15 Best London History Tours in 2024 (ranked!)

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Ready to book the best London history tours?

You’ve come to the right place because I’m covering the top London history Tours here.

How do I know?

I’ve lived in England since 2012 and have explored far and wide, so I know that one of the best things to do in London for history buffs is book a tour and explore.

Only quality tours are included in this list so you know that every tour you book is worth your money and time.

Don’t want to read to the end of the article?

The best tour of London History is: Roman Ruins to Blitz Bombings: A Walking Tour of London’s Fiery History.  

It has 5 out of 5 stars with over 100 reviews, so you can’t go wrong!

There are plenty of other London history tours to choose from, so let’s get right down to it.

In this list, you’ll find 15 of the top-rated London history tours so you know you’re making the right choice.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group, where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best London History Tours

#1 PICK 🏆Roman Ruins to Blitz Bombings: A Walking Tour of London’s Fiery History5 out of 5 stars, 110+ reviews▶ Book Here!
#2 PICKNatural History Museum London – Private Guided Museum Tour5 out of 5 stars, 79+ reviews▶ Book Here!
#3 PICKThe Authentic British Food and History Tour (Try many British Foods)5 out of 5 stars,
24+ reviews
▶ Book Here!

1. Roman Ruins to Blitz Bombings: A Walking Tour of London’s Fiery History: history tours in London

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 110+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Walking tour
  • Small group tour 
  • Learn obscure trivia
  • 9 stops

History buffs might think they already know everything about London’s history.

This tour will dive even deeper than you ever have!

Even the most learned historians will learn something new on this tour.

Learn about more than 2,000 years’ worth of history.

This well-rounded tour will teach you about the Roman ruins, the Blitz bombings, Charles Dickens, and Anne Boleyn. 

Because it’s a walking tour, you’ll get to see the attractions up close. This is so much better than hoping to get a window seat on a tour bus!

At each of the 9 stops, you’ll be able to snap a picture and learn something interesting.

2. Natural History Museum London – Private Guided Museum Tour: history walking tours in London

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 79+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Guided Museum Tour
  • Tour Guide Exclusively For You
  • Duration 2 hours
  • Wheelchair Friendly

If you’re traveling with kids, consider booking this tour. They will have so much fun learning about history and you’ll also learn a lot!

While you can explore the museum on your own, there are benefits to hiring a guide.

They’ll tell you the highlights of each exhibit so you don’t have to read everything. This is especially great if you have kids running around.

He’ll also help you get through the museum efficiently.

Otherwise, you might spend all day there and glean the same amount of information.

3. The Authentic British Food and History Tour (Try many British Foods): London history walks

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 24+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Lunch
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Coffee or Tea
  • Breakfast

Calling all foodies! If you want to taste the best of Britain while learning about its history, book this tour now.

This small group tour will bring you to the best versions of classic British grub.

While you’re trying the iconic food, you’ll also learn the history of Britain and its food.

You won’t have enough time to eat at all the good restaurants in the area.

Fortunately, the tour guide will give you plenty of recommendations for the rest of your trip!

You’ll walk by many historic landmarks but will spend most of your time at the Borough Market.

This is where you will find the best food in the city.

4. London Witches and History Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 23+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 75 minutes | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Costumed ‘in-character’ guide
  • 8 stops
  • Walking tour
  • Harry Potter trivia

On this walking tour, you’ll learn about the witchy history of London.

Your knowledgeable guide will also be dressed in costume.

This is a good sign that they know how to have fun and will make sure everybody in the tour group is having a blast!

The guide will teach you a lot about history and magic.

You’ll especially learn about the witch trials and hauntings of London’s past. Which iconic landmarks have a spooky history?

And Harry Potter fans will be excited to catch a glimpse of some filming sites.

5. Kid-Friendly Natural History Museum & Dinosaurs Private Guided Tour in London: historic London walks

⭐️ RATING: 2.5 out of 5 Stars, 8+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 50 minutes | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Blue Badge guide
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Professional Kid-Friendly Guide
  • Private tour

If you love history and have young kids, this is a good tour for you. The kids will have a blast and learn so much!

They won’t complain about being bored a single time.

But just because it’s for kids doesn’t mean you won’t learn anything.

Even history buffs will learn something new on this tour!

The guide knows the best parts of the museum.

This means that you won’t miss anything important. He’ll also be able to summarize all the important information so you don’t have to read every word on every sign.

6. History of London Photography Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 8+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Led by a professional photographer
  • Amazing photo opportunities
  • Professional photography advice
  • Fascinating historical facts

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to take gorgeous photos wherever you go, then you’ll love this tour.

Not only will you have plenty of photo ops, you’ll learn the best tips for capturing those pictures.

With 10 stops, you’ll see the quintessential corners of London.

You’ll learn some interesting tidbits about the area’s history.

And you’ll take astonishing photos that will look like they belong on a magazine cover!

Whether you love looking at photographs of the city or would rather be behind the lens, you’ll enjoy this tour.

And you’ll really love showing off the pictures to your friends when you get home!

7. The Beatles Magical History Black Taxi Tour London

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 29+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  4-5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Private Transportation in a Licensed London Black Taxi
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water
  • Parking Fees

Beatles fans will love this tour!

Music lovers in general will be able to enjoy learning the history revolving around this iconic band.

You’ll follow in the footsteps of these legendary musicians and learn about their history.

Spend some time at Abbey Road Studios and immerse yourself in music history.

You’ll even have a chance to get your picture taken while walking across the street!

Relive the ‘60s at Carnaby Street. See where Beatlemania was born at the London Palladium.

And visit 3 Savile Row where you can discover so much Beatles memorabilia at the place where they held their last live show.

8. Pub Tour London (Drinking History)

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1-2 hours| ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Small group
  • London history
  • Walking tour

This tour is limited to 6 people so you’ll be able to bond with the others as you drink your way through London!

You’ll explore London and even see a lot of parts that you might have missed. You’ll also learn a little bit about the history everywhere you go!

The highlight of this tour is Fleet Street.

Home to several historic pubs, you’ll learn about their history and their brews.

Be sure to enjoy a drink in the same places as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Samuel Johnson.

9. The Natural History Museum of London: Private Half-Day Tour

Natural History Museum London. Large room with stone steps and ceiling windows.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Professional guide
  • Private tour
  • Reserved entrance time
  • Personalized experience

The Natural History Museum in London is a must-see attraction!

It’s often considered the most important center for the research of natural history and sciences.

This museum is huge and can be hard to get through.

That’s why you should hire a guide to make sure you see all the important parts!

They can also summarize the information so that you can get the highlights without reading every single sign.

Since it’s a private tour, it can be personalized to your preferences.

Spend more time on your favorite exhibits and less time on those that you don’t find interesting.

10.  London’s Hidden Gems and Secret History Private Guided Tour

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3-4 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Professional guide
  • Private tour
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • 10 stops

If you want to see parts of London that only the locals know about, go on this tour.

You’ll see landmarks that you’ve probably never even heard about before.

But by the end of the tour, you’ll know the interesting history behind each of these stops! 

The local guide will help you have an enjoyable tour and give you tips for the rest of your trip.

He’ll bring you on a route that you probably never would’ve found on your own.

He’ll also share all the inside information that even a lot of locals don’t know!

11. Brixton History and Culture Private Walking Tour: historical tours in London

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 – 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Local guide
  • 5 stops
  • Cultural history
  • Quintessential locations

If you love exploring the cultural scene, you’ll love Brixton.

This is the most diverse area of London.

Brixton is home to several types of international cuisine.

This neighborhood has a rich history of immigrants settling in.

You’ll also find a variety of art!

With 5 main stops, this tour will cover the main attractions of Brixton.

You’ll have a deeper appreciation for many of the cultures in this world.

You’ll also see the results of what happens when people come from all over the world to live in the same area.

12. World War II History in London Private Guided Tour: history tours London

Imperial War Museum

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-7 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Private Walking Tour of London WWII Sights 
  • 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in your chosen language
  • Skip-the-line tickets to the Churchill War Rooms (only in 4 and 7-hour options)
  • Free admission to the Imperial War Museum (only in 7-hour option)

World War II buffs will enjoy this tour. Explore the main WW2 sites of London on this tour.

You can choose a 2-hour, 4-hour, or 7-hour option depending on how much you want to see!

The tour begins at Waterloo Place and includes a visit to Royal Naval Division War Memorial and the Palace of Westminster.

If you choose a longer tour, you will get to visit the Churchill War Rooms.

On the longest tour, you’ll also have admission to the Imperial War Museum.

If you have all day, this is the best way to learn about the Second World War! If you only have a few hours, you’ll still be able to learn a lot!

13. London History Taxi Tours

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 21+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Private transportation
  • 6 stops
  • London History tour
  • Several photo ops

Your knowledgeable tour guide will know his way around the city and be able to get you everywhere safely and efficiently.

He’ll pass by the most iconic London landmarks so you’ll have a chance to see everything on your bucket list!

This private tour is personalizable and flexible.

You’ll be able to adjust the itinerary to spend more or less time at different locations since there won’t be a ton of other tourists!

You’ll stop at 6 places, including Mayfair, Southwark, and the Financial Centre of London and the UK.

14. Unique Mayfair Lifestyle and History Walk – Private Custom Tour

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Private, personalized itinerary
  • Expert Local Guide
  • Additional suggestions for the rest of your stay
  • 6 stops

Mayfair is a quite trendy part of London. Experience the architecture. Enjoy the fashion scene. Explore hidden passages.

Not only will you visit art galleries and designer stores.

You’ll also learn about their history on this tour.

Visit Mayfair, Savile Row, and Bond Street.

Learn what makes them so iconic in the London art scene!

Stop by St. James’ Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and Fortnum & Mason. See how they are still influencing modern-day art.

You’ll have a chance to do some shopping and taste some tea.

You’ll also get to bond with other tourists who have similar mindsets as you.

15. 2-Hour Private LGBTQ+ History Tour of London with a Licensed Guide

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Private Tour
  • Professional qualified guide
  • Tour of Bloomsbury
  • London’s LGBTQ history and culture

This private tour accommodates up to 15 people who are excited to learn about LGBTQ history in London.

Explore the Bloomsbury district as you learn about the artists, writers, and philosophers who played a big role in shaping London’s LGBTQ community.

Your guide will share a wealth of information, including over 300 years’ worth of LGBTQ history.

Instead of the history lessons you’ve learned before, you’ll learn about history from a minority’s perspective.

This will help to shape your ideas about everything you know!

You’ll even learn some Polari, a secret gay language in London.

Want more London tours? Check these out!

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