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Mayfair: Aristocratic London Village's Exclusive, Private Walking Tour

5.0

6 Ratings

Greater London

Explore the transformation of Mayfair from a muddy field to an aristocratic playground to a luxurious mix of mansions, shops, and parks. Discover hidden gems, royal connections, and scandalous secrets on this exclusive walking tour.

Duration: 3 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Fortnum & Mason - It’s hard to believe looking at this sophisticated store that Fortnum and Mason’s started life as a market stall! William Fortnum worked as a Footman for Queen Anne of ‘Favourite’ fame and took the half used Royal candles to sell on his house mates market stall and there began the entrepreneurial business - we’ll do a quick turn around the ground floor of this magnificent store which will leave you wanting to return for certain!
Royal Academy of Arts - If the original owners of this property, the Earls of Burlington, could see their home today, they wouldn’t recognise it! Since it was built in the 1660s, at least 9 architects have worked on it to make it the glamorous home of the Royal Academy. Its transformation from private home to world famous art treasure is fascinating to hear.
Burlington Arcade - This arcade has just celebrated its 200 year anniversary - it was originally built by George Cavendish, one of the Earls of Burlington, so that his wife and her aristocratic friends would have somewhere to shop without being pestered by beggars! It also stopped all and sundry from tossing rubbish over his garden wall because, of course, he lived in Burlington House next door! A pleasant 10 minute stroll along the arcade gives you a chance to see the arcade’s guardians, the Beadles, in action and enjoy a spot of window shopping as well.
Bond Street - The only road joining Piccadilly and Oxford Street, it is one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world. As you walk the pavements, the shops certainly read like a who’s who of retail! As you absorb the well known names and marvel at the window displays, we’ll saunter along Old Bond Street and a part of New Bond Street for about 10 minutes before turning off to see the home of Norman Hartnell, one of fashion’s most famous designers from the 1950s and 60s.
Bruton Street - Although the building no longer stands, we can see the site where the late Queen Elizabeth II was born and let our imaginations do the rest!.
Berkeley Square - Most famous for its nightingale singing which is stuff of legend, this is a square full of historical interest. From the centuries old plane trees to the grade I listed buildings around its edges, this is one of the most beautiful squares in London - and who would have thought a river runs through it too. All will be revealed as we wander between the ancient trees.
Mount Street Gardens - A tranquil oasis in the heart of a City that never stops. Its past is not quite so calm as today though - come on the tour and in the 10 minutes we’ll stay in the gardens, you will find out what lies beneath your feet and what gruesome building used to grace the side of the gardens.
Shepherd Market - Set up in James II’s reign, the market he established gave Mayfair its name. For centuries, Shepherd Market was Mayfair’s much visited red light district (what else was there for the aristocracy to do!). During our 10 minute stop here you will find out its fascinating history and which MP lost his reputation here!

What's Included

Experienced local guide accredited by ITG & University of Westminster

What's Not Included

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from the start and end points of the walk

Additional Information

A mere three centuries ago, the region encompassing Mayfair and Berkeley Square was nothing more than an unrefined, marshy field. This enlightening stroll tracks its transformation from a 18th-century luxuriant recreation spot for the nobility, to its contemporary harmonious blend of ritzy mansions, top-tier retail outlets, captivating parks and squares. Uncover concealed wonders in every corner, and be awe-struck by the architectural grandeur of residences once owned by royalty and the noble class, in addition to the splendid display of glassware and ceramics in Mayfair’s storefronts! We stop by London’s most refined department store to learn about their creation of the food basket, Michelle Obama’s influence on their inventory, and the intriguing details of Royal Warrants. Get to know about Mayfair’s past reputation as one of London’s most infamous areas of illicit activities and uncover its scandalous stories. This tour unfurls the roller coaster ride of Mayfair’s fortunes, the eccentric personalities who called it their dwelling, and the occasional famed individual linked to this intriguing district. Everyone who has reviewed my tour on TripAdvisor has rated it as Excellent.

When your booking is confirmed, you will receive contact details for me (Sandy), your guide on this tour. My aim is to give you, my client, the best experience you could possibly have so if you have any special requests, be sure to let me know what they are!
Your comfort is my priority - if you need to stop for a coffee or a comfort break just let me know.
The tour will last up to 3 hours.
The tour will cover about 2 - 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. If needs be, bring waterproofs and an umbrella!
The tour is an outside walking tour but does include an internal stop at one of Mayfair’s most unique department stores.
I will meet you at 10.00 a.m. under the Colonnade of the Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly.
Unlike some other guides, I specialise in just five areas of London, Mayfair being one of them. This means that I have detailed knowledge of the area 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 100 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 in advance of a tour so if you have not heard from me one week before your tour date, please contact me.
I only accept bookings directly from customers. Any bookings made by a travel agent on behalf of a customer will be cancelled.

Location

The Ritz London

Piccadilly

Under the Colonnade of the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly, Central London

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

5.0

(6 Ratings)

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1 star

Sibarjo

Sep 29, 2023

Mayfair walking tour 25/9/23 - The tour was excellent. Our guide, Sandy, was well prepared, well informed and very up to date with what was happening around us. She was interesting and engaging and alert to the small group that we were with to get the pace and interests just right. We would thoroughly recommend.