London Theatre Walking Tour of the West End
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step into the heart of London’s West End on this London theatre walking tour. On this London theatre tour you’ll encounter iconic locations where history, architecture, and performance come together to tell the story of London’s extraordinary theatrical heritage.
Your London theatre tour includes stops at many of London’s most historic theatres including the Theatre Royal, Royal Opera House, Lyceum Theatre, Savoy Theatre and Palace Theatre for captivating stories of London's most famous shows including The Lion King, Harry Potter, Les Misérables and The Mousetrap, along with tales of legendary actors, ghostly apparitions, and unforgettable performances that have captivated audiences for generations.
This London theatre tour will allow you to experience London’s iconic theatrical history in a whole new way and discover why London’s theatres have become world-leading stages, shaping the way that audiences globally experience the magic of live performance.
Available options
London Theatre Walking Tour of the West End
What's included
Shaftsbury Theatre
Shaftsbury Avenue
Palace Theatre
Guided London theatre walking tour in the West End
Royal Opera House
Vaudeville Theatre
Noel Coward Theatre
St Martin's Theatre
Lyceum Theatre
Adelphi Theatre
Covent Garden
Savoy Theatre
Soho
Theatre Royal
Professional Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London's oldest theatre site since 1663, is a historic West End icon in Covent Garden that boasts Grade I listed grandeur, legendary musicals, royal heritage, and many ghostly theatre tales.
2
Shaftesbury Avenue, the heart of London's West End, is the iconic thoroughfare lined with world-famous theatres. Since the late 19th century, it has symbolised British theatre's golden age, hosting countless premieres and defining global theatrical culture.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
The Savoy Theatre was the world's first public building lit entirely by electricity. Linked to the famous Savoy Hotel, it was renowned for the Gilbert and Sullivan premieres and now hosts major musicals and plays including Paddington.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is London's premier venue for opera and ballet since 1732 is Grade I listed. Home to The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, it features stunning Victorian architecture, legendary performances, and a rich history of Handel premieres.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Lyceum Theatre was originally built in 1765 as an exhibition space and became a renowned theatre in the 19th century. Today it is Grade II listed made famous for its long-running production of classic theatre production The Lion King.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
The Palace Theatre is a 19th century theatre that has hosted hugely popular modern hits including blockbuster Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (ongoing long-runner since premiere), along with acclaimed musicals Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Monty Python's Spamalot, Singin' in the Rain, and The Commitments, delighting audiences with a huge theatrical spectacle.
7
The Noël Coward Theatre has hosted iconic long-running shows including record-breaking Oliver! and modern hits like Dear Evan Hansen and Calendar Girls.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
St Martin's Theatre has hosted the world's longest-running play, Agatha Christie's iconic murder mystery The Mousetrap (since 1974!), thrilling audiences with its suspenseful whodunnit twists, plus seasonal favourites like The Nutcracker and acclaimed thrillers such as Sleuth.
9
The Adelphi Theatre has hosted iconic long-runners including record-breaking Chicago, Me and My Girl, Sunset Boulevard and Kinky Boots along with theatrical hits like The Bodyguard, Waitress, and currently Back to the Future: The Musical.
10
Vaudeville Theatre has hosted groundbreaking long-runners like record-breaking Our Boys (over 1,000 performances) and modern hits including Emilia, Stomp!, The Importance of Being Earnest, and currently the smash-hit pop musical SIX.
11
Stop 11
Pass by
Shaftesbury Theatre has hosted hugely popular modern hits including the groundbreaking & Juliet (world premiere), long-running Motown The Musical, acclaimed Hairspray, Memphis, Mrs Doubtfire and Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical.
What's not included
Theatre Show Tickets (available after the tour from the guide)
Entrance into theatre interiors
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour starts outside The White Hart Pub on Drury Lane in Covent Garden. The address is '191 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5QD'. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.
The tour is not suitable for guests with walking or mobility difficulties.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.
The tour is not suitable for prams, buggys or strollers.
The tour will only visit theatre exteriors. It will not visit any theatre interiors.
At the end of the tour your guide will be able to assist you with tickets for London's theatre shows.
Meeting point
The tour starts outside The White Hart pub in Covent Garden.
The address of The White Hart is 191 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5QD.
Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.
Important notes
The tour starts outside The White Hart pub in Covent Garden.
The address of The White Hart is 191 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5QD.
Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.
Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time to check-in with your tour guide.
Late Arrival? If you are late for the tour please send a Whatsapp message to +447308255451 and include the name on your booking in the message. Our team will reply as soon as possible. Please do not call this number. Thank you.
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
