5 off-the-beaten-path walking tours that will make you see London in new light

Whether you’re a Beatles obsessive or novice, you’ll be in the very best hands with Richard Porter, author of Guide to the Beatles London. Over the past 30 years, he has guided more than 180,000 people on his beloved Beatles walking tours, which allows travelers to see, up close, where the famous band recorded, lived and socialized during their time in London, not to mention Abbey Road and 3 Savile Row, the site of The Beatles’ final concert.

Taste-test traditional British beer at four iconic hidden London pubs steeped in royal history on this slightly boozy walking trip in London. Your guide will whisk you through secret tunnels and ancient alleyways—including a visit to Winston Churchill’s house!—so you can embrace London’s centuries-old pub scene sans crowds. What’s best paired with a pint? Some twisted tales of England's greatest figures, from Queen Elizabeth II to James Bond to Ed Sheeran.

There are many tours that allow you to retrace the footsteps of Jack the Ripper, one of the most notorious—and mysterious—criminals in history. But there’s only one guided walking tour that offers “Ripper-Vision,” an innovative hand-held projector that helps to immerse you in the atmosphere of Victorian London by projecting images of crime scenes, mortuaries and suspects. Set at night, this spine-chilling tour definitely showcases London’s dark side.

Notting Hill is a trendy West London village, yes, but it’s also the name of the hit 1999 film starring Julia Roberts and everyone’s favorite grouchy Brit, Hugh Grant. And, whatever your interest—Notting Hill or Notting Hill—this tour won’t disappoint. Take in the energy of the world-famous Portobello Road market—see buskers and visit spice shops, for instance—and snag a selfie at the beloved travel bookshop or in front of the house with the blue door.

This East End-set walking tour will allow you to see, up close, the art and graffiti work by more than 40 acclaimed street artists, including ROA, Stik, Shepard Fairey, Invader and Cranio. Not only will you gain insights into the urban art culture of the area, but you’ll also learn its history as you wander over from Spitalfields to Brick Lane and the trendy scene in Shoreditch. Fun fact: By its very nature, street art constantly changes, so no two tours are the same.