• Fortnum & Mason - As one of London’s most elegant department stores, it’s astonishing to think it began as a simple market stall! We’ll explore the ground floor to highlight what the store innovated 300 years ago that remains popular today and discuss the fascinating structures on its roof. It’s certain that you’ll want to return later for a more relaxed visit to explore the entire store and indulge in some serious shopping!
• Royal Academy of Arts - Originally constructed by the Earl of Burlington in the mid-1660s, it’s unlikely he would recognize it today, as at least nine architects have contributed to its design since then! Now home to the Royal Academy, its summer exhibition is a staple in London’s social calendar.
• Burlington Arcade - Celebrating its 200th anniversary, the Burlington Arcade was built by George Cavendish, one of the Earls of Burlington. As we stroll through and enjoy window shopping at some of the 45 retailers currently in the arcade, we’ll encounter the Beadles who have been guarding the arcade since its inception!
• Berkeley Square - Renowned for its nightingales, which are likely fictional, this is one of London’s most historically fascinating squares. With a forgotten river flowing beneath it, the square is home to numerous plane trees and a collection of Grade I listed buildings, including the world-famous Annabel’s nightclub.
• Mount Street Gardens - A haven of peace and tranquility, it’s hard to believe you’re just a five-minute walk from one of London’s busiest shopping streets. However, life here hasn’t always been so serene - during our ten-minute stroll through these gardens, I’ll reveal what lies beneath our feet and the gruesome secret one of the buildings beside the gardens holds.
• Shepherd Market - Now a leafy retreat, it was once the heart of Mayfair’s red-light district, where the aristocrats of old, with ample time and money, sought entertainment. It also led to the downfall of one MP - but which one?! I’ll share the details on the tour!
• Green Park - As we cross Piccadilly, moving from Mayfair in the north to St James’ in the south, we leave the aristocrats behind and focus on the royals. Discover the legend of how Green Park got its name and learn about the Royal dynasties featured during this part of our tour.
• St. James’s Palace - Built by Henry VIII on the site of a former women’s leper hospital, it was intended as a palace for Henry’s son, promised by Anne Boleyn. However, as the son turned out to be a daughter, Henry used the palace as a hunting lodge instead. The palace has been central to many Royal events, and I’ll share intriguing stories from its past. If the ancient ceremony of the Changing of the Guard is scheduled, we’ll witness pageantry at its finest.
• Buckingham Palace - As one of London’s most iconic and recognizable buildings, Buckingham Palace serves as the monarchy’s office. The late Queen Elizabeth II used it on weekdays, and Charles III has yet to decide on his London residence. This is an opportunity to see the world-famous palace balcony, the focal point of many Royal celebrations, including the late Queen’s 50th, 60th, and 70th jubilees, as well as William and Kate’s wedding celebrations. This stop is all about the Royals!
• St. James’s Park - One of eight Royal parks in the capital, St James’ is a favorite 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 - pelicans have graced the waters ever since!
• Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall - Originally Henry VIII’s tiltyard for jousting, it is now best known for its ancient ceremonies of the Changing of the Guard and the Trooping of the Colour. During the 2012 London Olympics, Horse Guards was home to a massive sandpit - but which sport was it for?!
• St. James’ Square - 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 17th and early 1800s. A charming square, it still retains remnants of the past with Nancy Astor’s former home and one of Sir Christopher Wren’s churches gracing its edge.
• Jermyn Street - What better way to conclude the tour than a stroll along one of London’s most historic and sophisticated shopping streets. With a cheese shop that began as a market stall and a perfumery dating back to the 1700s, this street has many stories to share.

• Fun & experienced professional guide
• Local guide accredited by ITG & University of Westminster

• Food and drinks
• Food sampling
• Gratuities - optional
• Transportation to/from the start and end points of the walk

This captivating tour explores two of London’s most cherished districts, St James’ and Mayfair, and lasts between 5 to 5.5 hours. St James’ evolved around the Royals, while Mayfair was established for the aristocracy, allowing participants to trace the paths of both. The highlight of St James’ is the magnificent palace constructed by Henry VIII. As participants stroll through the streets under the shadow of its impressive gatehouse, they will encounter gentlemen’s clubs, sophisticated outfitters that have attracted royals and gentlemen for centuries, and picturesque parks. With Buckingham Palace just a short distance away, it truly embodies Royal London!

Continuing a bit further north, the tour leads through the opulent residences, stunning gardens, and exclusive boutiques of aristocratic Mayfair. Participants will pass by retailers showcasing exquisite collections of china, glass, and silverware, eventually reaching Shepherd Market, which has been the center of Mayfair’s vibrant sex industry for centuries.

• 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 [email protected].
• 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.

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