Very good tour with sufficient information (not too much) that was clearly provided by Phillip to give an understanding of the English Civil War and the resulting Republic. I booked the tour through the London Open House Festival website, which was free but asked for a donation, which I was happy to provide.
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anthonygB6184GD
September 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Charlestastic
This tour was phenomenal, Charles’ footprints are all over some of the finest spots in Westminster and it was amazing to see St Margaret’s Church. I got an amazing sense of the chaos of the civil war and a deeper context for the players involved. Such a fascinating period. There were a few gems hidden along the way that i had no idea existed, even though I’ve worked in the area a while. Phillip was a delight and expertly dealt with a highly inquisitive crowd, definitely would recommend!
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172vm78
September 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A great tour delivered by a great guide
I took the tour as part of the Open House Festival and I really enjoyed it. It was fascinating to learn more about a very controversial character and such an important set of events in our country's history.
Our guide, Phillip perfectly hit the holy trinity of tour guiding: he was knowledgeable, entertaining and enthusiastic. He was a fountain of knowledge and happily answered all our questions.
The tour lasted just over 1.5h, starting from Parliament square and slowly taking us to the final stop at the National Portrait Gallery. Along the way Phillip shared interesting facts and anecdotes about the protagonists, the events, the complicated politcal climate of the day etc.
I would definitely recommend this tour. The only tiny little downside: we were mostly in and around Whitehall which is not a particularly quiet area and with all the background noise, I struggled to hear at times.
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SajniS
September 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fascinating tour and a great guide
A really interesting and informative walking tour. I knew a little about Charles I beforehand, but Philip brought the whole story to life, not just the well-known history but also the characters, events and stories surrounding Charles I that ultimately led to his rather gloomy end.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed was discovering some of the more overlooked sights and corners of London. Places that I’ve walked past before without giving them much thought suddenly had a whole new significance — it really makes you see the city differently.
Philip is an engaging and knowledgeable guide who clearly knows his stuff. He also welcomes questions, and I was able to ask him things throughout the tour to my heart’s content, which made it feel much more like an interesting conversation than simply being given a history lesson.
A great way to explore London while getting a fascinating insight into one of tumultuous periods in English history.
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clivebJ4766VH
September 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A good guided walk
Good walk
Guide had very good manner and obviously really knew his stuff (both regarding the English Civil War and London history in general).
Guide presented information well, walk stops/route was well thought out.
If you wanted more detail, the guide was pleased to give as much extra information as you wanted.
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233cosminm
September 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Charles I tour
Did this as part of Open House London and it was the highlight of my weekend. 90 minutes with Phillip and I came away not knowing what I think about Charles I anymore, which I reckon is sort of the point.
Phillip really knows his stuff. He tells it as a whole country falling apart, and that made it land way harder than any of the history I did at school.
Ends up in the National Portrait Gallery in front of Charles’s portrait which is a lovely way to finish. Would definitely recommend.
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742reinierd
July 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A very interesting, informative, and fun tour
It was a fantastic tour. The itinerary and structure of the tour were well thought out. On top of that, the guide is a very friendly man and is very knowledgeable. He’s a great storyteller and brings the historical accounts to life. All in all, highly recommended!
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suesC2168YV
June 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great insight into English history
Phillip was really well informed and friendly. A very interesting tour based on sites that tell the story of Charles I and the upheavals of the civil war. I would highly recommend it.