Castles, Crusaders, Communists & Courts
London, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore narrow lanes & see a different side to London
- Marvel at the beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral
- Experience the Oldest Court in the Western World at Old Bailey
- Visit the ancient Church of St. Bartholomew the Great
- Discover the largest square in London at Lincoln's Inn
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Private Tour Experience
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Duration 3 hours
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In-person guide included
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Wheelchair accessible
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Explores historic London sites
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Available in English
Experience the fascinating history of London like never before with the Castles, Crusaders, Communists & Courts tour. Step back in time as you explore the narrow lanes and hidden gems of the city, starting at Smithfields where Braveheart's William Wallace met his tragic end. Discover the secrets of St. Barts, one of the oldest hospitals in the world, and uncover the story behind Charterhouse, a priory that sits next to a plague pit. Walk through the Dickensian streets of Clerkenwell, where Lenin and Stalin had their first meeting, and marvel at the beautiful squares of the legal district, including the largest square in London, rarely visited by tourists. Finally, finish your journey outside the Royal Courts of Justice, surrounded by the rich history of Fleet Street. Embark on this captivating tour and immerse yourself in the captivating tales of castles, crusaders, communists, and courts.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours
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Available in English
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Discover London's hidden history with a private tour of its castles, crusaders, and courts, revealing the city's rich and fascinating past.
Included
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In-person guide
Excluded
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Tube travel, before or after the tour.
Meeting Point
An alternative starting point just outside the station.
Farringdon Station, Cowcross St, London EC1M 6BY , United Kingdom
End Point
Just outside The Royal Courts, a short walk from Temple Underground Station.
London WC2A 2LL , United Kingdom
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Panyer Alley
Just outside St Pauls Underground Station by Caffe Nero
St. Paul's Cathedral
Marvel at the beautiful cathedral of the City of London, the latest in the long time of holy sanctuaries to be built here since before the Roman times.
10 minutes
Admission Not Included
Old Bailey
The Oldest Court in the Western World and famous for its high profile cases that still are held here today.
5 minutes
Admission Not Included
The Viaduct Tavern
This old pub infamously has jail cells beneath it where people would await their fate... normally being publicly executed just outside as highlighted in the works of Charles Dickens.
5 minutes
Admission Not Included
WIlliam Wallace Memorial
See the place where William Wallace of Braveheart fame died, along with many others through the ages.
5 minutes
Church of St. Bartholomew the Great
We will explore the ancient church, often used in movies and built by a dying crusader who had had a vision of a Saint in the Holy Lands. We will also visit nearby sites associated with the same encounter.
15 minutes
Admission Included
The Charterhouse
Charterhouse Square, one of the largest plague pits before entering Charterhouse chapel and amongst other things seeing a recently discovered skeleton of a victim of the Black Death (Plague).
15 minutes
The Museum of the Order of St John
We will see the gatehouse belonging to the Knights of St John Crusaders and have a quick look inside at their collection of weapons and armour.
15 minutes
The Crown Tavern
Clerkenwell was the scene of dreadful poverty in the 19th Century and the inspiration behind one of Charles Dickens great novels. This poverty led to Lenin and Stalin meeting here for the first time in what is now a beautiful old pub.
5 minutes
Admission Not Included
Marx Memorial Library
The communist heritage of Clerkenwell continues with this working institute.
5 minutes
Admission Not Included
Ely Pl
This beautiful street was the scene of both a wedding a dreadful act by King Henry VIII and technically is part of Cambridgeshire... in the middle of London.
10 minutes
Lincoln's Inn
The largest square in London though rarely visited by tourists which is a shame as it is a beautiful, ancient and tranquil square with great halls, a wonderful chapel and well tended gardens. Home to one of the great Inns of Court.
25 minutes
Royal Courts of Justice
We will finish at the Royal Courts of Justice, one of the great courts which stands at the end of famous old Fleet Street on the borders of the City of London and the City of Westminster.
5 minutes
Admission Not Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Wheelchair accessible -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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We have earmarked this tour as especially safe during the Coronavirus outbreak due to generally quiet places that we visit where social distancing is generally not a problem. All of our tours are private so it is just you/your family and your guide. To make it easier and safer for all concerned we would suggest starting this tour a little later than the usual time, perhaps around 10.30-11am which allows us all to miss rush-hour. We are happy to still come to your hotel to meet you but for the moment we would suggest meeting us at the tour starting point. This allows you to arrive by a taxi or uber rather than public transport. Please feel free to wear masks throughout or at times during the tour. Your guide will also have a mask with them.
What our experts say
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Start around 10:30 to avoid crowds. -
Visit nearby St. Paul's Cathedral first.
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Try lunch at The Viaduct Tavern.
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Don't miss Lincoln's Inn for tranquility.
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Bring a camera for stunning sights.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Welcome to a journey through the hidden treasures of London, an experience like no other. Embark on the "Castles, Crusaders, Communists & Courts" tour and discover a side of this historic city that many tourists never get to see. This thrilling excursion will take you through narrow lanes and reveal the fascinating stories of London's past, from knights and crusaders to famous courts and communist encounters.What to expect?
During this 180-minute tour, you can expect to dive deep into the rich history and cultural heritage of London. Marvel at the stunning St. Paul's Cathedral, a true masterpiece of architecture that has stood the test of time. Experience the solemnity and grandeur of the Old Bailey, the oldest court in the Western world. Immerse yourself in the intriguing atmosphere of The Viaduct Tavern, an ancient pub with hidden jail cells.Who is this for?
The "Castles, Crusaders, Communists & Courts" tour is designed for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and culture lovers alike. Whether you're a local resident looking to uncover hidden gems or a curious traveler wanting to explore the lesser-known aspects of London, this tour will captivate and engage you. All are welcome to join in this immersive journey through time, discovering the secrets and stories that have shaped the city.Why book this?
This tour offers a truly unique and immersive experience of London, showcasing its lesser-known historical sites and stories. Led by experienced guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's past and its impact on the present. As you stroll through the enchanting streets and squares, you'll feel transported back in time. The blend of crusaders' tales, communist history, and courtly intrigue creates a captivating narrative that brings London's past to life.Good to know
As you embark on this adventure, be prepared for a leisurely-paced walk, perfect for taking in the sights and immersing yourself in the atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the beautiful streets and historic landmarks along the way. The tour starts just outside St Paul's Underground Station, conveniently located for easy access. Be sure to bring your curiosity and a sense of wonder, as you're about to embark on an extraordinary journey through London's hidden history.Reviews
Previous participants in the "Castles, Crusaders, Communists & Courts" tour have praised its unique approach to showcasing London's history. They have raved about the knowledgeable guides who brought the stories to life with their engaging storytelling. Many have expressed how this tour opened their eyes to a side of London they never knew existed, with some even remarking that it was the highlight of their trip. If you're ready to discover the hidden wonders London has to offer, book your spot on the "Castles, Crusaders, Communists & Courts" tour today!
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