Become acquainted with London's oldest drinking establishments as you explore the winding streets of the historic city center with a local guide. Learn about London’s seedy, drink-obsessed past on a 2-hour tour complete with a complimentary half-pint.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 2 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Hear stories about London's booze-laden past
Visit the city's oldest drinking establishments
Savor a refreshing half pint at one of Charles Dickens' favorite pubs

Full description

Discover London’s oldest drinking establishments on a 2-hour guided walk along the winding streets and back alleys of the historic city center. Visit the site where Dylan Thomas drunkenly misplaced his manuscripts. Learn how Victorians fed their gin cravings. Stand in the secret alleyway where one of England’s most notorious poets faced a duel. Learn about London’s seedy drink-obsessed past as you take in the splendor of the modern day city and sense the ghosts of yesteryear at some of the top landmarks. This tour promises drama, intrigue, and a good dose of history before you relax in one of Charles Dickens’ regular watering holes, enjoying a complimentary half pint.

Includes

Guide
Free half pint at the end of the tour

Tips/gratuities

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Meeting point

Chancery Lane Underground station, at the corner of Grays Inn Road

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Important information

Know before you go

Please note that the tour involves a moderate amount of walking.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 50 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Value for money
4.7/5
Service
4.8/5
Organization
4.8/5

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what a fantastic way to get to know London's oldest pubs. Not only was George very knowledgeable about Londoners and their beer but he knew very much about the city. His enthusiasm not only got me more interested but made me enjoy and see beer in a different way. Will definitely recommend this tour back home! Thank you George!

28 August 2021

Great afternoon, made our trip!

Booked this for myself and my husband and we’re joined by 10 of a very friendly German tour group. George the guide was great and had us all chatting by the first pub. Fella is a font of knowledge and great chat! One of the most enjoyable things we done in London and great value!

12 October 2019

What a fun and fantastic way to spend an afternoon in London!

We had SO MUCH FUN walking around the city on the historic pub tour last week! My new husband and I were honeymooning in Europe and were inadvertently the only ones to sign up for the tour that afternoon, so we wound up enjoying a private tour of the city with George. George was a fantastic, entertaining, and knowledgeable tour guide who made it feel like we were sharing an afternoon with an old friend! We loved the little interesting tidbits we learned about London's history - booze related and otherwise. We highly recommend this experience to anyone, tourist or local! Cheers :)

30 October 2018

London: 2-Hour Historic Pub Tour

London: 2-Hour Historic Pub Tour

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Great afternoon, made our trip!

What a fun and fantastic way to spend an afternoon in London!

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