The Execution of Charles I: A History Hit Audio Tour

Duration1h - 1h 30m

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

Few moments in history match the drama of January 30th, 1649, when a reigning king was publicly beheaded by his own subjects. On this self-guided walking tour with historian Dan Snow, you'll retrace Charles I's final journey through London, from his last night in a royal palace to the scaffold outside his own home. You'll hear how political paranoia, religious conflict, and one king's unshakeable belief in his divine authority brought a monarchy to its knees.

The tour starts at the corner of Piccadilly and St James's Street, walking down to St James's Palace, where Charles spent his final night saying goodbye to his two youngest children. You'll cross St James's Park – the same route the king walked on the morning of his execution, flanked by 1,200 soldiers – before heading toward the seat of Parliament.

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

St. James's Palace
Pass by

Passing by the striking red-brick Tudor towers of St James's Palace, you'll hear about Charles I's final night within these walls before his execution. Please note that the palace is a working royal residence and is not open to the public.
St. James's Park
Pass by

You'll walk through St James's Park, London's oldest royal park, retracing the very route Charles I took on the morning of his execution. Entry to the park is free.
Westminster Abbey
Pass by

You'll pass by the soaring Gothic towers of Westminster Abbey, where Charles I was crowned in 1626. The tour includes narration about its role in the story of his downfall, but entry to the Abbey itself is not included and requires a separate ticket.
Saint Margaret's Church on Parliament Square
Pass by

Passing by St Margaret's Church, known as the Parliamentary Church, you'll learn how radical sermons preached from its pulpit helped justify the king's execution. Entry to the church is not included in this tour
Houses of Parliament
Pass by

You'll pass by the Houses of Parliament and hear about the constitutional crisis between Charles I and Parliament that ultimately led to civil war and regicide. Please note that entry to the Houses of Parliament requires a separate ticket.
Palace of Westminster
Pass by

Walking past the Palace of Westminster, you'll hear about Westminster Hall, the medieval chamber where Charles I stood trial for treason in January 1649. Entry to Westminster Hall requires a separate ticket.
Whitehall
Pass by

You'll walk up Whitehall, the ceremonial heart of British government, following the same path Charles I took on the morning of his execution. No admission is required to walk this historic street.
Banqueting House
Pass by

Passing by Banqueting House, you'll hear how a scaffold was erected outside its entrance on 30 January 1649, the site of Charles I's execution. Entry to Banqueting House is not included in this tour and requires a separate ticket.
Pass by

The tour concludes at the Equestrian Statue of Charles I in Trafalgar Square, where you'll hear the remarkable story of how this bronze, cast while the king was still alive, was secretly buried to save it from being melted down during the Civil War.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at 161 Piccadilly. 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 at the Equestrian Statue of King Charles I.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

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.

Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator

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