Fun London Tours

06/05/2024

On this day in 1856 the Austrian founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud was born.

Fleeing N**i persecution in 1938, he spent the final year of his life in Hampstead, northwest London. His daughter Anna, the pioneer of child therapy, also lived here until her death in 1982, and according to her wish the house was turned into a museum in 1986.

It's a fascinating place to visit, with Sigmund Freud's pyschoanalytic couch being a real highlight of your tour.

Here's a few photos we took on a recent visit:

29/04/2024

Tom Cruise is back in London...

The actor, 61, has been spotted up and down the UK in recent months as production for the high-octane and iconic film franchise gets underway.

11/04/2024

Do you have a favourite bench statue in London?

One of the most famous would have to be Churchill and Eisenhower having a chat on Bond Street. Initially unveiled on May 2nd 1995 to mark 50 years of the end of WW2, its a popular haunt for tourists in London.

We think this photo deserves a caption competition...

07/04/2024

If you so happen to be near Buckingham Palace tomorrow and see a lot of french soldiers on the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, fear not! It is part of the 120th anniversary celebrations of the Entente Coridale:

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, on behalf of the King, will attend a parade to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.

04/04/2024

Fleet Street is one of the most fascinating thoroughfares in London. It may not be the most beautiful at first glance, but if you take a walk and look above the shop fronts, you'll be rewarded by a whole range of historical delights.

Ghost signs of former newspaper offices, numerous styles of architecture, blue plaques marking the location of various old pubs, and the first public clock in London with a minute hand, there's so much to pick out.

And often missed by passers are the statues of at least two kings and three queens. Can you name them? Here's a photo of a couple of them to start you off...

If you'd like to learn more about Fleet Street and it's adjacent alleyways, check out our Hidden London tour: https://buff.ly/3TCwtxh

01/04/2024

Tomorrow the City of London witnesses one of its most enduring and bizarre ceremonies.

Since 1343, the Worshipful Company of Butchers has given the head of a boar to the Lord Mayor of London on an annual basis in return for granting them access to a parcel of land on the banks of the River Fleet.

So if you are anywhere near the Butcher's Hall, Cheapside or Mansion House mid-afternoon, then take a moment to check out the procession. Of particular interest is the boar's head. But for those non-meat eaters, don't worry, it is now made from papier mache!

https://buff.ly/4cxE7kW.

Where: London, starting at Butchers Hall in Little Britain and ending at the Mansion House When: Early February - April (formerly First week in December or near) Time: Usually 2.45pm […]

30/03/2024

Don't forget the clocks go forward an hour in the UK - this Sunday 31st March! When the hour will be moving from Greenwich Mean Time to British Summer Time.

Changing the clocks in some format, to make better use of daylight throughout the day and the seasons, harks back to ancient civilisations including the Romans. However the format that we recognise today came much later.

Benjamin Franklin, observed in an article in the Journal de Paris, in 1784, that "candle and oil usage" would be reduced if people could wake up earlier in Summer.

But it was the New Zealand astronomer George Hudson, who made the first proposal to change the clocks in spring in 1895, implemented in an evolved form in 1928. And the builder William Willett is credited with the proposal of British Summer Time, in 1907, which was implemented by Parliament in 1916.

Whilst there are many debates for and against changing the clocks. Its intention is largely an energy saving mechanic.

Each year the Palace of Westminster clock mechanics are responsible for changing the clock on the Elizabeth Tower, the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London, with split-second precision timing. Whilst most of us may know this historic landmark as Big Ben, it is actually the biggest bell within the tower which was originally given that nickname. The tower itself was officially called the Clock Tower until 2012, when it was renamed to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.

28/03/2024

Explore London by foot this Eater Holidays! Visit www.londontours.com and book a professionally guided walking tour of the city. Explore secret and hidden London.

26/03/2024

It's no surprise that St Paul's Cathedral is one of the most photographed buildings in London. If you're fortunate enough to catch it during moments when the sun is setting or rising, it is particularly glorious.

From 1710 the cathedral was the tallest building in London, only to finally be overtaken by Millbank Tower in 1963 then the BT Tower the following year.

Incredibly, the previous St Paul's Cathedral was even taller, with an estimated height of 489ft, a full 124ft higher than today!

Here are a couple of lovely photos of one of our favourite buildings in London:

22/03/2024

Today is World Water Day. As stated on the UN's website, this year’s theme is ‘Water for Peace’, which focuses on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world.

So why not take this moment to learn about the waterways and sanitation systems of our very own city on our acclaimed Loo Tour?

From the earliest latrines through to the future of flushing, your guide will take you on a whirlwind tour through the history of Britain’s public toilets, with plenty of interesting sights and practical tips along the way. You’ll answer all the questions you never knew you had… How did the Romans wipe their bottoms? Was there really a man named Thomas Crapper? How long will you spend in the smallest room in a lifetime? And why do we even call it a loo?

Check it out here:

From the earliest latrines through to the future of flushing, your guide will take you on a whirlwind tour through the history of Britain’s public toilets, with plenty of interesting sights and practical tips along the way.

18/03/2024

See a different side to London. Join our atmospheric and historic Hidden London tour! Discover the most magical parts of London.
The walk will take you into the labyrinth of tiny lanes around Fleet Street and Temple, past ancient cloisters and churches and over forgotten rivers and wells. You will be led by your professional guide, who will share his explorer’s eye.
👟 Discover London’s most extraordinary disused tube station
👟 Locate the hidden alleyway with a fascinating link to the newspaper industry
👟 Find out where the Knights Templar worshiped
👟Wonder at the church which inspired the wedding cake
👟Find out the origin of the famous nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons
👟Avoid the crowds

Book now by visting www.funlondontours.com

14/03/2024

On this day in 1883, Karl Marx died. A long time resident of London, for a number of years Marx lived in Dean Street, Soho, and it was just around the corner in the (now sadly gone) Red Lion pub on Great Windmill Street where he and Engels were assigned the task of composing the Communist Manifesto.

And if you would like to explore another part of London connected to Marx, we highly recommend going on a walking tour of the extraordinary Highgate cemetery. Not only will you discover the meaning of symbology on tombs and graves, and discover a gothic cemetery built with Victorian flair, but you'll also hear the stories of some of London's most colourful characters and how they shaped this amazing city: Highgatecemetery.org

11/03/2024

On our changing the guard tour we pass by Marlborough House, which stands proudly along the famous processional route in central London, The Mall.

People often notice the flags flying around the grounds, and if you look closely, you'll see those of nations like Nigeria, Canada, India and Jamaica, so no surprise that Marlborough House is the HQ of the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of 54 member states.

And today is Commonwealth Day!

So a little tip for you - hang around the area in the afternoon, and you should see various dignitaries (almost certainly including King Charles) making their way over to Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Service...

https://buff.ly/48V59Re

07/03/2024

Stuck with what to get your Mum for Mother's Day? Why not give her a walking tour of the city? Visit our Fun London Tours website and either book a tour or buy a gift card. https://buff.ly/2O0ULQZ

07/03/2024

The actor Bryan Cranston is 58 today. So what's the London link? Well, those fans of Breaking Bad may wish to pay a visit to one of the iconic TV show's themed cafe -restaurants in London.

Here's the one we discovered in Richmond during a Christmas stroll:

26/02/2024

Happy anniversary to the Welsh Guard!

On this day in 1915 the Welsh Guard officially came into existence, being granted a Royal Warrant by George V.

Perfect timing, as within three days they were providing the Guard Mount at Buckingham Palace during the Change of the Guard ceremony for St David's Day!

You may not see the Welsh Guard while you're in London, but if you join us on a tour at a later date, look out for the iconic plume in their bearskin hat - white and green to represent their national symbol, the leek.

Here's a short 20 second video clip of the band of the Welsh Guard emerging from the courtyard of Wellington Barracks. They're being led out by the drum major of the Irish Guard (with the light blue plume).

Look closely and you'll see a symbol of a leak on the collar of the Welsh Guard, and buttons arranged in groups of five to represent the fact that they are the fifth of the five foot guard regiments.

More nuggets of info can be found on our tour of course!

26/02/2024

Ted Lasso, meet Ted Lasso

22/02/2024

Today is James Blunt's 50th birthday! He may not be everybody's favourite singer songwriter, but did you know that he served in both cavalry regiments in the Household Cavalry?

If you join one of our tours, you will usually see the Blues & Royals (dark blue coats and distinctive red horse hair in their helmets), and the King's Life Guards (red coats and helmets with white horse hair).

As well as selling over 20 million records worldwide, and recording the huge hit "You're beautiful" in 2005, six years earlier James saw action as an officer in Kosova. Amazingly, he brought his guitar with him, and strapped it to the outside of the tank, and at times would play to fellow peace keepers and locals.

We've never heard the band play one of his hits, but here's a little video showing the Band of the Household Cavalry performing a hit by Coldplay!

Sometimes during the famous Change of the Lifeguard Ceremony we will be given the added spectacle of a mounted band. And they love to play a pop tune or two....

16/02/2024

Have you ever walked along the banks of the River Thames looking for treasures washed upon the shore? People who do this are referred to as 'mudlarkers'.

The Thames Explorer Trust offers tours of our iconic riverside, and you can book tickets here if you fancy an expert view of this fascinating world: https://buff.ly/3HS3jVm

Alternatively, check the tide times to be aware of when it is safe, and then take a walk yourself. These are some photos we took mudlarking on a crisp blue winter morning while the tide was low:

13/02/2024

Tomorrow is of course Valentine's Day!

As many of you know, our Changing the Guard tour starts from near to the Statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus. Signs and plaques mark this location, and people across the world have heard of this statue. But why is it so famous and does it really represent love?

Well, I don't mean to be a killjoy, but the famous statue with its bow and arrow, cherubic disposition and pair of angelic wings is not actually Eros! But don't let this get you down, as it is in fact a statue of his lesser known twin brother, Anteros, who is the god of selfless and mature love. Phew!

For more historical facts and anecdotes about this statue, and of Piccadilly Circus, check out this blog:

Post Date: 7th January 2015 Author: Matt Gedge What on earth is the point of Piccadilly Circus? And why is it famous around the world? I was once approached by a film crew while waiting for my tour group to arrive and was asked these very questions. I was sorely tempted to tell them that […]

11/02/2024

It's always great when the band play a familiar tune on our changing the guard tour. Recently our group was treated to the classic Top Gun track, Danger Zone.

If you look closely, maybe you'll see Ice Man or Goose playing the trombone or horn?

https://buff.ly/3STaD9G

08/02/2024

In England we all know that February can be a cold month. And many of the Doctor Who fans amongst you may know that Londoners used to enjoy Frost Fairs on the River Thames right up to 1814.

But I don't suppose many of you know that on 8th February 1750 London had an earthquake! It is believed the epicentre was under London Bridge, and although small - an estimated 2.6 on the Richter scale - it caused a great deal of concern amongst the general public.

What is more incredible though, is that exactly one month later, on 8th March, another earthquake occurred in London, and this one was much bigger, with stones falling from Westminster Abbey, several chimneys collapsing, and two houses in Whitechapel collapsing.

Being a superstitious lot, on the eve of 8th April, following a surge of scaremongering and prophesising, huge numbers of London's population fled the city, some sheltering in Western Europe. Thankfully, although the capital was hit by a thunderstorm, there was no earthquake this time.

So if it is a bitingly cold day today, just take a moment to be thankful it isn't 1750...

Here's a photo of our famous lexicographer Dr Samuel Johnson wrapping up!

01/02/2024

For those of you who have a fear of clowns (coulrophobia), this post is probably not for you...

Joseph Grimaldi (1778 - 1837) was the godfather of modern clowning, and the most popular entertainer in London during the regency period.

And to commemorate his life, and of the art of clowning, each year on the first Sunday in February, the Annual Grimaldi Clown Service takes place at All Souls Church in Haggerston.

It's certainly one of London's most colourful and intense annual events, as you'll see from this video below:

London is full of wonderful oddities, but an annual gathering of clowns from around the world at a small church is Haggerston might just top the list.This is...

30/01/2024

As we move towards the end of dry January, you may fancy paying a visit the one of the most historic wine merchants in the world in a couple of days.

Just opposite St James Palace stands the 325 year old Berry Bros and Rudd, proud holders of two Royal Warrants and with Six Masters of Wine.

Not only have they supplied booze to the Royals for nearly 300 years, Berry Bros also supplied alcohol to USA during the Prohibition of the 1920s & early 30s. Cutty Sark whisky was transported to 'Rum Row' in the Bahamas, and from there into Florida Keys for nationwide distribution. One of the most famous rum runners was Captain Bill McCoy, who earned a reputation for supplying only the best quality spirits, and this led to the whisky being named 'the real McCoy' !

So next time you're in London, when you finish our Changing the Guard tour, ask our guide to direct you to this historical gem - its just around the corner...

26/01/2024

This Sunday central London will witness the annual march in commemoration of King Charles I.

If you want to observe a truly unique event, get yourself down to St James Palace and the Mall at around 11am. You'll then be transported back to the 17th century as several hundred people from the Civil War re-enactment society march along the Mall to Horse Guards Parade in memory of one of the bloodiest times in British history.

Thankfully on this occasion nobody will be executed at the end of it, as was the fate which befell King Charles I on 30th January 1649...

If you can't make it, or fancy a taster before you go, here's a video we made a few years ago:

Every January, the English Civil War Society marches through central London to mark the death of King Charles I. If you enjoy this video, why not book a tou...

29/12/2023

Amidst the chaotic crowds of a late December changing the guard tour today, we were treated to a parade of pelicans!

23/12/2023

This morning our guests on the Secret Old London Tour witnessed the annual Christmas Smithfield Market Auction.

It's certainly the place to pick up a seasonal bargain! Our guide Jess saw two ducks sold for £10 and a giant turkey go for £20!

Have a wonderful festive season everyone!

29/09/2023

After a wonderful summer season, it's time for a Fun London Guides lunch! And where better than at the 16th century Middle Temple Hall? (As seen on our Hidden London walk)

30/03/2023

St Bartholomew the Great is celebrating its 900th anniversary this year.

And on our Secret Old London tour this morning we were fortunate enough to enjoy a spectacular recital in advance of one of their Spring classical concerts.

At moments like this I feel truly blessed to be a London tour guide!