Espionage and Spies in London: Where Now’s Self-Guided Tour

London , United Kingdom

Espionage and Spies in London: Where Now’s Self-Guided Tour

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

Track down the history of secret agents, from the real to the fictional, on this self-guided audio tour of London. Take an immersive stroll, experience GPS playback, and learn all about the dangerous and debonair world of espionage. Hear from Where Now Tours, who, with a combination of historical facts, dramatic re-enactments, and tantalising trivia to impress your friends, will guide you around Westminster.

This spy-themed London tour will take you around the city. Along the way, you’ll hear all about the writer John Le Carré’s ‘George Smiley’, Robert Ludlum’s ‘Jason Bourne’ and, of course, the most famous fictional super-spy ever, James Bond. Every corner has a story to tell, from covert operations to espionage moments, and you’ll hear them all – going as far back as the 1500s with Queen Elizabeth I’s original spymaster.

There’s an exciting story about secret agents' daring exploits on every corner. So grab your fedora and radio transmitter, but watch your back for double agents.

Available options

Espionage and Spies in London: Where Now’s Self-Guided Tour

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

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

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

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Begin your tour at Waterloo Station, the original home of MI6. Learn about its significance in the world of espionage and its role in countless spy operations.

Stroll across Waterloo Bridge, which has its own connections to the world of espionage and intelligence operations.

Stop 3 Pass by

Discover the origins of the nursery rhyme about the Muffin Man and its connection to espionage. This historic theater has its own intriguing tales.

Stop 4 Pass by

Explore Piccadilly Circus, a famous landmark where a glamorous secret agent danced into stardom. Hear about its role in spy films and real-life intelligence operations.

Stop 5 Pass by

Walk through Whitehall, home to the Prime Minister's residence on Downing Street, and the Old War Office Building, a key location in the Bond franchise where British intelligence plots their missions.

Stop 6 Pass by

Visit Westminster Bridge, where dramatic James Bond action scenes were filmed against the backdrop of Big Ben. This iconic spot is steeped in spy lore.

Uncover the mysteries of Freemasons Hall, a building often associated with secret societies and clandestine meetings.

Stop 8 Pass by

Pay tribute to the brave women who played crucial roles in espionage during World War II.

Stop 9 Pass by

Visit Somerset House, which served as an Eastern European location in James Bond films. Delve into its cinematic history and its ties to the world of spies.

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts at the main entrance to Waterloo Station, just by Station Approach Road.

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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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. 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