Unearth Roman ruins, medieval alleys, and soaring skyscrapers like The Gherkin. Stroll secret gardens, explore the Thames Embankment, and hear captivating tales. Customize to add pubs, markets, or Harry Potter film locations—uncover London's hidden pulse now!

Add 'Discovering the Historic Square Mile' to your itinerary:

Date:

No. people:

Price:
£

Pickup from:

Itinerary so far...

Nothing added

Or email us a question about this tour

Join me for a tour of the Historic Square Mile, the beating heart of London. We'll meet by Cannon Street rail station at an agreed time and explore the City's fascinating history, from its Roman roots to its present-day skyscrapers. The tour route is roughly circular and will finish around the Bank Junction area of the City.

The skyscraper towering behind St Andrew's Undershaft church.

From Roman remains beneath the streets to the present-day skyscrapers, this walking tour takes you on a journey through 2,000 years of history. We'll see wonderful architecture from previous centuries, as well as the new cutting-edge buildings like The Gherkin, Cheesegrater, and Walkie-Talkie.

I'll tell you about the Historic Livery Companies (trade guilds), and share lots of interesting stories behind the trades and their origins and traditions. We'll also see the City's dragon boundary markers and some of the beautiful churches and their connections to the City, and visit some of the ‘pocket parks’ tucked away in side streets. The walk is a great way to get to know the City, and you'll learn about its rich history and culture. You'll get to know it like a local, and you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for this fascinating place.

The tour is approximately 3 hours long, and we'll stop for coffee and comfort breaks along the way. The sites we visit are mostly outdoors, but we may be able to access some churches if they are open on the day. The gardens are generally open during city office hours—roughly 9am to 5pm.

This tour can be customized to fit your preferences, whether you want to change the entire route or just add a few stops. For example, you could see the Old Bank of England pub (along with its resident double decker bus), St Olave's Church, or the bust of Samuel Pepys. The Royal Exchange and Guildhall are both steeped in history and can be included in this tour. The wonderfully ornate Leadenhall Market is also a favourite (especially among Harry Potter fans) and Bracken House astronomical clock (the strangest in London) is one not to be missed. The Swan Marker and Barge Master, believed to be the first public sculpture in London ever to be commissioned by a Livery Company, is also worth a look. I can even incorporate parts of other tours to create a truly unique experience. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to customize your tour.

Actual tour destinations may vary depending on weather and where you wish to finish your tour.

Duration: 3 hours
Type: Walking Tour
Exclusives: Walking tour with Lee Cooper—an experienced, qualified London Black Cab Driver
Price: £240 total (up to 12 guests). Prices do not include attraction tickets.
Languages: English

Meet at Cannon Street station

•

Roman remains including Temple of Mithras, and the Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall Art Gallery

•

Livery companies

•

Leadenhall Market

•

Bank Junction where 9 major roads meet in the City of London

•

Bank of England

•

Mansion House

•

Royal Exchange

•

No 1 Poultry

•

Skyscrapers including The Gherkin, Cheesegrater and Walkie-Talkie, Scalpel, the Prawn