Secret Square Mile: An In-depth Walking Tour Review

Thinking about taking a walking tour that shows you a London most tourists usually miss? So, a “Secret Square Mile” walking tour might be just the thing! I went on one recently, and very, very much want to tell you all about what to expect, if it’s worth your time, and what parts I found particularly exciting. Actually, this little adventure gave me a completely different perspective on a part of London I thought I already knew pretty well.

What is the ‘Secret Square Mile’ Exactly?

Now, you are maybe wondering, just what folks actually mean when they say ‘Secret Square Mile.’ It is almost certainly the nickname people have given to the City of London, too it’s almost the oldest part, right at the center of this vast metropolis. Think of it in this way: The City isn’t actually like the rest of London. Rather, it has its own government, its own rules, and, rather, a whole bunch of seriously awesome secrets hidden down all sorts of tiny alleyways and tucked behind enormous buildings. So many visitors stay on the big, famous streets, yet they usually miss loads of amazing history. Basically, these tours take you off the beaten path to really get into the historic core and explore the stuff many don’t see.

Why Choose a Walking Tour of This Area?

So, why would you want to traipse all over this relatively small part of London with a guide? Well, the Secret Square Mile isn’t actually one of those places where things jump out and grab your attention. Too it’s almost its charm, you could say! Yet so many stories and significant happenings from the city’s past are kind of packed into this tight space, which is probably why you actually need somebody in the know to bring it to life. Rather than just seeing old buildings, that, too it’s almost what you get from these tours, actually, is learning about the folks who shaped London’s story. It seems like every corner has some weird or amazing fact connected to it. Rather than simply wander by, you’re finding out about plots, fires, and moments that changed the course of things. If you enjoy getting the story behind the surface, it really adds another layer.

My Personal Experience on the Tour

Okay, so let me tell you very, very briefly about my own walk! Right, the tour started near St. Paul’s Cathedral, so there’s literally already a pretty impressive sight before anything even officially began! The guide, he seemed pretty passionate about history and basically had the sort of energy that makes it clear he actually loves sharing what he knows. Actually, what really stood out was how much stuff he knew you just would never come across yourself. Arguably, we visited tiny courtyards that I had literally walked past hundreds of times, not even knowing they were there, and, too it’s almost amazing, he told us about events that happened there, from meetings of secret societies to, perhaps, even where some pretty famous deals were made. It seemed like every stop had something that made me go, “Wow, I didn’t know that!”

Highlights of the Secret Square Mile Tour

Well, there were quite a few things I especially appreciated on the walking tour. Arguably, one of the coolest parts might be wandering through those super narrow alleyways—seriously, some are barely wide enough for one person! Finding fragments of London’s Roman wall hiding between offices and seeing old churches that have seen basically everything London has thrown at it made for a fascinating trip. Seeing the buildings of some of the old Livery Companies – sort of, like, ancient guilds – gives you, perhaps, even a peep into a totally different side of London, you know. And basically, hearing tales about the Great Fire of London, along with a few strange local legends, added so much flavor. The tour gives you a good mix of major landmarks and genuinely hidden spots, which, too it’s almost what I thought made it so good.

What You’ll Learn on the Tour

The guides seem keen to load you up with tons of really, really interesting info. First, you could find out basically everything about the story of the City of London, from its Roman starts to its present status as a finance center. Getting some details on the Livery Companies seems useful for anyone into social and financial past, very. It seemed like the tour went a little deeper into major occasions, like the Great Fire and the Blitz, looking at how they changed the face of the City. You understand the purpose of specific landmarks, whether it’s a church designed by Wren or something sort of linked to historic events. So, actually, beyond only the dates and facts, you get more or less a greater feeling of London’s story, very, you know, how it was made, and who made it!

Who is this Tour Ideal For?

Alright, this kind of walk will certainly attract anyone really interested in history and ancient tales, yet basically, there are probably even more individuals who will also get something out of it. So, if you’re somebody that actually loves seeing more of a location, beyond the extremely touristy bits, then you may like it too. Or, so, too it’s almost for repeat visitors to London who think they know it all yet probably don’t. And actually, professionals planning trips will probably like that it focuses on a particular region, very, yet actually still gives lots of information about wider London events. Is that people looking to experience something unique, and actually want a good walk, will love this particular tour!

Practical Information: Times, Cost, and What to Wear

Alright, some quick practicalities, that is that you can organize appropriately. So, usually the Secret Square Mile tours usually take two to three hours, but still, I’d suggest you check with the specific operator. Costs could vary, that, too it’s almost whether it’s a group trip or even a private one. Actually, that will save you any foot complaints on your exploration, you probably want to put on very comfy shoes, seeing as you will be doing lots of strolling! Seeing as a little bit of the trip happens outside, you definitely want to also factor in the weather conditions – probably bring layers and maybe an umbrella. And finally, it is important to bring a camera since, that, too it’s almost some terrific image possibilities!

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Tour

Now, you can probably do a number of things to actually get the very most from your stroll through the Secret Square Mile. Clearly, give the guide all your focus – these tours are truly made or broken by having actually a good, educated leader. It is almost always useful to take some questions all along; most guides actually enjoy expanding on stuff. Too it’s almost getting the setting and sights firmly into mind, you could usually take some notes; yet I like shooting a bunch of pictures myself to help me recall locations. Oh, and of course, too it’s all of that exploring will eventually make you eager, factor in breaks for snacks and, maybe, some coffee! The entire region comes with loads of comfortable spots.

Other London Tours to Consider

So, actually, if you discover you liked walking and investigating London’s past, so many alternative tours will interest you too! First off, “Jack the Ripper” strolls, actually going deep into the Victorian times murders of East London, have a bit of a sinister allure. Right, for one thing with a noble perspective, think of considering a tour that visits the famous sites from royal family history and really popular buildings like the Tower of London, and, you know, Buckingham Palace. Oh, and definitely, basically no first time person to London can simply avoid strolling by museums just like the British Museum and, clearly, the National Gallery!