London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
- 1–1.5 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 3 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
If you like humorous history, quirky facts and hidden surprises, this self-guided walk right in the centre of London is for you. Having lived in London all my life, I decided to uncover its wacky history. I'm also an avid traveller and understand the importance of experiencing a city with a local guide. But more importantly, I love sharing this city's amazing history! On this tour, you’ll learn about the secret behind the flow of the River Thames, the origins of the name “Covent Garden”, and the story of a drink most wouldn't associate with Britain. You'll also discover how the Americans stole coffee from the British, see the only street in London that confuses taxi drivers and learn about London's most notorious 18th-century brothel and the now-extinct police force that shut it down. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or are a local curious about the city's alternative tales, this tour is a valuable introduction to the city's alternative history.
Inclusions
What's included
- VoiceMap Application
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Lifetime access to 'London's Alternative History Tour'
What's not
- Smartphone
- Transportation
- Food/drinks
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Itinerary
Explore the bustling market and discover the origins of its name, which comes from "Convent Garden" due to its history as a convent’s garden in medieval times.
Known as the "Actors' Church," this is where many famous actors have been memorialized. It's also the location of London's first recorded punch-up.
The oldest theatre site in London, with a rich history of performances and ghostly apparitions, including the infamous "Man in Grey."
Learn about the intriguing cases and famous trials that took place here, reflecting the quirky side of London's legal history.
Famous for its productions, including "The Lion King," and its connection to the early days of electricity in theatre lighting.
Discover this grand building's transformation from a Tudor palace to a Navy office, and its role in the development of the British postal system.
Walk along the riverside promenade and hear about its construction, which involved diverting the River Thames and revealed hidden river secrets.
Known as "The Ladies' Bridge," it was largely built by women during World War II and offers spectacular views of London.
Home to the last remaining Victorian gas lamp in London, powered by sewer gas, earning it the nickname "The Lamp that Lights Itself."
The first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity, with a history of luxurious guests and infamous parties.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 54
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Ratings come from 4 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is wheelchair accessible with one caveat: part of the final portion of the tour after Waterloo Bridge has staircases – wheelchair users can stay on bridge-level and proceed to the final two stops which are on the same level.
How it compares in London
- Its from-price is 96% below the median of the 809 city tours we list in London.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 286 of 809.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About London
London mixes royal ceremony, world-class museums and riverside landmarks with distinct neighbourhoods, markets and parks to explore on foot.
The Thames threads the city together. On its banks stand the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge and the long South Bank walk past the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern. St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey anchor the older skyline, while glass towers crowd the financial district.
Top-ranked sights in London: St. Paul's Cathedral, Stonehenge, Tower of London.
Special offers in London
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
