London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Overview
If you like humorous history, quirky facts and hidden surprises, this self-guided walk right in the centre of London is for you.
Having lived in London all my life, I decided to uncover its wacky history. I'm also an avid traveller and understand the importance of experiencing a city with a local guide. But more importantly, I love sharing this city's amazing history!
On this tour, you’ll learn about the secret behind the flow of the River Thames, the origins of the name “Covent Garden”, and the story of a drink most wouldn't associate with Britain. You'll also discover how the Americans stole coffee from the British, see the only street in London that confuses taxi drivers and learn about London's most notorious 18th-century brothel and the now-extinct police force that shut it down.
Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or are a local curious about the city's alternative tales, this tour is a valuable introduction to the city's alternative history.
What's Included
- VoiceMap Application
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Lifetime access to 'London's Alternative History Tour'
- Smartphone
- Transportation
- Food/drinks
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Meeting Location
The Piazza
1-7 Covent Garden, London WC2E, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Strand
London WC2R 0EZ, UK
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Covent Garden (pass by)
St Paul’s Church Covent Garden (pass by)
Theatre Royal Drury Lane (pass by)
Thames Magistrates' Court (pass by)
Lyceum Theatre (pass by)
Somerset House (pass by)
Victoria Embankment (pass by)
Waterloo Bridge (pass by)
Carting Lane (pass by)
The Savoy (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour is wheelchair accessible with one caveat: part of the final portion of the tour after Waterloo Bridge has staircases – wheelchair users can stay on bridge-level and proceed to the final two stops which are on the same level.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the London’s Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-110804P43
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
- VoiceMap Application.
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
- Lifetime access to 'London's Alternative History Tour'.
- Smartphone.
- Transportation.
- Food/drinks.
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route.
The minimum age to participate is 6..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for London’s Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- VoiceMap Application
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Lifetime access to 'London's Alternative History Tour'
- Smartphone
- Transportation
- Food/drinks
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour is wheelchair accessible with one caveat: part of the final portion of the tour after Waterloo Bridge has staircases – wheelchair users can stay on bridge-level and proceed to the final two stops which are on the same level.
