Explore London through Photography: A Guided Tour of the West End's Back Streets
5.0
20 Ratings
Greater London
Join Mike Wines on a guided tour of London's West End back streets. Explore hidden gems, learn about the area's history, and capture unique photographs. Foul weather guarantee and COVID precautions in place.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Seven Dials - Learn the history of this area and it’s links to one of the greatest spy novels written. Discover a hidden area influenced by the Caribbean and Cuba and on the way learn about a famous theatrical production and two public works of art.
- Denmark Street - Learn the musical history of this street and it’s links to a famous wizard. On the way we discover a secret garden, look for celebrities at a stage door (we don’t actually see any but we have some fun producing our own paparazzi-style images). We also explore one of London’s most colourful buildings and get a variety of shots at this fascinating location.
- The British Museum - Our tour finishes at The British Museum where you are free to explore by yourselves or travel on via tube (Tottenham Court Road and Holbourn station are 5 minutes walk away). We use this final stop to shoot some interesting images of the outside of the building; you are then free to explore and photograph inside by yourselves if you wish.
I have listed some of the sites that we will see on this tour and hinted at others. Other points of interest are included and I do encourage you to ‘wander off’ if you see a photo opportunity. I make sure we have each other’s numbers so you can catch us up if you suddenly find yourselves lost.
What's Included
- Expert photographic guide included
Additional Information
Embark on a thrilling guided journey of three hours through London’s theatre district. Our tour will lead us to old and new edifices, uncover several lesser-known pieces of public art, delve into the intriguing history of these vibrant areas and learn about their connections with renowned literary personalities. The tour also provides an opportunity to experiment with various photography techniques and create some unique pictures.
My name is Mike Wines, your tour guide. I’ll be leading you through London’s lanes, revealing some of the lesser-known spots that I’ve stumbled upon over the years. I bring to the table over 14 years of expertise in digital photography, numerous recognitions, and exhibitions celebrating my work.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: Even if there’s a chance of occasional rain, the tours will still go ahead. However, in case of severe weather predictions or if a tour has to be cut short, rest assured knowing that I will cancel the tour and reimburse you potentially up to the total price.
COVID-19 SAFETIES: Please refer to our Website for information, including our revised refund protocol.
Location
48 Charing Cross Rd
Charing Cross Road
If travelling by tube, leave Leicester Square station using EXIT 3. On your left is The Porcupine pub. I will meet you on that corner. If walking it is at the junction of Charing Cross Road and Long Acre.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(20 Ratings)
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Rebeccal_b
Apr 1, 2024
Loved it so much I wanted more time - Our guide was so knowledgeable about the background stories. Taught us both so many technics and the ins and outs of our cameras. Mine was new to me and he was patient while we figured it out.
Review provided by Viator
Buckleyp7
Oct 11, 2023
Photography experience in London - Mike my guide was amazing, on time, organized and his history of the places we visited was second to non. A real personable gentleman, who offered advice and taught me some new techniques. I felt that I had known him all my life. Thanks Mike.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kenneth_b
Oct 11, 2023
Photogenic West End - Photo tours are a great way to see a slice of local culture and this tour was no exception. The host was on time and brought the group through a variety of local attractions. There are many good photo ops on the tour. Additionally, the host showed us a variety of techniques to liven up even the most ordinary subject. He was accommodating and instructive. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
644lukash
Sep 12, 2023
Good to start in the back streets of London's West End. - Very nice tour with a friendly guide, who takes you to different places in the west end. Good to start the city trip in London.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jet58801358579
Jul 30, 2023
Hugely enjoyable and informative photographic walking tour - An truly excellent way to spend a Saturday morning! Mike was hugely knowledgeable both of the many sites that we visited on the tour and of the best photographic techniques to capture this varied and fascinating part of London.
Highly recommended
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445harryw
Jul 29, 2023
Brilliant time with Mike! - knowledgeable about London and photography, took us to great spots, super friendly, adapted to our skill level. Even as Londoners we learned a lot and took great pictures
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Catherine-vb6
Jul 9, 2023
Highly recommend - The photography tour with Mike was excellent! Highly recommend. Mike is personable, interested and knowledgeable. I’m a photography novice and enjoyed learning techniques and hearing about the history and really seeing places in London I thought I knew - now I truly see them. My daughter knows about photography and enjoyed sharing ideas and getting to know the city. Thank you, Mike, for a really great tour! Even when the heavens opened you had fantastic ideas and we really felt that it was a wonderful experience, whatever the weather 🙂
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Trevorcain46
Jun 14, 2023
Photoraphy in London's West End - My wife and I joined the walking tour, with our friends from Germany and three other people. Firstly, although we were late arriving at the departure point, due to the late arrival of out train, the guide returned to pick us up, so that we didn't miss any of the tour.
We were taken around many streets of the 'West End' and given useful advice on the location, specific buildings and photographic techniques, to make the most of the tour. The photographic tips included, using water (provided by the guide} to obtain interesting and unusual photographs of the area.
The guide provided lots of interesting facts, both historical and current, of the buildings we saw and about the area we were touring.
Overall a very good three hours of walking and taking photos..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vanessa_d
May 13, 2023
AMAZING Tour! - One word for this tour...AMAZING! Mike was a wonderful tour guide and teacher. I used his tips for photography to improve my photos during my entire trip in London. His advice really helped and made a huge difference. He corrected lighting issues I was having which made my photos pop. He also took me to some very interesting places I would have never found on my own. One of the highlights was ducking into a guitar shop during London rain showers. We took the best pictures in this store and discussed how to make them better. It was great. I would highly recommend Mike's tour. He is so personable and friendly as well as very knowledgeable on London history and photography. Thanks Mike for a lovely morning. You're awesome!
Review provided by Viator
Onecatshort
Nov 5, 2022
Wonderful experience - Photography and fun facts about London history - I could not ask for a better day. Mike was friendly and helpful and full of the type of great London trivia that I love. I picked up some tips to improve my photos - just hope I can remember them all! 😁 Thanks for the great experience Mike.
Review provided by Tripadvisor