
Crime and Policing London Walking Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 108 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Crime and Policing London Walking Tour worth booking?
Crime and Policing London Walking Tour is a 2.3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $40 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 108 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (108)
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- From
- $40 per person
Enjoy Police TV shows and Crime Dramas. Come and hear all about real Cops & Villains. The 'London Police and Crime Walking Tour', is the only tour of it's type in London. My tour is an exclusive opportunity to hear abo
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy Police TV shows and Crime Dramas. Come and hear all about real Cops & Villains. The 'London Police and Crime Walking Tour', is the only tour of it's type in London. My tour is an exclusive opportunity to hear about the history of the famous London Metropolitan Police. See the famous 'Scotland Yard'. Listen to first hand stories of crimes, villains and Police work from an officer with both Uniform and Detective service. As an experienced Tour Guide you can be assured you are in knowledgable, capable and experienced hands. Come along on the tour. You will not regret it.
What's included
Included
- Kit and Equipment. The opportunity to examine real historic items of Police regalia
Not included
- Gratuties. Feel free to tip the guide.
What you'll see and do
Bow Street
We will see the famous Police station and Magistrates Court, the heart of where Policing was introduced, the home of the famous 'Bow Street Runners'.
10 minutes here
Aldwych Area
Visit the site of one of the saddest unsolved murders in London, and hear about international espionage and murder.
10 minutes here
Charing Cross
At Charing Cross hear tales of grisly murder and mayhem. See one of the busiest Police Station in Europe. Discover the famous 'Blue Lamp' of London.
10 minutes here
Stop for a drink at the famous 'Sherlock Holmes Pub'. The world renowned fictional detective. Created by the equally fascinating Arthur Conan Doyle. We then cross to Great Scotland Yard to see where Policing was invented.
20 minutes here
Trafalgar Square
Where national celebrations, demonstrations and riots have occurred under the watchful eye of the worlds smallest Police Station.
10 minutes here
Whitehall
We will see the heart of government at Downing Street. Discover the role of women in Policing, and the Police in wartime London.
10 minutes here
See where London Police was created. The first Police HQ
10 minutes here
See the Iconic Revolving Sign, famed throughout the world.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Outside the Underground Station main exit in James Street.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We finish our tour at New Scotland Yard. A short distance from Westminster Underground Station. A main transport hub, for the Tube, Buses and Riverboats. Also near many pubs, bars and restaurants.
Options you can book
London Police and Crime Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Private Tours
Bespoke Private Tour
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Francis Mullan
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a walking tour, at a gentle pace. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Refreshment and toilet stops will be available if required.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 108 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
108 verified traveler reviews for Crime and Policing London Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Winston Churchill tour
Our guide David Winston Churchill tour Saturday 20 June knowledgeable- we learned so much from him! We would definitely recommend this walk ,with great small group of people which was wonderfully and easy pace walk
Response from the operator: Thanks for a great review. David is one of London's greatest walking guides. And with David you are always in safe and knowledgable hands. Thanks for coming on the tour and we appreciate the review. Francis Mullan
via Tripadvisor
Great, Unique tour
Amazing tour about police in London..the host was a police officer for 30 years and had first hand stories of big events he was involved in in London
Response from the operator: Steven thanks for a great review. David is one of London's finest, as a former Police Officer and now a London Tour Guide. I will pass on your kind comments. Francis Mullan. Joint Owner.
via Viator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Absolute Must-Do in London — Nothing Else Comes Close
I’ve taken a lot of walking tours over the years, but the Crime and Policing London Walking Tour with Francis is in a league of its own. From the moment we set off from Covent Garden, I knew this was going to be something special. What makes this tour genuinely exceptional is Francis himself. He served 30 years as a Metropolitan Police Officer, and that experience radiates through every single story he tells. This isn’t a guide reading from a script — it’s a man who lived this history. He wove in the history of the British criminal justice system, gave fascinating etymologies on phrases I never knew, and told personal stories from the streets, including encounters with the Queen and cases of international intrigue. I found myself hanging on every word. The route itself is brilliantly planned. Starting at Bow Street — the birthplace of modern policing and home of the famous Bow Street Runners — and moving through landmarks like the Sherlock Holmes Pub, Great Scotland Yard, and Trafalgar Square, you get a genuine feel for how London shaped the very concept of law enforcement. Trafalgar Square even hides the smallest police station in the world — a quirky detail that sparked a great conversation.  The group size was very small, which kept the whole experience intimate and gave everyone plenty of opportunity to ask questions.  Francis never rushed, never lost the thread, and answered every question with warmth and depth. Incredible value, unforgettable stories, and a side of London most visitors never see. Book it. You will not regret it.
Response from the operator: Kevin thanks for an incredible review. The pleasure was all mine. Thanks again. Francis.
via Tripadvisor
Enjoyable and interesting guided tour
An excellent stroll around central London sights focussed on crime and policing in the area but with a good dose of local history thrown in. Even though I know London and its past quite well I still learnt plenty I was unaware of and had a thoroughly enjoyable two hours in the glorious spring sunshine. Great tour and recommended.
Response from the operator: Thanks for a great review. David and I are very proud of our unique tour, the only one like it in London. David is one of the foremost guides in London, and I shall pass your comments on. Kind regards. Francis Mullan. (Joint owner)
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Tour with an Expert Guide
Absolutely wonderful tour. I make it a habit of doing walking tours whenever I travel, and the best ones and the ones of most value (for my time and money both) are those where the guide has immense personal experience in the subject. That’s where Francis absolutely excels; I don’t know that there’s an area of policing he doesn’t have experience in, and any and all questions he was happy to answer. I felt this tour was exceptional— it was the perfect length; it was with someone who knew anything and everything on his subject matter; and Francis took into account some questions I had related to my masters degree and gave thoughtful responses. Also, while the subject matter was serious, it’s worth noting here that Francis is very funny. It was an enjoyable tour that at times had me laughing at, say, the origin of a common phrase.
Response from the operator: Laura thanks for a lovely review. Please recommend this tour to other travelers you may encounter. All the best. Francis.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $40 to $100
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 38
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Crime and Policing London Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Crime and Policing London Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Crime and Policing London Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Crime and Policing London Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 108 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Crime and Policing London Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Crime and Policing London Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Crime and Policing London Walking Tour?
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Around 38 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 2.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Crime and Policing London Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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