Free Crime & Punishment Tour*
Free Crime and Punishment Tour*
Schedule - See Calendar
Meeting Point - Temple Station
Duration - 1.5 - 2 Hours
Language - English
Start Time - 3pm
Price - Free
Join us on a thrilling “Crime and Punishment: Secrets of the Court” walking tour in the historic Temple area of London. This walk is full of hidden stories, intrigue and a dash of scandal and secrecy as we explore the legal heart of the city. Your barrister guide will be able to give you first hand knowledge of working in the inner sanctum of London’s legal system, from medieval London and the origins of the English legal profession, to ancient rites and customs and the Inns’ most famous barristers, judges and clerks.
Our free tour will visit the Temple Church*, a circular masterpiece with a rich history. Imagine knights, secrets, and ancient rituals as you gaze upon this architectural gem, where King John was first asked to sign the Magna Carta. The echoes of the past whisper tales of the Knights Templar and their enigmatic order, perhaps inspiring the next Dan Brown. We’ll peek into Lord Denning’s Chambers, with the weight of justice hanging in the air, where the legendary Judge worked on landmark cases and hear the gravity of legal decisions he made.
On the walking tour, we’ll see St Brides church, its spire reaching for the skies. But is its beautiful facade hiding a story of love and betrayal? Is it the inspiration for modern day wedding cakes? Or another of London’s tall tales? Visit the home of Dr. Johnson, the witty lexicographer who created the dictionary. From a love of words to a love of crime solving, we’ll learn of his lesser-known escapades as we head past his former abode.
Perhaps most importantly, you’ll step into the Inner Temple, a hidden enclave where barristers hone their craft, and the legendary Inns of Court: Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple, where today, every Barrister in the United Kingdom must be a member of. Unchanged by time, these historic havens harbour secrets of legal luminaries, hidden gardens, and whispered conversations over port, (port not included in tour).
So put on your metaphorical thinking caps, sharpen your legal minds, and book today to unravel the mysteries of the court!
Or if you prefer your mysteries a bit more Victorian, why not join us on our deer-stalker wearing Sherlock Holmes and the Art of Deduction tour?
*There is now an entry fee for Temple Church. If you would like to visit, please speak to your guide and they can advise you on the best way to visit.
Tour Highlights include:
-
And much more!
Meeting Point - Temple Underground Station
We begin outside the Temple Station. The station is on the District line, and around a 5 minute walk from Embankment Station if Temple is closed.
We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the tour starts, it gives you plenty of time to meet the guide and grab a coffee or ice cream!
The tour is roughly 6 long, but will vary on the guide. There's a lunch break in the middle, lasting approximately an hour.
Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, it's not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour.
We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.
For the tour of Soho, head to Piccadilly Underground Station, make your way over to Golden Square and look for the guide holding up a bright red umbrella.
The Soho tour starts in Golden Square, Soho and the guide should be nearby holding up a bright red umbrella.
The Soho walking tour will finish near Oxford Street. The exact location will vary depending on the guide and the day, but the guide will always let you know at the beginning of the tour.
The Soho tour is roughly 2 hours long.
Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, its not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour.
We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.
For the Jack the Ripper tour, head to Tower Hill Underground Station, next to the Tram Coffee stop, and look for the guide holding up a bright red umbrella.
The Jack the Ripper tour starts at Tower Hill Underground Station, as you leave the station head for the Tower Hill Tram Coffee Stop and the guide should be nearby holding a red umbrella.
The Jack the Ripper tour will finish near Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street Station. The exact location will vary depending on the guide and the day, but the guide will always let you know at the beginning of the tour.
The Jack the Ripper walking tour is roughly 2 hours long.
Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, its not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour.
We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.
For the Ghost tour, head to Cleopatra's Needle, around the corner from Embankment Station, and look for the guide holding up a bright red umbrella.
The London Ghost tour starts next to Cleopatra's Needle, just around the corner from Embankment underground station, and the guide should be next to the Needle.
The Ghost tour will finish near Green Park Underground Station. The exact location will vary depending on the guide and the day, but the guide will always let you know at the beginning of the tour.
The Ghost tour is roughly 1 and a half hours long.
Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, its not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour.
We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.
For the Sherlock Holmes Tour, head to the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in Piccadilly Circus, and look for the guide holding up a bright red umbrella.
The Sherlock Holmes tour starts by the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in Piccadilly Circus. The guide should be nearby holding a red umbrella.
The Sherlock Holmes tour will finish near the Lyceum Theatre. The exact location will vary depending on the guide and the day, but the guide will always let you know at the beginning of the tour.
The Sherlock Holmes tour is roughly 2 hours long.
Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, its not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour.
We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.
For your Essential Westminster tour, head to the Clermont Hotel, next to Charing Cross Station, and look for the guide holding up a bright red umbrella.
The Westminster tour starts by the Clermont Hotel, next to Charing Cross Station and the guide should be nearby holding an umbrella.
The official Westminster tour will finish near Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, in Westminster. The exact location will vary depending on the guide and the day, but the guide will always let you know at the beginning of the tour.
The Westminster tour is roughly 2 and a half hours long, but can vary from guide to guide.
Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, its not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour.
We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.
For the City of London tour, head to Tower Hill Underground Station, next to the Tram Coffee stop, and look for the guide holding up a bright red umbrella.
The City of London tour starts at Tower Hill Underground Station, as you leave the station head for the Tower Hill Tram Coffee Stop and the guide should be nearby holding a red umbrella.
The Free City of London tour will finish near St Paul's Cathedral. The exact location will vary depending on the guide and the day, but the guide will always let you know at the beginning of the tour.
The City of London tour is roughly 2 and a half hours long, but will vary on the guide.
Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, its not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour. We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.
No, the more the merrier, but if there are more than 30 in a group, you will need to book 2 guides. If you have any questions about a private tour of London, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Absolutely. You are hiring the guide, not the tour. We will endeavour to customise your tour to suit your wishes. Some things are not possible. We cannot show you the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace in a 2 hour tour, they are just too far apart, but we will do our best to provide you with the perfect London private tour.
Yes, we will only book the guide once we have received payment.
Yes.
If you cancel with less than 14 days notice, we offer a 50% cancellation fee.
If you cancel a tour with less than 48 hours notice, it is non-refundable, as we still have to pay the guide in full. Likewise, if you want to reschedule the tour with less than 48 hours notice, the full cost would need to be charged again.
If we have to cancel for any reason, you will, of course, receive a full refund.
If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
Head to the Clermont Hotel, next to Charing Cross Station, and look for the guide holding up a bright red umbrella.
The tour starts by the Clermont Hotel, next to Charing Cross Station and the guide should be nearby.
The tour will finish in Seven Dials, near Covent Garden Station. The exact location will vary depending on the guide and the day, but the guide will always let you know at the beginning of the tour.
The tour is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours long.
Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, its not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour.
We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.
Prefer to join us on a Private Tour?
If you are booking for a group of 8 or more, or just want a more personal experience away from the crowds, then you can book this as a Private Tour. You can dictate the content, the route and the time or sit back and let your guide lead you.
For more information on Private Tours click here.
Please note, ALL schools and educational groups should book a Private Tour.