London’s Historical Pubs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

1 h 30 min – 2 hours Private tour

London’s Historical Pubs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Take a tipply trundle through London’s liquid history on this affordable self-guided walking tour.

Stroll down the city’s quiet backstreets and hidden courtyards in the literary footsteps of Samuel Pepys, Charles Dickens and Dr. Johnson and see four iconic English pubs
Hear from producer Johnny Warland, a pub aficionado, lover of all things London and fan of the quirkier side of history
Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

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

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Lifetime access to this self-guided tour in English

Not included

Not included: Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Not included: Smarphone and headphones
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing by

The tour starts at Blackfriar Station which is just a short walk to Blackfriar pub. You'll learn about the pub and even get to peek inside if it's open.
City of London Distillery & Bar

Passing by

The tour passes by the first gin distillery in the City of London for over 200 years. You'll hear about its history while you walk.
Stop 3

Passing by

While walking past, you'll get to enjoy the magnificent view of St.Bride's church. You'll learn a bit about the genius architect behind the church while you walk.
Stop 4

Passing by

On this tour, you'll learn a bit about some of the famous regulars who frequented the pub along with some of its history. If you like, you can even stop inside for a quick drink (at your own expense).
Dr. Johnson's House

Passing by

You'll pass by the house of Dr Johnson who is the man behind Oxford's first English dictionary. You'll hear a bit about him while you walk.
Hodge the Cat

Passing by

On this tour, you'll pass by the statue of Hodge the Cat. You can stop to admire him if you like and take in some of the finer details of the statue that are pointed out to you.
Stop 7

Passing by

As you walk, you'll pass by the oldest vintners and wine merchants in the City of London. You'll hear a bit about them as well as a humorous story about a female customer.
Stop 8

Passing by

The tour passes by the narrowest pub in the city. You'll learn a bit about it while you walk.
Prince Henry's Room

Passing by

As you pass by Prince Henry's Room you'll be shown some of its finer architectural details and learn a bit about it.
Royal Courts of Justice

Passing by

As you pass by the Royal Courts of Justice, you'll hear about some of the famous names connected to the city's second highest civil court.
Stop 11

Passing by

On this tour, you'll pass by London's oldest tailors. You'll hear a bit about the store and its history while you walk.
The Seven Stars

Passing by

The tour passes by The Seven Stars pub. While you walk you'll hear about the pub's clientele, what it's named after, and some of its general history.
Stop 13

Passing by

On this tour, you'll pass by the infamous Hunterian Museum. You'll hear about the museum and what they collect and display.
Sir John Soane's Museum

Passing by

The tour passes by what is quite possibly London's most exquisite small museum. You'll hear about the museum and the man it's named after.
Stop 15

Passing by

The tour ends outside of The Ship Tavern. You'll hear about the tavern, its history and be able to pop in afterward for a tipple (at your own cost).

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

The tour ends outside of The Ship Tavern.

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]