What to do and see in London, England: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

April 26, 2022 Viva Honore

The crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market…in London, history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn't miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore. For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavor. Music and book buffs will love seeing Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum (at 221B Baker Street, of course).
Restaurants in London

1. The Tower of London: Explore its often gruesome history on a walking audio tour

Monument to the Great Fire of London, Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH, UK VoiceMap London
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Explore the history of the Tower of London before you go into the Tower! Some of the city's most fascinating and bloody histories occurred outside and around the Tower. Learn about the origins of Londons first bridge across the Thames and how you are not quite walking in its footsteps. Find out where the guns of HMS Belfast are actually pointed and as you walk across Londons iconic Tower Bridge you will find out the death-defying history of transport minding the gap. The tour is created and voiced by J P Holdstock an English author of murder mystery historical fiction books. His passion for the medieval history of London and its people is evident in his tour. Get ready to journey back in time as he tells the sometimes gruesome stories from the 12th and 13th centuries.

Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, VoiceMap app for Andoird and iOS, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions: Smartphone and headphones, Transportation, Food and drink, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Reviewed By ianjones247

Once downloaded it appeared to start at a set time...why?? We downloaded in advanced so missed half an hour before we started. My wife had trouble with hers cutting out and after a short while gave up. I found it hard to set up and would not call it user friendly. If there was a way to go back to the start I certainly couldn't find it.

2. Borough Market and beyond

9 Stoney St, London SE1 9AA, UK Dr Stephen King
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5.0 based on 29 reviews

While Borough Market is firmly on the tourist trail, I will show you the hidden history that not even the locals know. Starting from the famous market we will wander and discover the heroes and villains that makes Borough such an amazing place. Behind the waterfront, with Tate Modern and the Globe, there is a maze of streets, with 2,000 years of history to uncover. We will hear about Shakespeare and his rivals, who inspired Dickens and Bankside's dark side! An excellent way to find out more about this amazing part of London, with a fully qualified London tour guide. Friendly, fun and informative tours from an expert in the area's history. Guarantee only small groups, meeting Covid-19 safety measures and away from the crowds in the quiet backstreets. This is a family friendly tour. An excellent safe way to reintroduce you and your friends back to amazing London!

Inclusions: Disposable masks - Covid safety, Details of Borough attractions

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Reviewed By ali5143

Stephen is an excellent - and funny - guide and knows so much about London's history and the history of Southwark in particular. I really enjoyed the stories he told but most of all I enjoyed being able to see, in my mind's eye, what Borough must have looked like hundreds of years ago because he painted such a vivid picture of it.

3. Small-Group Tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London

30 Newgate St, London EC1A 7HL, UK Liquid History Tours
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5.0 based on 1,080 reviews

Discover ancient ale houses and literary drinking dens on a 3-hour afternoon pub tour of London. Centered on the area in and around the City of London, the tour visits at least four of London’s finest historical pubs, your guide will recommend different ales in each (not included). Hear the history of the pubs, learn the differences between Elizabethan coaching inns and Victorian gin palaces, and visit the watering holes frequented by legendary British novelist Charles Dickens. Numbers are limited to 14 on this small-group pub tour, ensuring you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your guide.

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By kippeng2020

Mark is a good guide for sure, happy to walk through with them and very informative. Thumps up for him

4. Regents Canal Waterbus boat tour Camden Town to Little Venice

Camden Lock, London NW1 8AF, UK London Waterbus Company
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5.0 based on 64 reviews

From modern day urban graffiti, unique architecture, industrial history to landscaped gardens and wildlife, the route gives an insight to the unique mix that forms this part of London. Travel on a converted traditional narrowboat

Inclusions: Travel on a converted traditional narrow-boat

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Reviewed By lucypJ601MJ

Thank you for a fab 45 minute tour. Was a lovely leisurely cruise having had to run to make the boat ???? Loved our tour guide Nikki who gave some fun and educational facts.. our favourite was the mention of the term toerags! Would 100% recommend if you are travelling in either direction.

5. Regents Canal Waterbus boat tour Little Venice to Camden Town

41 Blomfield Rd, London W9 2PF, UK London Waterbus Company
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4.9 based on 69 reviews

From modern day urban graffiti, unique architecture, industrial history to landscaped gardens and wildlife, the route gives an insight to the unique mix that forms this part of London. Travel on a converted traditional narrowboat

Inclusions: 45-Minute Boat Trip

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Reviewed By Paul H

We did the Little Venice to Camden Locks route. Very informative, the host pointed out all the points of interest about the canal, and the famous people's home just go past. Very relaxing way to see a lovely peaceful part of the City. Plus a great place to finish at Camden to get some lovely street food and a cold beer. Recommended 100%

6. The 5 Women & Jack the Ripper

Altab Ali Park, Adler St, Shadwell, London E1 1FD, UK See Your City
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4.9 based on 122 reviews

In 1888, tragedy struck: Five lives were taken, countless more were changed forever. While the killer has become a household name, his victims have been largely lost to history. Join us as we follow in the footsteps of Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary Jane on our “The 5 Women + Jack the Ripper” tour of London. Together with your expert guide, who’ll help you navigate the East End, you’ll unearth crucial clues, examine the crime scenes and explore the women’s stories. You’ll learn about the terrors that rippled through 1800’s Whitechapel as history’s most infamous serial killer proceeded on his murderous rampage. Most of all, you’ll learn about the human beings behind the headlines. Just how much of what you think you know is wrong? Our “The 5 Women + Jack the Ripper” walking tour is an educational and alternative way to explore the wonderful city of London. Why not get a group of friends together for a socially distanced walk with an eerie twist? Book your tickets today.

Inclusions: Professional Guide, Interactive Experience

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M5351UMalexd

Was so great to know all the history of inner London and all the ghost stories! A must see! Real in-depth stories and we loved the quiz parts as well!

7. The Jack The Ripper Walking Tour in London

BNB - Business Network Builders Limited, Aldgate Tower, 2 Leman St, London E1 8FA, UK Jack the Ripper Tour - Discovery Tours
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4.8 based on 149 reviews

This is the Original Aldgate East Jack the Ripper tour that has been operating nightly since 1982. Our start point means that, within seconds of setting out, you are exploring the cobbled alleys and atmospheric old streets that have changed little since Jack the Ripper prowled their shadows. Our guides, Richard Jones, John Bennett, Philip Hutchinson, Angie Norman, Lindsay Siviter and Mark Ubsdell are experts on the case and have between them written more than ten acclaimed books on the Jack The Ripper mystery. They are able to present you with a detailed account of the crimes that shook the world in 1888. However, they present those facts in a dramatic and entertaining fashion that is both entertaining and inspiring, and which helps bring the history of the crimes to vivid life. From the start, it is as though you are a part of the Victorian police investigation, as you sift the evidence, examine the facts, and debate the crimes and arrive at your own conclusions.

Inclusions: Expert Guides Who Will Bring The Story To Life, Original Photographs Of The Locations As They Were At The Time Of The Murders., The Opportunity To Ask Questions And Discuss The Case With Your Guide And Fellow Participants., You Will Be Able To Peruse Police And Press Reports About The Crimes.

Exclusions: Travel Costs To And From The Tour.

Reviewed By nikoleta_011

Had a great evening walk with Angie who kept us all in good mood despite the heavy rain! This is very interesting and engaging tour, we were given a lot of information not only focusing on Jack but also on snippets of unique insights about London and its history. I highly recommend it!

8. Behind-the-Scenes Houses of Parliament Guided Tour

Parliament Square, Westminster, London SW1P, UK Walks
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4.8 based on 21 reviews

As the visitors, politicians and staff head home for the day, you and no more than 25 people will enjoy a guided tour inside the Palace of Westminster. You’ll follow the same route Queen Elizabeth takes during the State opening of Parliament and discover all about the iconic art and architecture. As a highlight, you’ll step into the House of Lords with almost no other crowds for a uniquely intimate experience with this legendary room.

Inclusions: Expert Tour Guide, Parliament tickets

Exclusions: Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off, Gratuities

Reviewed By B464YKdeborahm

I can’t say enough good things about this tour and the tour guide Katie. Super interesting, informative, knowledgeable in answering questions. Worth every pence, and if I ever make it back to London I will do Walks again for the other itineraries!

9. Ghosts, Ghouls & Gallows: London Virtual Tour

Green Park, London SW1A 1AA, UK See Your City
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4.8 based on 258 reviews

Highlights ● Discover London’s gruesome history with your professional guide. ● Hear ghost stories about London’s most haunted locations without leaving your house. ● Learn about the Penny Dreadfuls; the fantastical tabloids of the 19th century. Description Go on a delightfully horrible adventure and learn about London’s love affair with the macabre. From the plague pits of Green Park to the Penny Dreadfuls of the Victorian era and finally the most haunted building in the UK; The Tower of London. Watch as your live guide talks you through London’s horrible past and tells you the ghost stories that have captured people's imaginations for over 100 years. Please not that all tour times are set to time zone BST(UK)

Inclusions: ● Admission to the virtual group tour - all online., ● Professional live guide., ● A fun quiz on Penny Dreadful titles.

Exclusions: An internet connection is necessary.

Reviewed By laurendevere

Perla was brilliant and right from the start was very welcoming of everyone who attended. She was enthusiastic and the compilation of the visuals was very relevant. She told great stories and kept the whole event alive and vibrant throughout. I learned a lot and Perla also gave some great recommendations for films to watch that related to the topic.

10. 5-Day Devon and Cornwall Small-Group Tour from London

Green Line Coach Station, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SS, UK Rabbie's
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4.7 based on 191 reviews

Leave bustling London behind for five wonderful days in the countryside of southwest England! On this small-group tour from London to the counties of Devon and Cornwall, your guide will tell you interesting historical facts and stories about the area and show you beautiful towns, famous sights and breathtaking landscapes you’ll never forget. Discover the beauty of these two regions – some of England's best – and visit popular attractions like Stonehenge. You’ll see the South Devon coast, Dartmoor, Exeter and, of course, the idyllic county of Cornwall. In a group of less than 16 people, you are sure to enjoy a personalized and valuable experience with your guide.

Inclusions: 4 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast in either a B&B or 3-star Hotel., Driver/guide, Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers), Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach

Exclusions: Gratuities, Meals and refreshments, Admission fees

Reviewed By HerbertViola

The Wales tour was a great experience made much better by our excellent guide Rob! It was a difficult one as travel restrictions in Wales were announced on our third day. But Rabbies was quick to make alternative arrangements in Cotswolds and covered the additional cost of bookings. We have been to some magical locations which we would definitely miss on our own. Rob was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic to help, friendly and flexible making everyone feel involved. All in all, it was the highlight trip of the year!

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