Historic Pubs of the City Tour

This walking tour connects four pubs spanning over 300 years of London history, starting with Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese where Charles Dickens was a regular customer. You'll explore the City of London's oldest drinking establishments, learning about their roles during the Great Fire of 1666, the Blitz, and their connections to famous writers and politicians. The tour combines architectural details, period stories, and opportunities to drink the same types of ales served centuries ago. This is a straightforward introduction to London's pub heritage for anyone interested in the capital's social history. Best for history buffs and traditional beer lovers. This is a easy activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: max 15. You meet at St. Paul's Cathedral steps. Key highlights: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a pub that has operated continuously since 1667, Stories of Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson, and other literary figures who drank here, Original wooden beams, fireplaces, and cellars from the 17th-18th centuries.

Price: £28

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 15

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: history buffs and traditional beer lovers

Best time: Thursday-Saturday evenings between 5-7pm. Fewer tourists than daytime; distinctive lighting and quieter crowds than weekends later in evening.

Meeting point: St. Paul's Cathedral steps

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Meeting time Group assembly at St. Paul's Cathedral steps - Arrive 10 minutes early; the guide will have a small sign identifying the tour.

First 20 minutes Walking to first pub with street-level history - Learn about the Great Fire of 1666 and how the oldest pubs survived or were rebuilt.

Minutes 20-50 First pub stop with drink and history talk - Order a drink (typically cask ale) and hear about the building's original construction and notable patrons.

Minutes 50-130 Visit three more historic pubs with walking between each - Each stop includes a drink, food ordering option, and 15-20 minutes at the venue to soak in the atmosphere.

Final 10 minutes Wrap-up at the last pub - Guide answers final questions; you're free to stay longer if you wish.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at St. Paul's Cathedral steps.

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a pub that has operated continuously since 1667
• Stories of Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson, and other literary figures who drank here
• Original wooden beams, fireplaces, and cellars from the 17th-18th centuries
• Cask ales selected to match historical ale styles
• Walking route through narrow City of London streets with medieval layout preserved
• Accessibility: Moderate walking over 2.5 hours with some uneven surfaces in old buildings. Steps in some pubs. Not wheelchair accessible due to building age and layout.

What is included: Guided tour of four historic pubs, One drink at each of the four pubs, Historical commentary and anecdotes from the guide, Street-level architectural history.

Not included: Food (available for purchase at most stops), Additional drinks beyond the included drink at each pub, Transport to/from meeting point. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Cash and/or card for extra drinks and food, Comfortable walking shoes, Light jacket (even in summer, historic pubs can be cool). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Thursday-Saturday evenings between 5-7pm. Fewer tourists than daytime; distinctive lighting and quieter crowds than weekends later in evening..

Tip: Runs Thursday-Saturday only

Tip: Food available at most stops

Tip: Book in advance during peak season (May-September)

Accessibility: Moderate walking over 2.5 hours with some uneven surfaces in old buildings. Steps in some pubs. Not wheelchair accessible due to building age and layout..

Operator: London Pub Walks

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Tower of London (15 min walk)
• Tate Modern (20 min walk)
• Winchester Palace (18 min walk)

This activity is run by London Pub Walks.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before; non-refundable within 48 hours.

Accessibility: Moderate walking over 2.5 hours with some uneven surfaces in old buildings. Steps in some pubs. Not wheelchair accessible due to building age and layout..

Best time to go: Thursday-Saturday evenings between 5-7pm. Fewer tourists than daytime; distinctive lighting and quieter crowds than weekends later in evening..

What type of beer will I drink on the historic pubs tour?

The tour focuses on traditional cask ales served at proper temperature and condition. Each pub will serve a different style reflecting what was historically available at that location. You'll typically encounter bitters, milds, or ESBs (extra special bitters) appropriate to the pub's character.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?

Yes. Non-drinkers can order soft drinks or coffee at each stop at no additional cost. The tour's value is primarily in the history and architecture rather than alcohol consumption, though most participants do drink the included beverage.

How much walking is involved in the City pub tour?

You'll walk approximately 1.5 miles total over 2.5 hours, spread between four pub stops. The pace is leisurely with frequent breaks. Most of the route follows flat City of London streets, though some cobblestones and uneven floors in pubs require careful footing.