Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours 4.9 (16)

London history experience

Explore central London with a history aficionado, and discover the stories which helped shape London’s patchwork history

Sky Garden offers some of the best panoramic views of London and it's free! But do make sure to book well in advance as tickets book out quickly

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Learn about London's past with a host who is passionate about its history
  • See the history of the city reveal itself as you explore some secret spots as well as historic landmarks
  • Follow your host to some of London's most significant sights such as the old grounds of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
  • Learn more about the historic silk trade history of Spitalfields or visit the very pub where Dickens drank
  • Hear histories of London’s people which reveal the real history of the city
  • Get recommendations for more fascinating spots to discover - in such a historic so you couldn’t possibly see all of them in just 3 hours!

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

3-hour experience
Private and personalized
Start when you like
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drink
Transport costs
Tickets to any attractions
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

From the Tudors to the Windrush Generation, powerful tales of different times resonate throughout the city - but this is no average history lesson. From its beginnings over 2000 years ago - London was founded by the Romans - right through to today, see London’s past come to life as you visit historic landmarks. Maybe you’d like to explore the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and imagine the city of Elizabethan times. Or perhaps discover what the city was like during WWII and descend into an out-of-use tube station where Londoners sheltered from the Blitz. But more than this, your host can share with you the histories that you don’t find in the British Museum, like the stories from the Black British Civil Rights movement.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Half-day-London-Heaven-Host-Nikki-Wilkinson
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What travelers think of this experience

Amy, Oct 2024

Delia was a great tour guide. She provided a wonderful tour that was geared to our interests. Her communication in advance of the tour was appreciated.

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Douglas, Aug 2024

Alan was a perfect guide. Kept the tour interesting while not overwhelming us with too much or rushing through spots of interest. He tailored the historical stops to meet our interests. This pub stop was a nice chance to relax and just chat. Highly recommend this tour!

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Winona, Sep 2023

Tom was amazing!! He knows the city, the history- EVERYTHING - inside and out! Tom is engaging and fun! He made that first day out in London easy and enjoyable to both myself and my young boys (twin 9 year olds)! I’ve been to London many times- but he showed us hidden treasures I never even knew about- and again the History- he brought it life!! I’ve traveled all over the world - and have had the pleasure of enjoying many different tour guides- Tom is ABSOLUTELY one of THE BEST I’ve ever toured with! His personality, knowledge, patience, humor … and so much more- he’s the BEST! Can’t recommend high enough!!

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Alanna, Oct 2022

Ana Maria carefully picked out some things I would enjoy in London, even with very little prior knowledge about me (which was my fault, I didn't take as much time to acquaint myself with her before my tour!). She even helped me figure out the London Tube system, which was extremely confusing as an American. Even more, Ana Maria got me some awesome pics around London, and took me to all these hidden gems! I absolutely loved our time together, and I completely recommend her for any tourist in London!

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Kim, Aug 2022

Astrid told us a bit of London history and about the architecture along the way. And a few surprises! We enjoyed our day with Astrid!

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Adalberto, Aug 2022

The most exciting aspect of the tour was visiting historical places we had asked for, namely Roman, medieval and knights templars' locations. Naomi did a great job giving us insightful details about our destinations, and also about every interesting location along the way.

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