London is a city that needs absolutely no introduction. It is a magical place all year round, but naturally takes on an altogether different colour at Christmastime. Being such a capacious city, containing so much from so many different walks of life, it can be difficult for even the most seasoned of Londoners to truly say they know the place – which is what makes the humble walking tour such an amazing way to experience the capital. Which walks are the best of the best when it comes to Christmas, though?
The Sherlock Holmes Christmas Walk
Eschewing the traditional Christmas festivities, you could go in for something altogether more intriguing – with this Sherlock Homes Christmas Walk, following the escapades of 221B Baker Street’s inimitable detective duo Holmes and Watson.
This walk is a smorgasbord, combining historical locations linked to both the fictional pair and their author with the mystery of their only Christmastime case. This two-hour walk is an exciting and accessible one, starting as it does at Goodge Street underground station – itself a trifling distance from King’s Cross.
The Christmas Tree(s) Walk
London is a city of celebration at Christmas, and not known for its constraint in this regard. As such, you will find monuments to the season at every turn, in the form of the Christmas trees that gild its streets and squares. And guess what? There’s a walk for that. This walk takes in a wide variety of these trees, taking you on a two-hour whistle-stop tour of the best in central London before arriving at the piece de resistance: Trafalgar Square.
Last Christmas – The Walking Tour
Christmas is as much made by its music as it is its colours. This much is made clear enough by the blaring festive tunes that assail us round every corner as the season descends! One of the better Christmas singles, though, comes to us courtesy of the late great George Michael, with Wham!’s 1984 hit ‘Last Christmas’. Its bop credibility led to a musical film of the same name, featuring other hits from George’s oeuvre. This festive walk takes in the locations of this film, while touring the history of Christmas music in London and featuring singalong opportunities all the while.
Christmas Lights Walk
Last but certainly not least, we come to the thing that defines most cities’ engagement with the holiday period: Christmas lights. London is rife with them, and this walk is the perfect way to enjoy the lot! It is 90 minutes long, and runs from the beautiful Mayfair.
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