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London's Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided Tour

8 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 8 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| London, England
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from $264.84 per group (up to 1)

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London's Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided Tour Image 1
WW2 Sites
London's Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided Tour Image 3
London's Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided Tour Image 4
London's Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided Tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.
3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Leave the regular tourist trail behind and get immersed in the hidden secrets of the London's rich past with your own personal Guide.

A private and bespoke walk through 2000 years of London's history at your pace. No strict schedules or herding about, a bespoke tour just for you.

This tour is ideal for those who want to get off the usual visitor routes and discover the gems that many people miss -

Ancients buildings, Dickensian Alleys, Hidden Courts, Church Crypts, Secret Routes, and of course London's most atmospheric

Inn's, Taverns and Pubs, some dating back over 600 years!

Go on an adventure with your own local guide, a sense of curiosity greatly encouraged!. Your guide is passionate about making this a truly personal and memorable tour.
**Children under 16 Go FREE when accompanied by paying adults - (Max 4 Children)**

What's Included

  • Private tour
  • Professional guide
  • Food and drinks
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Embankment station
Embankment Place, London WC2N 6NS, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Underground Ltd
King William Street, London EC4R 9AA, UK

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple

Starting at Temple Station let's get away from the main tourist routes and go in search of the hidden alleys, ancient taverns, church crypts, Roman pavements and places you would have a lot of difficulty finding on your own.Crossing over into the old City of London where the street layouts go back as far a Roman times, you will first be taken into the Inns of Court, a hidden world used by the legal profession, and a haven not usually visited by most tourists.Let me show you the place where Shakespeare first performed Twelfth Night, the Fountain that inspired Charles Dickens, and the English Headquarters of the Knights Templar.Do you like Tea? let me take you to a shop where they have sold Tea for over 300 years.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St Bride's Church

The tour continues avoiding the main road and slipping through ancient passageways like Hanging Sword Alley until we arrive at St Bride's Church. Often called 'The Cathedral of The Press' due to its long association with the Fleet Street Newspapers.Damaged in The Great Fire of London and remodeled by Sir Christopher Wren, it suffered another blow in WW2 when a bomb destroyed the roof. However, this gave Archaeologists the chance to look deep into the crypts. What they found was amazing.Let me show you a hidden medieval chapel, charred remains from the Great fire of 1666, and Roman Pavements in this little known Crypt Museum.The Church has another claim to fame, I will tell you all about it on the tour.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

This can definitely make a claim to being London's oldest Pub if you take in to account it's cellars that date back to the 13th Century. The upper rooms have barely changed since they were rebuilt in 1667.Once your eyes have adjusted to the wooden paneled candle lit interior, perhaps we can take a seat near the same fire place that Charles Dickens warmed his feet, and learn all about Polly the Parrot, the Hellfire Club and the rather naughty tiles found in the 1960's.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Smithfield Market

Brace yourself, this part of the tour gets a little grisly. Smithfield Market is London's oldest market still used for its original purpose, -selling meat.The surrounding area is where the Great fire of London finally extinguished, where Bloody Mary burn't people at the stake, and where William Wallace, AKA Braveheart was executed.Also near here Fagin's Gang had their Den and Sherlock Holmes first met Doctor Watson at the nearby St Barts hospital.I will also show you two surviving buildings that escaped The Great Fire of 1666.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Postman's Park

Located next to the Old General Post Office, this park became known as Postman's park because postal workers enjoyed their lunch here. Originally it is the burial ground for St Botolphs Church.I'm bringing you here to show you a very interesting memorial to the unsung heroes of London. Lets find a park bench and I will tell you the history of this extraordinary place.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Guildhall

Guildhall is pretty much all of London's history on one spot.The Roman's had an Amphitheater on this site, the Saxons built a hall where people paid their taxes, and during the medieval period it was first recorded as a Guildhall.The present building was built around 1411, but the crypts are thought to date back to the 13th century.This is essentially the Town Hall of the City of London.The day-to-day administration of the City of London Corporation is now conducted from modern buildings immediately to the north.Lets admire one of London's oldest buildings and talk about some of the famous people who were put on trial here.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bank of England

This is the "Square Mile" ancient heart of London and home to the financial district. The Bank of England, the Royal Exchange, and the spooky Cornhill Devils are highlights on this point of the tour. The Royal Exchange is where the Ghost of Christmas yet to come to Ebeneezer Scrooge to see his colleagues discuss his funeral.But why is the Bank of England known as the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street? I will tell you!
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

George and Vulture

Charles Dickens favourite Chop House, and mentioned over 20 times in the Pickwick Papers. The interior is almost unchanged from Dickens time. He would even still be able to order his favouite food from the menu.The alleyways and courts in this area are some of the most atmospheric in London
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Leadenhall Market

One of London's oldest and prettiest markets on the site of a Roman cross road. It's no wonder that Leadenhall Market has featured in some of the worlds most famous movies and novels. Most recently as a filming location for the Harry Potter Films, and the market where Ebeneezer Scrooge sends the boy to get the biggest Turkey on Christmas morning.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Monument to the Great Fire of London

One of the most devastating events in London's history took place just near Monument Underground Station. This is where the great Fire of London started in 1666 destroying 80% of the old city of London. Fortunately your guide knows some of the areas that survived.Your tour ends here, and if you still have energy why not climb the 311 steps to the top of the Monument and see the stunning views over London.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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
  • Moderate walking - Please inform if you have any mobility issues

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the London’s Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-60273P18

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
8 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 8 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
8
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the London’s Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • 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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Private tour.
  • Professional guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drinks.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If 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 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the London's Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for London’s Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided 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 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once 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 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private tour
  • Professional guide
  • Food and drinks

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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
  • Moderate walking - Please inform if you have any mobility issues

Report Product Issue

Activity name