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Mayfair, London's famous aristocratic village - Exclusive, Private Walking Tour

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Overview

The Mayfair of today is a comfortable mix of luxurious mansions, exclusive shops, enchanting parks and squares. There are hidden gems everywhere, and as we pass houses once occupied by Royalty and the aristocracy, you can marvel at the architecture. We visit London's most sophisticated department store to hear its history. We see some of the capital's oldest shopping arcades built a couple of centuries ago to provide the aristocratic ladies with shopping options away from the prying eyes of the hoi polloi! We stroll through beautiful squares and gardens. We discover how Mayfair used to be one of London's most notorious red light districts and get up to date with a bit of current day gossip about London's clubland! This tour tells tales of Mayfair's highs and lows, of the characters who called it home and of the odd celebrity with a connection to this fascinating area. 100% of my TripAdvisor are graded Excellent; why don't you book a Hobnob tour to find out why?

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Piccadilly, England, W1J 8JA, United Kingdom

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We will meet either inside or outside the cafe depending on whether or not you wish to start your tour with a coffee! Meeting time to be agreed.

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Fortnum & Mason

It's hard to believe looking at this sophisticated store that Fortnum and Mason's started life as a market stall! William Fortnum worked as a Footman for Queen Anne of 'Favourite' fame and took the half used Royal candles to sell on his house mates market stall and there began the entrepreneurial business - we'll do a quick turn around the ground floor of this magnificent store which will leave you wanting to return for certain!

Duration: 15 mins

2. Royal Academy of Arts

If the original owners of this property, the Earls of Burlington, could see their home today, they wouldn't recognise it! Since it was built in the 1660s, at least 9 architects have worked on it to make it the glamorous home of the Royal Academy. Its transformation from private home to world famous art treasure is fascinating to hear.

Duration: 10 mins

3. Burlington Arcade

This arcade has just celebrated its 200 year anniversary - it was originally built by George Cavendish, one of the Earls of Burlington, so that his wife and her aristocratic friends would have somewhere to shop without being pestered by beggars! It also stopped all and sundry from tossing rubbish over his garden wall because, of course, he lived in Burlington House next door! A pleasant 10 minute stroll along the arcade gives you a chance to see the arcade's guardians, the Beadles, in action and enjoy a spot of window shopping as well.

Duration: 10 mins

4. Bond Street

The only road joining Piccadilly and Oxford Street, it is one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world. As you walk the pavements, the shops certainly read like a who's who of retail! As you absorb the well known names and marvel at the window displays, we'll saunter along Old Bond Street and a part of New Bond Street for about 10 minutes before turning off to see the home of Norman Hartnell, one of fashion's most famous designers from the 1950s and 60s.

Duration: 15 mins

5. Bruton Street

Although the building no longer stands, we can see the site where the late Queen Elizabeth II was born and let our imaginations do the rest!.

Duration: 5 mins

6. Berkeley Square

Most famous for its nightingale singing which is stuff of legend, this is a square full of historical interest. From the centuries old plane trees to the grade I listed buildings around its edges, this is one of the most beautiful squares in London - and who would have thought a river runs through it too. All will be revealed as we wander between the ancient trees.

Duration: 10 mins

7. Grosvenor Square

The centrepiece of Richard Grosvenor's development in the 1730's, the square is still magnificent today. The buildings might have changed but the square's beauty is unsurpassed and the stories of its history just as fascinating as ever!

Duration: 10 mins

8. Mount Street Gardens

A tranquil oasis in the heart of a City that never stops. Its past is not quite so calm as today though - come on the tour and in the 10 minutes we'll stay in the gardens, you will find out what lies beneath your feet and what gruesome building used to grace the side of the gardens.

Duration: 10 mins

9. Shepherd Market

Set up in James II's reign, the market he established gave Mayfair its name. For centuries, Shepherd Market was Mayfair's much visited red light district (what else was there for the aristocracy to do!). During our 10 minute stop here you will find out its fascinating history and which MP lost his reputation here!

Duration: 10 mins

Inclusion

A fun & experienced professional local guide, accredited by the ITG & University of Westminster.

Exclusion

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Transportation to/from the start and end points of the walk

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

When your booking is confirmed, you will receive contact details for me (Sandy), your guide on this tour. My aim is to give you, my client, the best experience you could possibly have so if you have any special requests, be sure to let me know what they are!

Your comfort is my priority - if you need to stop for a coffee or a comfort break just let me know.

The tour will last up to 3 hours.

The tour will cover about 2 - 3 miles in total.

The tour will go ahead come rain or shine so please don't be put off by the weather. Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing. If needs be, bring waterproofs and an umbrella!

The tour is an outside walking tour but does include an internal stop at one of Mayfair's most unique department stores.

I will meet you outside Le Deli Robuchon on the corner of Piccadilly and Bolton Street, time to be agreed.

Unlike some other guides, I specialise in just five areas of London, Mayfair being one of them. This means that I have detailed knowledge of the area which I pass on to my clients in a fun and interesting way.

100% of my Trip Advisor/Viator reviews are graded 'excellent' and as I now have over 175+ reviews in total, I must be doing something right!

I prefer to guide small groups of up to five family or friends so everyone can hear what I am saying above the usual street noises of a busy city. Also, everyone can ask as many questions as they like.

I ALWAYS contact my clients in advance of a tour so if you have not heard from me one week before your tour date, please contact me.

I only accept bookings directly from customers. Any bookings made by a travel agent on behalf of a customer will be cancelled.

Supplied by Hobnob Tours