Tours & activities in London
London Soho Free Walking Tour
Discover the vibrant heartbeat of Soho by embarking on an unforgettable tour through London's iconic neighborhood
ABOUT THE London Soho Free Walking Tour
Want to get an in depth tour of one of London’s most diverse, cultural, culinary, colourful, musical, historical, theatrical and central neighbourhoods? Then buckle up and join us on this tour to discover Soho, Seven Dials and Covent Garden. On this 2/2.5-hour free walking tour you'll get to explore and experience London as a local while adding plenty of new destinations to your list!
Your tips-based London Soho Free Tour starts in front of the London Palladium Theatre just around the corner from Oxford Circus and finishes in Neil's Yard. We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.
History of “Soho”
Throughout the tour you’ll get a glimpse into Soho from its humorous origins in 1534, the establishment of the Liberty department store, the beginning of epidemiology and the diverse immigrations into Soho. You’ll also hear about “Swinging London” AKA Carnaby street, with its rich history of independent fashion and musical revolutionaries including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones among others, and walk past one of the biggest recording studios of the 60/70’s.
Modern Soho
Putting history aside, you’ll also get to know Soho for all it has to offer today. From the delicious restaurants and food centres in Kingly Court and Seven Dials Market, to the fashion centres in Carnaby, Seven Dials and Covent Garden, past the famous live music venues Ain’t Nothin But and Ronnie Scotts and of course the nightlife staples and much more! There will be endless new places to explore, point out and add to your list!
Tips-based Free Tour concept
The tips-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, and to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
The gratuity-based London Free Tour starts in front of ‘The London Palladium’ theatre just around the corner from Oxford Circus
- Hear about the origins of “Soho”, The London Palladium, Liberty, The father of Epidemiology and immigration into Soho.
- Walk past “Swinging London” AKA Carnaby street and learn about its history and current life, including its food centre Kingly Court.
- Visit internationally renowned Jazz club “Ronnie Scotts” as well as the the theatrical centre of London - the West End, including the new Harry Potter production.
- Walk past the local centre of the LGBTQI+ life, including its renowned nightlife.
- Explore the fashion centre and food hall in Seven Dials
- Finish in Covent Garden.
- ... And much more
TOUR SCHEDULES
Today
This tour doesn‘t run today
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Local English-speaking guide
What’s not included
- Gratuities for the guide (optional)
Additional Information
- Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we’re proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world’s best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That’s why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
- Wheelchair accessible
MAP
Tour starts here
Tour usually ends here
Tour usually covers
What is a gratuity-based Free Tour?
The gratuity-based Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!
We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of the best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.
Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?
- Expert local guides
- Theme specific tours
- The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
- The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time
Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.
