jame,
I know what you mean about walking a block off a busy street and being suprised by something incongruent with modern London. I think that's why I love the walks so much--it's like being let in on a secret world. I agree too with your assessment of how important having the right guide can be. Although I've never had a really bad guide, the best can breathe life into Thames River mud (had to be there).

I have taken many of the London walks and enjoyed almost all of them. The exception was the Jack the Ripper Walk. There were too many people and there really isn't anything to see. I was also disappointed that the famous author guide didn't give us any theories on who the Ripper was. I guess he wants you to buy his book.

All of the literary walks were wonderful i.e. shakespeare, dickens, sherlock holmes, but it does help if you have read the stories.

I liked all the evening ghost walks especially the haunted west end theater walk. I didn't like the pub walk much because I don't drink so all the stops were annoying to me.

i was surprised how much I enjoyed the Princess Diana walk. It was enjoyable and interesting. I have learned not to think about the subject matter of the walk too much--just take it. They are all fun and interesting.

I will be in London next week and am planning to take four or five more walks.

I also want to mention that the explorer days are great to get an overview of a city but there really wasn't enough time to check out museums or other interesting sites not covered on the walk. I met great people and had fun on them though.
I did the Oxford and Cotswolds (on my birthday, great treat); Salisbury and Stongehenge (the sky went grey and overcast as the walk started, very atmospheric); Rye and Battle and Canterbury and Leeds Castle.

Laura, thanks for the insight. I'd love to hear back from you in a couple weeks after you've taken some recent London walks. I don't think I'll have enough time for any explorer outings this trip, but loved the Stonehenge one last trip.

Yes, "Ghosts of the Old City" was very good. Also liked "Secret London" from Chancery Lane which took us to some hidden courtyards, pubs, and inside an ancient Catholic Church.

Zeppo-
I apologize for not reading your original post more carefully which mentioned you have taken the literary walks.

I thought I'd elaborate a bit more on the walks I have taken. I liked legal and illegal London since I have read all the Rumpole at the Bailey books. I find the English legal system fascinating. You even get to see a shop where they buy their wigs for court. London Behind Closed Doors was also very interesting. We got to go inside a courtroom during a trial.

Somewhere else London was cool because you go up the Oxo tower and get a great view. I also loved the Monday afternoon walk (London's secret village?) with Jean. It goes to Clerkenwell. You also see the building used to represent where Hercule Poirot lives in the David Suchet Poirot series.

If you get a chance to take the Edward Petherbridge theater walk, go for it. I think I was the only one on the walk who had heard of him but everyone enjoyed his theatricality.

The Westminster afternoon walk is very good in terms on historical background. I didn't do the Sunday afternoon Ancient London walk but my 12 year old nephew loved it.

The Sunday Hampstead walk was lovely and interesting but the guide droned on just a bit so I left early with two other walkers so we could have lunch and walk through the heath. I did love all the houses on that walk especially the one that was used as the model for Admiral Boom's house in Mary Poppins

I also really enjoyed the walk about the hidden palaces with guide Richard III. I enjoyed going in Somerset house and walking through the outdoor fountain ( which you probably wouldn't do in December).

I am sure I have taken other walks but can't remember at the moment.
I will write when I get back from this trip.

zeppo2

Could I ask which of the literary walks you would recommend? We will have a 16 year old with us and were considering the Jack the Ripper Walk but it looks too crowded.

sbenz,
I think a 16-year-old might like the Shakespeare and Dickens' London walk. There was enough diversion for just about anybody (including bullet holes from WWII and the spot William Wallace was tortured. I like the Ripper walk, but have heard other opinions so it might depend upon the guide and the time.