Best of · HISTORY WALKING TOURS IN LONDON
Good history walking tours in London fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 14 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Join an English-speaking guide such as Dave, Freddy, Tim, Shadow, or Lachlan for a 2-mile walk from St Paul's to the West End. Visit four historic pubs, including a Victorian gin palace and a tavern dating to 1549. Drinks cost extra, and the tour is for adults aged 18 and over.
“A great way to spend an afternoon in London. History, humour and beers. Tour Guide Dave was excellent.”
Begin near the Boadicea and Her Daughters statue for a 90-minute guided walk past Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, and Churchill’s statue. Then explore the Churchill War Rooms and Museum independently with an audio guide. Guides such as Jo, Louise, and Michael are praised for humor and strong historical detail.
“Short but great walking tour of key sites in westminister area-parliament , abbey, square , then a stroll by downing and to changing of the guard. Very knowledgeable guide -Louise. But the best was the Churchill war rooms tour and Churchill museum--a joint venture . the self audio tour device -comprehensive. -the war rooms fascinating. The Museum extensive -almost too much to take in!”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Piccadilly Circus for a 2.5-hour walk through Soho’s music and pub history. Visit four historic pubs, hear stories about Lennon, Hendrix, Bowie, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones, and buy drinks as you go. Guides include Gherto, Henry, Ben, Sy, and Gary.
“This is an awesome tour and Sy is an excellent tour guide. I loved everything about this tour. There was a lot of good information and Sy’s storytelling kept it very exciting and interesting. I think it’s great value for the money. I highly recommend this tour. It’s a great way to understand some of the basics about Soho instead of simply meandering around it.”
Walk from Piccadilly Circus through St James’s and nearby streets with a veteran local guide such as Ben, Luke, Henry, or Tom. Expect royal and celebrity stories, around four historic pubs, local drink suggestions, and a relaxed group of no more than 12 people.
“Thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Luke was very knowledgeable and entertaining! Learnt a lot about the history of St James village. Definitely recommend.”
Follow a guide through Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square, Whitehall, and Horse Guards Parade before entering Churchill’s War Rooms. Expect about 90 minutes of walking, a self-guided museum visit with an audio guide, and a group of 15 or fewer. Guides may include Nathan, Babs, Jeremy, Paul, or Francis.
“Jeremy was fantastic! We loved the tour. Jeremy explained every little detail and was incredibly funny!”
Walk from Cheapside toward Holborn with a private guide such as Lyndon, Lachlan, Adam, John, or Ricky. Hear stories of London’s pubs, Dickensian streets, courts, churches, and wartime survival while stopping at Black Friar, the Old Bank of England, and Princess Louise for optional drinks.
“Despite the atrocious weather, we had a great time. Adam was a fantastic guide, good company and knowledgeable about the historical and alcoholic aspects of the tour. Would recommend.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Piccadilly Circus for a 2.5-hour walk through royal London. Visit four historic pubs, hear stories of Churchill, Chaplin, Bond, and the royals, and explore alleyways near Buckingham Palace. Guides include Tom, Danny, Henry, Luke, Ben, Carlos, and Al.
“Very informative and fun tour! The tour guide Danny was very knowledgeable, pleasant and took his time diving into different details as we did the tour.”
Meet your guide under a yellow umbrella at Embankment Station for a four-hour walk through London pub culture. Visit four historic pubs around Covent Garden, including an 800-year-old tavern, while guides such as Rachel, Mike, Carolina, and Connor share local tales and drink advice. Drinks and food cost extra.
“Rachel, our guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the area, historical and fun facts about the pubs and area. Great day out , excellent value and a drive by Princess Anne too 😁”
Join historian Mick Priestley for a two-hour walk from Tower Hill to St Paul’s Cathedral. Cross Tower Bridge, pass HMS Belfast, Borough Market, Winchester Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Millennium Bridge while hearing how medieval London grew around the Thames.
“Mike is an amazing entertainer with great knowledge ! The best in town!”
Follow a costumed guide such as Gary the Grey, Veronica, Beatrix, or Felix from London Bridge through Bankside. In 75 minutes, hear true stories of suspected witches while passing Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market, The Clink, Shakespeare’s Globe, Millennium Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
“Great tour with an amazing guide. Very witty and yet informative as well. Learned a lot of interesting new things about London. Would highly recommend.”
Walk through wartime Westminster with an English-speaking guide such as Nathan, Richard, or Francis. See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, Downing Street, and the Cenotaph, then finish at Churchill’s War Rooms. The walk lasts 1.5 hours, with some departures listed up to three hours.
“Amber was great! Fun and lively, we learned a lot while having fun!”
Start at Embankment Station and walk to four historic pubs around Covent Garden, including an 800-year-old licensed premises. Your English-speaking guide, such as Rachel, Mike, Carolina, or Adam, shares local stories while you choose and pay for your own ales, beers, or spirits.
“Lots of interesting information and hidden places I wouldn’t have found and 4 excellent pubs and a great guide.”
Follow an English-speaking guide from Temple through the City of London to the Tower and Garden at 120. Expect medieval lanes, St Paul’s, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, the Bank of England, and lively storytelling. Sunday and Monday tours include rooftop access, with guides such as Maggie, Lucas, Carolina, Matt, and Margaret leading the way.
“This was a fun tour! Our guide, Matt, was really friendly and super knowledgable. He took us to places we would never have found without him. The queue for the rooftop at the end of the tour only took about 10 minutes and the rooftop garden was stunning!”
Join Evan for a 2.5-hour, small-group walk from Russell Square through central London’s Brutalist landmarks. Expect sharp architectural detail, post-war history, one short Zone 1 tube ride, and outdoor visits only.
“Evan was an excellent tour guide so much knowledge on the subject”
Pick an era, or a kind of day.
