Guided walking tours of London

Discover London’s hidden stories, one walk at a time.

Behind familiar streets and famous landmarks lie centuries of stories, folklore and curious traditions. Join me, Elaine, for a friendly, relaxed walking tour exploring the history hidden in plain sight.

Whether you’re a lifelong Londoner or visiting for the first time, my tours invite you to slow down, look closer and discover something unexpected.

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Rhymes and Reasons

Explore the City of London through nursery rhymes

Nursery rhymes aren’t just for children. From Oranges and Lemons to London Bridge is Falling Down, familiar verses offer an intriguing way into the City’s history.

Walk with me from Charterhouse Square towards London Bridge, discovering historic churches, overlooked details and some surprisingly dark stories. We’ll explore the connections between rhymes and real places, and consider where history meets folklore.

A welcoming walk for curious adults and families alike—with no nursery-rhyme knowledge required.

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Explore the City with a friend

Looking for a more personal way to discover London? My bespoke walks offer the chance to explore with a friend, partner or on your own, with time to ask questions and enjoy the details along the way.

Get in touch to discuss what you’d like to discover.

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Meet your guide

I’m Elaine, the founder of Magpie Tours London and a graduate of Open City’s Golden Key Academy. With a background in heritage and a master’s degree in country house art, history and literature, I love turning research into stories that bring places to life.

My walks combine history, storytelling and those satisfying moments when you look at a familiar street and think, “I’d never noticed that before.”

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After all, every magpie knows the joy of discovering something unexpected.