Quirky London Walking Tours You’ll Love – Perfect from London Backpackers in Hendon

London is a city built for walking – layers of history, culture, music, mystery, and a healthy dose of the weird and wonderful lie around every corner. If you’re staying at London Backpackers in Hendon, you’re already in a great spot to explore some of London’s quirkiest walking tours without breaking the bank. Whether you’re into ghosts, legends, pubs, or music icons, here’s a roundup of unusual, fun, and easy-to-reach walking tours that are either affordable or self-guided.

Base Camp: London Backpackers in Hendon

Located in Zone 3, just a few minutes from Hendon Central Station on the Northern line, London Backpackers is a clean, social, and budget-friendly base. Most of the walking tours on this list are reachable in 30–45 minutes on the Tube, making day trips into quirky London effortless.

1. Highgate Cemetery: Victorian Goth Meets Famous Graves

Why It’s Quirky

Where else can you find a moss-covered graveyard with crumbling angels, Egyptian tombs, and Karl Marx’s grave?

Tour Options

• East Cemetery (self-guided): Entry ~£10.
• West Cemetery (guided only): £15, includes access to the East.
• Combine both for an atmospheric afternoon!

Travel Tip from Hendon

Take the Northern Line to Archway Station, then a 10-minute uphill walk. Stop at Waterlow Park for a great view of the London skyline.

2. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour: Murders, Myths & Mystery

Why It’s Quirky

You’ll walk the very cobblestones where Jack the Ripper stalked Victorian East London. It’s part true crime, part history tour, part eerie urban adventure.

Tour Options

• Guided tours leave nightly from Aldgate East (~£15).
• Free or self-guided versions available using apps like VoiceMap or blogs with GPS directions.

Travel Tip from Hendon

Take the Northern line to Moorgate, then walk or change to the Hammersmith & City Line. Pro tip: Do it after dark for maximum chill.

3. The Beatles in London Tour: Abbey Road and Beyond

Why It’s Quirky

Visit the crosswalk from that album cover, see where the Beatles played their final rooftop gig, and find hidden gems like Paul McCartney’s offices.

Tour Options

• Self-guided walking maps available for free online.
• Guided tours from £10–£20 (London Walks and others).
• Visit Abbey Road Studios for the iconic photo op.

Travel Tip from Hendon

Take the Northern Line to Euston, then a quick Overground to South Hampstead, or bus to St. John’s Wood for Abbey Road. Don’t forget your Sharpie – fans sign the wall outside Abbey Road daily.

4. Historic Pub Walks: Tales on Tap

Why It’s Quirky

Mix storytelling with sipping as you wander through ancient alleys and taverns dating back to the 1600s.

Top Picks

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Tour (Fleet Street area).
• Ale Trail of Soho or the East End.
• Self-guided pub routes available online – search “London historic pub crawl”.

Cost: Free to walk, pay for pints. Tours usually £15–£20.

Travel Tip from Hendon

Head to Tottenham Court Road or Blackfriars via Northern/Central/District lines to start your crawl. Keep to half-pints to last the walk!

5. Artistic & Street Art Walks: Brick Lane & Beyond

Why It’s Quirky

See giant Banksy murals, avant-garde graffiti, and vibrant community art projects – London’s East End is an open-air gallery.

Tour Options

• Free Street Art Tours from Shoreditch (tips encouraged).
• Self-guided with apps like Street Art London or GPSMyCity.

Must-See Spots

• Brick Lane, Fashion Street, Hanbury Street.
• Seven Dials near Covent Garden for something more curated.

Travel Tip from Hendon

Take Northern Line to Bank, then change to Overground at Liverpool Street for Shoreditch High Street. Bring your camera – it’s an Instagram paradise.

6. Haunted London Self-Guided Tour

Why It’s Quirky

From plague pits to ghostly monks, London’s haunted history is thick in the air – especially around Clerkenwell, Holborn, and the Tower of London.

Options

• Self-guided using free ghost map apps or audio guides.
• Or join London’s oldest Ghost Walks (£10–£15).

Top Spooky Spots

• The Viaduct Tavern, Tower Hill, and Charterhouse Square.

Travel Tip from Hendon

Northern line to King’s Cross, then walk south to Holborn or Farringdon. Bring headphones and do this walk around dusk for extra chills.

Travel Tips for Tour Hopping from Hendon

• Oyster or Contactless: Use either for easy Tube, bus, and Overground rides.
• Off-Peak Hours: Travel after 9:30 am and avoid rush hour (especially when walking into central zones).
• Download Maps: Use offline walking apps like Citymapper, Google Maps, or VoiceMap.
• Pack Smart: Comfortable shoes, water, phone charger, and weatherproof jacket – London skies change fast!

Summary of Tours & Routes