Dark History Walks with London Guided Walks Private Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels with basic stamina for walking on city streets.
Overview
Step into the shadows of London’s past with a 90-minute tour through Farringdon and Smithfield. Discover where history’s bloodiest chapters unfolded, from plague pits to public executions.
Bleeding Hearts & Body Parts
90 mins • Private Tour
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About This Adventure
Embark on a chilling 90-minute journey through Farringdon and Smithfield, where London's dark past comes alive. Explore sites of gruesome executions, plague pits, and haunting tales of martyrs. Led by an expert guide, uncover the raw, unsettling history that shaped the city, revealing stories of betrayal, survival, and scandal.
Time to take your rose-tinted history specs off...
Duration
90 minutes
About
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The area of Farringdon and Smithfields is awash with historic stories of Bloody London; from cold-blooded murders, public executions and body parts associated with them.
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Take in the sights of: Smithfield Market, St Barts Hospital, St Bart's Church, Cloth Fair, King Henry VIII's Gate, where Christian and Protestant and Catholic martyrs were murdered in a variety of gruesome ways.
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Step-free accessible: No
Bleeding Hearts & Body Parts Tour Reviews:
Faye (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great tour learning about Farringdons bloody past. Hazel was incredibly knowledgeable and about to answer all additional questions."
Daniel (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Amazing time, and a look into London and its past you would not see or hear otherwise. Hope I remember the places I want to go back and spend more time at."
Michael and Sharon (4/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A great way for anyone (including Londoners!) to discover and re-discover parts of London. Fascinating tit-bits and some very dark insights into those who came before us to this place and how they lived. Amusing, engrossing, and great exercise to boot!"
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers uneven cobblestone streets and narrow lanes—sturdy footwear is essential.
Prepare for low-light areas
Some spots are dimly lit or indoors; bring a small flashlight or use your phone’s light for better visibility.
Bring a waterproof jacket
London weather can turn quickly; a lightweight but water-resistant jacket will keep you comfortable.
Arrive early to check in
Tours start promptly; arriving 10 minutes early ensures a smooth start and spot in the group.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban foxes
- Pigeons frequenting old market rooftops
History
Smithfield was a key site for medieval public executions and plague-related burials, reflecting central London’s turbulent past.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes responsible tourism by keeping groups small and educating visitors about preserving historical urban sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for traversing uneven pavement and cobblestones.
Water-resistant jacket
Protects against unpredictable spring showers.
spring specific
Small flashlight or phone light
Useful in dimly lit areas or for evening tours.
Light layers
Adapt to fluctuating autumn temperatures during the walk.
fall specific