Architecture of London Audio Guide

Trace London's development through its landmarks from the 17th Century to today
US$20
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US$20
Listen on your schedule, you will receive a link to access the audio guide online immedately upon purchase.
Audio Guide Details
Duration
1 hour
Product Type
Audio Guide
Venues
  • St. Paul's Cathedral
  • Guildhall
  • Leadenhall Market
  • The 'Gherkin'
Preview Architecture of London Audio Guide
Starting Point
Temple Bar Gate
St. Paul's Cathedral
Photos & Highlights
Audio Guide Description
  • Walk through the streets and alleyways of London on your own schedule as an expert personally guides you through the history of popular buildings and lesser known gems
  • Hit play together and stroll the city or wander solo, but always with an expert in your ear as your personal guide
The City of London has been shaped by almost 2,000 years of history. On this walking audio guide tour with Context expert Dr. Alan Montgomery, – a London-based scholar, author, and guide who holds an MA in Art History and a PhD in Classical Civilization – you’ll take in traces of its long-checkered story in the form of buildings both ancient and modern.

As you wind from St. Paul's Cathedral through London’s Square Mile, you’ll see several centuries-old landmarks designed by renowned architect, Christopher Wren. You’ll hear how Wren, along with his team, helped rebuild the city in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1666. You'll stroll through centuries of history on this tour, ending with modern skyscrapers like Norman Foster's Gherkin, Renzo Piano's Shard, and Richard Rogers' Cheesegrater.

Along the way, you'll have a chance to:

• See how London's history is reflected in its built environment from the Roman Empire to the 21st Century
• Understand the impact of Baroque architect Christopher Wren on the modernization of London
• Learn about the contemporary architects whose unconventional work makes London's skyline so distinctive
• Walk through the only one of London’s old city gates to survive
• Take in Watling Street, which runs the exact route of a Roman road that ran from the south coast of England and right through the Roman city of Londinium
• Pop by the George and Vulture, a pub frequented by Charles Dickens, who mentions it several times in his famous novel The Pickwick Papers
• View London’s skyline from a terrace above the city that many visitors miss
• Experience the bustling center of one of the world's most important financial and cultural capitals

By the end of this hour-long audio guide tour, you’ll have a greater appreciation for the city’s architecture and those who envisioned what it might look like in the future.
Meet Your Expert
Alan

Alan was born and raised in Scotland but has spent most of his adult life in London. Having achieved an MA in Art History at Glasgow University, he worked for many years in the art world at both an international auction house and an antique dealer. He then returned to academia, achieving an MA in Classical Civilisation in 2011, and later completed a Ph.D. in which he analyzed eighteenth-century attitudes towards the ancient Roman world. Elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 2017, he published his first book 'Classical Caledonia' in 2020. His latest book, 'Walking the Antonine Wall', recounts his journey on foot along a Roman frontier in Scotland.

How do I access the audio guide and download it for offline use?
Once you complete your purchase, you will receive a voucher code for your Audio Guide. You must download the Voicemap app and enter the code. 
  1. Install VoiceMap from the Apple App Store or Google Play
  2. Create an account
  3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
  4. Enter your Voucher Code
  5. Select Download Now
Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our audio guides have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.

How long does each event last?
Our recorded audio guides typically run for 75 minutes.

How can I share this audio guide with friends or family?
You are welcome to listen together with friends or family, but each person listening to the guide on their own device will need to purchase the audio guide individually.

How long does my access to the audio guide last?
Once you purchase an audio guide, you are welcome to listen to it as many times as you would like. Your access to a purchased audio guide does not expire.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Sales for recorded audio guides are final upon purchase. Please contact us at digital@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.

Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
(4.67) 6 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

The verbal directions along the way were not specific enough. It may have been fine if you are familiar with London, but we had some difficulty with verbal directions on the tape not corresponding with street signs.
A great audio tour introducing the architecture and history of the City of London. Dr Montgomery takes us through the key sights in the Square Mile efficiently in the short 60 minutes, without sacrificing critical facts and intrigue over its thousands of years of history. Highly recommended for all travellers interested in a deeper understanding of what went behind the Palladian columns and Portland stones.
Immersive and insightful, we learned a lot of the hidden treasures of a lesser-explored London area. The interface is easy-to-navigate and has rich content! Very delightful journey through history and culture.