London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs
5
London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs
By Liquid History Tours
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About
Get a local's perspective of London—and follow your guide off the tourist trail to locals-loved pubs—on a small-group, half-day walking tour that introduces you to several of the city's most historic alehouses. Try a range of local brews (own expense), see city sights, and hear stories of the legendary figures who were known to enjoy a few pints in the very same spots.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 18-99, max of 14 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Visit centuries-old, culturally significant pubs on this walking tour
- Choose to accompany your sightseeing with pints of ale (own expense)
- Get insider tips and recommendations from your guide
- Small group size ensures personalized attention
Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Local guide
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Meet your guide and small group in the City of London. Admire such attractions as St. Paul's Cathedral and a one-time Shakespearian playhouse while walking toward your first stop. Order a pint (own expense) in one of London's oldest pubs, frequented by many members of London's banking industry who work nearby. Listen as your guide recounts tales of the local neighborhood. Then, head to Fleet Street, famously the center of Britain's journalism industry, for a drink at a local boozer. Afterward, slip down a side street into a 17th-century pub. Choose from a wide selection of ales and ciders on tap (own expense) and hear tales of the literary greats who frequented that very space—Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens, and Alfred Tennyson, to name just a few. End your tour at the edged of Covent Garden with plenty of time (and insider tips) to continue the fun at another local pub.
- Start:
- 30 Newgate St, London EC2V 6AA, UKOutside ST.PAUL'S UNDERGROUND STATION (EXIT 2) Meet outside Caffe Nero on Panyer Alley
End:- Underground Ltd, Holborn Station, Kingsway, London WC2B 6AA, UKThe tour has no fixed end point, but you can expect to finish close to Holborn station or the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5452DRINK- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5452DRINK
From
$38.72
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 30 Newgate St, London EC2V 6AA, UKOutside ST.PAUL'S UNDERGROUND STATION (EXIT 2) Meet outside Caffe Nero on Panyer Alley
- Pass bySt. Paul's Cathedral
- 1Visit London's finest art nouveau pubPass bySt Bride's ChurchFleet StreetDr. Johnson's HousePrince Henry's RoomRoyal Courts of JusticeLincoln's InnSir John Soane's MuseumCovent Garden
- Underground Ltd, Holborn Station, Kingsway, London WC2B 6AA, UKThe tour has no fixed end point, but you can expect to finish close to Holborn station or the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Nomad051668319970 contributionsA Tour to RememberWe went on a private tour and Chris Cheeseman, our guide, was wonderful! We visited 4 great pubs and saw many historic sites in the Old City of London. A great variety of pubs and beersWritten October 5, 2024
- 78irvingk0 contributionsI drank a lot and learned things!Chris Cheeseman (yes, that’s his actual name) gave us an amazing historical pub journey through Old London. We learned a lot and drank things. He has a great personality and the pubs all had great vibes. I highly recommend this tour!Written October 5, 2024
- 362izzyc0 contributionsFantastic tourOutstanding tour with the fantastically knowledgeable Lachlan, learned lots of new interesting historical facts about the area, visited pubs I’ve always meant to visit & enjoyed lots of booze in lovely company.Written October 3, 2024
- Zzimonick0 contributionsWalking tour with friendsWe had a great time. Kevin was very informative, friendly, and understanding with the increasingly intoxicated group. Very well done and enjoyable. Ask for Kevin if you can.Written September 30, 2024
- M1902DHdawnf0 contributionsFantastic guide and great funWe had a great time on the liquid history tour Will. We went to pubs that we would never have found ourselves. Will was very informative and we would definitely recommend.Written September 27, 2024
- Wanderer436545165560 contributionsHidden pub tourWill was excellent tour guide! Highly recommend the hidden pun tour. We visited 4 pubs and listen to some interesting history of the cityWritten September 21, 2024
- 965ciaranf0 contributionsLachlan pub tourLachlan is a hero! If you don't get this guide reschedule. History knowledge is unbelievable. Great local knowledge from running pubs. And also gives good suggestions on pints. But seriously if it's not Lachlan. Reschedule!Written September 19, 2024
- 675sammc0 contributionsLearn some history while enjoying a pint or twoA Great afternoon spent travelling rarely visited streets that are filled with so much History. Our guide Freddie was excellent. Very knowledgeable on his History and an all round great person and guide. The pubs we visited were welcoming and filled with History. Would recommend to locals or visitors of London who enjoy a pint and learning some history. This was my second time doing this tour and learning different historical informationWritten September 15, 2024
- L1687BBjoanh0 contributionsGreat experienceAmazing tour! Fun, informative and interesting. Will was the best guide! Great drinks and great history behind the pubs.Written September 14, 2024
- bktrave0 contributionsA great way to spend an afternoonI can’t say enough about Lochlyn and the tour he gave us. It was wonderful, informative, fun and brought smiles to faces of all who took. Was one of our highlights to London. I would highly recommend it to anybody looking to spend a few hours at some great pubs..Written September 14, 2024
- 661marleena0 contributionsYou Don’t Want to Miss this Tour!!!Lachlan was amazing! His knowledge was excellent & his energetic, expressive delivery made this day so much fun ! We would highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to experience historical London off the beaten track & Lachlan is your tour guide !!!Written September 12, 2024
- 81marlenec0 contributionsAwesome Tour Experience!LACHLAN was a fabulous guide! Knowledgeable, entertaining and very passionate about sharing the on this Historic Pub Tour!Written September 12, 2024
- Cordellaedmonton0 contributionsAmazing and informative !This tour was amazing . Great job on all the historical information on the city present and past. Lachlan did a phenomenal job all day looking after us and educating us on the history of the city .Written September 12, 2024
- Paula C0 contributionsHistorical Pub Tour - fascinating !!Lachlan was our guide through the historic pubs of London. He was incredibly smart, funny, and intuitive. He was so knowledgeable and considerate in making sure we had a great time… which we did. There were 4 of us in this tour and we all so enjoyed Lachlan’s explanations as well as his company. We love this tour.Written September 11, 2024
- Q9187TLmichaels0 contributionsA Nice AfternoonWe had a perfect leisurely afternoon with Will. The tour included a great stories and great pubs. Got to meet other travelers and get a some of the city's history.Written September 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Janet A
Maidstone, UK2 contributions
Jan 2020
My husband and I joined a group of 10 this afternoon, we were pleasantly surprised by our guide Frankie’s knowledge of the area covered. She was entertaining and informative, her passion for the city’s history was apparent.
A great way to spend an afternoon sight seeing with pub pit stops.
Highly recommend.
A great way to spend an afternoon sight seeing with pub pit stops.
Highly recommend.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connie H
Boston, MA30 contributions
Feb 2020
I HIGHLY recommend this tour. I did it on my first day in London (first time visiting as well) and saw parts of London that I probably would have never seen if I had not done this. Dave was our tour guide and not only was he welcoming and friendly, he was also very funny. Most of where we walked is off the beaten path and nothing that you would find in a typical tourist guide of London. I also learned a great bit about London in terms of its history and architecture.
There were about 12 in the group and a few knew each other/traveled together, majority of us did not know anyone else. We went to 4 pubs, although I would have loved to go to 5 as it wasn't until the end of the 3rd pub and in the 4th that I feel like the group started being more social and comfortable around each other instead of on the quieter/shy side.
Overall, this was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend!
There were about 12 in the group and a few knew each other/traveled together, majority of us did not know anyone else. We went to 4 pubs, although I would have loved to go to 5 as it wasn't until the end of the 3rd pub and in the 4th that I feel like the group started being more social and comfortable around each other instead of on the quieter/shy side.
Overall, this was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel B
Chicago, IL4 contributions
My parents and I went on this pub tour in London this past weekend, and it definitely was one of our favorite activities that we did on our trip! Our tour guide Dave had a great sense of humor and was very knowledgeable regarding the city, its landmarks, and its history. We visited four pubs total (one that we were supposed to visit that day was closed as it was a Sunday, but we visited it the next day and were very glad we did), and we thoroughly appreciated learning the history of each one and enjoying the atmosphere while having a drink. I would highly recommend this tour if you are planning a trip to London!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ido G
9 contributions
Jun 2021
We did the tour with Will, who was super knowledgeable and fun to be with. It's mostly walking the streets of the City of London, sitting in historical pubs and talking about history. It was very interesting and the guide made sure the experience was fit to the atmosphere in the group. However, you need to pay for your own drinks which makes the tour about 40 GBP per person (25GBP tour price + 15GBP average for drinks). I think the tour should cost 15-20 for what you get. Nevertheless it was a wonderful tour.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for joining us and enjoying the stroll! Regarding the price level please note that that it has remained unchanged for 10 years, we guarantee every departure with just one passenger and due to current group size restrictions we continue to lose money on every departure at the moment. With commission and taxes accounting for over 50% (before operating costs) we like many businesses in the pub & hospitality trade are fighting for our onward survival. So thankyou for joining us and supporting us as we continue to share the great pubs and rich history with like-minded locals and travellers alike. Cheers to you!
Written June 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tania B
Brighton29 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in London. We were given this as a gift and the whole booking experience was seamless John send confirmation and all the details we needed to enjoy our afternoon. Our tour guide Dave was amazing, he was witty, funny but so knowledgeable he took us to some amazing pubs with great beer telling us interesting facts and funny stories about the pubs history. Dave interacted really well with all of our group, ranging from oldies like us to young couples on holiday from far away shores. Dave gave each couple the time to ask questions and he answered them all expertly! Book this tour if you want to find and visit pubs off the tourist spots and really enjoy the history behind them. You may be lucky enough to have Dave as your guide a really lovely afternoon. Thanks Dave Tania and Steve.
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah W
Teddington, UK1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Friends
We had two guests come to town to visit, as we have just recently relocated from the states to London. Dave, our tour guide, was amazing!!!! First, I should say, we have a 9 month old. Dave took it in stride that she would be joining us on the historical pub tour. Dave was VERY funny and he really was able to mix the right amount of humor, historical information and drinking into the tour to keep me and my guests entertained throughout the entire tour. Anytime guests come to visit we will definitely be recommending this tour!!!
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICO AND YAMILA T
Texas18 contributions
A must do tour. We have been to London on several occasions and we absolutely delighted to have chosen this tour. We met a lot of wonderful people, learned a little history of London and it’s great pubs, and tasted several excellent examples of the outstanding beer being sold in the UK. We also did this tour on our first day. We arrived at 1000 in the morning and went on the tour at 1400 hours until about 1900 hours. We then went to dinner and then returned to our hotel to rest. By during this and not going directly to bed on our arrival we reset out internal clocks and were able to get up the next day with no issues.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Off the plane and straight into the thick of London's liquid history. That's the spirit. Great review. Cheers!
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alan Jackson
Langley City, Canada44 contributions
Apr 2022
Myself, my wife, and our moms all thoroughly enjoyed this tour. It is a fantastic way to visit some great pubs, and to learn some quirky history about London. The groups are kept small enough that the tour feels more like a group of friends visiting the pub than it does a tour.
I'm sure the pubs visited vary on each tour, but you are certain to visit some truly historic and culturally important pubs, with time enough to enjoy a pint in each one. Or two, if you're quick enough. You'll learn about the history of the pub, or the building it's in, perhaps a ghost story or two, and tales of famous customers who may (or may not) have frequented the pub in days gone by.
Our guide, Kevin, was superb. Full of insight into the history of pub culture, the quirky history of the locations visited, and more than willing to answer any questions, or just have a friendly chat over a pint. A lovely bloke, even if he is an Arsenal supporter.
I cannot recommend this tour highly enough, especially to those with in an interest in pub culture, or even an interest in the history of London in general. A fantastic way to spend an afternoon in London.
I'm sure the pubs visited vary on each tour, but you are certain to visit some truly historic and culturally important pubs, with time enough to enjoy a pint in each one. Or two, if you're quick enough. You'll learn about the history of the pub, or the building it's in, perhaps a ghost story or two, and tales of famous customers who may (or may not) have frequented the pub in days gone by.
Our guide, Kevin, was superb. Full of insight into the history of pub culture, the quirky history of the locations visited, and more than willing to answer any questions, or just have a friendly chat over a pint. A lovely bloke, even if he is an Arsenal supporter.
I cannot recommend this tour highly enough, especially to those with in an interest in pub culture, or even an interest in the history of London in general. A fantastic way to spend an afternoon in London.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A remarkable day out considering Kevin is a Gooner, but let's not hold that against him too much! Lovely review and thanks for joining. Cheers!
Written June 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joe H
5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Tour started promptly at 2 pm, near center of City of London. Tour guide, Dave, was super cool and had an amazing depth of historic knowledge of the streets, buildings and pubs we visited.
This tour went to almost 6 pm!!! The value meter is off the charts.
The pubs on the tour were arguably the oldest in the City of London, like Ye Old Cheshire Cheese. So many good beers and ales we drank along the way. Would recommend to be well-rested, because this is a true journey with ‘pints’ at every turn.
Cheers
This tour went to almost 6 pm!!! The value meter is off the charts.
The pubs on the tour were arguably the oldest in the City of London, like Ye Old Cheshire Cheese. So many good beers and ales we drank along the way. Would recommend to be well-rested, because this is a true journey with ‘pints’ at every turn.
Cheers
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karl s
Birmingham, UK11 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
I treated my friend to the Liquid London Pub tour for her birthday in September, I enjoyed this tour some years earlier but for my friend it was her first guided tour. We both thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon, it was the perfect balance in terms of learning about historical buildings and enjoying drinks in some fine pubs that were steeped in history. The tour guide, Mark Wimmers, was wonderful, his knowledge knew no bounds and I loved the way that he introduced a blend of humour and fascinating insight into the history of this great city. Mark was a brilliant charasmatc tour guide, if only my history teachers at school had made my lessons as interesting as Mark did I might have left with a decent history grade. Thank you for a memorable and enjoyable experience. Karl
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Karl for such a cracking review and joining us again for our trundle down Tippling Street. Look forward to another stroll. Cheers!
Written October 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Would you recommend a weekday tour vs a weekend? Just wondering how busy the pubs get and if/how that impacts the tour. TIA!
Written March 25, 2023
Sorry for the delay; would recommend a weekday for the tour, as I think you are right that the pubs will be more crowded in the weekends. Enjoy!
Written May 3, 2023
HI, I will be traveling solo for work and I was wondering about the solo/couple dynamics of the tour. Are there may solo travelers in the group and do we all introduce ourselves to the other members of the tour?
Thanks in advance
Steve
Written June 25, 2022
Hi Steve.Did the tour last Friday. The group size is 12 .Although most of the group were in couples ,there were families (adult son with his Mum and Step dad ,myself with my adult son) and singles .The group age overall would be between 25 and 65 .The people seem to have an interest in the British culture of 'beer ' and 'the pub' and the social history of London amd England that goes with it. The guide introduces himself at the beginning and over the three hours everyone gets to know each other and have a relaxing time. The tour is in English, so most are English speakers. There were a lot of Americans on our trip ,who had all booked separately and were not part of a package. No one knew each other before hand, but by the end everyone was talking and having a great time.
Written June 28, 2022
HI, I will be arriving in oct. of 2022 and will be solo. Was just wondering the dynamics of solo travelers with known groups/couples. Do you have many solo travelers in the groups.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
Written June 25, 2022
Our tour began at 2:00 at St. Paul’s and ended at the Old Cheshire Cheese. Fun tour!
Written June 27, 2022
Is this appropriate for a 12 year old, we would be 6 adults and her
Written January 29, 2021
The website allows me to purchase tickets for a Tuesday although the tour says its run on Wednesday, Friday and weekends. Can you verify i can book the tour on a Tuesday?
Written October 21, 2019
Please note this tour departs everyday at 2pm except Christmas Day etc. All reservations completed using the live availability listed here or on own website. Cheers!
Written January 7, 2020
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