LONDON BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Walking with Pepys: A 17th‑Century London Unearthed on Foot
A 90‑minute private walking tour from Tower Hill that traces Samuel Pepys’s routes through Restoration London and brings his diary scenes to life with expert storytelling.
Walking with Pepys: A 17th‑Century London Unearthed on Foot.
Step into 17th‑century London on a tightly packed, 90‑minute private walk that follows Samuel Pepys’s footsteps: from sites tied to the Great Fire and the Great Plague to the taverns and naval offices that shaped his life. An expert guide frames the era with firsthand accounts, surprising anecdotes and visits to tucked‑away locations linked to Pepys’s story.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Firsthand Accounts of Disaster and Reform
Hear Pepys’s eyewitness descriptions of the Great Fire and the Great Plague, and learn how his observations illuminate social and institutional change in Restoration London.
A Life Less Ordinary: Scandals, Surgery and the Streets
Discover lesser‑known episodes from Pepys’s life—imprisonment, an attempted mugging, encounters with exotic animals and even a life‑threatening surgery—relayed through lively, expert storytelling.
Hidden Corners and a Secret Garden
Visit tightly grouped City sites tied to Pepys’s home, workplace and social haunts, and end with an entry to a secluded garden (subject to availability) that offers a private glimpse of his London.
What the day feels like
What the Walk Actually Feels Like
The tour is a concentrated, narrated walk that begins at Tower Hill and moves through a series of nearby City locations associated with Pepys: sites tied to the Great Fire, his naval office and residences, public execution points, taverns and a secluded garden. Stops are frequent and focused—guided storytelling anchors each location—making the 90‑minute route an immersive crash course in Pepys’s London.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this walk — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour lasts 90 minutes and begins at Tower Hill; guests are asked to arrive 10 minutes early to check in. Detailed meeting instructions are provided upon booking.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather‑appropriate clothing; bring a bottle of water. A notebook is optional for those who like to jot down historical details.
The route is not step‑free and involves cobblestones; participants should be comfortable standing and walking for up to two hours. Contact the operator before booking if you have concerns.
Public toilets are available in the underpass connecting Bridge Street and Parliament Street. After the walk consider nearby attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Museum of London or The Monument to the Great Fire; transport links include Tower Hill station, nearby buses and riverboat services from Tower Pier.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The walking tour lasts 90 minutes from start to finish.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Tower Hill and finishes near St. Dunstan; exact meeting instructions are provided after booking.
How much walking is involved?
This is a leisurely 90‑minute walk with frequent stops; the route covers a very short distance with frequent interpretive pauses.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No—the route is not step‑free and includes cobblestones; please get in touch before booking so the operator can advise.
Will there be a break?
There is no scheduled break during the tour; cafés and facilities are available before and after the walk.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes, check the weather and bring a waterproof jacket if needed; a bottle of water is recommended.
Are there toilets available along the route?
Yes—public toilet facilities are located in the underpass connecting Bridge Street and Parliament Street.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults, but older children are welcome; some topics may not be suitable for very young participants.
Do we go inside any buildings?
No—this is an outdoor walking tour. Stops are made outside historic locations without entering buildings.
What happens if it rains?
The tour runs in all weather; please dress accordingly. In extreme weather (red weather warning) the operator will contact you if changes are necessary.