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 | |
| 10 October 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer | |
| 7 November 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | |
| 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.
Tom W –
I very much enjoyed our tour, your presentation was excellent even with a large group on a busy afternoon. The way you wove the stories and locations together really made an impact. To see the actual locations where agents, double agents and their handlers actually met was quite impressive. The two hours flew by, we will definitely try to go on one of your other tours on our next visit.
Jo T –
Dan is a brilliant guide, with so many amazing stories originating in a relatively small area of London. Even on a very busy Saturday in Knightsbridge, he kept our group enthralled.
David Wilson –
We had a fabulous time on our spies and special forces walk with Dan. Dan is highly knowledgeable on the subject matter and did a fantastic job distilling highly complex stories and situations into bite sized and memorable takeaways in the spots where they happened. Having previously lived in the area which we walked through for several years, it was very interesting to have a new perspective on places I’d previously walked past and not acknowledged. Would highly recommend for anyone interested in intelligence, history or geopolitics
Graham M –
Great way to spend a couple of hours learning about the more secretive and covert ‘goings on’ related to the area. Dan’s depth of knowledge and delivery was excellent we were reminded of key historical events, and others of which we were completely unaware. 🙂
Janet H –
Our walk with you on Spies and Special Forces was a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. Dan, you are an entertaining story teller, we were gripped by your knowledge and facts wrapped up in an exciting story and will be booking onto your other tours.
Thanks and see you again.
Jamie –
Dan was first class host of a first class tour! Not only was he extraordinarily knowledgeable but he was able to weave a large range of topics together into an enthralling narrative. He always had time to chat with his tourists and answer questions. It was brilliant!
Dawn –
Dan is an amazing historian and master storyteller. The walking tour was thoroughly enjoyable and very fun! I learned so much about historic spy stories and the buildings where these stories took place. As I pass through these streets in the future, I now know what went on behind those walls! Highly recommend!
Matt –
A fantastic walk which Dan’s knowledge and great stories make it really enjoyable.
Lee –
Dan is a terrific storyteller keeping you engaged every stop of the walk.
Hilary –
My husband and I have just enjoyed this fascinating walk today.
Dan really brought the facts to life. It was well researched and informative. Dan is a mine of information.
A wonderful tour