London: Walking Tour of Roman Ruins & Blitz History

Summary

Walk London’s old streets from Tower Hill to Blackfriars with stories of fire, ghosts, and hidden stones

You’ll wander London’s oldest streets with a small group and local guide, tracing Roman ruins by Tower Hill and quiet church gardens at St. Dunstan-in-the-East. Hear stories of fire and war at The Monument and Guildhall before ending near St. Paul’s Cathedral — all within two hours on foot. Expect surprises (and maybe muddy shoes) along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice outside Tower Hill Station would be how the air still smells faintly metallic near the old walls — or maybe that was just my imagination running wild. Our guide, Tom (he joked he’s “not the ghost of Anne Boleyn, promise”), gathered us in a loose circle and pointed out the Tower of London looming over us. He had this way of making two thousand years feel like yesterday, especially when he told us about prisoners who’d passed right where we stood. You could see people glancing at their feet.

The walk took us through these weird pockets of silence in the City — St. Dunstan-in-the-East was one of those places. It’s all ruined arches and tangled vines now, bombed out in the war but somehow peaceful. I caught someone from our group just running their hand along the stone, lost in thought. Then we were off again, weaving past office workers and buses to The Monument (I never realized how tall it is until you’re right under it), and Tom explained how much of London burned in 1666. He told us about a stone with some wild legends attached — I won’t spoil it, but it made me laugh out loud.

There was something oddly comforting about seeing Guildhall after all that chaos — its worn steps and centuries-old windows felt steady, even as Tom described riots and coronations that happened there. By the time we reached St. Paul’s Cathedral, my legs were tired but my head was buzzing with stories: Romans laying bricks here, Blitz bombs falling there, Harry Potter connections (yeah, really). The whole day trip across London’s history took around two hours but honestly? I still think about that view looking back toward the river at sunset, even if my shoes were soaked from stepping in a puddle near Bank of England Museum. So yeah — worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of London's historic sites

• Start outside Tower Hill Station
• Visit Tower of London
• Explore St. Dunstan-in-the-East gardens
• See The Monument to the Great Fire
• View the legendary stone
• Visit Bank of England Museum
• Tour Guildhall
• End at St. Paul's Cathedral near Blackfriars Station

Top questions

How long is the walking tour from Tower Hill to Blackfriars?

The tour lasts about two hours and covers roughly two and a half miles.

Does this tour include entry into the Tower of London?

No entry is included; you’ll see it from outside while learning its history.

Where does the walking tour start and end?

The tour begins outside Tower Hill Station exit and ends near Blackfriars Station.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What are some main stops on this London history walking tour?

Main stops include Tower of London (outside), St. Dunstan-in-the-East gardens, The Monument, Guildhall, Bank of England Museum (outside), and St Paul’s Cathedral (outside).

How many people can join each walking tour group?

The group size is limited to fifteen attendees for better enjoyment.

Is public transportation available nearby at start/end points?

Yes, both Tower Hill Station (start) and Blackfriars Station (end) have public transport options nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour with a local expert leading you from Tower Hill Station through historic sites like St Dunstan-in-the-East gardens, The Monument to the Great Fire, Guildhall, Bank of England Museum exterior, finishing up by St Paul’s Cathedral near Blackfriars Station — all within a small group setting for more personal stories along the way.