LONDON PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
In the Ashes: A School Group's Private Walk from Pudding Lane to St Paul's
A focused, 90-minute guided walk that follows the streets where the Great Fire of London began and shows how the city was rebuilt—designed to link classroom lessons with on‑the‑ground history.
In the Ashes: A School Group's Private Walk from Pudding Lane to St Paul's.
Step back to one of London’s most dramatic moments: a 90‑minute guided walk that traces the spark in a Pudding Lane bakery, follows the fire’s furious spread through the City, and ends near the rebuilt St Paul’s Cathedral—bringing eyewitness diary entries and the aftermath of 1666 into sharp, teachable focus.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pudding Lane — where the fire began
Visit the site where the Great Fire of 1666 started and walk the narrow streets that carried flames through the City, anchoring classroom accounts in the physical places where events unfolded.
Eyewitness traces: Samuel Pepys and diarists
Hear site‑specific stories drawn from Samuel Pepys and other contemporaries to give students a human perspective on panic, heroism, and everyday life during the four days the city burned.
Reconstruction and Sir Christopher Wren
Follow the path of reconstruction that reshaped London—from new building regulations to the remaking of St Paul’s Cathedral under Sir Christopher Wren—and see how the disaster altered the city’s skyline.
What the day feels like
On the streets where the city burned
Led by a London guide, this concentrated 90‑minute walk threads through cobbled lanes and historic thoroughfares as the guide recounts how a bakery blaze on Pudding Lane ignited a conflagration that destroyed much of the medieval city; stops examine eyewitness diary entries, who was blamed, and the emergency and urban planning responses that followed, finishing the route near St Paul’s Cathedral.
THE HISTORY
Pudding Lane — where the fire began
Visit the site where the Great Fire of 1666 started and walk the narrow streets that carried flames through the City, anchoring classroom accounts in the physical places where events unfolded.
THE STORIES
Eyewitness traces: Samuel Pepys and diarists
Hear site‑specific stories drawn from Samuel Pepys and other contemporaries to give students a human perspective on panic, heroism, and everyday life during the four days the city burned.
THE REBUILD
Reconstruction and Sir Christopher Wren
Follow the path of reconstruction that reshaped London—from new building regulations to the remaking of St Paul’s Cathedral under Sir Christopher Wren—and see how the disaster altered the city’s skyline.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should check ahead.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The walking tour lasts 90 minutes. Meet at Monument Station and arrive 10 minutes early to check in; the tour finishes near St Paul’s Cathedral with onward transport options available nearby.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather‑appropriate clothing; bring a bottle of water and consider a notebook for observations and discussion prompts.
The route is step‑free but includes cobblestones and uneven surfaces; contact the operator before booking to discuss any specific access needs or adaptations.
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 walking tour begins at Monument Station and finishes near St Paul’s Cathedral. Detailed meeting instructions will be provided upon booking.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is a leisurely 90‑minute walk, covering approximately 1.6 miles (2.4 km). We will be stopping frequently to discuss points of interest.
Is the tour accessible?
The route is step‑free but includes cobblestones. If you have any accessibility concerns, please get in touch before booking so we can advise accordingly.
Will there be a break?
There is no scheduled break. There are nearby cafés and facilities before and after the walk.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes, as we will be walking for the full duration. Check the weather forecast and bring a waterproof jacket if rain is expected. A bottle of water is also recommended.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, this family‑friendly walk is suitable for all ages. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.