What You Will Do
Follow in the footsteps of the world's first and greatest consulting detective Mr Sherlock Holmes. Visit locations that inspired and appeared in the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and learn how Sherlock Holmes became one of the greatest literary figures of all time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
We can meet you outside the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus.
1
Westminster
10 minutes
Westminster is home the Houses of Parliament also known as the Palace of Westminster. In the hit BBC TV series 'Sherlock' Parliament is almost destroyed by a bomb placed underground train, but luckily Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are on hand to save the day. Whilst in Westminster you will hear how the BBC TV series to film one of the most secure locations in the country, and how the scene involving the train may not be all that it appears to be.
2
Victoria Embankment
10 minutes
Victoria Embankment is a place that Detective Lestrade would be very familiar with given that it is the home to New Scotland Yard. Even the modern detective Lestrade would recognise this area of London as it is now where the new headquarters of the Metropolitan police service is based. It is from Victoria Embankment where we will look at what once was New Scotland Yard and where your guide will explain the history of the building, the Metropolitan police service, it's new home nearby, and why although Lestrade is considered to be one of the best people in the Met he always seems comical next to Sherlock Holmes.
3
Downing Street
10 minutes
As we all know Downing Street is home to the Prime Minister and on occasion the Prime Minister has needed to call on the greatest consulting detective of all time Mr Sherlock Holmes. Whilst outside of Downing Street you will hear how Sherlock has done his duty for Queen and country and how this sense of duty crosses from the Conan Doyle books into many of the portrayals of the great detective on stage and screen.
Next to Downing Street is the Cabinet Office and this is the perfect place to explain the Holmes family's links to the British government. It is here outside the Cabinet office where you will hear all about Sherlock Holmes's elder brother Mycroft Holmes and how it is said that 'he is the British government'.
4
Old Admiralty Building
The Old Admiralty Building has been the residents of the U.K.'s leading politicians and is traditionally home to the First Lord of the Admiralty. As you walk past this historic building guide will explain how Sherlock Holmes story the case the Bruce Partington plans is considered to be the earliest spy thriller, and how the Sherlock Holmes classic went on to inspire spy thriller writers such as Ian Fleming.
5
The Athenaeum Club
The Athenaeum Club is Conan Doyle's old club and is where he drew inspiration from when creating the famous Diogenes club. But why were these clubs so important when Conan Doyle was writing? Why are these clubs important now? And do any of them really have 'Stranger's Rooms'? Find out on our tour.
From outside the Athenaeum club you will also be able to see the statue of Edward VII and will discover from your guide a surprising link between this scandalous monarch and Sherlock Holmes.
As you walk towards Piccadilly you will also hear how Cox and Co had an important (if fictional) role in Dr Watson's Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes cases.
6
Piccadilly Circus
10 minutes
Stand outside The Criterion Bar and Resturant and learn about how this former London institution celebrates its links to Sherlock Holmes even though it is now an Italian restaurant
7
Trafalgar Square
10 minutes
Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom and an incredibly popular filming location. Seen in both 'Elementary' and 'Sherlock' not only will you learn how these two modern dress versions of Sherlock Holmes came to film in the same location, but you will also discover the history of this famous square and white is of national and historic importance.
8
Sherlock Holmes
10 minutes
The Sherlock Holmes pub is a London landmark unlike any other. Originally the Northumberland Arms, which are believed to have inspired the Northumberland hotel in the Sherlock novel The Hound of the Baskervilles, today this pub is a must-visit for any Sherlock Holmes enthusiast. Inside the pub contains numerous artefacts that relate to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes, and Dr Watson. The pub even includes a replica of the 221B apartments as described in the short stories and novels which will see as part of the tour.
Should you wish to sample Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson ale which this pub has on offer please let your guide know as you will be able to stop for a quick pint before continuing on with our tour. Other alcoholic beverages are available and soft drinks are available for those under 18's and those people who do not wish to drink.
9
Barts
20 minutes
St Bartholomew's Hospital is the oldest hospital in Europe having been founded in 1123. Whilst outside this historic and very famous hospital your guide will reveal this hospital's impressive history and why Conan Doyle chose this hospital as the alma mater of Dr John Watson. Whilst here you will hear how Sherlock Holmes first meets Dr Watson in the short story 'A Study in Scarlet' and why the BBC TV series chose this building as a substitute for the Reichenbach Falls in their series two finale.
Want to know what it's like to study at Barts Hospital? If so you can request a guide who studied their Masters of Science at the Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry in the Wolfson Institue of Population Health. (Please note this guide may not always be available, please message us for more details.)
10
Speedy's Sandwich Bar & Cafe
10 minutes
Sadly speedy sandwich bar in the café was the victim of the global COVID19 pandemic. However, Sherlock's front door is still there and this is the perfect place to stop for pictures which will make your friends back home jealous. Whilst here your guide will explain why North Gower Street was chosen for Baker Street in the hit TV series 'Sherlock' starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Your guide will also explain that while some locations in London were used, many of the locations we see in the hit TV series are over 200 miles away. Why did they film so far away? The answer is 'elementary my dear tourist' and all will be explained whilst you soak up the atmosphere of this iconic filming location.
11
Baker Street
Everyone who loves Sherlock Holmes knows that he lives, with his companion Dr Watson and their housekeeper Mrs Hudson at 221B Baker Street. Whilst on this most famous street your guide will explain why Conan Doyle chose this address as Sherlock Holmes' residents and the problems it caused one of Britain's leading banks. It is here on Baker Street that you will also learn how the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle inspired one of Britain's most secret and clandestinely intelligence agencies during the Second World War and you will briefly hear about their most famous and daring raid to disrupt the Nazi atomic weapons programme.
The tour will finish outside the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street where you can queue to explore the only museum in London which is dedicated to a fictional character. (Entry to the museum is not included as part of this tour).
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