Bars & pub crawls · HISTORIC PUB TOURS IN LONDON
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying in on Friday: 15 historic pub tours in London worth the money, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing to know before you book.
Spend about three and a half hours walking from the City of London to Covent Garden with a guide such as Tim, Chris, Freddy, or Dave. Visit four distinctive pubs, hear stories tied to Dickens, Fleet Street, churches, law, and local life, and buy drinks as you go.
“Completely worth it! You will love this tour if you love history, drinks, and new friends. So much fun!”
Walk from Piccadilly Circus through Soho with an English-speaking guide, stopping at four historic pubs linked to The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mozart. Guides such as Ben, Gherto, Tom, Harvey, and Callum bring the stories to life. Drinks are extra.
“Great tour from beginning to end. Tom was brilliant and knew his craft. Passionate about music in general and who doesn't love hearing stories over a 1/2 pint of beer. All four pubs were crowded (cuz its December in Central London), but Tom made it work and we were always having a good time in our group of 7. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys music stories (drinking not required, but it keeps you warm)”
Meet your English-speaking guide outside St Paul’s Underground station for a gentle two-mile walk through old lanes, famous drinking streets, four historic pubs, and a grand Victorian gin palace. Guides such as Dave, Tim, Shadow, and Lachlan mix London stories with humor. Drinks cost extra.
“Tour was fantastic, Adam was super informative and a lot of fun!”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Piccadilly Circus and walk through Soho’s music-soaked streets, stopping at four historic pubs. Hear stories about Lennon, Hendrix, Bowie, Mozart, and the Sex Pistols, with time to buy drinks and chat with the group.
“Henry was amazing it was by far the best tour we had in london !! we had the best time, highly recommend !”
Walk from Piccadilly Circus through St James’s and its historic pubs with a local guide such as Ben, Luke, Henry, or Tom. Expect royal and celebrity stories, four pub stops, drink suggestions, and a small group of no more than 12. Drinks and food cost extra.
“Fun and informative tour. Was a memorable way to start our New Year’s Eve celebration. Our tour guide Ben was knowledgeable and added in some additional stops that we enjoyed as well. Would recommend.”
Walk through the City of London and Holborn with a private guide such as Lyndon, Lachlan, Ricky, or Adam. Visit historic pubs including Black Friar, the Old Bank of England, and Princess Louise, while hearing stories about churches, courts, Dickensian streets, gin, beer, and London’s wartime past.
“Despite the atrocious weather, we had a great time. Adam was a fantastic guide, good company and knowledgeable about the historical and alcoholic aspects of the tour. Would recommend.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Piccadilly Circus for a 2.5-hour walk through royal London. Visit four historic pubs near Buckingham Palace, hear stories of Churchill, royalty, music, and film, and buy drinks as you go. Guides may include Tom, Henry, Danny, Ben, Luke, or Carlos.
“Had an amazing afternoon with our group. Our guide Luke was excellent, making sure there was a fun, easy atmosphere with a good variation between history, interesting facts, drink recommendations and time to chat with one another. Met some really lovely people on this tour.”
Meet at Embankment Station at 1:30 pm and walk with a local guide to four historic Covent Garden pubs. Guides such as Rachel, Mike, and Carolina share pub tales, London lore, and drink tips. You get reserved seating at an 800-year-old pub, but drinks and food cost extra.
“We loved this tour and have already recommended it to our friends. Our guide was so knowledgeable and put 100% into this descriptions and answering our questions. It was so interesting to hear about the history behind the pubs and also many of London's famous buildings and myths that we had never heard of before. For £10 each this is amazing value for money and we will be booking another London tour for next week. Julie and Barry from Orpington”
Follow a 2.5-hour route through Whitechapel and Spitalfields with guides such as Cova, Jude, Becky, Sarah, and Ollie. Hear the case at real locations, visit The Ten Bells and The Bell, and buy drinks along the way. Expect walking, grim details, and lively storytelling in English or French.
“Great guide with accurate info delivered well. Great atmosphere”
Start at Sloane Square for a 2.5-hour walk through Belgravia, pairing grand homes and cobbled mews with lesser-known pubs. Guides such as Luke, Tom, Carlos, and Jack share local stories and drink tips. Groups cap at 12, and the tour ends near Hyde Park Corner Station.
“Carlos was the best. So friendly and outgoing, he gave us a real history of the pubs but also parts of London we passed along the way. He engaged each member of our group and made everyone feel welcomed. He really made it a fun and fascinating few hours.”
Join an English-speaking guide, often George, for a two-hour walk from Chancery Lane through old streets and back alleys. Visit historic pubs, hear stories of gin, Dickens, Dylan Thomas, and a poet’s duel, then enjoy a free half pint at one of Dickens’ regular pubs.
“George was our guide and he was so pleasant and enthusiastic. He made the tour an amazing experience and was very open to any questions about London. Great tour!”
Walk from Embankment to Covent Garden with a guide such as Rachel, Mike, Carolina, or Adam, visiting four historic pubs. Hear London stories, folklore, and drink advice, then buy your own ales, beers, spirits, or snacks as you go.
“Rachel provided us with a very fun and informative pub tour, peppered with London history. We enjoyed it very much.”
Meet your English-speaking guide outside Sloane Square station for a 2.5-hour walk through Belgravia. Visit old pubs, hear stories of the Beatles, royalty, gangsters, and writers, and explore streets many London visitors miss. Guides include Jack, Tom, Luke, Carlos, and Al.
“we had a fantastic guided tour with Jack. he really knew a lot about the historical places we visited. would definitely recommend booking this tour”
Walk from Holborn to Fleet Street with a local English-speaking guide, stopping at Ye Olde Mitre, The Old Bell Tavern, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, and Ye Olde Cock Tavern for four drinks, classic pub food, and old London stories. Groups are limited to 12.
“This was one of my favorite things we did in London. It truly felt like we were stepping back in time in each of the pubs we visited, Susannah was a fantastic guide ensuring we were learning things as we went along. The food and drinks served were also outstanding. We will do this same exact tour again next time we’re here.”
Join beer expert Jane Peyton at 3 pm for a private 3.5-hour walk through Fleet Street, Holborn, and Blackfriars. Visit four historic pubs, taste a half-pint at each, and learn how beer, architecture, scandals, and London life connect. Groups are limited to six people, and the tour is in English.
“A fantastic tour! The guide is an expert on British beers and a real character - I had a blast. I've been back to the same pubs since the tour, I'd never have found them otherwise. Well worth doing while in London.”
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