Legal London

Much of the historic Legal quarter remains hidden even to Londoners

London has an incredible history as a judicial centre. Between royalty at Westminster and commerce in the City, mediaeval lawyers found a quiet niche in which to practice their craft. They are still here and make for a historic part of London that remains hidden to most visitors. Come on fascinating journey with us as we take you through the history of Legal London and discover how we have played a role in developing the law and legal practice around the globe. This award-winning tour, one of our most popular and now in its twentieth year, includes morning coffee and biscuits plus a carvery lunch at an iconic London pub.

Our Guide will meet your coach on the Aldwych at 10-30am for morning coffee and biscuits included within the fee. At the Inns of Court on the gentle slopes to the River Thames, we trace the history, traditions and peculiar practices of English Law. Our tale calls on a colourful cast of characters, from the inimitable Dr. Johnson to the raffish Oliver Goldsmith and of course dear old Rumpole.

We visit the Elizabethan Middle Temple Hall where Shakespeare performed and the barristers still dine. The early lawyers rented this land from the Knights Templar whose round Norman church we visit wherever possible. To round off our morning we enter the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand. Please note that cameras are not allowed inside the Courts. Here you can really see Legal London at work. Barristers in wig and gown hold last minute corridor conferences with their clients and deals are struck “at the door of the court”. 

We lunch together on Fleet Street, today’s menu is a carvery included in your tour fee, but there is also a vegetarian option when booked in advance. If you’ve room you can buy desserts, coffees and bar drinks on the day. 

In the afternoon, there is a coach tour to include Old Bailey and Staple Inn and a stroll through stately Lincolns Inn. This must be the only day we want to end up in Carey Street – the former home of the Bankruptcy Courts. Then time for a cup of tea before leaving London at 4-30pm ahead of the London rush hour. 

You will be off the coach for most of the day but the pace is gentle in the cloistered lanes of the lawyers’ quarter with little distance to cover and lots of stops along our way. 

This tour is available Mondays to Fridays all year except August when the courts are closed.  

Adults & Seniors: £18.95
Price valid 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013

Coach Mileage: 5

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