London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour worth booking?
London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour is a 3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $81 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $81 per person
Leave the regular tourist trail behind and get immersed in the hidden secrets of London's rich past that most tourists don't get to see. On this very small group tour of maximum 6 Persons you will walk through 2000 years of London's history at a relaxed pace. No strict schedules or herding about. And being in such a small group means you will easily hear and interact with your guide and no crackling headsets! This tour is ideal for those who want to get off the usual visitor routes and discover the gems that many people miss - Ancients buildings, Dickensian Alleys, Hidden Courts, Church Crypts, Secret Routes, and of course London's most atmospheric Inn's, Taverns and Pubs, some dating back over 700 years! Go on an adventure with your own local guide, a sense of curiosity greatly encouraged!. Your guide is passionate about making this a truly personal and memorable tour. 100% Five Star Rated Guide.
What you get
About this experience
Leave the regular tourist trail behind and get immersed in the hidden secrets of London's rich past that most tourists don't get to see. On this very small group tour of maximum 6 Persons you will walk through 2000 years of London's history at a relaxed pace. No strict schedules or herding about. And being in such a small group means you will easily hear and interact with your guide and no crackling headsets! This tour is ideal for those who want to get off the usual visitor routes and discover the gems that many people miss - Ancients buildings, Dickensian Alleys, Hidden Courts, Church Crypts, Secret Routes, and of course London's most atmospheric Inn's, Taverns and Pubs, some dating back over 700 years! Go on an adventure with your own local guide, a sense of curiosity greatly encouraged!. Your guide is passionate about making this a truly personal and memorable tour. 100% Five Star Rated Guide.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Starting at Temple Station let's get away from the main tourist routes and go in search of the hidden alleys, ancient taverns, church crypts, Roman pavements and places you would have a lot of difficulty finding on your own. Crossing over into the old City of London where the street layouts go back as far a Roman times, you will first be taken into the Inns of Court, a hidden world used by the legal profession, and a haven not usually visited by most tourists. Let me show you the place where Shakespeare first performed Twelfth Night, the Fountain that inspired Charles Dickens, and the English Headquarters of the Knights Templar. Do you like Tea? let me take you to a shop where they have sold Tea for over 300 years.
45 minutes here
St Bride's Church
The tour continues avoiding the main road and slipping through ancient passageways like Hanging Sword Alley until we arrive at St Bride's Church. Often called 'The Cathedral of The Press' due to its long association with the Fleet Street Newspapers. Damaged in The Great Fire of London and remodeled by Sir Christopher Wren, it suffered another blow in WW2 when a bomb destroyed the roof. However, this gave Archaeologists the chance to look deep into the crypts. What they found was amazing. Let me show you a hidden medieval chapel, charred remains from the Great fire of 1666, and Roman Pavements in this little known Crypt Museum. The Church has another claim to fame, I will tell you all about it on the tour.
20 minutes here · Admission included
This can definitely make a claim to being London's oldest Pub if you take in to account it's cellars that date back to the 13th Century. The upper rooms have barely changed since they were rebuilt in 1667. Once your eyes have adjusted to the wooden paneled candle lit interior, perhaps we can take a seat near the same fire place that Charles Dickens warmed his feet, and learn all about Polly the Parrot, the Hellfire Club and the rather naughty tiles found in the 1960's.
20 minutes here
Smithfield Market
Brace yourself, this part of the tour gets a little grisly. Smithfield Market is London's oldest market still used for its original purpose, -selling meat. The surrounding area is where the Great fire of London finally extinguished, where Bloody Mary burn't people at the stake, and where William Wallace, AKA Braveheart was executed. Also near here Fagin's Gang had their Den and Sherlock Holmes first met Doctor Watson at the nearby St Barts hospital. I will also show you two surviving buildings that escaped The Great Fire of 1666.
20 minutes here
Postman's Park
Located next to the Old General Post Office, this park became known as Postman's park because postal workers enjoyed their lunch here. Originally it is the burial ground for St Botolphs Church. I'm bringing you here to show you a very interesting memorial to the unsung heroes of London. Lets find a park bench and I will tell you the history of this extraordinary place.
10 minutes here
Guildhall is pretty much all of London's history on one spot. The Roman's had an Amphitheater on this site, the Saxons built a hall where people paid their taxes, and during the medieval period it was first recorded as a Guildhall. The present building was built around 1411, but the crypts are thought to date back to the 13th century. This is essentially the Town Hall of the City of London. The day-to-day administration of the City of London Corporation is now conducted from modern buildings immediately to the north. Lets admire one of London's oldest buildings and talk about some of the famous people who were put on trial here.
10 minutes here
This is the "Square Mile" ancient heart of London and home to the financial district. The Bank of England, the Royal Exchange, and the spooky Cornhill Devils are highlights on this point of the tour. The Royal Exchange is where the Ghost of Christmas yet to come to Ebeneezer Scrooge to see his colleagues discuss his funeral. But why is the Bank of England known as the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street? I will tell you!
10 minutes here
Charles Dickens favourite Chop House, and mentioned over 20 times in the Pickwick Papers. The interior is almost unchanged from Dickens time. He would even still be able to order his favouite food from the menu. The alleyways and courts in this area are some of the most atmospheric in London
10 minutes here
Leadenhall Market
One of London's oldest and prettiest markets on the site of a Roman cross road. It's no wonder that Leadenhall Market has featured in some of the worlds most famous movies and novels. Most recently as a filming location for the Harry Potter Films, and the market where Ebeneezer Scrooge sends the boy to get the biggest Turkey on Christmas morning.
15 minutes here
The Monument to the Great Fire of London
One of the most devastating events in London's history took place just near Monument Underground Station. This is where the great Fire of London started in 1666 destroying 80% of the old city of London. Fortunately your guide knows some of the areas that survived. Your tour ends here, and if you still have energy why not climb the 311 steps to the top of the Monument and see the stunning views over London.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Meet at the base of the steps right outside Temple Station
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Finish right outside Monument Underground Station
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Richards Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Moderate walking - Please inform if you have any mobility issues
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
My husband and I booked...
My husband and I booked the London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets with Richard. It was amazing! Exceeded our expectations. Richard was knowledgeable and passionate about London's history. We were able to discover and understand so much more of London's history and discreet alleyways than we would have otherwise discovered on our own. We loved the whole tour - definitely the highlight of our stay in London and we heartily recommend the tour to all visitors and newcomers. Thank you Richard.
Response from the operator: What a wonderful review! Thank you both so much. It was a real pleasure to meet you and share these special parts of London's history. I hope to see you again on a future trip! Thanks again.
via Viator
Who knew so much is hidden.
Richard gave us a great few hours with such an informarive tour. His energy and interest in sharing his passion for old London local history makes this a special event. Totally exceeded our expections and makes this a not to be missed tour. We now know the square mile retains far more than the modern facade. Thanks to Richard we know where to look now.
Response from the operator: Such a wonderful review. Thank you so much. It was lovely to meet you, and to share a day that was also personally significant for you. I'm looking forward to seeing you again on your next trip in to town! Thanks again.
via Viator
Richard is a London Gem!
An Exceptional Tour — Worth Every Penny and More! I had an absolutely fantastic experience on the London’s Historic Areas and Hidden Secrets Tour! Our guide, Richard, was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about London’s history. He brought each stop to life with fascinating stories, clever insights, and a warm sense of humor that made the entire tour both educational and entertaining. What stood out most was how personal and well-paced the experience felt — Richard tailored the tour perfectly for our group, answering every question with real depth and enthusiasm. I learned more about London in a few hours than I could’ve from days of reading or wandering on my own. It was absolutely worth more than the cost of the tour — a real gem for anyone who wants to see London beyond the usual landmarks. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: This is such a wonderful review. Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words, and I am so happy you enjoyed the tour, it was a pleasure meeting you. Hope to see you again on another tour in the future. Thanks once again.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Richards Tours, who run 20 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.4.
See everything Richards Tours runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $81 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 Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour take?
+
Plan for about 3 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 London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group 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 Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group 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 The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. 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.
What is included in London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour?
+
Included: Professional guide. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour?
+
Meet at the base of the steps right outside Temple Station Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Moderate walking - Please inform if you have any mobility issues. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour?
+
Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour.
Pick your date
