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London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour

7 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| London, England
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from $209.72 per group (up to 15)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Visit the site of the home of The Security Intelligence Service's first 'Chief'
Find out how Edith Cavell, a First World War nurse who the world believed was innocent but who was tried and executed for spying by the German Army. But was she really innocent???
Discover the Bulgarian secret police, with the help of the KGB, assassinated the Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov on Waterloo Bridge whilst he waiting for the Bus to the BBC.
Discover how Britain's armed forces have their own secret military intelligence community who work on numerous operations across the world.
London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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 at Somerset House and finishing close to Mi6 we will take you to the anonymous and infamous sights of London that spies would rather you didn't know.

What's Included

  • Guide
  • Travel on the TFL network using either Apple or Android pay, an oyster card, or a contactless card.
  • Gratuities
See 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

London WC2R 1LA
UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Vauxhall
London, UK

The tour will finish at Vauxhall Bridge

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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!
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-192133P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
7 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
7
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Travel on the TFL network using either Apple or Android pay, an oyster card, or a contactless card.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for London: Spies and Spying Private Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Guide
  • Travel on the TFL network using either Apple or Android pay, an oyster card, or a contactless card.
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name