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 | |
| 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 |
| 13 July 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 31 August 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 28 September 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 26 October 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 30 November 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | 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.
James –
Enjoyable and engaging walk on 28th Jan with Dan, through St James’s on the Spymasters walk. Dan clearly has deep knowledge on the subject which he delivers with enthusiasm. Highly recommended for those with an interest in the subject.
Jason S –
Dan has superbly crafted this narrative. It weaves together a mix of really good stories from beginning to end of the walk. Dan also delivers a very lively and charismatic presentation. Based on this experience, I would go on *any* walk of Dan’s in the future.
stephen durham –
Dan was exceptionally knowledgeable about the overt spy network and brought little known facts to life. Dan was passionate about his subject matter, which was another plus for the walk. The walk is well paced and includes plenty of tragedy and humor. Highly recommended
Richard O’Brien –
Wonderful afternoon…. Highly recommended… Dan, our guide knew his stuff… With clear voice, and a touch of dry humour….
Also it was a fine area of London to explore. Yes, good day had by all!
Janyce Welch –
Fantastic Walk on Saturday called Spymasters lead by the equally fantastic, Dan Parry. Very informative and enjoyable , must do it again as cannot remember all the facts 😂
Roger Tapper –
Brilliant entertaining modern history lesson. A reminder of all the dastardly deeds that go on
without our knowledge.
Imelda –
Engrossed from start to finish and so thoroughly knowledgeable and enjoyable. Dan wove the stories together so that there was an almost seamless transition across stories and ages and names. The time flew by and it was a most enjoyable experience in the presence of someone who knows his subject well. Can’t wait to do it again sometime we enjoyed it so much.
John Ashmele –
Dan Parry’s talk on London Spies started in glorious sunshine at St. James Park station and finished at Green Park station two hours later. He led us past buildings that at one time housed the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a GCHQ out-station, and various other secret establishments. He led us past the former home of Captain Sir Mansfield George Smith-Cumming, who served as the first chief of the Secret Intelligence Service and was the original ‘C’. Dan introduced us to the authors Ian Fleming and John le Carré, who were also spies in their own right having received ‘a tap on the shoulder and a quiet word’. As well as the activities of the double-agents Kim Philby, Donald McClean and Guy Burgess, we were shown the various haunts of these spies including the hotels, gentlemen’s clubs and safe-houses. Dan talked engagingly and with humour: a walk that I would certainly recommend.
Will Y –
Dan Parry’s history walks are incredible – informative, entertaining and highly recommended! You’ll learn much from a London Walks jaunt with Dan – and how he retains his near encyclopaedic knowledge of facts and little known histories is beyond me – but that’s not to imply you’ll be receiving a dry history lecture. Dan’s playful and friendly delivery of fun, thrilling and shocking accounts of the city’s turbulent and at times downright quirky history are as lively and vibrant as the locations you’ll tread upon. At each stop through a trek around some of the most memorable London locations, stepping over bridges where aspiring spies met and in front of mansions where deals were done, Dan always brings these events to life. I couldn’t recommend this walk more.
Phil –
I’ve done quite a few London Walks now and this is one of the best. Really interesting delve into London’s spy past. Highly recommended.