Mayfair, London's famous aristocratic village - Exclusive, Private Walking Tour
Greater London, United Kingdom
Just 300 years ago, the Mayfair and Berkeley Square area was no more than a muddy field. This walk charts its progress from a playground for the aristocracy in the 1700s to today's comfortable mix of luxurious mansions, exclusive shops, enchanting parks and squares. There are hidden gems everywhere, and as we pass houses once occupied by Royalty and the aristocracy, you can marvel at the architecture and be amazed at the beautiful glass and china on display in Mayfair's shop windows! We visit London's most sophisticated department stores to hear how they invented the hamper, why Michelle Obama was responsible for clearing its shelves and the inside story of Royal Warrants. Discover how Mayfair used to be one of London's most notorious red light districts and find out its sordid secrets. This tour tells tales of Mayfair's highs and lows, of the characters who called it home and of the odd celebrity with a connection to this fascinating area. 100% of my TripAdvisor are graded Excellent
Available options
10:00
p.p. onwards
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER England
It's hard to believe looking at this sophisticated store nowadays but 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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House Piccadilly Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD England
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. We'll stop here for about 10 minutes whilst I fill you in on what happened to the buildings between then and now.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ England
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Bond Street, London England
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Bruton Street, Bruton St, London W1J, UK
See the site where Queen Elizabeth II was born.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Berkeley Square Gardens, London W1J 5AR England
Most famous for its nightingale singing which is probably 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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mount Street Gardens, Mount St Mayfair, London W1K 2TH England
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Shepherd Market, London W1J 7QU England
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Terms & conditions
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Additional info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- 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.
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- 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.
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- I guide for small groups of up to 5 family or friends. I'll wash my hands beforehand & bring hand sanitizer for my and my clients' use. I am quadruple vaccinated.
Inclusions
- A fun & experienced professional local guide, accredited by the ITG & University of Westminster.
Departure time
10:00 AM
Departure point
The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR, UK
Recent reviews
johngG8682OT 17th August 2022
Estie H 11th July 2022
821EmmaO 7th November 2021
U7171STsimonb 23rd October 2021