The 18 best walking tours in London

Ever wondered who was England’s ‘polyamorous’ king, where in the West End there are secret sex tunnels used by a former monarch, and why you should never trust someone named Molly White? You’ll learn about all that and more in this comprehensive walking tour of the West End. 

The brilliant Misfits of Covent Garden Walking Tour, run by Rebel Tours, reveals the alternative and fringe histories of WC2. You’ll visit sites like St Paul’s Church (AKA the actor’s church, home to memorials for Charlie Chaplin, Barbara Windsor and Noel Coward), a children’s playground built atop a burial ground, one of Britain’s first housing associations, former Mollyhouses (safe spaces for homosexual men in the 18th and 19th centuries), and an erstwhile police station that held some very high profile in-mates. And all the while you’ll be plied with fascinating facts, have some common misconceptions debunked, and hear some excellent pieces of historical gossip. 

It’s something of a powder keg when you consider how historically, some of its objects were sourced in an ethically ambiguous way, to put it mildly. So while the British Museum remains London’s top museum, its contents needs proper contextualisation and interpretation. Babylon Tours have you covered, with incredible guides that take you to Africa, India, Egypt and more, whilst confidently addressing the more contentious aspects of the museum’s collections in a fiercely confident way. 

Why do it: It’s like seeing a problematic but much loved old friend in a new light.

10am & 1:30pm daily (5pm option Friday evenings). Approx £82, £48-£65 child.

Women’s historian Becky Laxton-Bass runs five superb walking tours giving historical women centre stage. Her selection of walks is a tough collection to pick from, but I’d say her Women of Westminster walk deserves your attendance. Through monuments to women, Becky challenges the established dominance of men in politics, literature and history in London’s heartland of culture and politics, with life stories ranging from Agatha Christie, Mary Seacole and Boudica. It's pretty insightful and gives a fresh perspective in spaces so historically dominated by men. 

Why do it: To appreciate and learn about historical women who have campaigned, fought and lived in the area, expertly told by a historian of women’s history.

Times vary. £30, £15-£25 concs.  

These alternative, extremely worthwhile tours are run by The Sock Mob, a social enterprise that works with homeless, ex-homeless or vulnerably housed people. There are six tours to choose from, taking place across different areas of the capital, and the guides who lead them 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.

Why do it: Not only will you get so see some iconic London locations in a different light, you’ll be contributing to the vital work done by The Sock Mob. 

Daily, times vary. £18, £1-£15 concs.

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.

Why do it: Because everyone – muggles, witches, wizards big and small – can enjoy this one. And if you’re trying to strike that balance between a family-friendly and budget-friendly day out, you’ll be pleased to know that children under four go free.

Daily, 10.30am, 2.30pm & 7pm. £21, £15 child, under-fours free.

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.

Why do it: If you want to really get a sense of what wartime London was like, you won’t find anything else quite so immersive as this.

Daily, 9.30am. £67-£77. 

Step away from Bankside and head south in Southwark to its most vibrant district, with a tour of Brixton that takes in food, music, art and community. Wesley, aka The Great Weekender, has put together an eclectic tour that encompasses stories on immigration, identity and history. Starting off by the iconic David Bowie mural round the corner from the eponymous Morley’s department store, take in sights such as the Black Cultural Archive, the Brixton Academy, street art and Electric Avenue, the first market street to have electrical lighting. 

Why do it: Explore a neighbourhood and get a hyperfocused sense of community and social history.

Daily, 10.30am & 2pm. £59, £39 child.

No London experience is quite so fascinating to tourists 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. As well as giving you the lowdown on this historic tradition, your knowledgeable guide will also take you to see palaces, royal parks and royal residence, 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.

Why do it: If you love a bit of pomp and pageantry, this one is certainly for you.

Dates and times vary. £72.

London’s East End is definitely no longer the gangland of yore; if the Krays twins were around today they’d probably own some sort of ironic themed cafe. But there’s a rich and thrilling not-so-distant-past to be discovered in the area. Led by actor Vas Blackwood (who plays Rory Breaker in much-loved British gangster flick ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’), this tour is a great way to do so. Vas will share his wealth of knowledge about the villains – both fictional and real – of London’s murky underworld during the two-hour tour, which features tales of the notorious Kray twins’ antics around Whitechapel, and plenty of ‘Lock, Stock…’ shooting locations.

Why do it: If you’re a fan of a bit of true crime, this gritty tour is definitely for you. 

Saturdays & Sundays. £30.

In a city full of carnivores. Rebel Tours put vegan food at the forefront and will give you the personal touch as you tour the food stalls of Camden Market, whilst framing the food with tales about iconic musicians, radicals and socialists who’ve worked, partied and lived in this part of Camden. There’s also a gin tasting, but this depends on availability at the distillery included on the walk - it’s best to check ahead. 

Why do it: Explore alternative food options while getting the chance to see the punk aesthetic of Camden Market.

1.30pm, dates vary. £73.99, £60-£65 child.

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.

Why do it: Because this might be the only London tour that can also function as a pub crawl. And everyone loves a pub crawl!

Daily, 2pm & 7pm. £29.

Jack the Ripper is one of the most notorious figures in British history – despite the fact we have no idea who he was. Theories about the serial killer are based on rumours and unconfirmed stories, while his five brutally murdered victims have been dismissed as poor, wretched sex workers. That's why local activist group Beyond the Street’s ‘Whitechapel Women’ tour explicitly bans all mention of the famous nickname, instead asking everyone to refer to the ‘unidentified murderer’ throughout. It eschews gory gimmicks, gruesome props and even popular landmarks, and instead, it wends through nondescript streets to tell stories about the lives of each of the victims: Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine (Kate) Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly. The most striking and poignant parts are the connections made with today’s city. At one point guests are asked to look at Charles Booth’s social map of London, which colour-coded the streets in 1888 to indicate income and social class. It's sobering to see a similar map from today shows nearly the same social patterns.

Why do it: It’s a real immersive experience that plunges you into a moving and evocative picture of what the East End was like for women below the poverty line the 19th-century. But it isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a look at bigger themes in London, from poor housing and substance misuse to domestic violence, and how women today face similar challenges and stigma to their ancestors. You’ll leave fired up and ready to ignite social change.

Last Thursday of the month, 6.30pm. £12.

Explore the world of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Great Detective and his sidekick Dr Watson, of course on this private three-hour walking tour. Starting with a trip to the Sherlock Holmes Museum (entry ticket not included), located at Holmes’ home of 221b Baker Street, it also takes in a variety of central London sites made famous in the filming of the Benedict Cumberbatch-starring adaptation ‘Sherlock’, including Russell Square and the Met Police Headquarters, New Scotland Yard, all while lapping up behind-the-scenes stories from on set. 

Why do it: This is a great option for Sherlock fans and lovers of mystery and all things Victorian. 

Dates and times vary. £180 per group.

Whenever I pass Stumble London tours, they’re always full. So that’s a good sign! There’s always a sense of theatre with Mark who is also a performer, and in his queer history walk through the West End, taking in secret gay soirées of the 1920s and drag queens from the 18th century. Reinforcing the truth that LGBTQ+ has always been a part of London, this kind of tour gives visibility to communities who for so long have had to keep to the shadows. 

Why do it: Mark also operates under a pay what you can policy, so this is a good tour to do for those on a budget, but still at exceptional quality.

Dates and times vary. Pay what you can.

Perhaps no London borough is quite so distinctively 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.

Why do it: If you’re particularly interested in naval and maritime history, this tour covers plenty of it in an impressively efficient way. 

Daily, £245.

If you’re after an excuse to wear something other than wellies, visit the gorgeous Kensington Gardens on a guided tour before sitting down for a 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!

Why do it: Who doesn’t love a civilised stroll that ends with an opportunity to gorge on scones?

Daily, £125.

Fancy yourself a bit of a foodie? This three-hour guided tour is the perfect way to learn more about British food culture (we’re actually very cultured in this regard, don’t you know). Encompassing eight delicious stops in the London Bridge area, it gives you a insight into the history of some of our most famous dishes. Starting in the historic Borough Market, you'll eat your way through a bunch of culinary classics, ending the tour with quintessentially British desserts and tea, while your tour guide enlightens you on a few bits of local history. Add the drinks package upgrade and you’ll be pleasantly buzzed by the end, too. 

Why do it: While it might appeal mainly to tourists intrigued by the concept of ‘Fish and Chips’, there were plenty of fascinating historical lessons to be learned, even for someone like me, a decade-strong Londoner and self-confessed greedy guts. My advice? Wear elasticated trousers.

Daily. £94.

The name? It's Cockney rhyming slang for ‘walk’! So if that’s ‘Walk walking tours’, which admittedly doesn’t have quite the same ring, maybe don’t quibble about that with host Jonnie. A born-and-bred Londoner with a passion for taking people on walks around the city and sharing some of its secrets, he runs eleven different weekend tours take in a variety of different areas around the city. Our favourite might be the Great Fire of London tour, which promises to reveal ‘the things they don’t teach you at school’.

Why do it: For an idiosyncratic ramble through London's streets.

Weekends, times vary. £15. 

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.

Why do it: If you’re feeling a little jaded by city life, this tour will give you a new appreciation for the under-the-radar artist that make London so colourful.

2pm, Friday-Tuesday. £37.50.