Fed up with the ‘typical’ tours of London and want to explore London’s backstreets, hidden gems, and historic sights. Here we list an assortment of alternative walking tours offering different perspectives beyond the typical tourist attractions.
The London Cheese Crawl
An interesting and culinary walking tour for all cheese enthusiasts! What could be better for a lover of fromage than exploring London’s famous landmarks with friendly, expert guides while savouring a variety of the finest cheeses the capital has to offer.
The journey kicks off in elegant Mayfair, and then makes its way through the lively Piccadilly Circus, continuing on to Soho where you’ll experience the eclectic mix of cultures that make this area so unique. Concluding in Covent Garden, a lively hub of culture and bustling market stalls.
Along the way, enjoy a variety of delicious cheese treats each showcasing the diverse range of flavours and textures. Indulge in blue cheese at Fortnum and Mason. Savor “drunken cheese” in London’s Little Italy and discover an assortment of delights at Neal’s Yard Dairy. All this whilst discovering the fascinating history and tales of London’s connection to cheese. From its humble beginnings as a staple food for the working class to its rise as a gourmet delicacy.
Come hungry and ready for adventure, because this walking tour promises to be a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!
- Cost: £33.
- Available: Saturdays, 15:00pm
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Providers: EatWith
Plant Power Vegan Food Tour – Camden Town
The Plant Power Vegan Food Tour highlights some of London’s top vegan restaurants and market stalls, offering a unique culinary experience that highlights the area’s diverse cultures. Camden Town is a vibrant mix of markets, pubs, and music venues, making it one of the most eclectic neighbourhoods in London.
Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you’ll get to taste delightful dishes and scrumptious desserts at the finest vegan eateries, all while uncovering Camden’s rich history. These passionate guides will share their insights and stories along the way. Additionally, You’ll discover how the local food scene has evolved over the years. This immersive journey will leave you with a deeper appreciation for both the delicious vegan cuisine and the historical context that shapes the unique character of Camden today.
Furthermore, you can discover links to the local London gin industry and enjoy a tipple of award-winning spirits (subject to availability). If you wish, you can also add an extra drinks package to enhance your tour experience.
- Cost: Adult (age 16+) £69, Youth (age 12-15) £60, Child (age 3-12) £55, Drinks upgrade £20.
- Available: Daily, 13:30pm (advance booking required).
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Providers: Rebel Tours
West End Musical Tour
Sing and dance through the vibrant streets of London on this fun-packed West End Musical Tour. Explore iconic theatres in London’s dynamic “Theatreland,” home to some of the finest shows and musicals that have captivated audiences for generations.
With a personal Silent Disco headset, you can groove to popular soundtracks while enjoying entertaining facts and trivia from your friendly local guide. Imagine dancing along to the tunes of your favourite shows, all while immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of London’s theatre district. Additionally, you can enjoy refreshments at a top theatre café.
This tour is perfect for musical theatre enthusiasts of all ages. Celebrate the magic of the West End and let the rhythms of London inspire your inner performer!
- Cost: Adult (age 18-59) £26, Child (age 6-17) £19, Senior (age 60+) £24, Cost of living crisis ticket £15.
- Available: Saturday and Sunday, 14:30pm
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Providers: Silent Disco Walking Tours
Drag Queen Disco Diva Tour
Have a laugh and bring out your inner diva to a mix of classic disco hits through your silent disco headset. Enjoying strutting through London’s iconic Soho and China Town districts whilst soaking up the vibrant atmosphere they have to offer. Connect with fellow revellers who share your passion for fun and fabulousness.
Along with the music, you’ll discover outrageous fun facts and revelations about famous drag queens, and well known celebrities, whose larger-than-life personalities have made a lasting impact on pop culture.
This blend of music, history, and humour creates an unforgettable adventure that is perfect for parties and birthday celebrations.
- Cost: Adult (age 18-59) £25, Youth (age 12-17) £19, Senior (age 60+) £22 Cost of Living Crisis Ticket £15.
- Available: Friday, 18:30pm and Saturday, 17:30pm
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Providers: Silent Disco Walking Tours
Gangster London Tour with actor Vas Blackwood
Explore the intriguing world of gangster London with your celebrity guide Vas Blackwood. Famous for his roles in films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Creep, and Mean Machine.
The tales of gangster London continue to enchant audiences, drawing them into the lives of its infamous villains. This engaging 2-hour walking tour takes you through the East End, including Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, and Shoreditch, where the notorious Kray twins conducted their criminal exploits during 1960s. You’ll stop by the infamous Blind Beggar Pub, the site of George Cornell’s demise at the hands of Ronnie Kray, and visit the Repton Boys Boxing Club, where the Krays honed their boxing skills, along with other infamous gangster hangouts. Plus, you’ll get to see iconic filming locations from the 1998 classic, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Join Vas for a lively afternoon adventure, highly recommended by the legendary gangster, “Mad” Frankie Fraser.
- Cost: Adult (16+) £27, Children under 16 allowed with the discretion of their parents.
- Available: Saturdays, 14:00pm
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Providers: britmovietours
London Treasure Hunts – CityDays
If you love treasure hunts, these engaging adventures are perfect for you! Explore the hidden gems of London while tackling challenges and a mix of escape room-style puzzles. As you navigate through the game, you’ll uncover secret spots and have the chance to take breaks at suggested pubs and cafes. You can team up, compete against one another, or challenge yourself against the London City leaderboard.
This self-guided experience offers complete flexibility, allowing you to discover some of London’s most fascinating attractions.
How it works
The self-guided games take place throughout the city. After you start the game, you’ll receive clues on your mobile device, featuring cryptic directions tied to the local scenery. Decode these hints to discover a hidden spot where a puzzle awaits your solving skills. If you need assistance, help messages are available.
- Food Experiences – Unlock and collect delicious goodies from some of the city’s best food spots by solving a range of puzzles while enjoying the city sights.
- Treasure Hunts and Scavenger Hunts – Solve quirky, cryptic clues to discover London’s hidden secrets.
- Cost: From £15 per person.
- Available: Trails are available throughout the year.
- Duration: Average routes last 2.5 Hours.
- Providers: CityDays
London Historical Pubs
The history of the London pub has a rich and fascinating tapestry. Indeed, from early Roman beginnings, when taverns served as essential gathering places for travellers and locals alike, to the vibrant establishments we see today. Pubs are more than just places to drink they are also venues for entertainment, social gatherings, and political disclosure.
Many of us wish to experience the atmosphere of an historic London pub but may be daunted by which one to choose. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start your journey into the rich tapestry of London’s pub culture. Fortunately, guided by local experts, the London Historical Pub Tour helps you navigate some of the oldest and most historic taverns London has to offer. As you wander from one pub to another, you’ll discover the unique charm and character that each establishment holds, making your adventure not just a sampling of drinks but a deep dive into the city’s heritage.”
The tour visits four notable and historic establishments:
- The 18th century Dickens Inn a three-tiered, timber framed building on beautiful St Katharine Docks.
- The Town of Ramsgate, with its dark and intriguing history and one of the oldest pub on the Thames, dating back to the 1460’s.
- The Captain Kidd named after the notorious pirate William Kidd, who was executed at the nearby Execution Dock in 1701.
- The Prospect of Whitby, established in the early 16th century, known as a meeting place for cut-throats and smugglers.
Your host will, in addition, entertain you with anecdotes, traditions, and history of London’s dark past, whilst you enjoy sipping on a local beer or two!
- Cost: £38 (Including a half-pint of beer in each pub).
- Available: Friday and Saturday, 15:00pm
- Duration: Average 2.5 Hours
- Providers: SANDEMANs NEW Europe
Music Walking Tour of London’s Soho
London’s Soho is an area well known for its rich musical history spanning several decades and covering many genres of music. From the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll through the swinging 60’s into the 1970’s Glam Rock and Punk and on into the New Romantic era and Britpop scene. Each musical movement left its indelible mark on the culture and character of Soho, shaping it into a haven for artists and musicians alike.
This tour highlights Soho’s contributions to music. The experience immerses you in the stories behind the songs and the legends who created them. Along the way you can explore the venues, coffee bars and recording studios where it all began. Finish up in a lovely historic pub where many well-known artists have chatted over lyrics and a pint. This is a great tour for anyone interested in the history of London’s musical past. Not only highlighting the iconic spots but also inviting you to connect with the rich heritage that continues to inspire musicians today.
- Cost: £25
- Available: Various days during the week, 10:30am
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Providers: GETYOURGUIDE
Paddington Walking Tour
For all lovers of the iconic Paddington Bear.
Explore Paddington Station and the enchanting filming locations from the Paddington films in the surrounding areas of the city. Begin your journey at the iconic station itself, where the beloved bear first arrived in London, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere that inspired his adventures. As you stroll through the vibrant streets, you’ll discover historic locations associated with Michael Bond, the creator of the lovable bear, whose stories have captivated audiences since 1958.
The tour concludes at Alice’s Antiques, better known as Mr. Gruber’s Antiques Shop, a delightful spot that captures the essence of Paddington’s whimsical world. Here, guests are welcome to browse through an array of unique trinkets and collectibles, and maybe find a special memento of your adventure.
So, pack your marmalade sandwiches, prepare to delve into the heart of Paddington’s London, and embark on a great adventure on the Paddington Tour. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his charming tales, you’re sure to leave with a heart full of joy and a deeper appreciation for this beloved character.”
Part of the tour includes travel by bus; therefore, an Oyster card, contactless card, or a Travelcard valid to travel on the day of the tour in Zones 1-2 will be required. Additionally, children 11 and under travel for free.
- Cost: Adult,(age 16+)£25, Child, (age 5-15) £10
- Available: Tuesday and Saturday, 10:30am
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Providers: GoldenTours
Why not visit the Paddington Bear Experience on your visit to London Find out more