Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour
London, United Kingdom

Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour

Outty Ranking 78 5.0 · 43 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom £20
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Outty Ranking

78/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 43 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour worth booking?

Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from £20 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 43 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
78 / 100
Rating
5/5 (43)
Duration
2 hours
From
£20 per person

Travel through two thousand years of history, meeting Saxons, the Knights Templar, Charles Dickens, Freemasons, and the Bow Street Runners! On our guided walking tour we'll travel across Holborn, with its highs and lows over the past two-thousand years. We'll learn about the turmoil of the Saxon period, visit the locations of Fagin's den and execution in Oliver Twist, see the splendour of Freemasons' Hall and the Knights Templar headquarters, hear about a couple of London's most notorious prisons, and discover the world's largest collection of retail silver! The guided walking tour begins outside Covent Garden Station, ends near to Blackfriars Station, and will take around two hours. Ticket sales will be limited to fifteen attendees, to ensure maximum enjoyment for everybody on the tour.

What you get

    About this experience

    Travel through two thousand years of history, meeting Saxons, the Knights Templar, Charles Dickens, Freemasons, and the Bow Street Runners! On our guided walking tour we'll travel across Holborn, with its highs and lows over the past two-thousand years. We'll learn about the turmoil of the Saxon period, visit the locations of Fagin's den and execution in Oliver Twist, see the splendour of Freemasons' Hall and the Knights Templar headquarters, hear about a couple of London's most notorious prisons, and discover the world's largest collection of retail silver! The guided walking tour begins outside Covent Garden Station, ends near to Blackfriars Station, and will take around two hours. Ticket sales will be limited to fifteen attendees, to ensure maximum enjoyment for everybody on the tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • Guided walking tour

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice

      The history of the Bow Street Runners

      5 minutes here

    2. Freemasons' Hall

      The history of Freemasons' Hall

      5 minutes here

    3. Royal Courts of Justice

      The history of the Royal Courts of Justice

      5 minutes here

    4. Temple Church

      The history of the Knights Templar and Temple Church

      5 minutes here

    5. The London Silver Vaults

      The world's largest collection of retail silver

      5 minutes here

    6. Staple Inn

      The last remaining of the Inns of Chancery buildings

      5 minutes here

    7. Old Bailey

      The site of the Central Criminal Court - aka the Old Bailey - where Newgate Prison once stood

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    I will be outside the exit of Covent Garden Station, holding an Historic London Tours sign.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Near to Blackfriars Station (on the northern bank of the River Thames).

    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
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Historic London Tours

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Not recommended if you're unable to walk two miles at a reasonable pace

    Photos

    Freemasons Hall, Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and SplendourThe London Silver Vaults, Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and SplendourStaple Inn, Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and SplendourSt Sepulchre without Newgate Church, Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and SplendourThe Old Bailey, Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and SplendourThe Bridewell Palace and Prison, Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 43 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    43 verified traveler reviews for Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    42
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    455laraz · October 2026

    Walking tour of london

    This tour was really fun and very well organised. Tom, our guide (who runs the company) was friendly, informative and very open to answering a multitude of random follow-up questions! Learnt interesting facts about the various locations we visited and noticed parts of London that we had not noted before (despite being Londoners for the past 30 years!!)

    via Tripadvisor

    audreyfJ7909DS · October 2026

    Fantastic tour by Tom

    Tom was a fantastic guide. Amazing knowledge and clear, eloquent delivery. We all enjoyed the tour and learnt so much about London! Thank you and see you again.

    via Tripadvisor

    sarahdZ6160JJ · September 2026

    Memorable and insightful.

    An amazing experience- Tom is so knowledgeable it astounds! His breadth of historical memory and, as importantly, how he breathes such excitement and humour into every insight is captivating! Definitely recommended! Fantastic! Sarah

    via Tripadvisor

    sallyc123475 · August 2026

    Excellent London walking tour

    Really clear - used a microphone to ensure we could all hear. Well paced. Thoughtful use of quieter areas in the shade rather than standing in the sun. Brilliant knowledge- I learnt loads and will book a tour in the future . Thank you

    via Tripadvisor

    darrylmT1771MV · July 2026

    Great Fun and Informative Tour

    We booked the tour with Tom who was helpful and gave clear communications at all times. The tour itself was excellent and we all had a great time throughout.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    15
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Historic London Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 82.3.

    See everything Historic London Tours runs

    Why this scores 78

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)50
    Booking momentum (14% weight)43
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)79
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour cost?

    +

    Prices start at £20 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 Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour take?

    +

    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 Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 43 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 Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour?

    +

    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 Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour?

    +

    Around 15 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour 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 Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour?

    +

    Included: Guided walking tour. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour?

    +

    I will be outside the exit of Covent Garden Station, holding an Historic London Tours sign. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour 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 Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour?

    +

    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.

    What happens to Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour 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 Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour?

    +

    Across 43 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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