25 best guided walking tours in London

Get a closer look at London's most interesting and unique sites with these top guided walks, and learn about the city's long history and diverse culture with a London walking tour.
Written by Visit London Editors Edited by Charlotte Pritchard 22 October 2024
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With its rich history and unique blend of cultures there is much to be discovered on these exciting London walking tours. Wander the lesser known areas of the city with an expert guide who will help you uncover the city's best hidden spots while sharing interesting tales and funny stories of the city's past and present. 

When it comes to the best walking tours in London, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from. Whether you're interested in famous historical figures such as Jack the Ripper, fascinated by royal London, or just want to sample London's brilliant food, attractions and architecture. 

See the iconic Buckingham Palace from St James's Park, as you follow your guide on this royal London tour. © Visit London/Michael Barrow

Get to know the Royal Family like never before on this Royal Walking Tour, Changing of the Guard. Spend an hour and a half with your expert guide as they share untold stories and fascinating facts about the kings and queens of England. Not only will you see iconic sites such as St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace, but you'll also discover lesser-known spots such as the Royal Warrants of Jermyn Street and Queen Elizabeth II's favourite off-license. 

 

When: Daily
Timings: 10am
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Where:

Tourist Bus Stop, King's Gallery, Buckingham Gate, London, SW1A 1AA

Price:

From £15.00 (USD 19.02)

Discover the London locations featured in the Paddington Bear stories. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Get the family together to seek out the city's most famous bear on a Paddington Bear Walking Tour. Discover iconic locations from the beloved books and films of everyone's favourite marmalade-eating bear. Start at Paddington Railway Station, visit Mr Gruber's antiques shop, explore Portobello Market, and more.

 

When: Tuesdays and Saturdays
Timings: 10.30am
Duration: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes

Where:

Paddington Railway Station, Paddington Store, The Lawn, Unit 4, Paddington Station, Paddington, London, W2 1HB

Price:

From £17.00 (USD 21.55)

Explore Sherlock Holmes' London on a walking tour. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Come and see the London sites that inspired Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle with the Sherlock Holmes Tour. You can also explore some of the locations featured in the books, films and TV series as you are led around by a professional guide in this two-hour tour of Sherlock’s London. 

 

Schedule: Every Saturday; additional Wednesdays in the summer months
Start time: 10.30am
Duration: Two hours

Where:

Piccadilly Circus, London, W1J 9HP

Price:

From £15.00 (USD 19.02)

Step back in time on a Beatles London Walking Tour. Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash.

If you’re a fan of Paul, John, George and Ringo, then a Beatles Walking Tour of London is not to be missed. Venture to Soho and Mayfair and discover hidden studios, interesting murals and iconic album cover spots. Or explore Marylebone and Abbey Road to uncover locations where the band filmed, recorded, performed, partied, and more. Better yet, combine both tours for the ultimate Beatles day out in London!


When: Sundays
Start time: 11am (
Beatles Walking Tour of Soho and Mayfair) and 2.30pm (Beatles Magical Mystery London Walking Tour of Marylebone and Abbey Road)

Where:

Tourism Island, 11a Charing Cross, London, WC2H 0EP

Price:

From £17.00 (USD 21.55)

Jack The Ripper Walking Tour London. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.

Experience the fright of a lifetime as you embark on a walking tour that examines one of the world’s greatest unsolved mysteries. Walk the streets where Jack the Ripper committed his many crimes and hear tales along the way from your knowledgeable guide.

 

When: Daily
Timings: 6pm
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Where:

Tower Hill Underground Station, London, EC3N 1JL

Price:

From £15.00 (USD 19.02)

Explore a century of Euston station's history with a Hidden Tube Tour. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.

Get an intimate look into London’s most intriguing hidden spaces with a London Underground tour. From Euston to Clapham South station, discover secret tunnels, passageways, Second World War shelters and more as you wander behind the scenes at some of the capital’s busiest stations.

 

When: Wednesdays to Sundays
Timings: Times vary depending on the tour
Duration: 75-90 minutes

Sample delicious food at Borough Market. Image courtesy of Red Letter Days.

Discover the very best of British cuisine on a Borough Market Food Tour. Kick things off with a classic British breakfast, followed by a feast of favourites such as fish and chips and the city's best sausage roll. 

 

When: Tuesdays to Sundays
Start time: 10.30am and 11am
Duration: Approximately three and half hours

Where:

Evans Cycle Shop, London Bridge, SE1 2SY

Price:

From £85.00 (USD 107.75)

Seek out historic City pubs, such as Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Venture through the streets of London in search for the capital’s most historic drinking establishments on a Historical Pub Walking Tour. Visit the city’s oldest inns, taverns and gin palaces as you explore the capital’s back alleys and charming winding streets. You’ll also get to hear fascinating tales of famous punters past including Shakespeare and Dickens.


When: Fridays to Sundays
Start time: 1pm
Duration: Two hours

 
Leadenhall Market, boasting a selection of boutiques, shops, restaurants and bars. Image courtesy of London & Partners / Michael Barrow.
Explore London's most magical spots on this Wizard Walk of London. Relive the scenes from the movies as you visit spell-binding Harry Potter filming locations from Leadenhall Market to St Paul’s Cathedral, home to the spiralling Geometric Staircase seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. And spot many of London's iconic landmarks and attractions along the way.

 

When: Mondays to Sundays
Start time: 11am
Duration: Two hours

Where:

Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, London, EC3V 1LR

Price:

From £15.00 (USD 19.02)

St Paul's Cathedral © Unsplash/Eduard Militaru

Discover the hidden corners of the capital on a unique Secret London Walking Tour. Step off the tourist trail, wandering the city's old streets and alleyways where you'll encounter unusual art, old pubs and a place once known as the world's smallest police station.

 

When: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Start time: 1.30pm and 2pm – times vary depending on the date
Duration: Approximately one hour and 30 minutes

Where:

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

Price:

From £15.00 (USD 19.02)

Go on a virtual tour of the city this weekend. Credits Pajor Pawel. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Discover fascinating insights, tales and anecdotes about the legendary novelist on the Charles Dickens Walking Tour. Embark on a journey through central London and spot key locations that feature in Dickens’ extensive catalogue of hits. Hear the highs and lows of his personal life and discover how one of England's most famous writers went from rags to riches during the Victorian era.

 

When: Saturdays
Start time: 2pm
Duration: Approximately two hours

See locations in London that were featured in the show. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.

Journey back in time to an era of elegance with a Downton Abbey London Tour of London! Enjoy a leisurely stroll as you admire the legendary London haunts of the Lords and Ladies of the Crawley family and their household. Relive your favourite Downton Abbey scenes as you explore impressive filming locations from the award-winning TV series.

When: Fridays
S
tart time: 10.30am
Duration: Two hours and 30 minutes

Where:

Temple Underground Station, London, WC2R 2PH

Price:

From £17.00 (USD 21.55)

Join a film tour of Greenwich's Old Royal Naval College. Image courtesy of visitlondon.com/Jon Reid.

Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich on this Film and TV Location Tour. Providing the setting for some of the most memorable moments on the big screen, you'll uncover key locations from hit films, including The Iron Lady, Disney's Cruella and the hit Marvel film, Thor: The Dark World.

 

When: Mondays to Sundays
Timings: 12.30pm and 2.30pm
Duration: Approximately one hour

Where:

Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN

Price:

From £16.50 (USD 20.92)

See James Bond wax figures through the ages at Madame Tussauds London. Image courtesy of Madame Tussauds London.

Uncover the mysteries of this iconic book and film series on a James Bond Walking Tour. Wander the streets of Westminster, learning all about the British secret service as you catch a glimpse of 007's London headquarters. Snap away at filming locations from classics such as Die Another Day, Skyfall and No Time To Die. 


When: Thursdays, Saturdays and select Sundays
Start time: 10.30am
Duration: Two hours

Where:

James Bond Walking Tour London, WC2N 5HX

Price:

From £15.00 (USD 19.02)

Admire the city's grandest theatres on a Theatreland Walking Tour. Image credit: London & Partners/ Michael Barrow.

Feel like a Londoner as you explore one of the city's most popular areas on a Theatreland Walking Tour. See the world-famous marketplace, discover its interesting history and hub of trendy eateries along with some of the capital's top theatres. All while your guide shares fascinating stories of interesting characters of the past, from kings and authors to silent movie stars.


When: Daily
Start time: 1.30pm
Duration: Approximately one hour and 30 minutes

Where:

One Aldwych Hotel, 1 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BZ

Price:

From £15.00 (USD 19.02)

Soak up the sun next to Camden Lock in the summer. © visitlondon.com.

Explore the beating heart of London’s music scene on a Rock'n'Roll Walking Tour of Camden and grab a backstage pass to its eclectic musical history. Weave through the vibrant borough of Camden and pass by iconic spots including the famous pub where Madness were discovered, the flat where Amy Winehouse lived for a number of years and Camden's own musical version of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

 

When: Saturdays
Start time: 2pm
Duration: Approximately two hours

David Bowie mural, Brixton. Image provided by Shutterstock

Walk in the footsteps of a musical legend on the David Bowie Walking Tour. Start off by exploring Bowie’s roots in vibrant Brixton. Get an insight into his early life and the events that helped turn the young David Jones into a world-famous musician. Then head to buzzing Soho to see the legendary music venues where David Bowie found fame in the 1970s, as well as his former studio, his favourite pub and more.


When: Saturdays
Start time: 2pm
Duration: Three hours

Shakespeare's Globe. Credit: John Wildgoose

Delve into Shakespeare’s London on a fascinating Shakespeare Walking Tour. Step back in time as your expert guide and professional actor highlights the nooks and crannies of Tudor and medieval London on this fun and lively tour. Explore hidden courtyards, churches, the location of the Blackfriars Theatre (sister theatre to the Globe), the locations of Shakespeare’s two known London houses and more!


When: Fridays
Start time: 11am
Duration: Two hours

Natural History Museum, Hintze Hall. © Shutterstock

Walk beneath the largest animal on earth and marvel at dozens of historic exhibits on a private guided tour of the Natural History Museum. Explore 4.5 billion years of natural history and begin the tour wandering among fossils in the world-famous Dinosaur Gallery. Your expert guide will then share fascinating facts about the mysteries of Earth's formation and the wonder of nature in the Wildlife Garden.


When: Mondays to Sundays
Timings: 11am
Duration: Approximately two hours

Notting Hill in London. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

From famous film locations to iconic markets and festivals, discover the best of a much-loved west London neighbourhood with a Notting Hill Walking Tour. See the travel bookshop featured in the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts flick, spot celebrity homes and famous recording studios, and experience the buzz of Portobello Road Market, as you stroll around the picturesque streets and hear about the area's rich history from your expert guide.


When: Saturdays
Start time: 10.30am and 2pm
Duration: Two hours

The statue of Freddie Mercury above the West End's Dominion Theatre. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Go back to where it all started for the rock legends on a Queen London Walking Tour of Kensington. Before Queen found fame and fortune, they enjoyed a Bohemian life of market stalls, grubby flats and cosy local pubs in this elite part of London. Take a selfie under the plaque that commemorates Queen’s first gig, see Freddie Mercury's beloved Garden Lodge and tour locations that helped catapult the band to success, including iconic music venues and the radio station that once played Bohemian Rhapsody over and over again.


When: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Start time: 2pm (Wednesdays) and 10.30am (Saturdays)
Duration: Two hours and 30 minutes

Free walking tours in London

Explore London’s best-known sights and streets on a walking tour from Sandemans New London. Image courtesy of Sandemans New London Tours.
Gain an intriguing insight into London's history. Visit the City of London, stopping at St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London; explore East London covering Brick Lane, Cockney culture and the criminal underworld; learn about Jack the Ripper; or embark on a five-venue pub crawl.
Where:

Outside the Apple Store, Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8HA

Blue Badge Tourist Guide in action! Image courtesy of Guide London.

Book a tour with one of Guide London's professionally qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guides, who know the city better than anyone else. Whether you want to visit famous London sites such as Westminster Abbey by coach or discover back streets of the Jewish East End on foot, your Blue Badge Tourist Guide can entertain you with entirely new stories in dozens of languages.

Where:

128 Theobald’s Road, Holborn, London, WC1X 8TN

Explore the city with London Walks. Image courtesy of London Walks.

Walk through the scenic hidden streets, back roads and canal paths around the city with London Walks and discover more about Jack the Ripper, The Beatles, Shakespeare, royal London, ghosts in the City and London street art among others.

Where:

PO Box 1708 London, London, NW6 4LW

Tower Bridge. Image courtesy of City of London.

The City Visitor Trail takes you on a journey through the heart of London. Take in famous attractions such as St Paul's Cathedral, Guildhall, the Bank of England and the Tower of London or try the themed "side-tracks", each one moving away from the main path to give a more in-depth look at one part of the city.

Where:

Pick up a free map from the City Information Centre, St Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8BX

Price:

Free

How much does it cost to do a London walking tour?

The cost of a London walking tour varies depending on the type of experience you are booking and whether you book a private tour or join a group. 

A typical sightseeing walking tour of the city with a group can start from around £15 to £20 per person. Whereas a themed walking tour may cost a little more given the unique narrative provided by the expert guide. Tours involving food and drinks will be significantly higher in price to cover the cost of the items included. 

Most London walking tours include items such as entrance tickets for attractions and food on gastronomy tours, ensuring there are no hidden costs so that you only have to consider transport to and from the meeting points. However, always be sure to check what is included upon booking. 

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