London’s Femme Fatales : the power of sex and beauty

Discover the Hidden Stories of London’s Sex and Love History

The London’s Femme Fatales: the power of sex and beauty tour offers a fresh perspective on England’s capital by revealing the stories behind its more provocative past. Priced at $251.82 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, this private walking experience takes visitors on a journey through off-the-beaten-path sites connected to historical brothels, famous mistresses, and the city’s red-light history. Starting at the National Portrait Gallery and ending back at the same point, the tour is ideal for those interested in alternative sightseeing with a taste for scandal and intrigue.

While the tour’s focus on sex, love, and societal taboos makes it stand out from traditional city tours, it is important to note that one review describes it as “boring” and mentions limited engagement. Nevertheless, insider knowledge from guides and visits to landmarks like Soho, Chinatown, and historic restaurants promise to offer a unique glimpse into London’s less conventional past.

Key Points

• Private tour lasting about 2.5 hours with a professional guide
• Focus on London’s history of sex, love, and scandal, with visits to historical sites and neighborhoods
• Starts and ends at the National Portrait Gallery in central London
• Includes stops at Soho, Strand, Soho Square, and Chinatown, among others
• Tour price is $251.82 per person, suitable for ages 16 and up
• Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Starting Point at the National Portrait Gallery

The tour begins at the National Portrait Gallery on St. Martin’s Place, a central London location easily accessible by public transport. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour is designed as a private experience for your group, which allows for a more personalized exploration. The guide provides insider knowledge as you set out to explore London’s clandestine side.

The tour’s duration of about two and a half hours makes it a manageable option for those wanting an in-depth yet concise experience. Although brief, the focus is on significant historical sites linked to love and vice, offering a more focused alternative to larger sightseeing tours.

Exploring Soho’s Erotic Past and Reusable Condoms

The first major stop is Soho, famous today for its vibrant nightlife and cultural diversity. Here, the guide shares the curious fact that 19th-century condoms were reusable, illustrating the city’s fascinating attitude toward sexuality in the past.

This 30-minute stop allows a closer look at Soho’s reputation as London’s red-light district, and the stories behind its proliferation of sex work and related establishments. This segment includes free admission, but visitors should be prepared for a quick overview rather than an exhaustive exploration. The guide’s storytelling helps to bring alive Soho’s provocative history.

The Strand and Historic Royal Hangouts

Next, the tour moves along the Strand, where you visit London’s oldest restaurant, notorious for Edward VII dining with his mistresses. This spot reveals royal connections to London’s sex and love stories. You also learn about Casanova’s visit to London and which of his mistresses held the greatest significance for him.

This 20-minute segment adds a royal and aristocratic dimension to the narrative, emphasizing how sexual intrigue often intertwined with power and influence. The free admission allows for an easy integration into the overall experience, and the context helps to connect historical figures with the city’s modern reputation.

Soho Square and George IV’s Flogging Spot

A highlight for those interested in lesser-known scandal sites is Soho Square, where the tour features George IV’s favorite spot, known as the School of Sodom. This location is historically linked to public flogging of men, revealing darker aspects of public morality and punishment related to sexual misconduct.

This 30-minute stop, while not including admission, offers a visual glimpse into London’s more notorious past, combining history with a sense of the city’s evolving attitudes toward sexuality and discipline.

Nell Gwyn and 18th-Century Masquerades

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane marks another stage in the tour, where the focus shifts to Nell Gwyn, one of history’s most influential royal mistresses. The guide discusses her role in courtly love and influence, providing insight into 16th and 17th-century perceptions of female power and sexuality.

This 20-minute visit also references the 18th-century masquerade balls, which were notorious for their decadent and sometimes secretive nature. The admission is not included, but the stories about famous lovers and political intrigue enrich the overall narrative.

Chinatown’s 1920s Brothels and Guilt Pleasures

A key stop is Chinatown, where the tour explores 1920s brothels and the location where Londoners could acquire cocaine for their guilty pleasures. This segment highlights London’s underground culture, emphasizing a less visible side of the city’s social history.

Spending about 30 minutes here, visitors get to see sights linked to vice activities, with the free admission making it an accessible glimpse into urban vice networks of the early 20th century.

Soho’s Hidden Secrets in a Brief Finale

The tour wraps up with a 10-minute exploration of Soho’s hidden secrets, delving into lesser-known sites and stories. This concluding segment, which includes admission, offers a chance to discover secret spots and uncover more about London’s clandestine past.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

The tour is led by a professional guide who shares insider stories and historical context. The meeting point at the National Portrait Gallery is accessible, and the tour is designed for most travelers aged 16 and older. Since it is a private experience, group size remains small, enhancing the opportunity for interaction.

Most of the stops are free, with some attractions requiring no additional ticket, but a few sites like Soho Square and the Theatre Royal are not included in the ticket price. The 24-hour cancellation policy offers flexibility, though refunds are only available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

The Less Enthusiastic Perspective

One review describes the tour as “boring”, citing limited engagement and a single stop at a sex toy store. This suggests that expectations vary, and the experience may depend heavily on the guides’ storytelling skills. Visitors seeking a more dynamic or interactive experience might find the tour somewhat lacking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits those who want an insider’s look at London’s sexual history, with an emphasis on hidden stories and locations. It is ideal for adults aged 16 and older with curiosity about taboo topics, as well as those interested in celebrity and royal lovers. For visitors wanting a conventional sightseeing experience, other options might better suit their tastes.

Final Thoughts on London’s Femme Fatales Tour

The London’s Femme Fatales: the power of sex and beauty tour offers a distinctive look at London’s underground and scandalous past. While some may find the pacing slow or the content less engaging, others will appreciate the expert storytelling and carefully curated sites. The price point reflects the private, guided nature of the experience, making it a thoughtful choice for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Travelers with an interest in history, scandal, and the city’s less conventional stories will find the tour worthwhile, provided they are comfortable with the topic focus and pace. As a distinctive alternative to traditional sightseeing, it delivers a compelling narrative about London’s sex, love, and societal taboos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour has a minimum age of 16, due to the mature themes discussed.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

What locations does the tour visit?
Stops include the National Portrait Gallery, Soho, Strand, Soho Square, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Chinatown, and hidden Soho secrets.

Are the attractions included in the ticket price?
Most sites are free to visit during the tour, but some, like Soho Square and Theatre Royal, do not include admission.

Is the tour private or group-based?
It is a private experience, meaning only your group participates.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $251.82 per person.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit options.