Queer History of London Walking Tour

Clermont Hotel Charing Cross
Strand, London, WC2N 5HX (view map)

Friday 17th April 2026 (+ 11 other dates)

Pick date from calendar

Accessibility - Accessible Toilets, Complimentary Ticket for Assistant, Wheelchair Accessible

Queer History of London Walking Tour

Name: Queer History of London Walking Tour
Start: 2026-05-02T11:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-05-02T13:00:00+01:00
Location: Clermont Hotel Charing Cross

Details

Join us as we explore the vast and complex history of Gay, Lesbian & Queer life in London and learn how we evolved into the dynamic and diverse LGBTQI+ community that we celebrate today.

We take a deeper dive into the historic suffering that living a gay life endured in the past, leading to the death sentences of many. Learn about the pioneering drag queens of the 1700’s who paved the way for others, the life and loves of Oscar Wilde that led to his imprisonment, the emergence of a gay community meeting in the tea rooms of Central London, the birth of Gay Pride in the 70s and the devastating impact AIDS had on our community in the 1980s.

No stone is left unturned in this walking tour timeline of dramatic events that takes you from Charing Cross to Soho Square on an exciting journey through the ages. As we head into Soho, we take in the wonderful sights of London and hear about the historic Queer stories surrounding well known landmarks such as Trafalgar Square and Picadilly Circus.

Come on this Queer History Walking Tour to understand it's past and celebrate why London is one of the most exciting and openly free societies of the modern age, with the largest demographic of openly LGBTQIA Community in Europe!

Location

Clermont Hotel Charing Cross
Strand, London, WC2N 5HX

The Lineup

Tour Highlights include:

Roman Queer History
The History of Cruising areas
Princess Serafina
Heaven Nightclub
Oscar Wilde
The History of Gay Pride and the Gay Liberation Front.
Polari - the secret gay language
Tea Rooms
Piccadilly Circus & Dilly Boys
Molly Boys & Houses
The Admiral Duncan
Dean Street - HIV & AIDS
Soho Square - Past, future & present

& more including personalised stories from your tour guide who's been a regular part of the evolving LGBTQI+ scene for (gulp) 30 years! Along with historical facts, expect some open, honest and hopefully entertaining anecdotes that Marcus will be happy to share.

ABOUT YOUR HOST.

Marcus started working for the Gay Press in 2005. Since then he's been an integral part of the teams at a variety of gay men's lifestyle titles over the years, including Gay Times and Attitude magazines.

He now runs and organises Queer History of London walking tours and is also a supporting artist on film & TV.

His credits include shows such as The Crown, House of the Dragon, Ted Lasso, Queen Charlotte and Slow Horses.

Marcus doesn't hold back on his anecdotes and experiences living as a gay man in London through the decades!

MEETING POINT: Clermont Hotel, Outside Charing Cross Station.

For more information see:

ww.queerlondontours.com

What You Need To Know

Age restriction: Starting from 15yrs old.

Terms & Conditions

LGBTQIA Friendly
Dog Friendly
Arrive on time
Wear comfy walking shoes
Be inquisitive, be fun and be respectful.
Meet Marcus and his friendly Cockapoo outside The Clermont Hotel, Charing Cross station.

Organised By

Queer London Tours

Organiser of Queer History of London Walking Tour

View Organiser Contact Organiser

Track your loved events in your profile or on the OutSavvy App