City of London Historic Walk

This two-hour walking tour focuses on the City of London's 2,000 years of history, beginning with Roman settlement and progressing through medieval development to the present day. Expert guides provide access to hidden churches, livery company halls, and streets that few visitors see. The City's medieval layout and guild traditions form the core of this historically detailed tour. Best for history enthusiasts wanting deeper knowledge. This is a moderate activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: 12-20. You meet at Bank Underground Station exit 3. Key highlights: Roman Londinium foundations and archaeology, Access to hidden medieval churches and courtyards, Livery company halls and medieval guild system.

Price: £12

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 12-20

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: history enthusiasts wanting deeper knowledge

Best time: Weekends only (Saturday and Sunday). Morning tours (10am-12pm) offer better light for viewing medieval architecture. Spring and early autumn provide clear visibility and comfortable walking temperatures.

Meeting point: Bank Underground Station exit 3

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start (Bank Station) Meet guide and receive historical overview of Roman Londinium and medieval City development - Guides establish the City's origins as a Roman trading post and explain how medieval guilds shaped its modern form.

First 30 min Walk to St. Mary-le-Bow Church and surrounding medieval streets - Visit hidden alleyways and courtyards that preserve medieval London's street pattern and architecture.

30-60 min Visit hidden churches and livery company halls - Access interior spaces of St. Bartholomew-the-Great and other medieval churches; learn about guild history and power structures.

60-90 min Explore the Great Fire of 1666 reconstruction and its legacy - Guides explain how Christopher Wren rebuilt the City after the fire and point out surviving medieval buildings.

90-120 min Final sites including Guildhall and Roman Amphitheatre remains - Tour concludes with sites that document the City's transformation from Roman settlement to modern financial hub.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Bank Underground Station exit 3.

• Roman Londinium foundations and archaeology
• Access to hidden medieval churches and courtyards
• Livery company halls and medieval guild system
• Great Fire of 1666 reconstruction sites
• Expert guides with deep historical knowledge

What is included: 2-hour guided walking tour, Access to church interiors and courtyards, Historical commentary on Roman, medieval, and modern periods, Expert historical interpretation.

Not included: Museum entry fees (Tower of London, Museum of London, etc.), Meals or refreshments, Private tour options. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Very comfortable walking shoes (medieval cobblestones throughout), Layers (City streets can be windy and cool), Water bottle, Camera for architectural details, Small notebook for notes on historical facts. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Weekends only (Saturday and Sunday). Morning tours (10am-12pm) offer better light for viewing medieval architecture. Spring and early autumn provide clear visibility and comfortable walking temperatures..

Tip: Runs weekends only

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones

Accessibility: Moderate to challenging terrain. Tour covers 1.5-2 miles on cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and uneven medieval-era paving. Multiple curbs and steps in church interiors. Not suitable for wheelchair users. Wear supportive footwear..

Operator: London Walks | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 (0)20 7624 3978

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Tower of London (10 min walk)
• Tate Modern (15 min walk)
• Winchester Palace (12 min walk)

This activity is run by London Walks.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure; refunds not available within 48 hours.

Accessibility: Moderate to challenging terrain. Tour covers 1.5-2 miles on cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and uneven medieval-era paving. Multiple curbs and steps in church interiors. Not suitable for wheelchair users. Wear supportive footwear..

Best time to go: Weekends only (Saturday and Sunday). Morning tours (10am-12pm) offer better light for viewing medieval architecture. Spring and early autumn provide clear visibility and comfortable walking temperatures..

What surfaces will I be walking on during the City of London historic walk?

The tour covers primarily medieval-era cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and church interiors with stone floors. Several sites have steps, curbs, and uneven paving. Wear supportive shoes with good grip. The terrain is not wheelchair-accessible and requires moderate fitness for two hours of continuous walking.

Do the churches stay open during the tour, or is it exterior viewing only?

This tour includes interior access to several hidden churches such as St. Bartholomew-the-Great and St. Mary-le-Bow. Entry is part of the guided experience. Some spaces may have limited hours or occasional closures; guides confirm access on the day of the tour.

How much of this tour focuses on Roman London versus medieval history?

The tour balances Roman foundations and archaeology (first 30 minutes) with medieval guild development and Great Fire reconstruction (remaining 90 minutes). Guides emphasize how each historical period shaped the current City layout and architecture.