Secret London: Beauty and Architecture Walking Tour

London, England
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Duration5h 15m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 9 travelers

Overview

Discover London’s hidden gems on this urban adventure led by a heritage expert and London architect, with a curated eye on beauty. Hike from icons like Big Ben and Trafalgar Square to lesser-known nooks and ancient alleys, while hearing the tales of the city. Then be immersed in London’s diverse hoods, from luxury playgrounds and ethnic enclaves to secret oases beloved by locals -you'll get exclusive access. With Brit-themed snacks, a changing of the guard and the odd ghost story thrown in, this 5 hour tour is perfect for first-timers, architecture fans and history buffs, on a personalised journey through the city's rich tapestry. You'll finish with a free souvenir.

- Explore both grand monuments and hidden gems on foot
- Enjoy views of iconic sites and the haunts of local legends
- See London at its grandest, prettiest and most architecturally arresting
- Includes light nibbles during the tour, with loo breaks and rests
- Suitable for beginners; wear comfortable shoes and bring water

What's included

  • Snacks
  • Please bring water to stay hydrated

What to expect

  1. Big Ben
    25m
    Get the best shots of the Elizabeth Tower from Westminster Bridge and Parliament Square, before touring the revered statues surrounding the Houses of Parliament
  2. Westminster Abbey
    20m
    Circle the glorious architecture of the nation's most sacred site, and hear about the religious pageantry and royal connections
  3. Whitehall
    10m
    Parade this parade of palaces, home to the corridors of power and ceremonial way for shrines and pageantry
  4. Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
    25m
    Take your iconic photos with the mounted soldiers, before witnessing their changing of the guard in the courtyard behind
  5. Trafalgar Square
    10m
    Pass through Admiralty Arch into the main square that defines the ceremonial city from the commercial heart, and the entertainment districts
  6. Chinatown
    20m
    Dive into the colourful history, smells and tastes of one of the most vibrant districts in the capital, before retiring to the gritty ruins of St Anne's, backdrop to an insight on modern social history. We'll visit a Chinese cake shop and snack in a graveyard.
  7. Soho
    10m
    Thread through the alleyways and secret yards of the orginal Soho, to hear the sordid tales of this entertainment district after dark
  8. Regent Street
    10m
    Tour the palaces of commerce on the centre's premier carriageway, before uncovering the Bowie/ Stardust shrines in a hidden sidestreet
  9. Carnaby Street
    10m
    Check out the cool corners of London's trend-obsessed district, surfing waves of mainstream and subculture for over 60 years.
  10. Liberty London
    10m
    Enter the grand dame of department stores, founded on and still devoted to exotic trades and the age of empire. A retail bazaar masquerading as a tudor palace.
  11. Bond Street
    45m
    Take an anhropological safari into the favoured quarter, and check out how the other half live in their hidden villages, alleyways, auction houses and exquisite arcades
  12. Fortnum & Mason
    20m
    Peek into the world's poshest grocery store, before walking the rarefied district of St James, home to royal warrants, bespoke crafters and ancient brands. Smell centuries-old perfumes, and taste the best of British cheese.
  13. Piccadilly Circus
    15m
    Witness the beating, chaotic heart of the West End, with its screens, crowds and showbiz before finding a world of calm in alleys that inspired Harry Potter.
  14. Seven Dials
    25m
    Discover the gorgeous network of courtyards, lanes and squares that defines this atmospheric quarter, combining the best of old and new. A nonstop photo opp from start to finish.
  15. Covent Garden
    15m
    We end at the Old Town district of this market piazza, famed for its buzz, buildings and buskers. I'll give recommendations for nearby restaurants for a late lunch, suitable for different price ranges.
  16. London Gifts And Souvenirs
    5m · Admission ticket included
    We finish with receiving a souvenir of London for you to keep. Entirely free and not part of the price (more will be explained!).

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your Tour Guide will meet you in the ticket hall of Westminster Underground Station (inside/ indoors) at 9:30am. He will be wearing a bowler hat.

End point

Ends at St Paul's Curch, opposite the Apple Market in Covent Garden

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
£18.00 per person
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  • 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 London Curated Tours · Booked through Viator
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