St James Audio Walking Tour: Risqué Royals and Secret Locations

London, England
Duration1h - 1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Ever wondered what it‘s like to live and shop like a royal? On this self-guided audio tour, you‘ll find out as you explore the exclusive neighbourhood of St James‘s – an area owned by the Crown Estate. Starting in front of the Ritz Hotel, you‘ll hear about the district‘s royal roots. From there, I‘ll point out other lavish establishments, including several famous private membership clubs like London‘s first gentlemen‘s club, the White‘s Club, and the men‘s only East India Club. You‘ll pass by the hidden Blue Ball Yard, James J. Fox, which is the oldest cigar merchant in the world, and Lock & Co. Hatters. After circling St James‘ Square, you‘ll pick up the pace for a royal finish along the Mall. By the end of this hour-long London walking tour, you‘ll see famous royal sights as well as discover a pocket of London just steps away that is unlike any other and bursting with gems.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Food and Drinks
  • Transportation
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    Marvel at the iconic façade of this legendary luxury hotel with its elegant Louis XVI architecture and famous arcade. You'll discover how The Ritz became synonymous with opulence and high society glamour.
  2. Lock & Co. Hatters
    Pass by
    Pass the world's oldest hat shop, established in 1676, with its traditional storefront and royal warrants displayed. You'll learn how this historic establishment has crafted headwear for royalty and distinguished customers for over three centuries.
  3. Pass by
    Admire Britain's oldest wine merchant, trading from the same premises since 1698, with its charming historic shopfront. You'll explore how this family business has supplied fine wines to the royal family for generations.
  4. St. James' Square
    Pass by
    Stroll around this elegant garden square surrounded by grand Georgian townhouses and historic buildings. You'll discover how this exclusive address became home to aristocrats and remains one of London's most prestigious locations.
  5. Fortnum & Mason
    Pass by
    View the iconic department store with its distinctive eau de nil façade and ornate clock featuring Mr Fortnum and Mr Mason. You'll see where royalty has shopped for luxury goods and hampers since 1707.
  6. St. James's Palace
    Pass by
    Pass the Tudor brick gatehouse of this working royal palace where the Royal Court is still officially based. You'll walk past the historic residence that has housed monarchs and remains central to royal ceremonies.
  7. Clarence House
    Pass by
    View the elegant stucco mansion that serves as the official London residence of King Charles III. You'll discover the royal history of this distinguished townhouse on the Mall.
  8. Pass by
    Walk along the ceremonial route lined with Union Jack flags leading to Buckingham Palace. You'll experience the grand processional avenue used for royal occasions and state events.
  9. Buckingham Palace
    Pass by
    Marvel at the iconic facade of the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch. You'll see the balcony where the royal family appears during major celebrations and ceremonies.
  10. Queen Victoria Memorial
    Pass by
    Admire the grand marble monument featuring Queen Victoria surrounded by allegorical sculptures and golden figures. You'll enjoy the centerpiece of the ceremonial route where state processions gather before the palace.
  11. Green Park
    Pass by
    Pass through this serene royal park with its tree-lined paths and peaceful open spaces. You'll stroll through one of London's eight Royal Parks, a tranquil green oasis in the heart of the city.
  12. Spencer House
    Pass by
    View the magnificent Palladian mansion with its impressive stone façade overlooking Green Park. You'll discover London's finest surviving 18th-century aristocratic townhouse, ancestral home of Princess Diana's family.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour begins under The Ritz sign next to the red telephone boxes and the entrance to Green Park.

End point

This tour ends at Spencer House.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$9.99 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in London
From
$9.99 per person
Check availability