Magpie
5.0(2 reviews)

London Blitz Walking Tour & HMS Belfast Visit

From£170
3 hours
London, United Kingdom

About this activity

Immerse yourself in London's WWII history with a guided walking tour of Blitz sites and a visit to the historic HMS Belfast.

Highlights

  • Explore St. Paul's Cathedral's wartime resilience
  • Discover the National Firefighters Memorial
  • Visit the iconic HMS Belfast on the Thames
  • Learn about London's WWII history
  • Experience a small-group guided tour

Full description

Step back in time to the heart of London's World War II history with this engaging walking tour. Visit iconic sites like St. Paul's Cathedral, which stood resilient during the Blitz, and the National Firefighters Memorial, honoring those who protected the city. Your journey culminates with a visit to the historic HMS Belfast, now a museum ship on the Thames, where you'll explore its storied decks with an informative audio guide. This small-group tour offers an intimate and educational experience, bringing London's wartime past to life.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided walking tour of London's Blitz sites
  • Entrance tickets to HMS Belfast
  • Audio guide tour of HMS Belfast
  • Food and drink

Itinerary

1

Start your tour at St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most iconic buildings of London that became a symbol of defiance during the Blitz. Hear the incredible story of how this grand cathedral, despite taking direct hits from bombers, stood tall in the sky as a beacon of hope for Londoners. Learn about the bravery of the firemen who worked tirelessly to protect it and how the cathedral’s survival became a powerful image of London’s resilience in the face of destruction.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NO
2

Visit the ruins of Christ Church Greyfriars, a church destroyed during the Blitz but whose remnants serve as a symbol of London’s perseverance. Walk through its peaceful garden, which today serves as a memorial to those who suffered. Learn about the history of the church and how its ruins were preserved as a reminder of the war's lasting impact.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Next, your tour heads to Bank Station, where on January 10, 1941, a devastating bombing raid struck the area. The station, which had been used as an air-raid shelter, was directly hit, and the explosion killed dozens of civilians seeking refuge underground. Many of the victims were workers who had gone down to the shelter to avoid the nightly bombings. This attack was one of the many during the Blitz that highlighted the vulnerability of civilian shelters and the horrors of wartime life in London. Your guide will share the story of this tragic bombing and explain how these kinds of attacks were an unfortunate reality for Londoners during the war.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Visit St. Dunstan-in-the-East, a church that was severely damaged by bombing in 1941, leaving only its ruins standing. Now a tranquil garden, this site represents the devastation of the Blitz, as well as London’s ability to heal and rebuild. Learn how the church’s remains have become a symbol of the strength of the city, even after so much destruction.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Stop at All Hallows by the Tower, one of the oldest churches in London, which miraculously survived the Blitz. This church was a place of refuge for many during the air raids, providing a sanctuary in the midst of destruction. Your guide will share how the church endured despite heavy bombings and became a symbol of hope and survival for the people of London.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Hear the gripping story of Josef Jakobs, the last person to be executed at the Tower. A German spy who parachuted into Britain in 1941, Jakobs was arrested and subsequently executed by firing squad. His case became one of the most infamous espionage incidents of WWII. Learn about the role of the Tower as a wartime prison for spies, enemy agents, and high-profile figures, and hear about the importance of intelligence during the war.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NO
7

Finish your tour with a visit to the HMS Belfast, a remarkable WWII warship that played a critical role in defending Britain during the war. Step aboard and explore its decks, including the gun turrets, engine rooms, and crew quarters. Learn about the ship's participation in key events, such as the D-Day landings, the Battle of the Atlantic, and the Arctic Convoys. This floating museum is a testament to the bravery and perseverance of Britain’s sailors and offers a fascinating glimpse into life aboard a Royal Navy warship during wartime.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals are allowed on the tour
  • The tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour
  • Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Traveler reviews

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2 reviews
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Wonderful tour!

Guide was awesome. Lots to see and hear! Guide was very knowledgable and provided great insight in the area of London.

George_GSep 28, 2025VIATOR

guide was very...

guide was very knowledgeable. enjoy seeing the old mixed in with the new. The ship also was very interesting

Glen_SApr 20, 2025VIATOR
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