free walking tour london evening

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Lady’s 7 London Night Walks You’ll Love

Today I want to share my guide to the best London night walks with you. The UK capital is an exciting place to explore on foot after dark, and these self-guided evening walks in London will help you find the best places to discover. From areas with bright lights and great nightlife to riverside walks and cool neighborhoods, my free walks in London will help you see the best of the city at night. I’ve included a map, too.

London Night Walks

From Soho to Covent Garden, the South Bank to Shoreditch, my London night walks cover neighborhoods from north to south and east to west.

Whether you like to be in the heart of the West End or along the Thames, there’s a self-guided evening walk in London for you.

From twinkling lights to famous shopping streets , waterfront areas to hipster neighborhoods , these night walks in London will take you to some of my favorite places in the UK capital after the sun goes down.

No matter if you’re looking for something to do after dinner or you have a free evening and you want to get out and explore the city, these walks are great ways to see the best of the UK capital at the end of the day.

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

If you’re interested in other A Lady in London walks, my blog post about self-guided London walking tours has all the ones I’ve published in one place. You can use it to find your favorites.

If you want a guided tour, there are popular night walks all over the city. From the famous Jack the Ripper tour to ghost walks , evening Harry Potter tours , and food tours in the West End , they’re great ways to see the sights with an experienced guide. You can see options and book one here .

1. Walk in Soho

The first of my London night walks is one in Soho . Right in the heart of London’s West End, Soho is home to some of the city’s best nightlife, restaurants, theaters, and bars.

From Carnaby Street to Greek Street and Leicester Square, this central London walk will take you through the vibrant roads and lanes in Soho. It’s just the thing if you want to get to know the area beyond the main sights and attractions.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink along the way, too. Whether you’re on a solo trip to London or you want to turn the walk into a pub crawl or an evening out with friends, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it.

If you’re up for doing this fun London walk, you can see the route, map, photos, and video on my Soho walk blog post.

2. Harry Potter Walking Tour

Next on my list of London night walks is my self-guided Harry Potter tour. This one will take you to some of the most famous places in the city and let you see sites that featured in the books and movies.

From Westminster to Trafalgar Square, Platform 9 3/4 in King’s Cross station, and St Paul’s Cathedral, this one will show you the best Harry Potter sites and the city’s most iconic landmarks at the same time.

It’s a fun London walk to do at night because the atmosphere in places like Leadenhall Market is particularly magical in the evenings. You’ll really feel like you’re in the wizarding world after dark on this walk. You can also see the Harry Potter play en route.

If you’re interested, you can find the directions, map, photos, and video for this one on my blog post about a Harry Potter walking tour .

3. Walk in Covent Garden

Another of my favorite London night walks is in Covent Garden . One of the most colorful central London areas , this part of the city is famous for its covered piazza, markets, shops, and restaurants.

From Seven Dials to Neal’s Yard, this self-guided central London night walk will take you through Covent Garden’s vibrant streets and squares. It’s ideal if you want to immerse yourself in one of the city’s most bustling areas in the evening.

There’s a lot to see along the way, too. The famous Covent Garden Piazza is full of life, and there’s always a street performer or art installation to take in.

The restaurants, pubs, and bars are some of the best in the city, too, so it’s easy to spend a whole night doing this walk.

If this one appeals to you, you can see the route, map, photos, and video on my Covent Garden walking tour blog post.

4. Walk in Shoreditch

The next of my London night walks is in Shoreditch . This east London neighborhood is one of the coolest parts of the city, and it’s full of everything from hip restaurants and bars to colorful street art.

My walk will take you past vibrant murals, down historic side streets, and alongside trendy bars and restaurants. It’s perfect if you like street art and history and you want to explore one of the coolest London neighborhoods .

This one is great to do at night because there are so many hip restaurants and bars in Shoreditch and neighboring Hackney . From Hoxton Square to Rivington Street, you can make a great night out of this walk.

If you’re interested in this one, you can take a look at my blog post about a Shoreditch walking tour for the route, photos, video, and map.

5. Walk in Spitalfields

Another of my top picks for London night walks is in Spitalfields . This neighborhood is one of the East End’s most exciting areas, and there are great restaurants and nightlife here.

From the famous Brick Lane to Old Spitalfields Market, this east London walk goes through the area’s best streets and local landmarks.

Whether you love buzzing market stalls or walking past hip restaurants, bars, and pubs (and stopping at one or two, of course), you’ll find a lot to love about doing this walk at night.

No matter if you’re looking for things to do alone in London or you want to make a night out of this walk with friends, you have a lot of options.

If you’re interested in taking this one, you can find the detailed route, map, photos, and video on my blog post about a Spitalfields walking tour .

6. Walk on the South Bank

Next on my list of London night walks is on the South Bank . This one is great if you want to see some of the most iconic places along the river in the heart of the city. It’s one of the best walks along the Thames in London .

From Westminster Bridge to the London Eye, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market , this walk will take you past some of the top landmarks on the water.

It’s a great one to do at night, as the South Bank lights up in the evening. There are often pop-ups, festivals, street performers, and markets at night, so you can take your time and take in the scene.

If this one appeals, you can see the full route and map on my blog post about the best walks in London .

7. Walk in London Bridge

Another of my favorite London night walks is one in the area around London Bridge . This part of the city is for you if you enjoy history, food, and riverside scenery in equal measure.

From Borough to Bermondsey, More London to Southwark, this south London walk will show you the highlights of this part of the UK capital.

This walk is great to do at night because you get to see icons like Tower Bridge and City Hall lit up in the evening. You can also enjoy the nightlife in places like Flat Iron Square and Bermondsey Street , where great pubs and restaurants abound.

This is also one of my favorite Christmas walks in London , as the annual Christmas market by the river brings the area to life with festive cheer and decorations.

If you’re up for doing this, you can find the route, map, phoots, and video on my London Bridge walk blog post.

Map of London Night Walks

As promised at the beginning of this post, I created an interactive map of all the walks I’ve included in my list. You can see it here . If you click on the pins, you’ll find my blog posts about each one. It will help you discover the routes that work best for you.

If you want to see all my free self-guided walks in one place, my London walking map can help.

Best Night Walks in London

I hope my list of evening walks has made you want to get outside and discover the best of London at night . Whether you’re alone, with a friend, or part of a group, these routes will help you explore some of my favorite places in the UK capital . Happy walking!

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20 Best Free Walking Tours in London

Are you looking for the best free walking tours in London? Don’t know which one to pick?

Check our selection of the best free tours you can experience and enjoy an up-close encounter of London’s opulent culture and eclectic architecture that are bound to etch themselves into your memory for life.

A visit to any one of the walking tours on this list is bound to add excitement to your trip, and best of all- they’re free!

Please note that some free walking tours of London are exclusively in English, while others are in Spanish or other languages. Make sure to pick the right one.

1 – Free tour British Museum London

This tour takes you on a three-hour excursion to one of the most important museums in the world!

More than eight million objects are on display giving you a glimpse of two million years of human history and rarities.

A nesting ground for both the curious and the studious, this tour is plush with information guaranteed to equip you with the knowledge that will last a lifetime.

• Book this tour

2 – Free Westminster tour + Changing of the Guard

Considered one of the most distinguished Free Walking Tours in London, this experience is coupled with a chance to witness the Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace.

Learn about the fascinating history behind this iconic tradition while strolling along several locations famously occupied by the British Royals.

Pass by the renowned Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the Prime Minister’s residence- this tour is packed with imperial features you’re sure to enjoy!

• See reviews

3 – Royal London free walking tour

The most famous landmarks of London are all part of the Royal London free walking tour.

Get insight on London’s Royal history as you take in the sites of Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, Horse Guards Parade, Big Ben, and more.

Loads of information wait behind every feature of this two-and-a-half-hour tour.

Hot tip: Compare the best walking tours in London and step into the city’s vibrant culture

4 – Full London in 6 hours

Got some extra time on your hands? Then use it to see the whole of one of the world’s greatest cities!

Taste the food, uncover the ancient secrets of the City of London and visit world-famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Bank of England, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

You may think six hours is a long time, but in the end, you’ll be begging for more after experiencing all the wonders that London has to share.

5 – London at Night – Royal Zone with Christmas Lights

They say everything looks different at night, and you can judge for yourself while walking the London streets at Christmas time.

The legendary Christmas lights make this one of the best Free Walking Tours in London as they cast their majestic glow amidst the dark winter streets.

See Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, British Parliament, and many other sites transformed with the festive gleams of Christmas lights in London!

6 – Free tour London Essential

Tour the district of Westminster and learn about key attractions that make up Britain’s culture.

You’ll see the Buckingham Palace, the Wellington Barracks and the Houses of Parliament. You’ll also take a walk through St James’s Park and might even get a chance encounter with the pelicans there.

Big Ben and the Prime Minister’s residence are also on the list, all while taking in the history of these sites along this significant route.

7 – Soho Free Tour

The scenic Soho neighborhood is a sight for sore eyes and is famously known for its connection to the likes of Carl Marx, Oscar Wilde, and Jimi Hendrix!

A place filled with artistic accents, eccentric architecture and loads of history, the Soho Tour will add flair and fancy to your London vacation.

8 – Camden Town Free Tour

The 90’s Britpop Movement is the secret behind the extravagance and eccentricities that make up London’s most alternative neighborhood of Camden Town.

Vivid colors, quirky themes, and fantastic caricatures all make up the features of this tour.

You will get an intimate glimpse of the neighborhood’s historic transformation over the years from a dwelling for the upper class to a bizarre ensemble of art, bars, and odd charm.

9 – Notting Hill Free Walking Tour

You must have seen the movie that got its name from this famous town, now you can take a walk through this affluent district with loads of famous sites.

From the homes of celebrities like Madonna and Robbie Williams to the quaint and colorful houses, bookstores, gardens, and markets, this is one of the free walking tours in London that you certainly need to add to your list!

10 – The beginnings of the City of London

If you’re a history buff, looking to learn about the origins of the City of London, this tour is the one for you.

Observe rare architecture built since Roman times, learn about the Great Fire of 1666 or visit the medieval castle of London and see its evolution over the centuries.

Marvel in the ancient wonders of London and their perseverance over all these years. This tour will certainly enrich studious minds!

11 – British Rock Free Tour

Renowned for its history and contribution to global Rock n Roll, this tour brings together the best of London’s rock culture in one visit.

Discover stories of the Beatles and Amy Winehouse while visiting places with deep roots in rock music like Oxford Street, 100 Club, Miranda Club, Punk Movement, and many more!

12 – Free Harry Potter Tour

Of all the Free Walking Tours in London, this one is the most magical! Every step of the Free Harry Potter Tour takes you on an enchanted journey in and around London.

See all the amazing buildings that influenced author J.K. Rowling’s penning of the iconic series.

Visit Diagon Alley and other shops where you can get unique memorabilia from the franchise!

13 – Free Street Art Tour

Bring out the street artist in you while walking the streets of London’s East End- also known as the mecca for art enthusiasts from all over the world.

Be amazed by the extravagant graffiti art etched along the walls of various streets.

From Brick Lane, Shoreditch, Fashion Street, Bateman’s Row, and Spitalfields, there are countless opportunities to take in awe-inducing street art on this tour.

14 – Bank of the River Thames Tour

The Borough Market, the Cathedral of San Paulo, and The Millennium Bridge are only a few of the captivating landmarks that you will come across during this tour.

Learn about the history of the theatre of William Shakespeare or visit the locations of major productions like Harry Potter and many more!

15 – London Central Walking Tour by a Local

With fun and humor the main accessory of this tour, you will get to learn about the Queens of England and how they changed the world.

One of the most engaging Free Walking Tours in London, you will encounter all the famous landmarks of Central London , including the National Gallery, St. James’s Palace, Queen Victoria memorial, and others.

16 – Free London Landmarks – West Side

Learn unknown facts and secrets about the most popular figures in British history!

Tales of Henry the VIII, Guy Fawkes, and Winston Churchill await you as you walk past the buildings in which they lived and worked.

Hear the history of London’s rise to becoming history’s biggest empire and of the people who fought and died to defend it.

17 – London Night Walking Tour

London at night is a sight to see, and you’ll realize why once you make this one of your chosen Free Walking Tours in London.

Experience London like never before as you walk through Piccadilly Circus, China Town, Covent Garden, and other magically illuminated attractions while also indulging in the nightlife and bright city lights.

18 – Free London Food Tour

Let your palate be your guide on the Free London Food Tour!

Learn about the history of London’s chic East End while savoring some of the best foods representing the myriad cultures and people who migrated to London.

Try London’s famous chips or a sumptuous samosa – bite after bite you’ll still want more no matter how many foods and stories you come across on this tour!

19 – London in a Day with Changing of the Guard and Views from Above

Did you say two tours in one day? Our wish is your command! This tour packs in a full day of must-see sites in Royal Westminster and the City.

Loaded with non-stop information as you visit the Buckingham Palace- where you’ll see the Changing of the Guard ceremony –  the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, and others-  you won’t believe how quickly time flies while on taking in London in an entire day!

20 – The Origins of the City of Londinium Free Tour

Founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago, the City of London has evolved into one of the world’s most successful financial and business hubs.

On this tour, you can see both modern and ancient sites that make up this fascinating city including the Tower of London, the Bank of England, and the Old Church.

With deep-rooted history and endless fact-filled anecdotes, this tour will equip you with all the information you need about the origin of this city.

We hope you enjoyed our selection of the best free walking tours in London.

Do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions regarding London’s free walking tours.

Enjoy London and have fun 🙂

Walking Tours and Experiences in London

Free Royal Westminster Tour*

Explore the history of the Royal family and Parliament as you see London's most famous sights, from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben.

     Schedule  - See Calendar

     Meeting Point - The Clermont Hotel

     Duration - 2.5 Hours

Free Historic City of London Tour*

Learn the story of the City of London's evolution from Roman trading port to the most powerful financial district in the world.

     Schedule - See Calendar

     Meeting Point - Tower Hill

Free London in a Day Tour*

Explore all of the London Landmarks in one tour ! Everything from Big Ben to the Tower of London and everything in between!

     Schedule - Private Tour Only

     Duration - 5 - 6 Hours

Free Jack the Ripper Tour*

Travel back to the Autumn of Terror 1888 and investigate a series of murders that sent shockwaves through London.

     Duration - 2 Hours

Free Street Art of  Shoreditch Tour*

Enter a world of possibility, where the walls are blank canvases and the flick of a spray can inspire rebellion and revolution.

     Meeting Point - Shoreditch High Street

Free Harry Potter Wizarding Tour*

Leave your inner muggle behind and discover the magical secrets hiding right under your nose.

     Meeting Point - The Palace Theatre

Free Ghosts, Ghouls and Ghastly Murder Tour*

Hear the terrifying tales of London’s worst villains, who killed and were killed and then came back to kill again.

     Meeting Point - Cleopatra's Needle

Free Rock and Roll Soho Tour*

Explore the birthplace of London's Rock and Roll scene, the heart of the old Red Light District and hear tales of debauchery and drunken misadventure through the ages.

     Meeting Point - Golden Square

Free Sherlock Holmes & the Art of Deduction Tour*

Grab your deer stalker hat and explore locations visited by Sherlock Holmes in the books, films and tv show!

     Meeting Point - Piccadilly Circus ​

Free James Bond & The History of Espionage Tour*

Join and step into the shoes of the world’s most famous spy!

    Schedule -  Private Tour Only

    Meeting Point -   The Clermont Hotel

    Duration -  2 Hours

Free Queer & LGBTQ+ History Tour*

Explore London's queer hub & home and uncover 2000 years of LGBTQ+ history.

    Schedule -  See Calendar

Private Tours

Booking a tour for 8 or more people? Whether you're a school, friends or family, get in touch about our different packages.

WHAT IS A FREE TOUR? *

We run all of our walking tours of London on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. We've all had the experience of paying for an activity up front and then later on, feeling like it was not worth the money. We take that problem away. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. If you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget. This makes our tours affordable to everyone, regardless of their finances, but also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.

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Self-Guided Walking Tour London

Although we do offer several fully guided free walking tours in London, they run on a somewhat regular schedule, which means you might not always be able to join us.

That's why we compiled this list of free self-guided London walks, including self-guided food and theme tours, such as Harry Potter film locations.

We've broken up these tours into the following categories.

• Neighbourhood
• Themed Tours
• GPS-Guided Audio Tours
• Other Free Things to Do in London

And if you are considering a London hop-on-hop-off bus tour, then these self-guided tours will come in handy when you are off the bus. Read our reviews of the best London bus tours .

For more ways to save money, check out our London on a Budget Guide .

Self-Guided Neighbourhood Walking Tours

Though we love showing guests around London, we realize that not everyone has the time to take a guided walking tour.

If our tour schedule doesn't work for you, or if you would rather explore on your own, then take advantage of our totally free self-guided tours!

Self-Guided City of London Tour

This tour takes you through Old London. Classic sites include St Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge.

You can even watch a condensed virtual version of this tour right now.

Click on the map to enlarge it or download it to a smartphone

We also have a GPS-enabled audio tour version  (sample below) and a pay-what-you-wish live guided tour option . 

Royal London Self-Guided Walking Tour

You can't leave London without seeing many of the sites included in this list.

Some of our favorites are Buckingham Palace, St. James' Palace, Big Ben, Parliament, and Trafalgar Square. 

Click on the map to enlarge it or download it to a smartphone .

We also offer a pay-what-you-like live-guided Royal London Tour option  as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour version .

Camden Town

Once known as the Rock n' Roll capital of the world, Camden Town is now a popular tourist destination offering many great things to do.

This is a self-guided tour to show the visitor some of the many interesting things to see in Camden Town London.

Piccadilly and St. James Walking Tour

One of the most popular touristic areas located in London's West End, this self-guided tour will cover places like Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

We also offer two guided walks that correspond to this self-guided tour, our guided tour of Soho and our Rock N Roll London Tour . 

River Thames Self-Guided Walking Tour

The best tour for photography enthusiasts!

This picturesque tour takes you along the River Thames to see sites such as the Millennium Bridge, London Eye, and Shakespeare Globe Theatre.

This tour is a great option for an evening walk. In fact, we offer this as a guided tour , usually from April through October.

And check out our audio tour version. Here's a sample.

Be sure to check out our guide to things to do at night in London for even more ideas for nighttime activities.

Self-Guided Royal Borough of Greenwich Walking Tour

Enjoy a leisurely walk through this posh neighborhood that will take you to sites like Greenwich Park, the Queen's House, and the Trafalgar.

A great way to get to Greenwich is by boat cruise .

Hyde Park and Kensington Walking Tour

This will take you through beautiful Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, past a posh royal palace and picturesque art galleries and museums.

SELF-GUIDED THEMED TOURS

In this section, we list several tours based on individuals, bands, movies, or ghosts.

Harry Potter Self-Guided Walking Tour

Dive into the magical world of Harry Potter!

This particular tour will focus on film sites in the northern part of London, such as Leadenhall, Australia House, Platform 9 3/4 as well as many other famous sights.  

Click on the map to enlarge or download to a smartphone

We also offer a guided Harry Potter Tour  as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour version .

Guide to Beatles in London  

Although John, Paul, George, and Ringo hailed from Liverpool, there are plenty of London landmarks for Beatles-lovers to get their fix.

From recording studios to concert venues, shops to roof-top performances, London is filled with hot-spots for fans of the Fab Four. 

There are many guided tours of Beatles sites with live tour guides and other fans. We offer a twice-weekly Rock N Roll London guided tour.

We also have a post on how to get to the Abbey Road Crosswalk .

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jack the Ripper Sites  

Try your hand at solving one of the most famous unsolved murder cases in history.

Our Jack the Ripper tour guides you through the area of London where the felon committed his most notorious crimes.

We've even included a photo from that era to give you a sense of how the city looked.  

We also offer a live-guided option for Jack the Ripper  as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour version .

Downton Abbey London Sights  

Downton Abbey exploded onto our screens in 2010 and people from all over the world watched the lives and exploits of the Crowley Family and all the characters surrounding them.

Although Downton Abbey has finished airing, it’s still as popular as ever.

For visitors who have traveled to the U.K. hoping to see some Downton Abbey locations and inspirations, here is our helpful guide to London’s Downton Abbey connections! 

Roman London Walking Tour  

Get a better sense of just how powerful the Roman Empire once was with this tour.

Sites include the Temple of Mithras and a piece of the Roman Wall, which dates back 2,000 years.

James Bond Tour  

Use your feet and the London Underground to visit sights related to James Bond in London.

You'll see a variety of historic sites such as Somerset, Buckingham Palace, and Whitehall, and you'll learn all about their connections to the character.

Literary Walking Tour - Hampstead Heath  

Hampstead was the birthplace of big names in the literary industry.

Hampstead is considered one of the more beautiful London boroughs and it is full of places for true literature lovers to explore.

Jimi Hendrix Sights  

London was an important city for this American rock legend. We offer a twice-weekly Rock N Roll London guided tour.

David Bowie Sights  

Born in London, David Bowie left an indelible mark on this city. We offer a twice-weekly Rock N Roll London guided tour.

London Ghost Tour  

Only for those bold enough to take a ghost tour on their own! Want some company? Join us for a guided ghost tour of London.

Wizards of London Game

This self-guided walking tour london app puts you in the shoes of a wizard to solve a mystery while discovering some of the most notable sites in the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Questo Experiences (@questoapp)

Haunted London Game

Discover the more frightening side of London's history as you attempt to solve a mystery during this haunted self-guided exploration game.

Queen: The Quest Must Go On Game

Fans of the band Queen may want to consider taking part in this self-guided exploration game which will task them with solving a mystery based on their music.

Get a taste of London with our free self-guided food tour: 

East London Food Tour  

It is possible to eat from any of the world’s cuisines when you are in the East End of London, but here is a small DIY tour that will have you sampling some of the best the East End has to offer those with a hunger for delicious food.  

Be sure to check out our pay-what-you-wish  tour guide led version  (watch video above).

Soho, Chinatown, and Piccadilly Food Tour  

Explore culturally and culinarily diverse neighborhoods of Soho, Chinatown, and Piccadilly.

We've curated a list of the best restaurants in the area to give you a real taste of London!

Exmouth Market Food Tour

Venture out to Exmouth Market, the “real” London that's tucked just far enough away from other touristy parts with the best street food that London has to offer.

Covent Garden Food Tour  

Try out the culinary delights in one of London's liveliest neighborhoods in the West End.

Borough Market

Discover the best eats you can find in Borough Market and get some ideas for what types of food you might want to get here. 

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Free Walking Tour London

Explore london with wonders of london free tours, free  london walking tour.

We love this beautiful, chaotic and mesmerising city full of wonders and history. We love its rainy days and cherish the moments the sun smiles upon us. We love London. From the beginning we wanted to do things in a different way. We wanted to tell the stories everyone knew about London in a new way , but more importantly, we wanted to tell the stories that not many people had heard before. This is what lies at the heart of Wonders of London. We want to tell the best known and unknown stories of the history of this amazing city.

If you choose to join our free tours of London, you will discover more not just about famous characters such as Jack the Ripper but also those of his victims. You will uncover the secrets that lie behind London's amazing street art . You will hear tales and histories of witches and ghosts, artists and royalty, and parks and architecture . Long forgotten stories from this amazing city, bizarre anecdotes and particular attention to detail are just some of the areas we excel in when it comes to recounting the history of this phantasmagorical city.

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There are so many things you can do for free in London that make this wonderful city one of the most visited tourist destinations.

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Free Tours in London

Explore London with our wonderful free walking tours!

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No fixed price No hidden costs Free booking It’s very simple: at the end of the tour you can leave a donation to your guide

WE PROMOTE CULTURE

Why free tours.

Our free tours in London are designed to promote culture and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate.

We leave it up to you to determine the value of the tour!

Guaranteed Departure!

The tour will also take place in the rain

Departure is 100% guaranteed

Available Free Tours in London

Harry Potter Tour

Jack the Ripper Tour

102 Reviews

Macabre London Tour

Royal Tour Westminster

224 Reviews

London City of Sin Tour

Street Art & Graffiti Tour

Richmond and Richmond Park Tour

Soho & Mayfair Tour

Available as private tours only at the moment.

Amazing Women in London Tour

Ghost Tour London & Haunted History

Witches Tour London & Witchcraft History

City of London Tour

A Very Mayfair Christmas Tour

Spies and Intrigue in London Tour

Crime and Justice in London Tour

Greenwich Tour

Beer and Gin History London Pub Tour

Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens Tour

Are you looking for tours during your vacation in London?

Here is our calendar with all available tours

FREE WALKING TOURS IN LONDON

London is a captivating dream destination to spend your holidays, and we want to offer everyone the opportunity to explore this extraordinary city.

Our London Free Tours will take you on an exciting journey through the city’s rich history. Our guides, young, dynamic, and fun, deliver information engagingly without being boring. Our goal is to allow guides to express their personalities, giving you the chance to discover not only London’s most famous areas but also the city’s secret and lesser-known places. Allowing guides to create tours based on their passion means they will put their heart into their work, transmitting enthusiasm to all participants.

Our London tours are designed to reflect the love we have for this city, ensuring you have an authentic and thrilling experience during our tours.

Explore the fascinating streets of London and immerse yourself in 2000 years of incredible history. Our free walking tours are designed to entertain you with curious facts, fascinating anecdotes, and the promise of hidden gems and secrets to discover!

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• Zakopane Poland

Welcome to London!

‘When you are tired of London, you are tired of life’ the old saying goes. From the home of the British Royal Family to the packed pubs; from the heart of British politics, to the theatrical West End; from invading Romans to conquering Kings, London has it all.

Starting as a marshland with just a handful of celtic tribes, and soon subject to Roman conquest as ‘Londinium’ in 47 AD, London had a slow and unimpressive start. However, by the time of the 11th Century, the city grew as the epicentre of English royalty, throwing in several centuries of war with France, for good measure. Through sabotage, murder, and revolutions, the heads that wore the crown constantly shifted, from titanic sovereigns like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I in the 16th Century, through civil war and the ‘merry monarch’ Charles II in the 17th, to the Germanic Georges and regency in the 18th. London itself would grow as the centre of the British Empire – and arguably – the centre of the modern world, reaping the benefits of the Industrial Revolution and using the Empire’s immense imperial power to its advantage, with all the trade, violence, and suffering that came with it. With one hand dominating the globe, and the other making the most of its great wealth, the city evoked awe and wonder, developing into a hub of world-leading science, innovation, and arts. It is here that Charles Darwin would write On the Origin of Species, JMW Turner would redefine painting, and Charles Dickens would birth the modern novel, pain-stakingly putting the conditions of real Londoners to the page. After the brutal Great War of 1914-1918, Britain -and London itself- became tired and over-extended, plunging into rapid political and social changes. Just 20 years later, it would be pulled into another horrifying war, for a time fighting as the lonely bastion against the Nazi regime in Europe, as the Luftwaffe flew above wreaking havoc. By 1945, a new world emerged. With a huge labour shortage and a post-war vision to assemble, parliament turned to the commonwealth to build a modern Britain: it passed the British Nationality Act. Now, those who had previously been under the British yoke as subjects came to London as citizens. This change re-invigorated the city, setting it onto a new path. Soon London was the cultural place-to-be. Its bars were swinging with jazz and rock’n’roll, its galleries filled with contemporary art, and its theatres hosted the great plays and musicals of the century. To this day London inspires with its music and theatre scene, museums, and fashion.

Join us on our Welcome to London tour to hear and experience this astounding story yourself, and see the city as it’s meant to be seen. Starting in Westminster, we’ll take you to the most iconic and beautiful sites in London. We’ll talk about why Big Ben isn’t called Big Ben, see the Abbey that has witnessed over a 1,000 years of royal coronations, walk through the royal parks of Buckingham Palace, discuss great military battles both old and new, and get under the skin of modern London at Covent Garden. We might even end near a pub, in true London fashion. From Winston Churchill to the Suffragettes to Queen Elizabeth II to James Bond, London has a fantastic story to tell. And no worries – we’ll fuse history with tips and recommendations, and set you up for your London experience – so join us and get the perfect introduction to one of the greatest cities in the world!

Some of the sites we will see on this 2 hours 45 minutes tour include:

• Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
• The Houses of Parliament
• Buckingham Palace and St. James’ Park
• Trafalgar Square
• Pubs and Theatreland
• Covent Garden
• …and much, much more!

No one ever showed up. There was a big group of people waiting at the spot. I tried texting and calling, no replies or information.

It was a waste of time

Great tour!!!!

Our guide was very knowledgeable & her love for the city’s history is highly contagious. Had a lot of fun discovering all the must-see places. Going to Prague in July and will definitely book a tour with Walkative again!!

Great for all ages

I took my two kids (11&14) on this tour during our trip to London a couple weeks ago and boy, was that a good shout! Our guide showed us around, all whilst sharing the history of the city, all the way back to its founding. Fascinating stuff! And my son really loved it. Highly recommend to everyone! Cheers

Exceeded expectations - 10/10!

I’ve been to London multiple times before, but never bothered to take a tour to learn more about the city’s history. Big mistake on my part! This tour was instructive, engaging and really fun! Not only did the guide highlight all the must-see places in the city, they also provided us with fascinating niche facts along the way. I was also really grateful for all the personal recommandations on where to go to step away from the crowds and experience London like a true Londoner. Perfect way to end the tour! Thank you for everything!

Educational and fun tour!

We had a great time with Ali, he is a great and funny tourist guide and we learned a lot of new things about London with Ali.

This tour is also available as a Private Tour.

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FREE WALKING TOURS

No cash, no problem.

We know, like His Majesty the King, you may choose not to carry cash, but fear not! You can still make a donation to our brilliant guides using the button below.

About Free Walking Tour London

Free Walking Tour London was created to show you the best of London in a more cost-effective way. Our tours work on a pay-what-you-like basis whereby you can enjoy a tour with us, then at the end of the tour, you can show your appreciation to our guides.

Our guides are experts in history and London in general and are only too happy to recommend ways to spend your time in the U.K. capital. 

If you are new to the city, we suggest that you take our London Westminster tour to get an overview of the history of this great city and then perhaps take one of our other tours to learn about London in greater depth. Book now to join one of our tours.

London City of Westminster

The London City of Westminster tour visits the political centre of London. Starting by Nelson's Column, the geographical centre of the city, we will then stroll along Whitehall, head to the Houses of Parliament and finish with a visit to Buckingam Palace to 'visit the office' of His Majesty the King. 

Camden Town Tour

Our Camden Town tour will visit the highlights of this famous neighbourhood. We will take a look at the markets that made this part of the city so beloved by Londoners but also talk about the different groups of people who have lived in this area including the Irish community and famous names such as Charles Dickens and Amy Winehouse. Camden is also home to some of the best places to eat in London so come with an open mind and an empty stomach.

Jack the Ripper Tour: Secrets of Whitechapel

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the sinister alleys of Whitechapel, where mystery and horror converge. Join us for a chilling Jack the Ripper tour that will transport you back to the dark underbelly of Victorian London. From the infamous Tower Hill sundial to the eerie Ten Bells Pub, prepare to unravel the enigma of the world's most notorious serial killer.

City of London and the River (Southbank)

In this tour of the City of London we visit the oldest part of London, the Roman city of "Londinium", home some of the most modern buildings such as "The Gherkin" and "the Walkie Talkie". Hear about how this area was afflicted by the plague, fire and the Blitz of London during World War II, and why this is now one of. This tour starts at Queen Anne Statue, in front of St. Paul's Cathedral, and finishes by Tower Bridge

• Santiago de Chile
• Santiago de Compostela

Free Tour of London

Book the original London free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guide

ABOUT THE Free Tour of London

No other tour covers so many major London landmarks! Have your cameras at the ready as we walk past Westminster Abbey and the Big Ben, and see where the King Charles lives as we stroll past Buckingham and St. James’s Palaces. On this 2.5-hour free walking tour you'll tick off many of London's must-see sites.

Your gratuity-based London Free Tour starts in front of the Apple Store in Covent Garden and finishes by Westminster Abbey.  We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.

Homes of the British royal family

Around every corner is another piece of royal history on this gratuity-based free London walking tour! Your expert local guide will take you to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of His Majesty King Charles III (some tours will even see the changing of the guard!), and you’ll walk past St James’s Palace, where Princes William and Harry grew up. You’ll also see Westminster Abbey, where the Queen was crowned, Princess Diana was farewelled, and Kate and William were married. However, it’s not only the current royals who feature on this London walking tour – you’ll also hear about other kings and queens who left their mark on Great Britain.

Some of the world’s most iconic monuments

Of course though, it’s not just the royals who helped to shape London, the UK and indeed, the world. Your guide will tell you about Winston Churchill as you walk past the Churchill War Rooms, talk about Guy Fawkes as you stroll past the Houses of Parliament, and tell you about Admiral Nelson as you visit the Nelson Column on Trafalgar Square. With other must-see sites like Covent Garden, Horse Guards Parade and of course, the Big Ben, this London gratuity-based free walking tour shows you many of London's major landmarks.

Gratuity-based Free Tour concept

The gratuity-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, and to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.

The gratuity-based London Free Tour starts in front of the Apple Store in Covent Garden

• See the homes of King Charles III, Buckingham and St James’s Palaces respectively
• Stand before the stunning Westminster Abbey, site of royal coronations, weddings and funerals
• Learn about Guy Fawkes and his attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament
• Look up at the iconic Big Ben
• See Nelson’s Column on Trafalgar Square
• Hear about Winston Churchill outside the Churchill War Rooms
• Stroll down the famous Horse Guards Parade

TOUR SCHEDULES

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• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for the guide (optional)
• Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we’re proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world’s best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That’s why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
• Wheelchair accessible

Customer reviews

Wonderful, Informative Free Tour gives a great overview of London

Our guide, Trevor, really made the tour worthwhile! He was knowledgable, friendly and entertaining and Trevor's love of history and the city of London was evident throughout the tour. Given that this was a free tour our expectations were fairly low, but this was significantly better than some paid tours I've taken in the past. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Sandeman's Free Tour to anyone and plan to take their other tours in the future.

Really enjoyed our free tour of London with our guide "Big Ben". As a historian, he knew a ton about Royal history and told some great stories that I thought were hilarious. Would definitely recommend for first time visitors to London like myself as I gained some great knowledge and seen some places that I plan on going back to see in my remaining time here.

Our experiences with this company were absolutely amazing. The tour guides are very fun, outgoing, and knowledgeable. They knew a lot about what they were talking about and they provided other ideas for things to go do if you had extra time. We had Charolette in London, and she did a fabulous job!

Did a free walking tour with amazing tour guide Angus. It was nice to hear interesting stories about the different sites and the monarchs. I love this concept so much and plan to take more Sandeman's walking tours in other cities as well.

Excellent free tour

We took the free tour with Rob, who was fantastic. Excellent way to see the city and explanations were excellent. Best guide tour in the city. Free means you pay as you decide. Of course we paid, it was worth every penny.

Sandemans London Free Tour

I did the free tour with David Flannagan and absolutely loved it. His love for history showed. It was both entertaining and interesting.

Rob was my guide and he was very informative and entertaining, and also great at answering general questions about the place or certain attractions. Would highly recommend if you are newly arrived in London and want a good tour to get your bearings and get some info behind some of the monuments.

My husband and I did the free tour and the old town tour, both with Angus as our guide. We really enjoyed the two of them. We got to walk the city and learn about all the history of it. Angus is a great storyteller and very fun, definitely recommend.

What is a gratuity-based Free Tour?

The gratuity-based Free Tour is the best introduction to London! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 3 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.

The gratuity-based Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!

We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of London's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.

Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?

• The route covers many of London's major landmarks
• The meeting point is centrally located in Covent Garden
• The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
• The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN LONDON

• Select Tour
• Private Tour

London Old City Free Walking Tour

Discover major London landmarks on this 3-hour London Old City Tour!

London Street Art Tour

Join a 2.5-hour walk through East London to see and understand some of the city’s best street art

London Harry Potter Tour

Discover the magical world of Harry Potter with local experts

British Museum Small Group Tour

Enjoy a semi-private guided tour through some of the British Museum's most interesting artefacts

Oxford Day Tour

A day tour from London to the beautiful and historic city of Oxford

London Jack the Ripper Free Tour

Discover London’s darkest history – including Jack the Ripper – on this 2-hour walking tour

London Pub Crawl

Have a great night out in some of London's best bars and clubs!

Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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2-hour London Highlights Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover London's main attractions with your private tour guide

3-hour London Private City Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of London's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private ...

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

Free Tour of Liverpool

Free Tour of Edinburgh

Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community

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Free Soho Tour London

• Visit the Palladium , where The Beatles had their first ever gig in London and the term “Beatlemania” was coined.
• Walk through Carnaby Street , the birthplace of the Swinging 1960’s, and the place where the first miniskirt was made.
• See the Red Lion Pub where Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels were asked to write the Communist Manifesto .

Tour Calendar

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Free Tours in Your Language

Free Tour - Free Tour London › Free Soho Tour London

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Free Tour London Essential in Spanish

Overview of the tour in London

Free London Essential Tour to not get lost in London. The tour is an excellent introduction to London, covering the main monuments, ideal for taking the best pictures with the red cabin with our Charming Guides! During the guided tour we will show you the highlights of London, we will pass through Green Park, we will chase the squirrels that will not wait in St James Park. We will continue by The Mall, St. James Palace, Buckingham Palace, Winston Churchill Museum, Tragalfar Square, National Gallery, St Martins in the Fields, Whitehall, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Big Ben.

This activity includes:

• The National Gallery
• St James Park
• Trafalgar Square
• Westminster Abbey
• St James's Palace
• Churchill War Rooms
• Buckingham Palace
• Downing Street
• Tour guiado a pie

Meeting point

Estatua de Eros en Piccadilly Circus (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)

Meeting point, Eros statue in Piccadilly Circus (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)

Things to note

General conditions • Our guides will be identified with an umbrella, flag, backpack, or cord with water green accreditation and the company logo: Paseando por Europa. • Please arrive 15 minutes in advance because the tour will depart on time. • Show the guide, at the meeting point, and the reservation confirmation email either in print or by mobile phone or tablet. • For groups of more than 6 adults, the price will be £7 (8€) per person, which must be paid to the guide at the meeting point.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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• About UCL Minds

UCL Walking Tour

12 April 2024, 12:30 pm–1:30 pm

Explore the rich and radical history of UCL, one of the world’s leading universities in the heart of London, on this free tour every Friday.

This event is free.

Event Information

Availability.

Book your place About the Tour:

Founded in 1826, UCL has been at the forefront of radical and disruptive thinking for nearly 200 years. Join us as we explore UCL’s campus and delve deeper into the researchers, students and stories that have helped shape the UCL of today.

We will be running tours every Friday. The tour will start at 12:30 pm and last an hour to we will be running one tour every week, with the tour taking place every Friday. The tour will start at 12:30pm and last roughly an hour.

We advise all visitors to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of the tour.

Please note that you will need to book an individual ticket for everyone attending the tour.

Accessibility - We want to make sure everyone can enjoy the tour. Please let us know when you book if you have any additional access needs. The tour is wheelchair-accessible and sign language interpreters are available upon request. However, we are not able to provide wheelchairs.

Departure point - The Tour will depart from North Lodge Welcome Point, which is situated at the entrance to the UCL Main Quad on Gower Street. It is the building to the left as you come through the main gates. Please look out for our student ambassadors who are on hand to walk you through UCL’s history.

If you need to get in touch please contact us on: [email protected] .