Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London's Bloody Past
Overview
Travel through a thousand years of history, meeting medieval knights, body snatchers, Charles Dickens, an eighteenth century ghost, and William Wallace - aka Braveheart (and learn how he was in no fit state to shout "Freeeedoooommmm!" whilst being executed!)
On our walking tour we'll visit the areas around Smithfield, for centuries London's site of both animal and human slaughter. We'll learn about how the city disposed of the tens of thousands of Black Death corpses in the fourteenth century, the execution methods used in the Middle Ages, and how the area became a notorious slum which Dickens used as the setting for Oliver Twist.
The walking tour begins outside Barbican Station, ends near to Farringdon Station, and will take around two hours. Total distance is about two miles.
Ticket sales will be limited to fifteen attendees, to ensure maximum enjoyment for everybody on the tour.
What's Included
- Tour
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
Aldersgate Street
Barbican, London EC1A 4JA, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Ely Place
London EC1N, UK
On Ely Place, around the corner from Farringdon Station
What To Expect
The Charterhouse
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
St John's Gate
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
WIlliam Wallace Memorial
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Church of St. Bartholomew the Great
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Golden Boy of Pye Corner
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Holborn Viaduct
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ye Olde Mitre
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Saint Bartholomew's Hospital Museum
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London’s Bloody Past?
A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025
Traveler Photos





Reviews
Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 235 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities

Private Day Tours in London
US$204.63

London Pub Tour
US$27.19

Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours
US$102.31

Half Day Tour of London with St Paul's Cathedral Entry
US$169.92
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

London by Night Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour with Audio Guide
US$39.56

Chelsea FC Stadium Tours and Museum
US$40.93

Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London
US$175.98
