Gangster Tour of London’s East End Led by Actor Vas Blackwood
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2h
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About this experience
Learn about the godfathers of British crime on a 2-hour walking tour of London’s East End, led by ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ actor Vas Blackwood! Vas is instantly recognizable as on-screen gangster Rory Breaker, having a wealth of knowledge about the villains (both on-screen and real) involved in London’s murky underworld. Hear tales of the notorious Kray twins while visiting sites around Whitechapel and the East End that are linked to them, and see iconic film locations from ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.’
Available options
Gangster Tour of London’s East End Led by Actor Vas Blackwood
What's included
Professional guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your guide – Vas Blackwood (famous for playing Rory Breaker in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as well as Only Fools and Horses in which he played the robber Lennox 'Shadow' Gilbey) - in Whitechapel, the gritty heart of London’s East End. Then set off on your 2-hour walking tour of the area, visiting film and TV program locations as well as real-life places associated with London’s criminal underworld.
Famously the stomping ground of the Kray twins (Ronnie and Reggie) who terrorized the East End during the 1950s and 60s, the area is rich with sites linked to them. Pay a visit to Repton Boys’ Club, where the twins learned to box, and see the Blind Beggar pub, where Ronnie killed an arch rival – one of the ruthless acts that propelled him from mere gangster into an East End celebrity icon (albeit a feared one).
2
Having rubbed shoulders with many of London’s ex-gangsters to prepare for his role in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Vas Blackwood has countless tales to tell, and you’ll hear the best as you walk from site to site. Learn about ‘The Guv’nor,’ Lenny McLean, a gangster-turned-good guy who started his criminal resume as a bareknuckle fighter before going on to act in popular UK TV programs, like Eastenders and The Bill.
You'll also hear tales of Barbara Windsor – a much-loved London actress who married one of the Krays' feared associates Ronnie Knight -- as well as discovering the dastardly doings of Brown Bread Fred, a chap nicknamed after the cockney rhyming slang in which ‘brown bread’ means 'dead' in reference to the murders he committed. See the pub used as Samoan Jo’s in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, as well as Hatchet Harry’s office, where ‘Porn King’ Harry Lonsdale worked in the film.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
118 reviews
5★
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4
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2
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Tripadvisor
4.8
264 reviews
5★
244
4★
9
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5
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
The meeting point is inside the main bar area of the Blind Beggar pub, 337 Whitechapel Rd – 1 min walk from Whitechapel tube station. Vas will be signing images at the ‘Blind Beggar’ from 12:30-1:30pm before the tour departs. (Costs: Pics £20. Wall-mount Pics £40)
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
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