In September 1666 the Great Fire of London swept through the City. Man-about-town Samuel Pepys, witnessed and recorded the events of that extraordinary week. The fire started at 1.00am on September 2nd and by mid-morning Pepys was writing about it in his diary. The fire was put out on the Friday of that week, and we are marking this as Pepys Day in the City of London.

There is much more to Samuel Pepys and his Diary than that one fateful week in September. His diary covers just over nine years and our tours will include much about him, his life and exploits and the times in which he lived as well as key moments from the Great Fire.

Following the sell out successes of Pepys Day in 2024 and 2025, we are continuing with tours in 2026. There will be a choice of two itineraries on Friday 4th September, from 12.00pm and starting from The City Information Centre, St Pauls Churchyard. This will give all guests the opportunity to view Temple Bar gates being opened in nearby Paternoster Square, attended by members of the company of Pikemen and Musketeers, an event open to all members of the public, starting at 11.00. Following this, please join a Pepys Tour led by fully qualified City Guides.

FRIDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER

Tours will leave at 5 minute intervals starting at 12.00, with the last departure at 12.22.

Walk 1: "To the Exchange and Beyond" goes eastwards, taking in many of the places, people and incidents from Pepys life to "The Baker's House where it all began" Departs at 12.00. 12.05, 12.10 12.15 and 12.20

Walk 2: "To the Wedding Cake and beyond" goes west to Pepys' place of baptism, early childhood and the areas he would frequent to socialise, dine and search for theatrical entertainment. Departs at 12.02, 12.07, 12.12, 12.17 and 12.22

Net proceeds will go to the Lord Mayor's Appeal which supports charity partners focused on homelessness, social outreach and schol cadeets: https://www.thelordmayorsappeal.org/

We aim to make our tours inclusive, but please note there are a few steps some of the streets have uneven surfaces and drop kerbs are not always available.