Rock Legends of Soho Walking Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step into the beating heart of London’s rock ’n’ roll history on this immersive walking tour through legendary Soho. From gritty backstreets to iconic recording sites, you’ll explore the places where music history was made.
Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles, David Bowie, and a host of other rock and pop icons who lived, worked, recorded, and partied in this electrifying neighbourhood. Discover the stories behind famous venues, studios, and hidden hangouts that helped shape British music and global pop culture.
Your guide, Jon Cox, is a born-and-bred Londoner who has spent a lifetime in and around Soho. Combined with his background as a qualified tour guide, London black cab driver and working musician, this creates a completely unique experience - part music history, part personal insight, and 100% authentic.
A fun, informative, and unforgettable 2-hour walking tour in the heart of London.
A must-do experience for music lovers visiting London.
Available options
Rock Legends of Soho Walking Tour
What's included
Photo Stops
Local Expert & Qualified Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Our tour starts here at The Dominion Theatre, a Grade II listed Art Deco venue opened in 1929, is a cornerstone of London's entertainment history. It hosted the first major UK rock and roll concert in 1957 (Bill Haley & The Comets), and later 1980s legends including David Bowie, Bon Jovi, and Duran Duran.
2
Denmark Street, known as Britain's "Tin Pan Alley" in Soho, was the epicenter of the 1960s/70s British rock scene, housing music publishers, studios, and shops. Iconic artists including the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Kinks, and Elton John recorded or wrote hits there. The Sex Pistols lived and recorded in Denmark, cementing its punk legacy.
Today the street is full of music & guitar shops and guests will have the chance to see this world famous music street and surrounding neighbourhood.
3
Stop 3
Tucked into the heart of London, this small but mighty neighbourhood is one of the most important birthplaces of British popular music. From smoky jazz clubs to the raw energy of 1950s rock ’n’ roll, Soho became the playground for artists who changed music forever.
Long before it served classic cod and chips, Poppies Fish & Chips was the legendary 2i’s Coffee Bar, widely regarded as the birthplace of British rock ’n’ roll. This tiny basement venue launched the careers of homegrown stars and kick-started a musical revolution. Just around the corner, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club became one of the world’s most famous jazz clubs — and the place where Jimi Hendrix performed for the final time before his death in 1970.
4
On our walk, we explore the Wardour Street area of Soho, once home to the legendary Marquee Club. Famous for its intimate, sweat-soaked atmosphere, the club hosted iconic residencies by The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix.
We’ll also pass a classic British pub with deep connections to Soho’s music scene, see the former Trident Studios - a vital creative recording studio for rock royalty, launching legendary artists like Elton John, Queen, and David Bowie, and recording iconic hits such as The Beatles' "Hey Jude". We will see a vinyl record shop known as the birthplace of The Rolling Stones — where rock ’n’ roll history truly began.
5
Stop 5
Our walk continues to Argyll Street, a key location in the story of modern pop culture. This was the backdrop to The Beatles’ career-defining appearance on Sunday Night at the London Palladium on 13 October 1963. Hosted by Val Parnell, the broadcast was watched by over 15 million viewers and triggered scenes of mass hysteria across the country — a moment so powerful it gave birth to the term Beatlemania in the national press.
We also stop by the commemorative plaque marking the former offices of NEMS, where Brian Epstein, the band’s visionary manager, worked tirelessly to guide The Beatles to global fame. Standing here, you’re right at the point where British music history changed forever.
6
Stop 6
Our tour end here at Heddon Street. Will see the commemorative plaque for David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust. It honours the spot where photographer Brian Ward shot the iconic cover image and back cover of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders from Mars.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The meeting point is outside the main entrance to the Dominion Theatre at the junction of Tottenham Court Road & New Oxford Street.
About London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.
Historical
2-3 hours
£28 (adult ticket)
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
Historical
1-2 hours
£27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)
The British Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entertainment
30 minutes
£27-£33 (adult ticket)
Westminster Abbey
A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.
Religious
1-2 hours
£27 (adult ticket)
Tower Bridge
An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Architecture
1-2 hours
£11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
Dinner
Contains gluten and fish
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Afternoon Tea
A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.
Snack
Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Kayaking on the Thames
Cycling tours
Afternoon tea
Spas and wellness centers
Punting on the River Cam
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
- Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
By bus
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
Getting around
Public transport
The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westminster
Camden Town
Soho
Notting Hill
Shoreditch
Greenwich
Day trips
Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.
Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton
80 km from London • Full day
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August
London Film Festival • October
New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31
Pro tips
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
- Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
- Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
- Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
$22
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
