Things to Do in London
• Enjoy citywide views from a climate-controlled glass pod featuring LED lighting and a rotation system that ensures a smooth ride in any weather.
• From Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament, this ride delivers all the postcard-worthy London views you could ask for—no zoom lens required.
• Take your visit up a notch and pick from a range of upgrades in the next step, like fast-track entry, curated beverages, and more.
Would you like to see the city with a native English-speaking tour guide who has had the honor of being a full-time tour guide in multiple European cities since 2014? Then read on. 👇
Through years of experience, I have learned that these tours are most enjoyable for you if I hone it down to just the most exciting stops and the most interesting stories.
Alfred Hitchcock once said "the length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder," and I think that applies doubly so to a tour. You're on holiday, I appreciate that. You want to see the main sites, take the best photos, maybe laugh a little, and then head off on to the next adventure.
With that in mind, I keep the tour to an entertaining one hour and fifty minutes. During that time we will see the main sites, allowing you to take photos of:
- Buckingham Palace
- Houses of Parliament
- "Big Ben"
- Westminster Abbey
- Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column
- Horse Guards Parade
- Wellington Arch
- St Martin's In The Field
- National Gallery
- Apsley House
- RAF Bomber Command Memorial
- The Commonwealth Gates
- St James' Palace
- The Mall and Pall Mall
- Crimean War/Nightingale Memorial
- Waterloo Place
- 10 Downing Street
- Churchill War Rooms
- On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday the 11am tour will see and hear the army band march by us for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Unless it is cancelled due to rain.
More important than the sites themselves are the stories. Little insightful or interesting anecdotes; what the little horse steps are at Waterloo Place, why Constitution Hill is called that when we don't... um.. have one, tales from the Battle of Britain, the Gunpowder Plot, what the Queen did when she woke up to find a drunken man had climbed the walls of Buckingham Palace and broken into her bedroom at 7am, etc, etc.
Having done these tours for the better part of a decade, I can usually field any history question you may have about the nation or the city, and can also offer suggestions of the best places in the city for gin, pretentious coffee (my vice), or the most memorable dining experiences with something unique to them.
I hope to see you soon,
Theo
• Behold the world-famous collection of Crown Jewels, a display of 23,578 exquisite gemstones still used in royal ceremonies today that are guarded round-the-clock.
• Venture into the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and see its displays of arms and armour.
• Stand on Tower Green, where the tragic fates of royal figures like Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey unfolded, as you listen to stories of executions and betrayals.
• Enhance your visit: dive deep with an AI-powered audioguide (English only, iPhone required), join an expert-led English tour, enjoy a meet-and-greet with Beefeaters, or add a Thames River cruise.
City of London Tour: From Sugar and Slaves to Tea and Opium.
Welcome, I'm Justin. But some friendly advice! If you just want to take pretty pictures to put on social media (and don't really like walking much), I am the wrong tour guide for you! My tours attract people who love ideas, history and books. If that is not what interests you, book another tour 🙂
I have 5 walking tours on GuruWalk: 1) The City), 2) Soho, 3) Covent Garden, 4) the South Bank, and 5) Mayfair & St James, which together have over 3,300 reviews averaging 5 stars (the highest on GuruWalk in London).
City of London is my flagship tour.
This tour takes you through the "City of London", which is not the same thing as London!
The "City", as it's known to locals, is many things. Nowadays, we know the "City" as the central business district, with its many iconic skyscrapers, towering over ancient churches (providing the chance to take some stunning photos). It's also, however, the "old town", built within the footprint of the Roman city of Londinium.
The "City" also has its own police force, ancient laws and unique government and once financed the largest Empire the world has ever seen, spanning a quarter of the globe.
From being a European backwater in the 1500s, London became the largest city in the world in the 1800s, the centre of immense power and wealth.
I'll tell the story of London's rise by walking with you along the English capital's oldest streets, many of which date back 2000 years.
The triumph of London is also often a tale of "dirty money", from the Bishop of Winchester's brothels; sugar and the slave trade; and the East India Company's rape of a subcontinent and hooking of China on opium. Come with me to learn all about London's secrets
Highlights of the tour include:
- The Monument: Centre of the Great Fire of London.
- The Gilt of Cain: The City of London's first open recognition of the contribution of slavery to their wealth.
- The Modern City: the Gherkin, Cheese Grater, Scalpel and Walkie Talkie. Where the City stands in the world today.
- The Golden Triangle:The tiny alleys that housed the coffee shops of the 17th & 18th centuries frequented by stock market speculators and fraudsters but which also gave birth to modern capitalism.
- The Bank of England and the Royal Exchange: Financiers of sugar and the slave trade.
- Leadenhall Market: Stunning Victorian marketplace used as a set in a Harry Potter movie.
The tour will end a short walk from the Monument Tube Station where the tour started. I do have a card reader so can can take credit/debit cards for tips.
• With departures every 15 minutes, operating throughout the day, plan your travel flexibly and easily, even if your flight gets delayed.
• Take advantage of free WiFi, handy USB plug-ins, and room for bulky luggage and even bikes, so you can ride comfortably while staying connected.
• Enjoy flexibility with round-trip tickets valid for an entire month from your chosen date, giving you ample time to complete your trip at your own pace.
• Add an optional London City audio guide upgrade to explore top attractions with insightful commentary at your own pace.
Discovering Notting Hill: A Walk Through London’s Most Iconic Neighbourhoods.
Come along on a fun and intimate walking tour through one of London’s most colourful and storied neighbourhoods—Notting Hill. With smaller group sizes, this is no cookie-cutter sightseeing experience. Small numbers mean more time for questions, spontaneous detours, and the freedom to explore at a relaxed pace. It also allows us to duck into charming local shops, meet market traders, take photos and discover corners that bigger groups simply can’t reach.
I’ve been exploring Notting Hill since the early 1990s. This neighbourhood has a magnetic mix of energy, diversity, and charm. From iconic movie locations to tucked-away mews and listed Victorian villas, every street has a story—and I’d love to share some of my favourites with you.
We’ll weave in and out of Portobello Road Market, soaking up its colourful atmosphere, Georgian architecture, and the vibrant rhythm of everyday life. You'll hear about Notting Hill’s fascinating history, its famously desirable homes, and the changes that continue to shape its identity today.
Along the route we will see the prep school of a future King, uncover a former racecourse and check out London's oldest independent cinema.
Film fans, take note: we’ll visit five real-life locations from the 1999 film Notting Hill. Cameras are very welcome throughout—there’ll be plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty (and quirky bits) along the way. I know all the best locations and I'm always on hand to help with photos.
Portobello Market is open every day, but Fridays and Saturdays are when it really comes alive, with everything from antiques & vintage fashion to street food and fresh produce. Prefer a calmer stroll? A Sunday to Thursday visit offers a more laid-back vibe with fewer crowds—perfect if you want space to wander.
Whether you join in the morning or afternoon, this tour is a chance to see Notting Hill as locals know and love it. Afterward, you’ll be perfectly placed to shop, grab a bite, sip a coffee, or dive into a pub—whatever suits your mood.
Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so grab yours now and get ready to discover Notting Hill in a way that’s personal, memorable, and full of surprises.
Covent Garden: Theatre Land, Brothels, Bad Behaviour, the Birth of Bohemia, Plus Britain's First Police Force
Welcome, I'm Justin, a huge fan of plays and musicals (I can give you advice on the best theatre in town and where to get cheap tickets), and a lover of history.
The Covent Garden tour is one of 5 different tours that I lead in London, which together have gathered over 3,300 reviews averaging 5 stars (the highest on GuruWalk).
From the late 1600s, Covent Garden become the centre of bohemian London. A field of dreams for both the upper and lower classes. A place where social barriers fell away and artists and intellectuals mixed and played.
Shakespeare famously said that
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts."
And Covent Garden was the stage that many a man and woman played upon, whether formally in the theatre, in artists' studios or informally on the street.
Let me lead you through the streets of Covent Garden, and in so doing bring the past to life.
Over the centuries, the area has had its ups and downs. originally being the home of the super-rich, who wanted to escape from the crowded and disease-ridden old town (which we call “the City of London” between the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral).
But with the arrival of an outdoor market and then a succession of theatres, Covent Garden morphed into a bohemian playground full of pubs and prostitutes, and the rich fled further west.
Today, the area has gone upmarket again, with a thriving bar and restaurant scene and hundreds of shops. Critically, the theatres are still here, with a total of 13, offering everything from rock and film musicals to opera and ballet.
As we walk around the area, I’ll lead you down secret passages few Londoners know and tell you the stories each building has to tell.
I'll also give you recommendations for plays and musicals in the area and where to eat & drink before a show.
Highlights of the tour include:
- Benjamin Franklin’s House: One of the birthplaces of the United States of America
- The Nell Gwynne: An ancient pub that celebrates King Charles II’s favourite actress and mistress Nell Gwynne.
- The People's Piazza: The central Covent Garden market. Formally a giant fruit, vegetable and flower market and now a warren of small boutiques and restaurants.
- The Lamb and Flag: Covent Garden's oldest pub, famous for boxing matches that led to it being called "the bucket of blood".
- St Paul's Church: the magnificent actors’ church of St Paul’s, with its hidden garden and plaques commemorating past stars of screen and stage.
- Goodwin Court (aka Knockturn Alley): A piece of 17th century London now immortalised as the model for a Harry Potter film set.
- The Theatre Royal Dury Lane: The original theatre opened 350 years ago and has been centre of scandal ever since.
- Bow Street Police Station & Magistrates Court: Home to London's first police force.
- The Royal Opera House: Providing panoramic views of Covent Garden piazza from the top floor.
The tour will end a short walk from Covent Garden underground station on the Piccadilly Line.
For my Covent Garden book, pub, restaurant and museum recommendations and much more, visit:
Web site: www.befriendinglondon.co.uk
Instagram: @befriendinglondon
The Covent Garden walking tour is one of the 6 walking tours I do around London for GuruWalk: 1) The City of London), 2) Soho, 3) Covent Garden, 4) the South Bank and 5) Mayfair & St James's (which together have over 3,000 reviews averaging 5 stars (the highest on GuruWalk). Hope to see you soon!
I do have a card reader so can can take credit/debit cards for tips.
• Get up close with 150+ lifelike wax figures, including Harry Styles and other A-list stars, and marvel at the precision of their craftsmanship.
• Step into immersive sets, from the Marvel Universe 4D movie experience to selfie moments with the Royal Family on the palace balcony.
• Travel through London’s past on the nostalgic Spirit of London ride and test your bravery in the chilling Chamber of Horrors.
• Upgrade your ticket with fast-track entry or add the Champagne Bar Experience with a complimentary drink for a wholesome experience.
Step back in time 2,000 years and explore the City of London, on this special sightseeing tour. Starting at Tower Hill Station, our Free Historic City of London Walking Tour guides you through the centuries, tracing the journey from its founding as a trading settlement along the River Thames to becoming one of Europe’s leading financial centres, home to some of the quirkiest glass skyscrapers on the planet.
Walk in the footsteps of Romans, Vikings, and Normans, and hear about Julius Caesar’s arrival, the Viking occupation, and William the Conqueror’s Norman conquest. Discover how the City developed through the medieval period, the construction of London’s stone fortress, The Tower of London, and the bustling trade that made it the hub of commerce for centuries.
Experience stories of survival and resilience as we recount the Great Fire of London, the devastation of the Blitz, and how Londoners rebuilt their city time and again, leaving iconic landmarks that endure today. See history and modernity collide as 12th-century churches and Roman walls stand shoulder-to-shoulder with glass towers and futuristic architecture, capturing the City’s ever-changing skyline.
Tour highlights include:
London’s Roman Wall - remnants of Londinium
The Tower of London - royal fortress, prison and home of The Crown Jewels
Tower Bridge - the world-famous drawbridge
The Shard - Britain's tallest skyscraper
The Monument to the Great Fire - a symbol of rebirth
Mansion House - historic home of the Lord Mayor
Bank of England & Royal Exchange - financial institutions shaping global trade
St Paul’s Cathedral - architectural masterpiece and survivor of the Blitz
Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating stories of ordinary Londoners and extraordinary events, from medieval merchants and Tudor citizens to daring heroes of wartime London. Discover the quirks of a self-governing square mile whose laws and governance have kept it distinct from the rest of the capital for centuries.
The tour concludes at St Paul’s Cathedral, leaving you in the perfect location to continue exploring the City. Ideal for first-time visitors, Londoners, families, history enthusiasts, and architecture lovers, this tour blends Roman and medieval history, financial district landmarks, iconic London architecture, and the City’s resilience through fire, Blitz, and rebuilding.
Book now to explore 2,000 years of history in the heart of London’s financial and historic district!
Please note: Groups larger than six people and educational groups must arrange a private tour in advance.
• Begin your visit on Level 68, then explore Level 69’s panoramic indoor gallery for iconic sights like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s.
• Step onto Level 72’s open-air sky deck for an immersive experience and see its distinctive glass facade from the top floor.
• Upgrade your visit with fast-track entry and a glass of champagne or soft drink, or get an immersive London city audio narrating the tales of the city's icons.
Welcome! My ‘London Essentials’ tour will cover the key sites within the historic royal quarter. Beginning at Wellington Arch marking the triumph of the Duke of Wellington against Napoleon, it ends at Westminster Abbey, the Royal Church of Coronation. On route, we will explore such highlights as Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Admiralty Arch, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, The Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street and The Houses of Parliament.
I combine personal experience with informed historical perspectives so I can share the distinctive character of each site with peculiar details, fun facts, and local tales. My particular focus is the incredible history of the monarchy. As we walk, I will be sure to convey its far-reaching impact on the city, both politically and architecturally.
• Get pre-booked entry to a climate-controlled capsule for a 30-minute rotation on the London Eye, offering 360-degree views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
• Enjoy a one-way Thames River cruise with live or recorded commentary, allowing flexible boarding from Westminster, Tower, or London Eye piers for city sightseeing.
• Visit both icons on the same day or split your visits across different dates to suit your itinerary; both sites are located just a 2-minute walk apart at the London Eye Pier.
• On the next page, upgrade to the London Eye fast-track option at checkout to bypass standard boarding lines, saving approximately 30–60 minutes during peak hours.
Free Jack the Ripper Walking Tour of London – Whitechapel 1888
Step back in time and follow the trail of the world’s most infamous unsolved serial killer on our Free Jack the Ripper Walking Tour of London. Journey into the dark heart of Victorian London as we transport you to the Autumn of Terror, 1888, when the streets of Whitechapel were gripped by fear.
Over the course of just three months, under the cover of darkness, Jack the Ripper brutally murdered five women and then disappeared without a trace. His identity was never discovered, leaving behind one of the greatest true crime mysteries in history.
On this expert-led Jack the Ripper tour, we uncover what really happened. You’ll explore the real crime scenes, examine the most compelling suspects and theories, and hear chilling details of the murders — while also learning the often-overlooked, tragic life stories of the women involved, placing the crimes within the harsh social realities of Victorian East London.
Discover how these events changed London forever, shaping everything from policing and journalism to popular culture. From modern-day Jack the Ripper tours and barber shops to films, books, and conspiracy theories, we explore the lasting legacy of Jack the Ripper more than a century later.
Historic Locations Visited
Along the way, you’ll visit many of the most notorious and atmospheric locations connected to the case, including:
Whitechapel
Mitre Square
Frying Pan Alley
Spitalfields Market
The Ten Bells Pub
Christ Church Spitalfields
St Botolph's Without Aldgate (So-called Prostitute Church)
Tour Details
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Finish: Spitalfields Market, close to Liverpool Street Station
Price: Free (tips welcome)
Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, history lover, or visiting London for the first time, this Jack the Ripper walking tour is one of the most unforgettable things to do in London at night.
Places are limited — book your spot now and experience London’s darkest story where it really happened.
Please note: Groups of more than 6 people and educational or school groups must contact us in advance to arrange a private Jack the Ripper tour, as they are unable to join the public tour.
