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

Medieval London: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monument to the Tower of London offers a flexible way to explore some of London’s most iconic sights without the hassle of group tours or expensive tickets. Priced at just $6.99 per person, this audio-guided adventure takes around 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how leisurely you want to be. It covers notable landmarks like London Bridge, The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London itself.

What we love most about this tour is its flexibility—you can pause at any point for a snack or bathroom break, and resume when you’re ready. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option for those who prefer exploring on their own terms. Another highlight is the detailed narration, which offers insights from the Roman period to Anne Boleyn, enriching your understanding of London’s layered past.

On the downside, some travelers have found that the tour’s information about certain attractions, like the Tower of London, doesn’t include entry inside the sites. As one reviewer pointed out, “It didn’t allow us to go inside… which is useless as we could just walk around for free.” So, if you’re hoping for a tour that includes inside visits, this might not meet your expectations.

This tour is best suited for history enthusiasts who love self-paced exploration and are comfortable with the idea of outside sightseeing only. If you’re a traveler wanting an affordable, informational route through London’s historic core, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $6.99 per person for extensive access.
• Flexible timing allows you to pause and resume at your convenience.
• Educational content covers London’s history from Roman times to the Tudor era.
• Easy-to-follow in-app maps make navigation simple.
• Limited to outside views; no inside access included.
• Ideal for history buffs who enjoy self-guided exploration.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point: The Monument to the Great Fire of London

Our journey begins at the Monument, a striking Doric column topped with flames, standing as a memorial to the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666. It’s a fitting starting point because it immediately sets the tone—this tour is about understanding how London rebuilt itself from disaster. We loved the way the narration contextualized the fire’s impact, making the monument more than just a pretty column, but a symbol of resilience.

Crossing London Bridge: History and Views

As we moved along to London Bridge, the tour offers a mixture of historic storytelling and picturesque sights. You learn about the bridge’s many predecessors, each replaced by the next—an ongoing story of adaptation. From here, you get a fantastic view of the Shard, London’s tallest building, which began construction in 2009 and opened in 2013. The narration describes the Shard’s impressive 95 floors and its nickname, the “Shard of Glass,” adding a modern contrast to the historical flow.

South Bank and the Thames

Walking along the South Bank, you’ll appreciate the lively river atmosphere combined with educational tidbits about HMS Belfast. The ship, a WWII-era cruiser, is highlighted in the narration, offering a glimpse into London’s naval history. The tour also passes London’s City Hall, completed in 2002, serving as the hub for the city’s mayor. We found it fascinating how these modern government buildings contrast with the surrounding historic sites.

Tower Bridge and the Tower of London

The iconic Tower Bridge is a highlight, and the narration details its engineering marvels and historical significance. The guide shares stories about its past, including the types of traffic it was designed to accommodate. Then comes the star attraction: the Tower of London. While the tour focuses on its history—think royal intrigues and medieval executions—there’s no inside access. One reviewer noted, “A waste of money” because they couldn’t go inside, which is a key consideration if you’re hoping for in-depth visits.

Exploring Tower Hill and the Surroundings

Walking through Tower Hill, the narration recounts some of the darker moments in London’s past, like executions—adding a somber but essential layer to the experience. The tour then guides you through the gardens and nearby areas, making it easy to soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.

Practical Details and What it Means for You

Price and Value

At just under $7, this tour delivers great value, especially for budget-conscious travelers. You’re paying for the stories and navigation tools rather than entrance fees, which means you might want to supplement with tickets for inside visits if you’re interested. We think the narration adds enough context to make the outside sightseeing worthwhile, but it’s important to note that entry to the sites is not included.

Duration and Flexibility

The estimated time ranges from 40 minutes to about two hours, depending on how slowly you walk and how often you pause. With the ability to pause and resume at will, this tour suits those who prefer to explore at a relaxed pace. Plus, since the app works offline, you don’t need to worry about data or Wi-Fi while wandering.

Ease of Use

The in-app maps are straightforward, guiding you from one landmark to the next with clear instructions. This makes it perfect for independent explorers who dislike traditional group tours or guided bus rides.

Limitations

The main drawback, as some reviews point out, is that the tour’s focus is on outside viewing. If your goal is to go inside the Tower of London or other attractions, you’ll need separate tickets and possibly a different tour. Also, be aware that this is a self-guided experience, so you won’t have a personal guide answering your questions on the spot.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who love history and prefer exploring at their own pace. It’s ideal for those on a budget who want an affordable way to learn about London’s past without the expense of guided tours. It also works well for people who enjoy self-guided walks, detailed narration, and maps but are expecting just outside views rather than inside tours.

Travelers who value historical context and are comfortable navigating some outdoor sightseeing will find this tour rewarding. However, if you’re primarily looking for inside access or very structured guides, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price, this self-guided tour delivers an engaging overview of London’s medieval and modern landmarks. Its flexibility and educational narration make it a solid choice for those who enjoy independent sightseeing. The main limitation—lack of inside access—means it’s not for everyone, especially if getting inside the attractions is a priority.

If you’re comfortable with outside-only visits and want a cost-effective, informative way to explore London’s historic core, this tour can be quite satisfying. It’s especially suitable for history buffs ready to wander freely, soaking in the atmosphere at a pace they set.

Just keep in mind the reviews—some found the information about access to attractions less helpful, and it’s worth supplementing with your own tickets if inside visits are important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include inside visits to attractions? No, it focuses on outside views and historical stories. You’ll need separate tickets if you want to go inside places like the Tower of London.

How long does the tour take? It can vary from about 40 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on how leisurely you walk and how often you pause to listen.

Is the tour suitable for families or groups? Since it’s self-guided and private, it can work well for families or small groups wanting a flexible, educational experience.

Do I need to bring anything? You’ll need a smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed, headphones, and your own tickets for attractions if you want inside access.

Can I use the tour offline? Yes, once downloaded, the tour’s audio, maps, and geodata are accessible offline, making it easy to explore without worrying about internet connection.

Is this tour available at all times? Yes, the app is open 24/7, and the tour is available any day of the week—perfect for fitting into your schedule.

To sum it up, Medieval London: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offers an engaging, budget-friendly way to discover some of London’s most historic sights, perfect for independent explorers eager to learn at their own pace. While it doesn’t include inside access, its detailed narration and straightforward navigation make it a valuable addition to your London adventure—especially if you love history, flexibility, and outside sightseeing.