Historic Walking Tour of London’s Dark Past by Historic London Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the tour follows flat, paved city streets with regular stops.
Overview
Step back into London’s darkest chapters with Historic London Tours. Witness Smithfield’s chilling sites tied to the Black Death, medieval executions, and Dickensian lore on this gripping 2-hour walking tour.
Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: London's Bloody Past
2 hours • Ages 13+ • A plague pit, body snatchers, Charles Dickens and William Wallace!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating two-hour walking tour through London's dark history, encountering medieval knights, body snatchers, and even Charles Dickens. Explore the haunting sites of Smithfield, uncovering tales of the Black Death and infamous executions. With a small group for an intimate experience, this tour promises unforgettable stories and chilling insights.
Duration
2 hours
About
Click here to watch a sneak preview video!
Travel through a thousand years of history, meeting medieval knights, body snatchers, Charles Dickens, an eighteenth century ghost, and William Wallace - aka Braveheart (and learn how he was in no fit state to shout "Freeeedoooommmm!" whilst being executed!)
On our guided walking tour we'll visit the areas around Smithfield, for centuries London's site of both animal and human slaughter. We'll learn about how the city disposed of the tens of thousands of Black Death corpses in the fourteenth century, the execution methods used in the Middle Ages, and how the area became a notorious slum which Dickens used as the setting for Oliver Twist.
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More info
The guided walking tour begins outside Barbican Station, ends near to Farringdon Station, and will take around two hours. Total distance is about two miles.
Ticket sales will be limited to fifteen attendees, to ensure maximum enjoyment for everybody on the tour.
Parents can bring younger children, but it's at their own discretion on the understanding that there will be adult themes on the tour
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers about two miles on varied city streets; sturdy footwear will keep you comfortable.
Arrive early at the meeting point
Begin promptly outside Barbican Station to avoid missing key introductory information.
Prepare for adult themes
The tour covers graphic historical events including executions and plague, so discretion is advised for younger attendees.
Bring a waterproof layer
London weather can be unpredictable; a lightweight rain jacket ensures comfort throughout the two-hour tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban foxes occasionally spotted near quieter alleys
- Pigeons and other common city birds animated in nearby squares
History
Smithfield has been London’s primary site for meat trading and public executions for centuries, witnessing the city’s struggles through plague and power shifts.
Conservation
Tours emphasize respectful interaction with the historic environment, helping preserve the stories and physical spaces of London’s past.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes keep feet comfortable throughout the two-mile urban route.
Weatherproof jacket
Light rain protection is important during spring’s unpredictable showers.
spring specific
Water bottle
Stay hydrated on warmer summer days with a refillable bottle.
summer specific
Warm layers
Insulating layers keep you comfortable during colder winter outings.
winter specific