This private walking tour will take you to many hidden, silent, sacred and secret gardens and ruins in the City of London that even Londoners don't know about. See beautiful old Gothic churchyard gardens, each a peaceful, historic oasis in busy London.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3 hours
- Starting time 9:30 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Pickup included
- Pickup at your central London hotel (zone 1) and travel by underground to the tour starting point. Alternatively, meet at a convenient underground station.
Experience
Highlights
- Visit the incredible church garden that was the favorite of Charles Dickens
- See the wonderful memorials at Postmans Park, a hidden jewel of London
- See overgrown Gothic ruins and private spaces
- Learn the history of magical and peaceful places that most never see
Full description
For centuries the City of London was the most densely populated place on Earth. Even today, countless millions live in Greater London but only a handful of people live in the original City of London, outnumbered by their long dead predecessors that rest in ancient graveyards. Christopher Wren rebuilt most of the City churches after the Great Fire of London and whilst many survive, several were all but destroyed in the Blitz during WW II, leaving nothing but picturesque ruins and tranquil, hidden oasis in the middle of the financial capital of the world.
This special walking tour will take you to secretive green spots not known even by most Londoners and all with a special story to tell and with a quiet and peaceful beauty. Visit St. Olave, a rare survivor of the Great Fire and rather reminiscent of a country church. Samuel Pepys lived here and is buried here too. Charles Dickens went so far as to proclaim it “my best beloved churchyard.”
Visit St. Mary Aldermanbury with its intricate knot garden and see the bust of William Shakespeare, commemorating John Hemminge and Henry Condell who published the First Folio and are buried here. The yard of the bombed out Christchurch Greyfriars is another essential point. Now only the walls and steeple of the church remain though there is a dense border planting that occupies the space where once the congregation sat. With many other places and countless beautiful, spiritual, romantic and magical secret places to experience.
Includes
- A private guided tour
- Travel to and from the tour
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Know before you go
- Please wear clothing suitable for the weather and also comfortable shoes