London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour worth booking?
London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour is a 3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $180 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $180 per person
Follow in the footsteps of the world's first and greatest consulting detective Mr Sherlock Holmes. Visit locations that inspired and appeared in the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and learn how Sherlock Holme
What you get
About this experience
Follow in the footsteps of the world's first and greatest consulting detective Mr Sherlock Holmes. Visit locations that inspired and appeared in the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and learn how Sherlock Holmes became one of the greatest literary figures of all time.
What's included
Included
- Private tour with guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Westminster Abbey
Westminster is home the Houses of Parliament also known as the Palace of Westminster. In the hit BBC TV series 'Sherlock' Parliament is almost destroyed by a bomb placed underground train, but luckily Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are on hand to save the day. Whilst in Westminster you will hear how the BBC TV series to film one of the most secure locations in the country, and how the scene involving the train may not be all that it appears to be.
10 minutes here
Victoria Embankment
Victoria Embankment is a place that Detective Lestrade would be very familiar with given that it is the home to New Scotland Yard. Even the modern detective Lestrade would recognise this area of London as it is now where the new headquarters of the Metropolitan police service is based. It is from Victoria Embankment where we will look at what once was New Scotland Yard and where your guide will explain the history of the building, the Metropolitan police service, it's new home nearby, and why although Lestrade is considered to be one of the best people in the Met he always seems comical next to Sherlock Holmes.
10 minutes here
10 Downing Street
As we all know Downing Street is home to the Prime Minister and on occasion the Prime Minister has needed to call on the greatest consulting detective of all time Mr Sherlock Holmes. Whilst outside of Downing Street you will hear how Sherlock has done his duty for Queen and country and how this sense of duty crosses from the Conan Doyle books into many of the portrayals of the great detective on stage and screen. Next to Downing Street is the Cabinet Office and this is the perfect place to explain the Holmes family's links to the British government. It is here outside the Cabinet office where you will hear all about Sherlock Holmes's elder brother Mycroft Holmes and how it is said that 'he is the British government'.
10 minutes here
Old Admiralty Building
The Old Admiralty Building has been the residents of the U.K.'s leading politicians and is traditionally home to the First Lord of the Admiralty. As you walk past this historic building guide will explain how Sherlock Holmes story the case the Bruce Partington plans is considered to be the earliest spy thriller, and how the Sherlock Holmes classic went on to inspire spy thriller writers such as Ian Fleming.
Pass by without stopping
The Athenaeum Club is Conan Doyle's old club and is where he drew inspiration from when creating the famous Diogenes club. But why were these clubs so important when Conan Doyle was writing? Why are these clubs important now? And do any of them really have 'Stranger's Rooms'? Find out on our tour. From outside the Athenaeum club you will also be able to see the statue of Edward VII and will discover from your guide a surprising link between this scandalous monarch and Sherlock Holmes. As you walk towards Piccadilly you will also hear how Cox and Co had an important (if fictional) role in Dr Watson's Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes cases.
Pass by without stopping
Piccadilly Circus
Stand outside The Criterion Bar and Resturant and learn about how this former London institution celebrates its links to Sherlock Holmes even though it is now an Italian restaurant
10 minutes here
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom and an incredibly popular filming location. Seen in both 'Elementary' and 'Sherlock' not only will you learn how these two modern dress versions of Sherlock Holmes came to film in the same location, but you will also discover the history of this famous square and white is of national and historic importance.
10 minutes here
The Sherlock Holmes pub is a London landmark unlike any other. Originally the Northumberland Arms, which are believed to have inspired the Northumberland hotel in the Sherlock novel The Hound of the Baskervilles, today this pub is a must-visit for any Sherlock Holmes enthusiast. Inside the pub contains numerous artefacts that relate to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes, and Dr Watson. The pub even includes a replica of the 221B apartments as described in the short stories and novels which will see as part of the tour. Should you wish to sample Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson ale which this pub has on offer please let your guide know as you will be able to stop for a quick pint before continuing on with our tour. Other alcoholic beverages are available and soft drinks are available for those under 18's and those people who do not wish to drink.
10 minutes here
Barts
St Bartholomew's Hospital is the oldest hospital in Europe having been founded in 1123. Whilst outside this historic and very famous hospital your guide will reveal this hospital's impressive history and why Conan Doyle chose this hospital as the alma mater of Dr John Watson. Whilst here you will hear how Sherlock Holmes first meets Dr Watson in the short story 'A Study in Scarlet' and why the BBC TV series chose this building as a substitute for the Reichenbach Falls in their series two finale. Want to know what it's like to study at Barts Hospital? If so you can request a guide who studied their Masters of Science at the Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry in the Wolfson Institue of Population Health. (Please note this guide may not always be available, please message us for more details.)
20 minutes here
Sadly speedy sandwich bar in the café was the victim of the global COVID19 pandemic. However, Sherlock's front door is still there and this is the perfect place to stop for pictures which will make your friends back home jealous. Whilst here your guide will explain why North Gower Street was chosen for Baker Street in the hit TV series 'Sherlock' starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Your guide will also explain that while some locations in London were used, many of the locations we see in the hit TV series are over 200 miles away. Why did they film so far away? The answer is 'elementary my dear tourist' and all will be explained whilst you soak up the atmosphere of this iconic filming location.
10 minutes here
Baker Street
Everyone who loves Sherlock Holmes knows that he lives, with his companion Dr Watson and their housekeeper Mrs Hudson at 221B Baker Street. Whilst on this most famous street your guide will explain why Conan Doyle chose this address as Sherlock Holmes' residents and the problems it caused one of Britain's leading banks. It is here on Baker Street that you will also learn how the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle inspired one of Britain's most secret and clandestinely intelligence agencies during the Second World War and you will briefly hear about their most famous and daring raid to disrupt the Nazi atomic weapons programme. The tour will finish outside the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street where you can queue to explore the only museum in London which is dedicated to a fictional character. (Entry to the museum is not included as part of this tour).
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
We can meet you outside the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We can finish the tour at either the Sherlock Holmes Museum or Speedy's Cafe, the choice is yours. If you are booking a weekend tour then the tour will automatically finish at the Sherlock Holmes Museum (entry not included)
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tours Of The UK
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best part of our London itinerary
Walking some of the back streets and the personal attention was outstanding. Michael was so much fun to talk with and very knowledgeable
via Viator
Exemplary, my dear Watson 🔎
Chris was an absolute legend… well versed in both the literary and the cinematic versions of Sherlock Holmes. The presentation order was fantastic and he allowed for unlimited questions. We learned things we didn’t know. The museum at the end (extra charge) was so well curated and the gift shop had several of the books that we didn’t have in our collection. 10/10 would definitely do again!!
via Viator
Excellent value
Kathryn was a great host very knowledgable about sherlock movies and other movies shot in the area. We went past the sherlock Holmes pub and many more places of interest
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review. We will pass your kind words on to Kathryn.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $180 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 London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour take?
+
Plan for about 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 London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour?
+
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 London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour?
+
Around 1 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?
+
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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for London Sherlock Holmes Private Walking Tour.
Pick your date
