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Offered languages
- English
This isn't just a walk through London's markets—it's the story of how trade, immigration, crime and ambition built one of the world's greatest cities.
Led by London guide and author Kerry Heywood, this small-group experience combines engaging storytelling with over 2,000 years of history. Rather than simply pointing out landmarks, you'll discover the people behind them: merchants, financiers, Shakespeare, coffee-house owners, rogues and notorious criminals.
Unlike food tours, there is no pressure to purchase tastings, giving you the freedom to explore London's famous markets at your own pace. Along the way you'll receive practical local recommendations and, after the tour, a complimentary digital copy of London Unveiled to help you continue exploring the city.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please meet outside the glass doors at the main entrance to the Globe Theatre.
Itinerary
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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (Pass by)
View Shakespeare's Globe, a faithful reconstruction of the original open-air theatre where many of William Shakespeare's plays were first performed over 400 years ago. Discover the world of Elizabethan entertainment and learn how theatre, commerce and the River Thames helped make Bankside one of London's most vibrant districts.
Admission ticket free -
1Borough Market
Explore Borough Market, one of London's oldest and most celebrated food markets, with a history stretching back more than 1,000 years. Originally serving traders and travellers crossing London Bridge, the market has evolved into a vibrant destination renowned for its fresh produce, artisan foods and international flavours. Discover how trade, commerce and the River Thames helped shape both the market and the city around it.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2London Bridge
Stand beside London Bridge and discover the story of one of the city's most important crossings. For nearly 2,000 years, bridges at this location have connected the City of London with Southwark, serving as vital routes for trade, travel and commerce. Learn how London Bridge helped fuel the city's growth and hear tales of medieval merchants, river traffic and the bustling life that once surrounded this historic crossing.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
View Fishmongers' Hall, the home of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, one of London's oldest livery companies. In medieval London, livery companies regulated trades, maintained standards, trained apprentices and protected the interests of their members. The Fishmongers oversaw the sale and quality of fish, an essential food source in a city that observed many religious fasting days. Discover how the livery system helped govern commerce, support charitable works and shape the growth of London's economy for centuries.
Admission ticket free -
The Monument to the Great Fire of London (Pass by)
Visit The Monument, a striking stone column designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke to commemorate the Great Fire of London of 1666. Standing 202 feet (62 metres) high, it is located exactly 202 feet from the site where the fire began in a baker's shop on Pudding Lane. Discover how the fire destroyed much of medieval London, transformed the city forever, and led to new building regulations, wider streets and the creation of a more modern capital.
Admission ticket free -
Bank Of England Building (Pass by)
View the Bank of England, often called "The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street," the central bank of the United Kingdom. Founded in 1694 to help finance the government's war debts, it grew to become one of the world's most influential financial institutions. Discover how the Bank helped transform London into a global centre of trade, banking and finance, and learn how merchants, goldsmiths and investors laid the foundations of the modern financial system.
Admission ticket free -
3Royal Exchange Building London
Visit the Royal Exchange, London's historic centre of commerce and trade. Founded in 1571 by merchant Sir Thomas Gresham, it provided a meeting place where merchants, traders and financiers could buy, sell and exchange goods from across the world. Discover how this remarkable institution helped establish London as a global trading hub and laid the foundations for the City's rise as one of the world's leading financial centres.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Leadenhall Market
Explore Leadenhall Market, one of London's most beautiful and historic covered markets. Dating back to the 14th century, it began as a centre for the sale of meat, poultry and game and served the growing population of medieval London. The current Victorian structure, designed by Sir Horace Jones in 1881, is renowned for its ornate architecture, colourful roof and elegant walkways. Discover how Leadenhall Market reflects centuries of trade, commerce and prosperity at the heart of the City of London.
15 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
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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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