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Secret Tours London

London is without a doubt one of the most iconic cities on the planet. With its impressive architecture, symbolic sites and array of stories hidden behind it's streets and buildings, London's culture and historical richness really is something to behold. Our Secret Tours London will introduce you to some of our most famous landmarks, whilst at the same time exploring some of our favourite 'Secret' locations. Our Secret Food Tours will explore some of the best food in the city, from Incredible Indian, to Brilliant British, and everything in between. For those looking to become further immersed in our beverage culture, our Gin and Beer tours offer a valuable insight into how these delicious drinks are so important to our city's history and development.

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Secret Tours London

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secret london walking tours

A Lady in London

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 9 secret London walks you’ll want to take

Today I want to share A Lady in London’s secret London walks with you. There are lots of undiscovered places to explore on foot in the UK capital, and these self-guided London walking tours will help you find the best of them. From under-the-radar neighborhoods to off-the-beaten path waterways, these hidden walks in London will help you see the city from a local perspective.

secret London walks

secret London walks

From Hampstead to Dulwich, Greenwich to Richmond, my secret London walks cover London neighborhoods from north to south and east to west. Whether you like to be in a leafy village or a canalside area, there’s a self-guided walk in London you’ll love.

From charming squares to narrow passageways, side streets to hidden courtyards, these secret London walking tours will take you to some of my favorite hidden places around the UK capital.

Sculpture in Dulwich, London

You can see a lot more walks in the book London’s Hidden Walks , too. You can get it here . It’s just the thing if you love exploring under-the-radar areas in the city. There are more ideas in my London walking books post as well.

If you’re interested in more A Lady in London walks, my blog post about self-guided London walking tours has all the ones I’ve published in one place.

I’ve also compiled my east London walks , west London walks , south London walks , and north London walks into blog posts. You can find the relevant routes and maps on them.

Richmond Houses, London

1. secret London walks in Hampstead

The first of my secret London walks is in Hampstead . This is one of my favorite north London neighborhoods , and its village atmosphere makes it a great area for walks.

My Hampstead walk winds its way through the area’s eye-catching side streets, giving you an overview of the neighborhood and its hidden lanes as you go. It also features a number of good local Hampstead pubs .

This secret London walk is ideal if you want to get to know a part of London locals love. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the city, and it feels like a country village right in the UK capital.

If you want to go on this one, you can find the route, map, photos, and video on my Hampstead walk blog post.

Street in Hampstead, London

2. secret London walks in Dulwich

The next of my secret London walks is in Dulwich . This leafy village in southeast London is similar to Hampstead in that it’s packed with attractive houses, pretty parks, and local museums.

This loveliest of secret London walks will guide you through the streets and green spaces in Dulwich village. It’s great if you’re looking to discover more of south London and want to find the best things to do in Dulwich as you go.

If you’re up for going on it, you can take a look at my Dulwich walk post for the route, photos, video, and map.

Dulwich house in London

3. secret London walks in Greenwich

The third of my of my secret London walks is in Greenwich . This southeast London neighborhood is known for its maritime history , famous park, covered market, and Royal Observatory.

This secret London walk will lead you through Greenwich and show you heritage buildings, picture-pretty side streets, and one of the best views of London .

Along the way you’ll pass the National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College, Queen’s House, Cutty Sark, and Royal Observatory. You’ll also see local pubs and go through vibrant markets.

If you want to take this self-guided London walk, head over to my Greenwich walk post for the route, photos, video, and map.

Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich

4. secret London walks in Richmond

The next of my secret London walks is in Richmond. This area in southwest London is worth a visit for its riverfront atmosphere, expansive green spaces, and famous filming locations. It’s one of my favorite parts of London to explore .

Highlights of this London walk include Richmond Park, charming alleys like Brewers Lane, and great riverside pubs and restaurants.

On the way, you’ll take in the best of Richmond, from the little lanes to the Thames Path. At the end, you’ll have options for continuing your walk in whatever way suits your tastes.

If you’re interested in taking this walk, you can find the route, pictures, map, and video on my Richmond walk blog post.

Richmond shop in London

5. secret London walks in Islington

Next on my list of secret London walks is one in Islington . This local area in north London has bustling shopping streets, peaceful canals, and lots of colorful doors to take in.

My self-guided London walk in Islington will lead you through the vibrant Camden Passage Market, into pretty squares, and down side streets full of heritage details.

This walk is perfect for you if you enjoy a mix of high streets and side streets, secret passageways, and great local atmosphere.

If you want to go on this one, you can take a look at the route, map, photos, and video on my Islington walk blog post.

House on Barnsbury Street in Islington, London

6. secret London walks on Regent’s Canal

The sixth of my secret London walks will take you along Regent’s Canal from Maida Vale to King’s Cross .

This canal walk goes past everything from the colorful boats in Little Venice to the buzzing stalls in Camden Market . It even goes through the London Zoo in Regent’s Park .

This loveliest of secret London walks is perfect if you like to be on the water and take in a variety of sights and neighborhoods as you go. It’s a good alternative to the Thames Path , and a great way to see some local London neighborhoods.

If this London walk sounds good to you, you can find the route, map, and photos on my blog post about canal walks in London .

Regent's Canal in Little Venice

7. secret London walks in Clerkenwell

Next on my list of secret London walks is one in Clerkenwell , Smithfield, and Hatton Garden. These local areas not only show off historic London at its best, but are also home to some of the best markets and restaurants in the heart of the city.

My self-guided London walk in Clerkenwell reveals everything from narrow passageways to centuries-old stone arches. It will take you through one of the most historic markets in central London, too.

This walk is ideal if you’re into heritage architecture and great food. There are excellent coffee shops along the way, too.

If you’re curious about this secret London walk, you can find the full route, map, photos, and video on my Clerkenwell walking tour blog post.

Cowcross Street, London

8. Literary Walk

Next on my list of secret London walks is a themed London literary walk. This self-guided walk goes through several central London neighborhoods .

Along the way it shows off some of the UK capital’s most beloved independent bookshops , literary landmarks, libraries, and reading rooms.

This walk will take you to some of the best places to read in London , too, so make sure to bring a book with you when you do it.

If you want to go on this London walk, you can see the full route, map, and photos on my London literary walk blog post.

Daunt Books, London

9. secret London walks in Holland Park

The last of my secret London walks is in Holland Park . This local area in west London is not only full of elegant houses, but also home to one of London’s most beautiful parks.

This London walk will lead you from the Holland Park tube station to the houses, green spaces, and mews streets the area is famous for. It’s perfect if you’ve done my Notting Hill walk and want to explore the area next to it.

If you’d like to do this one, you can find the route, map, and photos on my Holland Park walk blog post.

Holland Park Mews

I hope my list of secret London walks has made you want to get outside and discover the best under-the-radar areas in the city. Whether you’re a local or want to live like one, these walks will help you explore the areas Londoners love. Happy walking!

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Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.

4 Comments on Lady’s 9 secret London walks you’ll want to take

Love the secret walk video. Good to have a visual of some of the places the walk guides you through before setting out. Very useful.

Thanks so much! I’m glad to hear that.

We are heading there in April 2022! Cannot wait and your blog helps me plan and dream. thank you!

You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that.

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Susan I

SECRET LONDON WALKING TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Secret London Walking Tour

Secret London Walking Tour

Tickets 🎫 Adult ticket for 1 to the Secret London Tour

Highlights ✨ Enjoy a unique tour of London's secret spots ❔ Hear of hidden tales and facts that are stranger than fiction! 🗺️ Not your typical tourist trail...

General Info 📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector ⏳ Duration: 90 minutes approx. 📍 Location: the tour will begin from the equestrian statue of King Charles I on the roundabout, just to the south of Trafalgar Square  👤 Age requirement: 18+ with valid ID

Description On this unique and unusual tour, you'll uncover hidden parts of London that few people know about. You'll come across secret alleyways, ancient pubs, hear of body snatchers and murders and reveal the unexpected and unseen. Away from the usual tourist trail, the guides will show you gas-lit alleyways, past old pubs and bookshops, remnants of sprawling mansions, unusual art and secret societies. Come and enjoy exploring a city a few layers deeper than most on The Secret London Tour!

User reviews

  • Oana B. Jun 2022 Absolutely loved the tour! It was hilarious and unique. Highly recommend!!
  • Jo C. Jan 2022 Excellent tour. Jess was very knowledgable and brought our walk alive. We loved it!
  • Naz Q. Jan 2018 Awesome experience, very enjoyable and interesting and had a lovely tour guide with a great sense of humour too!
  • Jill D. Aug 2019 Loved our tour with Rozie, lovely, knowledgeable lady who made the tour fun and informative. Highly recommend x
  • Rachel C. Feb 2022 Brilliant and friendly guide, despite the rain it was a great afternoon! Thank you!
  • Liz C. Mar 2019 Jes was a great guide, very informative and entertaining will definitely look out for other tours
  • Reshma H. Feb 2019 It was really informative! The tour guide Jess was amazing!
  • Kate D. Dec 2021 Outstanding experience!!! I would highly recommend !
  • David H. Jul 2019 Very interesting tour delivered in a friendly style.
  • Marlena G. Mar 2019 great walk with a very knowledgeable Guide!
  • Diane W. Dec 2021 Matt the guide was great
  • Carolyn B. Jul 2022 So interesting. Loved it!
  • Eithar Z. Aug 2021 Loved this tour, Mat was amazing. Lovely company with an amazing weather. Will definitely recommend it even if you think you know London give this one a try. Great Tour, thanks Mat
  • Peter V. Jul 2022 Jess was brilliant and brought out the nuances of London’s lesser known historical gems of interest beautifully.
  • Elina M. Aug 2022 Excellent and a really nice and helpful guide

How to get there?

Equestrian Statue of Charles I

Londres, WC2N 5DU

Select date and session

No booking fees

––– Low availability

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  • TOUR SCHEDULE

London Walking Tours logo.

THE SECRET LONDON TOUR

Take a walk back in time.

  • Tour Description
  • Food and Drink
  • Map and Directions

STEP INTO HISTORY

  • Selected Sundays at 2pm & Selected Tuesdays at 12.30pm
  • Mansion House Station
  • Dates and Bookings

Hidden away from the busy main roads you will find a secret city of medieval streets, narrow alleyways, hidden courtyards and ancient buildings.

On this unique walk you will explore the streets of hidden London and be introduced to the tucked away places where history was made and where time stands still.

Here, the roar and the rush of modern London will fade to a distant murmur, as the sights and sites of the old City rise up to greet you, and as every corner turned, every location encountered, and almost every step taken presents you with a new and fascinating slice of the past.

WHAT YOU'LL SEE AND HEAR - SOME OF THE TOUR'S HIGHLIGHTS

The Secret London tour will introduce you to some truly fascinating locations, all of which are steeped in history. You really will get the feeling that you've been transported back in time to dig through the many layers of London's rich and varied past. Locations such as the inner sanctum of London's oldest hospital, where the sick have been treated for over 800 years; or the tucked away court where you will find yourself standing at the exact and historic centre of the City of London.

Other highlights of the walk include:-

Hidden and Secret Places

You will delve into hidden alleyways and secret passageways to encounter some of London's most secret and atmospheric places.

Step Into Bygone London

You will enter courtyards where the everyday life of London has been going on for nigh on 2,000 years; and you will view an ancient gatehouse, constructed in latter years of the 16th Century.

Relics From The Past

You will encounter gabled houses that survived the Great Fire of London (1666); and see an ancient structure that dates back to 1123.

Magnificent Discoveries

You will stand beside London's medieval palace, the time-washed walls of which date from the 1400's; and you will gaze up at Sir Christopher Wren's most magnificent church tower.

LIVING HISTORY NOT DRY DATES AND DUSTY FACTS

But, your guide won't just point at these streets and buildings and bombard you with dry dates and dusty facts.

The bust of William Shakespeare in the Love Lane Graden.

He will people the places you will encounter with those who have lived in them, and he will give those long ago citizens a voice so that you can hear their stories and, in so doing, see the City through their eyes.

And, what a stellar cast of bygone residents you will become acquainted with. Charles Dickens, William Wordsworth, Sir Thomas More (you'll learn why he was dubbed the "Man For All Seasons"), Sherlock Holmes, Sir John Betjeman and William Wallace - Braveheart no less - to name but a few.

Meanwhile, the very names of the streets through which you will weave, will conjure up vivid images of the trades and activities that were once practiced in them.

Bread Street, Milk Street, Wood Street and Love Lane, all of which remember long ago days when they were inhabited by the respectable (and, in one case, not so respectable) tradesfolk of old London town!

THE SECRET GARDEN - A MEMORIAL TO HEROIC SELF SACRIFICE

One of the undisputed highlights of the Secret London Tour is our visit to a peaceful garden, the walls of which are lined with memorials to long ago citizens who sacrificed their own lives to save the lives of others in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Tiles on the Memorial to Heroice Self Sacrifice..

This remarkable monument was the idea of the Victorian artist George Frederic Watts, and the simple dignity of the tiled plaques that adorn it remembers poignant moments from the past when ordinary men, women and children proved themselves extra-ordinary and sacrificed their own lives to save the lives of other.

It is such a wonderful, and peaceful, spot that the tour takes a break here in order to give you time to read each of the tiles, and to spend a few moments in quiet contemplation pondering these bygone citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live.

A WALK CRAMMED WITH CURIOSITIES

You will come across curious pieces of street furniture which you might easily walk straight past without even noticing.

With some of them, their original uses will be readily apparent. With others their original purposes might not be immediately obvious - until, that is, your guide points them out to you and you enjoy one of the many revelatory moments with which the secret London tour abounds.

The red Remember The Poor's Box..

And, the curiosities aren't confined to the City's distant past.

Indeed, one of the places we encounter is the very building from which Benedict Cumberbatch "apparently" plummeted to his death in the BBC series Sherlock.

An ordinary London phone box, which is clearly visible in that scene quickly became the focus of the grief felt by fans all over the World and, to this day, they come here in their droves to scrawl messages to Sherlock on  the phone box.

Studying them, which we take the time to do on the tour, affords a moment of merriment for many participants, whilst those who haven't even seen the programme can't help cracking a wry smile as they read the entreaties left by dedicated and distraught fans from across the Globe.

A GRIPPING TOUR THAT BRINGS THE PAST TO LIFE

In addition to all these wonderful locations you will also enjoy a gripping journey through 2,000 years of eventful history.

The black and white timbered gatehouse of the church of St Bartholomew the Great.

You will hear how disasters, such as the Great Plague and the Great Fire, devastated the City.

You will learn of the damage done to its streets and buildings by Hitler’s Blitzkrieg as he made a concerted effort to raze London's historic heart and bring its people to the point of surrender.

Yet, Londoners have always shown a determined resilience in the face of the many adversities that fate has thrown at them, and you will see how, time and again, the City stood firm against all the hardships that were thrust upon it, and discover how it always recovered to emerge from the ruins and the rubble a stronger and more vibrant City.

But each re-incarnation has left behind little pockets of the past that now nestle behind the soaring office blocks of the 21st century, and it is these remnants of the bygone City that make up the places that you will encounter on this tour.

A STUNNING GRAND FINALÉ

And, if all this proves insufficient to tempt you to shake off the shackles of the 21st century and take a magical journey through two millennia of fascinating and entertaining history, then how about the walk's grand finalé?

17th century residences in Cloth Fair, London..

It is, more or less, just as it was in the days when the residents, who then lived here, had to face the horrors of the Great Plague of 1665, or would have watched nervously as the glow of the Great Fire of London raged towards them in 1666.

How's that for a slice of old London?

But, this little corner of the bygone City harbours other surprises.

For, on the wall opposite, you can look up at a wonderfully whimsical dummy window on which a long ago harmonious homecoming is frozen forever behind a glass frame. It was painted by a major mural and stained glass artist for no other reason than to give the residents opposite something to look at!

AN ENCHANTING JOURNEY THROUGH SECRET LONDON

So, if you want to uncover some truly historic and genuinely thrilling places; if you want to learn about the City's eventful history and be confronted by tantalising echoes from its fascinating past, then join us for a truly enchanting journey that will criss-cross the centuries to reveal relics of bygone London which have steadfastly repelled the ravages of time to become proud survivors and jealous guardians of Secret London.

Food, Drink And Facilities

If you want to enjoy a bite to eat before the tour, or just feel in need of a little sustenance before we set off, here are a few suggestions for pubs and cafes in the vicinity of the station.

Two beer glasses.

YE OLDE WATLING PUB

29 Watling St, London EC4M 9BR

If you wish to have a pub lunch before the tour begins there is a terrific hostelry, Ye Olde Watling, which you can reach by turning left out of Exit Four, and it is located a few minutes walk along Bow Lane on the right.

A coffee cup.

Costa Coffee

Unit 4, Bow Bells House, 46-52 Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU

There is a Costa coffee in Bow Churchyard, just a few minutes walk from our start point. To reach it, head north along Bow Lane, keep ahead over Watling Street (towards the red brick church you can see at the top), just before the church, go left into Bow Churchyard, head left across the open square, and you will see the Costa Coffee shop on the left at the junction with Cheapside.

A sandwich.

MARKS AND SPENCER

One New Change, 3A New Change, London EC4M 9AF

One of the best value sandwich shops in the area is Marks and Spencer, situated on the lower level of the One New Change Shopping Centre.

To reach it simply turn left out of Exit Four of Mansion House Station, walk along Bow Lane, turn left along Watling Street, right along Bread Street and the entrance to One New Change is situated a little way along on the left. If you take the glass elevator down to the lower level, Marks and Spencer is directly across from you when you exit the elevator.

secret london walking tours

Click Here To View On Google Maps

By Train/tube

Mansion House Underground Station is on the District and Circle Lines. To reach our meeting point, go through the ticket barrier and follow the signs for Exit 4.

If you are arriving on foot, Exit 4 is located at the junction of Bow Lane and Queen Victoria Street.

The postcode is London EC4N 4SJ.

It is worth checking for delays or cancelations.

The bus stop you will need to get off at is Bow Lane. The following busses stop there - 15, 17 and 521.

By Taxi/cabs

If you are coming by taxi or car, please ask the driver to drop you at the junction of Queen Victoria Street and Bow Lane. The address your driver will need to drop you at is 78B Queen Victoria Street, York House, London EC4N 4SJ. Just look for the Nero Express shop store at the corner of Bow Lane.

Catch Up Directions

Should you encounter any difficulties or arrive late, please call our Emergency Phone Number (020 8530-8443).

There is a brief introduction to the Secret London Tour outside the Nero Express and the tour then sets off along Bow Lane. To catch up, please follow these directions. Walk along Bow Lane and go right along Watling Street. On the right, a little way along, there is a statue, the tour will be by this statue for around 5 minutes. The tour then backtracks to the junction of Watling Street and Bow Lane to pause outside Ye Olde Watling Pub for around four minutes. We then head along the north section of Bow Lane to turn left into Bow Churchyard where we pause alongside the black statue of Captain John Smith for approximately 6 minutes.

Wheelchair Access

There is no wheel chair access into or out of Mansion House Underground Station. You can, go to Blackfriars Underground (the next station along), which does have wheelchair access. It is a 10 to 15 minute walk, or a short bus ride, from Blackfriars to Mansion House.

However, the tour itself is wheelchair friendly. There is one place where we have to go up 2 steps, but aside from that the route is accessible.

From the end of the tour it is a 10 to 15 minute walk to Blackfriars Station, for wheelchair access.

secret london walking tours

This Is (Possibly) The Most Efficient Sightseeing Tour Of London

Want to do all the attractions , very quickly? Then here's the perfect London sightseeing map for you!

Guy Parsons

Ever wanted to go for a walk and hit up almost all of London’s sights in one fell swoop? Well, Redditor magulagie has the answer for you. They’ve created the ultimate London sightseeing map for tourists in a hurry. Just over five miles long on the map, it takes in a ton of London’s most iconic features, and if you avoid going inside any of the places you pass, it’ll only take about two hours ! Who needs to be filled in on all the historic interiors, anyway?

Perfect for ticking a lot of London tourist map boxes, filling up that Instagram story, or just getting your bearings on foot at the beginning of a trip full of London sightseeing . It’s like the Match of the Day of finding your way around London for the first time, and this one will hit like an injury-time winner.

Naturally, we had to give the sightseeing route a try for ourselves. And it definitely gets our seal of approval!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Secret London (@secret.london)

You’ll start off at Trafalgar Square…

Bright sunlight and blue skies over Trafalgar Square, one of the best free things to do in London

There’s no London walking tour map without Trafalgar Square , so we might as well kick things off with this roaring-statue-filled paradise of pigeons…and a slice of London’s history, of course. A mighty first spot, and one that Nelson would very much approve of being tucked into first place. Where else would we begin?

Take a stroll along the Mall…

the view down the mall leading to buckingham palace - the road is lined with union jack flags

When we say stroll, we mean a speedy one—we’ve got a time limit to adhere to, people! A route in honour of Queen Victoria has to be added to a London map of attractions, right? Well, not necessarily, but when it looks this grandiose, you’ll want to be making it your next stop on your sightseeing tour. On we march; our love of London building more and more with each stride…

Until you arrive at Buckingham Palace…

The magnificent Buckingham Palace, the seat of the Monarchy, in London

Can’t really miss this one, can you? The home of the Royal Family gazes out over the plush fields of Green Park and attracts millions of visitors each year. If you see King Charles , be sure to quiz him on whether he’s ticked off all these boxes on his London sightseeing tour. Will he be a mere poser on London attractions or a go-to knowledge box?

Then head along Birdcage Walk…

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ciaran Thomas (@ciaranthomas97)

After you’ve taken a selfie with the Royal Family, it’s a no-brainer to make Birdcage Walk the next pin on your walking map of London attractions . Famous diary scribe Samuel Pepys mentioned this walk in his writings way back in the 1600s, and the name of the walk dates back to the reign of King James I . Not a bad smattering of history to saunter through on the way to your next destination. Tweet tweet.

Until you get to Westminster Abbey…

westminster abbey as seen on a sunny day with a tree in the foreground

Even if you’ve been before, or don’t plan to look inside, making time for the resplendent piece of gothic architecture that is Westminster Abbey on your walking tour of London is a necessity. It’s been the location of 39 coronations since 1066 , and you just need to stand and admire one of London’s crown jewels.

The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben, are right next door…

the clock tower of big ben majestically towering over a statue of a rearing horse

Talking of jewels in London’s crown, it’s always nice to check out the big bonging boombox that is the Elizabeth Tower , better known as Big Ben . You can also kill two birds with one stone by adding the Houses Of Parliament to your London sightseeing day which, if nothing else, is good to tick off to say you’ve seen the place where Members of Parliament shout at the Members of Parliament sitting opposite them. And the place Guy Fawkes wanted to destroy…

Then head over Westminster Bridge…

Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster bridge at sunset, London, United Kingdom

The second path over the river in central London history, after London Bridge. It’s been here since 1750, though it’s only been green since 1970, and it’s the perfect spot for a moment of reflection on your walking tour of London… if you don’t get bumped out of the way by commuters hurrying across Westminster Bridge in the morning. Hey, it happens. Unless you’re the one who does the bumping. Then you’re the one to watch out for, you treacherous little fiend. We see you.

And you’ll get to the South Bank. Along here you’ll see the London Eye.

the london eye standing tall on a gorgeous blue sky day

Though the queue might seem daunting, there’s no denying that the dome built for the millennium is something that just needs to be seen. The London Eye was even named London’s most loved landmark in a study, so at the very least you’ll need to head over there on your walking tour to see whether you agree. But if you want to crack on with the quickfire walking tour, you won’t be able to dive into a pod for the view on this occasion — they go around slooooowwwwllllllyyy.

Now for the Southbank Centre

The iconic, bright yellow stairs at the Southbank Centre

Whether it’s a place to hang out in the summer to catch some rays or your checkpoint on the map for a cold day’s activity of viewing some art , there’s always something going on at the Southbank Centre , and you’ll likely see us banging on about it all year round !

And book stalls under Waterloo Bridge.

someone browsing the books laid out at a book market

“I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.” Robert Louis Stevenson was a maverick with the pen, so maybe we should start adopting this practice too. If you’re looking for one to fill the first item, then you’ll find just the place on your walking tour. Maybe the man who gave us Treasure Island and Kidnapped also once carried a London sightseeing map in his pocket…

Head past that scrap of sand we call the foreshore and the OXO Tower.

a patch of sand in front of some london buildings, including the oxo tower in the background

While we can’t get away with calling it a beach , we’ll just play pretend for this London sightseeing tour , okay?! There’s no time for a cocktail on these shores though; there’s a tour to be getting on with! Dawdlers, be gone.

Before too long you’ll arrive at the Tate Modern .

Exterior and entrance of the Tate Modern in London

London’s most popular art gallery, don’tcha know? Are you going to go in? NO. THERE IS NO TIME. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE REST OF YOUR LONDON SIGHTSEEING MAP.

Carry on along the river a little bit and you’ll see Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

An exterior shot of The Globe Theatre in Southbank, London

And this is embarrassing but (for the only time on this walk) you’ll have to double back on yourself very slightly. I know, the ultimate betrayal; but still not quite as bad as the one poor Hamlet was struck with.

Then it’s over Millennium Bridge:

the millenium bridge as seen from a low angle, with many people walking across it on a sunny day

2000 gave us Kid A by Radiohead, but it also gave us the opening of the incredibly useful Millennium Bridge. You can decide which you prefer for yourself; though you can, of course, enjoy them simultaneously along your London sightseeing map walk through the power of headphones. What a world.

Until you reach St. Paul’s Cathedral !

Londoners walking on Millennium bridge in front of st pauls cathedral

I hear it’s beautiful inside, but you’re not allowed to take photos anyway so, quite frankly, who’s got the time? Anyway, it’s Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and one that you’ll need to check off your London sightseeing tour list.

Then it’s time to walk along Cannon Street…

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thoroughly Modern Milly (@millykr)

This bit’s a little boring, to be honest. (It’s certainly nowhere near as pretty as its namesake in Birmingham .) But there is a stunning little townhouse, now home to The Walbrook Club, hidden away down a side street along the way. Don’t spend too long searching for it, though, as there are places to go and sights to see!

…until you get to The Monument!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Glenn (@perspectivebyglenn)

Don’t ask which monument – it’s The Monument and you’ll find it near Monument station. Keep your eyes peeled, because even if it towers overhead – it’s surprisingly easy to miss! The grand monument to the Great Fire Of London in 1666 is a tall order for your London tour, but I’m sure you’ll make it worthwhile.

Now just roll down Lower Thames Street and you’ll soon get to the Tower of London!

A picture of the Tower of London bathed in the sunshine, one of the best things to do in London

You could go in, meet the ravens, ogle a Beefeater, check out the Crown Jewels. Or say ‘nahhhhhhhhhhh y’alright’ and carry on. There’s plenty more of your sightseeing tour to tick off. Anyway, it’s a classy fortress that might look easy on the eye, but was also used to lock people up in the Tudor period. Don’t get on the wrong side of them…

Tower Bridge is, like, right next door. Get a load of that.

An aerial shot of Tower Bridge and The Shard at sunset in London Bridge.

Few more to go on your London sightseeing map . Getting tired yet? Good. You’ve nearly earned your end-of-tour pint. Hey! Stop thinking about alcohol and feast your eyes on Tower Bridge .

Then just a couple of minutes away you’ll reach the pretty marina at St. Katherine’s Docks:

the marina at st katherine's docks

Need a pint now… But St. Katherine’s Docks is pretty, and pretty much wraps up our London tourist map. I can hear those beer barrels being readied to fill the glasses.

Until – hurrah! – you finally arrive at a flower-festooned pub.

the flower-laden exterior of the old-timey looking dickens inn

Well played, my tourist friend: the cheeriest of cheers to you. Now it’s definitely time for a pint !

Also published on Medium .

secret london walking tours

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Fun London Tours - London Walking Tours

Secret London Tour

A great chance to explore off the beaten track and avoid the crowds!

On this unique and unusual tour we will show you the hidden parts of London that few people know about. For those of you who want to dig deeper than the average tourist, and be rewarded with a photo and story that will be the envy of your friends back home, then the Secret London Tour is for you.

We will visit secret alleyways, ancient pubs, hear of body snatchers and murders, and reveal the unexpected and unseen. This is one memorable journey!

Although we are happy for photos and video of the surroundings to be taken during the tour, please do not video record the guide unless they have given you permission.

Sure! Our guides tend to be booked quite far in advance – especially during peak times – but please email [email protected] with your request. We tend to have more availability on shorter private tours of 1.5 – 2 hours in length. As of January 2023, prices start at £250.

Our guide will be carrying a Fun London Tours flag.

The theme of the tour will not deviate from what is advertised, although the guide reserves the right to alter the content and route.

The Guide will leave promptly at the designated time. Although there may be an introduction to the tour, this will be brief and your guide will not answer the phone once the tour has started.

Please come 10 minutes before the allotted time so that we are ready to go promptly, especially if you have decided to come without booking online. Please note that in London there are regular road closures, engineering works on the tube and other events which can easily delay your journey. Ensure you make allowances for this as we do not wait for latecomers.

secret london walking tours

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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

Secrets of the Squares

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

Humanity's Last

How far are you willing to go to survive… 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

Greenwich Guile

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

A Forbidden Fayre

Mayfair, more than a Monopoly square… 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

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

A mix of clues, puzzles and photo challenges

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.

Learn snippets of history, optional breaks in pubs/cafes and a leaderboard for each game.

London Walking Tour Reviews

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

This was so much fun, such a good idea and more people need to know about it! Highly recommend!

It was our first walk and we loved it! We have been in London for many years and have not seen some of the places befor…

A very fun, head scratching activity. A great way to explore the city without feeling like you’re walking for miles; gr…

Malyha Kristian and Zeb

Smooth trail. Good level of some things we needed to think about but didn't find too hard.

The DIscoverers

Very well planned - fun and interesting experience - will be telling everyone

Eggcelent eggstravaganza

I needed a last minute activity for me and my teenage goddaughter. We both go to london a lot (I work there) and we sti…

Right level of difficulty, lovely weather, fab company.

Rich&Topher

Awesome walk

Sisters of another mister

What a super fun adventure!!! Finished Murder on the rocks in 2:34 mins!Looking forward to doing the other ones

GC & JC

So fun! Was a blast solving clues and walking around the city, walking by cute locations and finding new spots to check…

A great way to explore a city I thought I knew. Fascinating information.

Great time, lovely walk around Oxford city and although we live quite nearby there was a lot of interesting facts learn…

Peters Sleuths

Hubbie and I had a lovely time. It is a great way to spend a few hours and see parts of London that you’d otherwise mis…

Girls day out

Was a great experience we all really enjoyed it

We finished our trail yesterday - one we started back in December. We were able to pick up where we left off, in the ar…

Great fun and an awesome way to explore London - whether you aren’t from here or even if you’ve lived here for years!

Jabba the Hunt

Excellent. Loads of fun. Surprising and enjoyable. Great stuff

Was a great afternoon

Brilliant fun - and you get to see places you nevrr would have gone! Looking forward to the next one!

We had a great day! Very well put together hunt

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

Central London Walking Tour

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

Mayfair Walking Tour

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

IMG_20211230_145552 (1)

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

St Pauls, The City of London Walking Tour

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

Southwark Walking Tour

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

Greenwich Walking Tour

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

Kensington Mews Walking Tour

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!)

Shoreditch Walking Tour

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

Jack-The-Ripper-Walking-Tours-London

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

London-walking-tours-Humanity's-Last

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.

St Pauls Cathedral-2

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-London

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

CityDays-London-Walking-Tours

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!

London-walking-tours-03

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.

London Bridge-2

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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secret london walking tours

DIANE BURSTEIN IS YOUR QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED BLUE BADGE TOUR GUIDE

A large choice of london  tours.

  • TOURS FOR THE PUBLIC Sign up for Diane’s mailing list for details of the latest public walks programme
  • GROUP TOURS C hoose from hundreds of tours
  • VIRTUAL TOURS Personal tours from the comfort of your home 

LATEST ADDITIONS

Welcome to my new website.

Diane Burstein is one of London’s best known  and most versatile tour guides. She has made a name for herself with her Secret London feature on talk radio station LBC 97.3 FM and now makes regular contributions to BBC London 94.9’s Saturday Breakfast Shows.

She is the author of a successful book “London Then and Now” which featured in BBC History magazine’s Top Ten Best Seller .

A native Londoner, Diane brings to her tours the insider knowledge that only a true local can offer.

JOIN MY FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR NEW TOURS AND DATES

secret london walking tours

As a Further Education Lecturer, Diane teaches “Discovering London” courses for two Adult Education Colleges and has extensive experience with adult and student groups.

In addition to this, Diane is an accomplished speaker and has given talks on London related subjects to numerous groups in the Greater London area.

secret london walking tours

A specialist in London Theatre, Diane has led a number of tailor made tours for international Theatrical and Choral Groups and is looking forward to introducing you to the delights of her native City.

Trip Advisor

LONDON AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE

secret london walking tours

TOURS FOR ALL TASTES

bookable tours for the public

  • Come alone or with friends
  • Join any of the limited number of Public Walks  including the Theatreland Walking Tours, the popular fun walking tour – The Halloween Tour or the regular series of Discovering London walks and visits.
  • Diane organises a twice yearly programme of bookable “one off”  full and half day London guided walks and tours which often include visits to buildings not normally open to the public.  These are sociable days when you will meet like minded people who love London history.

HOW TO BOOK Click below for detailed information or contact [email protected]

bookable tours for groups

  • Groups can book from hundreds of listed tours on this website.
  • Booking is open for all groups
  • Real life, Face to Face, or Virtual Tours

HOW TO BOOK Click below for detailed information or contact [email protected] to discuss your requirements. 

vouchers for private and public tours

  • Why not purchase a voucher for friends or family as a present?
  • Can be used on all Diane’s Tours, even Virtual ones.

HOW TO BOOK

Contact [email protected] to discuss your requirements  for details of the different  types of vouchers available.

Keep well everyone. Diane looks forward to hearing from you.

NEW for 2024

UPDATED. Aristocrats and Artists – Historic Holland Park See Holland Park’s beautiful gardens and the remains of a Jacobean mansion. We move on to the Melbury Road Artists Quarter to admire the magnificent houses of Luke Fildes , William Holman Hunt and other creatives. After viewing Lord Leighton’s House (interior not included) we visit some back streets of Kensington , finishing near High Street Kensington tube station.

Pineapples, Pachyderms & Parliament Hill – Historic Kentish Town

During this tour we discover the area north of Kentish Town station, a part of London which surprises and delights.  The most colourful streets in town, a country lane in the heart of the city, a street which inspired the first pop video, a delightful Georgian terrace, former railway lands, a creative community and the green space of Parliament Hill with its breathtaking views.  On the way  we’ll “meet” writers, artists, a famous comedy actor and marauding elephants!

The London of Bram Stoker & Dracula

Although born in Ireland, Bram Stoker came to London to work with the great Actor Manager Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre and spent the rest of  his life here. While working at the Lyceum he published his most famous and enduring novel “Dracula” in 1897. This  tour takes us to the London locations of that novel so we cover a wide range of ground tracing the footsteps of the fictional vampire and his creator.  Learn about the places Stoker visited, the people he knew, the library where he researched and the history of the book on stage and screen.

From Farmland to Football – Discover Leyton

On this walk we trace the history of one of East London’s lesser known area which presents some surprises. A magnificent former town hall, beautiful gardens, a lost river, former marshland, a cricket ground, almshouses , an ancient church  and a football stadium all feature. We hear about archaeological excavations, protests to preserve the area’s open spaces, connections with  a famous public school, a cook who impressed a king, a television scriptwriter, an Archbishop, a brave young soldier , a trailblazing footballer and much more .  Finish in a road full of independent shops at the heart of Leyton’s recent regeneration.

secret london walking tours

The public Theatreland Walking tour will return at a later date.  In the meantime this tour can be booked privately for groups of all sizes by emailing [email protected] to discuss dates.

DIANE IN THE MEDIA

London hampstead, what are people saying.

“  I have always found her to be in a class of her own” Sheila Clamp, Welwyn and Hatfield Council Leisure Services

“Combines an excellent knowledge of her subject matter with a friendly and engaging approach” Emma De Souza, Society of London Theatre

“Her infinite patience knowledge and kindness will be a cherished part of our trip to England” Paul Lindblad, Choir Director, Paul Lindblad Choristers, Chicago

“Diane gave our group a super talk. She set a very high standard for our future speakers” Josephine Offin, Chiswick Townswomens Guild

“Diane’s depth of knowledge always astounds me” Joan Brown, LBC Listener

“In spite of being a mixed language group, there was no problem in understanding Diane’s knowledgeable and entertaining commentary, due in the main to her precise diction which was favourably commented on by our French colleagues” . Susan Ward, Matra Marconi

“We enjoyed the Old Jewish East End Walk and felt that we had learned a lot about our heritage” Bernice Monty, Wanstead and Woodford Synagogue

“ A super day. The timing and arrangements were just right” Pauline Bell, Chandlers Ford U3A

“We learned so much from our tour and our members were unanimous in their praises” Betty Cossey. Twyford and Ruscombe History Society.

“A great tour host and guide who helped us appreciate this fine country a lot more” David Judd, Choir Director, W F West High School Choir, Seattle.

“Thank you so much for the tour last week! Everyone enjoyed it and commented afterwards on your amazing knowledge of many London subjects, not just Dickens. In short – the day was judged a great success by all. We were blessed with brilliant weather! and an even more brilliant guide! Thank you for making this event really special.”  Stuart Lothian, Lothian Associates.

“Diane, I thought you were marvellous, to speak from memory for an hour, knowledgeably and keeping the attention of everyone is a wonderful skill to have. Thank you.”

KERRI MANSFIELD , WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGISTS commenting on the “HIDDEN HOLBORN and LITTLE ITALY” talk.

“Diane had complete mastery of her subject and, as important, of the technology” 

CONNIE B, DISCOVERING LONDON GROUP commenting on the “RIVERSIDE LONDON “ talk

Over 60 of us tuned in to the equivalent of a dozen walks in less than an hour, punctuated with a story at every corner, by a truly professional historian. A wonderfully fascinating talk.

  NEIL AND ANN WATSON , U3A GROUP commenting on the “LONDON FILM LOCATIONS” talk

  Thanks for your talk to The Finchley Society just now. I learnt a huge amount and you kept up the pace, links and interest levels superbly well.

  HOWARD D , FINCHLEY SOCIETY MEMBER  commenting on  the “LITERARY LONDON” talk

WHAT ARE VIRTUAL TOURS?

secret london walking tours

TAKE A TOUR WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR HOUSE

Virtual Tours are live streams through the internet aimed at groups or individuals. They must be booked in advance.

To find out more email [email protected]

With the link that Diane will give you, you can view one of her many talks in the comfort of your home along with other viewers. You can remain private or you can interact with everyone or even ask Diane questions.

I WELCOME ALL LONDON LOVERS TO JOIN MY WALKS

All in London

Bateaux London

Online booking for all London Theatres, at discounted prices

Europe By Design

From The Box Office

Hotel direct

Last Minute Theatre Tickets

London Theatre Online

London Theatre

London Theatre Tickets Comparison Unique site compares theatre ticket prices

The London Tourist Guide Your guide to visiting London from shopping, eating to going out.

Musical Theatre News Info on all the musicals, concerts, children’s shows, christmas shows and pantos in the West End

Official London Theatre Show information, news, online ticket booking

Society of London Theatre  +  half price theatre tickets booth

Tourism Network

A Traveller’s Guide to London

Waking Britain

Travelpaths.com An Irish owned and operated Travel agency based in Meath, Ireland.

knowledgeoflondon.com A virtual taxi-tour around London

tourstolondon.co.uk London city guide and information on hotels, restaurants, theatre and sightseeing in London England

tours-venice-italy.com A new site specifically for Venice tours

PRIVACY POLICY

Join my newsletter now to make sure you never miss any scheduled walks

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL DIANE NOW

Diane burstein tel:  +44 20 8445 0159.

© 2024 SECRET LONDON WALKING TOURS

All rights reserved

IMAGES

  1. Secret London Walking Tours

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  2. Secret London Walking Tour £10

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  3. 9 secret London walks in the UK capital

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  4. The Secret London Walking Tour: Triphobo

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  5. Secrets of London Walking Tour

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  6. This Is (Possibly) The Most Efficient Sightseeing Tour Of London

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COMMENTS

  1. Alternative Walking Tours: 9 Of The Best In London

    So get ready to get your inner sleuth on…. 5. Secret Old London Walking Tour. This alternative walking tour will give you the chance to amble through the streets of ancient London with a guide and learn exactly what lies beneath your feet. Throughout the 90-minute tour, you'll see the memorial to Braveheart himself, Mel Gibson (ok, actually ...

  2. Secret Tours London

    Discover London's culture and history with Secret Tours London, offering a variety of walking, food and drink tours. Choose from famous landmarks, espionage, Harry Potter, art and more.

  3. 9 secret London walks in the UK capital

    1. secret London walks in Hampstead. The first of my secret London walks is in Hampstead. This is one of my favorite north London neighborhoods, and its village atmosphere makes it a great area for walks. My Hampstead walk winds its way through the area's eye-catching side streets, giving you an overview of the neighborhood and its hidden ...

  4. Secret London Walking Tours

    Explore off-the-beaten tracks and non touristy itineraries with our secret London walks. Discover hidden places, stories, music and culture with enchanting guides and access to local communities.

  5. Hidden London Walking Tour

    If you go private you can have Hidden London - or any other London Walk - on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We'll tailor it to your requirements. And - always with private London Walks and tours - we go to great lengths to make sure the guide-walker (s) "fit" is well-nigh perfect. Ring Fiona or Noel or Mary on ...

  6. SECRET LONDON WALKING TOURS

    per adult (price varies by group size) London East End Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours. 174. Food & Drink. from. £95.93. per adult (price varies by group size) LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. London Witches and History Walking Tour.

  7. Secret London Walking Tours

    2023. LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. West End Musicals - Silent Disco Walking Tours. 836. Movie Tours. from. $38.29. per adult (price varies by group size) London East End Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours.

  8. Secret London Walking Tours

    per adult. London Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours. 863. Unique Experiences. from. $119.00. per adult (price varies by group size) BEST SELLER. Frameless - Immersive Art Experience.

  9. Secret London Walking Tour Tickets

    Secret London Walking Tour. Tickets. 🎫 Adult ticket for 1 to the Secret London Tour. Highlights. Enjoy a unique tour of London's secret spots. Hear of hidden tales and facts that are stranger than fiction! 🗺️ Not your typical tourist trail... General Info. 📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector.

  10. Secret London Walking Tour

    On this unique two-hour Secret London Walking Tour from Trafalgar Square, step away from the crowds to uncover the unexpected and discover areas of London that few people know.. What can I see and do on the Secret London Walking Tour? Wander the old streets and alleyways, encountering ancient pubs and charming bookshops, revealing unusual art and exposing the city's secret societies.

  11. The Secret London Tour

    Selected Sundays at 2pm & Selected Tuesdays at 12.30pm. Mansion House Station. £12. Dates and Bookings. Hidden away from the busy main roads you will find a secret city of medieval streets, narrow alleyways, hidden courtyards and ancient buildings. On this unique walk you will explore the streets of hidden London and be introduced to the ...

  12. London: Secret London Walking Tour

    With many of London's best secrets included, this unique London walking tour will introduce you to a whole new way of sightseeing in London - you'll never see London the same way again! Stop At: St. Paul's Cathedral, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD England Find out the secret of St Paul's Cathedral and it's golden pineapples!

  13. Secret Walking Tour of Central London 2024

    Luxury Range Rover at your Disposal in London for Full Day City Tour. 1. from $854.16. Per group. Likely to Sell Out. London, England. Secret Old London Guided Walking Tour. 58. from $23.06.

  14. 10 Walking Routes Around London For A Springtime Wander

    4. Green Chain Walk, South London. Credit: Shutterstock - Photo by Chris Jenner. This London route is split into 11 sections; spanning fields, parks and woodlands from Thamesmead to Nunhead Cemetery. If you're a really, really enthusiastic walker, you've got plenty of ground to cover along the whole 50-mile path.

  15. This Is (Possibly) The Most Efficient London Sightseeing Tour

    After you've taken a selfie with the Royal Family, it's a no-brainer to make Birdcage Walk the next pin on your walking map of London attractions.Famous diary scribe Samuel Pepys mentioned this walk in his writings way back in the 1600s, and the name of the walk dates back to the reign of King James I.Not a bad smattering of history to saunter through on the way to your next destination.

  16. Secret London Tour

    Hidden Signs, Films & Rivers of Beer. If you'd like to unearth the colour, mystery and. magnificence of this great city, join one of our Walking Tours! Discover a lesser known side of London hidden in plain site. Search for old gas lit alleyways, ancient pubs and hidden signs.

  17. Secret Hidden London Tours £10

    Why The Secret London Walking Tour Is Great! The Secret London Walking Tour is great for discovering the best secrets of hidden London! One of the most unique London walking tours available, you'll experience a whole new way of London sightseeing and see a side of London you've never seen before including Backwards Road, Talking Cats, Famous Lions, London's Smallest Police Station and more!

  18. 2024 Secret Walking Tour of Central London

    About. The landmarks of Central London are world-renowned, but the area is also home to a wealth of secret locations that many tourists miss. Stray from the tourist trail on a secret walking tour, designed to reveal a side to London that you never knew existed. With a guide, explore little-known streets and discover points of interest that you ...

  19. 10 Incredible London Walking Tours

    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.

  20. Secret London

    If you go private you can have the Secret London Walk - 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 Noel 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 ...

  21. London's Secret Village Walking Tour

    Weekly. 2.30 pm. 4.30 pm. Winter Summer. Reserve Online. The ancient, hidden village of Clerkenwell clings to a hillside barely a stone's throw away from St. Paul's Cathedral. Its very name - the clerks' or students' spring - is redolent of antiquity. And this tiny hamlet serves up brimming draughts from the deep well of its history.

  22. Secret London Walking Tours

    Secret London Walking Tours. 2,099 likes · 1 talking about this. Currently offering virtual talks about London while social distancing continues. Guided walks and vi

  23. Home [dianesguidedwalks.london]

    from the comfort of your home. LATEST ADDITIONS. Diane Burstein is one of London's best known and most versatile tour guides. She has made a name for herself with her Secret London feature on talk radio station LBC 97.3 FM and now makes regular contributions to BBC London 94.9's Saturday Breakfast Shows. She is the author of a successful ...