How to plan your Clerkenwell, Farringdon & Smithfield Audio Tour in London
If you’re looking for a way to explore some of London’s most historic districts at your own pace, a self-guided audio tour of Clerkenwell, Farringdon, and Smithfield is an excellent option. This tour will take you through the path of the Romans, exploring landmarks like the Crown Tavern, Smithfield Market, and the William Wallace Memorial. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit cultural institutions like the Barbican Centre and the Museum of London. In this guide, we’ll talk about how to plan your visit to these incredible sites, including what’s included in the tour and how to book it.
Overview of the tour
The tour starts at The Yorkshire Grey, a picturesque pub in the heart of Clerkenwell, where you’ll meet up with your audio guide. Once you have the download, you can take the tour at your own pace, making stops to see whatever landmarks and sights interest you. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers around two miles of ground. It’s entirely self-guided, so you can pause or rewind the audio as needed.
What’s included in the tour?
When you book the Clerkenwell, Farringdon & Smithfield Audio Tour, you’ll get lifetime access to the tour in English. The tour is provided through the VoiceMap app, which you can download for Android and iOS devices. The app will give you offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, so you don’t need to worry about having a Wi-Fi connection while you’re exploring. You’ll also receive a smartphone and headphones to listen to the audio guide.
Planning your tour
To plan your audio tour, you’ll need to start by booking your tickets on Viator ( https://www.viator.com/tours/London/Clerkenwell-Farringdon-and-Smithfield-A-whimsical-audio-walking-tour-in-London/d737-110804P164?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383 ). The tour costs around $8, and you’ll need to download the VoiceMap app onto your smartphone. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can download the tour to your device, so you’ll have access to the audio and maps even if you don’t have a Wi-Fi connection.
What to expect on the tour
When you arrive at The Yorkshire Grey, you’ll be greeted by your audio guide, who will provide you with instructions on how to use the VoiceMap app. Once you’re ready to go, you’ll start the tour by exploring the narrow alleyways and winding streets of Clerkenwell. Along the way, your audio guide will tell you about the history of the area and the landmarks you’re passing by. You’ll visit cultural institutions like the Barbican Centre and the Museum of London, and you’ll explore the historic Smithfield Market, which dates back to the 10th century.
The Yorkshire Grey
The Yorkshire Grey is a historic pub located in the heart of Clerkenwell. It’s been a part of the neighborhood since the 17th century and has a rich history to match. On the tour, you’ll start your journey at the Yorkshire Grey, where you’ll pick up your audio guide and receive instructions on how to use the app.
Smithfield Market
Smithfield Market is a historic market in the heart of Clerkenwell. It was established in the 10th century and has been a hub of activity ever since. On the tour, you’ll explore the market and learn about its history and current role in London’s commercial and cultural life.
Tips for the tour
To make the most of your audio tour, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking around two miles, so it’s essential to have comfortable footwear.
- Bring a water bottle. Remember to stay hydrated while you’re exploring. There are plenty of shops and cafes along the way where you can stop for a drink if needed.
- Charge your phone. Make sure your smartphone is fully charged before you start the tour, so you don’t have to worry about your battery dying halfway through.
- Pause and rewind the audio guide as needed. The audio guide is entirely self-guided, so you can pause, rewind, or skip any parts that you’re not interested in.
Conclusion
A self-guided audio tour of Clerkenwell, Farringdon, and Smithfield is an excellent way to explore some of London’s most historic neighborhoods on your own terms. With a pre-programmed map route and downloadable guide, you can take the tour at your own pace and stop to see whatever landmarks and sights interest you. By booking your tickets and downloading the VoiceMap app, you can enjoy a hassle-free tour that lets you get up close and personal with the history of one of London’s most fascinating areas.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About London
London is a city that has been around for centuries and is a hub for tourists, culture, and business. It is known for its iconic landmarks like the Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace, to name a few. London is also one of the most diverse cities in the world with over 300 languages spoken, and a population of over 9 million people. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about London.
1. What are the must-visit landmarks in London?
London is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world, and visiting them should be at the top of your list when in the city. Some of the most iconic landmarks include the following:
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament:
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are located in Westminster and are a symbol of British democracy. The best way to view these landmarks is by taking a boat tour on the River Thames or walking across the Westminster Bridge.
The Tower of London:
The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a rich history dating back over 900 years. The Tower of London is the home of the Crown Jewels and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Buckingham Palace:
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen and is open to the public during the summer months. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the palace gates.
The London Eye:
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames and offers stunning views of the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London and is a must-visit on any trip to the city.
The British Museum:
The British Museum is a world-class museum that is free to visit and has over 8 million objects in its collection. The museum has a variety of exhibitions, including ancient Egyptian and Greek artifacts, as well as artifacts from the Roman Empire.
2. What is the best way to get around London?
London has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and the famous London Underground. The best way to get around the city is by using an Oyster card, which can be used on all forms of public transportation. The London Underground, or the “Tube,” is the fastest way to get around London, and there are 11 lines that cover the entire city. Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber are also popular in London.
3. What is the best time of year to visit London?
London is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on personal preference. The summer months of June to August are popular with tourists, but the city can be crowded and more expensive during this time. Spring and fall are also great times to visit as the weather is milder, and there are fewer crowds. Winter can be cold, but it is an excellent time to visit for the Christmas markets and festivities.
4. What should I pack for a trip to London?
The weather in London can be unpredictable, so it is best to pack for all eventualities. Layers are important as the weather can be hot one minute and cold the next. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as there is a lot of walking involved when exploring the city. It is also a good idea to pack an umbrella and a waterproof jacket for any unexpected rain showers.
5. What are some of the best free things to do in London?
London has a lot of free attractions to offer visitors. Here are some of the best free things to do in London:
National Gallery:
The National Gallery is a free museum that houses some of the most renowned art collections in the world.
Tate Modern:
The Tate Modern is another free museum that specializes in modern art and is located on the South Bank of the River Thames.
Hyde Park:
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
The British Museum:
As mentioned earlier, the British Museum is free to visit and is home to over 8 million objects.
The Changing of the Guard:
The Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace is a popular free attraction and takes place daily during the summer months and every other day in the winter.
Conclusion
London is a city that has a lot to offer tourists and locals alike. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Remember to pack for all eventualities and use public transportation to get around. And most importantly, have fun exploring all that London has to offer.
Table of Contents
