West End Theatre Tour
Pull back the curtain on Theatreland and join us on a walking tour of London's West End
Beginning in the bustling charm of Covent Garden and ending near Trafalgar Square, this immersive walking tour takes you on a chronological journey through over 300 years of theatre history, from candlelit stages to the neon glow of Shaftesbury Avenue.
What to Expect
Our Free West End Theatre Tour will lead you on a chronological journey through Theatreland and will take you “behind the curtains” of iconic venues, but please be aware that this tour doesn’t include entry into any theatres. We will embark on a walking tour through the heart of London’s glittering West End to explore its origins and the key players who shaped it!
What Sets Us Apart:
Throughout this free walking tour, you’ll uncover the backstage secrets of famous actors, visionary directors, brilliant set designers, era defining architects and iconic shows that shaped British theatre.
Discover London through the eyes of a true local that go above and beyond.
Enjoy fully customisable private tours that match your interests
Benefit from guides with in-depth knowledge and insider access
Designed for small groups, allowing for a more intimate experience
Tour Highlights
Visit key theatres that revolutionised the landscape of theatre in London.
Secret stories of what really goes on backstage once the curtain has finally come down
Hear which shows sank without a trace and which have been going strong for decades.
Stand on the site of London’s most famous theatrical murder.
Discover the designers, directors and actors who bring the stories to life.
Find out where you can purchase discount tickets to catch the latest West End hits. Learn more here.
Itinerary
We’ll visit some of the most iconic locations associated with London's West End, introducing you to our greatest theatres, plays and musicals:
Shaftesbury Avenue
The street for London’s biggest shows from Les Miserables to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
His Majesty's Theatre
The lair of The Phantom of the Opera, the most successful of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s many stage hits.
Developer
St Martin's Theatre
Home to the longest running show in the world, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, London’s must-see murder mystery
Book Your Tour Today!
Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey into London's Theatreland. Book your Free West End Walking Tour online today!
Looking for more magic? Check out our Harry Potter Wizarding Tour for an even more spellbinding experience!
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How do I find the Guide?Head to Tower Hill Underground Station, next to the Tram Coffee stop, and look for the guide holding up a bright red umbrella.
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Where does the tour start and end?The tour starts outside M&M World in Leicester Square and the guide should be nearby holding a red umbrella. The tour will finish near Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, in Westminster. The exact location will vary depending on the guide and the day, but the guide will always let you know at the beginning of the tour.
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How long is the tour?The tour is roughly 6 long, but will vary on the guide. There's a lunch break in the middle, lasting approximately an hour.
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Do I need to make a booking? Or cancel if my plans change?Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, it's not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour. We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
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What if its raining?If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
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What should I wear?Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
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How is it free?*We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.
What Our Customers Say
Don’t just take our word for it! Join the countless visitors who have been captivated by our Free West End Theatreland tour— book your spot today and experience the mystery, history, and unforgettable storytelling firsthand!
Meeting Point
The tour begins next to the London Transport Museum, in Covent Garden. The nearest underground station is Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line, or Charing Cross on the Northern and Bakerloo Line.
The guide will be stood at the meeting point holding a red umbrella.
We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the tour starts. Grab a coffee or ice cream and meet your guide!