On this tour, you will discover how the River Thames flows and find out where the name “Covent Garden” comes from.
Explore some of London's most famous areas and familiar landmarks with the London's Alternative History Tour to uncover the City's Secrets.
On this tour, learn how Americans skillfully took control of the coffee trade from the British.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a curious local, you will see London in a whole new light.
The route also has great cafes and bars, so feel free to pause for a drink or snack along the way.
Mobile Voucher accepted, no need to take the printed tickets!

If you love quirky facts and offbeat history, this tour will be a delight! Led by a lifelong Londoner with a passion for the city's weird and wonderful tales, you will explore famous spots in a way you've never imagined. Forget the standard history lessons—this walk uncovers the secrets behind the River Thames, the real story of Covent Garden, and the drink you never knew had a British twist.

Hidden away from busy roads, you can find a secret city with medieval streets, narrow alleyways, hidden courtyards, and ancient buildings. On this unique walk, you will explore the lesser-known parts of London. You will see where history happened and experience places where time feels like it has stopped. The noise of modern London will fade into the background as you encounter the sights of the old City. Each corner you turn, and every location you visit offers a new and interesting piece of the past.

The Secret London tour will introduce you to some truly fascinating locations, all of which are steeped in history. You will feel transported back in time to dig through the many layers of London's rich and varied past. If you are interested in exploring the intriguing history of London through its lesser-known tales and unique facts, this guided walking tour in the city's heart is an excellent choice. The tour covers several iconic areas and landmarks, but instead of the conventional narratives often presented in schools, it focuses on the more unusual and entertaining aspects of the city's past.

Your guide is a citizen of London and has uncovered many of its quirky historical details. This tour aims to provide insights into London's rich history, including the remarkable reasons behind the flow of the River Thames, the origins of the term "Covent Garden," and an unexpected story related to a beverage often overlooked in the context of Britain. From how the Americans stole coffee from the British to London’s last Victorian gas lamp, you will leave with plenty of stories to share.

In this adventure, you will learn some interesting stories about London. You will find out how Americans took coffee from the British, and discover a street in London that makes taxi drivers scratch their heads. You will hear about the famous brothel from the 18th century and the police force that put an end to it. You will also see the last gas lamp from the Victorian times still shining in the city, and explore a hidden square that looks like it belongs in Italy. There is so much more to uncover! From how the Americans stole coffee from the British to London’s last Victorian gas lamp, you will leave with plenty of stories to share. This walking tour will also cover plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars along the route for a quick (or lengthy!) stop.

Here are some notable locations in London covered in this London's Alternative History Tour: Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Church Covent Garden, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Thames Magistrates' Court, Lyceum Theatre, Strand, Somerset House, Victoria Embankment, Waterloo Bridge, Carting Lane, Savoy Theatre, and The Savoy.

VoiceMap App
Offline access to Audio, Maps, and Geodata
Access to an Audio Tour of the London's Alternative History

Gratuities

You need the VoiceMap Audio Tours app in order to use your booking code and complete the trip! You can look for it by searching Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by visiting onelink.to/voicemap on your smartphone.

Next, take these three actions:

1. Register for an account

2. From the menu, choose Tour Codes, and then click Enter Codes.

3. Type in the tour code and choose "Download Now."

Once you've purchased a tour, it will be added to your VoiceMap library. If you sign in to the app using the same method as you did on the website, you'll have access to your entire tour library.
When the download completes, you'll see a screen showing the starting point, with directions to help you get there.
The app will automatically play audio at the right time and place using GPS-based turn-by-turn directions.

Please take the following actions if, after entering your booking code and initiating the download, you are still waiting for it to finish after more than a few minutes:

1) Cancel the download

2) Choose the Purchased tab after going to Account.

3) Select your tour there, then restart the download.

Free WiFi: No.

Wheelchair or Stroller accessible: No.

This is a 1.6km walking tour

Please note that the app will automatically play audio at the right time and place using GPS-based turn-by-turn directions.

Guests have the option to resume the tour from the nearest location whenever they like.

Guests can enjoy the tours as often as they like through both the VoiceMap app and website.

Please note that once the tour is purchased, it’s added to the VoiceMap library.

The VoiceMap app works offline, so you can enjoy your tour without worrying about roaming fees. Simply download the tour over WiFi before you begin.

Guests are advised to stay cautious of pickpockets – they can be discreet, but not harmful.

How to reach there?

Take the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden Tube Station. Once you exit, turn right onto James Street. Walk to the end and turn right under the covered walkway. You'll be outside the Apple Store. Turn away from the store – this is where the tour begins.

Major Landmarks: Covent Garden, St Paul’s Church Covent Garden, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Thames Magistrates' Court, Lyceum Theatre, Strand, Somerset House, Victoria Embankment, Waterloo Bridge, Carting Lane, Savoy Theatre, The Savoy.

Disclaimer: The service provider reserves the right to close or cancel certain shows, attractions, entertainments, restaurants, shops or ancillary facilities without notice. There will be no refund provided in that case.

You must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.