Rebecca is so knowledgeable and is clearly passionate about London’s history. We learned a lot of new things despite having lived in London for almost 5 years. Rebecca makes it interesting and her personality makes it a special experience. It truly felt like she was enjoying our tour, too!
London's Hidden History Tour
Discover London's origins and hidden treasures with a local historian
The Finer Details
Discover London’s 2,000-year journey from a Roman outpost to the cutting-edge capital it is today. This London history tour explores the nuanced difference between London the city, and the City of London. Steeped in the city’s rich, turbulent history, you’ll explore the pivotal events that defined England’s capital, from its early days to its rise as a global financial center.
Start at the Tower of London, built in 1078. This fortress was designed to protect against Norman invaders and serves as a symbol of the city’s deep-rooted history. This site has witnessed pivotal moments in British history, setting the stage for much of what follows.
A visit to All Hallows-by-the-Tower introduces you to the oldest known church in the area. A portal into the city’s Roman, Saxon, and medieval past, the church is where Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire spread, where William Penn was christened, and where John Quincy Adams was married.
Wandering the winding medieval streets, past remnants of Roman walls that once fortified the city, watch as the architecture evolves. Medieval St. Andrew Undershaft Church stands proudly beside the modern, unique Lloyd’s Building and the divisive Gherkin. What does this architectural mix tell us about the city’s constant reinvention?
Monument, the towering obelisk commemorating the spot where the Great Fire of London is believed to have begun in 1666, offers a moment for reflection, questions, and discussion with your Expert. How did fire and Sir Christopher Wren transform London into a city of iconic landmarks we know today?
If time allows, you may venture to Guildhall, the medieval town hall. Beneath lies a Roman amphitheater, offering another glimpse at London’s layered past. Depending on the day, there’s also a chance to explore the Roman Mithraeum, an ancient Roman temple hidden beneath modern London, or to take a walk through Eastcheap, where London’s mercantile roots run deep.
By the end of the tour, you’ll have a deeper understanding of London’s history and heritage, from its Roman roots to financial dominance today. Beyond the typical tourist traps, you’ll see and hear what has shaped modest marshland into a metropolis of over 9 million people.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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St. Bartholomew the Great
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St Andrew Holborn
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Lincoln's Inn
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointGuests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
It begins near St. Paul's tube station and ends at the Olde Cheshire Cheese pub. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point.
Yes, we don't visit any site that is particularly narrow or small, however, we do go down several flights of stairs and through some uneven pavements.
Absolutely yes!
The weather can be quite variable in London, so we suggest comfortable shoes and layers, possibly with some kind of waterproof item.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Don’t just take our word for it
Our tour with Harry was perfect. It was just what we had hoped for. Harry’s history background makes for a fascinating tour experience. He is delightful and his personality makes the experience all the more memorable. We will most definitely ask context to book us with him on our next visit.
Great tour and Caroline, the guide, was excellent.
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.
