Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour of London
3 Reviews
5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
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Recommended by 100% of reviewers
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London, England
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
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
- Private tour with guide
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Piccadilly Circus
London, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
Baker Street
London NW1 6XE, UK
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)
What To Expect
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 • Admission Ticket Free
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 • Admission Ticket Free
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 • Admission Ticket Free
Old Admiralty Building (Pass By)
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.
The Athenaeum Club (Pass By)
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.
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 • Admission Ticket Free
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 • Admission Ticket Free
Sherlock Holmes
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 • Admission Ticket Free
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 • Admission Ticket Free
Speedy's Sandwich Bar & Cafe
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 • Admission Ticket Free
Baker Street (Pass By)
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).
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
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour of London?
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-192133P10
Reviews
5.00
3 reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
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4 stars
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3 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour of London?
A:Apr 2025
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 (BST).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Private tour with guide.
The following is NOT included:
- Gratuities.
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:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour of London is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour of London will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. 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 2024What's Included
- Private tour with guide
- Gratuities
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
