Book TourWander the atmospheric streets around the legendary Smithfield Market, an area steeped in over 800 years of turbulent history, before retracing the shadowy footsteps of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Smithfield Pub Walking Tour: Executions & Ales!
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Unlock the bloody history of London's medieval past on this Private Pub Walking Tour of Smithfield. Hear spine-chilling tales of executions and rogues while enjoying included drinks at two ancient taverns. This 3-hour journey blends dark history—from Newgate Prison's secrets to gruesome hanging sites—with authentic British pub culture. Book your history and ale experience!
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Step back in time on a private pub walking tour through one of London’s most notorious medieval quarters. Along the way, enjoy drinks at two of the City’s most historic taverns, while your expert guide shares spine-chilling tales of executions, body-snatchers, and infamous rogues.
Inside traditional pubs (one with medieval origins) you’ll savour authentic British ales, stouts, ciders or fine wines (two drinks per guest included) in the same kind of haunts once frequented by drunkards, anatomists, body-snatchers and even modern movie crews.
Tour Highlights Include:
- Historic Landmarks: Europe’s oldest hospital (1123), Smithfield Market (1174), Bartholomew the Great Church (1123), Pye Corner (end of the Great Fire of London), the Oldest House in the City, the Watch House, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Dark Histories: Execution site of Sir William Wallace (1305), the killing of Wat Tyler during the Peasants’ Revolt (1381), and the notorious Newgate Prison (now the Central Criminal Courts).
- Story Themes: Murder & Mystery, Hangings & Quarterings, the ‘Armpit of London’, bull-baiting, ghostly legends, and more.
- Famous Characters: Henry VIII, Sherlock Holmes & Dr Watson, Charles Dickens, Dr Johnson, James Bond, and Jackson Lamb of Slow Horses.
The evening ends with a final pub stop in a more relaxed setting, perfect for reflecting on centuries of bloody history over a fitting drink. How about a Bloody Mary?
Itinerary and tour summary
Duration: 3 hours
Type: Walking Tour
Exclusives: Walking tour with Rob Woodford—an experienced, qualified London Black Cab Driver
Price: £240 total (up to 15 guests). Prices do not include attraction tickets.
Languages: English
Pick up: Meet at Farringdon Station
Type: Walking Tour
Exclusives: Walking tour with Rob Woodford—an experienced, qualified London Black Cab Driver
Price: £240 total (up to 15 guests). Prices do not include attraction tickets.
Languages: English
Pick up: Meet at Farringdon Station
- Meet: Farringdon Station
- The Castle Pub, Cowcross Street
- Charterhouse Street & Squar: Smithfield Market, The Charterhouse, Plague Pit
- Slough House (Slow Horses)
- The Old Red Cow Pub
- The Hand & Shears Pub
- St. Bartholomew-the-Great
- West Smithfield: Smithfield Martyrs Memorial, Sir William Wallace Memorial, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, King Henry VIII Gateway Statue
- Pye Corner
- The Watch House
- St Sepulchre-without-Newgate
- Newgate Street: Viaduct Tavern, Site of Newgate Prison
- Old Bailey Central Criminal Court
- Magpie & Stump Pub
- Ludgate Hill (view of St. Paul’s Cathedral)
- Ludgate Circus
- Fleet Street: The Old Bell Pub, Former Reuters News Agency, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Visit)
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