London Historic Pub Walking Tour & 4 Oldest Ale Houses

Summary

Wander London’s oldest pubs, sip real ale, hear wild royal tales

You’ll follow a local guide through four of London’s oldest pubs—think ancient beams, royal gossip, sticky tables, and stories swirling in every pint. Alongside classic ales (and maybe a laugh at your accent), you’ll hear tales of Dickens and queens while wandering hidden corners near Embankment Station. It’s less a tour, more like slipping into London’s living history for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly walked right past the first pub — it looked like something out of a Dickens novel, but smaller than I’d pictured. Our guide (Tom, with the yellow umbrella and the driest humor) waved us in. The floorboards creaked under my boots and the air smelled faintly of wood smoke and spilled bitters. I tried to order an ale with a proper London accent — failed miserably — but the bartender just grinned and poured anyway. That first sip was colder than I expected, almost sharp against all that old wood around us.

We wandered from pub to pub through little alleys that felt secret even though they’re probably on every “historic pub tour London” list ever made. Tom pointed out a plaque where Dickens used to sit (I touched it — probably not supposed to). There was this one spot where the ceiling was so low I had to duck, and someone muttered about Oliver Cromwell drinking there. It’s weirdly comforting knowing people have been laughing and arguing over pints here for hundreds of years. At one point, an old man at the bar winked at us when Tom mentioned Nelle Gwynne — apparently she caused more trouble than half the royals.

By the third stop my notes got blurry (the second pint hit harder than expected), but I remember sticky tabletops, laughter bouncing off brass taps, and Tom telling us how Arthur Conan Doyle might’ve scribbled ideas for Sherlock Holmes right here. The last place had this dark corner where you could almost feel stories clinging to the walls. We finished up near Embankment Station again, blinking into the streetlights like we’d stepped out of some other century. I still think about that feeling — being part of a story that started long before any of us showed up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour four historic London pubs

• Visit first historic pub
• Learn pub history and stories
• Enjoy traditional ales and spirits
• Visit second historic pub
• Hear tales of famous patrons
• Visit third historic pub
• Discover evolution of London pubs
• Visit fourth historic pub
• Sample craft beers and classic drinks

Top questions

How many pubs are visited on this historic pub tour?

The tour includes entry to four historic London pubs.

Where does the London pub walking tour start?

The tour starts at Embankment Station (Embankment Pier Exit).

Are drinks included in the price of this pub tour?

No drinks are not included; entry to four pubs is included in the price.

Is there an age requirement for joining this historic pub tour?

Yes, all guests must be 18 or older with valid photo ID such as passport or driving licence.

Is this London pub tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, it is not suitable for those with wheelchairs or walking difficulties.

What should I bring for this historic pub walking tour?

You need to bring valid photo identification (passport or driving licence).

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the starting point.

Do all pubs visited have historical significance?

Yes, each of the four pubs has centuries-old history connected to famous figures like Charles Dickens and Oliver Cromwell.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided entry into four centuries-old London pubs—each one tied to local legends—with stories from your award-winning guide along every cobblestone stretch between stops. All you need is your ID; just meet at Embankment Station by the river and everything else is sorted from there.