Soho History Tour: Secrets of Madams and Doctors

Explore Soho’s dark past with madams, body snatchers, and heroic doctors on this thrilling historical tour.

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Soho Square - Discover the first brothel in Soho where women like one eyed Peg specialised in flogging the upper classes.
  • Broad Street Cholera Pump - Find out who started the Cholera epidemic of Soho which killed 500 people in two weeks - and who stopped it.
  • Wardour Street - Visit a pretty garden and favourite picnic spot and discover…
What's Included
  • Services of a Westminster qualified tour guide
  • In-person Guide in English
What's Not Included
  • Any snacks or drinks
Additional Information

Encounter madams of brothels, grave robbers, and kind-hearted doctors on a one hour and forty-five minute walk through the narrow streets and past the historic townhouses of Soho’s square mile. Learn the origin of Soho’s name, the fate of murderers post-execution, and the story of a courageous doctor who played detective to uncover the cause of 500…

Location
@sohoplace
Soho Place
I will be waiting for you by in front of the theatre by the steps- carrying a black folder. Look forward to seeing you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
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Linda
Jun 15, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable walk :) - We’ve done many of the London Walks over the years, all good, but this was the best by far! Loads of interesting history and fun facts. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Howardg341
Apr 21, 2025
Wonderful! - Excellent tour with very knowledgeable guide. Especially enjoyed the historical description of important British physicians.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z7651xomariaf
Feb 1, 2025
A brilliantly curated tour of Soho by an authoritative and creative tour guide - Luisa is a brilliant guide who has created a fascinating historical tour of Soho - an area I thought I knew well but now see afresh! Informative and entertaining, the pace was excellent and the 2 hours flew by. I can’t recommend Luisa highly enough and will be booking the Covent Garden tour next.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H6519xvalif
Jan 31, 2025
One of the best city walks I’ve been on! - Interesting and intriguing walk through Soho, full of fun facts and details. If you’re wondering whether or not to go I’d definitely recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel09287205834
Nov 1, 2024
Fascinating - I really enjoyed the death doctors and debauchery tour of Soho. Who knew the area had such a fascinating history. Well presented and thoroughly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z1277crastridk
Sep 27, 2024
18th century Soho came alive ! - Soho came alive with 18th century characters! Lou was excellent at creating an atmosphere - setting the mood and scene with lots of historical detail.we were taken around at a perfect pace - she had images that added to the story. She was very happy to answer any question - and did encouraged us to ask. You could see that she was an enthusiastic historian and excellent communicator .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T818vqrebeccas
Sep 23, 2024
A great way to learn more about Soho - A really entertaining and informative tour. Luisa's weaves together her knowledge of Soho's history with fascinating tales of its residents struggle to survive in this chaotic and infamous part of London. Brilliantly engaging and thoroughly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
119rikkab
Sep 22, 2024
Time well spent - I really enjoyed Lou's tour, Death, debauchery and doctors in Soho. It was informative and entertaining, bringing the past to life with sympathy ,compassion and humour.
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Joe
Sep 22, 2024
Insightful & mind-blowing - I was blown away by Lou, who curated the sights with exceptional expertise, sharing fun facts & at times gruesome history with us! She was very caring and took care of the needs of individual guests. The tour was informational yet there was never a dull moment. Thank you for the great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gladstones
Sep 18, 2024
Interesting and enjoyable - The tour around Soho was really interesting and highly enjoyable. Lots of unusual anecdotes and although I thought I knew Soho well, I learnt a lot
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $34
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).