2,000 Years of Secret London
Places almost entirely unvisited by tourists — hiding the most extraordinary history
For two thousand years London has been shaped by religious and military orders, secret societies and powerful brotherhoods — the Knights of St John, the Knights Templar, the Crusaders, and the Freemasons. Their buildings, courts, churches and halls are woven into the fabric of the city. Most Londoners have never even noticed them. This private tour finds every one of them.
Despite its title, this tour is far more than just Freemasons and Templars. It is a walk through some of the most beautiful, atmospheric and historically rich corners of London — from a medieval gatehouse in the narrow streets of the East End to the grandest Masonic building of its era, via plague pits, crusader churches, ancient hospitals and the filming locations of the DaVinci Code.
The gatehouse of the Knights of St John — one of the most unexpected sights in London
St Bartholomew the Great — founded by a Crusader in 1123
Temple Church — headquarters of the Knights Templar in England
Secret London — Hidden in Plain Sight
Far more than a Freemasons tour — a journey through London’s most hidden history
The Temple Church sits in one of the most beautiful and secretive courtyards in London — tucked away just off Fleet Street, completely invisible from the street, known to almost no visitors and surprisingly few Londoners. It was the English headquarters of the Knights Templar — one of the most powerful and mysterious military orders in medieval history. The DaVinci Code brought it to global attention. Reality is far more interesting than fiction.
The Middle and Inner Temple areas surrounding the church are some of the most atmospheric in the whole city — ancient courtyards, cobbled lanes and centuries-old buildings used as film locations for everything from Charles Dickens adaptations to Downton Abbey. Lincoln’s Inn Fields — the largest square in London — completes the picture before the grand finale at Freemasons Hall.
🎬 Temple Church was used for filming the DaVinci Code. Middle Temple has appeared in Downton Abbey, multiple Dickens adaptations and dozens more productions. This tour is also a hidden Hollywood location scout.
Pricing — 3 Hour Tour
Per Person — Guide Included
Entry fees not included. Child prices available on request. Departure 9:30am.
Book via the calendar below, by email, or through Viator.
All of this is in the shadow of what Londoners know as St. Barts. Exploring St Barts is one of the best things you can do in London. We will hear how one of the oldest hospitals in the western world came to be created by a Crusader after a close encounter with a Saint and explore some of the places that were built as a result.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Freemasons Private Walking Tour
Departure Time:9.30 am
City Location: London
Duration of Tour: 3 hours
(Approximate times as all tours are bespoke)
How to book the Freemasons Private Walking Tour of London
Send us an email above or use the booking calendar below. Alternatively you can book by using the automated booking process with Viator.
“London has been shaped by secret orders, ancient brotherhoods and military crusaders for two thousand years. Their buildings are still here. Most people walk straight past them every day. This tour reveals everything they are hiding.”
