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.
We enjoyed this walks very much – this is an area of the city which is so full of contrast, and the evening atmosphere with its blueish light made it an extra special experience. Peter gave us a lot of historic information and was a pleasure to listen to. I can definitely recommend this walk.
Rated 5 out of 5
paul corbet –
Top marks to Jonathan for his Ancient City at Night walk on Tuesday 17 February. Only 4 of us on the walk, and Jonathan’s knowledge and enthusiasm made the time fly by. I really liked the way he talked about the historic city, but also brought us bang up to date with stories about the modern buildings as well. Also recommended the Bank of England museum to us , which we visited a couple of days later.
Rated 5 out of 5
Juli Thompson –
I’ve been doing these walks whenever I come to London for 30 years now, and I’m never disappointed. Jack was a delightful guide. He was personable and friendly, and made every question the starting point for another story. He kept pointing out new things at every step. Tremendously fun!
Rated 5 out of 5
Katrina –
We loved The Ancient City at Night walk. What a journey from old to new! Our walk was led by a fantastic guide, Jonathan. Really engaging, knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend this walk.
Rated 5 out of 5
Adilya Altynbaeva –
Just came from the walk led by Jonathan and highly recommend to anyone who hasn’t yet discovered the City of London part of London where history and modernity mix so unusually well and if you’re into architecture or just interested in history it’s a must walk for you. Jonathan was very informative, engaging and entertaining guide and two hours passed so very quick but were full of knowledge and interesting facts! Thank you London walks for another great walk!
Rated 5 out of 5
Caroline Nguyen –
Very informative. Excellent work.
Rated 5 out of 5
Annette –
A fascinating two hours discovering a part of London I knew little about with our excellent guide Jonathan.
Rated 5 out of 5
Marlene –
Really enjoyed the tour led by Simon who kindly filled in and made the two hours plus fly by. Learned a lot, chuckled even more. Thanks a bunch!
Rated 5 out of 5
Mark M. –
Jonathan was fun, informative, and professional. I thoroughly enjoyed this evening walk thru The City. Highly recommended. Worth the time and money to appreciate many aspects of the area I would have otherwise have missed or not appreciated.
Rated 5 out of 5
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!
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Ute L. –
We enjoyed this walks very much – this is an area of the city which is so full of contrast, and the evening atmosphere with its blueish light made it an extra special experience. Peter gave us a lot of historic information and was a pleasure to listen to. I can definitely recommend this walk.
paul corbet –
Top marks to Jonathan for his Ancient City at Night walk on Tuesday 17 February. Only 4 of us on the walk, and Jonathan’s knowledge and enthusiasm made the time fly by. I really liked the way he talked about the historic city, but also brought us bang up to date with stories about the modern buildings as well. Also recommended the Bank of England museum to us , which we visited a couple of days later.
Juli Thompson –
I’ve been doing these walks whenever I come to London for 30 years now, and I’m never disappointed. Jack was a delightful guide. He was personable and friendly, and made every question the starting point for another story. He kept pointing out new things at every step. Tremendously fun!
Katrina –
We loved The Ancient City at Night walk. What a journey from old to new! Our walk was led by a fantastic guide, Jonathan. Really engaging, knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend this walk.
Adilya Altynbaeva –
Just came from the walk led by Jonathan and highly recommend to anyone who hasn’t yet discovered the City of London part of London where history and modernity mix so unusually well and if you’re into architecture or just interested in history it’s a must walk for you. Jonathan was very informative, engaging and entertaining guide and two hours passed so very quick but were full of knowledge and interesting facts! Thank you London walks for another great walk!
Caroline Nguyen –
Very informative. Excellent work.
Annette –
A fascinating two hours discovering a part of London I knew little about with our excellent guide Jonathan.
Marlene –
Really enjoyed the tour led by Simon who kindly filled in and made the two hours plus fly by. Learned a lot, chuckled even more. Thanks a bunch!
Mark M. –
Jonathan was fun, informative, and professional. I thoroughly enjoyed this evening walk thru The City. Highly recommended. Worth the time and money to appreciate many aspects of the area I would have otherwise have missed or not appreciated.
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!