Free Walking Tours in London you must explore: Best London Walks (2024)

London is an irresistible destination for any travel lover. There is a mystery, rich culture, and history at almost every turn to immerse yourself in. The free walking tours in London, England, are a popular hit with visitors, providing an immersive experience of the city's unique charm.

What is special about the London walk tours?

While these London walks are free, their success is driven by more than just cost. The long observant London walks down the lanes make sightseeing much more personal. This allows you to soak in the true London charm from its roots. Thanks to their flexibility, they are also easy to plan and fit into every travel itinerary.

Here are a few reasons as to why choose free walking tours in London:

• Comprehensive Insight: The tours provide detailed narratives on a wide range of topics, from royal families and historical figures to co*ckney culture and the city's criminal underworld.
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll hear captivating stories that bring London's history to life.
• Variety of Sites: You'll visit major landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London, as well as intriguing spots like Brick Lane and St James’s Palace.
• Flexible Timings: With start times at 10 am and 11 am, you can choose a slot that fits your schedule.
• Convenient Meeting Point: The tours start at an appropriate starting point, in a central and easily accessible location.

How to avail these free London walking tours?

Are you wondering how to avail the free walking tours in London England? Choose a London guided walk online that resonates with your preferred exploration style. You will find many from trustworthy international communities such as GuruWalk. Once chosen, pick a date and make the reservation. Cancellations are free, but remember prior notice to the guide is an expected courtesy. At the end of the tour, give a tip that you consider fair.

Now coming to the best London walks, here are the top options to consider. Take our word for them as they are sure to leave you impressed.

Best 10 free walking tours in London:

Table of Contents

London Essentials Walking Tour

London Essentials Tours

If you want to see all the main places but don’t have ample time to spend on individual spots, the London walk tour is perfect for you. Stop by a site, enrich your dictionary about it, take Instagram-worthy photos, and move on to the next. The London Essentials tour is tight but entertaining.

Sites covered in this London walk tour are:

• Buckingham Palace
• Big Ben
• House of Parliament
• Westminster Abbey
• Wellington Arch
• National Gallery
• Trafalgar Square
• Downing Street
• St James’ Palace

Duration of the walking tour:2 hours
Starting time: 11 am
Meeting Spot: The Wellington Arch at the centre of Hyde Park Corner is the meeting spot.
Tip: An 11 am tour on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday is a great pick. You can see the army band march for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Underground Walking Tours

Underground Tours

London voyage is incomplete without the mysterious hidden gems below your feet. So, go on a date with the underground historic stations, secret tunnels, and unknown shelters. They are not open to the general public and are mostly abandoned. But their infrastructure and engineering works are captivating even today.

Hidden tube tour options:

• Euston station
• Aldwych
• Down Street
• Clapham South
• Baker Street
• Charing Cross

Duration of the walking tour:75-90 minutes depending on the tour you pick
Starting time: Varies as per the date
Meeting spot: Depends on the tour (follow your guide’s instructions)
Important info: Children under 14 are not allowed. 14-16 year olds will require an adult to accompany them.

If you want to learn more about the London Underground, then explore our comprehensive guide on London Underground here.

Changing of the Guard Walking tour

Changing of the Guard

The untold tales of the kings and queens of England are always fascinating to hear. And this guided Royal Walking Tour is just what you need to experience royalty up close and personal. Also, you get to be a part of the Changing the Guard ceremony. Here you can watch the soldiers parade in perfect symmetry.

Sites covered in this London walk tour are:

• St James's Palace
• Buckingham Palace
• Clarence House
• Royal Warrants of Jermyn Street

Duration of the walking tour:90 minutes approximately
Starting time: 10 am
Meeting spot: Buckingham Gate (outside King's Gallery) Tourist Bus Stop, SW1A 1AA
Price: You can always enjoy the sites for free from afar. But for more uninterrupted views, you may have to pay a fee. The rates are £10 for 5-15 years, £15 for adults, and £12 for seniors and students.

Borough Market Food Walking Tour

Borough Market Food Tour

Culinary exploits are an integral part of any travel experience. And, the oh-so-famed Borough Market offers you the chance to sample them in premium quality. It has everything to make your taste buds dance. From bacon & egg baps, and spicy sausages to the showstopper fish & chips. Not to forget, the finest alcoholic and non-alcoholic ales and ciders.

Bonus: You can enjoy scenic views of the London Bridge and Tower Bridge on the stunning Thames on this tour.

Sites covered in this London walk tour are:

• Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind
• The Shard
• Southwark Cathedral

Duration of the walking tour: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
Available start time: 10.30 am and 11 am
Meeting spot: Evans Cycle Shop close to the London Bridge station
Pro tip: For the Borough Market food tour, arrive early to beat crowds, wear comfortable shoes, bring cash for convenience, try samples, and engage with vendors by asking questions.

Historical Pub Walking Tours

Historical Pub Walking Tours

Quench your thirst for divine-tasting drinks by joining a historic pub walking tour. This will take you to the oldest and most famous inns, taverns, and gin spots. There are also interesting tales to ponder upon during the journey. For instance, how Dylan Thomas misplaced his manuscripts in a drunken state. Or how the Victorians satisfied their gin wishes.

Major highlight:

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
• The charming and breezy winding lanes and the back alleys. They are ideal for leisure strolls.

Duration of the walking tour:Approximately 2 hours
Starting time: 1 pm
Meeting spot: Chancery Lane Underground Station (Grays Inn Road)
Important info: You must be above 18 years old to go on city walking pub tours. Also, bring an ID.

Harry Potter/ Wizard Walking Tour

Harry Potter/ Wizard Walk Tour

Well, here’s something that your little muggle has been waiting for. The Harry Potter free walking tours in London England. This is going to be a memorable broomstick ride, that will make your Hogwarts dreams come true. You will get to see all the iconic filming spots and click as many selfies as you like with them. As well as buy a wide variety of magic wands and Harry Potter goodies to cherish forever.

Sites covered in this London walk tour are:

• Palace Theatre (houses the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)
• House of Spells
• Charing Cross Road
• Trafalgar Square
• Great Scotland Yard

Duration of the walking tour: Approximately 2 hours
Starting time: 11 am
Meeting spot: Palace Theatre (near Leicester Square underground station)
Pro Tip: Freshen up the scenes in your memories by rewatching the Harry Potter movies before the trip. This will make this free tour London even more thrilling for you.

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Jack the Ripper Walk Tour

Ah, who hasn't heard the bone-chilling tale of Jack the Ripper? Well, if you are one of those adventurous souls, include this tour in your London walks diary. It will take you to the murderous streets where Jack once ruled. Go smell the terror and empathize with the poor women who lost their lives.

Fun Idea: Feel free to make your theories on the identity and the motive of the killer.
Sites covered in this London walk tour are:

• The Prostitute's Church
• Mitre Square
• Frying Pan Alley
• Spitalfield's Market & The 10 Bells Pub

Duration of the walking tour:Approximately 2 hours
Starting time: 6 pm
Meeting spot: Tower Hill Underground Station
Pro tip: For the Jack the Ripper walking tour, a tip would be to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves walking through historical streets and alleys of East London, particularly at night.

Ghost and Ghoul Walking Tour

Ghost and Ghoul Walk Tour

Go on a free Ghost and Ghoul city walking tour to satisfy your wish to explore the darker side of London. With a mix of mystery, history, and supernatural vibes, it is a gem for any tourist who thrives on horror. You will gain a plethora of knowledge about serial killers, monsters, and gangsters. As well as get to scan the hidden corners and the eeriest of streets.
Sites covered in this London walk tour are:

• Cleopatra’s Needle (one of the most haunted places in London)
• Banqueting House (ghost stories related to the execution of King Charles I)
• St James Park (tale of a woman in red searching for her killer)
• Green Park (story of a decapitated soldier in search of his head, ‘Lady in Grey’, etc)

Duration of the walking tour: Approximately2 hours
Starting time: 7 pm
Meeting spot: Cleopatra’s Needle (close to Embankment underground station)
Pro tip: For the Ghost and Ghoul Walk Tour, consider bringing a flashlight, dressing warmly, and being prepared for spooky tales and eerie atmospheres as you explore haunted locations in London.

Central London Walking Tours

Central London Walk Tours

London has a lot of interesting history to share with its visitors. Among them, it honours the women who transformed the world. The central London walks tour is a great way to learn about them and appreciate the work they did. Overall, this is going to be a fun journey as the guide will give you an insight into several more humorous facts.

Sites covered in this London walk tour are:

• Trafalgar Square
• National Gallery
• The Mall
• Banqueting House
• Horse Guards Parade
• Whitehall
• The Women of World War II
• Downing Street
• Big Ben
• Parliament Square
• Palace of Westminster
• Westminster Abbey
• Churchill War Rooms
• St James’s Park
• Buckingham Palace

Duration of the walking tour:Approximately 2 hours
Starting time: 10. 30 am and 2 pm
Meeting spot: Trafalgar Square

Sandeman Walking Tours

Sandeman Tours

For history enthusiasts, the Sandeman free tour in London is an excellent choice. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past, with detailed narratives and a diverse range of topics. Whether delving into the lives of royal families and historical figures like Winston Churchill, Guy Fawkes, and Admiral Nelson or exploring co*ckney culture and the city's murky criminal underworld, this tour provides a rich and varied historical experience.

Sites covered in this London walk tour are:

• Big Ben
• Houses of Parliament
• Buckingham Palace
• St James’s Palace
• St Paul's Cathedral
• Tower of London
• Brick Lane
• Westminster Abbey

Duration of the walking tour: Approximately3 hours
Starting time: 10 am and 11 am
Meeting spot: Apple store in Covent Garden

The walking tour might wake up your appetite, so let's explore sometop restaurants in London that you must visit during your trip.

Conclusion

The free walking tours mentioned above in London, England, offer a unique way to experience the city. These tours cover not only the iconic landmarks but also delve into lesser-known narratives that can transform your perspective on London. By exploring both famous sites and hidden gems, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

So why wait? Book your favourite city walking tour now and make your time in London unforgettable.

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