The City of London - London's birthplace (Half day)
Joined 2020
The City of London is where the story of the UK's capital truly begins. Founded by the Romans after they settled in 43 AD, a walk through the City means you are passing through almost 2,000 years of history. Trade and commerce continue to define the district but amidst the modern hi-tech 21st century citadels of financial services are testaments to the past - notably The Tower of London & the magnificent St Paul's Cathedral with it's special & moving monument to Americans servicemen of WWII.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel / apartment or location of your choosing
London, City of London
2000 years of history contained within one square mile. The City guards its secrets but Sean, your expert guide, will unlock those secrets, explain and entertain you in this tour. Hear tales of The Tower of London alongside stories from the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz of World War II. Option to enter the Tower of London (recommend allowing half a day alone for the Tower of London, with the chance to see the fabulous Crown Jewels). A morning tour is strongly recommended to 'beat the line' for the Crown Jewels.
Can visit inside St Paul's Cathedral (excl. Sundays), and / or visit the site of the execution of William Wallace ('Braveheart') - and the tale of his torture and execution is not for the faint-hearted!
Ending Point
At your hotel / apartment or other location of your choosing
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide Fee
Personal expenses
Tour Important Information
The City is located on the east side of the center. It is often referred to as The Square Mile and within it are an amazing 46 miles of lanes, alleys and streets. Unsurprising there is some walking in getting around the highlights. Sean is happy to arrange travel & transport and an itinerary that best suits you and allows you to make the most of your visit. Careful tour planning is key and will help keep time spent in lines to a minimum. This is a memorable day that delves into London's past and its ancient origins.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a light (preferably rain-resistant) jacket and umbrella. Even in high summer the odd occasional shower can occur (it's why it's such a 'green and pleasant land'!)
A half day tour of up to 4 hours. Morning tours end by 1pm; afternoon tours start from 1.30pm
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2020
About Tour Guide Sean K.
A little about me – I am a Londoner (‘born and bred’ as the saying goes) and, following the rigorous training, in March 2005 I qualified as a registered Tourist Guide (with the Blue Badge tourist guiding qualification, the highest guiding qualification in the UK). Since then I have worked exclusively as a professional tourist guide. The Blue Badge qualification allows me to guide in key visitor sites such as Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral.
I have guided groups of all sizes (from single individual via couples, families and all through to double-decker bus parties of around 60 individuals). Since 2007 I have been personally recommended by American travel writer Rick Steves in his London and European guide books which has led to the opportunity to work with clients in developing the itineraries that best suited their needs and interests (taking into account factors such as venues opening days, dates, times and peak periods).
For me guiding is both a privilege and a great pleasure. The last year has of course been tough for everyone involved in the Travel and Tourism industry and I have truly missed the day to day experience of guiding visitors in and around London and other locations (ie Windsor, Stonehenge). I am able to offer themed tours Iconic London, Shakespeare’s London, Beatles London and Hidden London (to name a few). My ethos is that visitors enjoy and are entertained by what they see and hear (and learn along the way!)
$575/ per group
More tours by Sean K.
The Tower of London - home to the fabulous Crown Jewels
The Tower of London, is home to the Crown Jewels (the coronation regalia used for state ceremonial occasions, including the 530 carat '1st Star of Africa'). The Tower is the site of imprisonment and executions - including three queens of England and houses a remarkable collection of medieval armour. Together with its many dark tales, The Tower is guarded over by a military detachment and the mysterious ravens, all under the watchful eyes of the Yeoman Warders (the famous Beefeaters).
The Wonders of Westminster (Half Day)
Meet at your London location at 8:30 AM for a tour of Westminster. Begin with the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, where you’ll enjoy a skip-the-line guided tour (not available on Sundays). After a break for refreshments, continue to Buckingham Palace, The Mall, and St James's Park. The tour concludes around 1:00 PM, and Sean will drop you off at your preferred location.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in London
Essential London in a Day
This London tour has it all - world famous sights, photo opportunities galore, history (the interesting bits), stories, English culture, architecture, pageantry, royalty, palaces, a fortress, royal gossip .... your tour takes in so much of what London is about with full explanations on what you are seeing along the way. If you only have time for one London highlights tour - this is the one!
Highlights of the City of London
We will visit the City of London and it's historic centre. We'll cover 2000 years of history and some amazing buildings and explore the history, food and drink of the city.
Royal London: Best of Westminster
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The Tour of the Tower, All Hallows Church and St Dunstan-in-the-East
During our tour we will explore the history of this site from Roman times and until today. We will look at how the fortress gradually evolved into a luxurious Medieval royal palace and then -- into the dark and fearsome place. You will hear the stories of the Tower's former inhabitants and inmates: from kings to courtiers who fell out of favour, young York princes, or the Gunpowder plotters. We will certainly visit the Jewel House where the Crown Jewels are kept under armed guard.
