London is famed for its unique blend of cultural components that add to the city’s vibrant arts scene.
When you combine this with the city’s extensive and rich history, you’re sure to find some of the most amazing hidden treasures many visitors know exist.
We’ll walk you through some of the greatest hidden London walking tours in this guide, which will excite your explorations of the vast city’s streets.
From intriguing artwork on London’s walls to hidden locations you never even knew existed, you’ll love finding these hidden jewels a little off the usual tourist route.
Table of Contents
Best Guided to Walk in London, 15 Venues
1. Tour of Sherlock Holmes
One of the top London walking tours includes a statue of Sherlock Holmes. You will see locations from the highly regarded Sherlock Holmes series on this walking tour of London.
Explore the places that served as inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle and that have appeared in all of his books, movies, and television series.
Fans of Holmes and Watson should take the tour, which begins at the exact location where they first met and then visits the opulent hotels and gentlemen’s clubs that are mentioned in several of Arthur Conan Doyle’s books.
2. Tour of Jack the Ripper
Prepare yourself for an engaging walking tour of the East End of London. In this mysterious historical region, you will discover more about Jack the Ripper, his victims, and the locations where he committed his crimes.
Additionally, you will learn how public opinion has changed since the murders occurred and contrast it with the actual events of 1888.
Obtain a magnifying lens, begin examining the crime scene, determine the murderer, and begin the process of discovering the truth.
We assure you that solving this case will require all of your deductive reasoning abilities.
3. Walking Tour with the Guard Changing
One of London’s greatest walking tours, which focuses on the changing of the guards. Get a close-up look at one of London’s most well-known rituals on Horse Guards Parade with a helpful guide.
Along with the guards, march to Buckingham Palace while listening to a thrilling drumbeat.
Take some breathtaking photos, get up close and personal with the Grenadier guard, and choose between an individual or group tour.
4. Walking Tour of the Tower of London
Take a three-hour walking tour of London’s Old Town, also known as “The City” in its original incarnation, and travel back in time by around 2,000 years.
You will have the opportunity to see some well-known locations, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London.
Modern sites like the Millennium Bridge, sometimes known as the “Wobbly Bridge,” which connects St.
Paul’s Cathedral to the Tate Modern, housed in a refurbished power station, are also visible. Visit HMS Belfast, take a stroll along the Thames River and much more.
5. London’s Parliament and Palaces Walking Tour
Take this three-hour walking tour of Westminster, one of London’s most visited tourist destinations.
While visiting some of the most well-known sites in the region, you will discover interesting things about it from the viewpoint of an insider.
See history everywhere you go when you visit the centre of London. Walk down “The Mall,” officially known as “The Route of Queen Victoria,” beginning at Green Park.
After passing Big Ben, make sure to see some other well-known structures like Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, and the Houses of Parliament.
6. Take a British Food Tour and See 30+ Must-See Attractions
Enjoy some delectable British fare while touring 30 of the city’s most popular landmarks. You’ll begin by making your way through Green Park, where you may see a Buckingham Palace ceremony.
After that, you’ll travel to Westminster, where you may see some of the most famous sites in London, such as Parliament Square and St. James’ Palace.
Shakespeare’s renowned Globe Theatre will be your next stop, after which you’ll continue to the Shard and HMS Belfast for some culinary adventure.
7. A Gothic Secret Garden
If you’re seeking a somewhat different London experience than just strolling along the tourist routes surrounding Westminster then consider travelling to East London,
where you’ll discover something genuinely captivating.
The remains of a magnificent Gothic building designed by none other than Christopher Wren can be found at St. Dunstan’s in the East.
Now a flourishing garden, St. Dunstan’s is the ideal place to spend some time away from bustling central London.
The site is the ideal hidden gem to find when visiting some of the more well-known tourist attractions because it is close to the Monument to the Fire of London.
8. Tour of Soho Music and Historic Pubs
The outside of the Karl Marx home and memorial in Clerkenwell, London, which is the location of one of the city’s top walking tours.
This list of walking tours in London will show you the city’s musical history and current scene, including the residences of some of the most well-known rock ‘n’ roll artists.
While you’re doing it, you’ll get the opportunity to visit four distinct secret pubs in Soho. You’ll even get to see Central London residences of notable figures like Karl Marx, Mozart, and General Charles De Gaulle.
9. London’s Horrifying Ghost Walking Tour
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s top walking tours. Joining this entry in our collection of walking tours in London is a great way to learn about the eerie and ghostly aspects of the city.
In just two hours, you’ll be able to hear heart-stopping tales from murder mysteries while walking past some of the most famous sites, like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, a place of death, sorrow, and execution. Snap a photo of each landmark and try to identify any ghouls or ghosts.
10. Check Out a Floating Bookshop
Given the kind of literary brilliance that the city appears to have produced over the past few centuries, London is also a popular destination for bookworms.
The Word on the Water bookstore, which takes pride in being the only book barge in London, is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique literary experience.
The barge is situated near Kings Cross on Regents Canal.
11. Discover the Hampstead Pergola
If you’re a fan of upscale English gardens, you should check out Golders Hill Park’s Hampstead Pergola.
Now covered with overgrown vines and a profusion of foliage, the Pergola is the ideal place to take a stroll and spend some time reflecting.
In addition to providing guests with a breathtaking view of the neighbouring Hampstead Heath, this hidden gem in London is so photogenic that it has a wedding license.
12. Go to the Museum of Sir John Soane
The museum is a marvel of art and design, and Sir John Soane is among the most significant architects to have worked in London.
The museum, which may have been like an artist gone insane, is a melting pot of amazing craftsmanship after he explored some of his architectural conceptions and ideas in his own home.
The architectural enthusiast’s museum is claimed to have more than 45,000 artefacts within the house due to his passionate attitude to his work.
As you explore this maze of genius, be ready for an incredible experience and to navigate some confined spaces.
13. Experience What Roman Temples Used to Be Like
London has a rich history associated with the Roman Empire, and many of the ancient Roman remains from the time are open for public viewing today.
One such attraction is the Temple of Mithras, a site rediscovered after the Blitz of the 2nd World War by an excavation party led by Professor W.F. Grimes.
The site has been rebuilt to resemble what it might have looked like during the Roman occupation and even has reenactments of temple worship.
14. Mayfair’s Purl London Speakeasy
Speakeasies are well-known in the City of London, but Purl is undoubtedly one of the best-kept secrets. The entrance to this secret gem, which perfectly captures the essence of a speakeasy, is difficult to find.
As soon as you go into the pub, you’ll see that the entire space has been almost cut out of the foundations of the houses above it.
15. Explore Neal’s Yard to See London’s Vibrant Side
The Seven Dials is a narrow lane that you’re likely to see while touring the neighbourhoods of Soho and Covent Garden. There are several fantastic restaurants and beautiful shops along this street.
Even though Seven Dials is undoubtedly one of Soho’s best-kept secrets, if you venture further into the neighbourhood, you’ll find Neal’s Yard, a delightful, vibrant plaza.
Conclusion
London has so many amazing hidden treasures for the more experienced traveller to find, given its numerous nooks and crannies.
It is highly recommended that you explore London’s hidden treasures before making travel plans if you’re seeking slightly off-the-beaten-path activities and attractions to see.
You may explore several of the aforementioned hidden treasures we’ve explored in this post.