Medieval London: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monument to the Tower of London

If you’re planning a trip to London and love the idea of uncovering the city’s medieval past at your own speed, this self-guided audio tour from Monument to Tower of London might catch your eye. Priced at just $6.99 per person, it offers a budget-friendly way to experience some of London’s most iconic sights without the pressure of a large group or scheduled tour times.

What we particularly like about this experience is that it’s completely private—you get to control your route, pause for breaks, and explore at your own pace. It’s especially handy for those who prefer a flexible schedule or want to avoid crowded guided tours. Another plus? The tour covers a good stretch of London’s historic landmarks, giving you a layered perspective that combines geography with stories from the city’s past.

However, one point to consider is that this tour is purely audio-based and outdoor only. If you’re really eager to step inside attractions like the Tower of London or any other historical sites, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets, and this tour doesn’t include entry. This might lead to some disappointment if you expected a guided inside experience. Still, for history buffs who want a well-informed walk with excellent views and storytelling, it’s a worthy option.

This tour is well-suited for travelers interested in history and architecture, who value independence and affordability. It’s particularly good if you’re exploring London on a budget or simply want a structured narrative as you wander the city’s historic streets.

Key Points

• Flexible and private: You control the pace and stops.
• Budget-friendly: Only $6.99 per person, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Rich in history: Includes stories from Roman times through Tudor-era figures like Anne Boleyn.
• Outdoor exploration only: Does not include inside visits or tickets.
• Easy navigation: Uses in-app maps and instructions, ideal for self-guided discovery.
• Good for history lovers: Offers detailed background on London’s key medieval and modern sites.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: The Monument

Your journey kicks off at The Monument, a striking Doric column topped with flames, built to memorialize the disastrous Great Fire of London in 1666. We loved the way the tour sets the tone with a brief but vivid overview of how this event reshaped the city. The Monument’s central location makes it an ideal starting point, with plenty of nearby transport options.

Crossing London Bridge

From there, the tour takes you over London Bridge. This part is straightforward but interesting—London Bridge has a long, layered history, and the audio highlights its previous versions and what made this bridge so central to the city’s development. As one reviewer mentioned, “Bad information on the website. It didn’t allow us to go inside,” which clarifies that the tour is only outdoor. This might limit those hoping for interior visits but works well for outdoor sightseeing.

The Shard and Views of the Thames

Next, you’ll get a fantastic view of The Shard, London’s tallest building with 95 floors. Opened in 2013, it’s a relatively modern addition to the skyline but worth noting that the tour itself doesn’t include entry into The Shard—just the outside view. Still, the comparison of old London along with such modern symbols makes for a compelling narrative.

South Bank Stroll

The tour then takes you along the South Bank of the Thames, where you’ll pass landmarks like HMS Belfast. The audio shares some insights into this historic warship, transforming your walk into a mini history lesson. It’s great for those who love to mix urban scenes with stories from London’s military past.

London’s City Hall and Tower Bridge

Your route includes passing London’s City Hall, completed in 2002, and then crossing Tower Bridge. Here, the stories about what used to happen at Tower Bridge—perhaps some of the more intriguing parts of London’s medieval and post-medieval history—are narrated, adding depth to your outside sightseeing.

The Tower of London

The highlight of the tour is the walk around the Tower of London itself. We think this is where many travelers might feel a bit limited, as the tour is outside only, and entry into the Tower isn’t included. Still, the audio provides a well-rounded history, from medieval royal secrets to the fortress’s darker moments. As one reviewer noted, “A waste of money,” because they couldn’t go inside, but others might find that the exterior perspectives and stories are enough to satisfy their curiosity.

Final Stops: Gardens and Tower Hill

The tour finishes around Tower Hill, with some fascinating facts about the executions that took place there—an often overlooked part of London’s medieval history. Walking through the gardens and passing by these historic sites offers a peaceful yet poignant conclusion to your self-guided adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $6.99, you get lifetime access via the VoiceMap app, compatible with both Android and iOS, with offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata. This means you don’t need an internet connection once downloaded, which is handy in London’s sometimes patchy service areas.

But keep in mind, the tour does not include entrance tickets to any attractions, nor does it supply smartphones or headphones. You’ll need your own device, headphones, and the willingness to purchase tickets separately if you want to step inside sites like the Tower of London or HMS Belfast.

Practical Tips for Your Walk

• Start early or late to avoid crowds, especially around popular sites like Tower Bridge.
• Bring comfortable shoes—this walk involves quite a bit of outdoor strolling.
• Use the in-app maps carefully; they’re designed to be user-friendly, but having a general sense of the route helps.
• If you’d like to see inside the Tower of London or other sites, plan to buy tickets beforehand and use this tour as a background guide rather than a comprehensive ticket package.

What Travelers Are Saying

While most reviews give the tour a decent 3.8 out of 5, some users express frustration. One pointed out, “Bad information on the website. It didn’t allow us to go inside,” which hints at expectations versus reality. It’s clear that this is more of a storytelling outdoor experience rather than a full access guided tour.

On the positive side, several reviews highlight the knowledgeable narration and good value for money. For just under $7, you’re getting a detailed, self-paced historical overview that enriches your walk along London’s historic riverbanks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts who don’t mind being outside and enjoy wandering at their own pace. It’s especially suited for budget-conscious travelers who want to explore without the added cost of guided entrance tickets. If you’re comfortable with an outdoor-only experience and want a flexible way to learn about London’s medieval and modern landmarks, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

All in all, if you’re after a cost-effective, flexible, and informative way to get a taste of London’s history—particularly the medieval period—this self-guided audio tour offers good value. While it’s not perfect for those expecting inside access or guided commentary, it provides enough storytelling and stunning views to make your outdoor walk worthwhile.

It’s best suited for independent travelers who enjoy history and architecture and are happy to supplement this experience with their own tickets to inside sites. As long as you’re aware of its outdoor-only nature and plan accordingly, you’ll find this tour a helpful addition to your London adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family-friendly tour, the outdoor walking format can be suitable for older children interested in history. Just keep in mind that there are no inside visits or interactive elements designed specifically for kids.

Do I need to pay for tickets to attractions on this route?
Yes, the tour does not include entrance fees. If you want inside access to sites like the Tower of London or HMS Belfast, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately.

Can I pause and restart the tour?
Absolutely. One of the advantages of this self-guided setup is that you can pause whenever you wish to take a break or explore more on your own.

Is the tour available outside of London’s main hours?
Yes, the tour is accessible 24/7 between January 1, 2021, and June 18, 2026, giving you flexibility on when to do it.

What do I need to bring?
You’ll need your own smartphone and headphones, as well as comfortable shoes for walking. Download the tour beforehand for offline access.

Does the tour cover inside historical buildings?
No, this tour is exclusively outdoors, so inside visits are not part of the experience.

Is the narration in English?
Yes, the tour provides lifetime access to the audio in English.

How long does the tour typically take?
Depending on how long you linger at each site, it can last anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours.

If you’re looking for a flexible, affordable way to explore London’s medieval sites with a good narrative to accompany your walk, this tour might be just what you need. However, if you’re eager for inside access or guided group experiences, you may want to consider other options.