Visit the Birthplace of The Rolling Stones – Private Tour

The Visit the Birthplace of The Rolling Stones – Private Tour offers a compelling journey into one of rock’s most legendary histories. Priced at $576.06 per group (up to six people), this 3-hour tour departs from Earls Court and takes visitors through key locations in London associated with the band’s early days. The tour is delivered in an air-conditioned minivan, making the experience comfortable even in warmer weather.

This private experience guarantees a personalized exploration of the band’s roots, guided by knowledgeable experts who share stories and trivia about The Stones’ rise. With reviews rating it 5.0 out of 5, the tour has built a reputation for delivering an engaging and authentic look at the band’s history. While this tour is ideal for music enthusiasts and fans of 60s London, it provides enough insight and atmosphere for anyone interested in London’s cultural scene during the Swinging Sixties.

Key Points

• Private, personalized tour focused on the origins of The Rolling Stones in London.
• Three-hour experience in an air-conditioned minivan with a professional guide.
• Visits include band landmarks, historic venues, and locations with legendary stories.
• Cost of $576.06 covers up to 6 people and includes all taxes and fees.
• Tour starts at the Earls Court Police Box at 1:00 pm and ends at Richmond Station.
• The tour features free stops at iconic locations like 102 Edith Grove, Olympic Studios, and Crawdaddy Club.

Exploring the Band’s Origins in London’s West

This private tour begins at Earls Court, outside the historic police box, a convenient starting point for those staying in central London. The guide leads guests in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, making it simple to relax while moving between stops. The experience is tailored solely to your group, ensuring ample time for questions and stories.

The tour’s focus remains on sites linked directly to the band’s earliest days, such as 102 Edith Grove, where Brian, Mick, and Keith shared a flat between 1962 and 1963. Visitors see where the band invited The Beatles after meeting in Richmond—an incredible piece of music history. The 5-minute stop provides a chance to photograph the exterior of this legendary flat without needing admission tickets.

Visiting the Homes of Mick and Keith in Cheyne Walk

Next, the tour visits Cheyne Walk, a prestigious street in London where Mick Jagger and Keith Richards purchased houses in 1968. Though the stops here are brief—about 2 minutes—viewing these residences offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the band members during their rise. The guide shares stories about their lives in this affluent neighborhood, adding context to their early careers.

While admission is not included for these private homes, the exterior view evokes the glamour and fame that would follow. The stops are ideal for capturing photos and soaking in the ambiance of Swinging London.

The Heart of Swinging London: The Chelsea Scene

A highlight of this tour is passing through the heart of Swinging London, where famous music and fashion venues thrived. The guide explains how this era influenced The Rolling Stones’ style and sound, with mentions of legendary spots like the Chelsea Drugstore. Though not a stop, this part of the journey sets the scene for the band’s formative environment.

This section provides engaging anecdotes about London’s vibrant 1960s culture, connecting the band’s early experiences with the broader scene that shaped their music.

The Half Moon in Putney: A Venue with Recent History

The tour pauses at The Half Moon in Putney, where The Stones performed at a private party as recently as 2000. The 10-minute stop is free of admission charges, giving guests the chance to view the venue from the outside. The guide shares details about the band’s private performances here, emphasizing its ongoing relevance in their history.

This venue, with its longstanding reputation, offers a tangible link to the band’s live performance history beyond their studio recordings.

Olympic Studios: A Recording Landmark

Another key highlight is Olympic Studios, where The Stones recorded six consecutive albums between 1966 and 1972. The 10-minute stop emphasizes Olympic’s importance in the band’s evolution, and the guide recounts stories about their time recording there. The studio’s previous location off Baker Street also gains mention, where their first hit, ‘Come On’, was recorded in 1963.

Guests see the building from the outside, gaining an appreciation for Olympic’s role in shaping their sound during their peak years.

The First Residency at All Bar One Richmond

This 10-minute stop takes visitors to the original Crawdaddy Club location in Richmond, where The Rolling Stones secured their first residency on February 24, 1963. It’s also the site where they met The Beatles and signed with Decca Records. The guide recounts the significance of this historic venue, which played a central role in the band’s early career.

While admission is free, the storytelling here offers a vivid picture of the band’s first big break in London.

Mick, Jerry, and Ronnie’s Residences in Richmond

The tour then moves to Terrace Gardens on Richmond Hill, where Mick and Jerry lived in the early 1990s, with Ronnie Wood also residing nearby since 1971. The house where ‘It’s Only Rock And Roll But I Like It’ was written in 1973 is visible from outside, and the guide shares intriguing details about the homes of band members.

Pete Townsend’s house is also pointed out, with a note on its recent sale for £15 million. The brief 5-minute stop offers a chance for photos and stories about the band’s life in Richmond.

The Sandover Hall and Other Richmond Venues

A quick visit to Ormond Road highlights the Sandover Hall, where The Stones performed between 1962 and 1963. The 5-minute stop is free, but the significance lies in its contribution to their early live performances.

The Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, the second location of the venue, is also explored. Here, The Yardbirds replaced The Stones as the resident band in 1963, and the club hosted the National Jazz and Blues Festival. The historical importance of this site is woven into the narrative, emphasizing its role in the London music scene.

Logistics and Meeting Details

This private tour begins at the Earls Court Police Box at 1:00 pm and concludes at Richmond Station. The end point is well-connected with fast train and tube services, making it easy for guests to explore more of Richmond or continue their London adventure. The tour includes all taxes, fees, and a professional guide, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Participants should note that transportation to the meeting point is not included. The tour is suitable for most travelers aged 9 and above and offers a fully private experience, perfect for bands of up to six people.

Final Thoughts on the Rolling Stones Birthplace Tour

This private, personalized tour excels at revealing London’s musical landmarks associated with The Rolling Stones in a relaxed and engaging way. The expert guide’s knowledge shines through stories that connect the band’s early years with iconic locations, making it great for fans and history buffs alike.

While the stops focus mainly on exteriors and historic sites, the flexibility of a private tour allows for in-depth discussion and customized pacing. The 3-hour duration balances a rundown with comfort, all in a well-organized package.

This tour is particularly suited for those who cherish 60s music, want to see where the band started, and enjoy exploring hidden corners of London. Its high ratings and positive reviews suggest it delivers a well-informed, fun experience that brings the band’s story vividly to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Earls Court Police Box at 1:00 pm and ends at Richmond Station.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 9 years, making it accessible for families with older children.

What is included in the price?
All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included, along with a professional guide and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I book for fewer than six people?
The pricing is per group of up to 6 people, so solo travelers or smaller groups can join but will pay the full price for the group.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will participate.

What are the main highlights?
Visits include 102 Edith Grove, Olympic Studios, Crawdaddy Club, and the homes of band members in Richmond.

Are admission tickets required for any stops?
Most stops are viewed from the exterior and are free of charge, except for specific homes where only exterior views are offered.

What makes this tour stand out?
The personalized attention, expert storytelling, and focus on early band sites set this apart from broader London tours.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation to the starting point is not included, so plan accordingly.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Where can I book this tour?
The tour is available through Swinging 60s London via Viator, with further details at the provided link.

This Visit the Birthplace of The Rolling Stones – Private Tour offers a well-structured, intimate look at London’s rock history. Its focus on authentic landmarks, combined with a knowledgeable guide, makes it a rewarding experience for fans eager to see where the legend began.