10 Cultural Spots in the West End: London Self-Guided Audio Tour
Active
3h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the 10 top-secret creative spots in the West End, Soho and Covent Garden in London, as you discover the cultural heart of these neighbourhoods, with these private immersive guides!
You will get a local feel of what it's like to live in these areas of the city, famous for their history, struggles, and vibrant culture of London’s LGBTQ+ community.
Guided by local historians, we'll learn about the many iconic must-visit attractions that offer a trove of photography tips for those beautiful Instagram-perfect shots, as you spend a day visiting these trendy neighbourhoods.
Finish the tour by learning about the popular anecdotes, theatre terms, and bizarre traditions of London’s theatre culture, as you discover the must-eat signature street food dishes from these multi-cultural streets.
Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets
Available options
10 Cultural Spots in the West End: London Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included
Offline Mode: Download tours in advance to listen without WiFi
Location Aware: GPS map allows you to enjoy sites, without getting lost
Access to your self-guided audio tour
Instagram Hotspots: We find the spot for your perfect picture
Audio tour provided by a local or historian
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Covent Garden
2
Charles Dickens probably described it best, but we try. Pause here to reflect on the spot's quirky past.
3
Stop 3
Spend some time in this quirky neighborhood to find some IG food, quirky pubs, or quiet corners and a cup of coffee.
4
Stop 4
A track for trivia lovers as we discover a funky church and explore the origins of "slapstick".
5
Stop 5
Discover a tale of a musical pioneer and the love story behind the name of the Nell Gwynn Tavern
6
Stop 6
Escape for a walk down this affluent neighbourhood with a pretty crazy history behind it.
7
Stop 7
Our last stop is reserved for the admiration of the Opera House
8
Familiarise yourself with stories from the Piazza, St. Paul's Church, and of a delightful invention.
9
Stop 9
Old pubs and breathtaking views of flower arrangements greet us at our next stop.
10
Stop 10
We begin by this church as we trace back her story.
11
We explore this street as we learn all about the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in London.
12
We trace the beginnings and the modern history of this iconic music venue.
13
Stop 13
We explore one of Soho's most Instagrammable spots and discover a range of curiosities.
14
Stop 14
We stop by an oddly charming and quirky photo spot - The Tudor Cottage
15
Stop 15
We take a short pause to discover the story of Soho's most famous residents: Karl Marx
16
Stop 16
We trace the history of this iconic studio that brought some of the biggest icons of pop music.
17
Stop 17
We stop by a charming, cozy pub for our next photo stop.
18
Stop 18
A pivotal incident in the history of public health.
19
Stop 19
We pause for a tale about cocktail bars with curious, rebellious history!
20
Stop 20
We step into the nerve centre of Soho, and the Fashion Capital of London.
21
Stop 21
A lovely street, a popular bar with a "bag" o' stories of our beloved music icons.
22
We explore the stunning architecture of Liberty Store, and how it came to be.
23
Stop 23
Pass by
Discover the West End independently!
24
Stop 24
What does opera have to do with theatre? Everything, as we will find out here!
25
We discuss more quirky traditions and record breaking achievements
26
Stop 26
Agatha Christie's book is the longest running production in history
27
Stop 27
We start with London's oldest theatre as we uncover some royal connections
28
We meet the famous characters and play behind the Apollo, Gielgud, and Sondheim theatres
29
Stop 29
Harry Potter fans, beware! We learn all about the past and present of this amazing building
30
Break a leg! We finally discover the story behind theatre's most famous expression
31
Stop 31
Pass by
A great way to discover the worlds most iconic theatre district!
32
Stop 32
We start by navigating the complex history around this square
33
Stop 33
We delve deeper into the area's history
34
Stop 34
We stop by a relevant spot to discover its edgy history
35
We discover the popular and iconic artists and their backstories
36
Stop 36
We wander into a lovely street and trace the tragic story of a beloved writer
37
Stop 37
We stop by a picturesque square as we discover the stories of many magnificent individuals
38
We take a deeper look into London's Pride Culture and challenges
39
Stop 39
A cultural gem that is also iconic to the LGBTQ+ community
40
We pay homage to the lives lost in the tragic attack and learn how it inspired gradual change
41
We stop for a pint and revel in the story of the amazing Ruby Venezuela!
What's not included
Earphones
All tickets for attractions mentioned within the tour must be bought separately (prices from £20)
Mobile device
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Important notes
This is not your ticket! You will receive a separate email with a link to your tour. From that email, please click 'Download Now', install the Vidi Guides app, create an account within the app and click 'GetMyTour'. The tour will then be ready for download within your profile section. You can start the tour whenever you like!
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
