Forget palaces. The British Empire wasn't built on crowns and ceremonies, but through trade, finance, and ambition, and its story is written across the streets of the Square Mile.
Our tour is the only one of its kind: how did a Roman river crossing become the financial heart of the largest empire in history? The answer is hidden in the buildings, alleyways, and institutions around you, and we'll let you in on their secrets.
We'll follow London's beginnings through a fort, a fire, and a coffee house, to the Bank of England and the billions in gold beneath your feet. You'll stand where merchants transformed global trade and capitalism took shape, and where decisions that shaped continents we...
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Hidden gems, including Leadenhall Market, St Dunstan in the East, and the Barbican
Expert-led guided walk through the Square Mile with a specialist in British history
Surprising connections between London's streets and American, Caribbean, and Indian history
The unfiltered story of the British Empire: trade, power, exploitation, and reinvention
Eight curated stops revealing the financial and imperial mechanics of London
Meeting Points
Departure
All Hallows by the Tower
Please meet us at All Hallows by the Tower Church Entrance. Kindly arrive 10 minutes before the start time and look for our guide holding a yellow Carpe Diem Tours flag or sign. Please note that late arrivals are not eligible for a refund.
Return
Barbican Centre
Important Information
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Become our Lokal Curator
Are you ready to turn your hobbies into a business?
Forget palaces. The British Empire wasn't built on crowns and ceremonies, but through trade, finance, and ambition, and its story is written across the streets of the Square Mile.
Our tour is the only one of its kind: how did a Roman river crossing become the financial heart of the largest empire in history? The answer is hidden in the buildings, alleyways, and institutions around you, and we'll let you in on their secrets.
We'll follow London's beginnings through a fort, a fire, and a coffee house, to the Bank of England and the billions in gold beneath your feet. You'll stand where merchants transformed global trade and capitalism took shape, and where decisions that shaped continents we...
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Hidden gems, including Leadenhall Market, St Dunstan in the East, and the Barbican
Expert-led guided walk through the Square Mile with a specialist in British history
Surprising connections between London's streets and American, Caribbean, and Indian history
The unfiltered story of the British Empire: trade, power, exploitation, and reinvention
Eight curated stops revealing the financial and imperial mechanics of London
Meeting Points
Departure
All Hallows by the Tower
Please meet us at All Hallows by the Tower Church Entrance. Kindly arrive 10 minutes before the start time and look for our guide holding a yellow Carpe Diem Tours flag or sign. Please note that late arrivals are not eligible for a refund.
