Guide to history tours in London

Jack the Ripper's crimes remain a source of fascination and dread all over the world, but particularly in London. This Jack the Ripper Tour through the streets of Whitechapel will take you to the very locations of the heinous murders, as well as the streets and pubs that Jack and his victims once frequented. Your tour guide will provide in-depth insights into these notorious crimes as you retrace the steps of Jack and his poor victims.

The London Beatles Walks, led by a Beatles expert, offer both public and private options. Select from a range of tour routes and explore iconic locations such as Abbey Road and 3 Savile Row. These tours are available on most days of the week, or you can arrange a personalised private tour tailored to the size of your group. 

Escape the daytime crowds on a VIP Tower of London night tour, an exclusive experience where you'll get to explore beyond the fortress walls minus all the people. As the public gates close, you'll step into the grounds and be led by a charismatic Yeoman Warder, one of the renowned Beefeater guards. Amidst the peaceful setting, delve into the history of this iconic fortress, witnessing the rare Ceremony of the Keys—the formal nightly locking tradition upheld for over 700 years. 

Head on an engaging journey into the shadowy alleyways of London's history with The Cloak & Dagger Tour. Your guide, a costumed historical character, will lead you through the historic streets while professional actors breathe life into the grim tales. This award-winning evening tour, near London Bridge, promises to reveal the city in a completely fresh and unfamiliar light. 

Herstorical Tours specialises in curating guided walking tours that blend historical narratives with entertaining street theatre. These tours are crafted by women, and they take you on a gripping journey through the lesser-known stories of women in London's history, with a particular focus on the city's intriguing and darker aspects. Herstorical Tours brings to life the tales of witches, harlots, and other intriguing characters in an engaging and entertaining fashion. The company has also partnered with institutions like the Museum of London to offer unique events.

Led by expert guides and architect enthusiasts, this tour of the Barbican Centre and its surrounding Brutalist estate takes you on a journey through the history of this unique style of architecture. Delve into the lesser-known corners of the site, walking over highwalks and through courtyards. The tour features notable stops, including the serene Lakeside Terrace, the striking Sculpture Court, towering residential structures, remnants along the original London Wall, and more. You'll get a deeper understanding of the visionary design and ambitious concepts that shape this unique architectural site's past, present, and future.

If you're particularly interested in the history of London's rock 'n' roll scene, you'll love this guided bus tour. Swing by legendary spots such as Jimi Hendrix's flat and Abbey Road, where the Beatles shot their iconic album cover; you can even snap a pic for yourself. Visit pubs and clubs where music stars once hung out and explore the stylish neighbourhoods of Chelsea and Kensington, where the legendary band Queen was formed and where Freddie Mercury lived. This is just a sprinkle of what to expect on this epic rock 'n' roll tour of London.

With seven food tastings, five drinks, and a rich lesson on London's history, this tour offers an authentic taste of London's pub culture and vibrant heritage. You'll visit five historic boozers steeped in centuries of history. Each pub reveals a unique chapter in London's story, from a hidden 16th-century gem associated with Queen Elizabeth I to a cosy bar designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Enjoy feasting on traditional British pub fare like pork pies, sausage rolls, and scotch eggs paired with ales, ciders, and stouts. Wander through Fleet Street, explore pubs linked to literary legends, and engage in a friendly pub game. Conclude the evening in a building dating back to 1886, rumoured to have housed the Crown Jewels.

Churchill was a prominent figure in the UK's history, so it's only fitting to have a tour about him on our list of historical tours in London. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour will trace Churchill's evolution from a young man to one of history's most influential politicians. Explore pivotal places, from childhood parks to bachelor pads, uncovering tales of his past on famous streets like Savile Row. Reflect at monuments along Whitehall honouring WWII sacrifices, including a tribute to seven million women. Catch a glimpse of 10 Downing Street and finish the tour with a visit to Churchill's secret War Rooms, where critical WWII orders shaped world history.

The Women of London walking tours explore the remarkable women who left a lasting mark on the city. They're led by knowledgeable guides who take you on an exploration of the lives of influential figures like Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell, and other pioneering women who shaped the world as we know it today. As you stroll through different parts of the capital, you'll hear insights into their endeavours and learn all about the legacy they left in London and beyond.

The Unfiltered History Tour of the British Museum takes you on an exploration of this globally renowned institution, providing deeper insights into the stories behind its artefacts and the concealed narratives within its vast collection. Guided by enthusiastic and well-informed experts, the unofficial audio tour reveals the authentic history, controversies, and cultural importance of the museum's treasures. It's a unique chance to engage with history in its unadulterated form, ensuring your visit to the British Museum is educational and intellectual.