5.0(4 reviews)
Soho Music Walking Tour
From£20
2 hours
London, United Kingdom
About this activity
Discover Soho's vibrant music scene on a guided walking tour, visiting iconic venues and learning about legendary artists' stories.
Highlights
- Explore Soho's rich musical heritage
- Visit legendary music venues
- Discover hidden musical gems
- Learn about iconic artists' stories
- Enjoy an engaging local guide experience
Full description
Dive into the heart of London's music history with the Soho Music Walking Tour. Led by an expert local guide, this 2-hour journey takes you through Soho's vibrant streets, unveiling tales of legendary artists and iconic venues that shaped the music world. From hidden gems to famous spots, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Soho's musical heritage. Whether you're a music enthusiast or a casual listener, this tour offers an engaging and informative experience that brings the sounds of Soho to life.
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of Soho's music history
- Visit iconic music venues and landmarks
- Expert local guide with insider knowledge
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
1
Meet your tour guide in front of the Hard Rock Piccadilly Circus, where you are surrounded by about 200 years of heritage. From roaring ‘20s jazz clubs to a Taylor Swift’s End Game video location, uncover what’s ‘hidden’ in plain sight right in front of you. Hear about film premieres, Royal Variety Shows, bombing stories of the WWII Blitz and more.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Before the photogenic gates and lights of London’s Chinatown, uncover haunts of flappers and gangsters, trad jazzers and bluesmen, even where a truly British scandal sparked off. Here was The Shim Sham, The Flamingo, Whisky-A-GoGo, Barrelhouse Blues Club/Roundhouse…Beatles, Stones, Led Zep, Jimi Hendrix, Georgie Fame, where hip hop artists first arrived in the UK, where a young Paul Simon busked for change, where Pete Townsend lived for a time, where Muddy Waters made his UK debut… Discover where ‘Werewolves of London’ got their beef chow mein…
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
From coffee bars and skiffle, the birth of rock and roll happened in the basement clubs of Soho. See what was 2ii and other coffee clubs. Music management offices, former personal tailor shop of the Beatles, pub where Cliff Richard ‘was born,’ the birth of London Pride and Kinks’ Lola…
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Stroll the heart of Soho, this was the early stomping ground for just about every artist/band you can think of from 60s to early 90s! See where musicians played live, had a pint between sets, got their caffeine fix before a night out, places where several songs/anthems were inspired and written. Pass the club where a young Amy Winehouse started singing, two real-life places used as filming locations for the Back to Black film. Clubs here included Marquee, St Moritz, Vortex, Le Beat Route/’Club Tropicana,’ Cousins/Skiffle Cellar, Le Kilt, Groucho, Ronnie Scott’s, Jazz After Dark… See what was Trident Studios & Good Earth Studios, where some of your favs created their records…
Duration: 25 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Stop by ‘Tin Pan Alley,’ where the Rolling Stones and others cut their first discs, where Ringo bought his drums, early days for Elton John, Bowie, Sex Pistols and more.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
What was the Astoria, St Martin’s Art College, Borderline…; Paul McCartney’s London offices; where Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust ‘was born;’ where George Harrison was inspired to write My Sweet Lord and more.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Where the Rolling Stones ‘were born.’ Oasis’ What’s the Story Morning Glory album cover shot; John Lennon’s What a Lovely War photo op; old street markets, where your favs used to shop for snacks, their vinyl; punk hang outs…
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Swingin’ 60s, where everyone shopped the latest fashions in 60s and 70s. Tales can include Don Arden, Jimi Hendrix, Stones, Small Faces, Boy George and more… pass by the club where Paul McCartney met Linda Eastman, where the Beatles had their own private table, where Hendrix jammed…
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
Little side streets where ‘hidden’ nightclubs swung; where Bowie’s Ziggy album cover was taken; Beatles’ Apple Corp offices…the Beatles’ famous rooftop concert location is your Soho music walk finale!
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine
- Minimum booking of 2 people required
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Bring a camera to capture memorable moments
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- This is a walking tour with an approximate 3-mile walk with break options; we walk no matter the weather! Please dress accordingly.
- Please note that infants will need to either be able to walk or be transported in a pushchair, which will need to be provided by you.
Traveler reviews
5.04 reviews
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Something Different
Colin was very knowledgeable and tailored the tour to our music tastes - including a pub. It is worth extra money to have a private tour
E3052NJstephenbApr 27, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Worth every penny
Colin our guide was really old school and knew his subject inside out. Not just the obvious places but all those tucked away gems of tales, people and places spanning the decades of music that is Soho and surround
Patrick BApr 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Kate was the best
Kate was so full of knowledge and anecdotes about all the music eras! Definitely recommended if you are a Rock n Roll fan and wish to have a stroll in Central London while admiring the main landmarks for music history. Really enjoyed!
G_MFeb 22, 2025VIATOR
The Guide ‘Rocked’ It!
It was indeed a musical adventure through London Rock Music history! Our Guide was very friendly and informative :)
Minsa_MFeb 21, 2025VIATOR
Additional information
This is a walking tour with an approximate 3-mile walk with break options; we walk no matter the weather! Please dress accordingly.
Please note that infants will need to either be able to walk or be transported in a pushchair, which will need to be provided by you.