Secret Old London Walking Tour

A Journey Through London’s Shadowed Past

London’s story isn’t only about grand palaces and illustrious royalty. Beneath its modern veneer lie centuries of darker tales—plagues, executions, and ruins—hidden just beneath the surface. The Secret Old London Walking Tour offers a compelling peek into this shadowy side, weaving together atmospheric streets, haunting memorials, and centuries-old sites with a knowledgeable guide.

What I love most about this experience is how it transforms familiar streets into a living history book, and how it reveals the stories behind the stones that many pass by unaware. The guides, praised for their deep knowledge and lively storytelling—like Rosie and Pepe—bring these stories to life, making history feel immediate. Plus, the chance to stand where Roman amphi-theatre walls once loomed or to peer inside the shell of a church bombed in the Blitz adds a visceral punch.

One thing to keep in mind is the tour’s length—just 1.5 hours—so if you’re eager to explore every corner of London’s darker history, you might wish for more time. Also, the tour is designed for those aged over 12, so very young children or pets aren’t permitted, and comfortable shoes are a must to navigate uneven medieval streets. Overall, at $24.25, the tour provides excellent value for an authentic, immersive experience that’s both educational and engaging.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Rich historical sites: From medieval churches to Roman ruins, each stop offers a glimpse into London’s layered past.
• Expert guides: Guides like Rosie and Pepe are highly praised for their engaging storytelling and deep knowledge.
• Authentic atmosphere: You walk through streets largely unchanged for centuries, feeling transported back in time.
• Touching memorials: The tour includes emotional sites honoring heroism and sacrifices from London’s history.
• Accessible and flexible: The tour is wheelchair accessible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Value for money: At around $24, the 1.5-hour walk packs in stories and sights that make it a worthwhile experience.

Exploring London’s Dark Corners

I find that walking tours like this one are a fantastic way to see the parts of London that often escape the tourist radar. Starting outside Barbican Underground Station, the tour winds through areas rich with stories of plague, executions, and ruins, revealing layers of London’s past that many don’t know exist.

The Medieval Charm of Charterhouse Square

Your journey begins in Charterhouse Square, a tranquil spot where you might not expect to find such a dark history. Around 600 years ago, this peaceful green was the site of London’s Black Death dumping ground. It’s a stark reminder that even the most serene places in London have witnessed chaos and suffering. The silence here is almost deafening when you think about the hundreds of lives lost and dumped there.

The Gritty Streets of Smithfield

Next, you’ll venture to the Smithfield Market area, where medieval jousts once took place and grisly executions occurred. The site of William Wallace’s execution, for example, harks back to a time when public suffering was entertainment. As one reviewer pointed out, standing at these spots makes the past feel remarkably vivid—”interesting, fun, alternative,” as Elena put it, thanks to the lively storytelling of guides like Pepe.

Inside St. Bartholomew the Great

A highlight is visiting St. Bartholomew the Great, an ancient church used in movies like “Four Weddings & a Funeral” and “Sherlock Holmes.” Its medieval architecture and quiet atmosphere contrast sharply with the gruesome history of the surrounding streets. The church’s survival through fires and wars makes it a testament to London’s resilience—an oasis of calm amid dark tales.

The Shell of a Church Bombed in the Blitz

One emotional stop is inside the shell of a church destroyed during the Blitz. As one reviewer noted, “Rosie was an excellent guide giving us in-depth information about London’s history and making the old times come alive again.” You can almost hear the echoes of those past tragedies while walking through these ruins, feeling the weight of history beneath your feet.

Roman Ruins and Hidden Secrets

The tour also points out the perimeter of a Roman amphitheatre, a hidden relic beneath modern streets. Finding these ruins is like uncovering a secret chapter of Roman London, bringing a sense of continuity from ancient to modern times. It’s moments like these that make the walk more than just a collection of stories—they become a tangible connection to London’s deep history.

The Experience and Who It’s For

This tour is best suited for history enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone who enjoys stories of guts, gore, and resilience. The pace is brisk but engaging, with guides providing a wealth of details that make these old sites more meaningful. If you’re someone who loves authentic atmospheres and secret stories, you’ll find yourself captivated.

The small group size and the fact that it’s wheelchair accessible make it a good choice for diverse travelers. Keep in mind that it’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are essential. Also, since no refreshments are included, bringing water or a quick snack might be wise.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re fascinated by the darker chapters of history, enjoy exploring less touristy areas, or want a different perspective on London’s past, this walk is perfect. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate guides with a knack for storytelling—many reviewers praised guides like Rosie and Pepe for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.

Price, Logistics, and Practical Tips

At $24.25, this tour offers good value for the 1.5 hours of immersed storytelling and exploration. The fact that the tour is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance means you can reserve without worry, and flexible booking makes it easy to fit into your plans.

Meet outside Barbican Underground Station for the start, and the tour ends back at the same spot—convenient for combining with other activities or transport options. The tour runs at various times—check availability to pick a slot that fits your schedule.

What to Bring and What Not To

Comfortable shoes are a must—they’ll be walking through uneven, cobbled streets. Pets and large luggage aren’t permitted, and video recording isn’t allowed, likely to preserve the experience for all participants. Dogs are only permitted if they are guide dogs, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Stories and Authentic Insights

Reading reviews, I notice that guides like Rosie and Pepe aren’t just fact-checkers—they’re storytellers who make the history come alive. One reviewer said, “Rosie was very enjoyable to talk with. She had a lot of different stories to share to keep the tour interesting.” Their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge elevate the experience, making the stories of execution sites, medieval plagues, and Roman ruins resonate with visitors.

Other travelers appreciated the balanced pacing and the authentic atmosphere—”it went at a great pace and was super interesting,” as Rosanne noted. Many also highlighted how much they learned despite living in London, with one reviewer mentioning, “I have lived in London for a few years but learnt a lot of new information that I hadn’t heard before.”

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This walk is best for those eager to explore London’s lesser-known, darker history in a lively, approachable way. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to walk through centuries of stories without long hours or heavy commitments. If you enjoy historical storytelling, atmospheric streets, and uncovering hidden corners of the city, this tour offers an engaging 1.5 hours of immersive history.

It’s also a great value at under $25, offering a memorable experience that many reviewers consider one of their highlights in London. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor wanting to see a different side of London, this tour delivers a fascinating, authentic peek into its shadowed past.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for anyone over 12. Younger children or pets aren’t permitted, so plan accordingly.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it perfect for a quick but in-depth glimpse into London’s dark past.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside Barbican Underground Station and finishes back at the same spot, making it easy to continue exploring afterward.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing more visitors to enjoy the experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

Are refreshments included?
No, refreshments are not included. It’s advisable to bring water or a snack if needed.

How much does it cost?
The tour costs $24.25 per person, offering excellent value for a rich, atmospheric exploration of London’s darker history.

In the end, this tour provides a vivid, authentic look into London’s shadows—perfect for those curious about the city’s darker chapters. With engaging guides, atmospheric streets, and plenty of stories that connect the past to the present, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left the streets behind.