London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
At a glance
London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour is a 1h – 1h 30m private experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 4 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $11.99 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: VoiceMap Application, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, Lifetime access to 'London's Alternative History Tour'.
Highlights
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 10 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h – 1h 30m
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- Chinese, English, Dutch
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Travellers
- 1–15 per booking
- Ages
- Adult 6–99
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Options & availability
-
London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
from $11.99
- Days:
- Every day
Times and prices come from the operator’s live schedule and are confirmed when you book.
Overview
If you like humorous history, quirky facts and hidden surprises, this self-guided walk right in the centre of London is for you.
Having lived in London all my life, I decided to uncover its wacky history. I'm also an avid traveller and understand the importance of experiencing a city with a local guide. But more importantly, I love sharing this city's amazing history!
On this tour, you’ll learn about the secret behind the flow of the River Thames, the origins of the name “Covent Garden”, and the story of a drink most wouldn't associate with Britain. You'll also discover how the Americans stole coffee from the British, see the only street in London that confuses taxi drivers and learn about London's most notorious 18th-century brothel and the now-extinct police force that shut it down.
Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or are a local curious about the city's alternative tales, this tour is a valuable introduction to the city's alternative history.
What's included
What's included
- VoiceMap Application
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Lifetime access to 'London's Alternative History Tour'
Not included
- Smartphone
- Transportation
- Food/drinks
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Explore the bustling market and discover the origins of its name, which comes from "Convent Garden" due to its history as a convent’s garden in medieval times.
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Stop 2
Known as the "Actors' Church," this is where many famous actors have been memorialized. It's also the location of London's first recorded punch-up.
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Stop 3
The oldest theatre site in London, with a rich history of performances and ghostly apparitions, including the infamous "Man in Grey."
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Stop 4
Learn about the intriguing cases and famous trials that took place here, reflecting the quirky side of London's legal history.
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Stop 5
Famous for its productions, including "The Lion King," and its connection to the early days of electricity in theatre lighting.
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Stop 6
Discover this grand building's transformation from a Tudor palace to a Navy office, and its role in the development of the British postal system.
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Stop 7
Walk along the riverside promenade and hear about its construction, which involved diverting the River Thames and revealed hidden river secrets.
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Stop 8
Known as "The Ladies' Bridge," it was largely built by women during World War II and offers spectacular views of London.
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Stop 9
Home to the last remaining Victorian gas lamp in London, powered by sewer gas, earning it the nickname "The Lamp that Lights Itself."
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Stop 10
The first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity, with a history of luxurious guests and infamous parties.
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Traveller ratings
5.0
4 reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor
- 5 ★ 4
- 4 ★ 0
- 3 ★ 0
- 2 ★ 0
- 1 ★ 0
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is wheelchair accessible with one caveat: part of the final portion of the tour after Waterloo Bridge has staircases – wheelchair users can stay on bridge-level and proceed to the final two stops which are on the same level.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the London's Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour take?
The experience lasts about 1h – 1h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $11.99 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
VoiceMap Application; Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata; Lifetime access to 'London's Alternative History Tour'.
Where does it start?
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available…
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in Chinese, English, Dutch.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 4 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in London.
