Walking the Rainbow: LGBT+ Soho to St James's

Monday, August 11, 2025 Tottenham Court Road Elizabeth Line station - Dean Street Exit Dean Street London W1D 3RB Walking the Rainbow: LGBT+ Soho to St James's

Join us for a captivating evening walk that connects the electric vibrance of Soho’s queer culture with the historical significance of nearby St James’s. This unique 90-minute tour explores the evolution of LGBTQ+ spaces in central London, weaving together stories of resilience, celebration, and resistance.

Starting from the heart of Soho, you’ll stroll through the neighbourhood once considered a haven for artists, outsiders, and trailblazers. Along the route, you’ll hear stories of legendary LGBTQ+ venues, the people who shaped them, and the cultural shifts that turned once-hidden corners into public platforms for pride. From the iconic Old Compton Street to the quieter courtyards of St James’s, the tour traces how spaces of nightlife, love, and protest became touchstones in the wider journey toward equality.

Led by a knowledgeable and engaging guide, the walk brings to life the stories behind Soho’s famous pubs, clubs, and “molly houses,” while offering deeper insights into queer identity and activism across the centuries. As the sun sets over London, you’ll continue toward St James’s—a place symbolic of royal authority and civic structure—where powerful contrasts and lesser-known histories of remembrance, including vigils and commemorations, reveal the city’s changing relationship with its queer citizens.

Whether you’re a local Londoner or visiting for the first time, this tour offers a fresh and poignant way to experience the city. Open to all—LGBTQ+ folks, allies, history lovers, and the simply curious—Walking the Rainbow is as much about connection and storytelling as it is about exploring place. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and you should come prepared for the ever-changeable London weather.

Spaces are limited and tours often sell out, so early booking is strongly advised. Join us for an unforgettable journey through London’s queer heritage, from the bold to the hidden, the joyful to the defiant.

Book now on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walking-the-rainbow-lgbt-soho-to-st-jamess-tickets-