Mayfair, London’s famous aristocratic village – Exclusive, Private Walking Tour

Just 300 years ago, the Mayfair and Berkeley Square area was no more than a muddy field. This walk charts its progress from a playground for the aristocracy in the 1700s to today’s 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 and be amazed at the beautiful glass and china on display in Mayfair’s shop windows! We visit London’s most sophisticated department store to hear how they invented the hamper, why Michelle Obama was responsible for clearing its shelves and the inside story of Royal Warrants. Discover how Mayfair used to be one of London’s most notorious red light districts and find out its sordid secrets.  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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!.

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.

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.

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!

• 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 at 10.00 a.m. under the Colonnade of the Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly.
• 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 100 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.

• Mayfair, London’s famous aristocratic village – Exclusive, Private Walking Tour
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• A fun & experienced professional local guide, accredited by the ITG & University of Westminster.

• Food and drinks
• Transportation to/from the start and end points of the walk

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• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Hobnob Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/London.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 9 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 5 Travelers is accepted for booking.