London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in London
London, United Kingdom

London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Outty Ranking 62 5.0 · 4 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $12

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$12
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour worth booking?

London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour is a 1-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $12 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
62 / 100
Rating
5/5 (4)
Duration
1 hours
From
$12 per person

If you like humorous history, quirky facts and hidden surprises, this self-guided walk right in the centre of London is for you. Having lived in London all my life, I decided to uncover its wacky history. I'm also an a

What you get

    About this experience

    If you like humorous history, quirky facts and hidden surprises, this self-guided walk right in the centre of London is for you. Having lived in London all my life, I decided to uncover its wacky history. I'm also an avid traveller and understand the importance of experiencing a city with a local guide. But more importantly, I love sharing this city's amazing history! On this tour, you’ll learn about the secret behind the flow of the River Thames, the origins of the name “Covent Garden”, and the story of a drink most wouldn't associate with Britain. You'll also discover how the Americans stole coffee from the British, see the only street in London that confuses taxi drivers and learn about London's most notorious 18th-century brothel and the now-extinct police force that shut it down. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or are a local curious about the city's alternative tales, this tour is a valuable introduction to the city's alternative history.

    What's included

    Included

    • VoiceMap Application
    • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
    • Lifetime access to 'London's Alternative History Tour'

    Not included

    • Smartphone
    • Transportation
    • Food/drinks
    • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

    What you'll see and do

    1. Covent Garden

      Explore the bustling market and discover the origins of its name, which comes from "Convent Garden" due to its history as a convent’s garden in medieval times.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Known as the "Actors' Church," this is where many famous actors have been memorialized. It's also the location of London's first recorded punch-up.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Theatre Royal Drury Lane

      The oldest theatre site in London, with a rich history of performances and ghostly apparitions, including the infamous "Man in Grey."

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Learn about the intriguing cases and famous trials that took place here, reflecting the quirky side of London's legal history.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Lyceum Theatre

      Famous for its productions, including "The Lion King," and its connection to the early days of electricity in theatre lighting.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Somerset House

      Discover this grand building's transformation from a Tudor palace to a Navy office, and its role in the development of the British postal system.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Victoria Embankment

      Walk along the riverside promenade and hear about its construction, which involved diverting the River Thames and revealed hidden river secrets.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Waterloo Bridge

      Known as "The Ladies' Bridge," it was largely built by women during World War II and offers spectacular views of London.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Home to the last remaining Victorian gas lamp in London, powered by sewer gas, earning it the nickname "The Lamp that Lights Itself."

      Pass by without stopping

    10. The first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity, with a history of luxurious guests and infamous parties.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    cmn, en, nl
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    VoiceMap Audio Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour is wheelchair accessible with one caveat: part of the final portion of the tour after Waterloo Bridge has staircases – wheelchair users can stay on bridge-level and proceed to the final two stops which are on the same level.

    Photos

    London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in London, photo 2London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in London, photo 3London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in London, photo 4London at nightLondon's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in London, photo 6London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in London, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
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    Jill_C · February 2024

    Perfectly paced, easy on the ears

    What an amazing experience, thank you. Your pace was exactly right. Four of us absolutely loved the walking tour, all interesting, Covent Garden, Dickens flat, Somerset house even though we had a very interesting tour there the day before, the Savoy cabs and carts!! Also, the voice was soothing and perfectly paced. Excellent 👌. Looking forward to another.

    via Viator

    sarah_r · March 2023

    Wonderful tour, so easy to use

    I am such a fan of these voice map tours! They are so well executed and truly entertaining. I am ordinarily very challenged with Google walk directions but voice maps made it so easy. Would tell me where to look, which way to turn, etc. And the narrator was terrific . I can’t wait to do another today !

    via Viator

    Tracy_N · May 2022

    Highly recommend!

    I had a couple of hours to fill in our day and found this online. So glad I did! It was really interesting and fun to follow the route. We took longer than the hour but that’s why this is great- it’s totally up to you how long you take. We stopped and chatted here and there about what we were listening to - just paused the audio and I don’t walk particularly fast! We learnt some fab facts that I’ve been telling everyone about since arriving home! I shall do more of these in other cities.

    via Viator

    Nigelllllll · October 2019

    Get to know the city even as a local!

    Did this tour a few weeks ago and loved it - got to know so much about the city despite having lived here my whole life. Learned a bunch of things I never knew, really easy to use the interface as well.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 62

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)21
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $12 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 London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 1 hour 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 London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 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 London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour?

    +

    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 London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour?

    +

    Around 1 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?

    +

    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 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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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