Embark on an extraordinary journey through London’s hidden past with "London’s Alternative History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour." This captivating experience, narrated by local guide Joey Leskin, unveils the city’s quirkier side. Using the VoiceMap app, you’ll uncover captivating tales, from the origins of Covent Garden’s name to the intriguing history of the River Thames. Priced at just €7.16, this one-hour tour offers an immersive exploration, with offline audio and GPS directions ensuring a seamless adventure. Prepare to be surprised and delighted as you explore London’s lesser-known secrets, uncovering the city’s true character at your own pace.
Good To Know

- The self-guided audio tour explores London’s lesser-known history, including tales of Americans stealing coffee and the city’s notorious 18th-century brothels.
- The tour, narrated by local journalist Joey Leskin, provides insights into Covent Garden’s name origin and the discovery of the last Victorian gas lamp.
- The tour is available in English, Chinese, and Dutch, with a duration of one hour, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
- Accessible via the VoiceMap app, the tour offers offline audio, maps, and GPS directions, enhancing the immersive experience.
- The tour is suitable for both first-time visitors and seasoned Londoners, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s eclectic and quirky history.
Tour Overview and Details

Set out on a captivating journey through London’s alternative history with this self-guided audio tour. Priced at just €7.16 per person, the one-hour experience allows you to explore the city’s quirky past and hidden gems at your own pace.
Available in English, Chinese, and Dutch, the tour features insights from local guide and travel journalist Joey Leskin. Explore topics ranging from Americans stealing coffee to the origins of Covent Garden’s name and the last Victorian gas lamp.
With no entrance fees required, this tour is suitable for both first-time visitors and locals alike. Simply download the VoiceMap app, follow the set route, and immerse yourself in London’s captivating alternative narrative.
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Experience Highlights

What quirky corners of London’s past will you uncover on this captivating audio tour? Prepare to be surprised as you discover the untold stories that lurk beneath London’s surface. Explore the city’s turbulent history, from Americans stealing coffee from the British to the notorious 18th-century brothel that scandalized the city. Learn the unexpected origins of Covent Garden’s name and uncover a unique British drink that will delight your senses. Along the way, you’ll stumble upon hidden Italian-style squares and the last Victorian gas lamp, all while navigating the streets that confuse even the savviest taxi drivers. This immersive experience is perfect for first-time visitors and locals alike.
| Experience | Discover |
|---|---|
| Hear from local guide and travel journalist Joey Leskin | Learn about the River Thames, Covent Garden’s name origin, and a unique British drink |
| Explore London’s quirky history and hidden surprises | Uncover topics such as Americans stealing coffee from the British and London’s notorious 18th-century brothel |
| Suitable for first-time visitors and locals alike | Encounter the street that confuses taxi drivers and the last Victorian gas lamp |
| Unlimited access to the tour before and after booking date | Explore a hidden Italian-style square |
Tour Features

This self-guided audio tour provides a host of convenient features to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.
With unlimited access before and after booking, you can plan your journey in advance or revisit the tour at your leisure.
The VoiceMap app, available for both Android and iOS, delivers the audio, maps, and geodata offline, allowing you to explore without relying on cellular data or Wi-Fi.
Best of all, you’ll enjoy lifetime access to the tour in English, ensuring you can return to London’s captivating alternative history whenever the mood strikes.
All you’ll need is a charged smartphone and a pair of headphones to learn about this unforgettable journey.
What to Bring

To make the most of your self-guided audio tour, you’ll need a few essential items. First, a pair of headphones is a must – they’ll allow you to fully learn about the stories and insights shared by your local guide.
Secondly, don’t forget your charged smartphone. The tour is accessed through the VoiceMap app, which provides the offline audio, maps, and GPS directions to keep you on track.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyDirections and Meeting Point

The meeting point for this self-guided audio tour is the Apple Covent Garden store, located at No. 1, 7 The Piazza in central London. To reach the starting point, simply take the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden tube station and follow the pedestrian road to the iconic Apple Store.
| Transport | Directions |
|---|---|
| Tube | Take the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden station |
| Walk | Follow the pedestrian road to the Apple Store |
| Address | No. 1, 7 The Piazza, London WC2E 8HB |
Don’t forget to download the tour on your smartphone before arrival for the best experience. The route includes turn-by-turn directions, so you’ll always know where to go next.
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Exploring Quirky London History

As you embark on this alternative history audio tour, you’ll uncover London’s quirky past and hidden surprises that even longtime residents often overlook.
Your local guide, travel journalist Joey Leskin, will take you on a captivating journey through the city’s lesser-known tales. Discover how Americans once stole coffee from the British, learn about the street that confuses taxi drivers, and explore London’s notorious 18th-century brothels.
From the River Thames’ intriguing origins to the last Victorian gas lamp, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s eclectic history.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, this self-guided experience promises to reveal the capital’s delightfully offbeat side.
Hidden Surprises and Secrets

Beneath London’s polished veneer lies a trove of captivating secrets waiting to be unearthed.
From the curious origins of Covent Garden’s name to the intriguing tales of the River Thames, this audio tour promises to unveil the city’s hidden gems.
Discover the street that perplexes taxi drivers, learn about London’s notorious 18th-century brothel, and uncover the last Victorian gas lamp still in use.
Enjoy the quirky history and unexpected revelations that make this city so unique and fascinating.
With the guidance of a local expert, you’ll unlock a world of hidden surprises that showcase London’s alternative narrative, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned locals alike.
- The street that confuses taxi drivers
- London’s notorious 18th-century brothel
- The last Victorian gas lamp
- The curious origins of Covent Garden’s name
Hear From Local Guide

Guiding you through London’s alternative narratives is local travel journalist Joey Leskin, whose infectious passion and insider knowledge unveil the city’s hidden surprises.
With a storyteller’s flair, Leskin transports you beyond the typical tourist trail, revealing the fascinating backstories that shaped the capital’s evolution.
From the origins of Covent Garden’s name to the last Victorian gas lamp, his vivid accounts immerse you in London’s quirky history and captivate your imagination.
Leskin’s unique perspective illuminates the city’s quirks, inviting you to see the familiar through new eyes and discover the extraordinary in the everyday.
Prepare to be enthralled as this local guide leads you on an unforgettable journey of exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take the Tour in a Group With Friends?
Yes, this self-guided tour is perfect for exploring London’s quirky history with friends. You can experience the tour privately as a group, discovering hidden gems and offbeat tales together at your own pace.
Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?
Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any student or senior discounts available for this self-guided audio tour. However, the affordable base price and flexible cancellation policy make it an accessible experience for all curious explorers of London’s hidden history.
How Much Time Should I Allocate for the Tour?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, allowing explorers ample time to uncover London’s quirky history and hidden surprises at a leisurely pace. With turn-by-turn directions, you’ll embark on an immersive adventure through the city’s captivating past.
What Is the Refund Policy if I Can’t Complete the Tour?
If you need to cancel, just do it up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. No fuss, no hassle – London’s alternative history is waiting whenever you’re ready to explore it.
Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Topics?
You can’t customize this particular self-guided audio tour, but its diverse topics and flexible format allow you to explore London’s quirky history at your own pace and focus on what intrigues you most. It’s an immersive, insightful adventure.
The Sum Up
Set out on a captivating journey through London’s alternative history, where the city’s quirky past comes alive. Uncover hidden gems, learn about captivating tales, and discover the city’s secrets with this self-guided audio tour. Equipped with offline audio and GPS directions, you’ll seamlessly explore London’s captivating past, uncovering the lesser-known stories that make this iconic metropolis truly unique.
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