Whether you’re a big movie fan or fascinated by ancient architecture, there’s a tour for you in London. We’ve rounded up some of the best free ones to help keep your expenses down. While none require a payment, many tour guides ask for a donation to help fund what they do. Booking in advance is also recommended, particularly on weekends or school holidays.
Read on to find the best free London walking tours, including how to get there using public transport.
The best free historical walking tours in London
History buffs, this is for you! London’s rich history can be discovered all over the city. From the iconic Big Ben to the old city wall and historic pubs at every turn, there are historical stops to appeal to everyone. Here are some of the best free historical walking tours in England’s capital:
London Essentials – London in Under Two Hours Free Walking Tour
With so much to see and do, sightseeing in London can feel like a bit of a mission. But tour guide Theo has managed to cram loads of sights into just two hours, perfect for those strapped for time. From Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, the tour covers numerous landmarks within the London Heritage Quarter in no time.
Tour dates and times: Every day 11:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00
Tour length: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Meeting point: Wellington Arch by Hyde Park Corner
Accessible? No
Pet friendly? Yes
How to get there: Hyde Park Corner is a 15-minute bus journey from Vauxhall. From Vauxhall Bus Station, get on the number 36 towards Queens Park and ride until you reach Hyde Park Corner.
While street art may seem like a relatively modern artistic movement, it dates back thousands of years! With ever-changing murals showcasing the struggles of the working class in Britain over the last 100 years, Shoreditch is a true home of street art in London. Starting outside Shoreditch High Street Overground Station, ‘London with a Local’ tours will take you to all the best street art spots. See work by Banksy, Mr Cenz, Zabo and Dreph along the way.
Tour dates and times: Every day, 11:00-13:00, 15:30-17:30
Tour length: 2 hours
Meeting point: Outside Shoreditch High Street Overground Station on Braithwaite Street.
Accessible? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
How to get there: From London Waterloo, hop on the Jubilee line eastbound to Canada Water, then switch to the overground northbound and ride until you reach Shoreditch High Street.
Described as the place of ‘smoke and song’, Soho’s past is as vibrant and varied as you’d expect. Explore what remains of the old Red-Light District and visit some top music venues that helped launch the careers of The Rolling Stones as you embark on this unmissable tour. Learn about the secret meetings of the Communist Party, a cholera outbreak that threatened the health of the city and the famous lover, Casanova, among other secrets of Soho.
Tour dates and times: Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 15:30-17:30
Tour length: 2 hours
Meeting point: Golden Square, W1R 3AD
Accessible? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
How to get there: Hop on the northbound Bakerloo tube from London Waterloo and ride for two minutes until you reach Piccadilly Circus. Golden Square is a four-minute stroll away.
The best free movie and TV walking tours in London
Want to see the very places where some of your favourite movies were filmed? These free tours were made for you!
Potterheads, this tour should come out top on your London bucket list. Celebrating the many filming locations featured in the films, plus places that inspired J.K. Rowling, this free Harry Potter tour of London covers plenty. From the famous entrance to the Ministry of Magic to bustling Charing Cross Road, walk through the wizarding world on this unique tour. There’s a quiz along the way, so be sure you’ve brushed up on your Harry Potter knowledge!
Tour dates and times: Every day from 11:00-13:00, 15:30-17:30
Tour length: 2 hours
Meeting point: Outside the Palace Theatre (home to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), walking distance from Leicester Square underground station
Accessible? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Northern line northbound to Leicester Square, then walk for around three minutes to reach the theatre.
Free James Bond & the History of Espionage Tour of London
It doesn’t get much more British than James Bond. This free James Bond walking tour lets you follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous spy. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to some of the most memorable locations from the James Bond films and learn more about the life of writer Ian Fleming.
Tour dates and times: Sundays, Every Saturday, 15:30-17:30
Tour length: 2 hours
Meeting point: Outside the Clermont Hotel, next to Charing Cross station
Accessible? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
How to get there: You can walk from London Waterloo to the Clermont Hotel in just 17 minutes. Alternatively, you can ride the Northern tube northbound, getting off at Charing Cross Station.
From the captivating stories to the many TV and film adaptions, few creative works celebrate London like Sherlock Holmes. See settings from The Hound of the Baskervilles, A Scandal in Bohemia and The Adventure of the Illustrious Client. There's plenty to see, from famous hotels and gentlemen’s clubs to London’s own Sherlock Holmes Pub.
Tour dates and times: Every Saturday from 11:00-13:00
Tour length: 2 hours
Meeting point: Piccadilly Circus, next to the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and the underground station
Accessible? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
How to get there: If you fancy the walk, the tour’s meeting point is around half an hour on foot from London Waterloo. To get there via tube, catch the Bakerloo line northbound and get off at Piccadilly Circus.
The best free mystery walking tours in London
Fascinated by the more gruesome history of London? There are plenty of free mystery walking tours to embark on (if you dare!). From Jack the Ripper to ghosts and ghouls, these tours aren’t for the faint-hearted.
The story of Jack the Ripper is known worldwide, and what better place to learn about this chilling chapter in history than on the streets he used to roam? Discover the tragic stories of Jack the Ripper’s victims and learn about the killer’s identity. You’ll visit key locations like Prostitute's Church, Mitre Square, Frying Pan Alley, Spitalfield's Market and the 10 Bells Pub.
Tour dates and times: Sunday to Thursday, 19:00-21:00, Fridays and Saturdays 18:30-20:30 and 19:00-21:00
Tour length: 2 hours
Meeting point: Tower Hill Underground Station, next to the Tram Coffee stop
Accessible? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
How to get there: From London Waterloo, walk for around ten minutes until you reach Embankment. Get on the eastbound District tube line and ride until Tower Hill.
Free Ghosts, Ghouls and Ghastly Murders Tour of London
As the skies darken, your free ghosts, ghouls and ghastly murders tour of London begins. Your guide will tell you about the city’s serial killers, gangsters and legendary monsters as they take you through spooky city locations. You’ll explore Cleopatra's Needle, Great Scotland Yard, Banqueting House, Horseguard's Parade, St James Park’ and Green Park. This one’s only for the brave!
Tour dates and times: Every Saturday and Sunday, 19:00-21:00
Tour length: 2 hours
Meeting point: Cleopatra's Needle, near Embankment Station
Accessible? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
How to get there: It takes 15 minutes to get from London Waterloo to Cleopatra’s Needle. Walk until you reach the London Eye Millennium Pier, then hop on a ferry to Embankment Pier. Turn right, and you’ll soon spot the famous monument.
Want to extend your day of mystery? The Tower of London is unmissable, where you can learn about the famous story of the gunpowder plot. Enjoy £10 off an immersive gunpowder plot experience with SWR Rewards!
Alternatively, head to The Murder Express Part Deux Immersive Experience for an exciting theatre dining experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Set on an ornate train carriage, guests enjoy a delicious four-course meal and solve clues to discover who committed the crime. Make the most of 15% off your Murder Express tickets when you buy train tickets direct with South Western Railway.
As your day comes to an end, why not round off your walking tour with a few drinks at one of London’s stunning rooftop bars?
Top Christmas shopping spots in London and the South West
Shopping at Christmas can be a magical experience with festive lights and dazzling window displays at the top spots. Read our guide here. Travel with South Western Railway.
