Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Travel through two thousand years of history, meeting Saxons, the Knights Templar, Charles Dickens, Freemasons, and the Bow Street Runners!
On our guided walking tour we'll travel across Holborn, with its highs and lows over the past two-thousand years. We'll learn about the turmoil of the Saxon period, visit the locations of Fagin's den and execution in Oliver Twist, see the splendour of Freemasons' Hall and the Knights Templar headquarters, hear about a couple of London's most notorious prisons, and discover the world's largest collection of retail silver!
The guided walking tour begins outside Covent Garden Station, ends near to Blackfriars Station, and will take around two hours.
Ticket sales will be limited to fifteen attendees, to ensure maximum enjoyment for everybody on the tour.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended if you're unable to walk two miles at a reasonable pace
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice
The history of the Bow Street Runners
Freemasons' Hall
The history of Freemasons' Hall
What‘s Included
Guided walking tour
Gratuities
Options
Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour
Reviews
33 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent, very informative and enjoyable
T2006KMcharlieh,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Tom was very knowledgeable and interesting, the tour was a fascinating mix of London places with history and links right across the ages, and it was particularly lovely to see so many places which featured in, or had links to, Dickens. Helped by nice weather too ! Will be looking at the other tours to take next time.
Virtual tour
Bridget P,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joined the virtual tour in the evening which was a most convenient time. Very interesting tour, particularly the law courts and temple areas. Highly recommend this tour.
Enjoyable tour of London
V2314BEjuliew,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting tour of London. Small group tour and the guide was happy to answer any questions. Very knowledgeable guide too. Enjoyed it.
Walking Tour in London
Paradise156793,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today’s walking tour was v interesting and we enjoyed it very much. Tom was v knowledgeable and gave us ideas of other historic places we could visit. We will certainly be booking another in the near future.
Informative and engaging.
lesleymM4350PS,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tom is a wonderful tour guide. Very knowledgeable and engaging. This is the second tour I’ve booked with him, and have plans for more tours when I am back in London. Highly recommend his tours.
Tom was a very clear, informative and knowledgeable guide who gave us a very enjoyable and interesting experience.
Y4417IPrichards,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tom was an excellent guide. He was very clear and informative and full of very interesting facts. I learned a lot in the two hours and Tom was extremely knowledgeable when answering questions. I and my family were all very impressed and we had a very enjoyable experience.
Fascinating exploration
melysp,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, full of a great range of knowledge and fascinating facts. Will definitely look for further tours in the future
Worth it
jerryhC8806LU,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00very enjoyable and interesting experience - whilst I knew a far amount of the history Tom added a lot more to my knowledge - have already booked another walk with him
Away from the usual tourist track
bermudabeck,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Whether you are a London local or visiting from away, I highly recommend this tour with Tom. History comes back to life with his fun tales and wide ranging knowledge.
Excellent Tour
karengN6932QB,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fascinating tour covering certain historic periods of this majestic city and Tom is an excellent tour guide.
From £20.00
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Operated by Historic London Tours