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‘s Included
Guided walking tour
Gratuities
What To Expect
Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice
The history of the Bow Street Runners
Freemasons' Hall
The history of Freemasons' Hall
Options
Turmoil, Templars & Oliver Twist London's Squalor and Splendour
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Excellent
westiebigfoot,
Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tom is an excellent guide. This is the 3rd tour we have done with him and will definitely do the others he offers. Small groups which is good.
Perfect for learning more about London's multi-faceted history!
496kiaw,
May 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is always a pleasure following Tom on his historic tours in London. He has deep knowledge of every corner on his route and he tells us stories of dramas and peculiarities of everyday life in London as well as important events for the nation as well, always with the same passion (and with a twinkle in the eye - much appreciated)!
Interesting, fun and relaxed
alwilsons,
May 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed this. It’s the second of Tom’s tours we’ve been on, which I guess is a recommendation in itself. Tom has a very easy style, is interesting and well-informed, but not shy of admitting when he doesn’t know something and finding out the answer. The pace is easy, so two hours passes very easily. We’ll definitely do more.
Review of Turmoil, Templars and Oliver Twist
m0m82,
May 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our 2nd tour with Tom . We found his knowledge of the topics of our tour was very good. We thoroughly recommend him. We hope to join him again soon for another tour
Perfect walking tour
199ks,
May 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the second walking tour we have done with Tom. I'm a little bit slow but Tom waited for me to catch up before starting the talk. Really with Tom, you get 2 for 1 because you go on his tour and after you plan your visit to the different places and museums he pointed out on your walk. There were 5 of us and we can't wait to find a date for our next historic London walking tour with Tom.
From £20.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Historic London Tours