London: Walking Tour of Secret Streets & Templar Church

Summary

Winding through London’s secret alleys & stories untold

You’ll wander secret London streets with a local guide, tracing lost rivers and stepping into Temple Church’s echoing halls. See Fleet Street’s history up close and find hidden spots like Samuel Johnson’s house and a medieval crypt. Expect surprises—and maybe a new way of seeing London’s familiar corners.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel lost in my own city, but there I was — squinting at a half-buried street sign behind Fleet Street, the air thick with that damp-old-stone smell you only get in London after rain. Our guide, Tom (who wore a scarf like he’d invented it), pointed out a tiny archway most people walk past without blinking. “That’s where the river used to run,” he said, and I swear I heard water even though it’s been gone for centuries. Maybe just my imagination or maybe the city really does whisper if you listen close enough.

We ducked into Temple Church next — not gonna lie, I mostly knew it from some movie, but standing inside with sunlight slanting over those worn stone effigies felt different. Tom told us about the Knights Templar and their weirdly modern-sounding rules. There was this moment when a little kid tried to echo his footsteps on the old tiles and got shushed by his mum; everyone smiled. The place felt heavy with stories but somehow friendly too, which surprised me.

Later we found this church that apparently inspired the wedding cake (I mean, who knew?) and then Tom showed us where Samuel Johnson lived — “the second most quoted man in English,” he said, which made me laugh because I could only think of two quotes myself. The whole tour twisted through alleys and under arches I’d never noticed before, even after years here. My shoes got wet and my hair frizzed out but honestly? I still think about that crypt and how quiet it was down there, just for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore hidden historic London sites

• Walk along Fleet Street
• Visit Temple Church, home of Knights Templar
• See the church that inspired the wedding cake
• Discover the home of the modern dictionary inventor

Top questions

Is the Hidden London Walking Tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Can I bring my service animal on the tour?

Service animals are allowed on the tour.

Does this walking tour include entry to Temple Church?

The tour includes visiting Temple Church as part of its route.

How physically demanding is this Hidden London Walking Tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for participants.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

Are regular dogs allowed on this tour?

No dogs are allowed except for guide dogs or service animals.

What time should I arrive before departure?

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

What’s included

Your walk includes guidance from a local professional who’ll lead you through old streets and hidden sites like Temple Church and Fleet Street; service animals are welcome, strollers are fine for little ones, and public transit is close by for easy access both before and after your journey through historic London corners.