Murder, Mystery and Mayhem
Join this tour to learn about a gruesome and horrific history that is written in the stones of some of today’s well-known buildings.
Our tour starts south of St Paul’s Cathedral and you will soon learn of book burnings, fiery sermons and the hanging, drawing and quartering of political and religious adversaries.
Learn how the fearsome Queen Isabella – the “she-wolf of France” - dealt with her enemies. Learn about the appalling conditions of one of Britain’s worst gaols and how you could use an Underground train to go to a public execution.
You will discover how body-snatchers would dig up fresh graves to sell the corpses for money and what processes were put in place to stop them.
We talk about the martyrs who were executed at Smithfield, the raucous Bartholomew Fair that got so out of hand that the Victorians banned it and even in the seemingly peaceful Charterhouse Square, death and murder are not far away.
Are you ready to be surprised and shocked? Join our expert guide on Friday mornings to find out more.
Photos: courtesy of Niki Gorick
Join us for evening walks along the River to discover the Illuminated River, the longest public art commission in the world.
Each bridge has its own lighting sequence created by artist, Leo Villareal and all together they shine a subtle and beautiful light on London.
There are two walks.
Eastern Bridges from Blackfriars Bridge to Tower Bridge
Western Bridges from Blackfriars Bridge to Westminster Bridge
Every October various Guiding Associations across London offer free walks. These take place across the capital throughout the day. Each tour is just an hour long to allow time to do walks in other parts of London.
In the City of London this year's theme is From Darkness To Light. Walk with us from the shadows of old London to the brilliant lights of the modern City: from dark stories of the Old Bailey and a medieval church, to the glories of gardens made from bombed ruins and St Paul's cathedral risen from the ashes of the Great Fire of London.
You can find out more here or just book your place.
Our daily walks run from the City Information Centre, just south of St Paul's. You need to book via Eventbrite to secure you place. Note: the cut-off time for booking our daily walks is 21:00hrs the night before. If we don't have any bookings then the walk will not take place. Read our policy on Refunds. Our weekly walks have individual booking pages and earlier cut-off times, please see the individual listing or download our Daily walks in the City of London leaflet.
If you'd like to organise your own walk, lecture or a virtual tour, then please use our Find a Guide section. If you're a member of an Arts Society or a U3A, a school or another group we'd love to take you on a tour of the City. Or if you're a company based in the City who'd like to organise a social event for your work colleagues, then contact one of our qualified guides, who can put together an evening walk for you.
120mins
£15.00
£12.00
11:00
