London Blitz - Wartime Walking Tour and visit to HMS Belfast
Step back in time on this small group tour through London’s WWII history, seeing iconic sites like St. Paul’s Cathedral from the outside, the ruins of St. Dunstan-in-the-East, and the HMS Belfast, uncovering stories of resilience and bravery.
From £75
Language: English
Duration: 3 Hours
Type: Classic Tours
Tour Highlights
- Explore London’s Blitz History: Walk Through Iconic Wartime Landmarks
- Experience the Strength of St. Paul’s Cathedral: Symbol of Survival During the Blitz
- Discover London’s Wartime Legacy: From Church Ruins to Prisoner Stories
- Enjoy hassle-free entrance to HMS Belfast: Step Aboard a Legendary WWII Warship
Description
Step back in time on this small group walking tour through London’s wartime history. Discover powerful stories of resilience and survival as you visit iconic sites that witnessed the devastation of the Blitz. From the defiance of St. Paul’s Cathedral to the poignant ruins of St. Dunstan-in-the-East, uncover how Londoners faced the challenges of WWII with unwavering determination.
With your expert local guide, you will learn about St. Paul’s Cathedral, a true symbol of strength during the Blitz. Despite enduring direct hits from bombers, this grand cathedral stood tall, offering hope to the city. Hear about the heroic firemen who worked tirelessly to protect it and how its survival became a symbol of resilience for Londoners.
Next, visit the ruins of Christ Church Greyfriars, destroyed by bombing raids. Today, its peaceful garden serves as a memorial, a poignant reminder of the war’s lasting impact on London. The church’s remains stand as a testament to the city’s strength to rebuild and endure. You will also hear the heartbreaking story of the bombing raid on Bank Station, where an explosion killed dozens of civilians seeking shelter underground, highlighting the vulnerability of those caught in the Blitz.
As we saunter past St. Dunstan-in-the-East, a church severely damaged in 1941, its remains now stand as a tranquil garden, symbolizing both the devastation of the Blitz and London’s recovery. Then, visit All Hallows by the Tower, one of London’s oldest churches, which miraculously survived the bombings and became a sanctuary for many during the air raids.
Outside the Tower of London, we will share stories of wartime prisoners, including Josef Jakobs, the last person executed there during WWII. These tales reveal the Tower’s role as a prison for spies and prisoners of war, emphasizing the vital importance of intelligence during the conflict.
Your tour concludes with a self-guided visit to the HMS Belfast, a remarkable warship that played a pivotal role during WWII. Step aboard this historic vessel, which participated in key battles like the D-Day landings and the Arctic Convoys, and explore its decks, gun turrets, engine rooms, and crew quarters. The HMS Belfast stands as a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by Britain’s naval forces, offering an unforgettable glimpse into life aboard a wartime warship.
Join us on this unforgettable journey through London’s past and discover how the city triumphed over its darkest days.
Places You’ll See
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- Included
- Small Group guided tour of the City of London
- English Speaking local expert guide
- Entrance to HMS Belfast
- An audio guide highlight tour of HMS Belfast
- Excluded
- Gratuities
- Food & drink
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Meeting point
Meet your guide at The National Firefighters Memorial.
Important information
- Please arrive fifteen minutes before the start time on your voucher.
- Please wear comfortable shoes and always carry water.
- No suitcases, pull along baggage, or large holdalls allowed
- To see every deck of HMS Belfast, visitors will need to climb multiple ladders.
Customer Reviews
Total reviews: 0
Avarage reviews: 4.3
- Jared
- January 30, 2023
5/5
★★★★★ 5/5
Trip Advisor
This was the best tour we did during our trip London. Our guide Nathan had so much knowledge of all the areas we visit and we could listed to him for hours. Really good value, could not recommend highly enough!
- Marta
- January 30, 2023
4/5
★★★★★ 4/5
Viator
We loved it. The tour guide, Francis, was very nice and got us to the right places at the right time. He talked about the history of the monarchy and some stories about the experiences he’s had with the royal family. The change of the guards was really cool and interesting to see. The overal experience was great. :)
- Jack
- January 30, 2023
3/5
★★★★★ 3/5
Trip Advisor
I live seeing the marging bands from up close. Realy could see the whole happing.Francis gave a lovely tour.
- Kat
- January 30, 2023
5/5
★★★★★ 5/5
Viator
In mid December my family and I went on a changing of the guard tour with Francis. He was an amazing guide with exceptional knowledge and ensured we got the best view of everything. The tour was enjoyable and we’re all so glad we went!
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Things to know
From £75
Language: English
Duration: 3 Hours
Type: Classic Tours
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