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Private Walking Tour: Historic and Hidden Pubs of London

12 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| London, England
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from $243.12 per group (up to 1)

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Private Walking Tour: Historic and Hidden Pubs of London Image 1
Stop at Pubs with connections to famous people or characters.
Private Walking Tour: Historic and Hidden Pubs of London Image 3
Private Walking Tour: Historic and Hidden Pubs of London Image 4
Private Walking Tour: Historic and Hidden Pubs of London Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.
3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

The UK is well known throughout the world for it's many cosy, unusual, quirky, historic and atmospheric Pubs. This tour visits the best  London has to offer. Get away from the usual tourist trail and head into the hidden courts and alleys of old London.

Expect colourful and sometimes grisly tales, flag stones, wooden panelling, quiet snug corners, and traces of the many people both great and ordinary who have propped up the bar in times past. 

• The Oldest and Most Historic Inn's Tavern's & Pubs
• Visit the Pub's Charles Dickens took inspiration from
• Hidden Alley's, nook corners, and log fires
• Try traditional Ales & Ciders
• Hear the stories and history behind each PubA relaxed tour at your leisure and pace - Will you manage all 5 Pubs?

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Private tour
  • Local guide
  • Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic Beverages
  • Transportation to/from attractions - Mostly on foot, but some Tube travel involved.
See 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

London E1 1FE
UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Temple Station
Temple Place, Temple, London WC2R 2PH, UK

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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The Mayflower Pub

You will be personally met at your central London accommodation by your own private guide to begin your trail through the best and most historic pubs London has to offer.A relaxed, informative, and enjoyable tour tailored to your interests and pace.First up is -The MayflowerThis waterside Tavern dates back to the 1500's, and in 1620 Christopher Jones docked his ship outside the Tavern. That ship was called the Mayflower and would take the founding colonists out to the New World that would become the USA.Those who have ancestry back to the Mayflower can ask to sign the register kept behind the bar. You can even purchase postage stamps, this tradition goes back to the time when the area was alive with sailors from all over the globe. They often had no time to go to a post office when ashore, so the Mayflower was granted a special licence.Crammed full of nautical items, a cosy fire place and candle lit, you really could be in a different age.
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

George

The only surviving galleried Pub in London that dates back to Tudor times. Often referred to as William Shakespeare local, it also has connections to Charles Dickens and Sir Winston Churchill. The yard next to the George used to be the site of the Tabard Inn, featured in Canterbury Tales.The Bear Baiting, Cock Fighting and Bare knuckle Boxing may be long gone, but the George retains many of it's period features and eccentric clientele.Shakespeare if said to have performed plays in the courtyard here.
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

With cellars dating to the 13th Century and the upper rooms largely unchanged since the 1700's it's no wonder this Pub features on lists of the most atmospheric sites in London. A truly Dickensian Pub.The upstairs bar is as traditional as you can imagine, complete with a fireplace and wooden paneling that dates back to the reign of Charles II. Dr Samuel Johnson, David Garrick, and James Boswell are all said to have supped Ale and dined on Chops here.The most famous resident of this pub is Polly who sits stuffed in a glass box above the bar. This celebrity Parrot lived in the Pub for over 30 years, and became notorious for bad language and mimicking the sound of corks popping!Apparently the Hellfire Club met in the upper rooms here. The erotic tiles discovered in the 1960's seem to support that rumor.As your personal guide, I will make sure you know all the fascinating history of this very special pub.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Ye Olde Mitre

A pub with a history stretching back to Tudor times. It is said the doorway is propped up with a tree that Queen Elizabeth I danced around. Tucked away down a tiny alley even people familiar with the area find Ye Olde Mitre hard to find.Definitely a strong candidate for London's oldest pub, It is also in the Diamond quarter of London, Hatton Garden. I wouldn't be surprised if some retired Safe Breakers, and Bank Robbers are among the regulars.It has certainly featured in many films and TV shows over the years, notably Snatch starring Brad Pitt.Fagin's Gang in Oliver Twist had their Den in this area too. Surely Dickens popped in for a pint?
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cittie of Yorke

There has been a Pub on this site since the 1400's. The current building is a mix of different centuries, with lots of nooks, crannies, and wooden booths. When open, its possible to go down into the cellars.Many notable figures throughout history have supped Ale here, or warmed their bones next to the curious triangular stove that stands in the middle of the main room.Fingers crossed we can get one of the cosy wooden booths and enjoy talking about our favourite pubs, and indeed drinks of the day.
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Minimum age is 18 years

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Walking Tour: Historic and Hidden Pubs of London?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-60273P3

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Reviews

5.00
12 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
12
4 stars
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Walking Tour: Historic and Hidden Pubs of London?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Professional guide.
  • Private tour.
  • Local guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Transportation to/from attractions - Mostly on foot, but some Tube travel involved.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Private Walking Tour: Historic and Hidden Pubs of London is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Walking Tour: Historic and Hidden Pubs of London will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Professional guide
  • Private tour
  • Local guide
  • Alcoholic beveragesAlcoholic Beverages
  • Transportation to/from attractions - Mostly on foot, but some Tube travel involved.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Minimum age is 18 years

Report Product Issue

Activity name