London is a big city, there’s so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming! Where to start? Why not try a Sandemans New Europe Tour? The Sandemans London free walking tour is a great way to get a feel of the city, hear some history and stories. The free tours really help you to ‘find your feet’ in a new city. And if that whets your appetite, there are a number of other tours, which focus on a subject, that with a small fee you can also do.
Sandemans London Tours
The Sandemans London Walking Tours are run by local self-employed guides. These freelance guides each add their own personal flare, so no tour is ever the same! Although each guide will give you history and stories on the tours, each guide has their own preferences and style. Each tour is unique and personal. And some may be longer than the guide time – it can depend on how many questions everyone has!
So, how can these guides make money on a free tour? It’s simple, they work for tips. So if at the end of the tour you are happy with their service, give them what you can spare. But the guides will never pressure you for tips, they rely on your kindness.
And if the free tour leaves you wanting more there are six other tours that have a small fee available. Your guide will be more than happy to sell you tickets! Another bonus is that you can purchase tickets for other London attractions with a discounted rate and skip the lines such as the Tower of London and the London Eye. Ask your guide (or visit the website) for details.
Free Tour Of Royal London
Where?
Meet outside the Apple Store at Covent Garden.
When?
Every day at 10am, 11am and 2pm.
How Long?
Roughly 2 1/2 hours, although this is a guide only and can vary.
The Free Tour Of Royal London gives you a great base knowledge of the city, its history and stories. Focusing on the main tourist sites, you will be taken through parks and side streets, where buses can’t go. You will be told stories about the Royals and other people of power, such as Winston Churchill. Depending on your guide (as each has their own favourite stories and routes) you may visit Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. You will learn how people, places and events here have shaped British History.
Trafalgar Square And Nelson’s Column
Old City Tour
Where?
Meet outside the Apple Store at Covent Garden.
When?
Everyday at 3.30pm.
How Long?
Roughly 2 1/2 hours, although this is a guide only and can vary.
There is a charge for the Old City Tour
The Old City Tour takes you to just that – the original city of London. One square mile of the metropolis that is London today. You will learn some of the important history of London, see some of the oldest buildings and grandest views. Your guide will take you through church courtyards, river walkways and small streets that make up the old town of London. On the tour you can expect to see and learn about the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Church of the Knights Templar and more!
Tower Bridge
Alternative Tour
Where?
Meet under the clocktower at the Bishopgate West Exit of Liverpool Street Station.
When?
Wednesday and Saturday at 3.30pm.
How Long?
Roughly 2 1/2 hours, although this is a guide only and can vary.
There is a charge for the Alternative Tour
The Alternative Tour will show you a less touristy part of London. The tour focuses on the Street Art of London – the voice of the people. The Street Art will be put into context and the guide will tell you what was happening at the time the art was created – what influenced it and what the people of London were saying. Learn about cockney culture and the rebellious streak that still lives in London today whilst touring through the East End. Places that may be included on this tour are Brick Lane, Whitechapel and you can expect to learn about the gangs and criminal underworld of London’s history.
Grim Reaper Tour
Where?
Meet by the sundial at Tower Hill Station.
When?
Everyday at 6.30pm.
How Long?
Roughly 2 1/2 hours, although this is a guide only and can vary.
There is a charge for the Grim Reaper Tour
This tour will take you through the darker side of London’s history. The tour starts in the 1400s, before official police patrolled the streets. On this tour you can expect to learn about the plague, poverty and executions. Your guide will also tell you about Jack the Ripper and why he was never caught. Expect to see sights such as the Tower of London and the Prostitutes Church, all with a dark spin which is part of the history.
Ale Tour
Where?
Meet outside the Slug and Lettuce on Borough High Street.
When?
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 3pm.
How Long?
Roughly 2 1/2 hours, although this is a guide only and can vary.
There is a charge for the Ale Tour which includes a taster or half pint at three locations
Ale has had an important role in English history. On this tour you will learn why English Ale is unique compared to that of other countries. Learn how the beverage is made whilst touring traditional pubs and modern craft beer bars. You even get a cellar tour of a traditional English pub. Visit locations such as Borough Market and the Hop Exchange and sample a taste or half a pint in three different locations, whilst learning about the drink of choice in London.
English Ale
Oxford Day Tour
Where?
Meet in front of Pret A Manger on Platform 1 at Paddington Station.
When?
Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 9.15am.
How Long?
Roughly 2 1/2 hours, although this is a guide only and can vary.
There is a charge for the Oxford Day Tour that includes the price of a return ticket to Oxford
Take a trip out of London and visit the famous University city of Oxford. Learn about the rich history of Oxford as it dates back to the 8th century. Learn about some of the brightest minds that have studied and researched here and the great discoveries made. On this tour you can expect to visit Trinity College, Oxford Town Hall and the Bridge of Sighs, amongst much more. Be charmed by this beautiful and historical city and after the tour you are free to return at your own leisure and explore the city further.
London Pub Crawl
Where?
Meet at the Slug and Lettuce on Lisle Street, near Leicester Square.
When?
Everyday at 7.30pm.
There is a charge for the London Pub Crawl and you MUST be over 18 years old with the correct ID. The Pub crawl is unlimited – buy once and join as many as you like for a year. You may also be required to purchase underground transport, depending on location.
The London Pub Crawl aims to show travellers a great night out for a cheap price. Your guide will take you to traditional pubs, modern bars and great clubs. Meet other travellers looking for a fun time! You will be taken to five great venues, skip the queue and receive free entry. You will also be given a free shot in selected bars and be eligible for some great drinks offers. Remember, your pub crawl is unlimited – join as many times as you like in a year.
Helpful Information
The main Sandemans London Free Walking Tour meets outside the Apple store at Covent Garden. Be sure to check where all other tours leave from and allow plenty of time to get to the start point. At the meeting points look out for the red Sandemans Umbrella. It is advisable to book online for popular tours (groups of ten or more must book online and receive 10% discount) although if there is less than ten of you you can just show up. Tickets are given out on a first come first serve basis, after the prebooked are sorted.
The tours will run regardless of the weather, so make sure you are prepared! It is England after all, which is not famed for its great weather…
You can buy tickets to other tours online or with your guide, You can also buy tickets to other attractions from your guide at discounted rates – ask your guide for details.
Sandemans New Europe London Free Walking Tour
The Sandemans London Tours are a great way to learn a lot about London. With passionate and helpful guides you soon feel at home in the big city. But please remember, the Free Walking Tour is run by freelance guides that work for tips. The guides will not pressure you for tips, but if you’ve enjoyed the tour be sure to give what you can!
Has this made you thirst to see all there is of London? Why not check out accommodation on Tripadvisor?