4th July Walking Tours – Benjamin Franklin in London
Celebrate the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by retracing Franklin’s footsteps around the City of Westminster.
Did you know that Benjamin Franklin spent 16 years (1757-1775) living in London acting as a colonial agent? Some even argue that he was the first de-facto American ambassador to the UK!
During much of his time in the city, Franklin fought to maintain the union between the American colonies and Great Britain. He lived and worked in the city, delivering speeches at the Houses of Parliament, attending royal coronations at Westminster Abbey and meeting with some of the most important figures from the 18th century.
Did you know he also visited a waxwork museum run my an alleged American spy who corresponded with him during the Revolutionary War?
Audience feedback: “I have been on dozens of walking tours in London and the UK and this one is at the top with an abundance of relevant and lesser known (unfortunately) information.” – June 2025
What’s included on the tour?
The tour begins outside Benjamin Franklin House.
We will then depart on a circular route that retraces Franklin’s movements around Westminster.
Along the way we will pass by the office of John Quincy Adams, the formal residence of George III, the site of an embassy for the Republic of Texas, and come face to face with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
The tour will finish on Craven Street, outside Benjamin Franklin House.
Please note: The walking tour does not include a look inside the House, but you can visit us separately either before or after the walk.
What are we seeing?
As well as uncovering American history in London, you will also be ticking off some of the most iconic landmarks the city has to offer!
Key sights are:
- Trafalgar Square
- St. James’s Palace
- The Mall
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Abbey
- Palace of Westminster
- Big Ben
Who’s leading the tour?
The tour will be led by Henry Wilkinson, who has served as Education Manager at Benjamin Franklin House for over 3 years. He is a graduate of History from the University of Cambridge and a former History teacher. He has lived in London for over 5 years and also supports other museums across the UK with education advice through his work with the Historic Houses Association.
Need to know
- The tour will last approximately 90 mins.
- You will be doing roughly 5,000 steps / 4km of walking – so bring suitable footwear and a bottle of water.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for individuals with mobility difficulties.
- Recommended age for the tour is 12+
- Please wear suitable clothing for the walk and check the weather forecast beforehand.
- No food or drink will be provided but feel free to bring along your own.
- Toilets are available at Benjamin Franklin House.
- We will pass public toilets during the walking tour but these may not be available at certain points. Some public toilets require a small fee, payable by cash, card or contactless.
- London is incredibly busy, so you must stay with the group at all times. We are not liable for any lost, stolen or damaged property, persons of goods during the tour.
- The tour will be in English only.
- The tour will begin at the advertised time, if you are late you may not be able to join the tour if it has departed from the House.
