Spies & Special Forces
Knightsbridge Underground Station – exit 2 (by Harvey Nichols department store)
Guided by Dan Parry
Adult: £20 · Students & Seniors: £15 · Children: £5
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 July 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | |
| 1 August 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | |
| 26 September 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 10 October 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 7 November 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
| 5 December 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
Discover real-life James Bonds, with Dan Parry – “a world-class guide”
And while you’re at it, discover Dan Parry, discover your “world class guide.” Get to know him. This podcast is Dan telling us a bit about Dan – about being a cowboy, about interviewing Astronaut Neil Armstrong and President George Bush, etc.
The glittering whirl of Knightsbridge conceals a shadowy world of modern-day assassins, spies, and special forces. From dead drops used by the KGB to the deadly SAS assault on the Iranian Embassy – via MI5 actions against the IRA and a daring rescue by MI6 – this unique walk is a spies tour with a twist.
Focusing on the sharp end of intelligence operations, we discover real-life James Bonds acting on guts, daring, and a wild stab in the dark.
Knightsbridge has long hosted the British intelligence community and their friends in special forces. Just a gunshot away from the nearby Russian embassy, this part of London is smart, fast, and conveniently crowded. But out of sight in its quiet back-streets are dead drops known to have been used by the KGB, the discreet apartments used by MI6 as a training school, and the home of diver Buster Crabb who vanished on a secret mission to investigate a Russian cruiser.
We encounter the hotel where MI6 met KGB officer Oleg Gordievsky – who they later rescued from Russia. Next door were the offices of the private military company run by the founder of the SAS.
We discover atom bomb spy Klaus Fuchs as he was being shadowed by MI5 watchers. We step into the world of secret agent Anna Wolkoff, we hear of the heroism of SOE’s Christine Granville – murdered in the area – and we meet Belgium’s Gabrielle Petit, who was shot at dawn in 1916 after spying for Britain.
A family-friendly stroll – guided by Dan Parry. A former BBC documentaries producer and author of D-Day (published by BBC Books), Dan also leads our ever popular London’s Spymasters tour.
David here, chiming in. Dan Parry comes trailing clouds of glory. He and his walks get rave reviews like sparks coming off a grindstone. No other ‘body of work’ attracts them the way Dan’s walks do.
Mark Attridge –
I knew a lot of the headlines before going on the walk but Dan filled in the gaps with great knowledge and a passion for the subject, as always every days a school day and came away with insights into buildings I have previously walked past and never knew what went on behind those closed doors. I will now remember the history next time I pass by, highly recommend this walk.
Justin Whitmarsh –
As always marvelous. Dan particularly brings the walks to life with his knowledge and tinge of humor. If golf is “a good walk spoiled”, Dan makes for a good walk vastly improved.
Sarah-Jane Graham –
I attended the Spies & Specials Forces walk on 01/08/26 with my 18 year old son.
Dan is a brilliant orator with clearly a huge passion for history. The way he wove one story into the next was excellent. Plus all the additional nuggets of information you wouldn’t get with simply reading about the subject made for a really enjoyable afternoon.
Very reasonably priced. 100% recommed.
Deborah Chalmers –
Very enjoyable walk with Dan who clearly has a passion and knowledge about the subject matter which he is keen to pass on to attendees.
Donna Lowe –
Thoroughly enjoyed this walk and will definitely join in another. Entertaining and interesting.
Giles –
A genuinely fascinating and intriguing walk through the side streets of Knightsbridge. Dan is an outstanding guide, who effortlessly brings to life the many events he has clearly very well researched. Full of interesting information, delivered in an engaging and captivating manner, this walk leaves you wanting more.
Susan Vasner –
Dan Parry has clearly done his spy research over many years. He is also an engaging storyteller, and has a way of making complex bits of history understandable. This combo makes for a spirited and informative ramble through elegant Knightsbridge environs whilst listening to tales of treachery and bravery, much of which has happened in a lifetime. Save a space for this one.
Tim Gifford –
A fascinating walk with many well-known intelligence matters brought to life with critical background information providing perspective on how and why events took place, making them understandable and justified. Some interesting links highlighted across international developments over the last 70 years or so, bringing to life circumstances which appeared rather more vague in the media at the time. If you have the opportunity, do this walk.
D Tang –
The tour was wonderful. There were stories packed around so many little corners of the area. My impression was that Dan has more stories in him than he could possibly fit into the number of tours he offers.
Kerry Olsen –
A genuinely special experience, and not your typical walking tour. We opted for the Spies and Special Forces route through Knightsbridge: discreet, deeply researched, and quietly fascinating in that very London way.
Dan is an exceptional guide – thoughtful, incisive, and wonderfully generous with his knowledge. Being able to ask questions and have such considered, informed answers made it feel far more like a private conversation than a tour.
Understated, intelligent, and absolutely worth doing.