London Walks
London Walks
4.5
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About
London's unrivalled, award-winning, signature walking tour company. "London's best guided walks" Time Out "the premier walking tour company in the entire world" American Tour Guides convention
London, England
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,772 reviews
Excellent
2,163
Very good
367
Average
108
Poor
76
Terrible
59
sally a
Simsbury, CT133 contributions
Jan 2020
On my most recent trip, I decided to retake London Walks tours in Chelsea and Kensington. I initially took them both six years ago when we were living in South Kensington and I wanted to acquaint myself with the environs.
The Chelsea tour was lovely in the late day sun. Brian was our tour guide. Knowledgeable and efficient we wove our way through the the streets south of Kings Road that meander along the Thames. Brian's storytelling style was captivating and made the blustery day enjoyable. While sticking to his schedule, there was time to stop and take in the history that goes back to Henry VIII and to all the current bougie, trendy inhabitants of this enclave. As a photographer, I had enough time to snap away. Brian was also able to recommend local museums and places to eat. Highly recommended for those interested in the quiet tree lined streets that have grown over hundreds of years.
The Kensington tour was also my second, with a different guide than the original. It was like taking an entirely different tour. I believe our guide was Adam. He is an American Midwesterner who has been living in the UK for decades. What a wealth of knowledge. Adam (please correct if I'm wrong) began the tour with orienting maps of Kensington over the centuries. As a visual learner, this was an amazing plus. He took us out the the street to share the perspective of then and now. The tour weaves north of High Street in alleyways and mews and treasures "behind the scenes". While walking not only was historical information shared but also local pubs or restaurants we might not have known. We wove our way east to Kensington Palace with interesting points of interest. Thinking we were winding down was a mistake as week headed south toward the Kensington Commons/Gardens which was part of the original layout of the small village. With the sun going down and inside lights coming on, we were treated to a vibrant residential community that belies its rich history. This guide was interested and interesting both of the tour but about us and our interest and comfort. Having received a negative review about the amount of "architecture" covered, he was sensitive to point out the intent of the tour before taking our money. It was worth every penny. I have been coming to Kensington for seven years, multiple times a year and I was delighted to learn even more on this second tour. Please note that the architecture of Kensington is one of the things that makes it so special as is true of most of London. This may not be a tour that would interest young people (teens), it is a rich experience for adults.
The Chelsea tour was lovely in the late day sun. Brian was our tour guide. Knowledgeable and efficient we wove our way through the the streets south of Kings Road that meander along the Thames. Brian's storytelling style was captivating and made the blustery day enjoyable. While sticking to his schedule, there was time to stop and take in the history that goes back to Henry VIII and to all the current bougie, trendy inhabitants of this enclave. As a photographer, I had enough time to snap away. Brian was also able to recommend local museums and places to eat. Highly recommended for those interested in the quiet tree lined streets that have grown over hundreds of years.
The Kensington tour was also my second, with a different guide than the original. It was like taking an entirely different tour. I believe our guide was Adam. He is an American Midwesterner who has been living in the UK for decades. What a wealth of knowledge. Adam (please correct if I'm wrong) began the tour with orienting maps of Kensington over the centuries. As a visual learner, this was an amazing plus. He took us out the the street to share the perspective of then and now. The tour weaves north of High Street in alleyways and mews and treasures "behind the scenes". While walking not only was historical information shared but also local pubs or restaurants we might not have known. We wove our way east to Kensington Palace with interesting points of interest. Thinking we were winding down was a mistake as week headed south toward the Kensington Commons/Gardens which was part of the original layout of the small village. With the sun going down and inside lights coming on, we were treated to a vibrant residential community that belies its rich history. This guide was interested and interesting both of the tour but about us and our interest and comfort. Having received a negative review about the amount of "architecture" covered, he was sensitive to point out the intent of the tour before taking our money. It was worth every penny. I have been coming to Kensington for seven years, multiple times a year and I was delighted to learn even more on this second tour. Please note that the architecture of Kensington is one of the things that makes it so special as is true of most of London. This may not be a tour that would interest young people (teens), it is a rich experience for adults.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sally A.,
Many thanks for taking the time to write your detailed, thoughtful, indeed glowing review of London Walks.
It seems to be an iron law of nature that for the most part people who are very happy with a service won't do what you did – won't review it, won't write and say how extraordinarily good (in this case) the London Walks they went on were.They walk the walk, are very happy with the experience – and move on. Which is fair enough – that's the way the ball bounces.
The "problem" of course is the tiny minority who were not gruntled – they pretty much always review. Will go out of their way to stick it to us.
And because the huge silent majority of happy customers is in fact silent the "reviews" from those who were dissatisfied stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. It's a numbers game – except it's not a game for us, nor for customers who in most cases are given a lousy steer by a poison pen "review" – that distorts, grotesquely, the reality of a high quality walking tour experience.
And that's all by way of saying – of repeating – a big big thank you for doing what happy customers mostly don't do – sigh – writing a detailed, extremely positive review. It counts for a great deal.
Only thing to add is that the guide was not Adam, it was I, David. You said "please correct if I'm wrong" – so this is that wee bit of correction.
Thanks again, Sally A. And if you happen to pitch up on another one I'm guiding please be sure to introduce yourself.
Written February 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HolidayFamily101
9 contributions
Feb 2020
London Walks has been a longstanding favourite with our family when visiting the capital. We have taken part in lots of walking tours, covering a huge range of topics, and led by a variety of incredibly knowledgeable guides. Consistent to all of the walks we've attended is the passion the guides all have for sharing their love of the city and their almost encyclopaedic knowledge. The walks have given us a greater understanding of the city and we have seen sights which most visitors walk right by.
Having recently taken part in Adam's Rock & Roll London Tour just before lockdown, we began following him on social media and learned he was offering a number of virtual tours using Zoom. In the last few weeks we've joined virtual tours presented by Simon, Karen and Adam and hope to join as many as our working from home commitments allow. We loved our traditional London Walks and their virtual equivalents have become a real highlight during such surreal times. We cannot recommend them highly enough and the added benefit of free tickets for the real tours once we're all allowed back out again has given us something to look forward to and plan our next visit to London around.
What continues to amaze us is that the tours aren't simply scripted word for word, the guides know the subject matter and are genuinely keen to take questions. How these guys retain such a wealth of knowledge is mind blowing!
Please support the London Walks team, they've shown great ingenuity in coming up with the idea of running tours remotely when we're all stuck at home and what better value and entertainment can you get for only £8! J&M
Having recently taken part in Adam's Rock & Roll London Tour just before lockdown, we began following him on social media and learned he was offering a number of virtual tours using Zoom. In the last few weeks we've joined virtual tours presented by Simon, Karen and Adam and hope to join as many as our working from home commitments allow. We loved our traditional London Walks and their virtual equivalents have become a real highlight during such surreal times. We cannot recommend them highly enough and the added benefit of free tickets for the real tours once we're all allowed back out again has given us something to look forward to and plan our next visit to London around.
What continues to amaze us is that the tours aren't simply scripted word for word, the guides know the subject matter and are genuinely keen to take questions. How these guys retain such a wealth of knowledge is mind blowing!
Please support the London Walks team, they've shown great ingenuity in coming up with the idea of running tours remotely when we're all stuck at home and what better value and entertainment can you get for only £8! J&M
Written May 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yosemitephillip
Greater London, UK65 contributions
Apr 2021
A wonderful morning out with Jan and a couple of others today (14th) Royal London.
The lockdown has meant fewer people in the centre of London and we had excellent weather as we saw palaces, grandeur houses, government buildings and even the grave of von Ribbentrop's dog at the pre-war German embassy. The guides are very knowledgeable but the history and banter makes it all so worthwhile.
As an avid London Walker I continue to search out many of the walks and each one brings new found information about the city that I live in. I would highly recommend to all who enjoy a walk but yearning to hear more about these great places within the city to go out and spend a little time. There are topics for all tastes and interests.
If you thought seeing the household cavalry on horseback would be fighting through throngs of people, you need a good guide for timing and a good view point even on a perfectly quiet day.
The lockdown has meant fewer people in the centre of London and we had excellent weather as we saw palaces, grandeur houses, government buildings and even the grave of von Ribbentrop's dog at the pre-war German embassy. The guides are very knowledgeable but the history and banter makes it all so worthwhile.
As an avid London Walker I continue to search out many of the walks and each one brings new found information about the city that I live in. I would highly recommend to all who enjoy a walk but yearning to hear more about these great places within the city to go out and spend a little time. There are topics for all tastes and interests.
If you thought seeing the household cavalry on horseback would be fighting through throngs of people, you need a good guide for timing and a good view point even on a perfectly quiet day.
Written April 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moira A
Greater London, UK5 contributions
Sep 2020
I went on A Fossil Hunter's Virtual Tour of London's Natural History Museum, expertly guided by Dr Aaron Hunter. He is a palaeontologist conducting his own research at the NatHistMus, and a great communicator. He put across his own passion for his subject, and his affection for the Museum and knowledge of its work and history. I had a very enjoyable and informative experience which has stayed with me and I would heartily recommend it.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kamloopsscott
Kamloops, Canada38 contributions
Jan 2020
We did two tours with London Walks. The first was the Westminster Abbey Tour and it was excellent. We were about 18 in our group which was a great size. The information our guide gave us was excellent. She did a great job of maneuvering our group through the crowded Abbey. Absolutely worthwhile. We did not have to wait in line to get in. Would give this tour a 5 star rating.
The second tour we took was the British Museum Tour. The information we got was excellent. Unfortunately the group size was so large (about 35 by my count) that we often could not hear what our guide was saying. If we could have heard all of the information, I am sure it all would have been as good as what we could hear. This was not the fault of the guide. She did what she could, she tried to move the customers around a little to allow people to hear, but the problem was the group size. This company does not take reservations or allow a person to prepay, so cannot control the size of the group. This is a problem when trying to go into the Museum where a guide is not able to speak as loudly as she could in other places.
The second tour we took was the British Museum Tour. The information we got was excellent. Unfortunately the group size was so large (about 35 by my count) that we often could not hear what our guide was saying. If we could have heard all of the information, I am sure it all would have been as good as what we could hear. This was not the fault of the guide. She did what she could, she tried to move the customers around a little to allow people to hear, but the problem was the group size. This company does not take reservations or allow a person to prepay, so cannot control the size of the group. This is a problem when trying to go into the Museum where a guide is not able to speak as loudly as she could in other places.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martyn H
24 contributions
Feb 2020
We did two London Walks.
London Walks, National Gallery and London Walks Brunels’ London.
Both were good and informative. The National Gallery walk took in a good number of significant and well known paintings through styles and ages. Very informative particularly for anyone who has not been to the National Gallery before. Previous visitors might find they are being shown paintings they have met before. However the guide was very knowledgeable, interesting and kept moving along.
Brunel’s London was a great journey. We moved as a group through the east of the city on the river, on foot, the Overground, Underground, DLR. Our guide was very knowledgeable happily giving snippets of info as well as the subject of Brunel and his lesser known father. We gained a sense of the incredible works of these Victorians and how they helped shape our world. (On this trip we had, of course , additionally to pay for travel on River boat (£5) , Underground, Overground, DLR. But it only amounts to a few quid)
£20 each walk. Both walks represent great value, especially in London. So much better than using a guide book, a chance to ask and of course there’s the sense of group togetherness. Definitely recommended.
London Walks, National Gallery and London Walks Brunels’ London.
Both were good and informative. The National Gallery walk took in a good number of significant and well known paintings through styles and ages. Very informative particularly for anyone who has not been to the National Gallery before. Previous visitors might find they are being shown paintings they have met before. However the guide was very knowledgeable, interesting and kept moving along.
Brunel’s London was a great journey. We moved as a group through the east of the city on the river, on foot, the Overground, Underground, DLR. Our guide was very knowledgeable happily giving snippets of info as well as the subject of Brunel and his lesser known father. We gained a sense of the incredible works of these Victorians and how they helped shape our world. (On this trip we had, of course , additionally to pay for travel on River boat (£5) , Underground, Overground, DLR. But it only amounts to a few quid)
£20 each walk. Both walks represent great value, especially in London. So much better than using a guide book, a chance to ask and of course there’s the sense of group togetherness. Definitely recommended.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raluhug
Bucharest, Romania15 contributions
Mar 2020
I went to the meeting point for the Thursday tour with Peter. When I arrived I didn’t find anybody so I called the only number on the site; they answered and told me they would get in touch with the guide and call me back. In the meantime Peter saw me and asked me if I was there for the tour and informed me it wouldn’t take place anymore. I cannot express how disappointed I was, since I made an extra effort to get there after checking numerous times the site where it says the tours take place NO MATTER HOW THE WEATHER IS. It also didn’t write anything about a specific number of people, on the contrary, they stress numerous times how easy it is to just show up and join!! It is utterly disappointing after reading all the glorious reviews of people praising this company...
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good morning Raluhug,
If there is a mercy it's that the sun is finally shining (at last) and it's not pelting down. But to get to the point, we are SO SO very sorry about what happened last night. Peter was completely demoralised. He'd done the Mayfair walk yesterday morning in the rain for just two people. He was wet, he was cold, he had the sniffles, etc. etc. And, in consequence, he did what he did – cancelled the walk. He shouldn't have done. He should have taken you on the walk. Because that's what, famously, we do. One person (or two or three) turns up for the walk we do it. We do it because we say we do it and because in turning up you've kept your end of the bargain, we're going to keep our end. Not least because – as the famous London motto puts it – "our word is our bond." Or, if you prefer, because of our sense of honour and integrity and the fitness of things generally.
All of the above set out, it's cold comfort to you and your entirely understandable sense of disappointment. Plus, words are easy – deeds count for a lot more. So let me now reach out to you with the offer of a deed that I hope will go some way toward putting things right for you.
Namely, I'll be very happy to do a completely free, private London Walk just for you.
Do it at a time that suits your convenience.
Just get in touch and we'll set it up for you. And make it happen. Rain or shine.
All the very best,
David
London Walks
Written March 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan S
London, UK9 contributions
Jan 2021
My partner and I joined the Kensington Virtual walk with David Tucker this evening. It was extremlley informative but most importantly enjoyable. We have been going on London walks fairly regularly for the last 3/4 years and they are always of the highest standard and great value for money. We are both Londoners, "born and bred" but you see so many different places on these walks that you either did'nt know existed or you learn a quirky fact about more familiar places!
This is the third "virtual" walk we have joined since the pandemic locked us down and I have to say the level of professionalism continues into the online walks.
Obviously we would prefer to be out and about in lovely London but this is a fabulous alternative until we are all released.
Thanks David for cheering up our Saturday evening and we also learnt a lot too!
This is the third "virtual" walk we have joined since the pandemic locked us down and I have to say the level of professionalism continues into the online walks.
Obviously we would prefer to be out and about in lovely London but this is a fabulous alternative until we are all released.
Thanks David for cheering up our Saturday evening and we also learnt a lot too!
Written January 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaz G
2 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
We went on the Hidden London on Friday 18th Sept @11am. Adam was our guide and he was such a delight and I cannot recommend him and the walk more! He was knowledgeable, friendly and had a cracking sense of humour too. He allowed us to have a toilet break, brief stop for a cuppa and all the while nothing was too much trouble and all was done with Covid safety in mind. Adam mentioned they have only recently resumed these walking tours so if you get a chance I thoroughly recommend them as they are great way for a born Londoner and tourist alike to get to know a bit of the history of this great city. Myself and my friends are already planning our next walk and know it will not disappoint!
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gemma
London, UK6 contributions
Mar 2020
This morning I took this very interesting walking tour in the area of Covent Garden. First of all I would like to highlight Ulrike professionalism as at the beginning it looked like there was only me so I told her that I would have understand if she decided to cancel the tour but she said that she was happy to do the tour even for one person and she made me feel at ease which I really appreciated, at the end there were a total of two people.
The tour was very interesting, quite unexpected but in a very pleasant way, full of spicy and fun anecdotes and of history. Ulrike is very knowledgeable and answered every questions going above and beyond. Thanks Ulrike and London walks for another amazing walk around this beautiful city.
The tour was very interesting, quite unexpected but in a very pleasant way, full of spicy and fun anecdotes and of history. Ulrike is very knowledgeable and answered every questions going above and beyond. Thanks Ulrike and London walks for another amazing walk around this beautiful city.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Would you mind telling me who your guide was? They sound great.
Written December 11, 2021
Hello, we went on four walks in total (Westminster at War - with Robert, Hidden London - with Fiona, Kensington Royal Village - with David, Chelsea Riverside Village - with Gavin). Each guide was brilliant and held our attention with fascinating stories and was thoroughly knowledgeable about their subject. I think all of the guides are highly qualified and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with whoever you get. We were only going to do one walk this trip but did four — and would have done more if we had the time!
Written December 12, 2021
Hi, we're London locals & would like to do the Street Art Tour on Sunday. Can we bring our small dog with?
Written February 5, 2020
I agree you need to check with tour company regarding the dog. There might be buildings that will not permit a dog to enter as well as the other people on the tour might object. I personally have a fear of dogs as I have been bitten 2 times and so being near a dog on tour would make me most uncomfortable. Sorry, but once, twice bitten makes one very nervous.
Written February 5, 2020
What are the differences in the two beatles tour? I am trying to decide whether to do just one or both tours. Also, how much overlap would there be in the beatles tours and the Rock n roll tour?
Written January 1, 2020
I didn’t go on either Beatles tour but the tours I did go on were each so fabulous that I’d encourage you to go on both tours. Their guides are all so expert in their fields that my guess is that you’ll find each tour worthwhile.
Written January 2, 2020
I want to know about the London Walks tour to Salisbury and Stonehenge
Written September 21, 2019
You should go on their website where they have detailed information about all of their walks and day trips
Written September 28, 2019
We are going to london for the first time. We would like to see london through the eyes of a native not a tourist. What tours do you recommend
Written September 14, 2019
Bonjour, Venture638227, où avez vous pu réserver pour cette visite en français? Je sais ça date un peu mais d'avance merci.
Cordialement
Written July 2, 2019
Hello guys... i wanna do the beatles tour... how i get to you guys from earls court tube station... thanks so much . What time is the tour. ? Cheers from NYC.
Written May 24, 2019
We do two different Beatles tours. And a Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour. The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour goes at 2 pm on Wednesdays, 11 am on Thursdays, and 11 am on Sundays. The meeting point is just outside exit 1 of Tottenham Court Road Tube.
The Beatles in My Life Walk goes at 11 am on Tuesdays and at 11 am on Saturdays. The meeting point is just outside Marylebone Tube.
Full information on walks followed by a dot followed by the word com (extraordinary that we have to disguise this matter - not allowed to put up those three w’s and the rest of the YouRL)
To get to Tottenham Court Road Tube from Earls Court Tube take the Piccadilly Line - the dark blue line, the London Underground is colour coded - to Leicester Square Tube. At Leicester Square Tube change to the Northern Line - the black line - and take it one stop up to Tottenham Court Road Tube.
To get to Marylebone Tube from Earl’s Court Tube take the Piccadilly Line (the dark blue line) six stops to Piccadilly Circus Tube. At Piccadilly Circus Tube change to the Bakerloo Line (the brown line). Take the Bakerloo Line four stops up to Marylebone Tube.
Richard, the guide, will be just outside the exit of the station holding up copies of the distinctive white London Walks leaflet.
The London Underground is simplicity itself - much easier to figure out than the one you know (NYC’s).
Tip: to calculate how long a Tube journey in central London will take Londoners use the “three minute rule.” I.E. allow an average of three minutes between stops. So, Tottenham Court Road Tube is eight stops from Earl’s Court Tube. That Tube journey will take approx. 24 minutes. 3x8 = 24
Hope this helps and good walking.
Written May 25, 2019
How do I buy a ticket for the darkest victoria London tour?
Written April 7, 2019
Hullo Roberta. Eeezy peezy (as our sprogs used to say). You just turn up at the appointed hour at the designated meeting point and pay the guide then. And hey presto, just like that, you’re on the walk. There’s no red tape with London Walks. No pre-payment, no “booking” - you just turn up and go. The walks always take place (unlike some of our fly by night competitors) - even if there’s only one walker. So you don’t have to worry, “am I going to turn up only to get a nasty surprise, be told, ‘we’re cancelling this walk because there aren’t enough people on it.’” Happens elsewhere - as one star reviews on TA attest to - doesn’t happen with London Walks. You have the particulars for when and where the Darkest Victorian London Walk forms up? The info’s on our site - walksperiodcom - but if you’d like I’ll be happy to email you or dm you those particulars. Just say the word here and we’ll get back to you. Hope this helps. (Good choice, by the way. Great walk with wonderful guides - a couple of them winners of the London Tourist Board’s Guide of the Year Award.)
Written April 7, 2019
We have 2 children, 3 years and 5 years. Would it be best to schedule private tours with children this young?
Thank you!
Written March 19, 2019
Of the tours I took (Greenwich and Hampstead), I do not think they would be appropriate for 3 and 5 year-olds. There is a pretty steady rhythm of walk a bit, stand a bit, while the tour guide talks about the building or site or vista in front of you. I think that a small child's attention span would be too short for this, especially for two to three hours of such walking and standing. I agree with other responses, and suggest that you contact the company to ask their advice about whether any of the tours are appropriate for children.
Written March 22, 2019
Hello, we are considering London Walks tours while visiting during May 27, 28 and 29. We have been told Monday will be a bank holiday and this will be a school holiday week. Will this affect the tour hours? Do you anticipate larger than normal attendance?
Thanks!
Written March 19, 2019
I do not know. Contact the owner of their website. He is an American.
Written April 22, 2019
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