
Gaol Birds of Old London
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Gaol Birds of Old London worth booking?
Gaol Birds of Old London is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $33 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $33 per person
This unique guided 2 hour walking tour brings the stories of London's lady criminals to life using theatre, comedy and costumed actors. Learn about four very different real true crime cases from the 1800's and walk in th
What you get
- Guided Walking Tour
About this experience
This unique guided 2 hour walking tour brings the stories of London's lady criminals to life using theatre, comedy and costumed actors. Learn about four very different real true crime cases from the 1800's and walk in the footsteps of these women. You will visit places where crimes took place, where people were imprisoned and executed. The tour brings a distinctly feminist angle to the subject matter- analysing how female criminals were perceived and treated during this period and how much has changed. **CONTENT TRIGGER WARNING - contains themes of murder, abuse, child abuse, violence and sex. We include dramatic reenactments of executions that may be triggering to some.** Please note that this tour contains a lot of walking (up to 17 minutes without stopping) so please ensure you are fit enough to take part.
What's included
Included
- Guided Walking Tour
What you'll see and do
City of London
London has a long, dark legacy of trial, punishment and execution. Join us on a journey to discover four of the lesser-known female felons of London's past. From the Old City of London to the bustling West End, allow your Guide to show you the places that crimes and executions took place in the 1800's and early 1900's, and introduce you to the women responsible for them! You will hear stories and dramatic re-enactments** of... ...A 22 year old 'Criminal Mastermind'... ...A 'poisonous' domestic servant... ...A murderous foster carer... ...A cunning courtesan... We will also examine how female criminals were perceived and treated during this period, the influence of class and race, and whether things have changed much today in the criminal justice system, and in society as a whole. Please note - distances between stops can be up to 17 minutes of walking. There are no stops on this tour. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have reasonable fitness to take part.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Outside the Court, opposite the Viaduct Tavern
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will end outside the Coal Hole pub on the Strand. There will be the option to have a drink at the pub at the end.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sun
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Herstorical Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Gaol Birds of Old London. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Dark and morbid, yet...
Dark and morbid, yet funny, educational and progressive. They do great job, highly recommend! Be prepared to walk for a couple for hours, see London at night, and learn about Victorian times.
via Viator
Discover London's history from a new angle, as a herstory
An unusual walking tour that I could/would happily recommend to anyone. Maria is so welcoming and carries the two hours with great enthusiasm and knowledge. I would go back again tonight if it ran two nights on the trot. I have lived in London for most of my life but viewed some of the stunning landmarks we passed with a fresh eye, armed with new, dark information that will stay with me. I also want to find out even more about the four (real) female characters she introduced - a sign of a job perfectly executed (see what I did there?). No wonder she had so many returning faces, I have also signed up for more.
via Tripadvisor
Best tour I've been on
Best walking tour I've been on. Not just your usual tour. Maria and her team bring the stories to life with comedy and acting. The subject is dark but the tour is really engaging and fun. You feel like you're transported back to the Victorian era. Would recommend to anyone who likes doing something a bit different. This experience should be more well known than it is!
via Tripadvisor
Great for a different kind of date night!
I booked this tour with my partner as a different kind of date night and may I say it was an excellent choice. Entertaining, informative and time to chat with each other while walking between the sites. You can tell she’s passionate and knowledgeable about her subject while taking some sly comic swipes at society past and present. A bargain when I think what I pay for some west end “entertainment”!
via Tripadvisor
Entertaining and educational tour featuring London's forgotten characters
We went on the Goal Birds of Old London tour. Our guide Maria provided a fascinating account of some of London's forgotten (in)famous women of their time, together with scenes from their lives played out in front of us with the help of her assistant. The tour centres on the conditions in which the women lived as well as simply their crimes, so was a welcome change from more sensational tours which focus only on the blood and guts. Would definitely recommend these tours to anyone interested in exploring more of London and its history, but with an entertaining twist!
Response from the operator: Thank you so glad you enjoyed it!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Gaol Birds of Old London: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Gaol Birds of Old London cost?
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Prices start at $33 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Gaol Birds of Old London take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Gaol Birds of Old London worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Gaol Birds of Old London?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Gaol Birds of Old London suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Gaol Birds of Old London?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Gaol Birds of Old London start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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