I haven't taken the London Walks, but I believe they're the same group that runs the Paris Walks, and they are wonderful, so if we have time we will definitely try one.

Best,
Sandy

Hi cchottel,

When are you going to be in London? Will you be there after 14th April? I am planning to meet up with another fodorite for a London Walk sometime between 14 and 18 april and you could join us if you are there.

We just did the Jack the Ripper walk with my 11 year old son last week. While it was a bit gory, he wasn't the least bit scared.

Cchottle,
I will be alone in London April 19-22. I have a theater tkt for the 20th, but that leaves Mon the 19th and Wed the 21st. If you are there then, let me know and we could meet for a walk.
Judy Coffman

During my first trip to London in Sept. 02, I did three London Walks- a day trip to Bath, the Gaslight tour, and the Jack the Ripper tour with Donald Rumbelow. I didn't get that much out of the Ripper tour, to be honest. Loved the Gaslight tour. The day trip to Bath was nice but I didn't see the parts of Bath that I really wanted to see. I recommend the evening walks but think I'll do day trips on my own when I go back this September.

Am I right that you don't need to make reservations for these walks, you just show up?

I'm going to London by myself at the end of August and these walks seem like a great way to be out in the evening even though I'll be traveling by myself.

lyb - Yes, just show up where they say, no reservations. There are so many it is hard to choose! I have done several of them on both solo and non-solo trips. Last fall on a solo trip I went on one of their day trips - to Hastings and Battle, very interesting as well plus I spent the day with interesting people from all over.
Enjoy,
Mara

Thanks Mara! Even though it's months away, I am starting to get so excited! I can't wait...meanwhile I get the fun of planning! :)

This is for rj007 (or anyone else who knows!): we're thinking about doing the Apparitions Alleyways and Ales London Walk. Do you remember which pubs or what particularly spooky places you visited? Any cemeteries?

Thanks so much!

Over the years I have done several of the London Walks and even one of their day-long excursions (Oxford). I highly recommend the walks. They are a lot of fun, and I was introduced to so many "hidden jewels" or "secret spaces" --- things I never would have experienced otherwise.

The pub walk I did was certainly not one of my favorite London Walks.

All of the information you need is on the London Walk's highly informative website. You will find it to be the best 5 pounds you spend.

Actually the rates have gone up a bit. Here are the current rates: A London Walk costs £5.50 - or £4.50 for Super Adults (65+), full-time students, and Discount Walkabout Card holders. The Walkabout Cards are a bargain so do ask your guide for one! Children under 15 go free if accompanied by their parent(s).

And, just a side-note, it is quite common (at least for the office where I was working) for employees to take long extended pub-lunches on Fridays. Perhaps you'd be comfortable doing a pub lunch on your own. Another interesting time of day could be Friday evening.

-Sharon

We took the Sunday Night Jack the Ripper Walk and it was great. Some gruesome details but I really enjoyed getting a taste of what London was like in the 1880s. Very interesting. There was a big crowd and they broke the group in two and had two guides. I stuck close to the front to make sure I was able to hear. I don't thnik it is going to offend or scare your daughter. She has probably seen a lot worse on X-Box.

On the Pub thing. I don't know about pub walks but I LOVE the pub scene. It is not like the Bar Scene in the US. It is more like a communal living room and the food is simple but good. the beer is good and there is always conversation with the locals...especially if you sit at the bar. We have commented that we like the fact that Starbucks are providing that kind of atmosphere with comfortable chairs, a fireplace, and a chance to just sit and enjoy the company.

Just go on the walks. London Walks are the best thing since sliced bread. There will be one for every interest. The guides are fabulous. It is the biggest bargain to be found in London. I am only sorry that I have done almost all the ones in the winter schedule. They few I haven't I will be doing in Feb. Go on one...they are like potato chips...you can't stop at one!!!
Jean

Hi Sharon & all,

I'm sorry I wasn't too clear! I've been on other London Walks and I have their brochure and have perused their website, but they don't have specific info on which haunted places/pubs/cemeteries they visit and that's what I'd really love to know -- if anyone who has been on that particular walk (Apparitions, etc.)can remember. Thanks!
P.S. We'll be there in January as usual.