Free Queer & LGBTQ+ History Tour*
Free Queer & LGBTQ+ History Tour*
Schedule - See Calendar
Meeting Point - The Clermont Hotel
Duration - 2 Hours
Language - English
Start Time - 11am
Price - Free
Join us on the Free LGBTQ+ History Tour as we explore the vast and complex history of LGBTQ+ life in London, with stories of iconic people and places who have shaped the city and community through the centuries.
Today the LGBTQ+ community’s presence can be found in every corner of the capital, but when we think about the centre of gay or queer life in London, most people automatically think about the naughty streets of Soho. During the LGBTQ+ History tour we’re going to explore Soho in detail, and try to understand how this small area of London gained this reputation and why it has become such an important place for LGBTQ+ people.
The LGBTQ+ History tour begins at Charing Cross, a stone's throw from the legendary nightclub Heaven. In Trafalgar Square, your guide will explore the history of Pride in London, how it came about and why it's still so important today.
In Piccadilly Circus, you will be transported back to Victorian London where the area became home to secret illicit soirees and a hub of queer life. From there, we head into the heart of Soho, one of the most famous queer districts in Europe.
Our Free LGBTQ+ tour covers the stories of individuals who made their mark, like Oscar Wilde and pioneering drag queens from the 18th Century, but also visits the venues, bars and theatres where LGBTQ+ life and queer communities have thrived. During the tour, we see several of the most iconic of these locations including GAY, The Yard, old Molly Houses and more. In Soho, we also explore the darker parts of LGBTQ+ history: section 28, the bombing of the Admiral Duncan pub, and the government's response to the Aids Crisis.
The Free LGBTQ+ History Tour culminates in a visit to Soho Square, not just a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Central London, but a centre of celebration and revelry during Pride each year. Though true equality hasn’t yet been achieved, during this Free Tour we celebrate a community which has suffered centuries of repression, yet continues to fight for inclusivity for all. Join us on our LGBTQ+ History tour to learn, celebrate and remember.
Tour Highlights include:
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Roman Queer Influence
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Heaven Nightclub
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The Admiral Duncan
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The Aids Crisis
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Gay Pride
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Molly Houses
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Soho
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& much more!
Meeting Point - The Clermont Hotel, Charing Cross
The LGBTQ+ History Tour begins outside the Clermont Hotel, next to Charing Cross Station, just near the underground station. The station is on the Bakerloo and Northern line, and around a 5 minute walk from Leicester Square and Embankment Station.
We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the tour starts, it gives you plenty of time to meet the guide and grab a coffee or ice cream!
Prefer to join us on a Private Tour?
If you are booking for a group of 8 or more, or just want a more personal experience away from the crowds, then you can book this as a private tour. You can dictate the content, the route and the time or sit back and let your guide lead you.
For more information on Private tours click here.
Please note, ALL schools and educational groups should book a Private tour.
What our Customers say:
"We thoroughly enjoyed the LGBTQ+ History Tour. Mark is an exceptional guide. Personable and humorous, with a talent for bringing history alive. His passion for the subject, as well as his thought-provoking commentary on today's increasingly toxic political debate, made this one of the best walking tours we've done. Don't miss it!"