Visiting iconic royal sites such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Westminster Abbey is part of the must-do experience for many travelers to London. But for clients who are more interested in rock ’n’ roll royalty than British royalty, the English capital still has plenty to offer.
Exploring the city’s rich musical history is a popular activity for visitors. London Rock Tours offers a variety of half-day and daylong excursions that take guests to the locations where iconic British musicians lived, worked and played. Led by knowledgeable guides, the minibus tours feature multiple photo opportunities, some occasional walking, lunch and restroom breaks.
Itineraries may include stops at celebrity homes, famous recording studios, clubs, pubs, album cover locations, places described in lyrics, the settings for music videos and more. (London Rock Tours can also customize trips to fit fans’ musical interests.)
For many in our group, the best part of the tour was having the expertise of our guide, Lee Sargent. An avid music lover, former musician and record shop owner, Sargent filled the fun and informative all-day outing with stories, jokes and bits of trivia about London’s vibrant music scene.
In the Soho district, we stopped by Paul McCartney’s music publishing company, MPL Communications. From there, we went to the former Trident Studios, where artists such as David Bowie and Elton John recorded some big hits.
We also scoped out some locations featured on memorable album covers. A highlight was walking across the iconic crossing where the Fab Four photographed their famous “Abbey Road” album cover. We also strolled Berwick Street, which appears on the cover of the Oasis album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”
We later stopped for lunch at The Troubadour, feasting on fish and chips on the leafy patio out back. Established in 1954, the music club and cafe is where Bob Dylan first performed in London in 1962.
It was fun to see several rock stars’ homes, as well.
We swung by two former residences of late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, and our guide pointed out the current homes of Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and Queen guitarist and co-founder Brian May. Near the end of the tour, Sargent took us to the rooftop where the Beatles gave their last live performance in January 1969.
With its connection to many of the world’s beloved performers, it’s easy to see why London is a mecca for music lovers.
The Details
London Rock Tours
www.londonrocktour.com
Visit Britain
www.visitbritain.com
