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Offered languages
- English
- French
- Spanish
Discover the more sinister aspects of your capital's past, from savage clashes between the Roman Empire and British tribes, through the violent executions of the Middle Ages and the bloody religious persecutions of the Tudors and Stuarts, all the way into the stories of murder in the Modern Age, and the wars that left a lasting mark on the City.
This is a walk for people with a penchant for the darker aspects of history. Simply put, we will hear a lot about death on this itinerary: from bloody revolts that changed the political landscapes, to tragic events such as plagues and fires that wiped out up to a half of London's population or left most of its citizens homeless. I will take you through stories of crime and punishment, but also punishment without crime, as we learn about public executions of notorious individuals and how they would have been perceived by the public.
Perfect as a Halloween walk, or for Halloween lovers all year long!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The guide will be waiting by the entrance to CitizenM hotel, next to the Tower Hill Station exit.
The tour ends in Smithfield Market, a short walk away from Farringdon underground station.
Itinerary
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1Tower of London
We will learn about the beginnings of London and the origins of the British monarchy, as well as about the most famous people imprisoned in the Tower, and how they met their end. Outside visit only, no entry is included.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2Thames River
Travelling along the river promenade, we will learn about the history of the Thames, its meaning for the development of the City of London, and its dark secrets...
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3The Monument to the Great Fire of London
As we gaze upon the tallest column in London, we will learn about a disastrous event that changed the face of the City forever, how it started, and the toll it took both in terms of human life, and in terms of possessions. Outside visit only, no entry is included.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4Guildhall
The beating heart of the City, tightly linked to an administration so old, its origins are lost in the mists of time. As we look upon the oldest secular building in continuous use in the City, we will learn about its Roman origins, its guilds and their practices, and the toll that subsequent fires took on London. Outside visit only, no entry is included.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
5St. Paul's Cathedral
The jewel of the City: a cathedral that, along with its predecessors, can tell us so much about how the City rose from its ashes over the centuries, traversing crises, fires, wars, and religious conflicts. Outside visit only, no entry is included.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
6Paternoster Square
An apparently peaceful and harmonius urban development in the shadow of the Cathedral. But a dark secret hides here in plain sight. As we admire the serene surroundings of St Paul's Cathedral, we will hear the stories of some brutal medieval acts, and look at an artefact that has been around ever since they were common practice...
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Smithfield Market
A place with an immeasurably rich history, Smithfield can tell us infinite stories about the dark side of London. From unorthodox ways of supplying human experimentation material to researchers at nearby St Bartholomew's Hospital, to famous historical figures who met their brutal end here, we will delve into London's turbulent history, and see relics of its dark and distant past that Londoners pass by every day...
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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