Roman London's Rise and Fall: A History Hit Audio Tour

London, England
Duration1h 30m - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Roman London isn't buried beneath the city – it is the city. On this audio walking tour by ancient historian Tristan Hughes, you'll follow the rise and fall of Londinium, from its founding as a Roman military outpost to its destruction by fire and its eventual abandonment.

You'll pass through Leadenhall Market, built over the foundations of a basilica that was once the largest civic complex north of the Alps, and continue through the streets the Romans laid out as a deliberate display of imperial power.

Along the way, you'll discover how 35,000 people once lived here – eating dormice and figs, bumping into merchants from Palmyra and soldiers from the Rhine – before plague, rebellion, and the collapse of the Empire's frontiers drained the city of its reason to exist. By 410 AD, Emperor Honorius told the cities of Britain to look to their own defences, and Rome simply walked away.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. London Bridge
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by London Bridge, the modern crossing over the River Thames that stands on the site of centuries of historic bridges linking the City of London with Southwark. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
  2. Leadenhall Market
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by Leadenhall Market, a beautifully restored Victorian market known for its ornate architecture, boutique shops, and appearance in several films. Please note that entry to the market or any purchases made inside are not included in this tour.
  3. Mansion House of City of London
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by the Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, renowned for its grand Palladian architecture and ceremonial role. Please note that entry to the building is not included in this tour.
  4. London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by the London Mithraeum, the reconstructed remains of a Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. Please note that entry to the museum and archaeological site is not included in this tour.
  5. St. Giles Cripplegate
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by the St Giles Cripplegate and City Wall Tower, where one of London’s few surviving medieval churches stands alongside a preserved section of the ancient Roman city wall. Please note that entry to the church and tower is not included in this tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at London Bridge Southside. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends in front of the Roman Wall at St. Giles Cripplegate

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$11.99 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in London
From
$11.99 per person
Check availability