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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 February 2025 | Tour du Jour | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | |
| 1 March 2025 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | |
| 12 April 2025 | Tour du Jour | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
| 10 May 2025 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 7 June 2025 | Tour du Jour | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 12 July 2025 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 2 August 2025 | Tour du Jour | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 13 September 2025 | 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.
Annette Fitzjohn –
Dan’s Spies & Special forces walk was captivating. His focus on the people whose wit, patriotism and courage made the history come alive. The walk was a wonderfully well orchestrated join the dots from 1908 to the present day.
Louise Brealey –
A hugely enjoyable 2 hours of spying, subterfuge and deception in a compact area of Knightsbridge. Dan is an excellent communicator and we could all hear him loud and clear. Lots of interesting information. I jotted down a few notes so that I could research the stories further at home. Ripping yarns!
Catherine –
This was a very special walk! Dan’s knowledge of and passion for his subject was evident throughout the walk. The subject of spies and special forces came alive, especially through the telling of personal stories and the showing of areas where fascinating and dramatic events took place. Do not miss this walk!! Looking forward to joining more of Dan’s walks. Thank you Dan!
Catherine –
How could I resist a walk with that title! And it lived up to expectations. Dan delivered a huge amount of information in an easy to understand and humerous manner. This was a very enjoyable walk and I hope to attend Dan’s other walks in due course.
Liza –
The Spies & Special Forces tour was super informative with historical facts and various stories. Dan was a great tour guide. We would highly recommend this tour!
Maria Miskelly –
Maria. 1st March 2025.
Great tour through Knightsbridge with Dan who is an excellent guide with great knowledge of the events covered. Dan is a Story Teller with the ability to communicate to the group in an exciting and engaging manor. His sense of humour is an added bonus. I enjoyed the tour very much. Thank you Dan! Hope to join you on another walk soon.
Stephen –
Great Tour through Knightsbridge. Dan is a superb story-teller who kept the large group entertained for the full 2 hours. Thoroughly recommended.
Alex R –
My wife and I have been on three of Dan’s walks. Needless to say we’ve found them fantastic. For me living in London, Dan’s engaging and highly informative walks have opened my eyes to some of the incredible events which took place in the very neighbourhoods I’ve obliviously strolled through. I can’t recommend Dan’s tours enough.
Pete & Claire –
Excellent, interesting tour – Dan knew his subject very well and spoke enthusiastically about it – would recommend !
Sascha –
Great tour through Knightsbridge with a very knowledgeable guide, that was Dan. Great spy stories and after having read the book ‘The Siege’ recently, it was great to see the Embassy where it all happened, with my own eyes. Highly recommended tour for anyone interested in the subject!