Heritage Walks with London Guided Walks Private Tours in London
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable walking required
Overview
Discover London’s spirited past with a captivating walk along an ancient Drover's road, full of tales about historic pubs and the city’s drinking culture. Join an expert guide and uncover London's social history like never before.
A Road to Ruin: Private Tour
90 mins • Private Tour
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About This Adventure
Join A Road to Ruin Walk for a captivating exploration of London's drinking culture along an ancient Drover's road. Discover intriguing tales of historic pubs, breweries, and gin distilleries, while delving into the social dynamics of 18th-century London. Led by an expert guide, this unique tour brings the city's spirited past to life.
On this alcohol-themed walking tour where we discover an ancient drover's road which led to riches for some and ruin for others.
Suitable for all age groups.
Duration
90 minutes
About
Investigate a number of fascinating buildings along an ancient Drover's road into London including an 'in and out pub', a world famous inn, a brewery, two gin distilleries and even a licensed pawn broker!
During this private tour will also be investigating the relationship between Londoners and their alcohol, whether that's making, drinking or selling it. We explore different classes of society and how the popular English past-time of drinking was interpreted by artists of the day including Georgian engraver and artist William Hogarth.
Learn how we gained the expressions 'One for the road', 'a Mother's ruin' and 'dead drunk'.
No alcohol consumption involved.
A Road to Ruin Tour Reviews:
Shenis (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "My friend and I absolutely loved the walk. We learnt a lot not only about the history but the beautiful achitecture that is still there. Highly recommended."
Bridget (4/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A really interesting walk providing facinating historical detail on public houses located in Islington and Clerkenwell. The origins of Sadlers Well Theatre and the river that ran through this part of London were just some of the highlights. The tour guide was well informed and brought the history of these landmarks to life."
Moira (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Excellent walk Leader was well informed enthusiastic and seemed to really enjoy sharing her extensive knowledge. Highly recommend the walk but the leader was exceptionally good"
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
This walk covers a fair amount of historic streets and cobbled alleys, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a notebook
Capture memorable stories and details shared by your guide for later reflection.
Check the weather forecast
Dress appropriately for London’s often unpredictable weather to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Arrive early
Getting to the meeting point a few minutes early ensures a smooth start and allows for a relaxed introduction.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons common to historic squares
- Sparrows flitting through alleyways
History
This route traces back to medieval times when drovers would journey through London, establishing social venues that still influence the city’s drinking culture today.
Conservation
The tour encourages respect for local heritage sites and promotes sustainable tourism by supporting small, historic establishments.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Proper footwear ensures comfort while walking through historic streets and alleys.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Dress in layers or bring rain gear to adapt to London’s unpredictable weather conditions.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your walk, especially on warmer days.
Notebook and pen
Capture stories, details, and inspiration shared by your guide.