Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step beyond the guidebooks into Bloomsbury’s leafy Georgian squares, elegant townhouses, and hidden cobbled mews as you uncover the stories of the rich, the poor, the forgotten, and the Victorian philanthropists who tried to change their world.
On this walking tour, you’ll hear tales of royal scandal, abandoned children, a world‑famous children’s hospital, and literary legends including J. M. Barrie and Charles Dickens. Discover where George III was treated for his “madness,” see the former home of Virginia Woolf, and visit the church where Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath were married, once known as the church of the chimney sweeps.
You’ll also meet an unscrupulous property developer with a very strange name and step inside a grand hotel with remarkable links to the Titanic.
Every stop reveals a different layer of Bloomsbury, from Georgian elegance to hidden histories and extraordinary human stories.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Our first stop is at the Fitzroy Hotel, formally the Russell Hotel. Learn all about this beautiful Victorian building and it's stories linking it to the Titanic.
Set amongst Georgian terraces and independent shops and cafés, with an array of blue plaques overhead, stare down at the pavement and you’ll discover hidden trinkets symbolising the tokens mothers once left behind when handing their babies over to the Foundling Hospital.
Guide
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Catherine H,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
Maxine was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and flexible. The tour went at a reasonable pace, not trying to cover too much or too little. I would highly recommend the tour and the guide.
P2123XMkatiet,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had an absolutely fantastic time on the Bloomsbury tour. I was stunned by how much history is tucked away in this part of London, so many hidden treasures that you would never notice without an expert guide. Every stop had a story the at the tour guide told with great knowledge some humor that kept me engaged the whole way.I left feeling inspired and with a much deeper appreciation of the area. I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to explore Bloomsbury. I had a brilliant experience from start to finish.
Karl B,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
Really enjoyed this Bloomsbury walking tour. The area is gorgeous, and the tour took us through some beautiful streets and hidden corners I never would have found on my own. Maxine was an excellent guide with great stories. This is perfect for anyone looking for a more authentic, less touristy London experience.
L7339HCtracyg,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I was born and raised in London, I had a friend come to visit me and she wanted to see London, as I was raised in Bloomsbury/ Holborn I decided I would leave to an expert to guide us round and share their knowledge. I have to say it was the best decision I made the knowledge the guide had was far more then I knew, the way she explained the history behind Bloomsbury I had known idea. I think living in London you just take it for granted. The guide was friendly, very knowledgeable and funny any questions anyone had the guide was able to answer and explain. Just because you live in London there is much more you can learn I would highly recommend this tour I guarantee no one will be disappointed well worth the cost of the tour.
blakes daddy,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Me and the wife became tourists in our own city and it was amazing, 100% recommended. Maxine was great!
courtneycL3831UG,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had such a fun and interesting day on the Hidden London: Bloomsbury’s Georgian Shadows tour! It was full of really cool historical facts and stories I’d never heard before. Big shoutout to Maxine, she was so friendly, super knowledgeable and made the whole thing really enjoyable from start to finish. You can tell she loves what she does! Would definitely recommend if you’re into London history or just fancy doing something a bit different. Thanks again!
444vincento,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Went on this tour with my wife, learnt so much about the history of the area and the guide Maxine was great!
jacquic761,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Came back from a week in London, and this was the highlight of the trip! Our guide was super friendly, and the neighborhoods we wandered through were so cute. I learned so many fun facts and interesting history. Would recommend for anyone wanting to stay off the beaten path. Thanks, Maxine!
-10% off
From £13.50Was £15.00
Operated by Maxine's Walking Tours