The Original Soho Punk Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

British Punk was born in the Kings Road Chelsea but came of age in the clubs and dives of Soho and the surrounding area. Soho was a very different area in the mid seventies so join me as I bring it to life and introduce you to the groundbreaking punk characters and sites.

The Clubs include The Marquee, Vortex, 100 Club, and Notre Dame Hall, a Strip club Pistols gig, Influential record stalls/record labels, The Sex Pistols' local pub, the site of the first Sex Pistols gig, their rehearsal room and The Jam having run ins with the law, this tour has it all!!

About your guide

Aidan McManus is an award-winning tour guide, historian, broadcaster, and curator of music-related film events. West London-born of Irish heritage, he was a teenage participant in the early punk scene and later its soul, 2-Tone and rave cultures.He is the host of Flipside London Radio, a fortnightly Portobello Radio programme focusing on books, music, history and youth culture.

Additional Info

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

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Full commentary

Bottled water

What To Expect

Soho

See legendary sites where punk gestated and grew into the worldwide phenomenon it became

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

The Original Soho Punk Tour

Reviews

5.00

307 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

306

Great overview of an important era in music history
K5917QSscottg,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Took this tour having an interest in the London punk scene but not knowing much about it, and found the tour interesting and enjoyable. Aidan knew his stuff and had lots of great stories about the early days of punk and iconic concert venues and hangouts.
Inspiring authentic tour of punk’s origins!
730desmondm,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the highlights of my stay in London! Aidan toured us around for over 2&1/2 hours showing us many sites that were pivotal to the English punk scene. Former and current live music venues, jam places, pub hangouts, management offices, etc. He lived through the first wave of punk and his first hand experience in what was the birthplace of punk are unparalleled . His bad ass cockney humour and attitude add to the authenticity! He stayed to answer our questions at the end of the tour as well. The group was small and he made it very comfortable for everyone. Sign up! You won’t be sorry!
Private SoHo Tour
CargoandTrade,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Aidan gave an excellent tour, pointing out the shops, sites, buildings, where the punk rock scene started in SoHo. Aidan has an encyclopedic knowledge of the era, and provides lots of interesting insights. Aidan is passionate about giving punk its due recognition and its impact on British music and fashion. I recommend it.
Best punk tour of the city
284gabrielc,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Aidan is an excellent host and the tour has several curiosities that are very well worth it! Great experience even under the rain.
Great guide added plenty of colour to the tour.
X4779BMdanieln,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Aiden was the perfect guide for this tour, sharing real life experienced as well as other facts and stories. He really painted a picture of the Soho punk scene.
London Calling You!
PentagonFood,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely fabulous. I learned so much about the music and the punk scene. Aidan (sp?) is incredibly knowledgeable and really cares about your experience. He loves talking about the music and history because he loves the whole thing--the people on stage, the people behind the music, and the fans too. I'm telling anyone who goes near London, even if punk rock isn't your thing, go! You're going to have a blast!
awesome tour and guide!
Roam25346436261,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Aiden is awesome! He knew his stuff and taught me some facts even I didn’t know. His sense of humor was great as well. Anyhow I can go on and on about how great this tour was but don’t take my word for it, this is hands down the best punk tour around here. Cheers Aiden
Punk Rock Brought To Life
GCity,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip! Aidan is best described as a kind of punk rock anthropologist. With photos and sharp, insightful commentary, he transported us back to 1977 London to walk in the footsteps of the Sex Pistols. What made it stand out was his authenticity—he didn’t romanticize the past or filter it through a modern lens. Instead, he offered the unvarnished perspective of someone who lived it and was clearly shaped by the music. A must-do experience—highly recommended!
Really interesting and informative
nigeldU9389DA,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The bloke was entirely authentic, interesting and informed. Made no bones about being just a kid, not a face. Denmark street was highlighted very well too.
Love British punk and rock - do this!!
Tim C,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
If you are a fan of punk music, or want to understand the history of British music from the seventies, Aidan is the most magnificent guide. A wonderful way to experience the music of our youth.