Take another look. If I were going to take Julius Caesar, Charlemagne, Dante, Elizabeth I, Adam Smith, George Washington and Claude Monet on a London Walk this would be the one. Because of where it goes and what we see. It’s the oldest part of London; it’s also the most aggressively modern part. After-hours it’s transfigured: crystalline, transparent as a dragonfly, submerged in its past. We can peer into its depths.
And then rub our eyes and wonder at a church that “transcends originality,” at the only private house in the country with its own court and cells, at a lost river, at a jewel box of a market, at Dirty Dick’s, at the architectural equivalent of a butterfly collection. And to see it at night – washed in blue and green light – it’s like moving, stunned, through the crevasses of a mountain glacier! And that’s just first impressions, a quick scratch at the surface. The behind-the-scenes stuff – hidden courtyards, dimly lit alleyways and wonderful old pubs* – will take us right down into the depths of London’s ancient past.
*Pubs included, post-walk curry an optional extra.
LONDON WALKS PRACTICALS
The Ancient City at Night walk takes place every Tuesday evening at 6.30 pm. The meeting point is outside exit 3(by the Wellington statue) of Bank Tube Stop. N.B. the walk ends at Dirty Dick’s, very near Liverpool Street Station.
LONDON WALKS REVIEWS
“the unfailingly fascinating London Walks… If you can’t find one [of their tours] that captures your fancy, maybe you really are tired of life” San Francisco Chronicle
“If you want to know London better, if you want to learn some things about the world’s most cosmopolitan city that most people who spend their lives there never learn… I can think of no better investment than London Walks” The New York Times
“We went on the Ancient City By Night tour on a recent visit to London. Our tour guide Peter was absolutely brilliant at bringing the history of the City of London to life. It was a highlight of our visit. His knowledge of his subject seemed infinite and his delivery was so professional. He was funny, clever and engaging and the two hour tour went far too quickly. We enjoyed it enormously and when next in London will be seeking out another London Walks tour – preferably with Peter!” dtolly (Derby, United Kingdom). [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, The Ancient City at Night it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the The Ancient City at Night walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
Took this tour in July 2024. The Ancient City at Night is an unforgettable experience, made all the more special by our fantastic guide, Jonathan Wober. His storytelling transported us through London’s rich history, weaving together the lives of historical figures in a way that felt alive and personal. Jonathan’s deep knowledge and passion for London’s past brought the City to life, making every moment feel like a discovery. The tour’s behind-the-scenes gems – like old pubs and lost rivers – added a personal touch, offering a rare glimpse into the city’s ancient soul. This isn’t just a walk, it’s a journey through time. Highly recommended – Jonathan truly made this experience unforgettable!
Rated 5 out of 5
Isabel –
Surprising walk, which combines the ancient and modern architecture of the city. Jonathan is a pleasant guide, full of anecdotes about the places we visited on the tour.
Rated 4 out of 5
Gabriele Tischler –
Brilliant walk with Jonathan; highly recommended!
Rated 5 out of 5
Kamilė –
A very interesting and exciting tour led by Jonathan, the 2 hours just flied by!
Rated 5 out of 5
Anne –
Very interesting and inspiring walk (on a beautiful late summer evening), guided passionately by Peter.
Rated 5 out of 5
Christoph Karner –
It was a great pleasure for me to have met Peter again after many years (Corona break).
He is the perfect, highly knowledgeable, entertaining and funny guide as ever.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chris Garratt –
Absolutely wonderful evening in the company of an oustanding guide.
Rated 5 out of 5
Nancy Silander –
If you want to know more about the City of London take this fabulous tour with Jonathan. He showed us a City that we knew little about and could answer all of our even esoteric questions.
You should take a London walk every day to get to know London intimately- they are worth every pence!
Rated 5 out of 5
Brian –
This outstanding tour was led by Jonathan on November 21st – he was an excellent guide. The tour was very informative and highlighted many aspects of the history of London. Highly recommend Jonathan and this tour!
Rated 5 out of 5
Victoria Wynn –
Peter’s Ancient City at Night remains my favourite walk. His knowledge of the history of The City always brings something new to my attention, and I love walking from the old to the new.
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Alex Wood –
Took this tour in July 2024. The Ancient City at Night is an unforgettable experience, made all the more special by our fantastic guide, Jonathan Wober. His storytelling transported us through London’s rich history, weaving together the lives of historical figures in a way that felt alive and personal. Jonathan’s deep knowledge and passion for London’s past brought the City to life, making every moment feel like a discovery. The tour’s behind-the-scenes gems – like old pubs and lost rivers – added a personal touch, offering a rare glimpse into the city’s ancient soul. This isn’t just a walk, it’s a journey through time. Highly recommended – Jonathan truly made this experience unforgettable!
Isabel –
Surprising walk, which combines the ancient and modern architecture of the city. Jonathan is a pleasant guide, full of anecdotes about the places we visited on the tour.
Gabriele Tischler –
Brilliant walk with Jonathan; highly recommended!
Kamilė –
A very interesting and exciting tour led by Jonathan, the 2 hours just flied by!
Anne –
Very interesting and inspiring walk (on a beautiful late summer evening), guided passionately by Peter.
Christoph Karner –
It was a great pleasure for me to have met Peter again after many years (Corona break).
He is the perfect, highly knowledgeable, entertaining and funny guide as ever.
Chris Garratt –
Absolutely wonderful evening in the company of an oustanding guide.
Nancy Silander –
If you want to know more about the City of London take this fabulous tour with Jonathan. He showed us a City that we knew little about and could answer all of our even esoteric questions.
You should take a London walk every day to get to know London intimately- they are worth every pence!
Brian –
This outstanding tour was led by Jonathan on November 21st – he was an excellent guide. The tour was very informative and highlighted many aspects of the history of London. Highly recommend Jonathan and this tour!
Victoria Wynn –
Peter’s Ancient City at Night remains my favourite walk. His knowledge of the history of The City always brings something new to my attention, and I love walking from the old to the new.