Tour Details
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Guildhall
- Museum of London
Select a date
Tour Description
While London was never under Nazi occupation, the fear of an enemy invasion loomed over the British Isles for a good part of World War 2. The response of the British people to this fear was a memorable one, especially in London, where people lived with daily bomb raids and surrounded by destruction.
London WW2 Blitz Tour
This two and half hour tour focuses on East London and the Square Mile, around St. Paul's cathedral, one of the most heavily bombed during the war. It's the perfect counterpart to our Churchill War Rooms tour. We start round the corner from the Museum of London at the Fore Street site where the first Nazi bombs fell, from there, we'll work our way south via St Mary Aldermanbury and the Guildhall exploring more of Churchill’s links with the area.
We'll discuss how empty tunnels and underground stations along the Central Line were used extensively as air-raid shelters. Our conversation will include the fundamental role of the Ministry of Information, boosting the morale of people near and far, but also contributing to the effort to involve the US in the conflict. We'll discuss propaganda and daily life, destruction and rebuilt, as well as the iconic role that St. Paul's Cathedral came to represent. We may stop for a coffee break at St Mary-le-Bow, destroyed and then restored after the war before heading to the Blitz memorial north of St Pauls Cathedral, focusing more on specific vignettes that occurred on the streets around us.
Our tour will finish at St. Paul's Cathedral, with a visit to the American Memorial Chapel, a space rebuilt after being destroyed in the Blitz and dedicated in its entirety to the American dead of WW2.
FAQ
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
We'll discuss how empty tunnels and underground stations along the Central Line were used extensively as air-raid shelters. Our conversation will include the fundamental role of the Ministry of Information, boosting the morale of people near and far, but also contributing to the effort to involve the US in the conflict. We'll discuss propaganda and daily life, destruction and rebuilt, as well as the iconic role that St. Paul's Cathedral came to represent. We may stop for a coffee break at St Mary-le-Bow, destroyed and then restored after the war before heading to the Blitz memorial north of St Pauls Cathedral, focusing more on specific vignettes that occurred on the streets around us.
Our tour will finish at St. Paul's Cathedral, with a visit to the American Memorial Chapel, a space rebuilt after being destroyed in the Blitz and dedicated in its entirety to the American dead of WW2.
FAQ
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
Generally speaking, the walk begins near the Museum of London. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map. The walk ends at St. Paul's Cathedral.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Will this walk visit St. Paul's Cathedral
Yes, we generally go inside and finish the tour at the American Chapel, however, if you prefer to skip this, we can adjust the tour accordingly.
Is this walk recommended for children?
Does this tour include the Churchill War Rooms?
No. This tour focuses on the area around St. Paul's Cathedral. However, we offer a Churchill War Rooms tour that can be booked separately or paired with this one for true WW2 fans.
Experts
Where You'll Start
–
40 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Personable, knowledgeable and engaging.
Robert
Jul. 10, 2024
Peter was amazing! He had energy, so much knowledge, was interactive with our entire family, we very much enjoyed the tour, information and Peter and will highly recommend it to any friends visiting London!
Amanda
Jul. 7, 2024
Our tour guide, Peter, was INCREDIBLY knowledgeable on the subject matter and a skilled story teller. This interactive tour was a unique look inside WWII and the long term ramifications of the Blitz. Peter’s ability to weave the stories of everyday Londoners was something special — do not miss this!
Judith
Jul. 6, 2024