Inns of Court in London - Legal Walking History Tour

Walking Tour

3 hrs

London

Just a few paces from the bustle of the Strand lies one of London’s best-kept secrets: a patchwork of secluded squares, alleyways, and courtyards that has been home to the legal profession since the Middle Ages, when students first came to study and live at the ancient Inns of Court. Today, the four great Inns—Middle Temple, Inner Temple, Lincoln’s Inn, and Gray’s Inn—still form thriving communities providing a base for most of the country’s barristers within easy walking distance of the nation’s principal courts. This Inns of Court Tour in London, led by an expert in British legal history, explores the history of the law profession in Britain, as well as the development of the Inns.

Inns of Court Tour

This 3-hour Inns of Court Tour traces the development of the English legal system, explaining and illustrating its many quirks, from the history of the barristers’ horsehair wigs—still worn for most trials—to the role of Queen’s Counsel or the Lord Chancellor.

Visiting the Inns

Each of the Inns, laid out on much the same pattern as an Oxford college, boasts its own dining hall, chapel, and gardens, together preserving much of the spirit of a bygone London. Architectural treasures range from the 12th-century Temple Church and the Tudor gateway at Lincoln’s Inn to the Georgian splendors of New Square and the Victorian grandeur of the Royal Courts of Justice.

The Inns Through History

This area is steeped in cultural and political history: the first performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night was staged in the Middle Temple (for those interested, we also offer a London Theater Tour), and the young Charles Dickens worked unhappily here as a young clerk—in fact, the opening passage of Bleak House is set in Lincoln’s Inn Hall. No fewer than 15 Prime Ministers have been members of Lincoln’s Inn; both Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher once practiced as barristers.

On The Walk

We'll begin our walk at the foot of the Middle Temple Lane beside the Thames and pass through the center of the Inn, taking in the Temple Church—once the headquarters of the medieval Knights Templar and later remodeled by Sir Christopher Wren—as well as the 16th century Middle Temple Hall.

Royal Courts of Justice and Lincoln's Inn

Continuing north, we'll enter the imposing hall of the Royal Courts of Justice, which houses both the High Court and the Court of Appeals of England and Wales. Here, we'll visit one of the courts, discussing both the building's historical importance and day-to-day operations. Moving on, we'll have the opportunity to visit Lincoln’s Inn—itself home to a wide array of architectural styles due to continual additions throughout the centuries—to admire the hall and chapel.

Finally, we'll move to the West End's Holborn district, where we will visit the Staple Inn, which boasts the only timber-framed façade to survive the Great Fire of London in 1666, as well as Gray’s Inn, famous for its "Walks" or gardens.

Take Aways

In the company of our guide, we will learn about century-old traditions and rules that have defined the distinct character of the legal profession in Great Britain. At the end of our walk, we will have gained a deeper understanding of the role of the Inns and the past and present of barristers in London.

FAQ

Where do we meet? Where does it end?

The walk begins in the area near Temple tube stop and ends at Gray’s Inn. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

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.

Is this a walking intensive tour?

This walk covers about 1 mile overall. There are occasional opportunities to sit if needed.

Book a Tour

Meet our experts

“ I love leading Context tours simply because I know that I will be spending the day with inquisitive, thoughtful and interested clients. I know they will value my expertise, enjoy our conversation and cherish their experience. ”

Harry C.

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Lincoln's Inn

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

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Not Included

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Unless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of London Legal History Tour with The Four Inns of Court general meeting point area

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.

57 Reviews

We loved this tour. It was highly informative and interesting. Emma was so knowledgeable and answered all of our incessant questions with expertise based on years of experience, grace and humor. She is terrific. You do not need to be a lawyer to understand or enjoy this tour, just an interest in British law and history.

John May 27, 2026

Imogen was a wonderful guide. We enjoyed our time with her this afternoon. We were lucky to have beautiful weather and spend some time outside of the historic Inns of Court buildings in their quiet courtyards. One of us is a US attorney, so getting to understand the similarities and differences of the two Legal systems was fascinating.

Amanda Apr 21, 2026

We spent an informative, fascinating few hours with Imogen, such an amazing place to visit and a wonderful tour, both the insight provided by our guide and the physical beauty of the place. What a treat to spend a few hours with Imogen! Highly recommend this tour and this guide...

Vinnie Apr 8, 2026

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