The Hidden London Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the lesser-known corners of the city. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes visitors on a 1.5-hour journey through the winding alleys and hidden courtyards near Fleet Street. From the old Cabman’s shelter to the infamous Sweeney Todd’s barber shop, the tour promises to uncover a side of London that even lifelong residents may have missed. With curious sights around every turn, this walking tour invites participants to step off the beaten path and discover the city’s most intriguing secrets. What hidden gems await those who join the adventure?
About Our Review: We hope you find our review helpful! Though we don’t operate tours, you can easily book this experience using the button at the bottom of this page. If you do make a booking, we will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Key Points
- The 1.5-hour walking tour explores the side streets and hidden courtyards near Fleet Street, showcasing curious sights like the old Cabman’s shelter and Roman Bath.
- The tour visits the city’s most romantic church and the area once used by the Knights Templar, providing insight into London’s rich history.
- Participants will learn about the grisly tale of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, including the location of his infamous barber shop.
- The tour includes a visit to the abandoned Aldwych Ghost Station, offering a window into London’s hidden underground infrastructure.
- The tour starts at the centrally located Temple Underground station, making it easily accessible for participants and eliminating the need for navigation.
More tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The Hidden London Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour exploration led by an English-speaking guide, providing visitors with an opportunity to uncover the city’s lesser-known historical gems.
The tour takes participants through side streets and hidden courtyards near Fleet Street, showcasing curious sights like an old Cabman’s shelter, a so-called Roman Bath, and the eerie Aldwych Ghost Station.
Travelers will also visit the city’s most romantic church and an area once used by the Knights Templar.
As the tour progresses, the guide will share the grisly tale of Sweeney Todd, the infamous Demon Barber of Fleet Street, making this a truly immersive and captivating experience for anyone interested in London’s rich and sometimes macabre history.
Highlights
This tour’s highlights include discovering the location of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, visiting the church built by the Knights Templar, seeing a Ghost Station, looking through a window into London’s Roman Bath, and observing shrapnel damage from World War II. Visitors can expect to be captivated by the tour’s diverse offering of historical sights and intriguing narratives. The walking route takes explorers through side streets and hidden courtyards, showcasing the city’s rich and often overlooked stories.
| Highlight | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeney Todd’s Location | The infamous barber’s shop | Uncover the truth behind the legend |
| Knights Templar Church | A historic place of worship | Explore the area’s medieval heritage |
| Aldwych Ghost Station | An abandoned underground station | Discover London’s hidden transport history |
| Roman Bath | A window into the city’s ancient past | Marvel at the remnants of Roman London |
| WWII Shrapnel | Visible damage from wartime bombings | Reflect on the city’s resilience in the face of adversity |
Tour Description
Starts at Temple Underground station and explores side streets and hidden courtyards near Fleet Street, pointing out curious sights like an old Cabman’s shelter, a so-called Roman Bath, and Aldwych Ghost Station.
The tour visits the city’s most romantic church and an area once used by the Knights Templar. Along the way, the guide shares intriguing details about the landmarks and their histories.
The tour culminates in the search for the notorious barber, Sweeney Todd, as participants learn about the macabre tales surrounding this fictional character. Through this immersive experience, participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the hidden gems and unseen stories that lie within the heart of London.
Booking Details
Likely to sell out, this Hidden London Walking Tour can be booked from $23.34 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later. Given its popularity, it’s recommended to secure your spot as soon as possible.
The tour explores the side streets and hidden courtyards near Fleet Street, providing a unique glimpse into London’s rich history.
While booking, it’s important to note that comfortable shoes are recommended, and pets or large bags aren’t allowed. Plus, the tour involves some steps and uneven surfaces, so participants should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity.
Important Information
Comfortable shoes are recommended for the Hidden London Walking Tour, as the excursion involves some steps and uneven surfaces. Participants aren’t allowed to bring pets or large bags on the tour.
While exploring the side streets and hidden courtyards near Fleet Street, visitors should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity. The tour covers a range of historical sites, including the location of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a church built by the Knights Templar, a Ghost Station, and a window into London’s Roman Bath.
Along the way, guests will also observe shrapnel damage from World War II. With these important considerations in mind, guests can fully enjoy the hidden gems of London’s past.
Getting to Temple Underground
The Hidden London Walking Tour begins at the Temple Underground station, making it easily accessible for participants. From this central location, the tour explores the side streets and hidden courtyards near Fleet Street, uncovering the city’s historic secrets.
Conveniently situated, the starting point allows guests to seamlessly transition from public transportation to the captivating journey ahead. With the Underground station as the meeting point, the tour provides a hassle-free experience, eliminating the need for participants to navigate the bustling city on their own.
The strategic location sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the neighborhood, where the guide unveils the hidden gems that even longtime Londoners may have overlooked. Embracing the convenience of the Temple Underground station, the tour efficiently commences, setting the tone for a truly remarkable adventure through the city’s lesser-known wonders.
Exploring Fleet Street Alleys
From the Temple Underground station, the tour guides visitors along a network of quaint alleys and hidden courtyards that line the iconic Fleet Street, unveiling the area’s rich history and architectural gems.
As the group meanders through these narrow passages, they’ll come across an old Cabman’s shelter – a former respite for horse-drawn cab drivers.
Nearby, the tour highlights a curious building that houses what’s believed to be a remnant of London’s Roman baths, offering a window into the city’s ancient past.
Along the way, the guide points out subtle reminders of the area’s tumultuous history, like the shrapnel damage from World War II visible on some of the buildings.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Tour From London & Admissions
- From London: Paris Day Tour W/Eiffel Tower Champagne Lunch
- From London: Paris Tour With Lunch Cruise & Sightseeing Tour
- From London: Paris Day Tour by Train With Guide and Cruise
- Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – London
- Stonehenge and Bath Tour From London
Discovering Sweeney Todd’s Barber Shop
Delving deeper into the tour’s sinister highlights, visitors are led to the purported location of the infamous Sweeney Todd’s barber shop, where the Demon Barber of Fleet Street reputedly lured unsuspecting customers to their grisly demise.
The guide recounts the gruesome tale of Todd’s murderous rampage, captivating the audience with chilling details:
- The barber’s nefarious scheme to slit his victims’ throats and dispose of the bodies down a trapdoor
- The ghastly discovery of an underground bakery where the remains were used to make meat pies
- The shocking revelations of Todd’s depraved partnership with the equally conniving Mrs. Lovett
The unnerving atmosphere of the shadowy alley, where a sense of unease permeates the air.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Skip-The-Line Windsor Castle Private Trip From London by Car
- Colourful Photo Tour at Notting Hill
- 10 Cultural Spots in the West End: London Self-Guided Audio Tour
- Private Shopping Transfer From London to Oxford Bicester Village
- Cultural Camden: a Self-Guided Audio Tour of Old Graveyards & Modern Street Art
- Combi Ticket: Climb The O2 & Go Up High (Emirate Cable Car) London Day Out
- 1066 Battle of Hastings, Birling Gap and Seven Sisters Tour
- Departure by Sedan From Central London to Gatwick Airport LGW
- Step Into the Clink Prison & See 30 Amazing London Sights
- Private One Way Transfer: London to Oxford / Oxford to London
- London Private Transfer From Heathrow Airport to City Centre
- Private Driver to Visit London, Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge or Oxford
- Private Tour From London via Warwick Castle & Stratford Upon Avon
- The Ghosts of the Secret Alleyways of Old London Town
- Classic Scotland Tour
Recap
The Hidden London Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s hidden gems. Visitors will uncover curious sights, from the old Cabman’s shelter to the abandoned Aldwych Ghost Station.
The tour also delves into the infamous tale of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber, making for a thrilling and informative experience.
With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this 1.5-hour tour is a must for those seeking to discover London’s secret history.