Roman London Private Tour with As Time Goes By London - London

Roman London Private Tour with As Time Goes By London

Londoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves leisurely walking and standing for extended periods.

Overview

Step back two thousand years with As Time Goes By London’s Roman London Private Tour, discovering ancient walls, hidden temples, and the city’s earliest heartbeat.

Details

London’s layered history offers countless stories, but few eras are as formative or as physically present as the Roman occupation. As Time Goes By London presents an immersive Roman London Private Tour that guides visitors through the very fabric of ancient Londinium, a city whose foundations still shape modern London. Taking place in the heart of London, England, this tour offers more than just sightseeing—it unlocks centuries of history etched in stone, brick, and street.

Starting near remnants of the Roman Wall, the tour travels back about two millennia to when Julius Caesar’s forces first touched these shores. The wall itself, one of London’s oldest surviving landmarks, stands as a mute witness to the city’s Roman past, its worn stones hinting at the city’s turbulent beginnings. Along the way, participants gain access to rarely viewed sites such as the London Mithraeum—a hidden Roman temple rediscovered beneath the city’s streets. The temple’s eerie, almost otherworldly atmosphere transports visitors into ancient rituals and beliefs long buried beneath urban sprawl.

The journey continues to the remains of Roman bathhouses and the London Amphitheatre, where echoes of crowds and gladiatorial contests provide a visceral link to antiquity. With a knowledgeable guide from As Time Goes By London, visitors navigate narrow lanes and hidden corners of the City, discovering how Roman engineering and culture laid groundwork still recognizable today.

What sets this experience apart is its private, intimate nature, tailored to engage history buffs and curious travelers alike. It doesn’t just recount facts; it offers a thoughtful connection to the city’s origins, visible in stone foundations, street layouts, and the unexpected survival of ancient structures amid bustling modernity.

Whether you’re fascinated by archaeology, architecture, or the sheer sweep of history, this private tour frames Roman London as a living chapter in the city’s ongoing story. For those captivated by history interwoven with urban adventure, As Time Goes By London offers an essential, revealing journey beneath London’s surface.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

The tour covers uneven surfaces including cobblestones and ancient ruins, so sturdy footwear is essential.

Bring a light rain jacket

London’s weather can change quickly; a rain jacket will keep you dry without slowing you down.

Arrive early for your tour

Punctuality ensures full access to all sites and allows the guide to start without delay.

Be ready for limited accessibility

Some ancient sites involve stairs or uneven terrain, which may challenge those with mobility issues.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Roman Wall Piercing in Tower Hill - a lesser-known accessible section of the ancient city wall
  • Postman’s Park - quiet green space near the Mithraeum site, often missed by visitors

Wildlife

  • Urban foxes often seen at dusk in city parks
  • Common city birds including pigeons and sparrows around historic ruins

History

London’s roots as Londinium began around 43 AD with Roman conquest, shaping much of the city's street grid and surviving architecture.

Conservation

Efforts are ongoing to preserve fragile Roman sites beneath the bustling modern city, balancing public access with archaeological protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Early morning light
Golden hour before sunset

Best Viewpoints

  • From the elevated walkways near the London Wall
  • Inside the London Mithraeum exhibition area
  • Looking down into the Roman Amphitheatre remains

What to Photograph

Ancient stonework and ruins
Architectural contrasts of old and new
Subtle details like ancient inscriptions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Provides support and traction on cobblestones and mixed surfaces.

Compact Umbrella or Rain Jacket

Essential

Protects from the frequent London drizzle common outside of summer months.

spring|fall|winter specific

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is important during warmer days and long walking tours.

summer specific

Light Daypack

Handy for carrying essentials like maps, snacks, and extra layers.

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