Private Tour: The Hidden Gardens of the City of London
5.0
28 Ratings
Greater London
Discover the hidden, sacred, and secret gardens of the City of London on a private walking tour. Explore historic ruins and peaceful oases unknown to most Londoners.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Whittington Park - This secret garden is dedicated to one of the most famous Lord Mayors of London who amongst other things built the nearby church.
  • St. Dunstan in the East - Visit the most beautiful ruin in the old City of London.
  • All Hallows By The Tower - See the oldest archway in London and walk on an old Roman pavement (sidewalk) many feet beneath modern London.
  • St Olave’s Church - This historic church and garden has been through Great Fires, Plagues, World Wars and as such as some incredible history.
  • Garden at 120 - Visit London’s newest sky garden which offers a fantastic view of where we have been and where we will be going. The garden has a capacity of 207 people so it is possible that on rare occasions we cannot get in. So far so good though!
  • St Mary Aldermanbury Garden - This little garden has strong associations to William Shakespeare and even Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.
  • St. Lawrence Jewry - This little space in the heart of the old Jewish district of London and almost entirely rebuilt after WW2.
  • Churchyard of St John Zachary - This sunken garden has a history both ancient and the merely old.
  • Church of St. Bartholomew the Great - This well hidden garden is also a plague pit!
  • Christchurch Greyfriars Church Garden - See the memorial garden to The Blitz and WW2.
  • Postman’s Park - Visit this beautiful but rarely visited park with its touching memorial to everyday heroes.
  • Guildhall - Right in the middle of London we will stand on top of the old Roman amphitheatre
What's Included
  • Professional guide
  • Private tour
  • Local guide
  • Hotel pickup
  • Tour escort/host
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information

Experience a personal exploration of numerous quiet, hallowed, and undisclosed gardens and ruins tucked away in the City of London through this walking tour. These sites, unknown to even most locals, are what make them such astounding and historically significant spots. Marvel at the stunning old Gothic churchyard gardens, each serving as a tranquil, historical sanctuary in the hustle and bustle of London.

  • Dress code is smart casual
  • We have earmarked this tour as especially safe during the Coronavirus outbreak due to generally quiet places that we visit where social distancing is generally not a problem. All of our tours are private so it is just you/your family and your guide.  To make it easier and safer for all concerned we would suggest starting this tour a little later than the usual time, perhaps around 10.30-11am which allows us all to miss rush-hour. We are happy to still come to your hotel to meet you but for the moment we would suggest meeting us at the tour starting point.  This allows you to arrive by a taxi or uber rather than public transport. Please feel free to wear masks throughout or at times during the tour.  Your guide will also have a mask with them.
Location
Caffè Nero
Newgate Street
The tour starts just outside Caffe Nero outside St Pauls Underground Station
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(28 Ratings)
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Ruhi_s
Mar 27, 2024
Kevin was amazing!!! My... - Kevin was amazing!!! My son and I had the best morning walking through the square mile and listening to all of Kevin’s wonderful stories.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_b
Nov 20, 2023
This tour is a winner - Stephen was an excellent narrator for London's old churchyard gardens, laneways and architecture. Always finding the perfect spot to capture views, my photo's look like we were the only people in London that day.
Review provided by Viator
Yelena_s
Nov 10, 2023
Unique! - Wow!Today was super interesting day in London!Thank you Stephen! Stephen was very nice and knowledgeable tour guide.He told many interesting history facts and stories about London history,I saw beautiful gardens.I highly recommend this tour for everyone who would Like to see unique places in London.
Review provided by Viator
Trish_g
Oct 28, 2023
Best tour I have ever taken. - Even though this was my 10th trip to London, I saw so much that I had never seen before and learned so much. Kevin's passion for London and for history is amazing. He brought so much to life and was so eager to share his knowledge. It was simply wonderful. Best tour guide ever!
Review provided by Viator
958stevel
Sep 12, 2023
Enjoyable Adventure - Stephen was a fountain of information and actually wrote the book on the secret gardens we visited. Meet us at our hotel and walked with us to the underground, to get us to the start of the tour. Weaving through the city of London to gardens that the average tourist would never know existed. What a great time we had. Thank you Stephen
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annemarie_h
Sep 5, 2023
Amazing History Knowledge - I really enjoyed Stephans tour of gardens around downtown London. My Favorite was the Postman's Garden that he actually wrote a book about. Stephen also has been given the high honor of being named a Freeman of the City of London. Ask him about it!
Review provided by Viator
Davehenkecedarburg
Aug 10, 2023
Wonderful mix of history and natural beauty. - Wonderful mix of history and natural beauty set in London. Small churchyards, a hidden crypt, to to Rooftop garden at 120. Well paced walking tour. Stephen has an excellent command of history and local lore. We will return soon for the pub tour! Thanks again, Dave and Diane
Review provided by Tripadvisor
463rosyb
Jul 25, 2023
Cultural London Tour - Such an interesting, insightful tour of hidden gardens of London. Stephen, our guide is a font of immense knowledge on all things historical and made the 3 hours spent so interesting and fun. I'd highly recommend any of his tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lilly
Jun 26, 2023
Great Tour! - We loved our Garden Tour with Stephen…he was so informative and helpful! We would recommend him 100%..we are looking forward to returning to London and we will definitely be doing one of his other tours he offers. Thank you so much Steven!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessica_s
Apr 9, 2023
Beautiful - This was a most very special tour. Kevin was incredible and shared so much of this beautiful city. I highly recommend this beautiful tour.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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