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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 October 2024 | Tour du Jour | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | |
| 9 November 2024 | Tour du Jour | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | |
| 4 January 2025 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
| 1 February 2025 | Tour du Jour | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
| 1 March 2025 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
| 12 April 2025 | Tour du Jour | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | 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.
Paul Scott –
I went on Dan’s Spies & Special Forces walk recently and loved every minute of it. Dan is such a good storyteller and his knowledge is impressively broad and deep. It’s so interesting hearing details about events I thought I knew well, and learning about people and stories I had no idea about. I’d been on a couple of Dan’s other walks and I have to say they’re all thoroughly enjoyable. Getting to know London through a different lens is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Highly recommended.
JJ –
As someone formerly in the field, and inclined to be sceptical, I was impressed by Dan Parry’s excellent Spies and Special Forces Tour. He’s a skilled raconteur, and he deftly managed to keep a large group interested and moving through several fascinating sites in Knightsbridge. I believe that I have found a new hobby, and now need to book the other tours Dan gives. He is considerate and kind as well. Top marks. Thank you, Dan.
Patricia –
Dan is an excellent story teller. A fascinating side of Knightsbridge.
Shushil –
Really enjoyable entertaining tour. Visiting places of spy activities brought history to life.
Ian –
Dan has a great blend of knowledge and story-telling, delivered clearly and enthusiastically. He adds extra details to events that you think you already know. Many of those details he has gathered by speaking to thise involved first hand. A great way to spend a couple of hours. Would recommend without hesitation
Richard Jones –
Ijust did Dan Parry’s Spies & Special Forces walk, and it was brilliant! Dan is such a natural storyteller. He brings so much to life that you know you’re stepping right into history. I’ve visited London for years, but had no idea about these amazing stories tucked away. Dan’s passion for the subject really shines through, and he keeps you hooked with tales across the decades that make you look twice at all the buildings. Definitely one of the best tours I’ve ever been on, highly recommended if you’re curious about London’s hidden side!
Lyn Cowan –
Thoroughly enjoyed being led around Knightsbridge by Dan on his Spies and Special Forces walk; best walk we have done so far (and we have done ten). Thank you. Hope you will do more.
John Taylor –
Thoroughly enjoyed this well informed walk & talk and extremely well delivered by Dan.
Ben –
Excellent tour and Dan is a superb informative and captivating guide, clearly has a passion and enthusiasm for the history and brought us to areas of the city I’d never been to before. Spies could be anywhere!!
CATHY GRISHAM –
This tour is absolutely terrific. Dan’s unusual experience means he knows and shares details about the world of UK intelligence that few would be able to recount. Really great storytelling and you come home wanting to learn more about all these fascinating characters and events.