The 11 London History Tours That Earn Their Price

1.London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10,422 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40Our pick

Spend about three and a half hours walking from the City of London toward Covent Garden with a local guide such as Tim, Chris, Freddie, or Mark. Visit four traditional pubs, including Blackfriars and a 17th-century Dickens favorite, while learning about Fleet Street, Shakespeare, the legal quarter, and London’s pub customs. Drinks cost extra.

“Thank you, Claire. My wife and I had a genuine experience at the time, and it is attributed to you that you sincerely strive to keep the pub culture preserved.”

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2.Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,993 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44

Walk Soho with an English-speaking guide, stopping at four pubs linked to the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mozart. Hear how music, nightlife, and the area’s less respectable past shaped London. The group is capped at 15, drinks cost extra, and guides may include Ben, Gherto, Tom, Harvey, Callum, or Danny.

“Really enjoyed our time out today! Even though it rained our tour with Ben was amazing. Great out of the way pubs, rich in history and Ben was very knowledgeable. So fun! Highly recommend. Would like to say high to his mum!”

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3.London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,065 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $39

Meet outside St Paul’s Underground station for a 3.5-hour, 2-mile stroll through London’s pub history. An English-speaking guide leads you to four characterful pubs, including a Victorian gin palace and taverns dating to 1549. Drinks cost extra, and guides such as Dave, Tim, Freddie, Shadow, and Lachlan bring the stories to life.

“A great way to spend an afternoon in London. History, humour and beers. Tour Guide Dave was excellent.”

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4.London: Soho Music and Historic Pubs Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 836 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $39

Walk from Piccadilly Circus through Soho with an English-speaking guide such as Gherto, Henry, Sy, or Ben. Visit four historic pubs, hear stories about Lennon, Hendrix, Bowie, Mozart, and the Sex Pistols, and buy drinks along the way. Expect easy walking, lively banter, and plenty of music history.

“The guide Gherto was awesome, I highly recomment this tour!”

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5.Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 803 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $44

Walk from Piccadilly Circus through St. James’s and nearby streets, stopping at historic pubs while guides such as Ben, Luke, Henry, and Tom share royal tales, celebrity links, and local beer advice. The 2 to 3-hour tour costs $44.38, with drinks extra, and has a maximum of 12 people.

“Perfect with tom . Great day. Very interesting and fun . Go ! Vraiment une belle découverte originale”

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6.Private Group: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 660 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $173

Walk from Cheapside to Holborn with a private guide such as Lyndon, Lachlan, Adam, John, Ricky, or Freddie. Visit historic pubs including Black Friar, the Old Bank of England, and Princess Louise, while hearing stories tied to St. Paul’s, Dickens, RAF history, and the City of London. Drinks cost extra.

“Excellent! John, our tour guide was friendly and very knowledgable. We totally enjoyed the stories and history of each pub. We would have never known these special gems were there if it weren't for our tour. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone that enjoys history and of course... fine beer!! Cheers!”

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7.London: Medieval History Walking Tour from The Tower

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 318 reviews · 2 hours · from $24Best value

Join historian Mick Priestley for a two-hour walk from Tower Hill to St Paul’s Cathedral. Cross Tower Bridge, pass HMS Belfast, Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, Winchester Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Millennium Bridge while connecting medieval London with the city today. Expect clear storytelling, archive images, questions, and a brisk but manageable route in all weather.

“2 hours of interesting facts, sights and facts about medieval London We loved it and thanks for the great tour!”

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8.London: Private Landmark Tour with Professional Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 91 reviews · 20 - 45 minutes

Meet a local photographer near the Queen Victoria Memorial for a private 20 to 45 minute session around Westminster, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Your photographer guides poses, finds strong angles, and sends edited digital photos through a secure gallery within 48 hours. Photographers may include Mehr, Srujan, or Ahtesham.

“Zac was great, had us relaxed and laughing. Knew where to head and angles for photos we would not have got otherwise. Zac helped make great memories for us. Thank you Zac.”

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9.Private Rock n Roll History Tour of London in an Iconic Black Cab

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Spend four hours touring London’s rock landmarks in a private black cab with an English-speaking driver-guide. Visit Soho, Abbey Road, EMI House, St. James’s, Wardour Street, and more. Guides such as Jeremy, Jon, Mick, Joe, and Andrew tailor the route to your music interests and help with photos.

“Jon really knows his stuff! He has a deep passion for music & a spirit of fun that got our family engaged. It was one of the best excursions we've ever taken.”

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10.American Heritage in London 4 Hour Private Tour in a Black Cab

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Spend four hours with a private black cab guide exploring London’s American connections. Visit Benjamin Franklin’s former home, Trinity Square, the Mayflower Pub, and Norfolk House, while passing St. Paul’s, All Hallows by the Tower, and the American Embassy. Guides may include Jeremy, Dave, Patrick, Jim, or Paul.

“Patrick was an excellent guide!! We covered all the highlights and learned so much!! Great experience!! He was well prepared for rain which was much appreciated!”

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11.London: Historic City Walking Tour(& Rooftop Garden Access*)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 54 reviews · from $49

Follow an English-speaking guide from Temple through London’s ancient core, passing St. Paul’s, the Bank of England, London Bridge, and the Tower of London. Guides such as Maggie, Lucas, Carolina, Matt, and Margaret have led engaging walks. Sunday and Monday tours include Garden at 120, with wide city views.

“The tour was amazing! Our guide Maggie was exceptional! We had a really really good time! Would definitely book again!”

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