Top London activities
Top London landmarks
Beyond London
London trip ideas

London's Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets - A Very Small Group Tour

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | London, England

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

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

  • Professional guide
  • Food and drinks
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Temple Station
Temple Place, Temple, London WC2R 2PH, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

18 Fish Street Hill
London EC3R 6DB, UK

Finish right outside Monument Underground Station

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple

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.
Read more

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

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.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Guildhall

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.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bank of England

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!
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

George and Vulture

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
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Moderate walking - Please inform if you have any mobility issues
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the London’s Historic Areas And Hidden Secrets – A Very Small Group Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-60273P51

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Stonehenge Tour via Winchester: LDN or Southampton

Enjoy the luxury of a private tour in our vehicles, select from a standard or executive car for up to 24 passengers. All our drivers...

2 to 3 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
2 to 3 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
2 to 3 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (6)
from
$271.38

Southampton Pre Cruise From London Via Hampton Court Palace

Before boarding your ship you have a great opportunity to visit Hampton Court Palace on this pre-Southampton tour from London, on this self-guided private vehicle...

5 hoursHotel pickup offered
5 hoursHotel pickup offered
5 hours • Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (1)
from
$403.46

Private Walking Tour of Royal London with Changing of the Guard

You will have a private, expert guided tour of the most famous Royal sights in London and also see the striking display of the Changing...

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (9)
from
$109.21

Private Day Trip to Classic London Sights

Discover London with private driver service only—no guide included. Begin at St. Paul’s Cathedral, admire the 1695 organ, and visit the tombs of Nelson and...

8 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
from
$1,502.30

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

London by Night Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour with Live Guide

Remarkable London by Night Tour! This London by Night tour will reveal the floodlit splendour of London’s landmarks as dusk falls. When twilight descends upon...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (982)
from
$41.47

Historic Pub Walking Tour of London
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This historic London pub tour gives you the chance to enjoy some of the best pubs in London including those dating back over 800 years!...

4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (576)
from
$21.03

Chelsea FC Stadium Tours and Museum
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Chelsea Football Club's most popular product! Take the tour that has been enjoyed by millions of sports fans from all around the world! Chelsea FC's...

60 to 90 minutesFree Cancellation
60 to 90 minutesFree Cancellation
60 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,876)
$48.21
$47.21

London Eye Fast-Track Ticket
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Fast Track for a perfect London Eye experience! With fast track entry for your flight in a shared capsule, you get to skip the majority...

30 minutesFree Cancellation
30 minutesFree Cancellation
30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.6 (2,853)
$36.03
$35.03

What's Included

Activity name

  • Professional guide
  • Food and drinks

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Moderate walking - Please inform if you have any mobility issues
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Richards Tours

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.