A permanent reminder of the Great Fire of 1666, The Monument commemorates one of the most significant events in London’s history.

Standing on the piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street, the 202ft column, designed by Robert Hooke in consultation with Sir Christopher Wren, celebrates the City which rose from the ashes.

The Monument was built with a second purpose: also to be a site for scientific experiments. Hidden beneath The Monument is a tiny laboratory from where the column was once used as a giant zenith telescope. This plan was soon abandoned, as the surrounding area was too busy.

Tens of thousands of visitors climb The Monument’s 311 spiral steps each year, and are rewarded with one of the best vistas of London from the public viewing platform. We are going to join their number, with our own a private tour.

After all those steps, our party will walk (slowly!) to the Tower Bridge area, for a relaxing lunch at a Pizza Express, before moving on to All Hallows By the Tower. AHBT, as it’s widely known, is not only the City’s oldest church, but also a site of great historic significance. The launch site of the world-famous “TOC H” and also home to the world’s only trans-global, centrally heated barrel, we will be shown all over the church, including the crypt, by a private guide.

Numbers are limited to just 15, and dress is casual, with comfy shoes – remember those 311 steps!

Tickets cost £39. (We’ll cover our own lunches at the restaurant.)