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LGBTQ London Tour: From Prejudice to Pride

Lift the lid on the history of LGTBQ+ movements in London and hear some of its most important and entertaining stories.

Walking Tour
3 hrs
London
The Finer Details
London is today one of the most LGTBQ friendly cities in the world, with queerness celebrated with festivals, commemorative plaques and special venues. But the history that led to this current state is complex and packed full of radical social movements, complex characters and clandestine love stories. At the end of your tour, you will begin to understand how much LGBTQ+ communities have shaped the city as you see a  different side of of London through the eyes of Oscar Wilde, Virginia Wolf, Alan Turing but also the  ordinary people who walked the streets of the city to protest against inequality and discrimination and make the city a beacon of diversity and acceptance.



Choose this tour if…
  • You want to understand London’s LGBTQ+ history and its impact on the modern city
  • You want to see some of the most important sights for people from across the queer spectrum
  • You want more than a “standard” history tour and are interested in London’s history of radical protest

Route Details

We begin our tour in Trafalgar Square. This grand square has been a point of congregation for diverse social movements for over 100 years, and it was no different for the gay protest movements of the post war. As you observe the throngs of tourists today, can you picture this as a place for social unrest? And one that played such a vital role in a story of acceptance.  From here, we will weave through the streets - and the decades - in this part of London where staid government buildings lie within a few hundred yards of bustling bars and artistic corners.

We will pass one of the most important focal points of the 1980s gay disco scene (and still one of London’s largest gay clubs today) before passing the Memorial to Oscar Wilde.

From there we will head up Piccadilly discussing the presence of queer figures in London’s establishment scene from the Duke of Buckingham to Beau Brummell and the Dilly Boys.

As we cross into Chinatown, our narrative will take on a more artistic hue. We will use sources like Joe Orton’s diary to paint a picture of gay life here in the 1960s and 1970s as we wander through streets which once also played host to the Gay Liberation Front and Gay News.

We will end in Soho where we will think about how queer life is celebrated in today’s capital - we will take in some of the city’s most famous bars and stop for a drink somewhere to further discuss this fascinating history. At the end of the tour, you will have a clear sense of both LGBTQ+’s past and present in London.  

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

FAQ:

Is this tour child friendly?
While there is no age limitation for the venues we visit, some of the topics discussed may be inappropriate for children under the age of 12.

Are drinks included at the end of the tour?
The cost of the tour includes one drink per person at the end of the tour.

Where do we finish the tour?
We generally end in SOHO at one of the iconic bars of the area. 



Book a Tour
Meet the Experts
Oliver Cultural Historian Oliver
Noah Local Guide Noah
Sheldon Historian Sheldon
Tim Historian Tim
Steve Travel Writer Steve
Where You’ll Go

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

  • Trafalgar Square
  • Soho
  • Piccadilly Circus
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
  • English-speaking expert guide
    Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
  • Intentionally sized groups
    A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
  • Tickets and entrance fees
    All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
  • Headsets
    Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
    We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
  • Food and drink
    Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Map of LGBTQ London Tour: From Prejudice to Pride general meeting point area

Make the Most of Your Tour

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
  • Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
  • Bring firearms or weapons
  • Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
  • Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always contact us.

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