Uncover London’s hidden past with an alternative history audio tour that takes you off the beaten path. Guided by local expert Joey Leskin, this self-paced adventure reveals the city’s quirky origins – from the coffee bean theft by American merchants to the surprising story behind Covent Garden. Priced at just $7.99 per person, the tour explores iconic landmarks and hidden gems along the River Thames, offering multilingual audio and offline access so you can discover London’s unique British drinks and Italian-style squares at your own leisure. There’s more to this vibrant city than meets the eye.
Good To Know
- This self-guided audio tour offers an alternative perspective on London’s quirky history, covering topics like the origins of Covent Garden and the city’s notorious 18th-century brothel.
- The tour explores the historical relationship between Britain and its former colonies, including how Americans smuggled coffee beans into the country, contributing to the rise of American coffee culture.
- Participants can discover unique stories behind traditional British drinks, such as English tea, real ale, Pimm’s Cup, and sloe gin, which reflect the cultural heritage and evolution of London.
- The tour includes a visit to the hidden Italian-style Soho Square, a tranquil 17th-century gem featuring a Victorian-era fountain and quaint townhouses.
- The tour is accessible through a multilingual audio guide available in English, Chinese, and Dutch, providing a user-friendly way to explore London’s hidden gems at a self-paced tempo.
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Contents
- Good To Know
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Experience and Highlights
- Tour Features
- Logistics and Meeting Point
- Quirky London History
- Thames River and Coffee
- Unique British Drinks
- Hidden Italian-Style Square
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Take This Tour With a Large Group?
- Is This Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
- Can I Join the Tour Midway if I’m Late?
- What Is the Best Time of Day to Take This Tour?
- Sum Up
- Our Top Picks in London
- More Guided Tours in London
- More Tours in London
- More Tour Reviews in London
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The self-guided London’s Alternative History Audio Tour is priced from $7.99 per person and lasts approximately 1 hour, with an overall duration of 1 to 1.5 hours for the walk.
Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour is led by local city guide and travel journalist, Joey Leskin, who provides an immersive experience exploring London’s quirky history.
Highlights include learning about the River Thames, the origins of Covent Garden, and unique British drinks.
The tour features an audio guide in English, Chinese, and Dutch, with offline access to the content via the VoiceMap app.
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Experience and Highlights
Explore London’s quirky history on this alternative self-guided tour, as local city guide and travel journalist, Joey Leskin, takes participants on a captivating journey through the city’s fascinating backstories. Learn about the River Thames, the origins of ‘Covent Garden,’ and unique British drinks. Discover intriguing tales, like how Americans stole coffee from the British, the only street in London that confuses taxi drivers, the city’s notorious 18th-century brothel, the last Victorian gas lamp, and a hidden Italian-style square. With the VoiceMap app, explore at your own pace and uncover London’s lesser-known gems.
| Highlight | Description |
|---|---|
| River Thames | Discover the history behind this iconic waterway |
| Covent Garden | Learn the origins of this famous London district |
| Unique Drinks | Explore the stories behind traditional British beverages |
| American Coffee Theft | Uncover the surprising tale of coffee’s arrival in London |
| Confusing Street | Find out about the road that stumps even experienced taxi drivers |
Tour Features
What makes this self-guided audio tour of London’s alternative history so convenient is its multilingual support, with the audio guide available in English, Chinese, and Dutch.
Participants can access the tour’s content offline through the VoaceMap app, which provides them with the necessary maps, audio, and geodata to explore at their own pace, even after their booking date.
This flexibility allows visitors to enjoy the city’s quirky stories and historical anecdotes without the constraints of a group tour.
The unlimited use of the tour before and after the booking date ensures that travelers can revisit and savor the experience at their convenience, making it an accessible and user-friendly way to discover London’s hidden gems.
Logistics and Meeting Point
Visitors can find the meeting point for this self-guided audio tour at the Apple Covent Garden store, located at No. 1, 7 The Piazza, London WC2E 8HB. From the Covent Garden tube station on the Piccadilly line, travelers need to turn right down James Street and then right again under the covered walkway to reach the designated starting point. The tour route offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars along the way for breaks and refreshments. Participants must have a smartphone and headphones to access the audio guide, which is available in English, Chinese, and Dutch.
| Logistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Point | Apple Covent Garden, No. 1, 7 The Piazza, London WC2E 8HB |
| Directions | From Covent Garden tube station, turn right down James Street, then right under covered walkway |
| Audio Guide | Available in English, Chinese, Dutch |
| Additional | Smartphone and headphones required |
| Breaks | Cafes, restaurants, and bars along the route |
Quirky London History
This alternative audio tour regales listeners with fascinating tales of London’s quirky history, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s past.
From the surprising origins of ‘Covent Garden’ to the tale of how Americans stole coffee from the British, the tour guide, Joey Leskin, skillfully unveils the hidden stories that shaped the character of England’s capital.
Participants can also discover the only street in London that confuses taxi drivers, learn about the city’s notorious 18th-century brothel, and uncover the location of the last Victorian gas lamp.
The tour’s unique insights into London’s offbeat past provide a delightful contrast to the typical historical narratives, inviting travelers to see the city through a new, captivating lens.
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Thames River and Coffee
Along the banks of the River Thames, travelers discover the intriguing story of how Americans came to steal coffee from the British.
In the 18th century, the British East India Company had a monopoly on the coffee trade, forcing Londoners to pay high prices.
Determined to break this monopoly, American merchants smuggled coffee beans into the country, igniting a cross-continental rivalry.
Today, visitors can explore the origins of this historic event and uncover how the theft of coffee beans paved the way for the rise of American coffee culture.
As they stroll along the Thames, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic relationship between Britain and its former colonies.
Unique British Drinks
Throughout London’s rich history, the city has cultivated a diverse array of unique and iconic British drinks that reflect its cultural heritage and evolution. From the quintessential English afternoon tea to the robust pints of real ale, these beverages have become ingrained in the fabric of the city. Let’s explore some of the most iconic and intriguing British drinks you’ll encounter on this self-guided audio tour:
| Drink | Description | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| English Tea | Robust black tea, often served with milk and sugar | India/China |
| Real Ale | Unfiltered, unpasteurized beer with a complex, nuanced flavor | United Kingdom |
| Pimm’s Cup | Refreshing cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur and lemonade | England |
| Sloe Gin | Sweet, berry-flavored gin made with sloe berries | United Kingdom |
Hidden Italian-Style Square
As you wander through the bustling streets of London, you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem – an Italian-style square tucked away from the main thoroughfares, offering a tranquil respite from the city’s constant activity.
This charming piazza, known as Soho Square, dates back to the 17th century and features quaint townhouses, a central garden, and a Victorian-era fountain.
It’s a popular spot for locals to enjoy their lunch or catch up with friends, away from the crowds. The square’s unique architecture and peaceful ambiance make it a delightful discovery for those seeking a taste of Italy in the heart of London.
Be sure to explore this hidden oasis during your alternative history tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take This Tour With a Large Group?
Yes, this self-guided tour can accommodate large groups. The tour is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to explore at their own pace without being confined to a fixed group size. Large parties can easily enjoy the experience together.
Is This Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?
This self-guided tour is generally accessible for people with disabilities. However, some aspects may not be fully wheelchair-friendly, so it’s best to inquire about specific accessibility details before booking the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
There are generally no age restrictions for this type of self-guided audio tour. It’s suitable for participants of all ages who can comfortably walk the tour route and use a smartphone and headphones. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Can I Join the Tour Midway if I’m Late?
Yes, participants can join the tour midway if they’re late. The tour is self-guided, so they can catch up using the audio guide and map provided in the app. However, it’s best to arrive at the starting point on time to fully experience the tour.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Take This Tour?
The best time of day to take a self-guided audio tour is typically during the mid-morning or early afternoon when crowds are smaller. This allows for a more immersive and uninterrupted experience exploring the sights and attractions at a comfortable pace.
Londons Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Sum Up
This alternative history audio tour offers a unique way to explore London’s quirky past.
For just $7.99, you’ll uncover fascinating stories about Covent Garden’s origins, the theft of coffee beans, and hidden gems along the River Thames.
With multilingual guides and offline access, you can explore at your own pace and discover the city’s unique British drinks and hidden Italian-style square.
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