Visiting London for the first time can be quite overwhelming. With so much culture to soak up, and so many historic monuments and attractions to see, it can be difficult to know where to start!
Fortunately, there are dozens of heritage tours taking place on a daily basis throughout the city, helping first-time visitors to learn a little more about this bustling capital. Here’s a selection of some of the best heritage tours near the Hotel Grand Royale Hyde Park.
London In A Day Tour – Strawberry Tours
Starting point: Tower Hill Station
Perhaps you don’t have much time to sightsee around the capital, but want to make sure you fit in all the main destinations and attractions. This totally free ‘London in a Day’ tour is ideal.
It starts at 10am every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and by 5pm, you’ll have seen many of the most famous sights that London has to offer. You’ll explore ‘Londinium’, the original settlement from thousands of years ago, as well as St Paul’s Cathedral, the City of Westminster, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
With 7km of walking in total, be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes! The tour finishes by Buckingham Palace, and from there it’s just a short stroll to one of our luxurious hotels near Queensway Station.
Secret Bike Tour of London – BrakeAway Bike Tours
Starting point: Entrance to platforms 1 and 2, Waterloo Train Station
Touring on two wheels gives you the advantage of being able to cover plenty of ground – and with London’s fantastic network of cycle lanes, canal-side pathways and hidden passageways, you’ll zip from one location to the next in no time on this fantastic tour.
As well as some traditional tourist spots like Tower Bridge and The Shard, this tour will take you to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, one of the real Jack the Ripper murder scenes, some world-famous street art and the bustling Borough Market. You’ll get a great mix of tourist London and the gritty, real London that is home to millions.
Bike hire, helmet, lights and a rain poncho are all included in the price of the tour. There will also be a quick break in Brick Lane to recharge and refuel for the second part of the 15km tour. All tours follow a loop and finish where they began, so you can hop on a tube at Waterloo and be back at Hotel Grand Royale Hyde Park in just fifteen minutes.
Camden Walking Tour – Undiscovered London
Starting point: KOKO Nightclub
London is famous for its music legends – and Camden is the iconic destination where many of them honed their craft and came up with some of their best work. From the Sex Pistols and the Rolling Stones to Amy Winehouse and Bob Marley, some of the world’s biggest musical talents have called Camden home at some point. This walking tour showcases a different side of London’s heritage, outlining how Camden become a mecca for rock stars. You’ll also get the insider’s view on the area’s famous street markets.
