By Lauren Harmes
The beauty of London is that treasures can be found down every side street and in any nook and cranny, but a lot of this can be missed when you’re whizzing around on the Tube or in an Uber.
This is why walking tours are so effective and a great way to explore the city while learning all about a part of our capital’s rich history. With that in mind, check out our list of the top walking tours in London.
1. Jack the Ripper Tour
Follow in the footsteps of one of London’s most famous murderers in this evening ghost tour.
Travel around and listen to the guide discuss in detail how the murders were carried out – and try and spot a ghost or two on your journey. You will visit the haunted theatre Drury Lane, so make sure you have someone to cling on tight to.
2. Sherlock Holmes Tour
Go on a tour of the locations that are synonymous with everyone’s favourite London detective, as created by Arthur Conan Doyle. The guide will take you to various sites from the books and screen on this two hour walk, such as where Holmes and Watson first meet, filming locations and many more. This tour gives you many opportunities to take some great photos and mementos of your trip – so get your thinking hat on and enjoy!
3. Brit Movie Tours
Head over heels for Love Actually? Under a spell by Harry Potter? Or want to drown your sorrows with Bridget Jones? Then the Brit Movie Tours are for you. With many different tours taking you to the famous filming locations and landmarks from your favourite TV shows and films, these tours are fantastic for any screen buff.
4. The Kray Twins Gangster Walking Tour
The infamous Kray twins were two of the most feared criminals in London’s East End during the 1950s, and you can follow in their footsteps as they evaded police, carried out brutal murders and lived a life of luxury as celebrities.
Learn all about their rise and fall, visiting places such as Repton Boxing Club where they learned to fight, their base Fort Vallance and St Matthew’s Church where their funerals were held.
5. Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms
London would not be what it is today without the protection of Sir Winston Churchill – so no trip to London would be complete without learning a bit more about our great former Prime Minister.
This tour will take you around Westminster’s World War II sites such as the Cenotaph War Memorial and Churchill’s bunker where he carried out secret conversations and made huge decisions to protect our country.
6. City Visitor Trail
If it’s a regular walking tour you’re after, you won’t get better than the City Visitor Trail.
This takes you around the most famous locations that London has to offer, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Guildhall and many more. Some of the tours allow you to go more in depth in certain areas, so if you want to learn all about the goings on in Soho, or the history of Brixton, you can book onto these specialist tours alongside the main London one. Don’t forget to download the app which is a great accompaniment to your walk.
7. Eating London Tours
London is heaven for any real foodie, and these tours are just the ticket if you work up an appetite! Eating London Tours offers two walks:
East End Food Tour focusing on British cuisine in eight establishments across the East End of London while learning all about the history of the area.
Twilight Soho Food Tour is a beautiful evening walk around Soho enjoying dishes in several restaurants across multiple cuisines. There’s even the chance to enjoy a few cocktails on the way.
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