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Offered languages
- English
- English
Few moments in history match the drama of January 30th, 1649, when a reigning king was publicly beheaded by his own subjects. On this self-guided walking tour with historian Dan Snow, you'll retrace Charles I's final journey through London, from his last night in a royal palace to the scaffold outside his own home. You'll hear how political paranoia, religious conflict, and one king's unshakeable belief in his divine authority brought a monarchy to its knees.
The tour starts at the corner of Piccadilly and St James's Street, walking down to St James's Palace, where Charles spent his final night saying goodbye to his two youngest children. You'll cross St James's Park – the same route the king walked on the morning of his execution, flanked by 1,200 soldiers – before heading toward the seat of Parliament.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at 161 Piccadilly. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
The tour ends at the Equestrian Statue of King Charles I.
Itinerary
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St. James's Palace (Pass by)
Passing by the striking red-brick Tudor towers of St James's Palace, you'll hear about Charles I's final night within these walls before his execution. Please note that the palace is a working royal residence and is not open to the public.
Admission ticket free -
St. James's Park (Pass by)
You'll walk through St James's Park, London's oldest royal park, retracing the very route Charles I took on the morning of his execution. Entry to the park is free.
Admission ticket free -
Westminster Abbey (Pass by)
You'll pass by the soaring Gothic towers of Westminster Abbey, where Charles I was crowned in 1626. The tour includes narration about its role in the story of his downfall, but entry to the Abbey itself is not included and requires a separate ticket.
Admission ticket free -
Saint Margaret's Church on Parliament Square (Pass by)
Passing by St Margaret's Church, known as the Parliamentary Church, you'll learn how radical sermons preached from its pulpit helped justify the king's execution. Entry to the church is not included in this tour
Admission ticket free -
Houses of Parliament (Pass by)
You'll pass by the Houses of Parliament and hear about the constitutional crisis between Charles I and Parliament that ultimately led to civil war and regicide. Please note that entry to the Houses of Parliament requires a separate ticket.
Admission ticket free -
Palace of Westminster (Pass by)
Walking past the Palace of Westminster, you'll hear about Westminster Hall, the medieval chamber where Charles I stood trial for treason in January 1649. Entry to Westminster Hall requires a separate ticket.
Admission ticket free -
Whitehall (Pass by)
You'll walk up Whitehall, the ceremonial heart of British government, following the same path Charles I took on the morning of his execution. No admission is required to walk this historic street.
Admission ticket free -
Banqueting House (Pass by)
Passing by Banqueting House, you'll hear how a scaffold was erected outside its entrance on 30 January 1649, the site of Charles I's execution. Entry to Banqueting House is not included in this tour and requires a separate ticket.
Admission ticket free -
Equestrian Statue of King Charles I (Pass by)
The tour concludes at the Equestrian Statue of Charles I in Trafalgar Square, where you'll hear the remarkable story of how this bronze, cast while the king was still alive, was secretly buried to save it from being melted down during the Civil War.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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