Starting at the doors to the National Gallery home of masterpieces such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, we explore the history of Trafalgar Square. Nelson's column reveals its secrets and we share the controversial plans for the 4th plinth.
We then board an old Routemaster double decker bus. With only 2 routes remaining in London, this is real nostalgia with a conductor on board, and wire bells. Ding, ding! Next stop, St Pauls cathedral.

Wandering the streets that Dicken's wrote about, only wide enough for a horse & cart, we emerge to see Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece...St.Paul's Cathedral. We descend to the cafe in the Crypt where a traditional afternoon cream tea is waiting for us. Fresh scones, with jam and whipped cream, to be washed down with a steaming pot of English tea! Yum! Please note that we do not enter the main sections of St.Paul's cathedral on this trip.
Leaving through recently restored Paternoster Square, now home to the London Stock Exchange, we quickly weave through old church yards, and hidden backstreets.
We may be able to sneak up to a roof terrace for a great panoramic view of the City, before heading past the Mansion House, home to the Lord Mayor of London. Studying the Bank of England, we might be able to crack the safe or lift a real gold bar. Moving on from the historic centre, we encounter Richard Roger's Lloyd's building, Tower 42 and St.Mary's Axe otherwise known as the "Erotic Gherkin."
Turning back into beautiful Leadenhall Market, we can see the real life Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter movies. Heading downhill we pass Pudding Lane, where the Great Fire of London started and view the towering Monument left as a reminder of the tragedy.
Descending from London Bridge, we walk along the historic Thames, passing Old Billingsgate Market, HMS Belfast, Hays Galleria & City Hall. We enjoy amazing views of Tower Bridge, as we approach the Tower of London. Hear the history of the Tower and see Traitor's Gate before we head into exclusive St.Katharine's dock.
Home to million pound yachts and politicians, we finish our trip with a waterside drink at the 18th century Dicken's Inn.
Please note:
- Afternoon tea will consist of a pot of English tea, a scone, jam & cream (no posh cucumber sarnies or patisserie here)
- This tour only includes entrance into the Crypt at St.Paul's and not the main body of the church. There is not time on this tour to enter St.Paul's cathedral itself.
- The Bank of England museum is only open during weekdays only. On the weekend we will enjoy more time at other locations
- On your exploring tour you could be jumping on a London bus or travelling like a local on the tube. Please remember to bring your OysterCard or a London TravelCard Zone 1-2 with you.
*This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.

Tour duration: 4-5 hours

Pickup time: 2:00PM
Pickup location: Trafalgar Square, at the entrance of National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing

Drop-off time: 6:00PM-7:00PM
Drop-off location: St.Katherines Dock
This tour does NOT depart on 24 Dec 2010, 25 Dec 2010, 24 Dec 2011, 26 Dec 2011 and 27 Dec 2011.