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In this post, you’ll find a short walking tour you can do before or after visiting Madame Tussauds—one of London’s oldest and most popular tourist attractions!
On average 2,5mln people visit Madame Tussauds per year!
What is Madame Tussauds?
Madame Tussauds in London is a world-famous wax museum that opened in 1835.
Founded by Marie Tussaud, a skilled wax sculptor who survived the French Revolution, she initially made her career showcasing wax figures of (often beheaded) historical figures – some of whom were even her former friends—as well as infamous criminals and early 19th-century celebrities. Back then, options for capturing a person’s likeness were limited, as mass photography emerged later.
She is often credited with creating the very concept of celebrity status.
In Victorian times, having a figure in Tussauds’ museum meant you had ‘made it’ in life!
Over its nearly 200-year history, the museum has evolved into a modern attraction featuring lifelike models of celebrities, royals, and pop culture icons, allowing visitors to ‘meet’ their idols up close. You can also explore there The Chamber of Horrors….
… visit the Marvel Hall of Heroes…
… or take a ride in a ‘black cab’ through London’s history (The Spirit of London Ride).
It’s a fun experience for the whole family!
To visit Madame Tussauds Museum, you’ll need at least 2 hours. You can purchase tickets here*.
Things to See Near Madame Tussauds in London
Click here to see the MAP of this walking tour
Distance to cover: 0.9 miles (1.44 km)
1.(160 Years Old) Baker Street Tube Station and the statue of Sherlock Holmes
If you’re planning to get to Madame Tussauds using public transport, you’re most likely to pass through one of London’s (and the world’s!*) oldest Tube stations: Baker Street.
*London Underground is the world’s oldest metro system- one of the lasting impacts of Madame Tussauds’ huge popularity in Victorian times was that the first London Underground line, the Metropolitan Railway, opened in 1863 with a stop nearby.
Outside this station, you will see a larger-than-life statue of the Victorian-era tech nerd and London’s detective superstar, Sherlock Holmes!
Spoiler alert: this won’t be the last time Sherlock Holmes is mentioned in this walking tour!
2. Kenneth Williams’ blue plaque
If you look carefully, directly opposite the entrance to Madame Tussauds, you’ll spot a blue circular plaque dedicated to one of Britain’s most iconic comic actors and star of the Carry On films, Kenneth Williams.
Between 1963 and 1970, he lived here on the top (9th) floor, in flat number 62.
He was born in London and lived in several locations across the city throughout his life.
3. Sherlock Holmes Museum
Now, I encourage you to stroll through Allsop Place towards Park Road. When you reach Park Road, turn left onto Baker Street.
Shortly after, you’ll spot 221B Baker Street, the fictional residence of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Here, you can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, located in a Victorian-style building, carefully decorated to recreate the late 19th-century atmosphere.
You’ll also find there a shop with a range of Sherlock-themed souvenirs.
4. The Beatles Store
Situated next door to the Sherlock Holmes Museum is a shop packed with memorabilia celebrating John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
Inside, you’ll find everything from classic Beatles records, CDs, and DVDs to posters, t-shirts, and accessories featuring the band’s iconic imagery.
The Beatles included wax figures of themselves (loaned by Madame Tussauds for the photoshoot) on the cover of their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Baker Street is only one tube stop away from the legendary recording studios at Abbey Road and the iconic pedestrian crossing. Here you can find my Beatles walking tour, which passes through this area.
5. The Scene of a real robbery inspired by a Sherlock Holmes story!
The Red-Headed League is one of the most popular Sherlock Holmes stories, in which criminals tunnel into a bank vault from the cellar of a nearby shop.
This clever plot inspired a real-life robbery in London in 1971 at the Lloyds Bank vaults, located at 185 Baker Street, just outside Baker Street Tube Station.
Before digging the tunnel from an empty neighboring property to the vaults, the thieves made multiple visits to the bank, posing as clients to estimate the vault’s underground location and size.
As a discreet measuring tool, they used… an umbrella!
After robbing the vault, they left a note for the police on the wall: ‘Let’s see how Sherlock Holmes solves this one!‘
The burglary was eventually (partially) solved, but the stolen goods were never fully recovered.
If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating story, watch the 1991 documentary The Baker Street Bank Burglary beautifully narrated by none other than former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan:).
6. London’s Famous Wedding Venue
The Old Marylebone Town Hall has, over the years, been the site of many celebrity weddings.
Some notable figures who have exchanged vows here include Sir Paul McCartney, who married Nancy Shevell in 2011; Liam Gallagher, who tied the knot with Nicole Appleton in 2008; Ringo Starr, who wed Barbara Bach in 1981; and Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, who celebrated their marriage in 1996.
These high-profile ceremonies have made The Old Marylebone Town Hall synonymous with glamour and romance. Its central London location and timeless charm continue to attract couples from all walks of life.
7. The Beatles’ Rail Station
Another iconic Beatles location on this walking tour is Marylebone Station.
Opened in 1899, it is one of London’s smallest and most charming railway stations.
Alongside its lovely period details, it holds a delightful connection to The Beatles: the opening scenes of their iconic movie A Hard Day’s Night, which show John, Paul, George, and Ringo running from fans, were filmed in and around this station.
8. The Black Cabbies’ favorite London fish and chips!
Seashell of Lisson Grove, often simply called The Seashell, is known as a favorite among London black cab drivers for fish and chips and is also popular with celebrities.
Located close to Marylebone Station, it has been serving customers since the 1960s!
With a rich menu, friendly staff, and options for dining in or taking away, The Seashell is a must-visit for anyone craving this traditional British meal.
Ending your trip with this iconic meal is a perfect way to conclude this walking tour.
I hope you enjoyed this post.
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