London’s Spymasters
St James's Park Underground Station (Broadway/Petty France exit)
Guided by Dan Parry
Adult: £20 · Students & Seniors: £15 · Children: £5
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 June 2026 | Special | 11 am | 1 pm | Summer | |
| 18 July 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | |
| 29 August 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 12 September 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 24 October 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 21 November 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
| 12 December 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
N.B. Location, location, location. The meeting point for London’s Spymasters is St. James’s Park Underground Station, (Broadway/Petty France exit) – opposite The Old Star pub (…down the road from that mother lode of history, the five-star Conrad Hotel – here’s Conrad Confidential, a tasty podcast about the Conrad – yet another reason for going on this walk).
There was a guy with a gun – aka get to know your guide
And this podcast makes three. It’s a sneak preview of this Walk. Picture Dan in Horse Guards Parade, spinning the yarn of Operation Mincemeat, weaving in the James Bond connection, and – for good measure – getting tantalisingly close to unmasking the real 007.
Step into the shadows of Westminster and discover covert locations where spies, assassins and duplicitous double agents plied their trade. Visiting the smartest corners of London, we peer into a murky world marked by treason and treachery, betrayal and murder.
From the wartime HQ of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) to the exceptionally discreet apartment of C, (‘M ‘in the Bond films), we walk in the footsteps of officers and agents who shaped history. Some of them managed Enigma – WWII’s greatest secret; others deviously created the biggest deception operation of the war.
AND WHILE WE’RE AT IT, MEET YOUR GUIDE
MORE ON THE WALK…
Some planned covert Cold War actions, a few gave away information on all of the above and one or two recently revealed GCHQ’s modern-day London secrets.
A murky world of treason, treachery, betrayal and murder. London’s hidden espionage landscape reimagined as a bold, deliberately stylised spy-thriller illustration.
Visiting shadowy locations that are rarely seen, we pass Ian Fleming’s wartime office, the glamorous house once used by SIS as a recruitment centre and the beautiful garden that witnessed an ugly assassination. Guided by Dan Parry
“For decades to come the spy world will continue to be the collective couch where the subconscious of each nation is confessed.” – John le Carre
Classified Security File, Secret Intelligence Service. Artificially-created spy-thriller illustration evoking the covert world of London’s intelligence services.
Steve F –
I extended my stay in London for an additional day so I could go on this walk and I was thrilled I did. Dan was exceptional. Extremely knowledgeable about the content, answered all questions and very entertaining. The two hours flew by and I could have done another two. Thank you Dan!!!
Jean Shepherd –
Another five star review of Dan’s Spies walk from my sister and me. Great stories, brilliantly told with humour as well. We had a great time and thoroughly recommend this walk.
Abel K –
Another very illuminating and interesting walking tour by Dan – the spymasters tour covered many locations and history of the MI5/MI6. The stories of the events and people behind them were fascinating. Highly recommended.
Dean Reardon –
Really enjoyed the tour. Saw some of London (my home town) that I knew when working for a political organisation, but this time in a different light.
Thought it funny that these departments had no money but were all based on solid gold real estate! This aspect made the walk enjoyable on its own.
Dan the guide was very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions.
Jo Lloyd –
A brilliant walk about London’s network of spies.
Fascinating history and psychology. Dan’s storytelling is excellent.
Vivian W. –
A most informative walk through the hidden byways of St James’s and Mayfair. Dan led us past houses that looked quite innocuous from the outside but his fascinating commentary revealed the secrets behind their closed doors – they were offices for the Intelligence Services where spies and double agents plied their trade. Dan has actually interviewed some of these men and women and his talk has the authenticity of lived experience and personal anecdote. Fascinating to me was the way in which the actions of one person can change the course of history, in some cases, saving many lives, in others causing havoc and mayhem.
Andrea Bakas –
Thank you Dan – it was such fun learning about the people, the intrigues & drama around spycraft in central London. I’ve walked those streets & their main attractions before, but now I appreciate the significance of the street corners, buildings, alleyway hotels that I could not have otherwise known played a role in history. Dan is well versed in the WWII & Cold War eras & a skilled storyteller. I also appreciated the pace which was brisk (it was cold!) not rushed with time for questions.
Robyn O’Connell –
Dan truly brought history to life. It was fascinating to bring new meaning to buildings I’ve walked passed a million times, and to discover hidden parts of London I’ve never seen before. Dan has a wonderful way with words, and showed a great depth of knowledge and understanding of the topic. As a result, I think this tour would be suitable for every level of knowledge; you don’t have to be an expert already but if you are, you won’t be disappointed! Dan took all the background noise from the protest happening that day in his stride- I felt we were in safe hands. A captivating and enjoyable walking tour, thanks Dan!
Colin –
Dan Parry is a complete expert on the world of spying which makes for an excellent walk around some of London sites. He is very clear, articulate and well spoken, even competing with overhead helicopters which he was on the day we had the tour! As always with these walks they get you off the main roads to really discover hidden areas of London. Highly recommended
Aimee L –
Dan revealed a side of London hidden to many and right in front of us. Very knowledgeable, he brought the history to life … and even managed well with the added “ambience of a hovering helicopter overhead. Definitely recommend if you are a WW2 and cold war history buff … or a fan of the Westminster/St. James areas of London.