Walk two miles through Smithfield and the Barbican to uncover medieval slaughterhouses, plague pits and Dickensian alleys. This two-hour guided tour balances archival detail with on-street storytelling—ideal for history-minded walkers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The tour begins outside Barbican Station with the city’s stone and brick shoulders pressing in—narrow alleys, cobbled lanes and the faint memory of rivers that once ran free. As you step off the main road the past reasserts itself: the air seems to carry the weight of market calls and the hush of long-buried graves.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires ability to stand and walk two miles with short pauses
Wildlife
History
Smithfield has been a meat market for roughly a thousand years and was the site of public executions, plague burials and social change that shaped London’s civic history.
Conservation
This walk emphasizes low-impact visiting—stick to pavements, respect memorial sites and support local independent businesses rather than leaving litter or disturbing fragile surfaces.
Reserve your spot on the Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London's Bloody Past today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive at the meeting point early
Meet outside Barbican Station 10 minutes early to hear pre-tour logistics and avoid losing time in a tight group.
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes
Expect cobbles, curbs and uneven sidewalks—flat-soled walking shoes protect your feet and improve stability.
Bring a compact rain layer
London weather changes quickly; a light rain jacket or foldable umbrella keeps you comfortable without weighing you down.
Mind traffic and bikes
Sections of the route run along busy streets—stay close to the guide, use pedestrian crossings and watch for cyclists.
Comfortable walking shoes
Support and grip for cobbles, curbs and uneven pavement.
Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
Keeps you dry during sudden showers common in London.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated—shops are nearby but a bottle saves time.
summer
Compact layers (fleece or sweater)
Evenings and shady alleys can feel cool; layering helps regulate comfort.
winter