St James' & Mayfair - Private Tour of London's Royal & Aristocratic Villages
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About This Tour in London
Why Visit London?
London is a historic capital city blending rich heritage with modern innovation. From royal palaces to world-class museums, London offers diverse attractions. Explore the West End, visit iconic landmarks, and experience the vibrant food and cultural scene that makes London one of the world's most visited cities.
Getting to London
The easiest way to reach London is by flying into Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), Stansted Airport (STN), Luton Airport (LTN), or London City Airport (LCY). The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- A fun & experienced professional, local guide, accredited by ITG & the University of Westminster.
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Food sampling
- Gratuities - optional
- Transportation to/from the start and end points of the walk
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- When your booking is confirmed, you will receive contact details for me (Sandy) your guide for this tour. My aim is to give you the best experience you could possibly have so if you have any special requests, be sure to tell me what they are! If you need to go at a slower pace, or stop for a break midway through the tour, that will be fine with me.
- The tour will last between 5.5 - 6 hours depending on what walking pace you set and the number of questions you ask. Due to the length of the tour, a lunch stop can be included at an extra cost.
- The tour will cover roughly 3 miles in total.
- The tour will go ahead come rain or shine so please don't be put off by the weather. Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing and, if needs be, bring waterproofs and an umbrella.
- Due to the distances involved, and the speed with which we need to travel between events, this tour is not recommended for those with serious medical conditions including walking difficulties and back problems.
- Tours start at 9.20 inside Le Deli Robuchon, 82 Piccadilly if you would like to start with a coffee; outside Le Deli Robuchon at 9.40 if you do not!
- If you need directions from your hotel to Le Deli Robuchon, do contact me on sandyrhodes@live.co.uk.
- Unlike some other guides, I specialise in just five areas of London, St James' and Mayfair being two of them. This means I have detailed knowledge of the areas which I pass on to my clients in a fun and interesting way.
- 100% of my Trip Advisor/Viator reviews are graded 'excellent' and as I now have over 160 reviews in total, I must be doing something right!
- I prefer to guide small groups of up to five family or friends so everyone can hear what I am saying above the usual street noises of a busy city. Also, everyone can ask as many questions as they like.
- I ALWAYS contact my clients before a tour so if you have not heard from me one week before the tour is due to go ahead, please make contact with me.
- I only accept bookings directly from customers. Any bookings made by a travel agent on behalf of a customer will be cancelled.
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
One of London's most sophisticated department stores, it's hard to believe it started life as a market stall! We will wander around the ground floor so I can point out what the store invented 300 years ago whichWe meet either inside Le Deli Robuchon, 82 Piccadilly, W1J 8JA at 9.20 a.m. for a coffee or outside Le Deli Robuchon at 9.40 if a coffee is not required!
End Point
Although I state Berkeley Square, this can be a bit flexible depending on where the customer is going next.
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
One of London's most sophisticated department stores, it's... 10 minutes
One of London's most sophisticated department stores, it's hard to believe it started life as a market stall! We will wander around the ground floor so I can point out what the store invented 300 years ago which is still in demand today and explain what intriguing structures are on its roof. I guarantee you will want to return at a later date for a more leisurely browse of the entire store to do some serious shopping!
Built by the Earl of Burlington in the... 5 minutes
Built by the Earl of Burlington in the mid-1660s, I doubt he would recognise it today as at least 9 architects have worked on the building since then! Currently occupied by the Royal Academy, its summer exhibition is a firm fixture in London's 'Social' calendar.
The Burlington arcade has just celebrated its 200th... 10 minutes
The Burlington arcade has just celebrated its 200th anniversary and was built by one of the Earls of Burlington, George Cavendish. As we wander through and enjoy window shopping some of the 45 retailers who occupy the arcade today, we will see the Beadles who have guarded the arcade since day 1!
Most famous for its nightingales which are, in... 10 minutes
Most famous for its nightingales which are, in all probability completely fictional, this is one of London's most historically interesting squares. With a forgotten river flowing beneath it, the square is home to many plane trees and a collection of grade 1 listed buildings around its edges one of which is home to the world famous Annabel's night club.
An oasis of peace and tranquility, it is... 10 minutes
An oasis of peace and tranquility, it is hard to imagine you are only 5 minutes walk away from one of the busiest shopping streets in London. But life has not always been so calm here - in the 10 minutes we'll take to wander through these gardens, I'll tell you what lies beneath our feet and what gruesome secret one of the buildings at the side of the gardens holds.
A leafy retreat nowadays, it used to be... 10 minutes
A leafy retreat nowadays, it used to be the centre of Mayfair's red light district where the aristocrats of old, with too much time and money on their hands, went for their entertainment. It was also the downfall of one MP - but which one?! I'll fill you in on the tour!
As we cross Piccadilly and move from Mayfair... 10 minutes
As we cross Piccadilly and move from Mayfair in the north to St James' in the south, we leave the aristocrats behind and concentrate on the royals. Hear the legend of how Green Park gets it name and learn about the Royal dynasties who will feature during this part of our tour.
Built by Henry VIII on the site of... 20 minutes
Built by Henry VIII on the site of what used to be a woman's leper hospital, this was intended to be the palace for Henry's son promised to him by Anne Boleyn. But as the son turned out to be a daughter, Henry used the palace as a hunting lodge instead. The palace has been at the centre of many a Royal event so I will tell you many interesting stories from its past. If it's a day the ancient ceremony of the Changing of the Guard is scheduled to take place, we'll be able to enjoy pageantry at its best.
One of London's most iconic and recognisable buildings,... 15 minutes
One of London's most iconic and recognisable buildings, Buckingham Palace is the office of the monarchy. The late Queen Elizabeth II used it on weekdays and Charles III has yet to decide where he will make his London home. This is a chance to see the world famous palace balcony which has been the focal point of many Royal celebrations including the late Queen's 50th, 60th and 70th jubilees and William and Kate's wedding celebrations. This stop is all about the Royals!
One of eight Royal parks in the capital,... 10 minutes
One of eight Royal parks in the capital, St James' is one of my favourites with its ornamental lake and wildlife frolicking in its waters. With luck we'll catch a glimpse of the resident pelicans, a pair of which were gifted to Charles II in 1664 by a Russian ambassador - there have been pelicans on the water ever since!"
Originally Henry VIII's tiltyard for jousting, it is... 10 minutes
Originally Henry VIII's tiltyard for jousting, it is best known today for its ancient ceremonies of the Changing of the Guard and the Trooping of the Colour. Horse Guards was home to a gigantic sandpit during the 2012 London Olympics - the question is, though, which sport was it for?! .
Built by Henry Jermyn as a reward for... 10 minutes
Built by Henry Jermyn as a reward for his loyalty to Charles II during the English Civil War, this was the place to live in the 17 and early 1800s. A pretty square, there are still remnants of the days of old with Nancy Astor's former home and one of Sir Christopher Wren's churches gracing its edge.
How better to end the tour than a... 15 minutes
How better to end the tour than a wander along one of the most historic and sophisticated shopping streets in London. With a cheese shop which used to be a market stall and a perfumery dating back to the 1700s, this street has many stories to tell.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
