london walking tours for londoners

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Real London Walks

Exciting, Entertaining & Educational London Walking Tours

Kevin & Clive are Real London Walks

You can book your walks from the booking form at the bottom of each of our walking tour pages, or contact us directly.

We’d love to hear from you if you have questions about any of our London walking tours.

Upcoming Walking Tours

Symbols, Sayings and Streets of London

24th April 2024

Thames River Walk (City of London)

22 May 2024

Find all our walking tours here

“The Club thoroughly enjoyed your guided walk, Secretive London, yesterday.  Very informative but a degree of light heartedness too went down very well. Even though I have worked in Gresham Street for 21 years, there were a number of facts that I did not know, we all learnt something new. Many thanks and continue with your excellent tours” As recommended by Mark Wheeler

We aim to provide authentic London walking tours; Experiences shared and memories made for life.

We want you to get the most from our infotainment about London. We think you would prefer to walk London with Londoners like ourselves.

We are knowledgeable, friendly plus this is a undertaking we adore.

We booked the London Gin tour (party of 10) and all thoroughly enjoyed both the walk and the gin tasting with Clive. The walk was particularly interesting as a number of us were born and raised in London (east end) and there were still many gems of information about the history of gin around the city of London area that we did not know about. The gin tasting was excellent and the staff were very knowledgeable about all things gin related. We were able to stay on after the tour and enjoy some gin cocktails recommended by the staff. I would highly recommended this tour and in fact we are thinking of booking one of the other tours Clive runs showing a different side to the city I thought I knew quite well. As recommended by Asad Malik

How much does a London walk cost?

We are really excited to see you and by what we can share with you and we’ll do our best to make sure you have a great time.

All our Real London Walks cost £10 per person.

Our bespoke Gin tours cost £40 per person.

Private tours  are an ideal option for company outings, families, groups of friends and educational groups. Choose from our variety of London tours or share with us your must-visit places and we’ll design a Real London Walk especially for you!

21 Best London Walking Tours in 2024 (ranked!)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

Harrison Pierce

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

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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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 40 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 .

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 40 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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London Greeters Free personalised walking tours

What is a London Greet?

London Greets are free tours led by volunteer Londoners with a genuine passion for their city.

Lasting from two to four hours, our Greets explore parts of London less frequented by tourists. Whatever your interests, it's likely we have a Greet for you.

Who are the London Greeters?

Greeters are volunteers who share their passion for the city with visitors, including those coming to London for the very first time. These Londoners will help you to explore the city's hidden neighbourhoods and introduce you to the London they know and love.

The London Greeters organisation is a member of the International Greeter Association. It was born out of the 2012 Olympics and a desire to build on its legacy.

Explore Our Greets and book

There are many different Greets to explore and our Greets list shows you the different areas of London covered by our Greeters. Whether it’s the cultural, sporting, historic, architectural, fashionable or timeless that interests you, we have a Greet that will show you the hidden London.

Once you find something you like then complete our enquiry form and get ready for a city tour with a personal edge.

The Best London Walking Tours, 10 Incredible Routes

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

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

What to expect on a CityDays Walking Tour

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

Find Your Perfect Walking Tour

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

Mysterious Mews

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

A Forbidden Fayre

Mayfair, more than a Monopoly square… more

Search For Shoreditch

Puzzling towards painted streets… more

A Rift In Time

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

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

All Gone South

The underbelly of medieval London… more

Return of Jack the Ripper

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

Secrets of the Squares

Drink with Dickens then journey to the heart of Soho… 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

Prosecco Prinnys

Absolutely loved it!

Rags to Riches

We really enjoyed it and can’t wait to do another one

Fantastic adventure, we really loved it and saw parts of London we would never have known were there. Clues were fun an…

Girls weekend

We had so much fun exploring areas we hadn’t been before. Thanks and look forward to the next one.

Team Sherlock

It was great but it was a shame that the last two checkpoints took you away from the city Centre.

Ungodly Cool

Great way to see a city.

¡Día de Jenny!

Fantastically fun day out! Have been a Londoner for nearly 10 years and got to experience the city in a new way-and at …

Charli and Dharini

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

Very fun way to explore the city

Irina & Louis

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

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

Cambridge newbies

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

Potten End Old Boys

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

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

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

Windsor oldies

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

Seekers of Aravos

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

Are you okay?

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

Three Women and No Baby

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

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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Guided Walking Tours

Hello! I’m Jack, an Open City trained tour guide. My walking tours of London’s hidden history are fun-filled with a focus on the quirky and off-the-beaten-track. Join me to unearth this fascinating city’s hidden gems and spot the little secret details that many miss.

As well as the public tours below, I also have availability for private tours . Click here to find out more.

None of the below dates work for you or they are sold out? Click here to sign up to my newsletter to be the first to receive future dates and my weekly blog post on a fascinating historical spot in London..

I also have four self-guided walks in my book London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers. Find out more here !

Current Walks

Covent Garden: Behind The Scenes

See Covent Garden like never before on this walking tour digging out the area’s secrets and scandals. Tread in the footsteps of pimps, Victorian actors and protesters as we dive into Covent Garden’s hidden corners. See all dates here .

• Fri 3rd May 10.30am – Sold out
• Wed 8th May 10.30am – Sold out
• Sat 1st June 11am – Sold out

Secrets and Symbols of the City

A walk exploring his historic heart of London: the City, aka the ‘Square Mile’. We will look at its fascinating past through the lens of its minutae: hidden gardens, narrow passageways and oft-overlooked little symbols. See all dates here .

• Sat 4th May 2.30pm – Sold out
• Tues 14th May 10.30am – Sold out
• Fri 17th May 10.30am – Sold out
• Sun 19th May 2.30pm – Sold out
• Sun 2nd June 2.30pm – Sold out
• Fri 7th June 10.30am – Sold out

Smithfield Uncovered: Rebels and Retribution

A walk discovering one of London’s most historical and captivating areas. Walk in the footsteps of queens, revolutionaries, monks, murderers and merry-makers to uncover an area of extreme contrasts. Along the way will find a notorious execution site, a Black Death burial ground and a Tudor architectural gem.

• Sat 4th May 11am – Sold out
• Thurs 9th May 10.30am – Sold out
• Sat 11th May 11am – Sold out
• Thurs 16th May 10.30am – Sold out
• Thurs 6th June 10.30am – Sold out

The Hidden Strand: Power, Wealth and Empire

A fun-filled walking tour of the hidden Strand and surrounding alleyways, unearthing its secrets and how power, wealth and empire have shaped its history. See all dates here .

• Sat 18th May 11am – Sold out
• Fri 31st May 10.30am – Sold out
• Sun 2nd June 11am – Sold out
• Sun 9th June 11am – Sold out

Westminster’s Backstreets: Saints and Scoundrels

A walking tour of Westminster and its lesser-known backstreets, uncovering stories of heroic saints and scurrilous scoundrels. See all dates here .

• Sun 5th May 2.30pm – Sold out
• Sat 18th May 2.30pm – Sold out
• Sun 9th June 2.30pm – Sold out

Lambeth’s Legendary Trailblazers: From Blake To Chaplin

Discover a lesser-known area of London but one that is packed with history. Walk in the footsteps of Charlie Chaplin and William Blake as well as street urchins, pedlars and Tudor princes, as we explore off-the-beaten-track Lambeth. See all dates here .

• Sat 25th May 11am – Sold out

Recent Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best London walking tour I’ve been on! Excellent tour. Jack is very engaging and clearly loves what he does. The tour was thoroughly researched and always fascinating. It touches on some real gems along Strand, along with some great Strand facts. 10/10 would recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Historical Touring at its finest! We’ve been on a few previous walking tours and while Jack’s walking tour (of The Strand) focussed as much on history as it did on architecture, it was simply fascinating! Jack showed us so many hidden nooks and crannies and shared with us so much from London’s past that we were totally hooked! And all this delivered by a thoroughly affable and generally very knowledgeable chap. Just beware of his solid myth-busting!!!

Private Walking Tours

I also offer private London walking tours- perfect for curious Londoners and tourists who want to get off-the-beaten track! Simply email me at [email protected] .

Looking for some London history inspiration? Check out my most recent blog posts below!

Hampstead’s Oldest House: A Visit To Fenton House

Five London Streets Named After Inspirational People

St Mary Woolnoth: One Of The City’s Most Striking Churches

If Walls Could Talk… A Look Inside The Old War Office

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Shakespeare’s and Dickens’ Old City

St. Paul's underground station, London (exit 2)

Guided by Andy or Corinna or David or Stephen

Medium read: A walk, a performance, a Master Class in speaking Shakespeare’s lines

Riveting performance: Here’s Royal Shakespeare Company actor (and London Walks guide) Steve’s podcast – he’s treating his walkers to a reading from the opening chapter of Great Expectations. Bears repeating, this is guiding that’s also a performance.

Good Listen: Here’s Guide Andy’s podcast of the interview he did with the Keeper of the Flame, the guardian of the finest Shakespeare’s First Folio in existence.

And Another Listen: Here’s David’s podcast about the “interface” between Shakespeare and London . Into the bargain it shows you how to “read” a London street. Two streets, actually.

One more: David’s podcast on Dickens & London

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING

Don’t just take it from us….

Long read: London was to Shakespeare and Dickens what Paris was to Balzac. It held them in its thrall, was both their canvas and their inspiration, their workshop and their raw material. They, in turn, made it their own, imaginatively colonising it. And, like “special correspondents for posterity”, bequeathed it to us. Today, despite the ravages of time, riot, bombing, and especially fire, traces of their London – shipwrecks from the past – still abound in the City. Everything from superb half-timbered Elizabethan dwellings to the magnificent early 16th-century gatehouse where Shakespeare went with his plays to the offices of the Elizabethan Master of the Revels . And from London’s grandest Tudor manor house to crooked little alleys which fed the fires of Dickens’s “hallucinating genius” . Guided by RSC actor Steve or   David (“none better”, The Observer ) on Sunday; and by Andy or Corinna  on Tuesday. 

SHAKESPEARE’S & DICKENS’ LONDON – THE PRACTICALS

The meeting point is just outside exit 2 of St. Paul’s Tube .

The Sunday  afternoon walk is guided by David (known to fellow members of the by-invitation-only Dickens Pickwick Club as the Pickwick Papers character, “Count Smorltork, the famous foreigner” ) or distinguished Shakespearean actor (RSC, Sir Peter Hall’s Shakespeare productions, etc.) Steve . The Tuesday morning walk is guided by actor Andy or Corinna.  N.B. the walk takes about two hours and ends at Smithfield, a short walk from St. Paul’s Tube. But where we end is also very near Barbican Tube and Farringdon  Station , so if either of those is more convenient for you we’ll get you sorted.

LONDON WALKS REVIEWS

“London Walks puts you into the hands of an expert on the particular area and topic of a tour…”   The New York Times

This walk has attracted a great deal of press coverage. The Times, The Observer, The Guardian have all sung its praises. And the Mail has just declared David’s Dickens Walk “one of the ten best tours in Britain” (the Mail  noted in passing that David’s standing in matters Dickensian took him to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen).

“Looking to entertain some relatives recently, I opted to drag them on a tour of Shakespeare’s and Dickens’s London by the London Walks company, …it was certainly a cheap way of spending two hours. But I didn’t have high hopes. Surely it would be one of those soul-destroying affairs in which you wander, slack-jawed, between overcrowded, underwhelming tourist hell holes accompanied by a monotonal commentary? When we met at the appointed hour at St. Paul’s tube station and bought our tickets, I was even more perturbed to find that we had been saddled with an American guide. What could a Yank possibly tell me about the city I have lived in all my life?

“Well loads, as it happens. David , it turned out, was a literary historian, university lecturer, journalist and ‘lifelong thanatophobe’ (look it up), who has forgotten more about the Big Smoke’s history than 99 percent of those who consider themselves genuine Londoners will ever learn.

“We listened, rapt, as he led us through corners of Clerkenwell and Aldersgate I had never seen, despite working in the area for almost a decade. He sonorously reeled off lines from Hamlet , pointed out the shrapnel scars in the wall of St Barts hospital and reminded us that Smithfield meat market was where men once came to sell their wives as well as their mutton. Not only that but he knows at least ten [59 actually] other routes around the capital off by heart, including the legendary Along the Thames Pub Walk. What a guy. And he’s not alone: among his colleagues are a Tony-nominated actor and world experts on Jack the Ripper, Oscar Wilde and riverside beach-combing. So bite the bullet, pick a walk and pitch up. You’ll be dining out on the anecdotes you learn for many moons to come.”   Ed Potton, The Times

“When they do it well, there are none better. I was once given a walking tour of ‘Shakespeare and Dickens’s London’ by a man from Wisconsin who could point to more Tudor houses in the City than most Londoners see in a lifetime.”   David Smith,  The Observer  

Here’s the distinguished author and critic John Sutherland’s piece in the Guardian.

“One of the liveliest PhD students I ever supervised, an American named David Tucker, with a broad streak of Barnum in his Wisconsin makeup, decided, having completed his dissertation on Dickens, against an academic career. The best way he could serve his beloved author, Tucker resolved, was by conducting street-by-street tours around the sizeable fragments of Dickens’s London that have survived the wrecking ball. He’s made a good living out of it, and done some good practical education in the process.

“Tucker’s “Original Dickens Walks” do not shirk the filthy chimneys where apprentice sweeps like Oliver Twist would – after a year or two’s clambering – contract cancer of the scrotum. Nor Newgate, where Fagin swung, tongue and penis protruding in the rictus of death, for the delectation of many of the same people who enjoyed a Dickens novel. Nor the Thames, where the Hexams fished out suicide corpses for whatever money and jewellery they took with them in their drop off the bridge. Nor Hungerford Stairs on the South Bank, which Dickens, remembering his boyhood suffering as a child labourer in Warren’s Blacking Factory, would, for the whole of his subsequent life, make long, shuddering, detours to avoid. Dickens did not always like Dickens’s world.”

And here are the most recent ones from  walkers:

“Every time my wife and I come to London we make sure we take advantage of London Walk tours. This time we chose a Dickens and Shakespeare themed walk. Our guide was a Royal Shakespeare Company actor . He took us on a fascinating journey to actual places described in these authors’ books, and through areas of London where Shakespeare lived and Dickens worked. At various points along the way he would recite, often from memory, passages from various books and plays. Standing in the courtyard of Guildhall and listening to his voice fill that vast space was truly magical… We saw where the Scottish hero William Wallace was executed, where Dickens’ character Oliver Twist would have passed on his way to a robbery, where we could touch the scars left in the walls of St Bart’s hospital by bombs dropped from a Zeppelin in WWI, all while listening to our guide recite from King Lear . If that isn’t fascinating, I don’t know what is!”  Jim W., Silver Spring, Maryland

“Stephen is a wonderful guide, interesting and informative on matters of history and literature. Never thought I would see 30 people of various nationalities sit enraptured on benches, steps and walls for over three hours. A wonderful afternoon stopping off at intriguing places listening to a voice to remember.” Magtrav Midlands

“We recently participated in the London Walks’ “Shakespeare and Dickens’ London” Tour and it was fantastic. Steve, our guide, was very entertaining and knowledgeable. We saw areas of London we would never have found on our own, and my husband said he learned more and Shakespeare and Dickens on the tour than he ever did in college! Fun, insightful, and a great bargain.” MeandMissP

“Steven was a fantastic guide for the Shakespeare and Dickens walk. We learned a lot about both authors and about London as well. Highly recommended.”  packedandready2go

“I’ve been going on London Walks for 20 years. I love London Walks. This is the best one I’ve ever been on.” the lady from Loughton 26 November 2017

LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS

If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, public Shakespeare’s & Dickens’ London walks do think about booking one as a private tour . If you go private you can have the Shakespeare’s & Dickens’ London outing –  or any other London Walk  – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Peter or Niamh or Peter or Mary on 020 7624 3978  or email us at  [email protected]  and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk  – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.

GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS

A private London Walk makes a delightful, thoughtful and unusual gift. Be it a birthday or anniversary or graduation or Christmas present or whatever.  Merchandise schmerchandise  (gift wrapped or not) – but  giving someone an experience,  now that’s special.  Memories make us rich.

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Walkers' Reviews

30 reviews for shakespeare’s and dickens’ old city.

Jim W. – 7th November 2021

“Every time my wife and I come to London we make sure we take advantage of London Walk tours. This time we chose a Dickens and Shakespeare themed walk. Our guide was a Royal Shakespeare Company actor. He took us on a fascinating journey to actual places described in these authors’ books, and through areas of London where Shakespeare lived and Dickens worked. At various points along the way he would recite, often from memory, passages from various books and plays. Standing in the courtyard of Guildhall and listening to his voice fill that vast space was truly magical… We saw where the Scottish hero William Wallace was executed, where Dickens’ character Oliver Twist would have passed on his way to a robbery, where we could touch the scars left in the walls of St Bart’s hospital by bombs dropped from a Zeppelin in WWI, all while listening to our guide recite from King Lear. If that isn’t fascinating, I don’t know what is!” Jim W., Silver Spring, Maryland

Daniel O’Neill – 26th March 2024

Just back from our walk with Corinna through Shakespeare’s and Dickens’ London. We enjoyed the tour so much, learned a lot of history, and saw streets, alleys and parks we never knew were around the corner from St. Paul’s. Corinna is an excellent tour guide. She was easy to hear despite the often loud street noise. The hearing challenged members of our group were so impressed with her enunciation and delivery. Her delivery of Prospero’s closing monologue from The Tempest at the end of the tour gave us goose bumps. Wonderful experience.

Lyn Heiming – 24th March 2024

I just wanted to give the feedback that this walk was brilliant. Steve is a fantastic guide and a fountain of fascinating information. The guide “makes or breaks” the enjoyment of such a tour and he really created a masterpiece! He felt like a best friend, best tutor and almost Dickens or Shakespeare himself at times within such a short space of time. This afternoon was a highlight! Thank you.

Nicolas – 11th February 2024

My wife and I have done about 100 walking tours over the years. We took this tour several years ago and we still talk about it. It’s safe to say that we both agree this was probably the best tour we’ve ever done. The guide was so passionate and the content was really interesting. I’d highly recommend it.

Isaac Lee – 23rd January 2024

The Shakespeare and Dickens tour was a fantastic learning experience. Despite the weather being a bit difficult, Corinna made the best of it and ensured that we weren’t always sopping wet. The tour really brings out the rich history and culture of London in a very humorous and immersive fashion. Would recommend these tours to any of my friends coming to London in the future.

June Chan – 23rd January 2024

The tour was fantastic and engaging! Corinna is absolutely amazing, funny, seamlessly weaving the history of Shakespeare and Dickens into the fabric of London’s streets and buildings. Her insights have added a whole new dimension to our London exploration. Even though we were indulged by the typical London weather, she made the 2 hours tour very short. I would 100% recommend this tour to any visitors to London.

CarolineSF – 18th January 2024

Great tour enhanced by talented Corinna’s recitations and wit. Fascinating and informative all the way through.

Jackie Preston – 18th October 2023

Corinna was a great guide with her recitations from Dickens and Shakespeare’s work and the interesting histories in between. 17/10/2023.

Vladimir – 2nd October 2023

Our guide was entertaining, with little recitals and dramatic delivery. This was the main positive factor. The content otherwise lacked structure and the tour overall needed better organisation.

It was rather difficult to follow every single time we digressed from the main topics to unrelated matters of Henry VIII (once again), the US presidents or the height of St Paul. It was a lot of fun facts, but not much on Dickens or Shakespeare. The group seemed tired and bored, struggling to focus.

I’ve been working in the City for years and did not expect to see much of the actual places, as most of the area has not survived. But I was hoping to see on the tour some pictures or artifacts to transport us back in time. Instead, we had to rely on our imagination.

Finally, there was no sign (London Walks flyer) at the start of the tour, no cash machine, not much guidance over the route – some people dropped out, intentionally and unintentionally. I’ve been on a fair share of walks/tours around London and elsewhere, I cannot say this one lived up to its ambitiously phrased name.

Steve Spolar – 28th August 2023

2d of our 3 tours with Andy and he was terrific! The history he infuses into each stop is outstanding!

Peder – 1st August 2023

don’t be fooled by her diminative size, she is a power house of knowledge and theratical quotes/performances that both amaze and delight. Brilliant experience, highly recommended.

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Quirky Bloomsbury

Most Bloomsbury walking tours focus on the literary links, intellectual institutions and famous residents. On this fun walking tour we’re on the hunt for the surprising, beautiful and quirky history that’s hiding in plain sight.

Get off the beaten track in one of London’s most beautiful and inspiring neighbourhoods and encounter abandoned railways, London’s narrowest alley and epic street art.

Wander the quiet, atmospheric streets of Bloomsbury and take in unusual sculptures, sneaky plaques and unexpected details that help you unravel the area’s unique charm.

The meeting point is outside Holborn Station, the corner of High Holborn and Southampton Row. The address is 120 High Holborn, London WC1V 6RD and its the corner diagonally opposite Sainsbury’s

The walk lasts around 90 minutes and ends near Russell Square Tube Station.

Book the Bloomsbury Walking Tour

All Look Up London tours focus on the hidden stories, trying to spot the details above your eye line that are often missed by passersby. There’s a lot of information in an architectural detail, a crest or a sculpture that tells you about the history of the area! See all the walks here .

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One of "The best London Walking Tours" Time Out London - 2023

Want to join a weekend walk in london i offer a rotating smorgasbord of 11 different walks around london. x3 on saturdays and x3 on sundays (this may vary) including areas like king's cross, hampstead, clerkenwell, smithfield and my only 'themed' walk ....the great fire of london.   walks are approximately 2 hrs long and can be booked directly (£15 per person plus admin fee) by clicking on a particular walk on my 2024 weekend london walking tour schedule .   you can find descriptions of the walks on the 'weekend walks' page and the schedule below., interested in a private tour.

London Guided Walks » Medieval London Tour

Medieval London Tour

• Private walking tour
• Explore Medieval streets and architecture
• Qualified City of London tour guide

Book with confidence:

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Embark on a journey through the bustling streets of Medieval London.

Your experienced and qualified City of London tour guide, Ian McDiarmid, will take you back in time to experience life in one of the most exciting and dangerous cities in England.

Explore some of the city’s oldest and most fascinating landmarks.

Experience the sights and sounds of Medieval London, how religion pervaded their lives and how they had to put up with some pretty strong smells!

Names like Ironmonger Lane and Bread Street reflect a London where customers jostled, haggled and were occasionally conned. Discover how Londoners made their living. Come and explore the city that was once the most exciting, richest and deadliest place in England.

With us, you’ll get a real insight into the vibrant medieval culture that still resonates in today’s London.

So come join us on a private walking tour of Medieval London – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Your Guide: Jenny Funnell

Medieval London Tour Reviews

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Londoners can get 50 percent off loads of the city’s biggest attractions right now

The London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, London Eye and more are selling half-price tickets to London residents

Living in London , it’s easy to forget just how many  events , historic sites and attractions are all right on your doorstep (or at least, a mere tube journey away). But now is a better time than ever to tick off a few of the capital’s bucket-list attractions, as a few big ‘uns are giving out serious discounts to Londoners. 

Merlin entertainments is currently offering 50 percent off to London residents on five of the city’s biggest attractions. Never been to Madame Tussauds to snap a selfie with waxwork Captain America, or keen to see the city from a pod on the London Eye? Now’s your chance to get a whopping 50 percent off. Yep, half-price! 

Until May 19, the company will be cutting prices in half on full-price standard on-the-day tickets on all the following attractions: 

• The London Eye ( tickets here )
• Madame Tussauds ( tickets here )
• The London Dungeon ( tickets here )
• SEA LIFE London Aquarium ( tickets here )
• Shrek’s Adventure! London ( tickets here )

The discounted tickets are available to people who’s billing address is within one of the city’s 32 boroughs. So no pretending you live in London when your postcode is actually Surrey – sorry.

The offer is running until Sunday May 19 . 

When in London…

As well as this hearty discount, London has plenty of brilliant free things to do , plus an abundance of museums and art galleries which offer free entry and activities. Oh, and here are the best things to do in London with kids . 

Did you see that Ncuti Gatwa will return to the London stage to star in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ this Christmas ?

Plus: These are the London Underground stations most affected by lift closures . 

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‘Boomerang’ Londoners return to a city ‘on the brink of reinvention’

A ccording to the latest City Pulse report by Gensler, Londoners who left during the pandemic have started to return in greater numbers as the city’s efforts to reinvent itself post-pandemic start to pay off.  

According to Ian Mulcahey, Global Director of Cities at Gensler, two key groups moved out of London during the pandemic. The first set were workers who moved out to help with costs and because they could work remotely. “A lot of those people are moving back [to the centre]… You know there’s only so long you can live with your mum and dad,” Mulcahey said. 

A second set of older people decided to “cash in [their] chips, give up the job sell the house in in central London, buy a farm and a chicken and go live in Devon. Those people probably aren’t going to come back.”

Those people, too, will have the option of working remotely and coming to London occasionally, Mulcahey added. 

The survey found that pollution concerns seem to be waning a little: Half of the respondents felt their cities have clean air, compared to 45 per cent in 2023. Fewer residents felt their city is too noisy—44 per cent in 2023 vs. 47 per cent in 2021. 

More respondents, however, saw their city as “too big” – (43 per cet in 2023 vs. 36 per cent in 2021). 

In London, this is unlikely to change: London’s housing crisis, for one, will see it  continue to expand to outward and upward . 

Mulcahey called “the one big negative” the housing and cost-of-living crisis.

A total of 52 per cent of London respondents to the survey said that they’re living paycheck to paycheck, compared to 29 per cent in 2021. That 23 per cent increase is the largest across the study. A staggering 77 per cent of London residents feel that living in their neighbourhood is not as affordable as it was a year ago.

“I think everywhere has got more expensive… the world over they’ve got higher interest rates and energy prices have shot up everywhere,” he said. ”So people are finding it pretty expensive to live in a city.”

London: A city on the ‘brink of reinvention’

Covid-19 brought a lot of changes to cities across the world. Hybrid office working has now become the norm, with most residents working from home at least one day a week.

A lot of developers have been asking what they can do with that surplus office space. “It’s so interesting to see the industries and communities that are actually starting to say: hey, we could use those buildings,” Mulcahey said.

“Just around our offices there’s a number of academic institutions looking at a vacant office and going well we could reinvent that and use it for teaching. Many developers look at building say: well, we can convert that into residential… You [can] see it at adapting before your eyes,” Mulcahey said.

When asked in 2021 whether they would recommend their city to someone else, Londoners gave the city a ranking of -10. It received a score of 17 in 2023, the biggest ratings jump for all fifteen cities surveyed, including New York and Paris. 

“[The change] is very characteristic of London—without some sort of grand plan or clear instruction from a mayor or the government, [the city] reinvents itself,” Mulcahey said. It’s done that time and time again, and maybe that’s why London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world… because it is able to gradually reinvent itself after a crisis.”

Mulcahey, an urban planner, regularly travels to international cities for work. When he comes back to London, he is reminded that it is “the best city in the world.”

“Maybe I’m biased in that,” he said. “But in my mind, it is true to the principle of what makes a good city, which is that fusion of activity and use. There’s a kind of an anarchy to that, but it has a vibrancy. It has a sense that actually it isn’t stuck in time.”

“It’s a really extraordinary continuous process of evolution.” A perfect city is “able to adapt and change” he said. “You don’t want to freeze a city in aspic and say well, it can never change.”

London rents hit record highs – but price increases are slowing

Sadiq Khan on track for third term as London mayor – but nearly half of Londoners dissatisfied with performance

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Polls have consistently shown that the incumbent mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, appears to be on track to win a third term in office at the upcoming mayoral elections on May 2.

One poll we commissioned as part of our Polling London series in October 2023 put Khan ahead of his Conservative rival, Susan Hall, by 50 points to 25 (a 25-point lead for Khan). The next poll in our series (conducted in February 2024) had Khan leading by the exact same margin, albeit with the figures 49 to Khan and 24 to Hall this time.

While the mayoral race clearly didn’t narrow much in this period, there is reason to believe the race may become tighter as election day nears.

Low satisfaction ratings

Khan’s lead in the mayoral race is not built on high levels of satisfaction with his previous performance in the role. Our February 2024 poll showed that only 27% of Londoners say they are “very” or “somewhat” satisfied with the way he has performed since becoming Mayor of London. Meanwhile, 45% claim they are “somewhat” or “very” dissatisfied. Khan’s rather lacklustre approval ratings make his lead appear rather more shallow.

People living in outer London appear to be particularly dissatisfied with Khan. Half of residents (49%) say they are either “very” or “somewhat” dissatisfied with his performance, compared to 37% of those living in inner London.

This could be due to Khan’s decision , which came into effect in August 2023, to expand the ultra low emissions zone (Ulez). We know that outer London residents were considerably less supportive of this policy. Data from our October 2023 poll shows that while 52% of those living in inner London supported the Ulez expansion, it garnered the support of only 32% of those living in outer London.

That said, the popularity of the Labour party, and the relative unpopularity of the Conservative party in London, works to Khan’s advantage. We know that Londoners tend to vote along party lines at mayoral elections. Analysis of our February 2024 polling data suggests that approximately 80% of the Londoners who would vote Conservative and Labour if there were a general election tomorrow would also vote for the Conservative and Labour candidates if there were a mayoral election tomorrow. This helps to explain why Khan is doing better in the mayoral race than his satisfaction ratings might suggest.

The Liberal Democrat and Green party’s mayoral candidates – Rob Blackie and Zoe Garbett – are currently polling at only moderate levels (10% and 9% respectively ). If their vote shares were to improve, Khan’s could take a hit.

What’s more, in the 2021 mayoral race, the polls overstated Khan’s lead over his nearest rival , the Conservative’s Shaun Bailey.

In the lead up to election day, candidates would do well to pay attention to Londoners’ concerns about policing, crime, personal safety, housing, health services and the cost-of-living.

Policing, crime and personal safety

A recent poll , commissioned by the Mile End Institute, where we are both based, and fielded by YouGov from February 12-19 2024, found that 52% of Londoners felt policing, crime and personal safety was one of the most important issues currently facing the city and its population. Meanwhile 46% opted for the provision of affordable quality homes and 37% for healthcare provision in the capital.

The next most important issue, according to Londoners, was the affordability of public transport, which 25% of respondents highlighted.

Londoners’ concerns about policing, crime and personal safety are likely, at least in part, to be a reflection of their low levels of trust in the Metropolitan police service. In the same Mile End Institute/YouGov survey, just 5% of Londoners were found to have “a great deal” of trust in the Met. By contrast, 36% had “not very much” trust in the service and 14% had “no trust at all”. Trust in the Met is particularly low among ethnic minority Londoners. We find that almost one fifth (19%) of black and ethnic minotiry Londoners report having “no trust at all” in the service, compared to around one tenth of white Londoners (11%).

Londoners are also worried about the affordability of city living. The same survey found that 60% of Londoners described the city as “expensive”, up from 43% in September 2018. That represents a 17-percentage point increase. In light of the cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation, this is not surprising. It suggests mayoral pledges which seek to make life in London more affordable may be popular across large swathes of the electorate.

The question is whether these same issues will be at the forefront of the minds of Londoners when deciding how to vote. Recent polling , commissioned by ITV News, and fielded by Survation from March 21-26 2024, certainly suggests so.

When asked to select the single most important issue in deciding how to cast their vote at the upcoming London mayoral election, the most popular option chosen by respondents was the cost of living (41%), followed by crime (12%) and healthcare (11%). London’s economy and housing came in fourth and fifth places, respectively, selected by just less than 10%.

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Sadiq Khan’s green credentials may be critical in London mayoral election

As mayor aims to win third term, what has he achieved so far on air pollution, the climate crisis and nature?

When Sadiq Khan launched his campaign for a third term as Labour mayor of London, he put his green policies front and centre, highlighting his work on air pollution, the climate crisis and nature.

For seasoned Khan watchers, this came as little surprise. The mayor, who last year published a book called Breathe: Seven Ways to Win a Greener World , has been widely praised for his work tackling air pollution, as well as his efforts on nature restoration and getting London to net zero by 2030.

But after eight years in City Hall, what exactly has been achieved – and what can voters expect if he wins a third term when Londoners go to the polls next week?

According to Paul Morozzo from Greenpeace, which has analysed the policies of Khan and his Tory rival, Susan Hall , the two candidates’ climate policies are like “chalk and cheese”.

“While there’s still lots of room for improvement from the mayor of London, climate and nature are clearly top priorities for Sadiq Khan,” Morozzo said. “[His] history speaks for itself.”

Greenpeace’s analysis of the two candidates’ environment policies gives Khan 23.5 points out of a possible 45, compared with 7.5 for Hall.

And Khan’s environmental credentials may be critical in next week’s contest. In 2021, almost all of the Green party candidate Siân Berry’s roughly 200,000 first-preference votes went to Khan in the second round, taking his eventual lead over the Conservatives’ Shaun Bailey from about 5% to 10%.

This year, the election is being run on a different system: first past the post. So Khan’s ability to persuade Green-minded voters not to split the progressive vote but back him from the outset could be decisive.

Shaun Spiers, from the Green Alliance group, believes voters concerned about the environment could do a lot worse than stick with Khan.

“Broadly speaking his record has been very impressive,” said Spiers. “He’s put the environment centre-stage and, critically, linked the climate and nature emergencies in a way that’s unusual in politicians, particularly local politicians.”

According to experts who spoke to the Guardian, Khan’s main green achievements include:

The introduction and expansion of the ultra-low emission zone, which excludes the most polluting vehicles from the capital and has contributed to roadside N0 2 emissions dropping by 50%.

The introduction of thousands of new electric buses and taxis, and the continued expansion of the cycle network and promotion of walking.

A rewilding programme that has reintroduced a range of species, including beavers , expanded green spaces, and included a mass tree-planting programme.

However, all those who spoke to the Guardian also criticised Khan for pushing ahead with the Silvertown tunnel , a new four-lane road under the River Thames in east London. Doctors, environmental groups, climate scientists and many local residents have opposed the scheme , which they say will increase air pollution and worsen public health in some of the poorest parts of the city – a claim Khan disputes.

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Jon Burke, a former Labour councillor in Hackney who oversaw a far-reaching environment programme in the borough, said Silvertown was an example of the mayor failing to make the deep structural changes that were required to meet the challenges of the escalating climate emergency.

“When compared to the other politicians in the UK, Sadiq’s delivery of cycling infrastructure and expansion of the ultra-low emission zone makes him looks like a climate leader, but that does not mean he is doing enough,” he said.

More needed to be done to reduce traffic, retrofit homes and reduce emissions, Burke added. “And by ploughing on with Silvertown he has embedded significant transport emissions and pollution for generations to come at a time when we should be moving heaven and earth to drastically reduce them.”

Dr Maya Singer Hobbs, from the IPPR thinktank, said she did not understand the rationale behind Silvertown but, that project aside, Khan had shown courage on a range of environmental matters, particularly when he held his nerve in the face of fierce pushback to the expansion of the Ulez last year.

“The key thing is that he has shown real leadership on both climate and environment and air quality at a time when I don’t really think we’ve seen that from many other political leaders. I think that we will probably look back and see him as someone who was really leading the way on air quality,” she said.

Singer Hobbs said Khan’s work had given many councils the cover to push ahead with their own schemes to improve air quality and public health, from low traffic neighbourhoods to school streets.

And while there was more work to do on everything from hitting the net zero target to introducing home insulation and heat pumps, Singer Hobbs said that if Khan did win and that was followed by a Labour victory nationally, it could unlock many more crucial environmental measures.

“It would be very interesting to see just how bold he would be if that happened,” she said.

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