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The 15 best walking tours in London

Those boots were made for walking, so use them to explore London’s best sights

Courtesy: Get Your Guide

London’s one of the most walkable capital cities in the world. Indeed, in many ways, London is the anti-L.A.: here people think you’re mad if you do drive a car around town. Besides, nothing quite lets you get to know a city like a good walk around – after all, London existed long before there were any forms of public or private transport more sophisticated than a horse. Plus, after trekking across half the city, you have the perfect excuse to sit down with a pint (or two). 

Sure, bus and boat tours are good, but there’s nothing quite like a London walking tour. From basic sightseeing treks to specialised theme tours, whether you’ve got a day, an afternoon or just an hour, there’s some sort of tour out there for you. Buckle up, folks: here’s our pick of the best walking tours in London.

Need more sightseeing inspiration? 💂‍♂️Check out our list of 101 things to do in London 🛏Or stay in one of these trendy London Airbnbs 🍽Have you heard about these 50 best restaurants in London yet ? 

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best London walking tours

1.  food walking tour: west to east.

If you’ve got half a day to space and a burning curiosity to find out what exactly constitutes British cuisine (and then to eat it) this epic trek should be firmly up your street. Tuck into a six-hour walking tour that will take you from Buckingham Palace (where you'll witness the Changing of the Guard) past the Houses of Parliament and onto the Tower of London, where you'll surely be ready for the delicious British delights that await. Try fish and chips, scotch eggs, pie and mash and a so-called famous doughnut (not sure about that last one tbh), before venturing over the bridge to peruse the sights and smells of delicious Borough Market.

Best for:  laid-back tours with a tonne of detail

2.  Kensington Palace Gardens tour with Royal High Tea

If you're after an excuse to wear something other than wellies, visit the gorgeous Kensington Gardens on a guided tour before sitting down and nibbling scones at Royal High Tea. The two-hour tour is soaked in royal history and all the best bits of being British (tea and cake, mostly). Although entry to the buildings isn't included, you'll be walked and talked through the gardens, marvelling at the water features and Sunken Garden, with a visit to Princess Diana's statue and ending with an indulgent high tea in the surroundings of the Kensington Palace Pavilion. How marvy!

Best for  pretty backdrops and scones 

3.  Three-hour secret British food tour

Three hours of food and snacks? Yes, please! This three-hour guided tour includes eight delicious stops in the London Bridge area, giving you an insight into the history of British food culture (which is very cultured, might we add). Starting in the historic Borough Market, you'll eat your way through classics and end the tour with quintessentially British desserts and tea. Plus, on your travels, your tour guide will enlighten you on the history of each area and there'll be a secret surprise dish, too. Our tip: wear stretchy bottoms.

Best for:  Grub, detail and umptuous views of Tower bridge and the river. 

Time Out tip: A word of warning, this tour is a little boozy...

4.  Harry Potter walking tour

Anyone who’s seen or read the adventures of The Boy Who Lived (and if you haven’t, have you been living under a rock?) will know that London is a recurring character in both the films and books. Follow in Harry’s footsteps with this 150-minute jaunt, which goes from the ‘real’ Diagon Alley through to The Leaky Cauldron, Platform 9¾ and other fantastical locales. Being Muggles, there’s obviously a bit of a limit to what we can actually see – but that won’t stop you from soaking up the magical atmosphere.

Best for: muggles, whiches, wizards big and small 

Time Out tip: If you're trying to strike that balance between a family-friendly and budget-friendly trip to the capital, you'll be pleased to know that children under four currently go free. 

5.  Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms

Few Brits have a bigger reputation than wartime PM and noted cigar smoker Sir Winston. So what better way to get a feel for the capital than via Churchill’s London? In two hours your Blue Badge guide will take you to see an array of major Westminster landmarks associated with the man, such as Big Ben and Downing Street, alongside the poignant Cenotaph war memorial. Walkers will then be led to Churchill's wartime bunker, where you can see several items that once belonged to big man, discover top-secret conversations that went on down there and soak up the drama of the room in which the fate of the world was shaped so long ago.

Best for: the history buffs 

Time Out tip:  Your meeting point is outside Westminster - the Victoria Embankment (exit 2). If in doubt look for the huge green flower stall. 

6.  Changing of the Guard guided walking tour

No experience is more quintessentially London than the Changing of the Guard: that is to say when one group of soldiers clock off and the next clocks on – with much ceremony – at Buckingham Palace. Your knowledgeable guide will also take you to see palaces, royal parks, royal residences and you'll even have an opportunity to march alongside the guards. The walk is aimed at all ages, with interesting insights for adults and plenty of fun for kids.

Best for: a taste of royal pageantry 

7.  Gangster walking tour of London’s East End led by actor Vas Blackwood

East London is definitely no longer the gangland of yore: if the Krays twins were around today they’d probably own some sort of ironic theme cafe. But there’s a rich and thrilling not-so-distant-past there, and this tour is particularly special Led by ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ actor Vas Blackwood (aka Rory Breaker), who'll share his wealth of knowledge about the villains – both fictional and real – of London’s murky underworld. During the two-hour tour, you'll hear tales of the notorious Kray twins around Whitechapel and see iconic ‘Lock, Stock…’ locations from the much-loved Brit gangster flick.

Best for:  a   gritty detour...

8.  Historic pub walking tour

You could probably spend years working through London’s endless array of pubs and not really scratch the surface. But this three-hour afternoon tour is a decent start. Discover storied alehouses and literary drinking dens on a journey that stretches from ancient Southwark to the shiny West End, on a walk guaranteed to visit at least four of the capital’s finest historic boozers. Hear the history of the buildings, learn the differences between Elizabethan coaching inns and Victorian gin palaces, and visit the watering holes frequented by Charles Dickens – and have yourself a pint, if that's how you’re inclined.

Best for: a historical taste of London, but with beer goggles

9.  Private Sherlock Holmes walking tour

Explore the world of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Great Detective – plus his beloved sidekick Dr Watson, of course – on this private three-hour walking tour of London. Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum (entry ticket not included), located at Holmes’ home of 221b Baker Street with your personal guide. Explore central London sites made famous in the filming of the Benedict Cumberbatch-starring adaptation ‘Sherlock’, such as Russell Square or New Scotland Yard. Along the way, lap up behind-the-scenes stories from the set.

Best for:  Sherlock fans and lovers of mystery and all things Victorian

10.  Blood and Tears walk

If you’re in the mood for something a little gristlier, then why not set a couple of hours aside one night to explore the capital's dark side? You’ll be taken on a journey through the darker bits of the city’s past that includes visiting execution sites, learning about grave robbers and meeting London's most notorious murderers as you wander from Barbican to Holborn. Unsurprisingly, a few details in this one are a little ghastly, so it's very much open to ages 12+ only (plus the 7 pm start is past the little ’uns bedtimes).

Best for: discovering London's gory underbelly

11.  Greenwich highlights half-day walking tour

Perhaps no London borough is quite so distinctive singular as maritime Greenwich, and this fun and educational half-day tour comes highly recommended. All the major venues are on the walk, including the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark, Old Royal Naval College, Queen’s House and Greenwich Market. Put on your comfiest boots and join your knowledgeable guide to experience the majesty of Britain’s naval zenith and meet the spot where Thor had a fight with Christopher Eccleston in ‘The Dark World’. This tour is led in small groups, so there’ll be no pushing or shoving.

Best for:  London's maritime history

12.  Jack the Ripper tour with fish and chips

No name gets shivers running down the spine quite like Jack the Ripper, the infamous, never-caught serial killer who terrorised the foggy streets of late Victorian London. See the sinister side of the city as you follow the blood-soaked footsteps of Jack and Sweeney Todd, wandering down gas-lit alleyways on a very spooky walking tour of London. Arriving at each scary spot by coach, your guide will dish out shocking true-life details about these infamous London murderers. Get goosebumps at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the most haunted theatre in the city, and hear stories of the Ripper’s East End. Then polish the night off in style with a fish supper at a traditional East End boozer.

Best for: suspensful storytelling

13.  Bowl of Chalk walking tours

The name? It's Cockney rhyming slang for 'walk'! So that’s 'Walk walking tours’, which admittedly doesn’t have quite the same ring. Maybe don’t quibble about that to Jonnie, the born-and-bred Londoner with a passion for taking people on walks around the city and sharing some of its secrets. His weekend tours are fun, laidback and – best of all for the budget conscious– delivered on a 'pay what you can' basis. Private weekday tours can be booked too: take a look on the website for further details.

Best for: First-timers

14.  Unseen Tours

These alternative, extremely worthwhile tours are run by The Sock Mob, a social enterprise that works with homeless, ex-homeless or vulnerably housed people. And the guides who lead the four different tours of four very different bits of London – that’s Covent Garden, London Bridge, Soho and Brick Lane – have all experienced homelessness at some time in their lives. This absolutely doesn’t mean the tours are gruelling misery porn that dwells on the hardship of the guides’ lives – far from it! Actually they're fun, laidback journeys through each area's local history, with a few important details about social injustice thrown in too.

Best for: London iconography with an authentic twist

15.  East End street art walking tour

If you’re a Londoner, there’s a decent chance that you’re not so bothered about the historical side of walking tours. After all, you’re up to speed. You know it all. So here’s the chance to get to know a very different side to the capital. This two-hour tour takes attendees through the street art of the East End, wandering through alleys and markets and telling the stories of artworks through the artists that made them. Learn whose tags are whose and discover the history and meaning behind the art adorning the walls of this historic district.

Best for:  a taste of London's artsy, urban scene

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15 Best Walking Tours in London

By Julia Buckley

London is full of history. Not that you’d necessarily know it; royal palaces and top-tier museums aside, it tends to be coy about its past. Between the shapely skyscrapers of the City of London—the business area—are churches that predate the Great Fire of London; the hipster East End was once home to immigrants that changed the country’s history.

But this isn’t a city stuck in aspic; it’s making history, too. A new breed of walking tours in London will show you a different side, whether the street artists who are making waves on the ground, or the people crafting the food and drinks of the future U.K. food scene.

There are common tours aplenty, too, but what London excels in is small-scale walking tours, done as a passion by the founders. From a lesson in black history to musicians, the emphasis on social history is strong. Lace up those sneakers—here are 15 of the best walking tours in London for your next visit.

Tales of Plague Arrow

Look for the man holding the rat (yes, rat) on the stick near Tower Hill Tube station when meeting up with your tour group, which spans anywhere between 4 and 25 people. The walk—about two miles over the course of two hours—is professional but fun, and there's not just a guide but an actor, too, who jumps in for various scenes. Booking is highly recommended, but last-minute arrivals are also possible (as long as the tour is running).

London Fire Walk Arrow

You'll meet at Monument—not the Tube station, but the Monument to the Great Fire of London the station takes its name from. This is a lovely, relaxed tour with David Steer, who calls the project his "baby." It's all on foot—two miles in two hours—and advance reservations are essential.

Jermyn Street Fashion Walk Arrow

A seriously professional private tour, curated to your preferences. They recommend groups no larger than eight, and it's all done on foot. Art History UK has a pool of 15 guides, four of whom lead the Jermyn Street walk. Most have a background of art or history, combined with fashion, and one even trained as a tailor.

Mayfair: A Spy's Guide Arrow

Detour is a revolutionary app that provides walking tours, narrated by real experts, on your phone, guided by GPS. One of 15 walks in London, this one is narrated by Annie Machon, a former MI5 operative (read: U.K. spy). The joy of it being app-based is that you can do it at any time you wish, although ideal times are noted on the app for each tour.

Historic Pubs, Food & Beer Tour Arrow

Think of this as a walk with friends rather than a tour (groups are capped at 12). You meet at a prime selfie spot—at Rotherhithe, overlooking the Thames—then catch the Overground to Wapping to hit the pubs. By reservation only. Five of London's most historic pubs in four hours is a blessed kind of endurance task.

Tour for Muggles Arrow

This is as delightfully bonkers as England gets. The tour starts near London Bridge Tube station and moves on to locations used in the Harry Potter films (and a couple of book locations). There's one Tube ride (London Bridge to Westminster) but otherwise it's all on foot, and a fair amount of ground is covered in 2.5 hours. Groups are capped to 20 and run the gamut from families to millennials, and even pensioners.

London Urban Adventures: Soho Historic Pubs Tour Arrow

This isn't the raucous gathering you'd expect—guests are there for the history of Soho as much as for the pubs. The two founders and guides (they will be taking on co-workers in 2018) are very knowledgeable about Soho—one was an archeologist before he took this up—and their enthusiasm shows. Rather than deliver a script to a set itinerary, they switch up their stops, tailoring the pubs they stop at to the group's interest.

Shoreditch Street Art Tours Arrow

An insider's guide to the London street art scene, with groups led by photographer and writer David Stewart who's been part of the scene for 15 years. It's all on foot, and takes 3.5 hours with a break in the middle. David is ingrained in the scene—and he'll take you past everything from Banksy works to stickers stuck on lampposts.

Walk Eat Talk Eat Arrow

The three guides who do this tour come from different backgrounds spanning writing, acting, and comedy, but all have a passion for London and know the area well. There's a set itinerary, but the guides tailor their talks to their own interests—and those of the group, of course. Forget Borough Market—this tour takes you to in-the-know places you won't have heard of, like Maltby Street Market and Jensen's Gin Distillery in Bermondsey.

SideStory Travel: The Actor's Stage Arrow

This super-curated private tour is led by Michelle Butterly, an actress who's trod the boards of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. It's a private tour so Theatreland is your oyster. Everything is accessible, though you should warn beforehand if you need adjustments. Anyone who loves theater or acting will love this tour.

Black History Walks: Notting Hill Arrow

This is a fascinating, professionally run tour—one of eight Black History Walks in London (the other walks include one around St Paul's and Bank). Reservations are essential; groups meet at the nearest Tube station. The tour dives deep into the background of the Notting Hill Carnival. It's also an eye-opener into a history that's far longer than many people realize.

Undiscovered London: Camden Markets and Musical Legends Tour Arrow

This is a major tour that you can just turn up for, though reservations are preferred. Led by a guide (plus a 'busker' who accompanies the tour) groups of up to 25 meet at music venue Koko, appropriately enough. The guides—drawn from a pool of 30 who work for tour agency Undiscovered London—are mostly actors, so they're good at engaging your attention.

London Loo Tour Arrow

Fittingly, you meet at Waterloo Station, beside the public toilets. From there you walk to the West End, via various public toilets—about 1.5 miles in up to two hours. Groups are capped at 20. The tour ends at an underground bar in a former public toilet. (Drinks are discounted.) People wanting to scratch a little deeper under London's surface will love this.

East End Walks Arrow

East End Walks is a collection of 15 tours run by one man, David Rosenberg. The tours are spread out across the month, but all cover the social history of the traditionally working class area. Groups are capped at 30; you meet near the Tube station. Rosenberg, whose grandparents emigrated to the East End as children, is passionate about the area and its social history—it holds the story of the working class, which is rarely told. His enthusiasm is infectious.

Royal London Full Day Experience Arrow

Context Travel calls on up to 12 experts (mainly historians) for this private tour, and everything is customized to your requirements (you get a pre-tour questionnaire). Plus, they'll pick you up from your hotel or meet you at Westminster Abbey, you're free to take a taxi if you get tired, and guides use iPads to bring things to life. Make sure to reserve at least 48 hours ahead.

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Best Walking Tours of London – Themed and sightseeing options

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 19, 2024

There are so many walking tours of London available that the choice can be overwhelming. In this article, we compare the best themed and sightseeing walking tours to help you choose the right one for you.

Undoubtedly of the best ways to explore London is on foot and what better way to do that than to take a walking tour of London. However there are so many to choose from that it can be overwhelming picking the right tour to match your interests, budget and timescales.

In this post you will find a comparison of different London walking tours to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

I have divided the post into 2 sections:

• The best SIGHTSEEING London walking tours
• The best THEMED London walking tours

Tip – If you are visiting London in winter do check out the availability of your chosen tour as they run less frequently during the colder months. On the flip side also remember if you are visiting during peak season to book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment!

Remember that themed tours will be focussed on places connected with the theme rather than the main tourist highlights of the city (although you may see some of London’s main sights, landmarks and attractions too)

If you are a first time visitor to London I highly recommend highlights of London tour as the perfect option to get your bearings and become acquainted with the city.

Always wear comfortable shoes and check the weather forecast before your London walking tour to ensure you are fully prepared.

Best sightseeing walking tours of London

15 themed walking tours of london, plan your visit to london, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

If you would prefer to take a walking sightseeing tour of London England and see the main highlights of the city in a few hours this is the selection for you.

I have curated these best London tours from a couple of tour companies including Get Your Guide and Take Walks .

Get Your Guide is a tour aggregator and offers a comprehensive range of tours in London.

Most tour bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours before (just double-check the terms and conditions when you book), you can pay in your own currency so there are no exchange fees and tickets can be downloaded onto your phone so no need to worry about keeping bits of paper safe. 

I love taking tours – whether it is a themed walking tour or a sightseeing walking tour. With Get Your Guide , you know exactly what the cost is so no unexpected surprises. 

Take Walks offer a number of small and exclusive tours in London. Their groups generally number 12 -15 and offer memorable experiences with well-planned itineraries.

Want to see the sights of London? These are my selection of the best sightseeing walking tours of London.

London's Top Sights: Walking Tour with Fun Local Guide

See over 20 of London's most popular sights in half a day with a fun local guide!

Walk through the most famous parts of town and see sights such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Palace, London Bridge, the Tower of London and more!

London: Old City Walking Tour

Travel back in time to the original square mile of London located by the River Thames. Explore the Old Town – or more well known as "The City" to locals - and learn about some of the most important events in British history as you see some of London’s oldest buildings.

London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

An absolute must do for visitors to London! Marvel at the pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony on a walking tour alongside the Queen's foot soldiers in London. March in step with the soldiers and learn the history of the guards, royals and their palaces.

Walking Westminster: Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

This tour takes you through the heart of Westminster, revealing the stories behind the statues in Parliament Square. Discuss the history of Westminster Abbey and see views of the outside of the Palace of Westminster that you can usually only see on TV.

Private 90-Minute London Kick-Start Tour with a Local

A great way to get the most out of your stay in London. Why not take a kickstart 90 minutes tour with a local! Get all the must-see insights for a memorable trip to the fabulous city of London.

London: Top 20 Sights Walking Tour and Clink Prison Entry

Explore London’s top 20 world famous landmarks during this walking tour of the city. After your tour visit the medieval Clink Prison which was the most notorious medieval prison in London and is the oldest prison in the UK.

Westminster to Tower Bridge Customized Tour with a Local

Explore the fascinating area between Westminster and Tower on a bespoke experience created by your host. Discover theatres, iconic landmarks, Shakespearean history, and hidden gems during your adventure.

London: Top 30 Sights Walking Tour and The Shard Entry

Its not all about the old! During this tour explore London’s top 20 world famous landmarks. Afterwards go up The Shard, Europe's tallest building and London from up high. This is another absolute must-do for anyone visiting the capital! Skip the line and enjoy a 360 degree view of the city.

In this section discover the best themed walking tours of London including those based around popular TV shows such as The Crown and Killing Eve.

The grid provides an overview of the different London walking tours available and key important details. More information on each tour can be found in the article below. 

Guide to the Best Themed Walking Tours of London

Choose from a selection of the BEST themed walking tours of London. There is a tour here for everyone whatever your interest from well know TV shows and films, to literary figures and more London is the place to explore.

Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

A magical 2 and a half hour walking tour across London. Visiting Platform 9 3/4, Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron and more this is the perfect tour for any Harry Potter fan

London: Mary Poppins Walking Tour

The perfect tour for fans of Mary Poppins. Highlights of this 2 hour walking tour include St Pauls Cathedral, the Bank of England, and the City.

Charles Dickens Walking Tour

Step back into the 19th century on this 3 hour Charles Dickens walking tour of London. You will visit locations that influenced Dickens the man as well as some of the places that feature in his literary works.

London: Killing Eve 3-Hour Walking Tour

A must for any fan of the TV drama series Killing Eve. Take this 3 hour walking tour and see 10 locations from the show as well as numerous iconic London landmarks. Includes behind-the-scenes secrets on the making of the show and a pit stop in one of the cafe locations used in the series.

The Crown Walking Tour of London

Explore the rich world of “The Crown” and learn how the hit series mixes royal reality and well researched fiction into an award-winning smash. Includes 10 locations from the show including Royal Palaces and iconic London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace

Shakespeare in London 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour

This unique Shakespeare tour is perfect for lovers of the world's greatest playwright. This is also a great tour for anyone interested in Elizabethan London. Enjoy the official in-house Globe Theatre tour and a visit to Southwark Cathedral where you can admire its famous Shakespeare window.

London: Notting Hill Rom-Com Walking Tour

If you enjoy a romantic comedy I would highly recommend this tour! See the locations and settings of romantic comedy favourites such as “Notting Hill,” “Bridget Jones 2: Edge of Reason,” “Love Actually,” and more.

London: 2-Hour Movie Hot Spots Tour

If you love movies and love London, then you’re sure to enjoy this 2-hour Movie Hot Spots Tour. See where Bridget Jones famously kissed the love of her life, visit the seedy spots where Alfie picked up his birds, and prepare for a day trip to Gotham City.

Doctor Who London Walking Tour

Walk the streets of London and discover sites associated with the legendary TV show Doctor Who. Visit more than 15 city locations, like the iconic tower featured in The Bells of Saint John and the cathedral from where Cyberman launched an attack on Earth.

London: 2.5-Hour Paddington Bear

A must for any lover of the famous bear from Peru! Take a magical journey through the streets of London on a 2.5-hour walking tour of locations associated with the “Paddington Bear” movie and books by Michael Bond.

London Sherlock Holmes 2-Hour Walking Tour

Grab your deerstalker and take a Sherlock Holmes Tour of London. Explore places featured in the books, real sites that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle and locations featured in film and TV adaptations of the detective's great adventures.

London: Bridget Jones 2.5Hour Walking Tour

Visit Bridget Jones film locations as seen in all three movies, including her home, the famous diary kiss scene, memorial service and other locations on this 2.5-hour walking tour.

James Bond 2-Hour Walking Tour of London

Discover the London of James Bond on a fascinating tour visiting film locations, real spy stories, and places familiar to the author – Ian Fleming. Discuss some of the classic James Bond London settings and take part in trivia about the actors!

London: Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

On this tour you will go back in time to 1888 and trace the bloody trail of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers. This 2-hour walking tour will introduce you to the history of Jack the Ripper, whose murders still haunt London to this day.

London: Grim Reaper Walking Tour

Travel back in time with this grim reaper walking tour of London. Visit The Tower of London one of London's most haunted buildings and walk in the footsteps of one the world's most notorious murderers - Jack the Ripper.

For further practical tips and advice to help plan your London visit and itinerary –

• London Travel Guide – my step-by-step guide to planning your London visit and a great place to start!
• Planning to visit London’s popular sights? Read my guide on how to book London Attraction tickets
• Visiting London for the first time? Read my essential travel tips for London .
• How to plan your London itinerary – What to do and see in London (including the top 23 sights, landmarks and attractions plus a bucket list guide that includes London’s hidden gems.
• Budget London Guide – How to plan your London trip without breaking the bank.
• 31 free things to do in London
• London accommodation guide – How to choose the right area and accommodation for your stay.
• Guide to London Eye – best ticket options
• Tower of London – Guide to visiting one of London’s most popular attractions

The 11 Best Walking Tours in London for Every Interest

George Rose/Getty Images

The best way to immerse yourself in a new city is on foot, a sentiment that is particularly true of London. The British capital has many historical details that can be missed from a moving bus, so it's recommended to embark on one of the city's great walking tours, which are often themed. Whether you want to explore London's status as a popular filming location, for movies like Harry Potter or James Bond, or learn more about its history, there is a walking tour for every taste. Some tours are free for visitors, but many require tickets bought in advance, so be sure to plan ahead. Whatever your interest, here are 10 of London's best walking tours, from street art to historic pubs to romantic comedies.

James Bond Walking Tour of London

Harold Pugh/Getty Images

Calling all spies: Brit Movie Tour's James Bond Walking Tour of London will hit all the notable filming locations from movies like "No Time To Die" and "Spectre." The tour also includes remarkable places from James Bond author Ian Fleming's life. The two-and-a-half-hour trek stops by the National Gallery, Whitehall, London's oldest restaurant, MI5 and MI6, with a professional guide who can spill all the secrets about filming the hit movies as you stroll. The tour dates and times vary, so check online ahead of your trip. This is best for adults and older kids, and some of the locations aren't accessible for parents with strollers.

Jack the Ripper Tour

Go back in time on the Jack the Ripper Tour , which strolls around Aldgate and Whitechapel, where the murderer used to terrorize women. The walking tour takes place in the evenings, of course, and explores the Victorian history of East London, stopping at various sites known to the killer. The paid tour takes place nightly at 7 p.m., and it's best to book online in advance. Afterward, grab a drink at the Ten Bells Pub, where one of Jack the Ripper's victims spent the evening before meeting her end.

The Beatles - In My Life Walk

Carl Court/Getty Images

For a Beatles fan, no trip to London is complete without traversing the famous Abbey Road crosswalk. Visit the renowned studio on Richard Porter's The Beatles - In My Life Walk , which runs twice weekly. Pass the band's former Apple Shop, and see various houses and apartments where the band members have lived. Porter, who runs London Beatles Walks, is an expert in rock history, with several Beatles-themed tours regularly available for fans. His Rock and Roll - London Walk is another good option for those who want to delve into the London lives of artists like The Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix.

Love, Actually Walking Tour

Emily Zemler

Brit Movie Tours boasts a comprehensive look at all the best rom-com sites around London on its Love Actually Tour with Last Christmas, Notting Hill & Four Weddings Sites . There are a lot of iconic spots you'll immediately recognize, including the famed "Love, Actually" bench and the Savoy Hotel from the end of "Notting Hill." Because the two-and-a-half-hour tour covers a lot of central London, it's also a great way to hit all of the big sites, like the London Eye and Covent Garden. There is also a separate Notting Hill Tour , which visits nine filming locations around the Notting Hill neighborhood.

See 30+ London Sights Tour

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Instead of picking a specific theme, try a walking tour that is all about seeing as much of London as possible. London Top Sights Tours runs a five-hour marathon tour, See 30+ London Sights Tour , that hits more than 30 famous attractions around the city, from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye to the Houses of Parliament. Kids are free with a paying adult, and tours can be booked in advance online. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring along some rain gear, just in case.

Tour For Muggles

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While most of the Harry Potter films were shot in a studio (which fans can visit), there are numerous locations around London associated with the fantastical movies. Tour For Muggles takes non-wizards to various shooting locations throughout the city over two hours. See Leadenhall Market, the Millennium Bridge, and more as your guide offers up Harry Potter trivia and facts about the filming of the movies. While the trek is suitable for kids, it's recommended for those over age seven (or who can endure two hours of walking).

Street Art & Graffiti Tour

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Join Strawberry Tours on a free stroll to explore East London's street art, dubbed the Street Art & Graffiti Tour . The two-hour tour pass through areas like Brick Lane, Shoreditch, Fashion Street, Bateman's Row, and Spitalfields, where you can stop to admire works by street artists like Banksy and El Mac, Stik, and Space Invader. The tour is free and can be booked online in advance, with all tours meeting outside the Shoreditch High Street Overground Station. Check the Strawberry Tours website for updated dates and times.

St. James Jaunt

Explore the London area of St. James, located near Piccadilly Circus, to discover the past lives of literary greats. Put on by London Literary Tours, the St. James Jaunt takes visitors to see where writers like Virginia Woolf, Noel Coward, and Ian Fleming once lived, played, and worked. The tour lasts two and a half hours, typically twice a week. The guides are exceptionally knowledgeable, with lots to share about London's literary history.

Drink London Tour

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare as you stroll to several historic London pubs on Liquid History's Drink London Tour . It departs daily at 2 p.m. from the St. Paul's Underground station and includes stops at several pubs, including Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. The tour also explores Fleet Street's history and legends, like the infamous Sweeney Todd. Participants can grab a pint or a pub snack at the various stops (at their own expense) or just indulge in the historical sights.

Changing the Guard Walking Tour

London's Changing of the Guard is a real spectacle, and Fun London Tours makes it easy to see it in the best way with their Changing the Guard Walking Tour . The tour meets outside the Criterion Theatre at the Piccadilly Circus tube station and strolls around to various stages of the daily ceremony, rather than forcing you to stand in one place for its entirety. It's fast-paced (wear comfortable shoes), but it's a great way to get immersed in the event. Tickets can be booked online. Be sure to check the meeting time, as it is earlier on Sundays.

Secrets of the London Underground

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Uncover the hidden history of London's Underground, also known as the Tube. Secrets of the London Underground , led by Evan Evans, takes visitors from Baker Street Station, home to the world's original underground railway, through central London. It includes stops at Oxford Circus, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus and Westminster, as well as a glimpse of a former Tube station that once held Churchill's offices during the war. The tour, done one foot and via Tube (you provide your own travel card), lasts about two hours. It's perfect for those who want to literally go a bit deeper into London's past.

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Ready to tour the exciting places that London has to offer?

You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to explore the best 21 walking tours in London – all led by expert guides who want to share the beauty of this part of England and help you skip the tourist traps.

If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, then don’t worry.

The best walking tour from London is this Hidden London Gems walking tour .

It has about 170 amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

London is one of the most beautiful, picturesque, and incredible parts of England filled with friendly people, local pubs, iconic landmarks, lots of exciting things to do, and more.

If you want to see what your other options are, here are 20 more tours that are definitely worth your time.

So let’s get into the list of the best walking tours in London, so you can book it already!

PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended, so you don’t miss out.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best London walking tour is this Ultimate London Sightseeing walking tour .

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best London Walking Tours

1. ultimate london sightseeing walking tour : best walking tour in london.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 120+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Guided tour
• Two historic areas: London & Westminster
• 30+ London landmarks and attractions
• Interactive tour with photo ops and trivia

It’s very time-consuming to navigate London all on your own, especially because you need to plan your itinerary such that you cover all the top attractions in the city.

Luckily, this action-packed walking tour that covers London and Westminster takes care of that for you.

This tour includes over 30 sights , including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London.

Alongside that, your guide will keep you busy with photo ops, trivia , and questions so that you don’t get bored and tell you how the city came to be and even why the arrival of Romans nearly 2000 years ago changed everything.

As part of your guided walks London, you’ll also go to St. Paul’s Cathedral , where you can learn the history of this beautiful cathedral, significant events that have happened here, and the architect responsible for something so magnificent.

Other stops include the Mansion House , one of the most iconic houses in London, the Royal Exchange Building , and the Bank of England , which also houses a gold vault worth almost £200 billion!   

2. Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London : best guided London walks

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2-3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Changing of the guard ceremony
• Attractions like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, & Buckingham Palace
• Houses of Parliament

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is one of the most famous attractions of the city and attracts large crowds every time and this is one of the best walking tours in London.

It’s truly something you’d expect from London – a pomp with household cavalry and foot soldiers in bearskin hats accompanied by large bands marching towards Buckingham Palace.

As the guards go on with their historical ritual, your guide will explain all the regiments that serve the king before taking you on a sightseeing walk past numerous famous attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament , Big Ben, Clarence House, St. James’s Palace, and Westminster Abbey.

And as you go past the different attractions, your guide will feed you interesting information.

For instance, when you pass by Buckingham Palace, you’ll get a chance to take some pictures while learning about the famous palace, such as the number of rooms and the story of when a man broke into the Queen’s bedroom.

You’ll also see the Royal balcony and if the King is home.

3. Hidden London Walking Tour  

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Local professional guide
• Small groups on these walking tours of London
• Fleet Street, Temple Church, and St Bride’s Church
• Statue of Samuel Johnson

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore London, check out this tour – it’s a great way to see the forgotten, macabre, and mysterious past of this city .

And there are lots of interesting spots too: a long-lost underground station , a church with scars from the Second World War, a medieval crypt, and the Knights Templar’s punishment cell .

This walking tour is suitable for everyone , ranging from families and small groups to all those looking for a new kind of adventure.

Plus, it has a more relaxed pace , so you’ll have a pleasant time exploring the local streets and learning about their history.

Part of your tour involves walking along Fleet Street which is famous for its newspaper industry, visiting St Bride’s Church, which inspired the wedding cake, and seeing the statue of Samuel Johnson, who’s famous for inventing the modern dictionary.

4. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour in London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 1200+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Expert guides who’ll bring the story to life
• Original photos of the location like they were when the murders took place
• Police and press reports about the crime
• Free 194-page e-book link

If you love thrillers and crime, this Jack the Ripper walking tour is something you should definitely check out – one of the best walking tour London.

While you walk down the streets, you’ll get to hear spine-chilling stories of Jack the Ripper , one of the most notorious serial killers in London.

This tour will take you down not just eerie cobbled alleyways, but also secret spots that are completely inaccessible by bus or car.

Meanwhile, you’ll get to hear insights about the unsolved crimes from 1888, learn more about the suspects, and check out the various spots in Brick Lane and Spitalfields where heinous crimes took place.

In addition to visiting the places where the murders occurred, you’ll also get to see press and police reports from the crime and even old photos.

Plus, the guide has written a book on the serial killer, so you’ll get to learn interesting facts about him.

You’ll also get an informative e-book once the tour is over! 

5. Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour in London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 370+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Local guide on these walks of London
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Major landmarks
• Near public transportation

Done seeing all the top tourist attractions that London has to offer?

Try something different with this ghost-walking tour , where you can learn about sinister apparitions and spooky sightings .

Throughout your tour, you’ll follow an informative guide down atmospheric alleyways and dark streets while listening to tales of the hidden history of the city and spine-chilling stories about mayhem, murder, and crime.

Your guide will also indulge you in spooky stories about specters, ghosts, and ghouls that haunt the back alleys as the sun goes down. 

This tour will also take you through major landmarks so that you can snap some pictures for your Instagram.

Other stops on the route include trendy restaurants and skyscrapers before it ends at St Paul’s Cathedral.

6. Private Custom Walking Tour: Day Tour of London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 90+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4-8 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private tour
• Professional & qualified Blue Badge tourist guide
• Central London pickup and drop-off
• Concierge-style service both before and after the tour

If you’re only interested in a handful of landmarks and don’t want to listen to commentary that you find boring, this private custom walking tour is the best option for you.

With this tour, you have the option of setting your itinerary and exploring London how you like on a full- or half-day private tour.

The good thing about this tour is that it lets you see only those attractions that are on your list.

Plus, your guide can tell you some more unknown corners and hidden gems of the city that you can add to your itinerary if you want to check them out.

Everything on this tour is entirely up to you, from the meeting point to the start time.

You can even decide what the tour should focus on, whether that’s food, fashion, or architecture.

And since this is a private tour, you’ll have your guide’s complete attention.

The tour also includes hotel pickup and is ideal for small groups and families.    

7. Music Walking Tour of London’s Soho : London walking tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Local guide (musician)
• Small group
• Must-see musical landmarks
• Insider information about making music in the city

It’s no secret that London has a rich musical heritage , but it can be pretty tricky to find the best spots to get a chance to see the pop culture, but this is where this tour comes in.

As a part of this tour , you’ll get to see many important musical landmarks.

You’ll be guided by a local musician as you take this tour of Soho and visit some of the most iconic music monuments.

Your tour will start outside the Dominion Theatre and will take you through the famous street where the Rolling Stones recorded their very first album.

You’ll also get to see where famous artists like Bowie and Hendrix recorded their iconic albums and stop by young Mozart’s home.

Other stops on your tour include Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, which aims to bring Ronnie Scott to life through insider anecdotes, and the Seville Theatre.

8. London: Landmarks and Harry Potter Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 – 2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Complimentary Veluba shuttle
• ‘The Wizard Walk’ walking tour
• ‘Landmarks Walking Tour’
• Audio commentary in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Chinese

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll love this tour , which is one of the best London walk tour and combines key landmarks of the city and sights in London that are featured in Harry Potter.

You can even divide the tour into two: a wizard tour and a landmarks tour, and spread them over two days.

This way, you won’t need to rush through all the sights.

The key sights you’ll get to see on this tour include Soho, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament while learning about their history.

For instance, you’ll learn all about the history of the iconic clock tower and how the bell was damaged soon after it become operational.

You’ll also walk past many important sights, including Buckingham Palace , Parliament Square where you’ll see the statues of iconic political figures, and the UK Supreme Court .

You’ll also get access to an app that has some more self-guided tours. 

9. Historic London Pubs Private Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Pickup from select hotels
• 6 historic pubs

England’s pub culture is something worth experiencing, and if you love beer and history, this half-day historic pub tour is perfect for you.

It’ll take you to 6 historic pubs that go as back as the Great Fire of London in 1666 as you enjoy London tours by walking.

These pubs are located in areas like the East End, Clerkenwell, and Farringdon. 

At each venue, you’ll get the chance to learn about its history and enjoy a soft drink or a small beer.

The tour is also limited to 15 people, so you’ll have a nice, small-group experience.

Let’s talk a little more about some of the stops on this tour.

There’s the Viaduct Tavern , an old Gin Palace beside an old prison with prisoner cells in cellars for those awaiting execution, and the Castle pub that is somehow connected to the Royal Family (you’ll get to learn all about it once you take this tour).

There are other exciting stops too!

10. Haunted London Pub Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 25+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Local guide with a penchant for stories for this walking tours London
• Eerie locations
• Stops at pubs as per your request
• Spine-tingling tales

Are you a fan of horror?

Love visiting haunted sites?

If you answered yes to both questions, this haunted London pub walking tour should be right up your alley.

This 2-hour tour takes you through three haunted pubs while your fun and knowledgeable guide tells you chilling, spine-tingling, and frightening tales of debauchery, hauntings, and notorious murderers.

For instance, you’ll get to visit the eerie Sweeney Todd barber shop and the haunting interior of a Victorian prison.

Since this tour starts once the sun goes down, you’ll really need something to steel your nerves.

This is why along the way, you’ll get the chance to drink up some liquid courage (maybe a pint or two) so that you make it to the end of the tour.

Once you finish this tour, you’ll start seeing London in a spookier light.    

11. London Bridge Ghost Walking Tour 

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• An entertaining guide
• Sinister tales about the area
• 16th-century pub
• Crossroads for wandering spirits

Here’s another ghost tour for all those who love horror, where you’ll get to explore medieval London .

On this 1.5-hour walking tour of the London Bridge , you’ll learn why the bridge and the areas surrounding it are considered some of the most haunted areas of the city.

Meanwhile, your fun guide will narrate sinister stories of lawless thugs and body snatchers.

You’ll also hear tales of the inmates of the oldest prison in England and the restless souls of the ladies of the night.

Finally, your tour will end at a 16th-century pub famous for being haunted by a ‘ghost dog.’

There are other interesting things lined up for you on this tour.

For instance, you’ll learn about the different bridges in the Thames (one area is still famous as the crossroads for wandering spirits), bone-chilling deeds that took place in the oldest operating theatre in the world, and the Bishop of Winchester who really left a mark on the neighborhood. 

12. Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour in London  

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Sherlock Holmes museum
• Filming locations for the infamous TV series

Fans of the world’s best detective and his loyal sidekick must take this Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour in London.

As part of this tour, you’ll be taken to the mystery-solving and crime-busting world of Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes.

You’ll get the chance to go to the detective’s home at 221B Baker Street and will be transported to the fictional world as soon as you step into the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

You’ll also stop at the Sherlock Holmes Store , where you can buy some Sherlock souvenirs. 

After that, you’ll follow the making of the hit TV show and visit all the iconic filming locations in Whitehall and Russell Square.

Spoiler alert: you’ll also see where Sherlock faked his death and hear entertaining stories about Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch, who make a great duo!

Throughout the tour, your guide will keep you entertained with Sherlock Holmes trivia, anecdotes, and facts.

You’ll be traveling on a comfortable mini-coach on this tour and will get personalized attention from the guide.   

13. London Police and Crime Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 19+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Kit and equipment
• Opportunity to examine historic items of police regalia
• Former police officer as your guide
• Top sights including Trafalgar Square and Scotland Yard

Explore a completely new side of London with this policing and crime-themed tour guided by a former officer with both detective and uniform experience.

Choose whether you want to start the tour in the morning or afternoon and meet up with your guide in Covent Garden to get started.

You’ll visit lots of landmarks on this tour, including New Scotland Yard (where policing was invested) and Trafalgar Square.

You’ll also stop by a Sherlock Holmes-themed pub at Northumberland Avenue.

Other stops include Bow Street (where the Magistrates Court is located), Covent Garden (famous for its gin-soaked history) , Charing Cross (where you’ll hear tales of mayhem and murder), and St. James’s Park (where there’s a National Police Memorial for fallen officers).

At the end of the tour, you’ll know the city’s lesser-known history of crime and insider stories about police work. 

14. Historic Pub Walking Tour of London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 17+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Historic guided tour on one of the best walking tours in London
• Knowledgeable local tour guide
• Entry into 4 historic pubs
• Customizable itinerary

Here’s another tour to explore some of the most historic pubs that the city has to offer while you enjoy a local beverage and mingle with fellow pub enthusiasts and travelers.

This London pub tour will take you to four centuries-old ale houses and pubs that are closely related to the culture and history of the city.

You’ll go to pubs that were frequented by not just the Queens and Kings of England, but also influential and iconic figures, including Dick Turpin, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle , Nelle Gwynne, Oliver Cromwell, and Charles Dickens .

A local tour guide will guide you throughout the tour as you go to important pubs, walk through secret streets , and learn about the city’s history and its important landmarks such as Covent Garden, St James’s Palace, Shaftesbury Avenue, Pall Mall, and Trafalgar Square. 

All in all, this tour is a great way to explore London and its historic pubs.

15. Historic London City Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 16+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2-3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Guided tour of the city
• Personalized experience
• Top landmarks that London has to offer
• Additional bonus stops

History buffs will absolutely love this historic London city walking tour .

This small group tour starts in the afternoon and will take you through the oldest neighborhood of the city.

You’ll meet your guide at St. Paul’s Cathedral , and after taking some pictures and learning about its history, you’ll set off on your tour.

The landmarks you’ll get to see on this tour include the Bank of England and its iconic Gold Vault , London Bridge, the Tower of London, Borough Market , and the Monument (for the Great Fire).

You’ll pass by the Mansion House, the Royal Exchange Building, and the Shard, the tallest building in the UK.

Other stops include City Hall and Leadenhall Market, a 700-year-old market that’s also used in the Harry Potter movies . 

The tour also includes a very informative history lesson.

You’ll learn about the significant events that have occurred throughout history, such as the Great Fire of London .

16. London Witches and History Walking Tour : London city walking tours

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 14+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Costumed in-character guide
• Fascinating and chilling history of the city
• Famous filming locations from Harry Potter

London’s history is laced with witches, and what better way to learn more about them than this London witches and history walking tour ?

This tour will familiarize you with the wicked history of the city and take you to famous sights as well as hidden gems.

To further add to the authenticity of the tour, you’ll be guided by a costumed witch who will keep you entertained with historical facts, unexpected tales of real-life witches , and the injustices they were subjected to.

To kick off the tour, you’ll meet your witch guide and your coven at a quiet space right behind Southwark Cathedral , learn the theme of the adventure, and listen to the first witch-related tale of the night.

As you proceed with the tour, you’ll learn the truth about different witches, including John Peterson or the Witch of Wapping, Jinny Bingham or Mother Damnable, and the Last Witch.

Along the way, you might even get to visit some Harry Potter filming locations.

17. London Walks – 12 Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 10+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 – 6 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Access to a self-guided audio tour
• Offline mode for when you don’t have Wi-Fi
• Instagram hotspots for the perfect pictures
• Location-aware so that you don’t get lost

If you’d rather explore the city on your own without having to follow behind a tour guide in a group, then what you’re looking for is a self-guided tour and there’s nothing better than this London Walks tour , a series of 12 immersive, self-guided audio walking tours.

While you walk around the different sites and explore the city your way, you’ll be accompanied by the knowledge of hipsters, storytellers, and local historians.

For instance, with the Westminster or Royal London tours, you’ll get to visit iconic landmarks like Big Ben, explore sites like Kew Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), discover lively neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Notting Hill, and Brixton, and stop at the hottest Instagram spots like Soho.

Plus, you can download the tours in advance and listen to them without Wi-Fi.

This way, you don’t need to spend money on roaming.

18. The Beatles London Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 10+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Professional guide on these walking tours around London
• Lots of fun Beatles stories
• Locations central to the history of the band
• Legendary Beatles’ locations

Fans of The Beatles who wish to walk in their idols’ footsteps should take this Beatles London Walking tour .

This Beatles-themed tour takes you through the different locations in London that are central to the mythology and history of the band.

As part of the tour, you’ll walk across Abbey Road , see Abbey Road studios, travel to where ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ was filmed , and where different album covers were shot.

You’ll also get to visit Sir Paul McCartney’s home and other locations pivotal to the band, such as the place where ‘Yesterday’ was composed, where Yoko and John met, and the place where the term Beatlemania came into being.

Other stops include Blue Plaque: John Lennon, the house where Yoko and John lived , Marylebone, the registry office where two of the four Beatles married thrice, and Kingly Street where Paul met Linda for the very first time.  

The tour also includes lots of trivia that might even surprise hardcore Beatles fans!  

19. Magical Christmas Walking Tour in London : best London walking tours

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 7+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Wi-Fi onboard
• London’s winter transformation
• Festive sights
• Lots and lots of iconic Christmas lights

Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s no better way to enjoy the festive season than with this Magical Christmas Walking Tour.

This Iheartlondontour is filled with lots of fun, and there’s a reason it came into being.

Lots of people that come to London during the cold winter months don’t fully enjoy the Christmas joy that the city has to offer.

This tour is a great way to showcase how spirited and totally unforgettable Christmas in this city can be.   

As you go about this tour, you’ll notice how London completely transforms in the winter and see new things, unexplored paths, and wonderful sights without having to spend an exuberant amount.

Your tour will start from Charing Cross Station.

From here, you’ll move on to see more amazing sights, including the London Palladium (a high-class shopping district), Carnaby Soho lights , Piccadilly Circus, and the iconic Regent Street Christmas Lights .

20. Shakespeare Walking Tour in London

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 7+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Globe Theatre in-house tour for this walk tour London
• Interesting stories of Shakespeare
• Lively South Bank

Take this walking tour of central London and retrace the footsteps of the famous William Shakespeare .

You’ll get to visit the South Bank (the “Las Vegas” of London where activities like theatre and bull-baiting legally took place) and get an in-house tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

You’ll also get to see where the original theatre, as well as its competitor, Rose Theatre, is located.

Other attractions on this tour include the Anchor Pub , the Golden Hinde (the life-size model of the original Golden Hinde that was used by Sir Francis Drake to sail around the globe in 1577), the Winchester Palace (see the ruins here), and the Shakespeare-stained glass window present at Southwark Cathedral.

You’ll also stop by the Harvard University chapel and the famous Borough Market that dates back to Elizabethan times.

And while you marvel at all these sites, your tour guide will keep you entertained with stories about Shakespeare.

21. London River Cruise & Westminster Walking Tour 

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 5+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Thames cruise ticket
• Local fun guide
• Top 20 sights of Westminster
• Small group tour for a personalized experience

This half-day tour combines a walking tour of the city with a sightseeing cruise of the Thames River and takes you through the most famous landmarks of the city.

While you walk down the streets and past attractions like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace, your guide will keep you entertained with live commentary .

In total, the walking tour covers 20 sights.

So in addition to the attractions above, other stops include the Changing of the Guard, St James Palace, Queen Victoria Fountain Green Park, Admiralty Arch, Whitehall, and Downing Street.

Once the walking tour is completed, you’ll be dropped off at the Thames River cruise, which lets you explore London from a different perspective.

The cruise starts from the Westminster Pier and goes to the Tower Bridge Pier.  

And since this is a small tour , limited to just 15 participants, you’ll get more personalized attention from your tour guide.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

• 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
• 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
• 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
• 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
• 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 19 Most Unique London Tours
• 9 Best Day Trips to Oxford from London
• 7 Best Stonehenge Day Trips from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
• 11 Best Beatles Tours in London
• 11 Best London Museum Tours
• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
• 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
• 17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• 17 Best London Foodie Tours
• 13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh
• 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 11 Best Ghost Tours in London
• 11 Fun Tours of Royal London
• 13 Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Time
• 13 Mysterious Tours of Loch Ness
• 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
• 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
• 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
• 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK
• 5 Best Graffiti Tours in London
• 9 Best London East End Tours

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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The 15 Best London Walking Tours

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September 5, 2023

London is a city of stories, where modern skyscrapers nestle against centuries-old structures, and every cobblestone might have a tale to tell. The best way to experience London’s multifaceted history is on foot. Walking tours offer an intimate experience of the city, and with numerous options available, it’s easier than ever to dive deep into the neighborhoods, landmarks, and legends that make London such a fascinating destination. Here are the 15 best walking tours to consider during your next visit.

The Original London Walks

Established in 1968, The Original London Walks set the standard for guided tours in the city. Their expert guides cover everything from Jack the Ripper’s haunts to “Harry Potter” film locations. With no need for pre-booking and a diverse set of themed walks, this is a perfect choice for spontaneous explorers.

Sandemans New Europe Tours

Renowned for their free walking tours, Sandemans offers a comprehensive look at London’s iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. Their enthusiastic guides work primarily for tips, ensuring you get a passionate, high-quality tour.

London Walks: Secret London

Venture off the beaten path to discover London’s more obscure stories. From hidden gardens to forgotten graveyards, the Secret London tour is perfect for return visitors or those looking for something a bit different.

Historical Royal Palaces Tours

For those captivated by the UK’s royal history, tours of the Tower of London, Hampton Court, and Kensington Palace are indispensable. With guides dressed in period attire and tales of intrigue and betrayal, you’ll feel transported back in time.

Context Travel’s Literary Bloomsbury Walk

Literature aficionados will adore this tour, which delves into the lives of Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, and other luminaries of the Bloomsbury Group. As you walk, you’ll discuss their impact on modern literature amidst the very streets they once roamed.

Footprints of London: River Thames Tour

The River Thames has been London’s lifeblood for centuries. This tour explores its banks, bridges, and historic importance, offering a unique perspective on the city’s development.

Alternative London Street Art Tour

East London is a hotspot for contemporary street art, and this tour showcases works from artists like Banksy, Obey, and Space Invader. As a bonus, you’ll learn about the area’s social and cultural transformations.

Eat London Food Tours

Combine sightseeing with sampling London’s diverse culinary offerings. From traditional British fare to the flavors of Brick Lane’s Bangladeshi community, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Black History Walks

This tour highlights London’s African and Caribbean histories, often overlooked in mainstream tours. From Roman times to the present, it offers a poignant look at Black British heritage.

Witches Tours of London

Dive deep into London’s mystical and supernatural history, from medieval witch trials to modern pagan practices. The tour is a mix of history, folklore, and spine-tingling tales.

The Beatles Walk

Beatlemania remains alive in London, and this tour takes fans on a journey through significant locations, including Abbey Road Studios and the famous zebra crossing.

Muggle Tours

A must for “Harry Potter” fans, Muggle Tours transport participants to locations like Diagon Alley (Leadenhall Market) and the Ministry of Magic. Plus, the guides sprinkle in tidbits about London’s real history.

Ghosts of London

Delve into London’s haunted past by visiting renowned paranormal hotspots like the Tower of London and Greyfriars. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the chilling tales are sure to entertain.

Sherlock Holmes Tour

London’s most famous detective comes alive in this walk around Baker Street and other notable locations from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories.

London LGBTQ+ History Tour

Discover the rich LGBTQ+ history of London, from the trials of Oscar Wilde to the vibrant Soho district. It’s an enlightening exploration of love, politics, and resilience.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just eager to stretch your legs, London’s diverse walking tours cater to every interest. Each tour offers a unique lens through which to view this magnificent city, ensuring that every stroll is both enlightening and enchanting. So, lace up your walking shoes and dive into the rich tapestry of stories that London has to offer.

Beyond this list of 15 curated walking tours, London’s vastness offers the chance to tailor your touring experience. Here are some additional considerations for those wanting to personalize their exploration:

Seasonal Tours: London changes with the seasons. Some companies offer themed tours around significant events or times of the year. For instance, around Christmas, you might find tours highlighting the city’s festive lights and markets. During Halloween, expect even more ghostly tours showcasing London’s spookier side.

Private Tours: For those who prefer a more intimate experience, several agencies and independent guides offer private tours. This personalized touch ensures you can delve deep into specific topics of interest or set your pace.

Self-Guided Tours: Modern technology has made it easier for visitors to explore at their leisure. Apps like Rick Steves’ Audio Europe™ provide downloadable guides for self-led walks. Not only do you get insights into the city’s sights, but you also have the flexibility to pause, detour, or linger as you please.

Themed Experiences: If you have a very niche interest, there’s probably a tour for it in London. From tours focused on London’s Roman history to walks dedicated to the city’s iconic rock and roll locations, the city caters to enthusiasts of all kinds.

Accessibility: Many tour operators are increasingly cognizant of accessibility needs. If you or someone in your group has mobility challenges, look for tours that cater to various abilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the rich history and culture of London.

Tips for an Enjoyable Walk:

Dress Comfortably: London’s weather can be unpredictable. Always check the forecast, wear layers, and don comfortable shoes.

Stay Hydrated: While the UK isn’t known for its sweltering heat, walking can be thirsty work. Bring a refillable water bottle with you.

Mind Your Surroundings: London is a bustling city. Stay alert, especially when crossing roads or navigating crowded areas.

Engage with Your Guide: The best tours are interactive. Don’t be shy—ask questions, share insights, and contribute to the discussion.

Respect the City: As with any destination, be respectful. Don’t litter, be mindful of noise levels, and remember that some areas might have specific rules or cultural norms.

Walking tours in London offer an immersive dive into a city where history is palpably alive in every corner. Whether it’s the echoes of footsteps from centuries past, the artistic vibrancy of modern cultures, or the tantalizing scents from a global tapestry of cuisines, London beckons to be explored one step at a time. With the array of walking tours available, there’s no better way to get to know this iconic city from the ground up.

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The 26 Best Walking Tours in London, Don’t Miss Our Top Picks!

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From Harry Potter magic, historical Palaces, James Bond, foodie discoveries to the beloved Paddington Bear there are walking tours in London to suit the tastes of all types of travelers.

Check out our 3 top picks or scroll down to see all the best walking tours in London !

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• walking tours in London

1 – Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1062 reviews )

“Our guide, Rachel, was knowledgeable and delightful. The tour felt unique, as they took us to the best vantage points at the best times to avoid crowds. Thank you!” Daniel. Viator

March alongside the Old Guard and delve into the rich history of the British monarchy during a fascinating tour of London’s iconic royal sites. Organized by Fun London Tours , this walking tour includes passing by Buckingham Palace with its impressive neoclassical façade, grandiose gates and famous balcony where the royal family make their public appearances during royal celebrations!

Learn more about St. James Palace, the birthplace of many British Kings and Queens throughout history. The tour also gives participants the chance to experience classic London streets such as the shopping haven of busy Regents Street brimming with attractive Regency-style buildings!

What a treat to get a great viewing position for watching the Changing of the Guards, an important British tradition that dates back to the 17th century! We managed to dodge the crowds and get wonderful photos. The guide was funny and personable and shared a lot of compelling trivia facts regarding the British monarchy.

2 – Magical London: Harry Potter Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 16515 reviews )

“We recommend the tour to everyone. No matter whether you are an initial Harry Potter fan or a real hardcore fan. Thank you for this great experience!” Laura. Getyourguide

Embark on a magical walking tour with  See Your City around the London sites that inspired the spellbinding J.K Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter! Discover which Hogwarts House you belong in and participate in trivia quizzes throughout the tour to test your Potter knowledge! This entertaining tour is definitely one of the top fun things to Do in London with Teens .

Discover the narrow alleyways and hidden passages of Borough Market that inspired the likes of the Leaky Cauldron pub and cross over the Millennium Bridge destroyed by the Death Eaters! During the tour you can either opt for a short boat trip down the Thames or a short underground ride.

An excellent tour for both kids and adults who love Harry Potter. The pace is dynamic, bursting with fun quizzes and wizard trivia whilst at the same time you get to see some of the magical hidden gems and backstreets of London.

Hot tip: Here’s everything you need to know about the best places every Harry Potter fan should visit in London . For a complete experience, book Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets and step on board the Hogwarts Express for a magical journey.

3 – Historical Pub Walking Tour (Small Group)

Rating: ⭐️ 5.0/5 ( 3841 reviews )

“Top shelf walking tour/pub crawl! We visited four historic pubs in central London and Westminster. If you’re a real ale, beer, gin, and/or history fan, this one is for you!” Todd. Viator

If you want to uncover some of London’s most historic and characterful traditional pubs then hop on the  Liquid History Tours Pub walking tour! Enter inside four historical pubs, refresh with a pint and continue with the tour!

Marvel at the art nouveau inspired interior of an alehouse in Blackfriars and discover the vast array of cozy pubs along Fleet Street such as the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, famously frequented by author Charles Dickens!

Get to know your other fellow pub walkers as the guide talks you through the fascinating history of British drinking culture!

A great way to spend an afternoon in London, delving into traditional pubs to warm up along the route and stopping off to hear interesting factual explanations of the neighborhoods and historical buildings! Tasty ales and plenty of great company! Excellent for couples as well as solo travelers!

4 – Ultimate Sightseeing Walking Tour with 30+ sights

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 233 reviews )

“Very informative and and so much fun! Do ur home work guys on cheese, cheese jokes as trust me, points mean prizes! Would recommend 100%”. Graham. Viator

For those looking to see a handful of the best tourist attractions in London, look no further than this jam-packed walking tour from See The Sights Tours taking visitors into the heart of the City and around Westminster. Capture some incredible photos of the iconic Big Ben, the clock that serves the grand Houses of Parliament !

Listen to stories regarding the British Royal family as you peer into the gates of  Buckingham Palace where you may spot the King’s Guards! Other highlights include gazing up at the world famous  London Eye , which has been in operation since the Millennium.

Definitely an excellent way to make the most of your time in London and gain an overview of the major historic and iconic landmarks. The enthusiastic guide provides plenty of interesting and informative facts regarding British history at the same time as being entertaining!

5 – Paddington Bear Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1583 reviews )

we booked for a group of 10. So much fun! Cristian. Headout

Are you a fan of Paddington, the marmalade loving bear in a blue duffle coat who is completely lost on a platform at Paddington train station? Follow in his footsteps and walk around the sites that this friendly and polite bear visits in both the books by Michael Bond and the recent film blockbusters.

In the company of Brit Movie Tours , Paddington Bear fans (adults and children alike) can wander around the streets of West London and explore some of the fascinating filming locations. Pass by the Brown’s family home in Primrose Hill and stop outside Mr Gruber’s antique shop on Portobello Road!

The scenes from Paddington are really brought to life during this energetic and engaging tour! Take photos of the bronze sculpture of Paddington and his suitcase inside the bustling Paddington station, explore the tranquil waterways of Little Venice where Paddington’s houseboat was moored and embrace the vibrant atmosphere of the busy Portobello Market!

6 – The Beatles Walking Tour of Marylebone and Abbey Rd

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 59 reviews )

“We loved our tour!! Our guide, Spencer, was fabulous!! He was the same generation as the Beatles and was full of knowledge about them. We got to see some very cool spots!” Wendy. Getyourguide

Dive into a world of Beatle mania and join Brit Icon Tours for an enthralling walking tour full of Beatles sites, rock ’n’ roll and pop history. Stroll across the iconic zebra crossing of Abbey Road featured on their world famous 1969 album! Discover where your favorite Beatles once lived or where Paul had his inspiration for composing ‘Yesterday.’

Follow your passionate guide on a fandom journey as they reveal insights into the ups and downs of the band history, insights into their complex personal lives and important turning points in their musical careers. Share this fascinating walking tour experience with similar like-minded Beatle music lovers!

An essential pilgrimage tour for any Beatles fan looking to soak up the London locations frequented by the Beatles! Transport yourself back to the buzzing London of the late 1960s and get ready to listen to plenty of interesting details and Beatle themed trivia. Don’t forget to capture your Abbey road Beatles shot to take home!

7 – Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1169 reviews )

“In addition to the fantastic food choices, we really enjoyed Chris’s rock-and-roll history! Drinks were also a favorite.” Patty. Viator

Indulge in a discovery of authentic British cuisine during a  Secret Food Tours around the top foodie hotspots of the capital. Tuck into some classic fish and chips sprinkled with finger licking salt and vinegar, warm and crispy sausage rolls and plenty of great ale and chilled British cider.

Uncover the secrets of the bustling Borough Market and soak up the sights along the river such as Tower Bridge and the HMS Belfast. Have you ever wondered what the British eat for dessert, get stuck into a piping hot sticky toffee pudding!

For those wanting more, they also offer a foodie tour around the trendy neighborhood of Soho.

A great way to get a comprehensive overview of British cuisine and favorite local snacks! The guide can really help you navigate through Borough Market and uncover some tasty delicacies. It was entertaining to listen to some historical insights of the nearby landmarks and marketplace. Definitely try out the bacon and egg breakfast bap!

Read more: Best food tours in London

8 – Westminster Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 518 reviews )

“Tim is a wealth of knowledge. We really enjoy this tour… lots of info we wouldn’t have learned without a guide.” Christina. Viator

History buffs listen up and great ready to explore the rich history of Westminster in the knowledgable hands of  Top Sights Tours .

The area of Westminster is densely packed with some of the  best places to visit in London such as the grandiose Royal Buckingham Palace, St James Palace (constructed back in the 1530s), the gothic spires of the Houses of Parliament and the glorious  Westminster Abbey (the site of numerous royal weddings and burial ground of notable historic figures).

In addition to passing by 20 historic sites, delve inside the Churchill War Rooms underground bunkers to learn more about British politics during World War II.

An engaging and historically detailed walking tour covering the main highlights of Westminster. We loved being able to catch the changing of the guards outside Buckingham Palace and learn more about the different monarchs throughout Britain’s history. Fascinating to see the Map Room and the Transatlantic Telephone Room inside the War Rooms.

9 – Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 2200 reviews )

“Johnny was our guide, he was very knowledgeable, passionate and energetic. We enjoyed the tour and recommend if you are interested in learning about Jack the Ripper”. Deanne. Civitatis

Get ready for a spine tingling journey into the dark and gruesome side of London! During this  Golden Tours adventure, visitors will delve into the history of the serial killer who plagued the streets of the Whitechapel district back in 1888!

Learn about the victims of these tragic murders- five local women, several of whom were prostitutes! Following your guide around the scenes of the crime is undoubtedly one of the spookiest and funniest things to do in London at night !

Uncover some of the most atmospheric hidden London alleyways and dark historic street corners!

Fascinating to learn different theories about the unsolved case of Jack the Ripper and the sordid conditions of dark alleys in London during the 19th century! The energetic guide was a captivating storyteller and left us with goosebumps during several stops on the tour!

Read more: Best London night tours

10 – Ultimate introduction to photography in Central London

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 19 reviews )

“I have been using my camera for years without understanding the technical basics and I now feel confident I can progress and improve thanks to the great tips Matthew gave me”. Sophie. Viator

Have you ever dreamed of taking some high-quality and artistic photographs but lack the technical skills, confidence and past experience to get your feet off the ground? Join an intensive photography crash course whilst walking around Central London under the guidance of professional photographer Matthew Williams-Ellis !

This small group tour is definitely one of the top  things to do in Central London for those with a budding interest in photography! Experiment with different apertures, shutter speeds and shooting modes and encapsulate some dramatic shots of the Thames River skyline and the London Eye .

Mathew was super friendly and approachable from the start of the tour. Now I understand a lot better how to maximize my camera’s functions and different settings. I enjoyed the tips on capturing different lightings and our photos of the London Eye in motion are worth treasuring!

11 – Notting Hill Film Locations Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 107 reviews )

“Anna did a great job, was very committed and told lots of great stories. Really 2 great hours.” Christoph. Getyourguide

Get to know the area of Notting Hill, the vibrant multi-cultural area of London made famous in the romantic comedy film starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts!

Pass by picturesque streets lined with colorful Victorian townhouses, leafy communal gardens, trendy boutique shops and the bustling Portobello Road market filled with eclectic vintage attire and antique bargains!

Learn about famous celebrities who have frequented the area such as rock and roll stars and literary giants. You are bound to recognize plenty of filming locations along the route!

It was great to see some of the filming locations from the Notting Hill Film such as the classic Blue Door and the Book Shop! It was an amazing introduction to this hip and lively area. I enjoyed seeing the former recording studios where music legends such as Bob Marley and Led Zeppelin created their albums!

12 – Silent Disco West End Musicals Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 819 reviews )

“Absolutely loved the silent disco great fun and the 2 hosts were excellent. Wear flat comfy shoes as you do alot of steps 😊 Great afternoon out and lots of fun.” Samantha. Viator

Party your way around the West End whilst bopping along to some awesome musical soundtracks during a  Silent Disco walking tour. Discover interesting landmarks along the route and allow your guide to explain fascinating facts regarding the history of important theatres, actors and West End shows.

This fun walking tour is definitely one of the top  things to do in London for couples as you get the opportunity to experiment with your street dance moves! Highlights include stopping off at the vibrant Leicester Square and world-class entertainment venues such as the Savoy Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and many more!

Plenty of laughs and smiles as we danced from street to street around Soho. Was really fun to belt out some of our favorite musical hits in between learning interesting facts about productions, showbiz and theatre! A memorable highlight of our London trip!

Read more: Discover the best West End shows and musicals to see right now and get familiar with the iconic West End theaters hosting these unmissable performances.

13 – Witches and History Magical Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 62 reviews )

“A super nice, enthusiastic lady. She told it with passion and you couldn’t stop listening to it. All in all…TOP!!” Giovani. Getyourguide

Are you curious to learn more about the history of mysterious London witchcraft? With  iWelcome Tours you can follow your enchanting witch guide along the banks of the Thames River , listening to stories of real-life witches and the tragic fates that befell them!

The tour includes a huge range of iconic London landmarks such as the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral , a fine example of English Baroque architecture! Pass by the eerie Clink Prison, infamous for housing prisoners accused of witchcraft and dark magic and Shakespeare’s famous Globe Theatre! Even Shakespeare himself was inspired by sorcery when we think of the prophecies of the witches in Macbeth!

Double, double toil and trouble! Our guide was an excellent storyteller, keeping us hanging in anticipated suspense. The perfect walking tour length and a good range of historical sites along the route. It was interesting to learn about the Golden Hinde (a replica of Francis Drake’s 16th century ship) along with gruesome tales of Clink Prison!

14 – Treasure Hunt: The Mystery of Who Pushed Molly May

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 129 reviews )

“Great trivia, great spots and optimally challenging riddles for an easy and fun 4 hour walk through Soho.” Rahul. Viator

Follow in the footsteps of the fictional 1920s Londoner actress Molly May as you embark on a Mystery Guides treasure hunt to solve the mysterious case of the West End villain. Get ready to pick your brain with plenty of cryptic clues at different locations throughout London’s emblematic theatre district.

Expect to uncover plenty of interesting locations dotted around the streets of Soho and perhaps the odd plot twist that could plunge your mission into jeopardy if you don’t pay close attention! Pass by historic taverns, iconic hotels and old theatres in this unique self-guided adventure!

A great activity for groups of friends or families looking for an entertaining afternoon! We could go at our own pace and it was also fun to discover the nearby Chinatown. It was nice to have the activity booklet so we didn’t have to rely on our mobile phones and could keep the batteries charged for photos.

15 – London Walking Indian Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 363 reviews )

“The Walking Indian food tour was educational, fun and full of great food! It was a great introduction to a different London neighborhood with some history lessons mixed in.” Anna. Viator

Indulge in a whirlwind of rich spicy curries, smoky and tender tandoori, warm naan bread and thick refreshing lassis during the Secret Food Tours London Indian Food route.

Come face to face with culinary delicacies from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, bursting with intense flavors and color! Walk around the animated East End streets of Brick Lane as part of a small group whilst learning more about this neighborhood’s diverse multicultural history and identity!

Embrace the strong and mouthwatering aromas as you pass by London’s ‘curry mile’ and discover a traditional market dating back to the Victorian Era.

A yummy, delicious and abundant selection of authentic curries and treats that left us feeling completely full! It was fascinating to learn a bit more about the food preparation along with the different spices and try some Indian sweet desserts. I liked the small group size and getting to know our fellow tour goers!

16 – Borough Market Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 55 reviews )

“Just do it! It’s absolutely worth it and our guide Leo was a gem. The food selection was great and there was plenty of time to roam around. The tour was one of the greatest highlights of my short trip.” Jessica. Getyourguide

Join  Carpe Diem Tours for a foodie lovers tour around London’s oldest market! Learn more about the history of this iconic British market that has been operating since 1014. The guide will take you on a journey through British culinary traditions, introducing participants to all time British classics such as fish and chips as well as introducing some lesser known typical treats!

Try an authentic British cup of tea, learn how to correctly prepare and serve it and sample some celebrated English beer and ale!

A brilliant tour for food lovers looking to get an overview of British food culture. I particularly enjoyed the range of cheeses and sausage rolls. Borough Market has such a vibrant atmosphere, packed with local producers and high-quality gourmet delights.

17 – Royal Palaces Walking Tour and High Tea

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 41 reviews )

“Simon our tour guide was a wonderful guide. He was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly.” Michael. Getyourguide

Feel like true British royalty as you dive into a scrumptious High Tea provided by  Top Tasting Tours at  Kensington Palace & Gardens !

Learn about the fascinating history of this 17th-century Royal Palace, the former home to the legendary Queen Victoria and glamorous Princess Diana, and stroll around around the beautifully manicured gardens.

In addition to jam topped scones and classic cucumber sandwiches this tour also involves a guided commentary about the history of Buckingham Palace and St James Palace, including a sneak peek at the famous Changing of the Guards!

Our guide Simon was super warm and friendly, telling us plenty of royal trivia and stories of British monarchs. Excellent to see three main Palace during one walking tour. The afternoon tea was a real treat, with tasty cakes and sandwiches in an unforgettable setting!

18 – London Palaces & Parliament Walking Tour (Small Group)

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 45 reviews )

“Very nice walk around Westminster. Guardians change and finish at the front of Elizabeth Tower/ Big Ben. Matt as a guide was great. On top of data he told stories and even singed once. Well spent 3 hours.” Tomas. Tiqets

Join London Top Sights Tours to discover some of the major iconic sites London has to offer from impressive Royal Palaces, luscious green parks, the famous Trafalgar Square to the glorious Gothic spires adorning the Houses of Parliament .

This jam-packed walking tour includes a handful of the top tourist attractions in London such as the grandiose  Buckingham Palace (where visitors can witness the traditional changing of the Guards) along with the glorious  Westminster Abbey where royal coronations have taken place since the 11th century!

Get some excellent photos of Big Ben and pass by the residence of the British Prime Minister, the famous Downing Street!

We learnt a lot about the British monarchy and politics during this crammed packed walking tour of Westminster and Buckingham Palace! The guide provided an educational yet light-hearted commentary during the walk and we managed to get some excellent photos of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament!

19 – Harry Potter Movie & Book Locations Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 135 reviews )

“Alex Scamander is just super funny, entertaining and very informative! He shares a great deal of knowledge about Harry Potter, the city and other film locations in the city in a very entertaining way. An absolute must for every Harry Potter fan! Thumbs up for Alex and the Muggle Tour.” Dagmar. Getyourguide

Discover all the London sites that inspired J.K Rowling or that feature in the Harry Potter films during this magical adventure offered by Tour for Muggles .

Follow your guide through bustling markets, down dark London alleyways, past historic pubs and along the River Thames whilst learning plenty of Potter trivia and tales of wizardry. Expect plenty of group interaction, facts regarding famous London landmarks and lots of walking!

Cross over the famous Millennium Bridge that was attacked by Death Eaters and explore the Victorian covered market of Leadenhall that is rumored to have inspired the bustling Diagon Alley!

A fun walking tour experience even if you are not a Harry Potter fanatic! The guide shared lots of funny stories along with valuable insights into London’s history, engaging both children and adults throughout the tour! Highlights include stopping outside the beautifully illuminated St. Paul’s Cathedral!

Read more: Best Harry Potter tours in London

20 – Roman Ruins to Blitz Bombings: London’s Fiery History

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 127 reviews )

“It was a fun and educational tour. I learned so many things about the city I just normally pass and and don’t give a second thought to.” Johanna. Viator

For those looking to delve a bit deeper into the turbulent history of London, look no further than the  Historic London Tours walking adventure. Learn more about the Roman settlers in Londinium and their introduction of urban planning and defensive city walls!

Listen to tales of famous literary figures and artists that have called London home, learn about some of London’s ghosts and power struggles at the  Tower of London and gain further insight into London’s more recent history such as the devastation during the World Wars.

Even if you have visited London many times, we are sure that you will discover something new during this richly informative tour!

Get ready to open your eyes to the rich history underlying each corner of the City of London! It was great to learn more about the mysterious London Stone, an artifact shrouded in legend! Other highlights involved exploring more about Brides Church with a unique wedding cake tier spire!

21 – Street Art Tour of Shoreditch

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 592 reviews )

“Wonderful tour! Really, it could not be better. I kind of only expected only well-known stories of Banksy but instead learnt a lot of new information about various graffiti artists.” Ludmilla. Guruwalk

Uncover the lesser-known sites of Alternative London during a hipster Street Art walking tour around the creative areas of East London. Explore the vibrant streets of Shoreditch and Brick Lane as your guide takes you to look at a wide range of colorful urban graffiti art!

Look out for art legends such as Banksy and Stik and admire a variety of works by over 40 different street artists! Get inspired and reflect on the social messages behind some of these thought-provoking pieces.

In addition to the world of urban art, prepare for a fascinating historic commentary of these East End neighborhoods and their community spirit.

Getting to know the background stories behind the artists and the neighborhood’s history gives these works of street art a whole different level of meaning! Thoroughly absorbed from start to finish and discovered loads of new artists I had never come across. 2 hours passed so quickly!

22 – James Bond Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 47 reviews )

“Ian was great and funny. He gave us a lot of information and “insights” from movies. The tour has a good dynamic and duable with kids.” Simona. Viator

Enter into the action-packed and glamorous spy world of 007 during the  Brit Movie Tours James Bond Walking tour! Get a glimpse of a handful of filming locations featured in the Bond films such as the MI6 Headquarters at Vauxhall Cross, the National Gallery where Bond meets Q in front of the Turner painting and Westminster Bridge!

The expert Bond guide will fill you in with heaps of double agent trivia regarding secret film sites, actor gossip and tales of villains and Bond girls. After this intense and educational walking tour, you will fully deserve to sit back and enjoy your martini shaken not stirred.

A well paced walking tour packed with Bond trivia! It was also interesting to learn facts about Fleming himself. Lots of background information on the buildings featured and their history. Will definitely be rewatching the Bond movies after this engaging experience!

23 – Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 556 reviews )

“The ghost tour was my son’s favorite part of our stay in London. George did a fantastic job bringing these tales to life. He received top marks for enthusiasm and dramatic performance.” Mistina. Viator

Get ready for plenty of chilling and spooky ghost stories such as this London walking Ghost tour offered by Meet the Street Tours .

Encounter one of the oldest churches in London, the famous All Hallows- with paranormal activity reported in the depths of its crypts! Gaze up at the Tower of London surrounded by soaring black ravens and the lingering energy of desolate prisoners!

Learn about the beheadings in the Tower courtyard, crimes in London backstreets and bloody murders as you head on a winding journey towards St. Paul’s.

Our guide was an enthralling storyteller who left us feeling very spooked by the gruesome tales of demons and London ghouls! We experienced plenty of lesser known sights along the route and the night time atmosphere added a thrilling element!

24 – Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 140 reviews )

“This was a great little walking tour. The tour guide was well-versed in Sherlock Holmes and the various books and films he appeared in and made the experience quite a lot of fun. Highly recommend.” Cathy. Viator

When visiting London, it’s hard not to think of the beloved British detective, the legendary Sherlock Holmes! On this Brit Movie Tours walking adventure, follow your guide around London visiting some essential locations featured in the Sherlock books and the BBC series adaptation.

Delve into the fascinating history of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and learn where Sherlock met Watson for the first time! Admire the impressive façade of the Royal Academy of Arts, the animated atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus and the grandiose Somerset House and discover their links with the detective world of Sherlock!

The passion of the guide was contagious and fully took us on a journey of the evolution of Sherlock’s character. A great mix of insider knowledge from the various Sherlock books, movies and TV series! The guide’s visual aid notebook also really helped bring the experience to life.

25 – The Ultimate Cheese Crawl

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 274 reviews )

Embark on a walking tour with a mouthwatering cheese twist in the company of  See Your City . Amble around the elegant streets of Mayfair as your cheese loving guide takes you to some of the best places in London to sample some of London’s finest cheese offerings!

Walk through the buzzing Piccadilly Circus, sampling cheese at cheesemongers and counters as you go as you make your way through Little Italy to Covent Garden!

This tour is a great introduction to top-quality British cheeses. Expect plenty of light hearted cheesy jokes and cheese related trivia quizzes as you stroll along!

Delicious cheeses and lots of educational facts! We enjoyed the cheese guessing games and the group bonded really well. A great way to socialize with similar cheese loving fans and we also stocked up on lots of British cheeses to take home for the family.

26 – Free City Tour of London

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 1427 reviews )

“Incredible tour! Damian is such a funny, resourceful and witty guy. Awesome tour and totally recommended!”. Sara. Guruwalk

Join  Guruwalk on one of their epic free walking tours as you cruise around the heart of the capital, the City of London district! Learn about the origins of London that date way back to Roman times, the perilous streets of London during the Medieval Ages along with plenty of stories regarding British monarchs and politicians!

Kick off your journey outside the  Tower of London , home to traditional Beefeaters, the crown jewels and a dark history! Think about the ghosts of Ann Boleyn and the tragic Lady Jane Grey!

Cross over the monumental  Tower Bridge (constructed back in 1894) and follow your guide for a route full of fascinating buildings and markets!

• free walking tours in London

A fascinating journey full of anecdotes, cinema references and detailed historical facts. The guide was super professional throughout the tour, keeping the group fully engaged. Explanations were clear and with an evident passion for the rich history of London.

Read more: Best free walking tours in London

How to book walking tours in London?

Booking a walking tour may seem overwhelming because there are many different companies offering walking tours in London, and many travel websites selling the tours online.

Many sites offer discounts, so the price may vary from one website to another. Make things easy and use the Tourscanner search engine to compare offers, check out more reviews, and obtain the best possible deal on prices!

• compare walking tours in London

Top Sight Tours Group

London Walking Tours

Walking tours of london & the best sightseeing attractions , top london tours, eat 8 english foods & see 30+ london sights walking tour.

See the top 30 London landmarks then head to Borough Market to enjoy the best of British food! ...

See Over 30 Top London Sights! Fun Local Guide!!

This is a fun London walking tour where you will see the top 30 London Attractions & hear about thei ...

London’s Amazing Palaces & Parliament Walking Tour

This is a guided London walking tour of Westminster. You will see the main Top London Attractions in ...

British Royalty Walking Tour (Including The Changing Of The Guard)

This tour is focused on the most famous Royal Family in the world : The British Monarchy ...

Westminster Tours

London food tours, london tours, j k rowling & wizard tours, themed london tours, london combi-tours, private london tours, london taxi tours, london attraction tickets.

Browse All Tours

Themed Walking Tours

Lights & sights of london: 30+ london top sights at dusk.

An evening walking tour of London's lights - the best way to see London at night! The London's light ...

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter with return transportation & 3 Hour Westminster Tour

Enjoy a walking tour of Westminster & Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potte ...

J K Rowling & Wizard Walking Tour

A J K Rowling & Wizard Walking Tour of London through some magical streets. Children (15 and under) ...

The Crown British Royalty Walking Tour

Join us as we show you the British Royalty sights that are well known and featured on the series on ...

Jack The Ripper Tour : Solve The Crime

We will take you on a walking tour through the dark and narrow streets of Jack the Rippers's famous ...

Wizard Walking Tour (Film Location) & River Cruise

Visit different Harry Potter-related sites and see buildings that inspired the books by JK Rowling o ...

Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

We will see 20 of London's most iconic sights in a 3-hour historic walking tour! After the walking t ...

Ride the London Eye (Skip The Line) & See 30+ London Top Sights

This is a fun 5 walking tour of London where you will go for a spin on the London Eye and also see t ...

The Tower of London & See 30+ London Top Sights

This is a fun 5 hour walking tour of London where you will see the top 30 London Sights and visit Th ...

Visit St Pauls & See 30+ London Top Sights

This is a fun 5 London walking tour where you will visit St Pauls Cathedral after your tour. You wil ...

London sightseeing tours  of the most popular and historic  tourist attractions.

Our London walking tours have been carefully created by combining the parts of the very best tours we’ve experienced travelling all over the world.  London Top Sights Tours is a new sightseeing company founded in 2017 and we provide the best tours London has to offer.

Our tour guides live here and have a deep love for the city, its tourist sights, culture & history.

London Top Sights Tours is part of the Top Sights Tour Group. A Global Walking Tour Operator.

We provide affordable, high quality, fun and interactive guided walking tours of London in its most historical areas of Westminster & the Southbank. You can choose to come on one of our group or private tours and even add the option of bolting on an attraction ticket.

We offer guided group or private London tours . With a private option you’ll have your own guide for either a half or full day to visit London’s best sights at your own pace.

We also offer themed walking tours such our  Jack the Ripper & Harry Potter .

Day tours to other incredible destinations in England are on offer, such as Stonehenge & Bath , so you can learn more about the history and beauty of the UK.

The Best London Walking Tours, 12 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.

Search For Shoreditch

Puzzling towards painted streets… more

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

A Rift In Time

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

• New release
• Food Included

East End Food Hunt

Unlock a picnic of delicious treats… more

Greenwich Guile

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

Humanity's Last

How far are you willing to go to survive… more

A Forbidden Fayre

Mayfair, more than a Monopoly square… more

Return of Jack the Ripper

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

Mysterious Mews

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

Secrets of the Squares

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

Taste of Soho Food Hunt

A tantalisingly tasty exploration of Central London… more

All Gone South

The underbelly of medieval London… 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

Bowen Weather-Banton

Loved the walk, especially the view from the Observatory:) will definitely be coming back to Greenwich now

Monocle Editors

A really interesting and enjoyable mixture of London history, puzzles at just the right level of challenge for a Sunday…

Griffin Girls

This was an excellent way of exploring the city. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Red Folk

Great fun. Learned some things I didn't know about Birmingham.

Wonderful way to explore, Nottingham next!

Mayo for Sam

Great afternoon of puzzles and fun.Everyone enjoyed and even those of us who know London still discovered new things & …

You got snacks?

This is the second one of these we have done, we love them. Great day out and takes you places you've not been before. …

We had a great time. Got stuck on one clue when it said look right not left, but worked it out in the end. We took a fe…

Definitely Maybe

Excellent experience. Really quick messaging and challenging but fun clues

Myself and my partner really enjoyed this activity. I'm from Scotland and he is from outer London and both found it a g…

Team London birthdays

We had a really great time! Really made my birthday!

Such a unique and fun experience! It really allows you to see parts of the city that you wouldn’t necessarily visit! In…

Ru and Coel

It was amazing getting to tour all the little details of Sydney while having an underlying story and puzzles to solve! …

Princess Squeak & the Silly Goose

Such good fun, clever clues, and the trail took us to see parts of York we have never seen before! Loved it!

The Band on Tour

A really fun day out. Got to see lots of the city and learn some interesting facts too!

Blakemores on Tour

Excellent way to see the city

Joe’s adventure squad

A great way to explore Greenwich, we all really enjoyed it! Fun and challenging clues to keep us guessing, highly recom…

great way to explore the city we have just moved to!

Team Hammond

We had a great experience! Cambridge is our local City, but we were amazed at how much we'd never seen within such a sm…

The RamSchals

Great day out with kids (age 10-12). We loved it!

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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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 41 Beautiful Self-Guided London Walking Tours

I love London and I love walking, and I’ve really enjoyed sharing my London walks with you over the last few years. Given the response, I’m pretty sure you like walking, too. Today I want to make it easy for you to find my self-guided London walking tours by putting them all in one blog post.

London Walking Tours

Ever since I started sharing my London walks on the A Lady in London blog, I’ve gotten emails, comments, and messages saying how much you’ve enjoyed following them.

It’s meant a lot to me, and I really appreciate your support and encouragement. I hope to bring you many more in the future, and will add them to this post as I do.

If you want to bookmark or pin it on Pinterest , you can use the post as an easy reference for finding all my past, present, and future self-guided London walking tours.

My first blog post about London walks was a five-in-one special. I covered areas from Hammersmith to Hampstead and included a map for each one.

Since then I’ve gone into a lot more detail, starting with a self-guided walk in Notting Hill and a couple of other London neighborhoods, and branching out from there. You can find details and links to each one below.

1. London Walking Tours: South Kensington to Soho

My first walk is one from South Kensington to Soho. It’s particularly special to me because I used to do it almost every day when I lived in Kensington.

Whenever I had a social or work event in Soho I got to walk through this part of London and take in everything from the museums to Wellington Arch along the way.

It’s a great one if you’re visiting London for the first time and want to walk between attractions. Get the details here .

2. London Walking Tours: South Bank

My second walk is along the South Bank . I love this part of London because there’s always something going on. Whether it’s a summer festival or a Christmas market, the South Bank is bustling year-round.

This one also goes by some of the most famous London landmarks , from the Houses of Parliament to the London Eye and Borough Market .

This is another good London walk for first-time visitors and those that like to be in the heart of the action. Get the details here .

3. London Walking Tours: Thames Path

My third walk is along the Thames Path from Hammersmith to Chiswick . A friend who lived near Hammersmith introduced me to it ages ago, and I’ve been back many times since.

This stretch of river goes by boats and barges, islets and riverside pubs. There are beautiful houses along the way, and lots of lovely gardens to peek into.

It’s the perfect walk if you want something a bit different and a local London experience. Get the details here .

4. London Walking Tours: The Royal Parks

My fourth walk is for people like me who love cities but also adore nature. It offers the best of both worlds as it goes through Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James’s Park.

When I lived in central London, I did this walk all the time. I’m not only familiar with it, but can also vouch for how good it is year-round.

I particularly enjoy this walk in summer when the gardens are in bloom and the baby waterfowl are at their cutest, but it’s also beautiful when the leaves change and in the spring when the flowers come out. Get the details here .

5. London Walking Tours: Hampstead and the Heath

My fifth walk is in Hampstead , where I lived during my first five years in London.

It goes through the heart of the village and into Hampstead Heath , one of the biggest and wildest parks in the city.

This walk is a great one if you want a mix of London neighborhood and London nature, and it can take up an entire day if you stroll around the whole of the heath. Get the details here .

6. London Walking Tours: Hampstead

My sixth walk is also in Hampstead, and it’s the first of my more detailed self-guided London walking tours. It goes through the village’s streets, giving an in-depth overview of the area, its hidden lanes, and its beloved pubs.

This one is a great walk if you want to get to know a part of the capital that not many visitors get to (but that locals love). It’s one of the prettiest places in London, and feels like it’s a million miles from the city. Get the details here .

7. London Walking Tours: Kensington

My seventh walk is in Kensington , where I lived for years and spent a lot of time exploring. It goes through all my favorite streets and mews and reveals hidden spots where London’s wisteria is at its loveliest in spring.

It also shows off some of the best tucked-away pubs and under-the-radar side streets, and it’s an ideal walk if you want to explore a less obvious side to this part of the city. Get the details here .

8. London Walking Tours: Notting Hill

My eighth walk is in Notting Hill . This London neighborhood is known the world over, but a lot of people get stuck on Portobello Road and other familiar streets when they’re here. I used to, too.

But over the years I’ve discovered a lot of beautiful streets in Notting Hill that aren’t on the tourist trail, and I published my self-guided London walking tour of the area to share them with others and show a different side of the neighborhood.

It’s just the thing if you want to do more than scratch the surface in Notting Hill (and you should). Get the details here .

9. Literary London Walk

My ninth walk diverges from the others in that it covers a theme as opposed to just an area.

This self-guided London literary walk goes through several London neighborhoods to reveal some of the city’s best bookshops , literary landmarks, reading rooms, libraries, and other places book lovers will…well…love.

This one came about as a result of my love of both walking and books, and it’s just the thing for you if you’re the same. Get the details here .

10. London Walking Tours: South Kensington

My tenth walk goes back to the neighborhood theme with a self-guided walk in South Kensington . This one starts where the Kensington walk ends, so they can be combined for a longer exploration of the area.

It goes through South Kensington’s prettiest side streets and mews and shows the area’s pastel houses, cobblestone streets, and orange bricks at their best.

It’s perfect if you want to get a feel for one of London’s loveliest neighborhoods. Get the details here .

11. London Walking Tours: Chelsea

My eleventh walk stays close to my tenth in Chelsea . This area is one of London’s most picturesque, with beautiful houses, great shopping streets, and riverfront gardens galore.

This London walk goes through a lot of the most colorful back streets and secret gardens, as well as some of the main retail areas along the King’s Road .

It’s the perfect one if you like shopping and exploring at the same time. Get the details here .

12. London Walking Tours: Belgravia

My twelfth walk is next door in Belgravia . This is one of the most elegant London neighborhoods. It’s full of embassies, flowers, and hidden mews.

This walk goes through the area’s grand squares, along its flower-festooned streets, and through its back lanes. It’s great if you want a mix of styles, some retail therapy, and lots of luxury. Get the details here .

13. London Walking Tours: Spitalfields

My thirteenth walk is in east London’s Spitalfields . This is one of the city’s most vibrant areas. Historic houses sit beside contemporary street art, markets offer vintage treasures galore, and new pop-ups open all the time.

This London walk goes through the neighborhood’s colorful streets and markets. Sunday is the best day to be here (all the markets are open that day), so I recommend going to Spitalfields then. Get the details here .

14. London Walking Tours: Covent Garden

My fourteenth walk is in Covent Garden . This is one of the busiest and most colorful London neighborhoods. The famous piazza is full of life, and the shops and restaurants around it are some of the best in the city.

This walk will lead you to Covent Garden’s highlights and secret spaces. It’s great if you want to get a full picture of one of the city’s most popular areas. Get the details here .

15. London Walking Tours: Dulwich Village

My fifteenth London walk is in Dulwich village. Dulwich is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in south London. With a park, a picture gallery, and beautiful houses, the area is perfect for wandering.

This walk will take you through Dulwich village’s leafy streets and green spaces. It’s ideal if you want to explore more of south London and feel like you’re a million miles from the city at the same time. Get the details here .

16. London Walking Tours: Holland Park

My sixteenth walk is in Holland Park . This area is full of elegant houses and is home to one of London’s most colorful parks. The tulip gardens are gorgeous in spring, but the area is worth a visit year-round for its beauty.

This London walk will bring you from the Holland Park tube station to the houses, green spaces, and mews the area is renowned for. It’s perfect if you love a mix of pretty homes and peaceful parks. Get the details here .

17. London Walking Tours: Richmond

My seventeenth walk is out west in Richmond . This London neighborhood is worth a trip for its riverside charm and huge parks. It’s full of little lanes, historic pubs, and colorful boats to admire.

This walk will show you the best of the area, from the side streets to the Thames. At the end, it will give you two options for continuing your walk in the way that best suits your interests. Get the details here .

18. London Walking Tours: Mayfair

My eighteenth walk is in chi chi Mayfair . This area is dripping with luxury from its shops to its hotels. Mayfair has a lot of beauty to take in, not to mention pretty gardens and mews.

This walk will lead you through Mayfair, taking you from Piccadilly to South Molton Street and back. It’s a great one if you love the finer things in life. Get the details here .

19. Street Art Tour of London

My nineteenth walk mixes things up again. This one is thematic and focuses on street art in east London’s Spitalfields and Shoreditch .

These areas have some of the best street art in London, and they’re great places to walk around and take in the colors.

This walk will lead you from Old Spitalfields Market to Brick Lane and beyond. It’s just the thing if you like discovering the city’s edgier side. Get the details here .

20. London Walking Tours: Greenwich

My twentieth walk is in leafy Greenwich . Greenwich is known for its maritime history, royal residences, famous observatory, covered market, and great views .

This walk will guide you from the Thames to the Royal Observatory and through the markets and side streets. It’s ideal if you like a mix of culture, food, and history. Get the details here .

21. London Walking Tours: Westminster

My twenty-first walk is in Westminster . This area is home to a lot of big attractions, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.

This London walk will take you from Parliament Square to Smith Square and beyond. It covers highlights both big and small, and is a great choice if you like landmarks and hidden corners alike. Get the details here .

22. London Walking Tours: Soho

My twenty-second walk is in Soho . Right in the middle of London, Soho is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and theaters, and a lot of great secret courtyards and leafy squares.

This most exciting of London walks will take you through the most vibrant streets, squares, and alleys in the area. It’s perfect if you want to get to know Soho beyond the main roads. Get the details here .

23. London Walking Tours: City of London

My twenty-third walk is in the City of London . This area has some of the richest history and most important buildings in the UK capital.

This walk will transport you through past and present, big squares and little courtyards, historic halls and modern skyscrapers. It’s ideal if you like history and architecture. Get the details here .

24. London Walking Tours: Regent’s Canal

My twenty-fourth walk is along Regent’s Canal. Running from Maida Vale to King’s Cross , the canal goes by everything from the boats in Little Venice to the stalls of Camden Market . It even goes through the London Zoo in Regent’s Park .

This loveliest of London walks will take you along the waterway and show you parts of London most people miss out on.

It’s great if you like to get off the beaten path and away from the bustle of the city. And given it’s on the water, it’s perfect for a sunny day. Get the details here .

25. London Walking Tours: Clerkenwell

My twenty-fifth walk is in Clerkenwell and the surrounding area. This part of the UK capital is full of history and has some of the best restaurants and markets in London.

My self-guided London walking tour in Clerkenwell will take you down historic alleys, under stone archways, and through one of the oldest markets in the city.

The walk covers Clerkenwell, Smithfield, Hatton Garden, and other areas. It’s just the thing if you like history and food in equal measure. Get the details here .

26. London Walking Tours: Islington

My twenty-sixth walk is in Islington . This area has great shopping, canals, and colorful doors.

My self-guided London walk in Islington will take you through vibrant markets, pretty squares, and exciting shopping streets.

The walk is perfect if you like a mix of high streets and side streets with some retail therapy thrown in. Get the details here .

27. London Walking Tours: London Bridge

My twenty-seventh walk covers London Bridge and the area around it. From Borough to Bermondsey, More London to Maltby Street Market, there’s a lot to discover here.

My self-guided London walking tour in London Bridge will take you through a number of great markets and past some of the most famous landmarks on the Thames.

This London walk is ideal if you like history, food, and riverfront scenery in equal measure. Get the details here .

28. London Walking Tours: Hampstead Heath

My twenty-eighth walk is in Hampstead Heath. One of London’s biggest and wildest parks, it’s a great place to get outdoors and into nature.

My self-guided London walking tour in Hampstead Heath will take you to some of the best places in the park. From the bathing ponds to Parliament Hill, Kenwood House, and the Pergola Garden, it’ll show you the highlights.

This London walk is for you if you like getting into green spaces without leaving the city. Get the details here .

29. London Walking Tours: Shoreditch

My twenty-ninth walk is in Shoreditch. This east London neighborhood is one of the coolest parts of the city, and it has a hipster vibe.

This walk will take you past great street art murals, down historic side streets, and alongside popular shops and restaurants.

This most exciting of London walks is perfect if you like street art, London history, and hipster areas in equal measure. Get the details here .

30. London Walking Tours: Bloomsbury

My thirtieth walk is in Bloomsbury. This part of central London is known for its literary connections, leafy squares, and famous museums.

My self-guided London walking tour in Bloomsbury will take you through Russell Square, past the British Museum, and into secret gardens. Along the way you’ll go by independent bookshops and famous Bloomsbury cafes .

This London walk will appeal if you love literary history, bookshops, and cultural attractions in equal measure. Get the details here .

31. London Walking Tours: Regent’s Canal

My thirty-first walk is on Regent’s Canal, but along a different stretch than my other one. This walk goes from King’s Cross to Hackney . It can be combined with my canal walk from Maida Vale to King’s Cross for a longer route.

This self-guided Regent’s Canal walk will take you through Islington, Angel , Hoxton, Haggerston, and London Fields as you make your way into Hackney.

You’ll get a glimpse of waterfront bars and cafes as you go, and you can pick up a picnic lunch at Broadway Market at the end if you want to.

This London walk is for you if you love being by the water and exploring local areas of the city. Get the details here .

32. London Walking Tours: Thames Walk

My thirty-second walk is on the Thames Path. This is one of the most popular places to walk in London, and my route will take you to some of the best spots along the river.

This self-guided Thames walk will lead you from Chelsea to Battersea Park , Pimlico , Westminster, the South Bank, and Rotherhithe .

Along the way you’ll see London attractions like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament , the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and more.

This walking tour is for you if you love being by the river and seeing the city’s big landmarks. It’s one of the best walks along the Thames in London . Get the details here .

33. London Walking Tours: Royal Walk

My thirty-third walk is a royal-themed tour of the UK capital. It covers many of the major palaces in London and other sites associated with the monarchy.

The route of this self-guided London walking tour goes from Kensington Gardens to the Tower of London. Along the way it passes Buckingham Palace , Horse Guards Parade, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, and other royal landmarks.

This London walk is for you if you’re a fan of the monarchy and you want to see all things royal in London. Get the details on my royal walk blog post.

34. London Walking Tours: Marylebone

My thirty-fourth walk is in Marylebone . This upscale part of central London is known for its great shopping, famous high street, and fun markets.

My self-guided London walking tour in Marylebone will take you down Marylebone High Street , past the Wallace Collection, and into pretty gardens. Along the way you’ll go by beloved bookshops and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

This London walk will appeal if you love Marylebone shopping , markets, and cultural attractions. Get the details here .

35. London Walking Tours: Knightsbridge

My thirty-fifth walk is in Knightsbridge . This luxurious neighborhood in central London is famous for department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, but there’s a lot more to discover beyond shopping.

My self-guided London walking tour in Knightsbridge will take you down Sloane Street, past luxury goods shops, and into side streets and squares. Along the way you’ll go down Brompton Road and explore hidden mews.

This London walk is for you if you love the finer things in life and want to explore one of London’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Get the details here .

36. London Walking Tours: Primrose Hill

My thirty-sixth walk is in Primrose Hill . This pretty neighborhood in north London is beloved for its big park and colorful houses (some of which were used as filming locations for the Paddington movies).

My self-guided London walk in Primrose Hill will take you down Regent’s Park Road, along Regent’s Canal, and into the park. Along the way you’ll take in one of the best views of London and explore beautiful squares.

This route is for you if you like exploring local areas and want to discover one of London’s sweetest neighborhoods. Get the details here .

37. London Walking Tours: Highgate

My thirty-seventh walk is in Highgate . This elegant London neighborhood is known for its famous Victorian cemetery and beautiful houses.

My self-guided walking route in Highgate will take you into the area’s many green spaces and along its high streets and side streets. As you go you’ll get a glimpse of the heritage details that make this one of the most beautiful parts of north London.

This one is just the thing if you enjoy discovering less touristy places in London and want to see a great local neighborhood. It’s one of my favorite unusual walks in London . Get the details here .

38. London Walking Tours: Harry Potter

My thirty-eighth walk is another themed one. It covers the main Harry Potter sites in London, from places that featured in the novels to ones that were used as filming locations for the movies.

The route of this self-guided London walking tour goes from Westminster to Tower Bridge . Along the way it will lead you through Whitehall, Covent Garden, King’s Cross, the City of London, and the South Bank.

You’ll see everything from Leadenhall Market to Platform 9 3/4, the Millennium Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St Pancras station as you go. It’s a great way to indulge your inner Potterhead.

This London walking route is for you if you’re a Harry Potter fan and you want to see all things associated with the books and films. Get the details on my Harry Potter walking tour blog post.

39. London Walking Tours: Christmas Lights

My thirty-ninth walk is also themed. It spans the city center to highlight the best and brightest Christmas lights in the UK capital.

From Oxford Street and Regent Street to Carnaby Street and Covent Garden, it will give you a good overview of the city’s festive installations.

This walk is for you if you want to see the top Christmas lights in London. Get the details and map on my blog post about a Christmas lights walk in London .

40. London Walking Tours: Little Venice

My fortieth walk is in Little Venice. This beautiful London neighborhood is known for its canals. The Grand Union Canal meets Regent’s Canal here, and there are lots of places to admire along the waterways.

My self-guided walking tour in Little Venice will take you into the area’s pretty streets and by its colorful boats. As you go you’ll get to see everything from parks to cafes and Paddington Basin.

This walk is perfect if you like exploring off-the-beaten-path parts of London and you want to discover a local neighborhood. Get the details and map on my blog post about a Little Venice walk in London .

41. London Walking Tours: Paddington

My forty-first walk is in Paddington. This part of the UK capital is best known for its train station, but there are hidden mews all throughout the neighborhood. Exploring them is a fun way to get to know the area.

My self-guided Paddington walk will take you around to some of the best mews in London. You’ll even go through one that has working horse stables in it.

This walk is ideal if you enjoy seeing hidden streets and you love London’s mews. Get the details and map on my blog post about a Paddington walk .

Self-Guided Walking Tours in London

Beyond these official walks, I’ve also written blog posts about walking along Regent’s Canal and walking in Hampstead Garden Suburb . I’ve put together lists of seasonal walks for spring , summer , autumn , Christmas , and winter , too.

You can read about more lovely walks in London’s Hidden Walks as well. You can get it here . There are more ideas in my London walking books post, too.

And like I said earlier, I have more London walks in the pipeline and they’ll all end up here and on my London walking map once I’ve published them.

I hope you enjoy these self-guided London walking tours as much as I do, and that you get a chance to explore all the city’s wonderful nooks.

Hidden details are some of the best things about London, and these walks are a great way to discover them.

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18 Comments on Lady’s 41 Beautiful Self-Guided London Walking Tours

Lovely!! Thank’s for sharing

You’re welcome!

This is a great guide – thank you so much for sharing! I can imagine this being really useful for people who want to explore London on a budget and I’m sure students would make good use of these self-guided walking tours. Walking along the South Bank is a great experience, especially if you’re new to the city.

I’m going to London this summer for the first time in over 10 years. I’m not really interested in seeing the main tourist attractions that I’ve already seen. Much more interested in doing some of your walks! They look so fun and interesting. Thank you for sharing them and thank you for including the maps as well!

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy them.

Just finished the Notting Hill walk, and sitting in a pub in Portobello Road as I am writing this. The walk was very nice. Thank you for sharing ut.

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

Your site looks amazing. I am going to be in Notting Hill in a few weeks. Could I combine the Notting Hill walk with another?

Thanks! You could combine it with the Kensington or Holland Park walks pretty easily. Have fun!

I have just returned from a few days in London. I had been before, so had seen a lot of the typical tourist spots already on a previous visit. This time I really wanted to see some of the quaint neighborhoods and pretty houses and shops. I was so excited to do some of your walking tours! I managed to fit in 5 walks: Kensington, Notting Hill, Belgravia, Covent Garden and Hampstead….over 2.5 days! The walks were beautiful and I loved finding all of the hidden mews which your walks led me to…..all with the confidence that I wasn’t getting lost! Thank you for these wonderful tours!

You’re welcome! I’m so glad you got to do so many of them.

I am London born and bred, and so know the city well, even having been a bicycle courier in the city in my early 20s. However, I much enjoyed the Hampstead walk and very much feel I will enjoy the others as well. I often feel that London has changed beyond all recognition since the late 70s and early 80s when it was gritty, authentic, arguably still fundamentally Victorian; but I know that the districts outlined in the Lady’s walks are amongst the least altered.

I’m so glad to hear that!

Hi! I come from Indonesia and i love this blog so beautiful and very complete about travel places. Thank you for this information,i love Britain so much,i hope someday i can live in there.❤️

You’re welcome! I hope you can.

Absolute Gold stuff all this. Thank you so much !

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8 Of The Best Walking Tours in London to Experience City Life

Explore new neighbourhoods, enjoy the beautiful architecture, discover colourful stories and absorb the culture and history with this roundup of the best walking tours in London. 

If there’s one thing everybody agrees about London, it’s that the best way to see it really is on foot. This roundup of eight  walking tours in London will take you on a journey through some of the city’s most famous neighbourhoods and attractions. Discover a whole lotta magic on a Harry Potter walking tour, or raise a pint at one of the city’s historical pubs aboard a pub crawl. So, lace up your shoes and get ready to explore – especially when the weather is playing ball!

1. Sherlock Holmes Tour

On this walking tour of London, you’ll experience sites featured in the much-acclaimed  Sherlock Holmes series. Visit the locations that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle and which have made appearances across all his books as well as on films and TV shows.

The tour starts in the exact place where Holmes and Watson first met, and then goes on to gentlemen’s clubs and grand hotels featured throughout some of Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels – a real must for fans of Holmes and Watson.

📍You’ll find the starting point for the Sherlock Holmes Tour outside the Granaio Restaurant at 224 Piccadilly, W1J 9HP.

🚇 Nearest station is Piccadilly Circus. 

2. London: See 30+ Top Sights and Eat British Food Tour

Join a local guide and take in all on this six-hour walking tour. You’ll see 30 of the city’s biggest attractions, and enjoy some delicious British grub along the way. You’ll start off winding your way through Green Park, where you’ll be able to watch a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Then you’ll head to Westminster and will be able to view some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Parliament Square and St. James’ Palace.

Next up, you’ll visit Shakespeare’s famous Globe Theatre and will then move onto the Shard before stopping at HMS Belfast for some foodie fun. From there, it’s off to the Borough Market to try your hand at fish and chips , pie and mash (a favourite), fresh pints of British beer and finally, some doughnuts. Sounds pretty good to us!

📍You’ll find the starting point for the London: See 30+ Top Sights and Eat British Food Tour outside the Ritz hotel, 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, W1J 9BR.

🚇 Nearest station is Green Park. 

3. Jack the Ripper Tour

Get ready for an interactive walking tour of London’s East End. You’ll learn about Jack the Ripper and his victims, and explore sites where he committed his crimes in this historic area which is shrouded in mystery. You’ll also discover how public perception has been shaped since the murders took place, and compare it to what really happened in 1888.

Get a magnifying glass and start looking at what’s going on at the crime scene, figure out who killed the victims and get to work solving this mystery. You’ll need all of your deductive reasoning skills to crack this case – trust us! You can grab your tickets for the tour here.

📍 You’ll find the starting point for the Jack the Ripper Tour at the west entrance of Aldgate Tube Station, Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AH.

🚇 Nearest station is Aldgate. 

4. Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour

See one of the most famous ceremonies in London, with a friendly guide bringing you closer to what’s happening on Horse Guards Parade . Join the guards on their journey as you march to Buckingham Palace, following an exciting drum beat. Get close to the Grenadier guard, take some amazing pictures and opt for a private or group tour.

And those furry hats? Well, let’s just say that there are a lot more things than meets the eye.

📍You’ll find the starting point for Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour at the Equestrian statue of Edward VII, Waterloo Place, St. James’s, SW1Y 5ER .

🚇 Nearest station is Charing Cross. 

5. City of London Walking Tour

Step back in history about 2,000 years with a three-hour walking tour that will take you through London’s Old Town, better known by its original name ‘The City’. You’ll get to visit some famous sites like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey , and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Additionally, you’ll see some contemporary landmarks, such as the Millennium Bridge, popularly referred to as the ‘Wobbly Bridge’, which extends from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Tate Modern , which is situated in a renovated power station. Stroll alongside the River Thames and visit HMS Belfast and much more.

📍You’ll find the starting point for the City of London Walking Tour at the corner of the Covent Garden Piazza by the Apple store, WC2E 8HB .

🚇 Nearest station is Covent Garden. 

6. London’s Palaces and Parliament Walking Tour

Explore London’s most popular tourist spot city of Westminster, on this three-hour walking tour in London. You’ll learn fun facts about the area while seeing some of its most famous landmarks – all from an insider’s perspective.

Head to the heart of London and witness history at every turn. Start at Green Park, then walk down ‘The Mall’, known formally as ‘The Route of Queen Victoria’. Travel past Big Ben before stopping by some other famous buildings such as the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and Trafalgar Square.

📍 You’ll find the starting point for the London’s Palaces and Parliament Walking Tour outside the Ritz hotel, 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London, W1J 9BR.

🚇 Nearest station is Green Park. 

7. Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour

The penultimate addition on this roundup of walking tours in London will take you through London’s musical past and present, including the locations where some of Rock’N’Roll’s most famous musicians lived. You’ll get to explore four different hidden pubs in Soho too so you can whet your whistle while you’re at it.

You’ll even have the opportunity to visit places where famous people like Mozart, General Charles Du Gaulle, and Karl Marx lived in Central London. As an added bonus during this trip, you’ll also pass iconic sites such as Casanova’s and Marilyn Monroe’s house too.

📍You’ll find the starting point for the Soho Music and Historic Pubs Tour at 5 Piccadilly Circus, W1D 7ET.

🚇 Nearest  station is Piccadilly Circus. 

8. Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour in London

If you’re looking to hear about the capital’s spooky and haunted side, then you could do worse than by joining this final addition to our walking tours in London roundup.  You’ll get to hear bone-chilling stories from murder mysteries past while strolling past some major landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London — a site of death, despair and execution – all in just two hours.

Take a picture of every landmark and see if you can spot any ghosts and ghouls. Spooky stuff!

📍You’ll find the starting point for the Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour in London at All Hallows by Tower Church, Byward Street, EC3R 5BJ .

🚇 Nearest station is Tower Hill. 

So there you go – whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, you’ll be able to witness a side of London that you never knew existed on these walking tours in London. Happy walking!

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DISCOVER DICKENS LONDON

Experience the magical world of england's greatest novelist.

WALK THE STREETS THAT HE KNEW

Explore the hidden alleyways of victorian london.

SEE LONDON THROUGH HIS EYES

Follow in the footsteps of a host of immortal characters, charles dickens london guided walks and tours, with richard jones, author of "walking dickensian london".

WALK LONDON IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHARLES DICKENS

• Click Here For The Tour Dates

ENTERTAINING AND INFORMATIVE TOURS

Join author Richard Jones for a series of entertaining and informative Dickens London walks that explore the life, times and works of Charles Dickens - England's greatest novelist.

Richard is the author of the definitive guide book Walking Dickensian London and he has appeared regularly on the History Channel, The Travel Channel, ITV and BBC Breakfast News as an expert interviewee discussing Dickens and London.

Who better to show you the sites and introduce you to the magical world of Dickens London?

ENTERTAINING AND INSIGHTFUL DICKENSIAN WALKING TOURS

These walks will introduce you to numerous aspects of Charles Dickens life in London, and Richard will not only regale you with interesting facts and fascinating insights into Dickens life and times, but he will also entertain you with flawless quotes from Dickens works, all of them presented with an inimitable and dramatic flourish.

Beginning with the troubled years of his childhood, these Dickens London tours will follow him through the early years of his writing career as he rose from lowly jobbing journalist to world-famous author.

You will follow him through London as he embarks upon his rags to riches journey through a life that would take him from being an unknown debtor's son to becoming the most famous Englishman alive.

Personal recollections from Dickens himself, and from those who knew him, will capture the highs of his life, before shining a light on some of the lows of his, to say the least, complicated final years, when his marriage broke down and his private life became shrouded in mystery.

All in all, you will leave the tour with a real insight into the personality of a man who, to say the least, was a complex mixture of benevolence and caring and determination and drive. A man who managed to rise from the ashes of a traumatic and troubled childhood and ascend to heights that his younger-self could only have dreamed of; so much so that, by the time of his premature death, he was, without doubt, the second most famous Victorian.

YOU'LL SEE LONDON THROUGH DICKENS'S EYES

On each of these London tours you will seek out places that have changed little, if at all, since the days when Dickens knew them and featured them in his sketches, short stories and novels.

From a very early age Dickens loved to walk around London, absorbing its different atmospheres, taking in its sights, sounds and smells; observing its people; and marveling at the hustle, bustle and sheer exuberance of its streets. He loved to explore its hidden nooks and crannies and he found inspiration in some of the city's most down-at-heel and notorious neighbourhoods.

Each of the places he visited, all of the scenes he witnessed, and every person he encountered on his numerous exploratory London walks would lodge in his memory where they would be filed away until, sometimes years later, they would resurface to fire his imagination and inspire him in the creation of a host of immortal characters and timeless literary scenarios.

Such was his eye for detail that it is still possible to take to the streets of London armed with books such as Oliver Twist , David Copperfield , Bleak House and A Christmas Carol , and see the streets through which you are walking just as they would have appeared to the residents of the Victorian Metropolis.

YOU'LL EXPLORE WITH DICKENS'S IMMORTAL CHARACTERS

On each one of his walks through Dickensian London Richard will use extensive quotes from Dickens's novels and episodes from Dickens life to bring the streets through which you will be walking vividly to life.

You will stroll along Strand in the company of David Copperfield, and walk along Hatton Garden with Oliver Twist.

You can delve into the gas-lit courtyards of the Temple that are still much as they were when Dickens wrote of them that you can read upon the gates "Who enters here leaves noise behind."

You can duck into a warren of tiny, tucked away alleyways at the heart of the old City of London to picture Ebenezer Scrooge humbugging his way home on a long ago snow-blanketed, fog-shrouded Christmas Eve.

You can even cross the threshold of some wonderful old London taverns to enjoy a drink (in spirit at least) with the likes of Mr. Pickwick, Bill Sikes, Fagin or David Copperfield.

Even the names of some of the thoroughfares through which you will stroll on these Dickens tours will conjure up vivid images of bygone days. Names such as Bleeding Heart Yard, Hen and Chickens Court, Pope's Head Passage, Turnagain Lane and Huggin Hill, to name but a few, are firmly rooted in London's past!

As Dickens himself put it in the Sketches By Boz - "What inexhaustible food for speculation do the streets of London afford!"

YOU'LL DISCOVER THE LOCATIONS THAT INSPIRED DICKENS

A writer is inevitably influenced and inspired by his or her personal experiences and surroundings, and Dickens was no exception. Indeed, London permeates the pages of practically every one of his novels - as well as the pages of many of his short stories and sketches - impressing itself indelibly on every scene and every character.

As E. Berresford Chancellor put it in his book The London Of Charles Dickens "...so strong was Dickens's interest in London, so invariably telling his merest reference to its streets and hostels, its public buildings and its monuments, that every one of his works...possesses the London air - is somehow pervaded by the metropolitan atmosphere; so that if you are with Nickleby in Yorkshire, or with David Copperfield in Suffolk, or with the Chuzzlewits in Wiltshire, you feel you are but there temporarily, and that a stage-coach will soon appear to carry you, not unattended by adventure, to the throbbing heart of London..."

In his earliest works Dickens staked his claim to the streets of London and, having done so, he returned to them time and again to use them as he thought fit and as the plot of a novel required. When working on a storyline he would embark upon mammoth London walks to familiarise himself  with the neighbourhoods in which he would be placing his characters, and his many and varied rambles provided him with a vast array of locations that gave him an unrivalled backcloth against which to set the adventures of his numerous characters.

YOU'LL VISIT IMPORTANT PLACES IN DICKENS LIFE

But our walks around the London of Charles Dickens will also take you to the locations that featured in his life, beginning with his formative years.

Chief amongst these locations are the remains of the Marshalsea Prison where Dickens's father, John, was imprisoned for debt when Charles was just eleven years old - an episode that had such an emotional impact on the young Charles Dickens that it came to haunt him for the rest of his life.

Indeed, so ashamed was he of his father's imprisonment that it remained a closely guarded childhood secret - hidden even from his children - and the events surrounding it did not become universally known until after his death.

Yet this troubled childhood period provided a rich vein of experience that he later mined to great effect in the creation of some of the most memorable moments ever depicted in English literature.

It is a poignant moment on the Dickens London tour when the walk arrives at the surviving wall of The Marshalsea Prison and Richard quotes Dickens observation, from the preface of the first edition of Little Dorrit, that whoever stands on this spot will be standing among "...the crowded ghosts of many miserable years..."

THE BIRTH OF THE INIMITABLE BOZ

However, Dickens overcame this setback of his formative years and, by his early 20s, had become an acclaimed reporter whose skill at noting down Parliamentary debates with extreme accuracy earned him the respect of many of the influential people of the age.

The Young Charles Dickens

It was during this period that he assumed the pseudonym Boz, under which name his early works would appear.

In this guise he began setting down on paper a series of literary observations on everyday London life that would later become the Sketches By Boz.

The Dickens walk around the Fleet Street and Temple area visits the grave of Oliver Goldsmith, a favourite author of Dickens's childhood and the author who inspired the creation of the name Boz.

This same walk also visits the alleyway where the offices of the first magazine to publish Dickens Sketches once stood.

The Sketches succeeded in attracting attention to Dickens's talent as a writer and he was approached by the publisher Chapman and Hall who commissioned him to begin writing the work that would set him on the road to fame and fortune.

On the Dickens London tour around the Chancery Lane area you will see the site of the location where he was living when he was given that first commission and where he first won international acclaim, plus the equivalent of superstar status, with Pickwick Papers.

FINANCIAL SUCCESS FOLLOWED BY PERSONAL TRAGEDY

Such was the success of Pickwick Papers that Dickens was able to lease a large property on nearby Doughty Street and, for a time, was able to enjoy the fruits of his labour, immerse himself in family life with his wife Catherine and their first child, also named Charles, and bask in the glory that his fame and fortune had brought him.

His contentment was greatly enhanced by the presence in their household of Catherine's youngest sister, Mary Hogarth, with whom he developed an intense platonic relationship.

But his happiness and contentment was brought to an abrupt halt on the 7th May 1837 when his beloved sister-in-law, Mary Hogarth, died suddenly of heart failure aged just eighteen.

Dickens was inconsolable in his grief, and he and Catherine retreated to rural Hampstead to mourn her passing.

The Dickens Tour of Bloomsbury visits the house (now the Dickens House Museum) where Mary died, whilst the Dickens Hampstead Walk takes in the, still very isolated and delightfully rural, cottage where Charles and Catherine sought solace in the aftermath of their devastating loss.

WHERE LAWYERS LIE LIKE MAGGOTS IN NUTS

The Dickens London tours will feature many of the locations around London that Dickens wrote about at the height of his prowess as an author. You will see the house of his great friend and primary biographer John Forster, which became the residence of the sinister lawyer Mr. Tulkinghorn in Bleak House, and where, according to Dickens, "...in these shrunken fragments of its greatness lawyers lie like maggots in nuts..."

A stone's throw away from Forster's house is the Royal College of Surgeons where, according to Mr. Boythorn in Bleak House, the skulls of the lawyers from nearby Lincoln's Inn should be arranged "...for the contemplation of the whole profession, in order that its younger members might understand from actual measurement in younger life, how thick skulls may become!"

Speaking of Lincoln's Inn, the Dickens London tour around Holborn will take you to Lincoln's Inn Old Hall where the memorable opening scene of Bleak House occurs in "...implacable November weather..." with "..fog everywhere... and in Lincoln's Inn Old Hall, at the very heart of the fog, sits the Lord High Chancellor in his High Court of Chancery..."

Standing outside Lincoln's Inn Old Hall, Richard will recite the evocative opening scene from Bleak House for you and explain why Dickens felt compelled to warn his readers that they would be better to "...suffer any wrong that can be done you, rather than come here!"

THE BEST OF TIMES AND THE WORST OF TIMES

In 1847 an expedition to find the fabled North-West Passage led by Sir John Franklin (1786-1847) had disappeared, seemingly without trace.

Numerous attempts were made to discover what had become of them - and, bizarrely, more lives were lost searching for Franklin than the number of men who had been on the original expedition - but it was ten years before one of Franklin's ships was found, together with a log of the expedition.

It was ascertained that, having endured one winter, the vessels had become ice-locked and Franklin, together with several of his men, had died.

Following another ice-locked winter the survivors had abandoned their vessels in a desperate bid to escape their inevitable fate. All of them, however, were to perish in the Frozen wastes.

Despite the evident harrowing last months of the crew members, Victorian sensibilities were absolutely horrified when evidence emerged that the crew members who had survived the original two winters had, apparently, resorted to cannibalism to stay alive.

What does this have to do with Dickens?

Well, Dickens was as outraged as many of his countrymen by the claims of cannibalism, and he wrote a scathing article in his magazine Household Words deploring the idea that Englishmen would resort to such behaviour, even if it did mean the difference between life and death.

Dickens also encouraged his friend and fellow writer Wilkie Collins to write the play The Frozen Deep , that was partly inspired by the Franklin expedition and in which Dickens himself played the lead role of the heroic and self-sacrificing Richard Wardour, a part for which he grew the beard that would become his most recognisable physical feature to later generations.

It was in staging the Frozen Deep that Dickens sought suitable actresses to play the female roles and met, and became besotted by, a young actress by the name of Ellen Ternan.

Within a year of meeting Ellen Ternan Dickens had separated from his wife, Catherine, and 'Nellie' became his constant companion, and probably his lover, for the last thirteen years of his life.

On our London Dickens tour around Westminster you will see the theatre where Ellen Ternan was given several acting jobs at Dickens's instigation, and learn how their relationship became one of the most closely guarded secrets in the Victorian literary world, as should even a hint of it  have leaked out, it would have destroyed both Dickens reputation and his career.

This period of Dickens life provides a fascinating insight into Dickens as a person, since it enables us to look beyond the carefully crafted public image that Dickens had worked hard to create, and presents us with a side of him that often gets overlooked.

Yet, to disregard this turbulent period in his private life is a grave mistake, since it presents us with an opportunity to come face to face with Dickens the man; and to assess the good and bad aspects of his character that the breakdown of his marriage and the relationship with Ellen Ternan exposed.

DISCOVER DICKENS LONDON ON RICHARD'S WALKS

We've gone into a lot of details about the various aspects of Dickens London covered on the walks. Hopefully, the descriptions will entice you to want to explore the London of Charles Dickens and to follow in his footsteps.

Richard Jones is the perfect companion to introduce you to the life, times and works of Charles Dickens as he has been conducting Dickens London walks since 1982.

He offers regular departures and a variety of different tours that cover several aspects of Dickens life and works.

In addition, if you simply wish to explore at your own pace, or at a time that is convenient to you, then you can either purchase a copy of Richard book Walking Dickensian London and follow its step by step directions, together with its extensive quotes and snippets of information about Dickens's life.

Failing that you will also find a dedicated guide to Dickens locations in London elsewhere on this website, which includes a free DIY print off and go walking tour.

In short, if you really want to discover some of the wonderful and timeless places that have survived the ravages of time; if you really want to learn more about the life of England's greatest novelist, whilst visiting the many places in London that feature in his works, then these tours of Dickens London will prove right up your street and, no matter what degree of knowledge you possess about Dickens and his works you will find that these tours will truly bring the streets of Victorian London vividly to life.

Indeed, you will take away with you a huge array of intriguing facts, fascinating history and flawless quotes on our Dickens London walks and tours.

So much so that, it is our sincere hope, that, having encountered Dickens and his rich array of character, you will feel inspired to go off an delve further and deeper into the life, times and works of a man who lived life to the full, who contributed so much to the society in which he lived, and who left us with a wonderful body of work that can still be enjoyed today more than 140 years after his death.

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Discover the architecture of London

Choose from our selection of walking tours led by an expert architect..

Covid-19 Update

We continue to monitor statutory advice and comply with all guidelines as they are revised. Please do not attend if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or if you are isolating. 

London Walking Tours

Are you interested in seeing and understanding more about the architecture of London? Join us on an informative walk with an architect as your guide. Our group tours explore the past, present and future of London’s architecture and urbanism.

Sun 14 July - Nine Elms and Battersea: Big, Bold & Brand New

Fri 19 July - South Bank to Covent Garden: Arts and Institutions

Sat 20 July - The Westminster of Edwin Lutyens

Sun 21 July - Belsize Park: Modern Approaches to Housing 

The City of London: Adapting to Change

The City of London is an area steeped in architectural heritage, yet it continues to be transformed, with major office developments by some of the world’s leading architects. What events shaped this transformation? How do the buildings respond to challenges and opportunities?

Southbank to Covent Garden: Arts & Institutions

The Southbank, Somerset House and Covent Garden – three London landmarks that have seen spectacular change from their original uses. Although all are cultural destinations, their architectural responses are radically different. How did the buildings develop and adapt, and will they remain relevant in a changing world?

Belsize Park: Modern Approaches to Housing

Housing is the most significant built form in cities. On this walk, we see how architects and planners over the ages have experimented with this building type, often challenging the established norms.

Nine Elms and Battersea: Big, Bold and Brand New

It has been hailed as Europe’s largest urban regeneration project. Like it or loathe it, the transformation of Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea includes plenty of iconic architecture and urban planning. As building work continues, this is an ideal time to take a critical look at key developments in this area.

Clerkenwell: Inspired Interventions

Clerkenwell is a neighbourhood that is steeped in history yet also includes fascinating examples of assertive, modern architecture. This tour investigates how architects have responded to their surroundings and traces the history of this area.

The Westminster of Edwin Lutyens

Sir Edwin Lutyens was arguably England's most admired and prolific architect of the early 20th Century. His work is best seen in detail so this walk in Whitehall and St James includes several of his finest London buildings. We see Lutyens designs in their urban context as the route takes us through some of the most historic and elegant streets in London.

Private Tours

We deliver private tours for groups, schools and professionals. Please contact us if you wish to make an enquiry about booking a private tour.

I am Ross Logie. I founded Seeing Architecture because of my fascination with London and its architectural heritage. As a practising architect, I am interested in why and how buildings are built.

During my years living in London, I have been a senior designer at several firms. I was also a visiting lecturer at National University of Singapore and have written numerous articles for architectural publications. Since 2016,I have arranged about 30 unique architectural tours in London and around. I aim to make all tours enjoyable and informative for you.

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21 best london tours of 2024.

From exploring Harry Potter movie sets to cruising on the River Thames, these are the best tours of London.

The Best London Tours

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours

If you're looking for the best things to do in London, but are unsure where to begin, consider a guided tour of the city. Many sightseeing excursions cover the highlights (think Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge ), while other London tours focus on Harry Potter, Jack the Ripper and day trips to Stonehenge. Read on to discover a variety of well-rated tours in London.

Editor’s Pick: Premium Tours – Full Day London Tour

Price: Adults from 143 pounds (about $183); kids from 133 pounds (about $170) Duration: 9 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send  Laura French , an award-winning British travel writer currently based in London, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. Premium Tours – Full Day London Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

This full-day bus tour packs in an impressive number of London’s must-see sights, with free time to explore at each stop. We boarded at Victoria Coach Station before ambling through Westminster, getting up-close views of honey-hued Parliament Square – framed by the Houses of Parliament , Big Ben and Westminster Abbey – from the bus. From there it was on to St. Paul’s Cathedral , where we were given a guided tour of this chandelier-bedecked marvel as our English guide shared intriguing facts about its history. Next up was Buckingham Palace, where our guide timed it so we’d catch the changing of the guard. Our next stop was the Tower of London , where we had a brief lunch break and guided orientation before having a couple of hours to roam freely. Most of the tour group made an immediate beeline for the crown jewels, eyes goggling at the impressive collection of diamond encrusted crowns and gold chalices. We rounded off the day with a cruise along the Thames. The tour ended at the London Eye , where several in the group had opted for an add-on whirl on the wheel, and a few left for cream tea at Harrod’s (two activities included in the upgraded ticket option).

Tours run daily from 7:45 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. It’s worth noting the changing of the guard only takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, so if you’re hoping to catch it, book the tour for one of those days (and while guides will do their best to accommodate seeing the changing of the guard, there’s never a guarantee).

You’ll be on your feet a fair amount, so it's best to wear comfy shoes . You'll also want to pack light – in the morning, you can leave things on the bus, but when you get off at the Tower of London, you’ll need to take everything with you, as the rest of the tour is on foot and by boat. Also, you'll have to queue a bit for the crown jewels, but it’s worth the wait!

Laura French

Why we love it:

• Beyond the official stops, our guide pointed out plenty of other intriguing spots along the way – from Downing Street, official home of the prime minister, to Fleet Street, the former epicenter of British journalism, and the West End , the biggest theater district in the world. Despite having grown up in and around the city, I gleaned plenty of new historical facts myself, and spotted things I’d never noticed before (including the building that served as Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the "Harry Potter" movies).
• The tour ticket covers the cost of entry for St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the river cruise.
• The guide also gave us plenty of other tips – such as when to come to see the dress rehearsals for the Trooping the Color (the king’s official birthday) – and pointed out a good fish and chip shop by the Tower of London for a classic British lunch.

– Laura French

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Secret Food Tours – London Bridge

Price: Adults from 79 pounds (about $100); kids from 69 pounds (about $88) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

British food often gets a bad reputation, but this tour will change your mind. You'll visit seven different eateries, sampling everything from sausage rolls to sticky toffee pudding.

The tour begins at bustling Borough Market, where you'll snack on a bacon and egg bap (the U.K. version of a breakfast sandwich) as your guide tells you about the history of the market, as well as an overview of the city's history and culture. Other stops include a historic pub for a cheese tasting paired with English cider. And – as is standard on a Secret Food Tour – there will be a secret dish offered somewhere along the way. As you eat your way through London, you'll also enjoy great views of the city skyline, London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Past participants appreciate the quantity and quality of food provided, as well as the entertaining guides.

Tours depart several times a day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Secret Food Tours also offers tours of the Shoreditch district, among other areas.

BrakeAway Bike Tours – The Secret London Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 32 pounds (about $41); kids from 26 pounds (about $33) Duration: 3.5 hours

This London bike tour leads riders past famous sights, such as the Tower of London and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, but also explores lesser-known features of the city, including its street art and secret passageways. It also includes a 20-minute stop at Brick Lane. Reviewers extol the fun guides and say the tour is ideal if you want a break from the tourist crowds. Plus, they say it's a great value for the money.

Tours are offered daily from late March through October at 3 p.m. Tour prices include bikes, helmets and rain ponchos. Children 9 and younger are not permitted on the tour, and groups are capped at 12 participants. For a more traditional tour of London, consider the company's Grand London Bike Tour.

Liquid History Tours – Drink London Tour

Price: From 25 pounds (about $32) Duration: 3 to 4 hours

If the idea of walking – and drinking – in the footsteps of literary luminaries like Shakespeare and Dickens appeals, this is the tour for you. On the Drink London Tour, you'll walk along the "Street of Shame" (Fleet Street) for approximately 2 miles and stop in at least four historic pubs, some centuries old. You'll stroll by St. Paul's Cathedral, peek into secluded courtyards and listen to tales about Sweeney Todd. Travelers love the stories the guides share just as much as they enjoy drinking the local brews.

Note that the cost of drinks is not included, and reservations are required for this tour. Participants must be at least 18 years old. If you're traveling with a group, consider one of Liquid History Tours' private excursions.

The Ghost Bus Tours

Price: Adults from 25 pounds (about $32); kids from 17 pounds (about $22) Duration: 75 minutes

Ride a vintage double-decker bus for a spooky peek into London's lesser-known history with Ghost Bus Tours. Mixing horror with a fair bit of comedy – an aspect reviewers love – the actors-turned-guides describe the haunted history of top attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, among other famous landmarks. Both visitors and locals value the obscure stories guides share.

Tours last approximately 75 minutes and run several times each evening, though departure times vary by day.

London Bicycle Tour Company – The Classic Tour

Price: Adults from 33.95 pounds (about $43); kids from 24.95 pounds (about $32) Duration: 3 hours

Travelers consistently give the London Bicycle Tour Company high marks for its fun guides who are vigilant about ensuring riders' safety. On the Classic Tour – which travels about 8 miles – you'll breeze past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Banksy Tunnel (where you'll likely witness artists at work) and other local landmarks. Your tour guide will offer commentary and give you plenty of time to stop and take photos. Children need to be at least 10 years old and stable riders to participate.

Tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. To admire the city lights at night, consider the company's daily sunset ride.

Courtesy of Alternative London

Alternative London – Street Art Walking Tour

Price: Adults from 20 pounds ($25); kids from 14 pounds (about $18) Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Promising to show you things London guidebooks don't cover, Alternative London's walking tour takes you to East London, where guides showcase the area's street art and discuss its culture and history. The company employs street artists and other creative types as guides so you get an insider's look into the community, something travelers say makes the tour unique. No two tours are alike because every guide has their favorite route and spots to highlight. Past tourgoers say the tour is fun and full of interesting insights.

Tours run at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays, as well as 2 p.m. on Fridays. Outings are limited to 20 people. Looking to explore more of London's hidden spots? Alternative London offers a bike tour that emphasizes street art.

The English Bus – Stonehenge, Bath & A Secret Place Tour

Price: From 134 pounds (about $170) Duration: 12 hours

After you've had your fill of London's hustle, take a day trip to the countryside for a tour of Stonehenge . On this small tour of 16 people or fewer, you'll depart London in a Mercedes minibus and head to both Stonehenge and Bath. At Stonehenge, you'll have time to walk around the ancient stones and marvel at their enormity. In Bath, you'll have time to stop for lunch and either explore on your own or take a guided tour. The twist to this tour is that you'll also visit a secret spot on the way back to London, which is only revealed when you arrive.

The English Bus's vehicle, with panoramic windows and a glass roof, is small enough to go down back roads and through the countryside – a feature travelers love. Reviewers are also complimentary of the guides, who they describe as friendly, educational and well-versed in British history.

Tours depart daily at 8:45 a.m. and return to central London around 8:30 p.m. Tickets do not include food, drinks or admission to Stonehenge. The English Bus also operates daylong trips to the Cotswolds, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, among other destinations.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Price: Adults from 53.50 pounds ($68); kids from 43 pounds ($55) Duration: 3.5 to 7 hours

If you're a fan of Harry Potter, you already know that this London tour is a must – and previous tourgoers confirm it lives up to the hype. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter offers a behind-the-scenes look at sets, props and costumes used in the film franchise. Walk through the Great Hall – which is set for dinner – and explore Diagon Alley and Platform 9 3/4. Other exhibits include Creature Effects, where you can see how characters like Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Aragog were brought to life. You can even enjoy a butterbeer in the Backlot Café. Special exhibits are also displayed throughout the year and around the holidays.

Plan to spend at least half a day to fully experience the collection and discover its intricate details. Themed packages and add-on experiences are also available. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

City Experiences – Evening Cruise on the River Thames

Price: From 30 pounds (about $38) Duration: 2 hours

City Experiences offers evening cruises on the River Thames, a lovely way to end your day in London. Upon boarding, a server greets you with a complimentary glass of prosecco, and hors d'oeuvres are served throughout the two-hour cruise. You'll enjoy live background music as you take in the sights from your seat on the open-air upstairs deck or inside the saloon with picture windows. Previous travelers say they enjoyed the cruise, noting it is relaxing and affords spectacular views for photos.

In the warm weather months, cruises run daily at 6:30 p.m.; beginning in October, cruises are available Thursday through Sunday only. Patrons must be age 13 or older to join the tour. Other London river cruises offered by City Experiences include a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing cruise.

Courtesy of Jack the Ripper Tour

The Jack the Ripper Tour With Ripper-Vision

Price: Adults from 18 pounds (about $23); kids from 10 pounds (about $13) Duration: 2 hours

This offbeat Jack the Ripper tour has a unique spin: the company uses what it calls "Ripper-Vision" to tell the story of the notorious murderer. A hand-held projector, "Ripper-Vision" displays pictures on walls and sides of buildings throughout the tour, allowing the guides to show (and tell) all about the infamous serial killer. You'll visit the actual murder sites where Jack the Ripper commited his crimes, and will get a glimpse of what London was like in the late 1800s. Tourgoers say guides are informative, entertaining and skilled at retelling the stories of Jack the Ripper's escapades.

Tours are offered nightly at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 5 p.m. tour on select days. The company also offers Jack the Ripper pub tours.

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Eating Europe – East End Food Tour

Price: Adults from 85 pounds (about $108); kids from 70 pounds (about $89) Duration: 3.5 hours

Eating Europe's East End food tour is a 3.5-hour exploration of one of London's most diverse and interesting neighborhoods. Participants will enjoy food at six restaurants, pubs, markets, bakeries and shops. Along with classic (and award-winning) fish and chips, you'll also sample some of the city's best curry, bagels and pastries. Reviewers rave about the delicious and varied offerings on this tour and encourage future participants to pace themselves so they can enjoy every bite.

Tours run throughout the day, every day, beginning at 11 a.m. There is a maximum of 12 people per tour. Eating Europe also offers tours of Soho and Borough Market.

Fat Tire Tours – Royal London Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 35 pounds (about $44); kids from 29 pounds (about $37) Duration: 4 hours

Fascinated with the monarchy? On this approximately four-hour cycling excursion from Fat Tire Tours, expert guides lead you to spots like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Kensington Palace, all while sharing intrigue and stories about British royalty. Midway through the tour, there is a half-hour lunch break near Trafalgar Square (at your own expense). Bikers say the tour provides a great way to see iconic sights and describe guides as informative and friendly.

Rides are offered daily at 10:30 a.m.; an additional 3:30 p.m. tour may also be available depending on the day and month. Schedules vary during the winter. Travelers should note reservations are required for this tour, and helmets are provided. Fat Tire Tours also offers cycling tours along the Thames, bike rentals and private tours.

Evan Evans Tours – Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath

Price: Adults from 95 pounds (about $121); kids from 85 pounds (about $108) Duration: 11 hours

The first stop on this day trip from London is Windsor Castle – the largest occupied castle in the world. Here, you'll have time to stroll the immaculate grounds and pay a visit to St George's Chapel, the location of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 nuptials. From there, you'll head to the city of Bath, England – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the world-famous Roman Baths. The last stop of the day is Stonehenge. In all, the tour lasts about 11 hours. Reviewers rave about the entertaining, passionate guides, but some do bemoan the pace of the tour, saying certain parts felt rushed. However, all agree this is a great way to cross some must-see landmarks off your bucket list.

Tours depart Victoria Coach Station daily at 8 a.m. Evan Evans Tours also operates a similar tour that stops in Oxford instead of Bath.

Courtesy of Brigit's Bakery's Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Brigit's Bakery London – Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour

Price: Adults from 45 pounds (about $57); kids from 35 pounds (about $44) Duration: 1.5 hours

Offering a unique twist on a bus tour and afternoon tea, Brigit's Bakery London's Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour combines the two for a tasty outing. During the tour, you'll ride on a vintage double-decker Routemaster bus through central London, passing by Big Ben, Hyde Park, Downing Street and more. As you sightsee, servers pour tea and offer sandwiches, cakes and pastries. In addition to the tour's novelty, visitors find the prerecorded commentary entertaining and informative, and most say they enjoyed the food.

Tours, which last about 90 minutes, run several times daily and depart from either Northumberland Avenue or Victoria Coach Station. The tour accommodates several dietary restrictions, though these options may have an additional fee. Children ages 4 and younger are not permitted. Prefer gin to tea? The company also offers a Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, among other options.

Tally Ho! – Landmarks and Gems Royal London Bike Tour

Price: From 55 pounds (about $70) Duration: 3.5 hours

On the London Landmarks & Gems cycling tour, Tally Ho! leads visitors to the city's major sights, while expert guides offer their insights and informative commentary – a point of praise for many reviewers. Other highlights include seeing the royal guards (and possibly the changing of the guard ceremony), spray painting in the Leake Street tunnel and grabbing a pint at a pub. The tour covers about 5 miles and travels at a leisurely pace, with time for photo stops.

Tours ride twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., though times may vary seasonally. There may only be an afternoon ride during the fall and winter months, and an additional tour at 9:30 a.m. runs during the summer months. There is a maximum of 12 people per tour. A helmet or tweed flat cap and spray paint are provided to bikers. Tally Ho! offers a variety of cycling and walking tours, including a gin "safari."

Thames Rockets – Ultimate London Adventure

Price: From 49.95 pounds ($63) Duration: 50 minutes

The 50-minute Ultimate London Adventure tour is a sightseeing cruise like no other. As your actor-turned-guide narrates your trip, you'll take in iconic sights along the Thames, such as the Tate Modern, the Gherkin and the Houses of Parliament. Once you get under the Tower Bridge, the speedboat captain ramps up to speeds of 30 knots (35 mph) and takes you on a thrilling ride as the music blasts and passengers shriek. Tourgoers describe it as an exhilarating, fantastic experience.

Tours depart several times daily. Keep in mind: From November through January tours are only offered Thursday through Sunday. Thames Rockets also offers adults-only evening rides, as well as longer 80-minute cruises, among other options.

Courtesy of Tour for Muggles

Tour for Muggles

Price: Adults from 17 pounds (about $22); kids from 15 pounds (about $19) Duration: 2 hours

One of the best Harry Potter tours in London , this option garners rave reviews from witches, wizards, Muggles and Squibs who appreciate both the knowledgeable tour guides and seeing their favorite "Harry Potter" locations in real life. Tour for Muggles takes visitors through London for approximately two hours to see locations where the movies were shot, as well as places that inspired author J.K. Rowling.

Tours are limited to 20 people and run several times a day Tuesday through Sunday.

Gin Journey London

Price: From 75 pounds (about $95) Duration: 4.5 hours

If you enjoy imbibing in gin, you'll love taking a tour with Gin Journey, where your expert "gin guardian" takes you to five different venues in London in a chauffeur-driven minibus. During the 4.5-hour tour, you'll sample five different gins, enjoy five gin cocktails, visit a distillery and learn all about this spirit and why it's having a modern renaissance. Reviewers praise the guides, the drinks and the tour's great organization.

Gin Journeys can be booked in different neighborhoods, including Hackney and Soho. Tours, which are capped at 20 people, are offered every Saturday at 1 or 2 p.m., depending on which neighborhood you choose to book. Ticket discounts may be available for early bookings.

Strawberry Tours – Free Soho Tour London

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Since the mid-19th century, Soho has been a haven for musicians, writers and bohemians. Learn about the neighborhood's famous residents and much more on this free two-hour London walking tour. Your guide will talk about famous bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and their connection to the area. You'll also learn about the history of Soho's sex industry, a topic not always discussed on tours. Guides will take you by the Old Red Light District, Carnaby Street, the West End Theatre District and more. Tourgoers rave about the expert guides and are awestruck by the history of the area.

As its name suggests, the tour is free, but at the end of tour, you can pay your guide what you wish. This tour runs Wednesday through Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Strawberry Tours offers other free excursions around London, such as street art-themed tours and several London landmarks tours.

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Free Tours by Foot – World War Two Tour of London

On this two-hour walking tour of London, you'll learn about London during the Blitz, hear tales of how the city was rebuilt after the war and walk past landmarks that survived the bombings, such as St. Paul's Cathedral. Tour-takers value the engaging guides and the amount of history shared on the tour. They also say guides tailor the tour to participants' interests.

Visitors can name their own price, paying what they think the tour was worth at the excursion's conclusion. Tours operate Thursday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required to guarantee a spot. Free Tours by Foot offers a variety of walking and food tours, including tours of Westminster and London street art, among many others.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in London
• The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace
• The Best Stonehenge Tours from London
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Tours , Vacations , Travel , London , Europe Vacations , United Kingdom Vacations

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Embark On These 10 Best London Walking Tours For An Insightful Journey

F amous for being one of the most walkable capital cities in the world, London has plenty of things to do that vacationers can reach on foot. It is unusual to drive around the city center, and travelers who are new to the place will feel odd. Booking walking tours allows one to soak in the experience as they navigate through the city’s most iconic attractions. After all, the British capital existed long before there were any means of transportation. So, of course, strolling through the city’s charming streets is the best way of learning the long, fascinating history and exploring the beautiful culture of the locals. Embark on these 10 best London walking tours for an insightful journey.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Famous Landmarks In London

Westminster 3-Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

Westminster is home to some of the top-rated attractions in London , making it a must-visit for vacationers of all interests. The area boasts numerous historical sights that one can explore on a walking tour. Westminster 3-Hour Walking Tour takes visitors through the city's attractions and then to Churchill's War Room, where they'll learn about the legend's life, including the incredible tactics he used to lead soldiers through WWII. During the tour, guests can explore the top 20 attractions in Westminster. The tour also includes a local fun guide and admission into Churchill War Rooms.

• Tour: Westminster 3-Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms
• Duration: Three hours
• Cost: From 483.64 per adult

Book this tour

See Over 30 Top London’s Sights Fun Local Guide!

Taking five hours to complete, this small group tour is one of the best London walking tours for an insightful journey. It takes travelers through a wide range of London's most iconic landmarks and comes with a guide who narrates the history of various places. This is much better than joining a bus tour, as it comes the guide offers personalized commentary. Some of the major stops throughout this tour include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Shakespeare's Globe.

• Tour: See Over 30 Top London’s Sights Fun Local Guide!
• Duration: 5 hours
• Cost: $67.32

Ghost, Ghouls, And Gallows Walking Tour With Boat Ride

Offered by See Your City, Ghost, Ghouls, and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride that allows vacationers to explore the bustling London by night, when crowds thin out. Visitors will enjoy learning about the city's dark history and later enjoy a cruise on the iconic Thames River, which comes with breathtaking views of London’s amazing landmarks . This tour gives an insight into a unique side of the city, and everyone will have a good time as they pass through the dimly lit parks.

• Tour: Ghost, Ghouls, and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: $32.67

Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry

Want to explore Westminster for half a day? Well, Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry is one of the best walking tours to book in the area. It helps tourists discover some of London’s most famous buildings, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Downing Street, among others. The cost of the tour includes an entry ticket for Westminster Abbey, which means one doesn't have to stay in long queues to access Westminster Abbey. It comes with a local fun guide who narrates about the attractions and answers all queries that travelers may have concerning the points of interest. Book this tour to learn why Westminster is the place to see most of London’s landmarks .

• Tour: Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry
• Duration: Four hours
• Cost: From $77.11

Book this tour Related: Tower Bridge: Why It's The Most Iconic Landmark In London

Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Luxury Transport from London

Nestled on the outskirts of London, Warner Bros. Studio is one of the best sights to explore during a visit to the British capital. This walking tour is one of the best in the city and takes vacationers through the studio, allowing them to explore the Harry Potter film sets, props, costumes, and more. One will enjoy plenty of fun activities during the tour, taking Instagrammable pictures and exploring the gift shop. Please note that the food, drinks, and gratuities do not come with this tour package. Travelers will have to fund these from their pockets.

• Tour: Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Luxury Transport from London
• Duration: 7 hours
• Cost: From $143.76

London Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

London has an incredible culinary scene, and with plenty of options to choose from, ensuring one’s gastronomic experience of the city is the best it could be is definitely daunting. Fortunately, London Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours guarantees unforgettable memories of the city’s food scene. On this tour, visitors will get a chance to stroll through some of London’s best restaurants, especially around the Borough Market and London Bridge. Guests choosing this tour will enjoy personalized recommendations.

• Tour: London Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: From $11.09

British Museum Guided Tour

British Museum is the largest and one of the most iconic museums in the UK. British Museum Guided Tour lets visitors explore an incredible collection of impressive pieces from different parts of the world, including the Rosetta Stone, which is among the most celebrated works in the museum. One will also see relics from Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, and Ancient Greece. There is a local expert guide who takes travelers through the museum. Once the tour is done, vacationers are allowed to continue exploring the museum on their own.

• Tour: British Museum Guided Tour
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: $61.60

Jack the Ripper Tour with 'Ripper-Vision' in London

Jack the Ripper Tour with 'Ripper-Vision' in London is one of the best walking tours one can book in London. The tour takes vacationers back to the Victorian era, allowing them to learn the horrifying tales of how Jack the Ripper committed murders in the 1800s. The images of the period are projected on the buildings along the charming streets of Whitechapel to make the experience livelier. Want to experience London's mystery? The book Jack the Ripper tour with "Ripper-Vision" in London.

• Tour: Jack the Ripper Tour with “Ripper-Vision” in London
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cost: $23.53

The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

Want to enjoy some of the best high tea experiences in London? Book the Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea, which gives vacationers an incredible opportunity to really soak in the British Cultural experience (high tea). High tea originated from British, and booking this tour will let one enjoy the history of the beloved beverage, as they explore the gorgeous gardens that were made by Prince Albert. At the end of the tour, travelers can finally have a taste of high tea, which comes with sandwiches, scones, and taste cakes. Looking for what to do in London ? Get through the Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea tour.

• Tour: The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea
• Cost: $129.39

Book this tour Related: Best Hotels in London

Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour In London

Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour is one of the best walking tours in London for an unforgettable experience of the city. It walks vacationers through Central London at night, allowing them to explore plenty of spooky attractions. Visitors will stroll through the city’s dark streets and alleys as they listen to the haunting stories, which are part of the history of London. The tales include murder, crime, and mayhem stories. The tour passes through numerous landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, where the tour ends.

• Tour: Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour
• Cost: $26.14