Tour

Spies of Chelsea (Walking Tour)

An ornate red brick mansion block in Chelsea

Book tickets

Location:
National Army Museum (Info Point)

Date & time:
Saturday 3 Oct 2026, 11.00am

Price:
£20.00 (plus £2 booking fee per transaction)

Award-winning tour guide Guy Fairbank reveals the cloak-and-dagger world of espionage and intelligence that lurks behind the seemingly quiet streets of Chelsea.

About the event

Chelsea is widely regarded as an idyllic space in the heart of London, furnished with beautiful parks, historic buildings and the hustle and bustle of shops. Yet beneath its genteel surface lie dark secrets and stories of espionage, deceit and drama.

From Soviet agents and Nazi agitators to spy catchers and thriller writers, this guided walk will highlight some of the area’s best kept secrets. The tour will include the fictional home of James Bond, the site of a pub frequented by members of the Cambridge Five spy ring, and the location where a Nazi agent was put on trial for treason.

This tour will start and end at the National Army Museum. It will last for approximately two hours.

Festival planning

Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at the National Army Museum. Many Chelsea History Festival venues are within walking distance of one another, but journey times vary. If you are booking events close together, please allow enough time to travel comfortably between venues.

Estimated walking times from this venue: 3 minutes to Royal Hospital Chelsea, 4 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 5 minutes to Chelsea Physic Garden, 10 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 12 minutes to Cadogan Hall, 14 minutes to Chelsea Old Church and 23 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.

About the speaker

Guy Fairbank is an award-winning Blue Badge Guide and City of London Guide, with a wide interest in London’s history, from the City’s livery companies to the rock heritage of West London. He’s particularly drawn to Chelsea, with its extraordinary variety of stories, having worked for several years in Flood Street and Draycott Avenue. In the past, Guy has led walks around SW3 both privately and for the Chelsea Society.

FAQs

Is the National Army Museum accessible?

Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,

Are bikes or scooters allowed?

Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.

Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.

Can I bring children?

Please adhere to the age range specified for events on the listings page and if appropriate please book a ticket for your child. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult approved by the parent/guardian. The event organiser cannot be responsible for unsupervised children.