London’s Spymasters
St James's Park Underground Station (Broadway/Petty France exit)
Guided by Dan Parry
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 April 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
| 25 May 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 29 June 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
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.
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
Want to find out more about wonderful Westminster? Check out our other Westminster tours.
Patrick –
Dan is an outstanding story teller and delivers the cloak-and-dagger tales of London’s spies with great skill and enthusiasm. I’d highly recommend this very entertaining tour.
Liz C –
Really enjoyed our walk with Dan, learnt lots about the clandestine and brutal world of espionage and he was extremely knowledgeable and a skilled tour leader, Dan brings the topic to life and showed us parts of London we wouldn’t have seen otherwise or had any idea of what they were used for.
Paul R –
Dan brought the secret world of spies and espionage to life with his true stories, humour and real life experiences of meeting some of the characters involved. Amazing tour, such a detailed knowledge, huge passion for the subject and answered all questions with honesty and expertise. The way he linked James Bond via Ian Fleming – amazing, will look at some of the films in a new light now! Fabulous day out, will definitely look for more tours by Dan as he clearly loves what he does and does it so well.
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.