The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour worth booking?
The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $63 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (22)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $63 per person
Start off your trip to London with a 2.5 hour exclusive guided walking tour detailing the city’s rich history. Our top rated guides will take you through the city’s center, starting at the historic Covent Garden and visiting the major landmarks that played a role in creating the city we know today. Finally your guide will end with the exterior of Westminster Abbey. Entry or tour of interior Westminster Abbey NOT INCLUDED.
What you get
About this experience
Start off your trip to London with a 2.5 hour exclusive guided walking tour detailing the city’s rich history. Our top rated guides will take you through the city’s center, starting at the historic Covent Garden and visiting the major landmarks that played a role in creating the city we know today. Finally your guide will end with the exterior of Westminster Abbey. Entry or tour of interior Westminster Abbey NOT INCLUDED.
What's included
Included
- Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
- Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
- Guided Walking Tour
- Duration 2.5 Hours
Not included
- Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
Covent Garden
You will start your tour at Covent Garden, an area of London whose thriving history started as early as the 7th century as a Saxon settlement. It is a must-see destination for anyone who enjoys, shopping, theatre, restaurants, bars, history and culture.
10 minutes here
Trafalgar Square
You will then pass through Trafalgar Square where you will learn all about the history of this public square which commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. During its history, the square has been a place for protests and demonstrations which continue to this day.
10 minutes here
Nelson's Column
Nelson's Column is a monument in Trafalgar Square, built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
10 minutes here
Admiralty Arch
Next you will discover the rich history and heritage of Admiralty Arch, a landmark building in London, providing road and pedestrian access between the Mall and Trafalgar Square. It was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria.
10 minutes here
Whitehall
You will then walk along the street which runs between Charing Cross and the Houses of Parliament, known as Whitehall. The name Whitehall also applies to the group of small streets, squares and government buildings adjoining the street. Whitehall has been known to be the site of principal government offices since the establishment of Henry VIII’s court at Whitehall Palace in the 1530s.
10 minutes here
10 Downing Street
Next you will visit Downing Street, a street built in the 1680s which houses the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. A renowned landmark of Downing Street is 10 Downing Street, the official location of the Prime Minister’s office.
10 minutes here
St. James's Palace
You will also walk by St. James’s Palace, the most senior royal palace in the UK. It has been the setting for some of the most important events in Royal history after having been a Royal residence for over 300 years.
10 minutes here
Buckingham Palace
To understand London, you first need to understand its long, complex history. Our expert guides will peel back the layers as you walk past some of the most iconic places in central London like Trafalgar Square and the House of Parliament. Learn about Chaucer at Westminster Abbey or maybe bump into the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street. The tour will pass through the sweeping green parks, bustling crowds, and quaint squares that make up this fascinating urban landscape. Learn about the monarchs and leaders, like Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill, while also taking advantage of your local guide, who will be more than willing to share a few of the city’s best kept secrets as you explore together.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Churchill War Rooms
You will also pass by the Churchill War Rooms, a museum that makes up one of the five branches of the Imperial War Museum. The museum is made up of the Cabinet War Rooms, a historical underground complex that housed a British government command centre during the Second World War, and the Churchill Museum, a biographical museum dedicated to the life of Winston Churchill.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Big Ben
Finally, you will see one of London’s best-known landmarks, Big Ben, the clock tower at the end of the Palace of Westminster.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Houses of Parliament
Next you will see the Westminster Palace, also known as the Houses of Parliament. A Gothic style building whose history spans over 900 years, it is where the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet.
10 minutes here
Westminster Abbey
Finally your guide will end with the exterior of Westminster Abbey. Entry or tour of interior Westminster Abbey NOT INCLUDED.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Meet your guide outside of the Covent Garden’s Apple Store by the telephone booth situated on the corner of the Store.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Private English Tour
Private Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours;Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Private Spanish Tour
Private Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours;Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
SEMI-PRIVATE 8ppl Max. English
Save money by booking a small group tour of 8 guests max. per guide This option NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS.
Private French Tour
Private Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours;Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Babylon Tours London
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Notes: The tour route may be affected by national celebrations. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an alternative route still being able to see all the highlights on the tour. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. No large bags or suitcases are allowed during this tour. We recommend comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, umbrella in case of rain and hat during summer. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some can’t be visited from the inside. This tour finishes with entry tickets to the beautiful Westminster Abbey. Guided Tour of the Westminster Abbey NOT INCLUDED. IMPORTANT! We only provide entry at the end of the tour. Interior of Abbey is unguided and you can visit on your own
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic tour of London
We were spoiled with a private tour with Steph! We loved the historical insight into London and its characters! Funny, interesting and very well organised! I would highly recommend this walking tour!
via Viator
Splendid visit to Churchill’s War Rooms
We had a group tour to see Churchill’s War rooms. Jeremy our tour guide was excellent! His grandparents took him to the area as a child and he recalled fond memories of the museums and of parliament square. He was very knowledgeable about the War rooms and gave us a thorough history of the underground fortified basement. He kept us on a brisk pace and answered all of our questions with in-depth answers. My wife and i are history buffs and Jeremy was a great tour guide for this trip. Keep Calm and Carry On!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent and learnt some new things
Great tour - Matilda was an excellent guide and we learnt a lot of new things even though we’ve been on many tours before.
via Viator
Churchill War Rooms
Tour of the War Rooms was excellent. Guy V has great knowledge and is very enthusiastic. The great “inside knowledge” he has is so informative. I do wish we could have had 20-30 min to look around in a section of the war rooms on our own but realize that would be tough. Highly recommend the tour and Guy.
via Tripadvisor
Very complete tour infused with excitement!
Jeremy is an outstanding tour guide! He pointed out many pieces of historical information and expertly tied them together. The small group tour was perfect for managing the tight quarters of the Churchill War Rooms.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $63 to $519
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Babylon Tours London, who run 26 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.8 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Babylon Tours London runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $63 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 The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 22 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 The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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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 The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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Around 8 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour 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 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?
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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.
What is included in The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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Included: Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" opt; Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine; Guided Walking Tour; and Duration 2.5 Hours. Not included: Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi); and Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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Meet your guide outside of the Covent Garden’s Apple Store by the telephone booth situated on the corner of the Store. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English, French and Spanish. 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 The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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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 The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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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 The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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Across 22 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Private English Tour, Private Spanish Tour, SEMI-PRIVATE 8ppl Max. English, Private French Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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