century to 1899. It’s home to 547 regal rooms, adorned with diverse decor influenced by various monarchs and has an overall Gothic charm throughout. This tour of Kensington Palace takes you to explore its manicured gardens and impressive rooms, offering royal family insights along the way. You’ll also enjoy a delicious British afternoon tea in the Kensington Palace Pavilion, where you’ll feast on a spread of scones topped with jam and cream, dainty finger sandwiches and other quintessential British treats.
Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Afternoon Tea | Kensington | WA
Uncover the secrets of the Natural History Museum
Unlock the hidden treasures of the Natural History Museum on this Secrets of the Natural History Museum Tour. Stroll through the halls of this iconic institution, where 80 million items reside, covering all things to do with the history of our planet. On this tour, led by expert guides, you’ll gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas rarely seen by the public, discovering the museum’s intriguing secrets and stories. From exhibits and specimens to the scientific research that drives our understanding of the natural world, this tour offers the chance to delve into the mysteries of Earth’s past, present, and future, all within the breathtaking setting of the Natural History Museum, an architectural masterpiece within itself.
Secrets of the Natural History Museum Tour | South Kensington | WA
Get a taste of British food at a legendary London market
Last on our list of the best guided tours of London attractions offers the chance to get a taste of British culinary history. This Borough Market food tour takes place in an area that has consistently been at the heart of the capital’s gastronomic culture. Explore timeless family-run establishments with centuries-old legacies, snap Instagram-worthy desserts, and savour tasty treats along the way. You’ll uncover the favourite dining spots of local Londoners, enjoying seven food tastings and a drink at six local small businesses on route. Feast on things like award-winning fish and chips and sip on pints at a beloved London pub. This is put on by our friends at Eating Europe, we love their food tours in London and around Europe.
Borough Market Food Tour | London Bridge
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