London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

5.0 (4 reviews) one hour – 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

4 reviews

5.0

London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

If you like humorous history, quirky facts and hidden surprises, this self-guided walk right in the centre of London is for you.

Having lived in London all my life, I decided to uncover its wacky history. I'm also an avid traveller and understand the importance of experiencing a city with a local guide. But more importantly, I love sharing this city's amazing history!

On this tour, you’ll learn about the secret behind the flow of the River Thames, the origins of the name “Covent Garden”, and the story of a drink most wouldn't associate with Britain. You'll also discover how the Americans stole coffee from the British, see the only street in London that confuses taxi drivers and learn about London's most notorious 18th-century brothel and the now-extinct police force that shut it down.

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or are a local curious about the city's alternative tales, this tour is a valuable introduction to the city's alternative history.

Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Historical Tours Walking Tours City Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: one hour – 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: Chinese, English, Dutch
Written guide: Chinese, English, Dutch
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: VoiceMap Application
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Lifetime access to 'London's Alternative History Tour'

Not included

Not included: Smartphone
Not included: Transportation
Not included: Food/drinks
Not included: Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Itinerary

Covent Garden

Passing by

Explore the bustling market and discover the origins of its name, which comes from "Convent Garden" due to its history as a convent’s garden in medieval times.
Stop 2

Passing by

Known as the "Actors' Church," this is where many famous actors have been memorialized. It's also the location of London's first recorded punch-up.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Passing by

The oldest theatre site in London, with a rich history of performances and ghostly apparitions, including the infamous "Man in Grey."
Stop 4

Passing by

Learn about the intriguing cases and famous trials that took place here, reflecting the quirky side of London's legal history.
Lyceum Theatre

Passing by

Famous for its productions, including "The Lion King," and its connection to the early days of electricity in theatre lighting.
Somerset House

Passing by

Discover this grand building's transformation from a Tudor palace to a Navy office, and its role in the development of the British postal system.
Victoria Embankment

Passing by

Walk along the riverside promenade and hear about its construction, which involved diverting the River Thames and revealed hidden river secrets.
Waterloo Bridge

Passing by

Known as "The Ladies' Bridge," it was largely built by women during World War II and offers spectacular views of London.
Stop 9

Passing by

Home to the last remaining Victorian gas lamp in London, powered by sewer gas, earning it the nickname "The Lamp that Lights Itself."
Stop 10

Passing by

The first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity, with a history of luxurious guests and infamous parties.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

2. Create an account

3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is wheelchair accessible with one caveat: part of the final portion of the tour after Waterloo Bridge has staircases – wheelchair users can stay on bridge-level and proceed to the final two stops which are on the same level.