Spies & Special Forces
Knightsbridge Underground Station – exit 2 (by Harvey Nichols department store)
Guided by Dan Parry
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 February 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | |
| 16 March 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | |
| 13 April 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | |
| 11 May 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 15 June 2024 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
Discover real-life James Bonds, with Dan Parry – “a world-class guide”
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.
Sarah Barry –
We booked this tour, having previously been on another tour with Dan and we were not disappointed. Very interesting and informative tour and Dan was very good at setting the scene for each of his stories. We had a nice size group and had no trouble hearing what was being said. We were so lucky with the weather too which made for a really great couple of hours learning lots of fantastic history.
Catherine –
Very interesting walk. Fascinating subject covered with clarity and enthusiasm by Dan.
Patty Garlepied –
Phillip & Duncan’s review on 3/17/24 says it all! Dan is very personable & genuinely seems to love doing this tour. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with him today! We had a good size group but it was never a problem hearing him & his accent is Perfect, from an American perspective. Although I had a specific interest in “spies & special forces”, I would attend any other tour led by Dan👍
Maggie Mainland –
Another great informative,amusing and enthusiastic walk from Dan again. . Brought a friend she loved it too!! Thanks to Fan for keeping us all inspired throughout. And what’s more he laid on lovely weather. Great act. Thank you
Duncan Fowler –
Another fascinating walk led by Dan. This enthusiasm is infectious. An absorbing 2 hours walking round a very salubrious area of London hearing about lots of very unwholesome activities covering both world wars and more recent events. The tour ends at the site of the Iranian Embassy siege where Dan gives a very vivid account of events that those of us who witnessed on television, will never forget. Wholeheartedly recommended.
Phillip –
Walking on what seemed one of the few dry days in mid March with Dan was as usual a most fascinating insight into the intriguing world of spies and special forces. Dan is a master story teller knowing his subject well and holding captive over 40 people with his keeping you on the edge of ‘what happened next’ Beautiful Knightsbridge and the surrounding area is different from maybe Hampstead and the spies lurking there but Dan draws you into that world of espionage that to this day still goes on. And as for the old America Embassy in Kensington which in itself and the location holds a true life drama, but to find out more you need to join Dan on the walk.
Peter –
An absorbing and entertaining walk. Dan brought to life the fascinating history that we had walked past many times.
Elaine –
We really enjoyed this very informative walk. Despite being Londoners, we saw lots of places that were not familiar and heard lots of new tales. I could hear Dan well despite having a hearing impairment. Great way to spend a couple of hours.
Judith Phillips –
This is a most interesting walk with Dan’s superb storytelling style keeping us entertained the entire walk. I learned so much about past ‘spy and special forces’ events in this area. I highly recommend this tour!
Simon & Alexandra –
Hugely entertaining tales of clandestine and top-secret goings-on in one of London’s most up-market neighbourhoods. Dan really knows his stuff and is a witty and amusing storyteller. Highly recommended!