The tour route
The tour begins at Tower Hill tube station where you will meet your French-speaking guide, ready to provide you with a personal look at 2,000 years of London’s history. Here you’ll see the historic London Wall, built by the Romans to protect the ancient city of Londinium.
The Tower of London
The tour continues past the Tower of London, a 900-year-old royal fortress and the most visited attraction in all of Britain! Hear how it was used as a prison for over 800 years, plus a few tales of torture, death and toil within its walls.
Tower Bridge
Next you’ll stop to admire one of the most recognisable bridges in the world, Tower Bridge. Hear from your guide about how the 120-year-old bridge was built with the unique design it’s so famous for, allowing tall ships to pass through.
Along the South Bank
The tour passes London Bridge and continues along the South Bank, where you can see the striking remains of 13th Century Winchester Palace. You’ll pass the narrow, dark and cobbled Clink Street, once home to the notorious Clink Prison, burned down in riots in the 1700s.
Southwark Cathedral
Continue past the beautiful Cathedral, which has a history dating back to at least the 7th Century. The Cathedral served as the oldest crossing point of the Thames to the city of London, and is situated near Borough Market, one of London’s most vibrant food markets and a must-visit for any food lover.
A few more minutes’ walk along the river you will see The Golden Hinde, a majestic replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon ship, the first ship ever to circumnavigate the whole globe.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Continuing along the South Bank your next stop is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The theatre was rebuilt as a replica of the master playwright’s original from 1599, and is a vital part of London’s arts scene, hosting both Shakespeare plays and shows from up-and-coming playwrights.
The Millennium Bridge
You’ll then cross the Thames on the Millennium Bridge, London’s newest Thames crossing for over 100 years. The bridge received worldwide fame when it first opened in 2,000, because of a distinct ‘wobble’! – but don’t worry, it has since been fixed in place. Get fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral’s beautiful domed roof as you cross.
The College of Arms
Established in 1484, the College of Arms is where new coats of arms are officially granted, and is still functioning today. Hear about its worldwide importance and history beside the headquarters, in the heart of the City of London.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Your final stop is beside the magnificent Cathedral, where you’ll hear about its 1400-year history and the famous figures who have been married and buried at the site. The tour ends here, leaving you free to admire the architectural masterpiece in your own time.
Approximate length of tour: 2.5 hours
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