St James Audio Walking Tour: Risqué Royals and Secret Locations

London , United Kingdom

St James Audio Walking Tour: Risqué Royals and Secret Locations

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ever wondered what it‘s like to live and shop like a royal? On this self-guided audio tour, you‘ll find out as you explore the exclusive neighbourhood of St James‘s – an area owned by the Crown Estate. Starting in front of the Ritz Hotel, you‘ll hear about the district‘s royal roots. From there, I‘ll point out other lavish establishments, including several famous private membership clubs like London‘s first gentlemen‘s club, the White‘s Club, and the men‘s only East India Club. You‘ll pass by the hidden Blue Ball Yard, James J. Fox, which is the oldest cigar merchant in the world, and Lock & Co. Hatters. After circling St James‘ Square, you‘ll pick up the pace for a royal finish along the Mall. By the end of this hour-long London walking tour, you‘ll see famous royal sights as well as discover a pocket of London just steps away that is unlike any other and bursting with gems.

Available options

St James Audio Walking Tour: Risqué Royals and Secret Locations

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

App for Android and iOS

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Marvel at the iconic façade of this legendary luxury hotel with its elegant Louis XVI architecture and famous arcade. You'll discover how The Ritz became synonymous with opulence and high society glamour.

Pass the world's oldest hat shop, established in 1676, with its traditional storefront and royal warrants displayed. You'll learn how this historic establishment has crafted headwear for royalty and distinguished customers for over three centuries.

Stop 3 Pass by

Admire Britain's oldest wine merchant, trading from the same premises since 1698, with its charming historic shopfront. You'll explore how this family business has supplied fine wines to the royal family for generations.

Stroll around this elegant garden square surrounded by grand Georgian townhouses and historic buildings. You'll discover how this exclusive address became home to aristocrats and remains one of London's most prestigious locations.

Stop 5 Pass by

View the iconic department store with its distinctive eau de nil façade and ornate clock featuring Mr Fortnum and Mr Mason. You'll see where royalty has shopped for luxury goods and hampers since 1707.

Stop 6 Pass by

Pass the Tudor brick gatehouse of this working royal palace where the Royal Court is still officially based. You'll walk past the historic residence that has housed monarchs and remains central to royal ceremonies.

Stop 7 Pass by

View the elegant stucco mansion that serves as the official London residence of King Charles III. You'll discover the royal history of this distinguished townhouse on the Mall.

Stop 8 Pass by

Walk along the ceremonial route lined with Union Jack flags leading to Buckingham Palace. You'll experience the grand processional avenue used for royal occasions and state events.

Stop 9 Pass by

Marvel at the iconic facade of the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch. You'll see the balcony where the royal family appears during major celebrations and ceremonies.

Admire the grand marble monument featuring Queen Victoria surrounded by allegorical sculptures and golden figures. You'll enjoy the centerpiece of the ceremonial route where state processions gather before the palace.

Stop 11 Pass by

Pass through this serene royal park with its tree-lined paths and peaceful open spaces. You'll stroll through one of London's eight Royal Parks, a tranquil green oasis in the heart of the city.

View the magnificent Palladian mansion with its impressive stone façade overlooking Green Park. You'll discover London's finest surviving 18th-century aristocratic townhouse, ancestral home of Princess Diana's family.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Food and Drinks

Transportation

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour begins under The Ritz sign next to the red telephone boxes and the entrance to Green Park.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets