London: Spies and Spying Private 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 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour worth booking?
London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour is a 3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $180 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $180 per person
What we know about the world of spies and spying is limited to what governments, the military and spy organisations want us to know. The information that is released to the general public, through declassification, autob
What you get
- Guide
About this experience
What we know about the world of spies and spying is limited to what governments, the military and spy organisations want us to know. The information that is released to the general public, through declassification, autobiographies from retired spies, and 'leaks'; only give us the smallest look into the secretive, selective, and seemingly seductive world of spies. This spy tour of London cannot reveal everything, but we can tell you what you need to know. Aimed with both die-hard spy geeks and people who are curious if the best spies really do drink Vodka Martini's this tour gives you insight into what is known about the people who keep us safe from behind the scenes, and how they manage to do this without being noticed. Beginning in Swiss Cottage, the starting point for a spy story almost too good to be true, which involves the only Brit to receive the Iron Cross, we will take you to the anonymous and infamous sights of London that spies would rather you didn't know.
What's included
Included
- Guide
Not included
- Travel on the TFL network using either Apple or Android pay, an oyster card, or a contactless card.
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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.
10 minutes here
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.
10 minutes here
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.
10 minutes here
Discover how a Canadian MI6 spy warned the British government about possibly another war with Germany as early as 1919.
5 minutes here
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!
10 minutes here
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.
30 minutes here
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.
15 minutes here
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.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
The tour will start outside Watchouse inside the central courtyard of Somerset House.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour will finish at Vauxhall Bridge
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 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A most enjoyable tour.
Very interesting. I learned a lot about spy techniques of yesteryear and a lot about James Bond films that I never knew. Also, Eian (tour guide)was very knowledgeable, which you would expect, but he was also very personable. I felt like I was on the tour with a good friend. He didn’t rush us, and at the end of the tour, he escorted us to the underground to make sure we got on the right train. Exceptional service.
via Viator
Fascinating look at London’s history of intrigue
This tour was amazing! Michael, our tour guide, has a wealth of knowledge about all things related to London’s history of intrigue. He shared some very interesting stories and the places in London connected to them. We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
via Viator
SPY TOUR
We had a lovely visit through London. Tom was our guide. He was charming and made the tour ( about james bond and other spies) interisting as well as hilarious. I absolutly recommend it
via Tripadvisor
Another way to visit London
It was a very interesting and enjoyable tour. Our guide Dewi explained us a lot of little anecdotes and it was awesome!
Response from the operator: We're so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the Spy Walking Tour of London. We'll pass your praise onto Dewi. All the best Eric
via Tripadvisor
Great London Spy Tour
Dewi was awesome. His knowledge and commentary really made for an enjoyable tour. I would recommend this tour for anyone who enjoys history and especially the world of espionage.
Response from the operator: Hi Bill, thanks for your fantastic review of the Spy Tour. We are pleased to hear that you had a brilliant time with Dewi, who is a great source of all things espionage. Please consider us for any future tours if you happen to be in the UK. All the best Eric
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
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour cost?
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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: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour take?
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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: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 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: Spies and Spying Private 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 London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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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: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour?
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Around 2 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does London: Spies and Spying Private 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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