Britain's most famous detective — Sherlock Holmes — has been featured in countless books, television series and movies, and has been portrayed by numerous Hollywood stars, including Henry Cavill and Benedict Cumberbatch. Sherlock Holmes tours in London are a great to follow in the crime-buster's footprints to his local haunts and discover a different side of the British capital.

Here's all you need to know about Sherlock Holmes tours, one of the most captivating options for sightseeing tours in London.

The best Sherlock Holmes tours in London

Sherlock Holmes walking tours

Set off a walking tour of London alongside a fellow Sherlock fanatic and spot locations mentioned in Arthur Conan Doyle's famous books. As you walk through some of the most iconic spots in London, you'll hear all about their associations with Sherlock Holmes, whether from the books or the TV and movie adaptations.

Our pick: London Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour

Includes: Professional guide, literary and film location tour
Price: £17 for adults, £10 for children (2-12)
Duration: 2 hours

Sherlock Holmes self-guided walking tours

Those who prefer to take things at their own pace can opt for a self-guided tour, stopping at all the most famous spots associated with the 19th-century detective. After downloading your exclusive app, you'll set off on an audio-guided experience from none other than Dr. Watson, who will help you solve the mystery.

Our pick: Sherlock

Includes: Audio tour
Price: £7.50 each
Duration: 1.5 hours

Private Sherlock Holmes walking tours

If you want to dive deeper into the life and times of the fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, consider a Sherlock Holmestour. With the one-on-one attention of an informative guide, you'll pass by iconic locations, including New Scotland Yard, St. Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Embankment, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the pub dedicated to the detective.

Our pick: Private Sherlock Holmes tour

Includes: Roundtrip transfers, hotel pickup and drop-off, private guide
Price: £75 to £180 for adults, £60 for children (5-15), depending on group size
Duration: 3 hours

Combination Sherlock Holmes tours in London

Private Sherlock Holmes, Shakespeare, the Beatles and James Bond tours

Those interested in the arts can get a well-rounded overview of literature, cinema and music on this combination city tour in London in a a classic black cab. Discover the Beatles' childhood homes and hangouts, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the fictional home of Sherlock Holmes. See inside the life of 007 as you tour the sets of James Bond inside Westminster Abbey.

Our pick: Sherlock

Includes: Roundtrip private transfers, hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide
Price: £499 per group (up to 6 travelers)
Duration: 4 hours

Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper tours

Immerse yourself in a world of crime, both real and fictional, on this combination tour. Learn about the notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper, as you wander the alleyways and backstreets where his victims were found. Then, discover the pub named after Sherlock Holmes, where you can enjoy a traditional British meal and discuss your favorite of Arthur Conan Doyle's short stories.

Our pick: Jack the Ripper & Sherlock Holmes Bus Tour

Includes: Bus transfers, professional guide, Smithfield Market walking tour
Price: £57 for adults, £54 for seniors (60+) & students, £47 for children (12-16)
Duration: 3 hours

Places visited

Baker Street

Located in the heart of London, just outside Regent's Park, lies the fictional home of Sherlock Holmes — 221B Baker Street.

While the address may be fictional, the street draws in Sherlock fans from across the globe and is now home to the world's only Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Here, visitors can see how the detective would have lived in his Georgian home and explore a range of memorabilia.

Near the literary figure's house, you can find a statue of the detective in all of his glory, sculpted by John Doubleday, as an icon of British culture.

Sherlock Holmes Pub

Many Sherlock tours in London pay a visit to the pub named after the dedicated detective.

Located on Northumberland Street, the Sherlock Holmes is filled with many nods to the book series and features a recreation of the detective's Baker Street apartment.

Visitors can enjoy traditional English pub-style food, such as fish and chips or a Sunday roast while admiring the tranquil beer garden.

Prices of Sherlock Holmes tours in London

The most budget-friendly Sherlock Holmes tours in London are self-guided, which cost under £10 per person.

Guided tours typically cost around £20 each, while Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper combination tours on a double-decker bus and cost around £40 per person.

Prices for private Sherlock Holmes tours range from £100 to £180 per person, depending on group size, duration and itinerary.

Combination tours that feature Sherlock Holmes, as well as James Bond, Shakespeare and the Beatles cost £500 per group of up to 6 travelers.

What is included

Sherlock Holmes tours in London usually include a knowledgeable guide to lead you to various spots that feature in the books, television series or movies of the detective.

If you opt for a self-guided tour, you'll gain access to a smartphone app, which acts as a guide.

Starting points

As there are so many destinations associated with the 19th-century detective around the city, no Sherlock Holmes tours in London meet at the same spot.

Instead, they each meet at different easy-to-reach landmarks in the city. You can view the starting location of each tour before booking so that you can make any necessary transportation arrangements in advance.

Duration

Most Sherlock Holmes tours in London last 2 to 3 hours, which gives you plenty of time to visit a variety of destinations. However, self-guided audio tours take around 1.5 hours, while private and combination tours can last 4 hours.

Best time for a Sherlock Holmes tour in London

The best time for a Sherlock Holmes tour in London is during the spring and early fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it comfortable for walking tours. Additionally, scheduling the tour in the afternoon allows you to enjoy the atmospheric evening lights of London, which adds an extra layer of mystery and authenticity to the Sherlock Holmes adventure.

Travel tips

Sherlock Holmes tours in London usually take place on foot, so ensure you wear comfortable shoes.
Brush up on your Sherlock knowledge by rewatching the series or movies on the run-up to your vacation.
London's weather is unpredictable, and sudden rainstorms are not uncommon. As such, it's worth taking an umbrella with you on your excursion.

Sherlock Holmes Tours in London