self guided walking tour mayfair london

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Lady’s Guide to a Mayfair Walk in London

It’s that time again. I want to share another self-guided London walking tour with you. Mayfair is one of the most glamorous London neighborhoods , and this chi chi part of the UK capital is worth a wander. If you want to discover the best bits and hidden nooks, read on for A Lady in London’s Mayfair walk.

Mayfair, London

In the heart of London, Mayfair is known for its high-end shops, quiet mews, and luxurious surroundings. Its secret parks, fashionable streets, and shopping arcades make it worth exploring.

This London neighborhood is easy on the eyes but less so on the wallet. It’s worth a splurge if you want to stop at a restaurant or cafe, or treat yourself to something special from one of the shops in the area.

Mayfair Walk

My self-guided Mayfair walk will lead you through the prettiest streets and green spaces in the neighborhood. From clandestine alleys to historic pubs, it will offer an overview of what this part of London is famous for.

Self-Guided London Walking Tour

This most luxurious of London walks starts at Green Park station. Exit on the north side of Piccadilly and turn right out of the station to walk west down the street. You’ll see Green Park on the opposite side as you go.

When you get to White Horse Street, turn right and let the historic brick walls transport you back in time. As the street curves, you’ll find yourself in Shepherd Market , a little village within Mayfair.

Spend some time taking in the historic streets, pubs, and shops on and around the street called Shepherd Market before making your way up Hertford Street to Curzon Street.

Turn left on Curzon Street, then take your first right on Chesterfield Street. Chesterfield Street has lovely facades and is a good introduction to Mayfair’s luxurious side.

At the end of the road, turn left on Charles Street. As it curves around and becomes Waverton Street, peek into Red Lion Yard for some old world charm.

When you’re done, turn right on Hay’s Mews. This street will give you a feel for the area’s historic mews streets. Walk down it until you reach Chesterfield Hill, then turn left on Chesterfield Hill and continue up to where it ends.

Here you’ll find yourself in front of the Punch Bowl, a famous Mayfair pub. If you want to, you can stop for food or drinks before continuing your self-guided Mayfair walk.

If you don’t stop, turn left on South Street and take your first right down a narrow alley that leads into Mount Street Gardens. This green space is one of the most beautiful places in Mayfair, and it’s worth walking around to explore.

When you’ve had a wander, exit Mount Street Gardens through the western gate onto South Audley Street. Turn right, then take your first right on Mount Street.

This gem is full of upscale restaurants and shops, and it’s a fun place to take in a classic Mayfair scene.

When you get to Carlos Place, turn left and walk up to Grosvenor Square. The former site of the US Embassy in London, this green space is a pretty place to take in.

When you’re done doing so, continue north on Duke Street and climb the steps up to Brown Hart Gardens on your left. This elevated park is a great place to stop and take a rest if you need to.

If not, continue your Mayfair walk by turning right to go down Weighhouse Street. Then take another right on Gilbert Street and a left on St Anselm’s Place. At the end of St Anselm’s Place, turn left on Davies Street.

Walk up until it meets South Molton Lane and turn right. As South Molton Lane curves around, you’ll see a narrow passageway on your left.

Walk through it to get to South Molton Street and turn right when you arrive. This pedestrianized street has a lot of shops to explore.

When South Molton Street crosses Brook Street, continue as it becomes Lancashire Court. Lancashire Court will curve left, and after it does you can take a right to continue on it. This will take you past little shops and restaurants.

Eventually you can turn turn left at the end of Lancashire Court, which will let you out on New Bond Street. Take a right there.

New Bond Street is full of luxury goods shops and art galleries, so it’s a great place to browse or buy during your Mayfair walk.

When you reach Bruton Street, turn right. You’ll see the historic Coach & Horses pub on your left. You can pop in for a drink if you want to.

If not, turn right on Bruton Lane. This street will curve around and reveal its tucked-away shops and pubs as it takes you to Berkeley Square.

When you get to Berkeley Square, you can take some time to walk through the green space and soak up Mayfair’s atmosphere.

When you’re done, make your way to Berkeley Street and turn left on Hay Hill. Take your first left on Grafton Street, following as it curves around to the right.

This will lead you back to New Bond Street, where you can take a right and continue to take in the luxury on your Mayfair walk.

When New Bond Street becomes Old Bond Street, look to your right and duck into the Royal Arcade. This is one of London’s prettiest historic shopping arcades, and is particularly beautiful around Christmas .

When you’ve seen the Royal Arcade, exit the way you came in and turn left to go back up Old Bond Street.

Take your first right on Burlington Gardens and then another quick right to go into Burlington Arcade. This is another of London’s best shopping arcades.

Walk to the end of Burlington Arcade and turn left onto Piccadilly . This street is home to the Royal Academy of Arts, the famous Fortnum & Mason department store, and other London landmarks .

You can walk down it until you reach Piccadilly Circus, where your self-guided Mayfair walk ends.

Mayfair Walk Details

Map of the first half of the walk: http://bit.ly/2Q4Gkuy

Map of the second half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/WoEzo6pt3y73XK5P8

Further afield: Soho , Hyde Park , Green Park, Marylebone

I’ve published lots of other London walks and put them all in my London walking tours blog post. There are more walks to discover in London’s Hidden Walks , too. You can get it here .

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4 Comments on Lady’s Guide to a Mayfair Walk in London

So excited to see this as you walked past our flat. 🙂 Perfect timing before our first trip to London in a few weeks!

That’s great! I’m so glad.

We’ll be in London next month. Can’t wait to do some of these walks. Thank you!

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy them.

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Self-Guided Walking Tour London

Although we do offer several fully guided free walking tours in London, they run on a somewhat regular schedule, which means you might not always be able to join us.

That's why we compiled this list of free self-guided London walks, including self-guided food and theme tours, such as Harry Potter film locations.

We've broken up these tours into the following categories.

• Neighbourhood
• Themed Tours
• GPS-Guided Audio Tours
• Other Free Things to Do in London

And if you are considering a London hop-on-hop-off bus tour, then these self-guided tours will come in handy when you are off the bus. Read our reviews of the best London bus tours .

For more ways to save money, check out our London on a Budget Guide .

Self-Guided Neighbourhood Walking Tours

Though we love showing guests around London, we realize that not everyone has the time to take a guided walking tour.

If our tour schedule doesn't work for you, or if you would rather explore on your own, then take advantage of our totally free self-guided tours!

Self-Guided City of London Tour

This tour takes you through Old London. Classic sites include St Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge.

You can even watch a condensed virtual version of this tour right now.

Click on the map to enlarge it or download it to a smartphone

We also have a GPS-enabled audio tour version  (sample below) and a pay-what-you-wish live guided tour option . 

Royal London Self-Guided Walking Tour

You can't leave London without seeing many of the sites included in this list.

Some of our favorites are Buckingham Palace, St. James' Palace, Big Ben, Parliament, and Trafalgar Square. 

Click on the map to enlarge it or download it to a smartphone .

We also offer a pay-what-you-like live-guided Royal London Tour option  as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour version .

Camden Town

Once known as the Rock n' Roll capital of the world, Camden Town is now a popular tourist destination offering many great things to do.

This is a self-guided tour to show the visitor some of the many interesting things to see in Camden Town London.

Piccadilly and St. James Walking Tour

One of the most popular touristic areas located in London's West End, this self-guided tour will cover places like Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

We also offer two guided walks that correspond to this self-guided tour, our guided tour of Soho and our Rock N Roll London Tour . 

River Thames Self-Guided Walking Tour

The best tour for photography enthusiasts!

This picturesque tour takes you along the River Thames to see sites such as the Millennium Bridge, London Eye, and Shakespeare Globe Theatre.

This tour is a great option for an evening walk. In fact, we offer this as a guided tour , usually from April through October.

And check out our audio tour version. Here's a sample.

Be sure to check out our guide to things to do at night in London for even more ideas for nighttime activities.

Self-Guided Royal Borough of Greenwich Walking Tour

Enjoy a leisurely walk through this posh neighborhood that will take you to sites like Greenwich Park, the Queen's House, and the Trafalgar.

A great way to get to Greenwich is by boat cruise .

Hyde Park and Kensington Walking Tour

This will take you through beautiful Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, past a posh royal palace and picturesque art galleries and museums.

SELF-GUIDED THEMED TOURS

In this section, we list several tours based on individuals, bands, movies, or ghosts.

Harry Potter Self-Guided Walking Tour

Dive into the magical world of Harry Potter!

This particular tour will focus on film sites in the northern part of London, such as Leadenhall, Australia House, Platform 9 3/4 as well as many other famous sights.  

Click on the map to enlarge or download to a smartphone

We also offer a guided Harry Potter Tour  as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour version .

Guide to Beatles in London  

Although John, Paul, George, and Ringo hailed from Liverpool, there are plenty of London landmarks for Beatles-lovers to get their fix.

From recording studios to concert venues, shops to roof-top performances, London is filled with hot-spots for fans of the Fab Four. 

There are many guided tours of Beatles sites with live tour guides and other fans. We offer a twice-weekly Rock N Roll London guided tour.

We also have a post on how to get to the Abbey Road Crosswalk .

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jack the Ripper Sites  

Try your hand at solving one of the most famous unsolved murder cases in history.

Our Jack the Ripper tour guides you through the area of London where the felon committed his most notorious crimes.

We've even included a photo from that era to give you a sense of how the city looked.  

We also offer a live-guided option for Jack the Ripper  as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour version .

Downton Abbey London Sights  

Downton Abbey exploded onto our screens in 2010 and people from all over the world watched the lives and exploits of the Crowley Family and all the characters surrounding them.

Although Downton Abbey has finished airing, it’s still as popular as ever.

For visitors who have traveled to the U.K. hoping to see some Downton Abbey locations and inspirations, here is our helpful guide to London’s Downton Abbey connections! 

Roman London Walking Tour  

Get a better sense of just how powerful the Roman Empire once was with this tour.

Sites include the Temple of Mithras and a piece of the Roman Wall, which dates back 2,000 years.

James Bond Tour  

Use your feet and the London Underground to visit sights related to James Bond in London.

You'll see a variety of historic sites such as Somerset, Buckingham Palace, and Whitehall, and you'll learn all about their connections to the character.

Literary Walking Tour - Hampstead Heath  

Hampstead was the birthplace of big names in the literary industry.

Hampstead is considered one of the more beautiful London boroughs and it is full of places for true literature lovers to explore.

Jimi Hendrix Sights  

London was an important city for this American rock legend. We offer a twice-weekly Rock N Roll London guided tour.

David Bowie Sights  

Born in London, David Bowie left an indelible mark on this city. We offer a twice-weekly Rock N Roll London guided tour.

London Ghost Tour  

Only for those bold enough to take a ghost tour on their own! Want some company? Join us for a guided ghost tour of London.

Wizards of London Game

This self-guided walking tour london app puts you in the shoes of a wizard to solve a mystery while discovering some of the most notable sites in the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Questo Experiences (@questoapp)

Haunted London Game

Discover the more frightening side of London's history as you attempt to solve a mystery during this haunted self-guided exploration game.

Queen: The Quest Must Go On Game

Fans of the band Queen may want to consider taking part in this self-guided exploration game which will task them with solving a mystery based on their music.

Get a taste of London with our free self-guided food tour: 

East London Food Tour  

It is possible to eat from any of the world’s cuisines when you are in the East End of London, but here is a small DIY tour that will have you sampling some of the best the East End has to offer those with a hunger for delicious food.  

Be sure to check out our pay-what-you-wish  tour guide led version  (watch video above).

Soho, Chinatown, and Piccadilly Food Tour  

Explore culturally and culinarily diverse neighborhoods of Soho, Chinatown, and Piccadilly.

We've curated a list of the best restaurants in the area to give you a real taste of London!

Exmouth Market Food Tour

Venture out to Exmouth Market, the “real” London that's tucked just far enough away from other touristy parts with the best street food that London has to offer.

Covent Garden Food Tour  

Try out the culinary delights in one of London's liveliest neighborhoods in the West End.

Borough Market

Discover the best eats you can find in Borough Market and get some ideas for what types of food you might want to get here. 

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Itineraries and things to do in london, a walk in mayfair: hidden gems in the heart of london.

A walk in Mayfair may seem an unusual choice, given the many tourist destinations that can be seen at a short distance from here, but it is precisely for this reason that I have chosen it: for its atmosphere, its shops that seem stopped in time, its hidden squares and secret gardens. All at a short distance from the hustle and bustle of central London.

A walk in Mayfair is like diving into the past to discover another London: calmer, more sophisticated and pleasantly old-fashioned. Mayfair is also luxurious  – we all know that – but not ostentatiously so. Rich, but with a sort of sobriety.

Some information on our walk in Mayfair

The walk is about 4 km long and can easily be done withinin a couple of hours, not including any visits to various places places of interest, shops (for example, the length of the stop at Fortnum & Mason may depend on your shopping mood as well as the your credit card limit…), gardens and pubs.

This is a circular walk, starting and finishing in Piccadilly Circus.

This is the route map:

Our walk in Mayfair starts from Piccadilly Circus

From Piccadilly Circus we head down Piccadilly , which marks the southern limit of Mayfair. The street is lined with buildings of historical importance: on the left hand side we come across St. James’s Church , which dates back to the 17th century. It was designed by Christopher Wren, the architect of the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most recognisable landmark. Within its courtyard are the stalls of Piccadilly Market , a small market with daily theme variations: antiques on Tuesdays, and arts and crafts from Wednesday to Saturday. This is one of the first hidden gem of the area: if you are looking for a quiet corner at a short distance from Piccadilly, cross the courtyard and reach the garden on the right; it’s a true oasis of peace, and finding one so close to Piccadilly it’s quite remarkable!

Continue walking down Piccadilly and you will find yourself in front of the famous store Fortnum & Mason . Founded in 1707 it’s one of the greatest shops in London, and if you have never seen it before, get in! Maybe not the best place to do some shopping (the prices are definitely high), but the staff is very courteous and will leave you wandering around. Just take a look at the photos below and you’ll realise that this is not a shop as another.

If you’re curious, or just want to know more about the incredible story of Fortnum & Mason, you can read it here .

Leaving Fortnum & Mason, on the opposite side of the street, at number 46, you can see the Albany , one of London’s most prestigious addresses.

Did you know? The Albany was initially converted into apartments (69 to be precise) to provide the bachelors of good English society with a central pad for their errands in town. Today even women are admitted, but the level of exclusivity is certainly not decreased. Recently (August 2015) a 3 bedroom apartment was for sale at over £ 3,000,000 and a small one bedroom apartment was let at £ 850 a week! A good number of apartments (called set) belongs to a college of the University of Cambridge – Peterhouse – which has seen fit to invest in the lucrative London luxury property market. Definitely a good investment! Among his most celebrated tenants we must remember the poet Byron.

Further down Piccadilly we find  another historic building, Burlington House , which houses the Royal Academy of Arts , the oldest English art school, founded in 1768. Within the Burlington House are the offices of various associations and Societies, including the Linnean Society , to which – in 1858  – Charles Darwin sent a script that became the basis of his famous work, “ The origin of species “.

Mayfair: Science and Literature at every corner

Mayfair has numerous links with the scientific and literary world. If we turn right in Albemarle Street , for example, at number 50 was the publisher John Murray, famous for publishing works of Byron, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle – the creator of Sherlock Holmes – and Charles Darwin’s  The origin of the species . At number 21 you will find the Royal Institution of Great Britain . Founded in 1799, the institution has always attracted the most important scientific minds in the country and not less than 14 Nobel prizes ! Today, the building also contains the Faraday’s Museum .

Did you know? The public lectures which were held at the Royal Institution of Great Britain became so popular as to cause an unprecedented traffic in the road. To overcome this problem, the road, for the first time in London, was transformed into a one-way street.

What does Mayfair mean?

At the end of Albemarle Street turn left, then left again into Dover Street and then right into Hay Hill. Cross Berkely Street and continue straight on Curzon Street . This is not a particularly attractive part of our walk, but it is the shortest way towards Shepherd Market , an area of Mayfair which owes its name to the historic market that was held here from 1686 until 1707. Traditionally, a big fair was held here in May, and it is this event that gave its name to the whole neighborhood.

Finding the entrance to Shepherd Market is not easy: you have to walk on Curzon Street until you pass the intersection with Half Moon Street; just after the church you can admire the peculiar Geo F.Trumper shop , a barber and perfumer for men trading on these premises since the Victorian era; on the opposite side of the street you can see a passage that leads to the Shepherd Market area.

At the end of the narrow passage on the left hand side you will find the nice  Ye Grapes pub , a perfect place for a short break and a good pint of ale!

Entering this area you will leave behind the noise and confusion of London and the tables outside the little restaurants give an unusual Mediterranean feeling to the narrow streets.

You won’t believe that the chaotic traffic of Hyde Park Lane and the crowd in Oxford Street are only at a short distance! But the hidden gems of Mayfair are only starting to reveal themselves…

A secret corner of Mayfair: the Mount Street Gardens

You can continue wandering around the Shepherd Market area for a while, then turn on Hertford Street; at the end of the road can see the embassy of Saudi Arabia. Turn left onto Curzon Street and then right on Chesterfield, characterized by fine Georgian buildings. In one of these houses – on the right – you will see one of the blue plaques that identify the buildings with some historical link: here lived the famous Beau Brummell – the most stylish man in the early nineteenth century London. Mayfair conveys a sense of style and elegance, but as I said at the beginning, always very contained, without extreme luxuries or excesses. Even the exclusive Clubs and Casinos that can be found in this area are somehow kept hidden from the public view. We continue left on Charles Street and then right on Hay’s Mews and then left again onto Chesterfield Hill, at the end of which we turn right and enter through a narrow passage in the beautiful Mount Street Gardens .

Here is another beautiful hidden corner to be fully enjoyed when the weather and the temperature are favorable. Isn’t it a nice place to spend some time in peace?

Grosvenor Square, the largest square in the Mayfair

When you are ready to leave the gardens exit onto Audley Street, turn right and you will arrive in Grosvenor Square , where – on the left – you can see the American Embassy (it will soon move to Nine Elms, on the southern bank of the Thames, but for the time being it is still here in Grosvenore Square). Cut diagonally across the gardens and go out on the opposite corner on Brook Street (to our right we can see the Italian Embassy).

Did you know? Much of this area still belongs to the Grosvenor family. Among their old ancestors is a French knight – Hugh d’Avranches – who accompanied William the Conqueror in his expedition to England in 1066. This is what I call an old family! The French term Gros Veneur (hence the name Grosvenor) means “the fat hunter” and it was probably a nickname due to Hugh’s passion for hunting and for good food!

Along Brook Street at number 25 we can see the house – now converted into a museum – where the composer Handel lived. Funny coincidence, at number 23 lived another famous musician – Jimi Hendrix – and the museum combines the stories of these two musicians.

Mayfair’s tailors and luxury shops

Just after the museum, turn in the narrow passage and follow it all the way through. You can always go straight and turn right at the next junction onto New Bond Street , but isn’t it great to discover these narrow alleys, so typical of London? If you follow this path, at the end turn left until you arrive on New Bond Street. You love luxury, famous brands of clothes, jewelry and watches, auction houses and art galleries? You are in the right place! Look around you on New Bond Street and feast your eyes in the expensive shop windows. You find yourself in one of the most famous streets of luxury in the world. This is also the area which has been synonym with old style classic men fashion. Turn left on Clifford Street and then right on Savile Row : this is the road where the most famous tailors in London have their premises, some of them since 1850! For example, Henry Poole – at number 15 – was the creator in 1860 of the jacket called tuxedo (or smoking). Even today Savile Row is synonymous with exclusive masculine elegance.

Did you know? In Japanese the word that identifies the classic three piece man suit is “sabiro”, (which should sound more or less like the name of the street).

Music lovers will probably know that at number 3 were the buildings of the Beatles ‘ company Apple and it was on the roof of that building that they performed together live for the last time.

At the end of Saville Row, we turn left on Vigo Street, and then right onto Regent’s Street, to get back to Piccadilly Circus, thus concluding our walk in Mayfair.

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The Ultimate Self-Guided London Walking Tour

Reid October 20, 2019 Destinations , Resources Leave a Comment

When I was in college I was briefly in England and wanted to explore London, but I only had one day to do it. I also didn’t want to spend money on a guided tour or a hop on hop off bus. Well, truthfully I did but I was a broke college kid. I needed something on budget but effective. I literally had one day in London and I felt that I needed to see as much of the city possible but didn’t know how to cram it all in.

As luck would have it, a friend of a friend who lived in London happened to have a day off and offered to show our group around the city. We lucked out and had a local London tour guide. He had lived in London his entire life and knew exactly what to see in London. He let us know to wear comfortable shoes as we’d be footing it for the day. Perfect, a London walking tour! 

For the entire day, we followed our guide’s lead and ended up having a very memorable day in the city and saw all of London’s must-see spots. Now, years later I’m sharing this information with you so you can have your very own self guided London Walking tour. I’m even going to share a map so you can keep track of where to go or customize your own walking tour.

Table of Contents

Picadilly Circus

Trafalgar square, buckingham palace, st. james park, westminster abbey, parliament and big ben, tate modern gallery, shakespeare’s globe theatre, st. paul’s cathedral, tower of london, tower bridge, london walking tour map, kensington palace, parliament square, london bridge, the fire of 1666 history, hms belfast, london aquarium, jubilee gardens, self guided london walking tour.

When we met our new found guide he told us how effective public transportation is around the city. He said that it would be easy to hop on the Underground or on a double-decker bus to get to our destinations, but that we would miss so many things along our way.

This is just a guide, use it to see what you want to see and walk past what you want to do. The entire walk I’ll outline is about 5.5 miles. It took us just over 6 hours to complete, but we did stop several places for photos and again for lunch. If you’re not interested in walking hop on a bus or on the Tube, this guide is still a great list of things to do in London.

We started our day at Picadilly Circus. Think of it as London’s Times Square. There are tons of lights, billboards, shows, restaurants, gift shops, and tourist attractions. Also, it is a very good spot to start our tour because it is very easy to get to by the London TFL bus system (Transport for London) or the Underground.

Get your fill of all the lights and load up on cheap souvenirs and get ready to walk!

After about a 10 minute walk from Picadilly Circus is Trafalgar Square. Trafalgar Square is a public square in central London that commemorates a historic naval battle, The Battle of Trafalgar, over the French and Spanish. It has some famous fountains and statues that you’ll recognize from movies and tv. It is also home to Nelson’s Column and the National Portrait Gallery.

What trip to London would be complete without seeing Buckingham Palace? The palace has served as the residence for Britain’s royalty since 1837. You might not see the queen, but if you schedule ahead you can watch the changing of the guard.

Timing is crucial for this stop if you want to see the changing of the guard ceremony. Make sure to double-check the time and keep an eye on your watch if you want to witness this. We planned our day’s start time around the changing of the guard.

Typically, changing of the Queen’s Guard starts at 10:45 am and lasts about 45 minutes. This is a cool thing to see and is a great photo op. I recommend checking it out. It is free to watch, but there is usually a crowd, so showing up a few minutes early will be helpful.

On the way to the next stop on the walking tour you’ll be able to have a nice stroll through St. James Park, just like a local would. The map attached may suggest walking on the outer street of the park, but we chose to walk through it. If you walk through, stop halfway at the Blue Bridge, which crosses the lake is another great photo spot. It offers great views of Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

Fun fact, the park is home pelicans that have actually lived there for over 400 years. The original pelicans were a gift to King Charles II.

Continue your walk to World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey. Westminster Abbey is an important part of British History and current events alike. It is used for coronations, royal weddings and is the resting place of British kings, queens, statesmen, soldiers, poets, and heroes. The abbey holds regular services but is open to the public most days. Check ahead to see what is available to see when you’re in town. There is much to see inside!

The Palace of Westminster, commonly called the House of Parliament, is the next stop on our walking tour. It serves as the meeting place for House of Commons and the House of Lords. It is also home to Big Ben which is actually just the name of the bell, not the clock tower itself. That is something we learned from our local guide. I always thought it was Big Ben was the clocktower.

Take Westminster Bridge across the River Thames toward your next stop the London Eye. Make sure you turn around and take some photos of Big Ben and Parliament from the bridge or across the river. It is a great view and the pictures won’t disappoint.

The London Eye is comparatively new to most of the sights on our London walking tour. It was completed in 2000 and at the time it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. The London Eye was built as a tourist attraction and offers incredible views of London and the River Thames. If you want to ride the Ferris wheel, advance bookings are recommended. The lines for tickets can get long.

A nice walk along the River Thames will bring you to the Tate Modern Gallery, a spectacular art museum that is free to visit, although some individual exhibits may have admission fees. It is worth a stop if you’re into art or want some air conditioning. If not, keep walking, you’re about to pass another great London landmark!

The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 and was home to Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. A modern reconstruction was built in 1997 in the approximate location and now is home to tours, a gift shop, a cafe, and yes, plays.

From the Globe Theater, take Millennium Bridge across the Thames. Millennium Bridge is a uniquely designed footbridge and is worth a photo or two itself.

Across the river, you’ll find St. Paul’s Cathedral, which a classic piece of London history and dates more than 1400 years. It is an Anglican cathedral. You do have to pay to enter as a tourist but admission gives you access to the cathedral floor, crypt, and galleries. 

A short walk from St. Paul’s you’ll find the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The Tower of London holds a lot of history and was once a palace and a notorious prison. There is an entrance fee, but it is worth it to gain access to all of the museums, exhibits, and even catch a glimpse of iconic crown jewels. Tours are also available.

You can’t go to London and not visit Tower Bridge. It is probably the most iconic sight in town. If you look ahead at the schedules you may be lucky enough to see the bridge go up to let a ship through. You can walk across the bridge and even see the engine rooms that make the bridge lift and drop.

Tower Bridge is the end of our walking tour. From Tower Bridge, it is a short walk to Tower Station. Here and you can catch the Tube or a bus to anywhere in London.

As promised here are the links to the google maps. I’ve split them in two because google wouldn’t let me put all of the destinations in one map. Here they are London Walking Tour Part One and London Walking Tour Part Two.

More London Sights to See

If you don’t think this self-guided London walking tour has enough destinations or you aren’t interested in some of the stops try adding these to your walking tour. They are all fairly close to your walking route.

Between Picadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.  Where some of London’s playhouses reside, think Broadway in New York.

Historic/government buildings and nice views.

Just a bit past Buckingham Palace is Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens another royal residence.

Horse Guards Parade – An open place they use for ceremonies and events on the East side of St. James Park. They usually have traditional English guards on post here.

A park with some monuments great views of Parliament.

The current version of the London Bridge is really just a bridge and isn’t too significant, but when in London, right?

All around the St. Paul’s Cathedral there are markers describing the area affected by the fire of 1666. You’ll have to keep an eye open, some of the markers are hidden.

Just down the river from Tower Bridge is the retired WWII vessel which is now a museum.

Just across Westminster Bridge from Parliament.

A public park near the London Eye.

We hope that you’re able to take this walking tour of London. I loved my time there!

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Home / Blog / Destination / UK / London / A Tale of Two Cities: The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour in London

A Tale of Two Cities: The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour in London

London is known the world over as a vibrant, historical, edgy, multicultural hub with more museums, art galleries and things to see than you can shake a stick at. but did you know that we are, in fact, two cities and 32 boroughs.

To discover them all, your best bet is a self-guided walking tour.. If you’re hankering to see where it all began, start in the City of London. This is the most ancient part, where you’ll find the Tower of London and the financial district, founded by the Romans in 55 A.D.

Meanwhile, the City of Westminster is home to big hitters such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, a place of kings and queens that’s central to the British democracy. Want to see the Changing of the Guard? This is the city for you.

For London first-timers with only a few days to explore, it can seem a little overwhelming planning where to go and when. So here at Devour, we’ve devised the ultimate self-guided walking tour of London involving both cities, a boat ride, a guard change, an iconic clock tower and a whole lot more in just a few hours—plus some lunch suggestions for afterward.

Ready to hit the streets of London with us?

1. Tower of London (alight at the Tower Hill tube stop)

The Tower of London was built in the 1070s by William the Conqueror, who arrived from Normandy, whacked an arrow into our king’s eye and then took control of the country. The work of a succession of monarchs over hundreds of years, the tower has served as a royal mint, an observatory, a zoo, an armory, a royal palace, a treasury and an execution site for two of Henry VIII’s more unfortunate wives. It’s now home to the Beefeaters , some massive crows and the Crown Jewels.

If you’re planning to visit the inside, get there nice and early for a good look at the Crown Jewels without the crowds. It’s £26 per adult if you buy online in advance, and doors open to the public at 9 a.m.

2. Tower Bridge

Just in front of the Tower of London, you’ll find Tower Bridge. Though it looks old, it’s a mere baby in comparison to the complex next to it; it only dates back to 1894.

London has 33 bridges, but this is the only one with bascules allowing the bridge to raise up to allow ships to pass through. Pretty terrifying for the driver of the Line 78 bus who, in 1952, found himself driving full throttle over the raising bridge . With no choice but to floor it, the bus jumped right over the gap and Albert Gunter got himself a day off work and £10 for his bravery.

Farther up where the river bends is Rotherhithe. In September 1620, 102 passengers set sail on a ship called the Mayflower from here—Puritans fleeing persecution for a chance at life in the New World.

3. Boat Ride down the Thames

At the front of the tower, you’ll find the pier for the Thames Clipper river bus . Grab yourself a one-way ticket (no more than £9) from the kiosk and jump on the next boat to Westminster. The boats generally come every 20–30 minutes.

While it may seem like an unexpected addition to a self-guided walking tour in London, this is a wonderful way to see all the sights along the river in a mere 20 minutes on your way to the City of Westminster.

En route, you’ll see our warship the HMS Belfast , the Monument to the Great Fire of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral and its splendid Baroque dome, the Tate Modern (free entry and full of spectacular works from surrealism to feminist art), Somerset House and the London Eye before hopping off at Westminster Pier.

4. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

Welcome to the absolute center of British democracy and government. The Palace of Westminster, better known nowadays at the Houses of Parliament, was originally a residence for kings. It’s split into two “houses” of Lords and Commons; the tower at the furthest end is the Victoria Tower, which houses parliamentary archives.

The tower closest to you is the one known globally as Big Ben, despite the tower itself never having been called that. Its real name is the Elizabeth Tower, and to clear up the confusion, Big Ben refers to the bell housed inside the tower, made by the same foundry as the Liberty Bell.

The area around this iconic London building is Parliament Square. The church on the far side of the square is one of the most important in Britain: Westminster Abbey. It was also built by Edward the Confessor after a pretty epic dream, and is the burial place of virtually every English royal up until the 1700s.

While it’s not free to enter, if you attend an Evensong service, you’ll get to see the interior without paying a penny!

5. Whitehall

Down this narrow street, you’ll find the road of our ministries: the Ministry of Health (the one that looks ironically like a packet of cigarettes), the Ministry of Defence, and for Harry Potter fans, even the location of the Ministry of Magic. Wizard!

On this walk you’ll also pass Churchill’s War Rooms, the Old War Office, the Banqueting House—where our former king, Charles I, lost his head years before the French started executing monarchs—and the Horse Guards Parade, where you’ll find our Mounted Cavalry guarding the official entrance to Buckingham Palace. Stop for a photo!

6. Trafalgar Square

You’ve arrived at the most iconic public space in London: Trafalgar Square, home to our biggest events, from New Year’s Eve celebrations to political rallies.

It was built to commemorate the victory of Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson at the battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars in 1805. This much-loved British hero never made it back from the battle, and his body arrived home preserved in a barrel of brandy. His statue stands here atop a column, looking south towards Portsmouth, where his flagship HMS Victory is still moored today.

At the back of the square you’ll find the National Gallery, totally free to enter and full of artistic classics, from the works of Rembrandt and Caravaggio to those of Monet and Rubens.

7. The Mall

This is the Queen’s personal driveway leading up to Buckingham Palace, flanked on either side by St. James’ Park (worth checking out for the pelicans) and Clarence House, the current residence of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

8. St. James’ Palace

This lesser-known sibling of Buckingham Palace is tucked just around the corner but is no less important! It was the site of a leper hospital until the reign of Henry VIII. If you want to write a letter to the Queen to complain about the weather or traffic, then you’d best send it here, as St. James’ Palace is the official seat of the royal court in Great Britain.

Bizarrely, this is the best place to watch the Changing of the Guard, the most pompous shift change in the world. After these soldiers have guarded the palace for 24 to 48 hours, they’ll march along to Buckingham Palace to change over to the New Guard. You’ll have a far better view of the event from here, and even get to enjoy the music before accompanying them to the Queen’s house.

The Changing of the Guard only occurs on certain days, which change throughout the year (check online ). The guards leave from St. James’ Palace around 10:45 a.m. Get there a little early to enjoy the full spectacle!

9. Buckingham Palace

No self-guided walking tour in London would be complete without this iconic attraction. Known as Buckingham House until Queen Victoria moved here in 1837 to escape her controlling mother in Kensington, this palace has been the “official” London residence of the UK royals ever since.

With 775 rooms, 240 bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, a cinema, a swimming pool, an operating room, a post office and tennis courts, Queen Lizzie’s house is quite the crib—even if it is not her favorite palace .

Looking at the palace, you can always tell if the Queen is home by the flag on the top. When the Union Jack flies, she’s away; when the Royal Standard flutters, she’s most definitely there.

You must be hungry after all that history!

We hope you enjoyed our whirlwind self-guided walking tour in London—but like any good Devourer, you’re probably about ready for a bite to eat now. Within walking distance from Buckingham Palace, here are a few of our biggest recommendations:

• Shepherd Market is a hidden gem right in the heart of prestigious Mayfair, packed to the brim with little eateries. If you fancy an absolute blow-out of a lunch, try Kitty Fisher’s . This small establishment is an absolute must for British produce done right.
• For a more budget-friendly-yet-still-totally-London experience, head to Soho’s Chinatown. We suggest the big, steamy bowls of king prawn noodles at Hung’s , or Jinli Chinese for spicier Sichuan cuisine—their hot pots are out of this world.

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Walking Tours of London

Four London Neighborhood Walks

Quite often the best way to really see a city is by walking. You absorb so much more detail and flavour of an area than you would passing through it on a bus. Walking lets you see all the nooks and crannies and you are free to stop and explore and take pictures anywhere along the way.

For that reason we have put together four recommended neighborhood walking tours of London for you. Each tour is fully described on it's own page which can be accessed by clicking on the corresponding links below.

Westminster and Whitehall Walking Tour - 5.9 kms

Chelsea Walking Tour - 4.9 kms

Mayfair Walking Tour - 1.4 kms

Hampstead Walking Tour - 3.4 km

Some of the above photos are made available under a Creative Commons license. Photo Credits can be viewed on the detail page for each attraction.

Fully Guided Walking and Biking Tours

In addition to the self-guided walking tours above you may want to consider one or more of the following fully guided walking tours. The prices of some are quite reasonable and they can be a memorable addition to you vacation.

• See the complete line of London Experiences on Viator

• Attractions

The walks on this site are self-guided and free. You simply select the walk you are interested in doing, print them out and follow them. Each walk includes directions. The walks are also available to buy as a set with maps, or as individual booklets.

Things are always changing in London. Although many of the landmarks mentioned are hopefully going to be there for years to come, others may not. Prices quoted are for guidance.

If you find a detail or price that has changed, please let us know .

The walks are not overly detailed. After all, you are probably on holiday! They simply guide you through an area of London, highlighting key points of interest and landmarks, and including some trivia you might not know – hopefully, just enough detail to make the walks interesting.

Like any big city, London has its share of urban problems such as street crime and muggings. Although all walks take you through areas of London that are usually safe and generally busy with people, please do them in daylight hours. Besides, you get to see more that way!

Buy all our walks and the self guided bus tour in a handy booklet

However, for just  £3.50 you can buy all walks in a single pdf booklet. The booklet includes directions, maps and more.

Bridges Walk

Ripper Walk

Cultural Walk

Riverside Pubs Walk

Nautical Walk

Writers Walk

Theatres Walk

Shopping Walk

Privacy overview.

The Best London Walking Tours, 10 Incredible Routes

Interactive walking tours of london, bring the city to life..

• CityDays brings an immersive new way to have a walking tour in London
• Discover London's historic landmarks, secret sights & hidden gems
• Solve fun challenges & puzzling clues to unlock your way
• Optional breaks at top-rated pubs, bars and cafes
• Interactive private tour, you and your team, at your own pace
• Full money back guarantee. We know you'll love it

What to expect on a CityDays Walking Tour

Don't have a great time? Simply let us know why and we'll refund you in full.

Find Your Perfect Walking Tour

Each walking tour explores a different area of London, find the route that suits you best or work your way through! All bookings are fully flexible, alter your booking freely.

Mysterious Mews

Twist through Kensington's hidden gardens and cobbled backstreets… more

All Gone South

The underbelly of medieval London… more

Secrets of the Squares

Drink with Dickens then journey to the heart of Soho… more

From London to Londinium, back to where it all began… more

Humanity's Last

How far are you willing to go to survive… more

A Rift In Time

A ghost of Victorian London, will they be saved or scorned, you decide!… more

Return of Jack the Ripper

A body has been found in Whitechapel. Has he returned… more

Search For Shoreditch

Puzzling towards painted streets… more

A Forbidden Fayre

Mayfair, more than a Monopoly square… more

Greenwich Guile

Glorious gardens, fantastic cityscapes and the origins of time itself… more

Clues don't require any prior knowledge and are made up of two parts:

1) Obscured directions that make reference to the city around you. Unravel their meaning and be guided by your surroundings.

2) A puzzle to be solved once you've followed the directions, search nearby to find your answers.

CityDays aim for an enjoyable, just-the-right-amount, level of difficulty that is inclusive for all! Help messages are available should you need a bit of support.

Guided by clues sent to your phone

• Receive snippets of history, quirky facts and intriguing stories about the areas you visit.
• Pub/cafe breaks along your hunt, all totally optional and some with discounts on food & drinks.
• Make memories at locations along the way, get inspiration from previous teams and share a clever snap!
• Go at your own speed, or go for top spot on the game leaderboard.

London Walking Tour Reviews

The great things our customers have to say about CityDays Walking Tours

Charli and Dharini

Had a really fun time doing the London trail, looking forward to doing it again :)

Very fun way to explore the city

Irina & Louis

We absolutely loved the experience! After 18 years living in London, I thought we can’t be surprised but it is not the …

Amazing day out! This was my teams 3rd adventure in London and it was are favourite so far. The scenery was amazing. We…

Cambridge newbies

We absolutely loved the tour! We’re new to Cambridge and loved exploring the city and finding new things! We’d love to …

Potten End Old Boys

Excellent way to spend a couple of hours in the City. I used to work there and saw things I never knew were there. Well…

Really enjoyable experience. We learnt new things about the city of Brum.There is scaffolding outside the hotel opposit…

Our second City Days treasure hunt and another fabulous day! My husband was born and bred in central London and once ag…

Windsor oldies

Great day out exploring parts of London you would never normally do

Seekers of Aravos

I was in a team with my partner and our 9 year son. We had a blast. There was something for us all!

Are you okay?

We really enjoyed the scavenger hunt! It was a great way to get outside and enjoy the city in a different way. We both …

Three Women and No Baby

Second one I have done. Such a brilliant format. The clues are well written and make you really look at what’s around y…

Great way to entertain teenagers, they loved it.

A great way to learn about a city and have fun doing it. The clues were good and the walk was about right

Team Hammond

My wife and I had a fantastic day of exploring and refreshments. We will definitely be back!

Daryls birthday

Really fun morning. Would definitely recommend

Bickle's Bongles

The clues were excellent - easy to follow without being too easy to solve! Took us on a very pleasant journey around Lo…

Donkeys@2pm

It was excellent. Only error we made was at the Plague for the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. This was because the bronz…

Jannie's jaunts

Great fun and a fabulous way to look around a city, our first time, but not the last

Ready to see lots of smiling faces? Read all our customer reviews →

Ready? Book your Walking Tour today

The best self-guided walking tours in london.

As all explorers know, the best self-guided walking tours in London (or anywhere else in the world!) show you all the famous sites as well as some of the lesser-known landmarks that often go unnoticed, otherwise known as hidden gems . 

The good news is that London is absolutely full of them. They could be historical pubs, building quirks, lampposts, statues or even anomalies in the pavement. We’re not picky about the form our secrets come in: but we are very fussy about choosing the best hidden gems in London to show you. 

Our self-guided London walking tours deliver these fascinating secrets as well as leading you around London’s most famous boroughs. The only way to uncover them is by solving our puzzles and experiencing a trail for yourselves. Here’s more info about which trail might suit you best…

10 Top London Walking Tours

1. Central London Walking Tour - Secrets of the Squares

A blend of iconic landmarks and tucked away treasures, Secrets of the Squares is one of our most sought-after London walking tours. Navigate Central London’s most well-trodden streets while discovering its best-kept secrets. 

Even if you think you’ve seen Piccadilly Circus, The Mall, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Soho and Chinatown before – prepare to be amazed at the many curiosities concealed within Central London.

Perfect for:

• First-time tourists in London
• Returning tourists who missed key sights
• Newly-arrived residents in Central London
• People looking for unique things to do in Central London

2. Mayfair Walking Tour - A Forbidden Fayre

Put your posh pants on and explore one of the world’s most expensive districts, Mayfair. A Forbidden Fayre is a London walking tour that takes you through the high-class haunts of Mayfair, packed with puzzles and tantalising tales about some of the district's biggest characters. 

Add your footprints to the plush pavements that have graced no less than Hendrix and Handel, an American president and even a Victorian dandy who used to wash his boots with champagne. Mayfair - more than just a Monopoly square!

• First-time and returning tourists to London
• Trivia fanatics
• Exploring secret places in London
• Venturing through London’s ritziest neighbourhoods

3. Dickens Themed Walking Tour - A Rift in Time

One of the best secret London walks for armchair detectives and Victorian history enthusiasts, A Rift in Time is a London walking tour that allows you to experience time travel as well as a Dickensian adventure of your very own through Covent Garden . 

Tiptoe through a narrative walking tour packed with puzzles and clues, all the while pursuing a mysterious stranger. Who is he – a victim or a villain? You decide, all the while soaking up enigmatic passages, historic arcades and, of course, plenty of charming pubs along the way.

• Fans of Dickens and Victorian London
• Team-building activities
• Amateur sleuths who love a gripping storyline
• Families and friends looking for unique things to do in London

4. City of London Walking Tour - The City

Ah, Londinium! This City of London Walking Tour absorbs 2000 years’ worth of London history into just a few hours (2.5 - 3.5 hrs). The City of London is the original core of the UK’s capital and received its nickname, The Square Mile, from the Romans. 

Fun fact : The Roman word for “mile” derives from “ mille passus ” or “one thousand paces”. 

One of the best outdoor activities in London, this interactive walking tour takes you on a puzzle-filled adventure from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Tower of London, past historic inns and even includes an Ancient Roman amphitheatre.

• First-time and returning tourists
• Family and friend group activities in London
• Exploring historic sites in a novel way
• Seeing Central London’s major and hidden sites

5. Southwark Walking Tour - All Gone South

For those looking to uncover London’s secrets south of the Thames, All Gone South is a walking tour that takes you through London’s Most Historic Borough (it was founded in 880 by the Anglo-Saxon King Alfred). Discover South London hidden gems tucked beside iconic landmarks such as the Tate Modern art gallery as you decipher clues to take you around Medieval London’s hedonist haven. 

All Gone South is a great way to experience alternative London attractions, taking in historical and arty points of interest. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, especially foodies who will appreciate the many eateries, food vendors and pubs dotted along the way.

• Getting to know South London’s hidden gems
• People interested in Medieval history
• Modern Art enthusiasts
• Culinary connoisseurs

6. Greenwich Walking Tour - Greenwich Guile

Although it’s tucked away in south-east London, Greenwich should be at the top of your London walking tours list. Not only does it have Royal connections (both Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I were born at Greenwich Palace, now the Old Royal Naval College), but it’s also home to time itself! 

Greenwich Guile is one of the best secret London walks for exploring an alternative area of London. It allows you to take a wander through London’s lesser-known attractions, picking up tidbits of maritime, Victorian and local history as you decipher cryptic clues in one of the capital’s greenest areas. There’s art, architecture and, of course, a visit to an excellent Victorian pub along the way.

• Tourists who want to expand their knowledge of London
• Family and friend groups who love the outdoors
• People who thrive in green spaces
• Maritime history lovers
• Getting acquainted with royal history

7. Kensington Walking Tour - Mysterious Mews

Popular with the rich and famous, Kensington is a ritzy suburb full of quirks and curios. Despite its fame for being home to some of London’s most iconic museums including the V&A, Sambourne House and the Natural History Museum, Kensington is crammed with hidden gardens, remarkable oddities like headless lampposts and stories of Cold War espionage.

Mysterious Mews is a must for anyone who enjoys going beyond the obvious and delving deeper into local intrigues while never being too far from London’s notorious hotspots. Ideal for small or large groups, this London walking tour will test your ability to crack puzzles and pay attention to the finer details of Kensington.

• Small or large groups
• Tourists looking to expand their knowledge of London
• Families (there are lots of great museums and child-friendly eateries along the trail)
• Pub-lovers 
• Residents of London
• Celebrity spotters (Who knows who you’ll spot along the way!)

8. Shoreditch Walking Tour - Shoreditch Shuffle

If your heart beats for art, there’s no better London walking tour than the Shoreditch Shuffle . 

Formerly known as one of London’s most debauched neighbourhoods, Shoreditch has undergone an incredible transformation. It’s hard to believe that just a hundred years ago, Shoreditch was one of the poorest neighbourhoods in London where many were living without basic amenities. 

This trail is an excellent balance of high and low brow: you’ll see incredible pieces of modern art, colourful murals and walk through the burial grounds of resting literary giants, as well as the chance to dip your toes into Shoreditch’s wartime secrets and experience some of the best eateries in London’s East end.

• Art lovers 
• Fans of modern history
• Sampling independently run pubs, cafés and street food

9. Jack The Ripper London Walking Tour: Return of The Ripper

Good enough to make it onto our list of top Murder Mystery London Experiences , Return Of The Ripper is a London walking tour for crime fans and amateur sleuths alike.

This self-guided Jack The Ripper Tour takes you around the Ripper’s former haunts in Whitechapel, but unlike other similar tours - you play detective at the same time!

Faced with a series of bizarre clues, a (real!) historical murder and plenty of puzzling facts, it’s your job to work out whether this ‘new’ body is the work of the Ripper or another perpetrator. 

• Amateur detectives and history fanatics
• True crime podcast lovers
• Residents and tourists interested in Jack The Ripper
• Exploring Whitechapel’s murky history

10. Westminster to Waterloo London Walking Tour: Humanity’s Last

Ever wondered how you’d react at the news of a zombie apocalypse? This is your chance to find out! 

One of the best London walking tours for getting your mind and heart racing, Humanity’s Last takes you on a whirlwind journey through West and Central London while “avoiding the spread” of a mysterious illness.

On this self-guided London walking tour, you and your teammates become the main characters in an interactive city game. Battle your way from Westminster to Waterloo where you can solve riddles, discern clues and make impactful decisions…

• London residents looking to explore the city through a fun game
• Tourists who have already seen London’s major landmarks
• Video game lovers
• Big and small groups looking for an activity

Find Hidden Gems in London

If you’re on the hunt for the best hidden gems in London, you’ve come to the right place. Our walking tours of London divulge some of the best-kept secrets and hidden nooks in the city - even ones that are hiding in plain sight. 

Don’t believe us? Here are just three hidden gems in London that we’re willing to share…

Paternoster Square

“That’s not a secret, I walk past it every single day!” we hear you say. 

Hold your horses - you might have seen this particular London hidden gem many a time but did you know, for instance, that the first English novel (Robinson Crusoe) was published right here in Paternoster Square? It was first published in April 1719 by The Ship and Black Swan, one of the most famous publishing houses of the 18th century.

Pelican Stairs

If you haven’t heard of this place before, it’s probably because you’re not a true crime fan. But here’s why it should be on your radar. Pelican Stairs is a hidden alleyway in East London that extends to an obscured London “beach” with a gruesome history - making this trip one of the spookiest London walks you can do in the city.

And not just any “beach” either. Once upon a time, over a hundred corpses washed up on the Thames shoreline right here - their identities and cause of deaths mostly unknown…

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is as almost as old as London itself - established in the 14th century, people have been buying wares on this very spot the same length of time as the Tower of London has dominated the capital’s skyline. 

Obviously, it’s been revamped a fair few times since its inception but over its long life, Leadenhall Market has collected quite a few historic London moments: to name a few, it was once home to a drunken goose called Tom, the first Harry Potter film was shot there and, last but not least, the historic market even featured as a circuit in Mario Kart 8. 

The Best Historical London Walks

Exploring London history is a bit like trying to eat a buffet all on your own: there’s no way you’ll make it around the whole table without feeling defeated. 

That’s why we break down our trails into suburbs and attach themes to some of our routes. We find it’s the best way to curate historical London walks that teach you snippets of history - spanning from the Roman era to yesterday. 

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Here are some of our weirdest facts about London to give you a taste of the sort of thing to expect from us!

Historical Facts About London: (1) A Situation in The Streets

In 1908, there were 24, 906 cars and 9, 782 motorcycles registered in London. Transport for London (TfL) estimates there are 2.8 million cars registered in London today, and 54% of households in the capital have at least one car.

Historical Facts About London: (2) Who’s Counting?

According to one newspaper published in 1885, London in 1884 had 101 hospitals and 407 newspapers. 

It seems the newly-formed Metropolitan Police had a job on their hands keeping the population’s blood alcohol content under control, too: that same year, 1884, 15,519 men and 9,618 women were arrested for drunkenness. 

Historical Facts About London: (3) Trams, Trains and Repair Costs

Although there’s barely a trace left of them today, Londoners were once great tram users. 

In 1907, London had 2, 151 miles of laid out streets to explore. Around 127 miles of them were covered by tramways, and an estimated 372,515, 754 users.

Summary: The Best Way to Join the Top Secret London walks

There you have it - 8 Top London walking tours to suit everyone. Whichever route you end up taking, you can be sure that you’ll be experiencing some of the best outdoor activities in London. Whether it’s a London history tour you’re after or you’re on a mission to discover secret places in London, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

It takes less than two minutes to book your walking tour with us. Simply click the book tickets button at the top of our page, or any of the links in the article above. And don’t forget, you’re in charge! You pick the day, time, who you play with and how you receive your messages. If you get stuck, you can always ask for a handy hint.

Answers to any questions you have can be found on our FAQ page or contact us to talk about a walking tour for corporate team building in London.

Finally, don’t forget you’ll find us in cities all over the world . Wherever you are, we’ve got places to take you.

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London: Sherlock Holmes Self-Guided Walking Tour

Enjoy the footsteps of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes with the ‘London: Sherlock Holmes Self-Guided Walking Tour.’

As participants meander through the quaint streets of Mayfair and Marylebone, they will uncover clues and solve mysteries in a captivating blend of fiction and reality.

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this tour offers a unique perspective on London’s rich history intertwined with the charm of the fictional world of Sherlock Holmes.

Get ready to unravel secrets and experience London in a whole new light with this engaging and interactive adventure.

• Engage in detective challenges and solve puzzles with Dr. Watson in iconic London locations.
• Enjoy a guided journey from Hyde Park to Baker Street, immersing in interactive exploration.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation, gift options , and payment flexibility for mystery enthusiasts.
• Participants meet near Brook Gate for an immersive Sherlock Holmes experience, starting in Hyde Park.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Ranthambore National Park Safari Booking
• The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea
• The Ultimate Jack the Ripper
• The Cloak and Dagger Tour in London

Tour Details

Set out on an intriguing Sherlock Holmes self-guided walking tour in London that promises 1.5 hours of puzzle-solving detective work through the captivating streets of Mayfair and Marylebone.

This adventure offers guided assistance through interactive challenges inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story. Participants will need a smartphone with headphones to navigate the tour, which is wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly.

The tour starts near Brook Gate and Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park, where a round building with covered benches and a green roof serves as the meeting point. From there, explore the world of Sherlock Holmes as you search for clues, solve puzzles , and uncover the mystery with the help of Dr. Watson.

Experience Highlights

Explore the captivating streets of Mayfair and Marylebone on a self-guided Sherlock Holmes walking tour, enjoying an interactive mystery-solving adventure inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story. As you traverse through these historic neighborhoods, get ready to tackle detective challenges and engage in interactive exploration. Uncover clues, solve puzzles, and assist Dr. Watson in cracking the case while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of London. Some of the experience highlights include visiting famous landmarks like Hyde Park, the Sherlock Holmes statue, and Baker Street . The guided tour will take you from Brook Gate to Baker Street, offering a unique blend of sightseeing and puzzle-solving excitement.

Booking Information

For booking this self-guided Sherlock Holmes walking tour in London, travelers can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserving now and paying later.

This tour offers a gift option , making it an ideal present for mystery enthusiasts or fans of the famous detective. Keeping travel plans flexible is easy with this tour, allowing visitors to secure their spot without immediate payment.

Checking availability for various starting times is recommended to plan the tour according to personal schedules. By reserving now and paying later, participants can ensure their spots on this exciting Sherlock Holmes adventure while having the freedom to adjust plans if needed.

Meeting Point & Instructions

The meeting point for the Sherlock Holmes self-guided walking tour in London is located near Brook Gate and Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, where participants can spot a distinctive round building with covered benches and a green roof. This starting location sets the stage for an immersive experience delving into Sherlock’s legacy.

Tour logistics are straightforward, with the tour beginning in Hyde Park and concluding on Baker Street. Participants will receive clear instructions for app download and tour validation to ensure a smooth start.

As visitors embark on this adventure inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story, they’ll engage in puzzle-solving detective work while exploring iconic London locations like Hyde Park, the Sherlock Holmes statue, and Baker Street.

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews reveal the engaging and fun Sherlock Holmes adventure awaiting participants on the self-guided walking tour in London, with an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 65 reviews. Visitors praise the tour for its fun challenges and high entertainment value . The riddles provided are described as engaging yet not overly difficult, allowing all participants to enjoy the experience.

Many reviewers highlight the thrill of stepping into a Sherlock Holmes mystery and assisting Dr. Watson in solving the case. While transportation and value for money received high ratings, the tour’s primary appeal lies in the interactive and immersive nature of the detective work.

It’s recommended to embark on this adventure during daylight hours for the best experience.

Activity Duration

With a duration of 1.5 hours, participants can enjoy the Sherlock Holmes Self-Guided Walking Tour in London, solving puzzles and exploring iconic locations at their own pace. This timeframe allows for efficient time management, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the interactive storytelling experience without feeling rushed.

As they navigate through Mayfair and Marylebone, adventurers will engage in puzzle-solving detective work inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story. The tour’s interactive elements keep guests engaged and entertained throughout the journey, making it a fun and educational experience.

Tour Accessibility

For visitors planning to embark on the Sherlock Holmes Self-Guided Walking Tour in London, the tour’s accessibility ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Wheelchair Accessibility : The tour is designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.

Dog-Friendly Option: Participants can bring their furry companions along for the adventure.

Clear Pathways: The walking route is well-marked and easy to navigate.

Accessible Restrooms: Convenient restroom facilities are available along the tour route.

Assistance Available: Staff are ready to provide any necessary assistance or information throughout the tour.

Puzzle-Solving Adventure

Set out on an immersive puzzle-solving adventure as you step into the world of Sherlock Holmes on the self-guided walking tour in London. Dive into the intricate mysteries alongside Dr. Watson as you decipher clues scattered throughout Mayfair and Marylebone.

Engage in Sherlock Holmes-inspired detective work, solving riddles and piecing together the puzzle to unveil the culprit. Explore iconic London landmarks like Hyde Park, the Sherlock Holmes statue, and Baker Street, all while unraveling the mystery.

This London adventure promises an interactive experience filled with excitement and intrigue. Challenge your problem-solving skills as you follow in the footsteps of the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes, on this captivating puzzle-solving journey through the heart of London.

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• Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour in London
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Common questions

Are there any age restrictions for participating in the sherlock holmes self-guided walking tour.

Age restrictions do not apply for the Sherlock Holmes self-guided walking tour. There is no costume policy mentioned. Participants of all ages can enjoy solving mysteries alongside Dr. Watson, exploring London’s iconic locations.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Sherlock Holmes-Themed Props or Costumes for the Tour?

Participants can bring their own Sherlock Holmes-themed props or costumes for a fun, immersive experience on the self-guided walking tour. Adding personal touches enhances the adventure, making it even more enjoyable and interactive for all.

Is There a Recommended Dress Code or Footwear for Walking Around London During the Tour?

For walking around London, comfortable shoes are recommended attire . Being on foot for the tour, participants should prioritize footwear that supports long walks. Dressing in layers for the weather is advisable to enjoy the experience fully.

Are There Any Recommended Nearby Restaurants or Cafes for a Meal or Snack During the Tour?

For those hungry during the tour, recommended eateries and nearby cafes offer various meal options and snack spots . Visitors can refuel at charming cafes or enjoy a meal at nearby restaurants while exploring London.

Is There a Recommended Time of Day to Start the Sherlock Holmes Self-Guided Walking Tour for the Best Experience?

The best time to start the Sherlock Holmes self-guided walking tour for the best experience is during daylight hours. This ensures optimal visibility for exploring London’s Mayfair and Marylebone areas, solving puzzles , and enjoying the outdoor sights.

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Unleash your inner detective on the ‘London: Sherlock Holmes Self-Guided Walking Tour’ and learn about a thrilling puzzle-solving adventure through the streets of Mayfair and Marylebone.

With the flexibility to explore at your own pace and unravel mysteries as you go, this interactive experience promises an unforgettable journey into the world of Sherlock Holmes.

Book your tour today and step into the shoes of the legendary detective himself!

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A Walk Around London’s West End & Covent Garden

“We both went up to London this afternoon; Leonard to the library, and I to ramble about the West End. Then I had tea, and rambled down to Charing Cross in the dark, making up phrases and incidents to write about which is, I expect, the way one gets killed.” Virginia Woolf, novelist (1915)

Craig ’s review… I’m getting too old for all of this walking. I’m not a twenty-year-old kid anymore, you know. I’m not even thirty. How old do you think I am? I will give you a clue: I still have all my own teeth (plus another set that I keep in a jar at home). And we’re supposed to be walking around the West End today as well, so you’ll have to forgive me if we have to stop about ten thousand times along the way.

I am sitting in the coffee shop on the corner of Trafalgar Square (by Cockspur Street). This is one of my favourite seats in London – right by the window looking at the fountains and the National Gallery [see 1 on the map]. Technically this is not quite in the West End (this is Westminster), but you should always start a walk with a sit down.

The ‘West End’ is what we call the theatre district – where you’ll find all the nightlife and the neon lights, and 24-hour pubs and bars and cinemas. It runs roughly from here up to Piccadilly Circus , and then along Shaftesbury Avenue and Drury Lane to the Strand, and encompasses an area including Covent Garden , Leicester Square and Chinatown . So we’re going to see some good stuff today.

When you’re ready head up Cockspur Street and turn right into Haymarket. Keep an eye out for one of my favourite blue plaques on the wall of New Zealand House – have a guess who used to work in there. (You will never guess in a million years.) That is where Ho Chi Minh used to work as a pastry chef – the same guy who defeated America in the Viet Nam War. Obviously it wasn’t New Zealand House back then though – it was a big posh place called the Carlton Hotel. So that just goes to show you what is possible in life: one minute you can be rolling dough in the West End , and the next minute you can be planning surprise attacks in the Tet Offensive.

Next door to New Zealand House is our first famous theatre: Her Majesty’s. This is where Phantom of the Opera has been running for the last forty-thousand years. It’s not quite the longest running show in London – we will see that later. There’s another famous theatre over the road: the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Continue up Haymarket towards the Trocadero, until you find a horse fountain on the corner [see 2 on the map]. If you want to try and learn your London geography then memorise this spot. To the right is Leicester Square and Covent Garden , and to the left is where we’re going next – Piccadilly Circus . This is definitely the best way to enter the Circus – you get a great view of the fountain from here with Regent Street curving off behind. We need to turn right before the neon lights, down Shaftesbury Avenue.

You need to see this street at nighttime to get the best of it, but it’s still a busy spectacle during the day. Shaftesbury Avenue is where you’ll find another load of theatres. The most famous one is probably the Sondheim where they’ve been showing Les Miserables for thirty-thousand years.

We will see the top end of the street later, but for now we are going to take a right turn into Chinatown . See if you can guess which turning is the gateway to the Orient without looking at the street names – it’s not very difficult because it has a huge red pagoda guarding it. All of the shop signs have proper Chinese writing so you haven’t got a clue what they’re selling inside [see 3 on the map].

Turn left underneath the pagoda and you will find yourself in Gerrard Street. I really love the smell of this place – it even smells like China (not that I’ve ever been to China). Or maybe it’s just the dustbin bags full of sweet and sour sauce. It’s hard to tell whether the shops are genuinely Chinese or just touristy Chinese – maybe they just stick a load of stone dragons out the front because that’s what the tourists like to see.

You’ll find another little pagoda when you get to the end. Turn right there and then another quick right into Lisle Street. Then take the next left towards Leicester Square [see 4 on the map]. That’s the end of the Chinese empire in London. For all their military might they’ve only managed to occupy two little side streets in the capital.

Leicester Square is another place that you really need to see at nighttime, because this is where you’ll find all of the big clubs and cinemas. It’s also where they hold all of the big movie premieres with snapping paparazzi and a carpet full of film stars. There’s none of that today though – no red carpet for me – obviously they weren’t aware that I was coming.

Have a little stroll around and a sit down in the centre, before heading for Irving Street in the far corner. Bear right at the end of Irving Street and then cross over the road, turning left into St. Martin’s Lane (if you turn right by mistake then you’ll find yourself back in Trafalgar Square ). The London Coliseum is down here, where they hold all the big ballets and The Nutcracker at Christmas.

Keep an eye out for Cecil Court on the left – a pretty little lane with wooden shop fronts and Victorian-looking lampposts [see 5 on the map].

Turn right after that and head up Charing Cross Road. Have a quick peer down Litchfield Street as you pass by, and you’ll spot Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at the very end. Now this really is the longest running play in London – and has been going for fifty-thousand years at least. If there is anyone left in the world who still doesn’t know who committed the crime then they must be living in a cave. (I won’t tell you who did it, just in case you do live in a cave.) The only people who haven’t worked it out are the policemen in the play.

Keep going until you find our old friend Shaftesbury Avenue again, and then follow it up until you see Monmouth Street [see 6 on the map]. It always seems to be raining when I come down this bit of Shaftesbury Avenue, and with all the overhanging trees and leaves and headlights snaking their way up the street it feels like permanent autumn.

Monmouth Street is a very acute right turn and it’s quite difficult to spot, and it’s even harder to spot the entrance to Neal’s Yard on the left (it’s ten-seconds down Monmouth Street). Have a walk down there and you will find yourself in a world of tangerine and lemon and lime green paint.

Continue on through the next arcade (Thomas Neal’s over the road) and turn left at the end. Neal Street should be the next right. When you get to the end of that one hopefully you’ll have Covent Garden tube station staring at you straight ahead. If you’ve managed to make it this far without getting lost then very well done, because I am now totally lost myself. I was hoping that you might know where we are so we don’t go round in circles.

Go down James Street (the road where Covent Garden tube station is) and you’ll end up at the Covent Garden piazza . I’m going to give you a bit of free time now because you’re definitely going to need a cup of tea. Have a walk around the piazza and find one of the nice pavement cafes, or just head straight for that big ‘Covent Garden Market’ arch and enter the little alleyway to the righthand side. They’ve got some cafes downstairs where you might get lucky and find some classical buskers playing Vivaldi and Mozart. When you’re finished let’s meet up again on the corner of Russell Street (on the lefthand side of the piazza) [see 7 on the map].

Are you knackered yet? I’m starting to wilt so do me a favour and walk a bit slower – I can’t keep up with your long legs. You can see one of London’s most historic theatres at the end of this street: the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. This place has burnt down to the ground three times in its 350-year history, so don’t worry if it’s on fire – that’s normal.

We’re going to take a quick left up Bow Street before we get there, so we can have a look at the Royal Opera House. That’s where people sing songs in high voices before dropping dead at the end.

Turn right into the pretty little Broad Court, and then right at the end of that into Drury Lane [see 8 on the map]. I only brought you down here because everyone associates Drury Lane with the theatres (a bit like how they associate Fleet Street with the newspapers) but it’s rubbish isn’t it? I don’t know what all the fuss is about, because there’s nothing here anymore. So run down here as quickly as possible until you end up at Aldwych. A right turn along there will take you past another couple of theatres and the Waldorf Hotel .

Aldwych is another road where it always seems to rain. I like the warm yellows and golden lightbulbs on the Waldorf. You don’t need any carpet down here when you’ve got all of those shady trees dropping their leaves on the concrete. When it starts raining they lie there wet and soggy and make the place like an ice rink. Come down here at nighttime and you’ll have all of the red and orange car lights streaming down the road as well – it can very pretty down here in the wet and the rain.

Turn right at the end of Aldwych and you’ll enter the Strand… we’re nearly there! [see 9 on the map] You can even see the finishing line from here if you’ve got good eyes – the top of Nelson’s Column . Can you see him poking above the buildings at the end of the street? There are another three theatres down here but I bet you fifty quid you can only find two.

Your comments and questions

Paul Sinclair I'm reading your walks and comments and I really appreciate the information. I'm so looking forward to trying them out in hopefully glorious May weather.

Craig Hi Paul, thanks for that. It’s good to know that someone’s giving them a go.

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