Tours/London/The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour
Viator · Private tour

The History of London City Center Exclusive Guided Walking Tour

5.0(22)London1 hour
VIATOR5.0(6)TRIPADVISOR5.0(16)

Description

Start off your trip to London with a 2.5 hour exclusive guided walking tour detailing the city’s rich history. Our top rated guides will take you through the city’s center, starting at the historic Covent Garden and visiting the major landmarks that played a role in creating the city we know today. Finally your guide will end with the exterior of Westminster Abbey. Entry or tour of interior Westminster Abbey NOT INCLUDED.

Tour Options

SEMI-PRIVATE 8ppl Max. English
  • Save money by booking a small group tour of 8 guests max. per guide This option NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS.
Private English Tour
  • Private Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours;Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Private Spanish Tour
  • Private Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours;Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Private French Tour
  • Private Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours;Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine

Itinerary

10 min

You will start your tour at Covent Garden, an area of London whose thriving history started as early as the 7th century as a Saxon settlement. It is a must-see destination for anyone who enjoys, shopping, theatre, restaurants, bars, history and culture.

10 min

You will then pass through Trafalgar Square where you will learn all about the history of this public square which commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. During its history, the square has been a place for protests and demonstrations which continue to this day.

10 min

Nelson's Column is a monument in Trafalgar Square, built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

10 min

Next you will discover the rich history and heritage of Admiralty Arch, a landmark building in London, providing road and pedestrian access between the Mall and Trafalgar Square. It was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria.

10 min

You will then walk along the street which runs between Charing Cross and the Houses of Parliament, known as Whitehall. The name Whitehall also applies to the group of small streets, squares and government buildings adjoining the street. Whitehall has been known to be the site of principal government offices since the establishment of Henry VIII’s court at Whitehall Palace in the 1530s.

10 min

Next you will visit Downing Street, a street built in the 1680s which houses the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. A renowned landmark of Downing Street is 10 Downing Street, the official location of the Prime Minister’s office.

10 min

You will also walk by St. James’s Palace, the most senior royal palace in the UK. It has been the setting for some of the most important events in Royal history after having been a Royal residence for over 300 years.

Admission not included10 min

To understand London, you first need to understand its long, complex history. Our expert guides will peel back the layers as you walk past some of the most iconic places in central London like Trafalgar Square and the House of Parliament. Learn about Chaucer at Westminster Abbey or maybe bump into the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street. The tour will pass through the sweeping green parks, bustling crowds, and quaint squares that make up this fascinating urban landscape. Learn about the monarchs and leaders, like Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill, while also taking advantage of your local guide, who will be more than willing to share a few of the city’s best kept secrets as you explore together.

Admission not included10 min

You will also pass by the Churchill War Rooms, a museum that makes up one of the five branches of the Imperial War Museum. The museum is made up of the Cabinet War Rooms, a historical underground complex that housed a British government command centre during the Second World War, and the Churchill Museum, a biographical museum dedicated to the life of Winston Churchill.

Admission not included10 min

Finally, you will see one of London’s best-known landmarks, Big Ben, the clock tower at the end of the Palace of Westminster.

10 min

Next you will see the Westminster Palace, also known as the Houses of Parliament. A Gothic style building whose history spans over 900 years, it is where the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet.

Admission not included30 min

Finally your guide will end with the exterior of Westminster Abbey. Entry or tour of interior Westminster Abbey NOT INCLUDED.

Highlights

Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Guided Walking Tour
Duration 2.5 Hours

What's included

Included
Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Guided Walking Tour
Duration 2.5 Hours
Not included
Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Traveller Ratings

5.0
22 reviews
5
22
4
0
3
0
2
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1
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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Notes: The tour route may be affected by national celebrations. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an alternative route still being able to see all the highlights on the tour. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. No large bags or suitcases are allowed during this tour. We recommend comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, umbrella in case of rain and hat during summer. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some can’t be visited from the inside. This tour finishes with entry tickets to the beautiful Westminster Abbey. Guided Tour of the Westminster Abbey NOT INCLUDED. IMPORTANT! We only provide entry at the end of the tour. Interior of Abbey is unguided and you can visit on your own

Reviews(22)

S
Sophie_K
July 12, 2026
Fantastic tour of London

We were spoiled with a private tour with Steph! We loved the historical insight into London and its characters! Funny, interesting and very well organised! I would highly recommend this walking tour!

C
Carol H
June 27, 2026
Splendid visit to Churchill’s War Rooms

We had a group tour to see Churchill’s War rooms. Jeremy our tour guide was excellent! His grandparents took him to the area as a child and he recalled fond memories of the museums and of parliament square. He was very knowledgeable about the War rooms and gave us a thorough history of the underground fortified basement. He kept us on a brisk pace and answered all of our questions with in-depth answers. My wife and i are history buffs and Jeremy was a great tour guide for this trip. Keep Calm and Carry On!

R
Robb_A
June 20, 2026
Excellent and learnt some new things

Great tour - Matilda was an excellent guide and we learnt a lot of new things even though we’ve been on many tours before.

W
Wallace M
May 21, 2026
Churchill War Rooms

Tour of the War Rooms was excellent. Guy V has great knowledge and is very enthusiastic. The great “inside knowledge” he has is so informative. I do wish we could have had 20-30 min to look around in a section of the war rooms on our own but realize that would be tough. Highly recommend the tour and Guy.

K
Kathryn M
May 14, 2026
Very complete tour infused with excitement!

Jeremy is an outstanding tour guide! He pointed out many pieces of historical information and expertly tied them together. The small group tour was perfect for managing the tight quarters of the Churchill War Rooms.

2
228daisyn
April 8, 2026
Wonderful London tour

Stephanie was an amazing guide—we learned so much about London history! We appreciated her expertise and showing us the wonderful highlights of London. She is friendly and the tour is very well paced!

D
danahadjiyane
December 6, 2025
London wali

Our tour with James was a lot of fun. He’s a great historian and very knowledgeable. We learned so much and he showed us quite a few hidden gems. His personality was friendly and fun. The 2-1/2 hour tour flew by. He also was a great photographer. Would highly recommend!

J
John_K
August 9, 2025
Great tour with Lucy.

Lucy was wonderful. We booked this tour for 12 people or less in the group, and my wife and I were the only two. If two people book it, then the tour will go. So it was very intimate and she guided the tour to emphasize What we wanted to see. She is very informative and took us to places not on the normal tour because it was just the three of us along. Definitely recommend Lucy again and definitely recommend this tour.

A
amylD7198HB
May 5, 2025
A first rate experience

Andi was excellent! He navigated very well around all of the Ve Day obstructions. He gave us so many historical facts and stories. He pointed out little things on the buildings we would have never spotted. Phenomenal couple of hours spent learning about England. Would highly recommend!!!

M
msalmar
March 22, 2025
Excellent tour

Great tour, excellent guide. Jamie was super knowledgeable and gave us lots of history at each site. We really enjoyed it.

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