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4.5 star rating: Recommended 13 Reviews

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  • Location: London, United Kingdom
  • Duration:  Varies
In a period vehicle from the 1930s or 40s, explore the World War II sites of London with a professional guide, and see London like few visitors do! Discover the devastating effect World War II had on the city and find out what life was like during the Blitz, when the City of London took the brunt of the early bombing. Hear about how famous St Paul’s Cathedral became an icon of defiance with its extraordinary survival, and learn how and where an accidental dropping of bombs changed the course of the Battle of Britain and perhaps even the entire war.

Highlights

  • Tour of the City of London’s World War II sites
  • Travel in a period vehicle from the 30s or 40s with a professional guide
  • Hear about the survival of St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Visit the Imperial War Museum to see one of the finest collections of military artifacts in the world
  • Receive an exclusive Wartime London pictorial guide with many ‘then and now’ comparisons of war sites
  • See parts of London not covered on traditional sightseeing tours!

Recent Photos of this Tour

What You Can Expect

Wartime London Tour: The City and Imperial War Museum

Wartime London Tour: The City and Imperial War Museum

If you’re a history buff, don’t miss this chance to see a different side of London, and dig deep into the city’s WWII past. With your guide, start your Wartime London tour in Victoria and heads toward the City of London, passing by Parliament Square, the Embankment and the scene of some of the heaviest WWII bombing.

As you get closer to the City, catch sight of the Aldwych, the site of one of London’s worst WWII incidents. See how the Central Church of the RAF still has scars of wartime damage, and see a number of London’s other churches that are still in ruins. You’ll also discover pieces of Roman London that were revealed by the destruction.

Next, visit the site where the very first bombs of the war landed on the City, and drive over one of London’s largest craters, which could easily have swallowed a double-decker bus.Cross London Bridge and compare today’s modern Docklands skyline to how it looked during the war. Then see the site of one of London’s most tragic air-raid shelter disasters. You’ll also hear about the remarkable saving of St Paul's Cathedral and its affect on local morale. Learn how two bomb-disposal experts risked their lives to ensure the cathedral’s survival.

Then enjoy a one-hour visit to the Imperial War Museum (free admission), where you can stick with your guide or walk around on your own. The museum brings to life some of the most important weapons and vehicles used during the war, including a Spitfire that saw action in the Battle of Britain.
As you head back to Victoria, see remnants of London’s emergency water supply system, designed to cope with fires, but with unexpected side effects.

An exclusive Wartime London pictorial guide is included, showing many of the WWII sites as they were then, compared with how they look today.

Do you want to enjoy a whole day of Wartime London history?
Upgrade to the full-day tour, which covers the above, as well as Westminster and the West End.
Please note: the Imperial War Museum is closed for refurbishment until July 2013. You will visit the National Army Museum (free admission) in Chelsea.

Customer Reviews

5 star rating: Highly Recommended June 2013

A very good tour if you are interested in what remains of the WWII London. I have been doing this solo since 1968 on more than 10 individual visits, plus have read everything I can find about what life was like in England during the War....including many, many Mass Observation reports. I had already found about 75% of what remains myself, but this tour did bring me to the 25% that I had not. Also especially enjoyed the 1940/1950 Omnibus that took us around. Excellent tour guide and driver. Very enjoyable and worthwhile.

5 star rating: Highly Recommended November 2012

Phillip was great! We had signed up for the morning only but decided because we enjoyed it so much to extend to full day. Lots of reminders of WWII damage still visible.
This is a must see.

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Tour code: 3858EECITYWAR

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