Secrets of Spitalfields Private Walking Tour

3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Creativity runs through Spitalfields and the district is home to many artists, actors, musicians and other notable figures — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

One of the affluent parts of Spitalfields — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Most people know of this are because of its infamous connection with Jack The Ripper but there is 2,000 years of history here with an incredibly rich history and vibrant culture so join us for this very special tour that will reveal the fantastic heritage of Spitalfields without ever mentioning you-know-who.

We will visit Plague Pits and scenes of terrible crimes and events but also of sites of pioneering hospitals, alms houses, soup kitchens and asylums.

These days Spitalfields is also incredibly trendy with a unique mix found nowhere else on Earth and we don't even mean the great food and markets.

Everywhere in Spitalfields, culture and vibrancy goes hand in hand with history, poverty and misery and we will see the old subterranean Charnel House within a few seconds walk of the wonderful Spitalfields Market.

There is no where like Spitalfields and we’re convinced that if you are looking for something totally different then this is the tour for you.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Ye Olde England Tours

Ages: Youth (10–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private Guided Walking Tour through Spitalfields in the East End of London

Itinerary

Stop 1

3 min

The oldest licenced house in the City of London. A lovely old Tudor pub from 1593 with a fascinating history in this no-mans land between the City and Whitechapel.
St Botolph's Aldgate

10 min

There's been a church here for well over 1,000 years and many famous people such as Sir Isaac Newton and Daniel Defoe have worshipped here. The beautifully landscaped gardens hide a terrible secret beneath!
Stop 3

5 min Admission not included

The infamous Aldgate Pump (of death) not only has a remarkable history but inspired a phrase in 'Cockney' English.

Nearby we will see ruins of the old Trinity Priory.
St Katherine Cree

5 min

Londons hardest to find cemetery is right opposite an infamous murder spot.
Tomb of the Unknown Roman Girl

2 min

Discovered when preparatory works for the Gherkin where being made.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)

2 min Admission not included

One of the most iconic of the modern generation of London skyscrapers
Stop 7

2 min

The oldest surviving Synagogue in what was once a very Jewish area of London.
Stop 8

5 min

This was once a notorious part of London just outside the City Walls
Stop 9

5 min

Now a fashionable leisure destination but 150 years ago home to the East India Company. It's history though goes back over another 1,000 years to the Knights of the Cnihtengild.
Stop 10

5 min

Spitalfields has a long history in the textile and weaving trade.
Soup Kitchen for the Jewish Poor

2 min Admission not included

A relic of the past which survived until just a few years ago.
Stop 12

2 min Admission not included

This beautiful White Chapel Huguenot Church was once the centre of the community and nearby we will see some of the beautiful houses, shops and pubs in the area.

We will also see where Queen Victoria had her wedding dress made and why she chose Spitalfields as well as seeing a period house often used in TV shows and films for its authentic appearances.
Norton Folgate Alms Houses

5 min Admission not included

Original Alms Houses from times past which are still operating and giving a helping hand to those that need it the most.
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid

2 min Admission not included

This mosque was once a synagogue and before that a church.
Brick Lane Market

10 min

Just one of several markets in Brick Lane
Brick Lane

20 min

Brick Lane was once a very Jewish area and we will go by Britains oldest Beigel shop which you're very welcome to try out. Nearby is the legendary Dark Sugars who we think make the best Hot Chocolate in the world. Or you might want to try out some of the incredible flavours from the Indian Subcontinent.
Brick Lane Vintage Market

10 min

We won't list all the markets round here... but you get the idea!
Dennis Severs' House

10 min Admission not included

In the midst of the best preserved streets of Spitalfields, we will see the historic Dennis Severs' House. (If you pick the optional entry on a Saturday then we may be able to go inside). Either way, this area gives an idea of how rich Spitalfields used to be before it descended into the poverty and crime which gripped it through much of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Stop 19

5 min

Once home to a famous animal market. Now one of the trendiest markets in London
Stop 20

5 min

During the recent extensive development of the area, archeologists found these ruins deep underground that once stores thousands of bones.
Spitalfields Market E1

15 min Admission not included

This listing of what we see isn't all-inclusive as there are various other places too such as the birthplace of Susanna Wesley, the mother who gave birth to John and Charles who founded Methodism.
Old Spitalfields Market

10 min

Once an old functioning market but now a high-end place with great food and artisan products.
Artillery Passage

5 min

One of the most atmospheric streets in London though it doesn't take too much imagination to realise its history might not be as pleasant as it is today.
Stop 24

5 min

Near to 'Bedlam' we finish this tour by this lovely and evocative memorial to Jewish children saved by Sir Nicholas Winton just before WW2.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

We shall meet just outside the exit of Aldgate Underground Station from where the tour commences

End point

Pickup points

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Hoxton, Holborn
The Langham, London
Cherry Court Hotel
Avonmore Hotel
Claridge's
Clifton Lodge Apartments
ME London
LSE Rosebery Hall Residence
Howard Winchester Hotel
Grosvenor House Suites
hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey hotel

and 623 more pickup points

Using your ticket

Just show your paper or e-ticket to your guide.

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
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

Secrets of Spitalfields Private Walking Tour

Pickup included
Dennis Severs' House Museum

Dennis Severs' House Museum: A 'Silent' tour offers a glimpse into 18th & 19th century life in England through the eyes of a family of Huguenot weavers.

Pickup included