Uncover the secrets of the spy world on a private walking tour of London. Discover the hidden locations and fascinating stories behind the spies who operate in the heart of Britain.
- Waterloo Bridge - Waterloo Bridge is the site of one of the most famous Cold-War assassinations, that of Georgi Markov. Markov was killed by a poisoned Ricin pellet fired from a needle tipped umbrella and is one of a handful of assassinations carried out by Russian agents at the request of the Russian intelligence service.
- The Savoy - This grand London hotel is steeped in espionage history, including connections to the creator of James Bond, who engaged in real-life intelligence work and has a surprising spy link to the tradition of placing a Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square. During World War II, this hotel was the favourite residence of a spy so secretive that even Prime Minister Winston Churchill was unaware of his identity.
- Edith Cavell Memorial - Edith Cavell was a nurse in occupied Belgium during the First World War. Executed by the Germans on charges of spying, which the British government denied, she became a martyr and a symbol of German inhumanity. However, newly declassified documents suggest a very different version of events.
- High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom - Discover how a Canadian MI6 spy warned the British government about possibly another war with Germany as early as 1919.
- Old Admiralty Building - This is where some the Directorate of Naval Intelligence was based during both World Wars. Hear how this secretive military organisation was fundamental in the establishment of two of Britain’s secret services, how intelligence deciphered here helped bring America into World War One, and how a plan created in this building, using a dead body, went on to not only fool the Germans but inspire the best-reviewed British Musical of all time!
- Whitehall - Whitehall is home to the British Government and has been linked to Spying and Spies since the early 20th Century. It is also the location of Downing Street and the Admiralty, both of which have links to the British Secret Service. Home to the first head of the Secret Service, the police force charged with stopping foreign spies in the First and Second World Wars, Whitehall is also the location of Downing Street and the Admiralty.
- Riverside Walk Gardens - Riverside Walk Gardens is the perfect place to take photos and hear all about the Security Intelligence Service (Mi6), its history, and how it works with its sister organisations the Security Service (Mi5) and Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
Whilst here we will also learn about how Mi6 and its headquarters have been used in the James Bond films, and TV series such as Sherlock.
After looking at Mi6 we will cross Vauxhall Bridge and get the train to Waterloo where we will walk the short distance to our final location.
- Parliament Square - Stopping at Parliament Square allows us to talk about how Sir Winston Churchill changed the fact of espionage through his decisive leadership during the Second World War.
Parliament Square also gives us a chance to discuss the UK’s Parliamentary oversight of our Spy organisations, how we work with our international allies, and how a Spy ended up buried in one of the world’s most famous the UNESCO world heritage sites - Westminster Abbey.
From here we will board a famous London double-decker bus and head towards Mi6.
- Experienced guide included
- Travel on the TFL network using either Apple or Android pay, an oyster card, or a contactless card.
- Gratuities
Our understanding of the clandestine world of spies and espionage is largely restricted to what intelligence agencies, the military and governments wish to disclose. The knowledge shared with the public via declassification, memoirs of former spies, and ‘leaks’ offers only a minute glimpse into the elusive, selective, and seemingly alluring universe of espionage. While this espionage tour of London can’t divulge everything, it can certainly acquaint you with what’s essential.
Geared towards both hard-core espionage enthusiasts and those curious about whether top-tier spies indeed prefer Vodka Martinis, this tour provides an insight into what’s known about these unseen guardians and their stealthy operations. Setting off from Swiss Cottage—the launchpad for an espionage tale that’s almost too incredible to believe, which includes the sole Brit to be honored with the Iron Cross—we’ll guide you to the anonymous and notorious locations in London that spies would rather keep under wraps.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.