Guide to the best free London walking tours
by Kelly Henderson (@kellythekiwi)
Taking a free tour is the best way for you to see London. The guides are working for your tips so they really want you to enjoy your tour! They are well informed, funny and combine interesting facts with quirky anecdotes to give you the best sightseeing experience possible.
There are a number of different companies that offer free tours in all different areas of London. Follow this guide and your sightseeing in London will be complete!
#1 ROYAL LONDON
pic by Sandemans New Europe
The area known as ‘Royal London’ is the most popular area for tourists and where you will find London’s most famous tourist attractions. As you are guided through the city of Westminster take in the majestic sights of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. You will also be introduced to the personalities that shaped Great Britain through history. See where the likes of Edward the Confessor and Winston Churchill worked, lived and played.
Bonus tip: If you go on one of the morning tours you will also get to take in the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Sandemans New Europe
Everyday | 10am, 11am & 2pm | Covent Garden Piazza by the Apple store
Undiscovered London
Everyday | 11am & 3pm | Green Park
Free Tours by Foot
Everyday | Times, Tours and gathering places vary
#2 THE EAST END
pic by by alternativeldn.co.uk
If you are looking to see something other than the main tourist sights then check out Alternative London’s walking tour of East London. The tour was established to give visitors a unique take on the historical and cultural importance of this area. But this tour is more than just a history lesson – you will also be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the secret world of street art. With over 40 pieces of art located both above and below eye-level, down narrow alleys and in tight corners there is plenty for you to look at. The tour is unique and fresh with the artwork changing daily – you may even get to see a street artist at work! Bare in mind that this is a Pay What You Want tour so at the end of the tour you may pay what you felt the tour was worth.
Alternative London
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday | Times vary | Spitafield Market
#3 THE CITY OF LONDON
pic by stpauls.co.uk
The actual City of London is not as big as many people think it is. The area known as ‘The Square Mile’ dates back to the Roman Times before London expanded into the bustling metropolis that it is today. Free Tours by Foot takes you back to the Middle Ages and tells you the 2000 year old history of London – the only tour company to set the background for the rest of your city exploration. The 2 and a half hour tour begins at St Paul’s Cathedral and finishes near the Tower of London. Sights included on this tour include the Roman Wall (part of the original city boundary), the Bank of England and London Bridge.
Free Tours by Foot
Tuesday | 10:30am | Temple Tube Station
Friday, Saturday and Sunday | 2:30pm | Temple Tube Station
London can be expensive but sightseeing doesn’t have to be. Free, or pay-what-you-like, walking tours are perfect for any budget. Pack a raincoat and join one of these tours today!
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You may also want to check out the top 20 free things to do in London.
