Private City & Secrets: Explore London's Hidden Gems on a Sunday

London, GB

Included

  • inclusion
    Rain poncho (if required)
  • inclusion
    Local guide
  • inclusion
    Hand built British bicycle
  • inclusion
    Helmet (optional)
  • inclusion
    Tweed cap (optional)

Meeting Point

• Bike tours meet at Tally Ho @ 189 Hercules Road, London, SE17LD. • The tour ends back at the same location. • The closest underground station is Lambeth North (on the Bakerloo Line). This is a 3 minute walk from our location. • We have secure storage for luggage.

Meeting point

189 Hercules Rd, London SE1 7LD , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

• Bike tours meet at Tally Ho @ 189 Hercules Road, London, SE17LD. • The tour ends back at the same location. • The closest underground station is Lambeth North (on the Bakerloo Line). This is a 3 minute walk from our location. • We have secure storage for luggage.

Meeting point

189 Hercules Rd, London SE1 7LD , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1

Roupell Street

Explore Roupell Street, a fascinating glimpse into 1820s London, with its charming Georgian houses built for the working class. John Roupel reclaimed marshy land and named the streets after his family. Postmen's confusion led to name changes. The area almost burned down in 1829, prompting fire insurance reminders. Notice plaques on houses – without one, private firefighters would let your house burn. Despite WWII bombings, these streets remain. Visit The King's Arms, a Grade II Victorian Pub, offering 10 real ales, including local brews. Once an undertaker's and magistrates' court, it now serves top-notch Thai cuisine.

Duration 10 minutes
2

Blackfriars Bridge

Visit the brigde which was opened 1in 869 by Queen Victoria. It is named after the Dominican Friars who had their monastery at the north end of the bridge. The tops of the support columns are shaped like pulpits in its memory.

Duration 5 minutes
3

The Cockpit

The Cockpit pub was the site of monastic houses and Dominican friars had their monastery here. Shakespeare bought the gatehouse and lived here.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4
St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral, an emblematic London landmark, held Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding and Winston Churchill's funeral. Wellington and Nelson also lay here. With a rich history dating back to 604 AD, old St. Paul's was destroyed in the Great Fire of London, 1666. Christopher Wren rebuilt it, symbolising resilience. Despite WWII bombings, St. Paul's stands tall as an emblem of survival.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5
St. Mary Le Bow Church

Discover the church, whose bells are the most famous in London, where if you are born within the sound of Bow bells, you are true a Cockney Londoner.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6

Guildhall

Delve into Medieval London, and the town hall of the City of London and hear stories of the weird, archaic traditions, which have been unchanged since middle ages.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
7

The Mansion House, City of London

Uncover the history of the highest point in the City of London, which has been of importance since Roman Times. Where you will learn about Mansion House (the home of the Lord Mayor of London) and the Bank of England.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8

Leadenhall Market

Visit the Victorian market, designed by Sir Horace Jones which in Roman times was the location of the Forum and Basilica. Here you'll uncover the Harry Potter Locations of Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron.

Duration 10 minutes
9

Lloyds of London

Discover and be immersed in the diverse architecture at the heart of the City of London. See the architectural masterpiece of Richard Roger's Lloyds of London Skyscraper, surrounded by its neighbours the Cheesegrater and the Gherkin in contrast to St Andrew Undershaft, a pre 1666 fire church, built when Henry VIII was king (1517).

Duration 10 minutes
10
London Wall

Discover one of the oldest parts of London and see the Roman wall of London, of which part was built by Romans around 200AD.

Duration 5 minutes
11
Cable Street Mural

Visit the mural completed in 1983 in one of London's most diverse, multicultural areas. It depicts the battle between fascists and protesters in 1936, when the area was a predominantly Jewish area.

Duration 10 minutes
12
Shadwell Basin

Explore one of London's original docks, in an area that has been regenerated since the 1980s, and learn about the history of what was 100 years ago, the busiest docks in the world.

Duration 5 minutes
13
The Prospect of Whitby

Experience a pint in

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Included
14

Tobacco Dock

Explore the ornamental canal and old tobacco warehouses in the heart of the old London Docks, which have been redeveloped since the 1980s.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
15
St Katharine Docks

Explore the last of London's Docks to be built in 1825 and the first to close down in the 1960s. The area was the site of the the hospital St Katherine's by the Tower founded in 1147 by Queen Matilda.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
16

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London, is a combined bascule and suspension bridge that spans the River Thames. Completed in 1894, it was designed by Sir Horace Jones and engineered by Sir John Wolfe Barry. The bridge features two neo-Gothic towers connected by a central walkway and has become a major tourist attraction. The Tower Bridge Exhibition, housed within the towers, offers visitors a chance to learn about the bridge's history and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the glass-floored walkway. The bascules are raised around 800 times a year to allow tall ships to pass through, providing a spectacular sight for onlookers.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
17
Tower of London

Discover the Tower of London, an iconic historical site built by William the Conqueror shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Once a royal palace, menagerie, observatory, and armoury, it is most famous as a state prison and execution site. Entering through Traitors Gate often meant a grim fate. Notable figures like William Wallace, Thomas More, Henry VI, and Edward V met their demise here, as did Henry VIII's wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Today, the Tower houses the magnificent Crown Jewels, a must-see for any visitor.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
18
HMS Belfast

Take in the grandeur of the World War II Cruiser Class Destroyer ship, which was built in the same shipyard as the Titanic in Belfast. The ship protected convoys in WWII and the Korean War and was part of the D Day Landings on June 6th 1944. And today it is a floating museum, where you can see interiors which doubled as the Royal Yacht Britannia in Netflix's The Crown.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
19

City Hall

View the former City Hall of London, designed by Norman Foster.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
20
St. Dunstan In The East

Take a moment in a quiet space in the middle of the busting City of London. The original church was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, but was rebuilt by Wren.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
21

The Monument to the Great Fire of London

View the great monument to the Great Fire of London of 1666. Standing at 202 ft high, If laid on it’s side, the golden urn on top would land at Thomas Farriner’s bakery shop on Pudding Lane where fire started 2 Sep 1666.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
22

Southwark Bridge

Witness Shakespeare's Globe from one of London's finest bridges. Experience the magic of Shakespeare's Globe, a 1997 reconstruction of the original 1599 venue. As home to The Lord Chamberlain's Men, it saw the debut of many Shakespearean classics.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
23

Tate Modern

Tate Modern, the world's most-visited modern art gallery, opened in 2000 after transforming a 1950s Bankside Power Station. Its twisted brick pyramid, a 2016 extension, features a 10th-floor viewing gallery. The impressive turbine hall hosts changing, monumental commissions. A masterpiece itself, the building is worth visiting even for non-art lovers. Admire works by renowned 20th/21st-century artists, from Mondrian and Richter to Rothko and Picasso.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission 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

  • Additional information
    Minimum alcohol drinking age is 18 years
  • Additional information
    Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Riders must be aged 13 years and over
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Tally Ho Experiences

What our experts say

  • icon
    Bring water to stay hydrated
  • icon
    Try Thai food at The King's Arms
  • icon
    Explore nearby Tate Modern art gallery
  • icon
    Dress in layers for changing weather
  • icon
    Check out the Cable Street Mural nearby

More About this Experience

Introduction

Embark on a journey through time and history with the Private City & Secrets: Explore London's Hidden Gems on a Sunday bike tour. This unique experience will take you on a leisurely ride through the vibrant streets of London, revealing both well-known landmarks and hidden treasures that are sure to leave you in awe.

What to expect?

On this captivating tour, participants can anticipate a blend of adventure, history, and culture as they pedal through the city's lesser-known nooks and crannies. From the remnants of London's Roman wall to the iconic Tower Bridge, every turn offers a new discovery that adds to the historical tapestry of this bustling metropolis. Expect to be enchanted by the charm of hidden gems and enchanted by the magic of Harry Potter's world seamlessly blending with London's past.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for curious explorers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a unique way to experience London. Whether you're a local looking to uncover hidden gems or a tourist eager to delve into the city's rich history, this bike tour caters to all. It's ideal for individuals or small groups wanting to immerse themselves in the historical and cultural wonders of London.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of London's hidden gems and historical tapestry with this bike tour. Explore the city in a unique way, uncovering secret spots and iconic landmarks that will leave you mesmerized. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and history, providing an unforgettable experience that goes beyond traditional sightseeing. With a local guide leading the way and a hand-built British bicycle at your disposal, this tour promises a memorable and immersive journey through London's past and present.

Good to know

As you pedal through London's streets, be prepared to experience the city in a whole new light. Remember to dress comfortably for the ride and don't forget your camera to capture the stunning sights along the way. While snacks and drinks are not included, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and refuel at local cafes and eateries. Make sure to bring along some extra cash for any additional purchases or gratuities you may wish to offer.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on the Private City & Secrets: Explore London's Hidden Gems on a Sunday bike tour have raved about the unique experience it offers. From the knowledgeable guides to the fascinating locations visited, guests have praised the tour for its immersive and engaging nature. Many have highlighted the hidden gems and historical insights they gained, making it a must-do activity for anyone looking to uncover the secrets of London's past. Overall, reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing their satisfaction and delight with this unforgettable journey through the heart of the city.

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