Private Spy Walking Tour of London
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.
Options
Private Spy Walking Tour of London
What's included in Private Spy Walking Tour of London
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
Inclusions
- Guide
- Travel on the TFL network using either Apple or Android pay, an oyster card, or a contactless card.
- Gratuities
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- The tour will start outside Watchouse inside the central courtyard of Somerset House.
End Points
- The tour will finish at Vauxhall Bridge
