Tour Details
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Guildhall
- Museum of London
- St. Paul's Cathedral
Photos & Highlights
- Step into the shoes of Londoners during the Blitz, your expert guide bringing to life the rumble of bombs and the sirens that wailed in the night
- Ascend the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral and enjoy panoramic views of a city reborn. Discover how the bombing shaped London's architecture and national identity.
Select a date
Tour Description
Step onto the hushed cobblestones, feeling their slight coolness through your shoes, and imagine the echo of hurried footsteps during the air raids. Breathe in that crisp London air, tinged with the faintest whiff of chimney smoke curling from rooftops. Close your eyes and listen – can you hear the distant thrum of bombers approaching?
Your family-friendly guide will bring The Second Great Fire of London to life, detailing the events that led up to the destruction of December 29, 1940 when German planes devastated the area around St. Paul’s Cathedral, while keeping your children's attention high.
Begin at the Museum of London where your expert will bring a time before the war to life with engaging stories. Soon you’ll stroll through the labyrinthine streets, past buildings scarred by shrapnel. The realities of the Blitz of 1940-1941 confront you through the buildings’ facades that are etched with stories of wartime grit and the histories of the people who fought to save their city.
Weave through the bustling Barbican where concrete giants rise from the ashes of demolished homes, a testament to the city's phoenix-like rebirth. Reach Guildhall, once a bustling center of commerce, is now a silent sentinel bearing the brunt of the "Second Great Fire." Stand where fire hoses hissed and brave firefighters battled infernos, fighting the crackling flames that threatened to overtake their home.
Make your way to St. Paul’s Cathedral where older children and adults can climb the iconic dome and let the breathtaking panorama unfold misteries. Feel the solid reassurance of its ancient stone beneath your fingertips, knowing that you stand where former firewatchers stood. Thanks to their vigilance, St. Paul’s was saved from destruction.
This isn't just a tour, it's an immersion into the heart of London's wartime saga. You'll leave with historical knowledge and a profound appreciation for the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of unimaginable darkness. Young and adults will be captivated by the stories narrated by your guide!
- You want to go beyond Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to experience a lesser-known piece of London’s history.
- Your child(ren) is interested in learning more about how young Londoners like them played a role in keeping the city standing through the Blitz of 1940-1941.
- You’re keen to take in panoramic views of the city from the top of one of London’s most iconic structures.
- You want to feel the resilience of the London spirit, a thread that weaves quietly through life in London today.
- Guildhall
- Museum of London
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- There will be a break in the tour to stop and use bathroom facilities and opportunities to stop and rest along the way if needed.
- Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking.
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
The walk begins near the Museum of London and ends at St. Paul's. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and emergency phone number.
Do we go inside the venues or just see them from the outside?
We will go inside the Museum of London and St. Paul's.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but most of this tour takes place indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this a walking intensive tour?
This walk covers about 1 mile overall. There are occasional opportunities to sit, use the bathroom, and get something to drink if needed.
Does this tour include the Churchill War Rooms?
No, this tour does not include the Churchill War Rooms, but we do offer a longer, more in-depth tour of WW2 that includes the Churchill War Rooms. You can book it here.
Where You'll Start
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37 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.
Outstanding!
Lory
Sep. 3, 2014
Our docent was the kind of person you hope and dream your kids have as a teacher -- passionate about her subject, so able to connect with them about what they find interesting, and full of wonderful anecdotes that made them laugh and think. Even my 5 year old said the tour was "so short I wish it were longer," which I have to say is an extraordinary compliment from him. Please tell her we're reading "Goodnight Mr Tom" as a bedtime story every night and plan on making Mock Banana as soon as we track down some banana essence!
Kate
Aug. 29, 2014
Docent was great with two younger girls (age 9) but less so with 13-year old who, to be fair, can be hard to engage. Tour needed a bit more in the way of visual or experiential connection to the blitz. Maybe encouraging people to visit Churchill's War rooms beforehand or otherwise getting underground into a shelter if possible. Stories and church visits were really wonderful as was visit to St. Paul's Cathedral.
Witold
Aug. 20, 2014
