Imagine Experiences City Of Spies in London

London is the true “City of Spies” with over 10,000 agents hard at work in the capital!  You will hear tales of Elizabeth I and intrigue, the Great Game, and the Cold War. You’ll tread in the footsteps of “The Cambridge Ring”, the Special Operations Executive and, of course, the most famous spy in the world: “007”.

This is a spy journey of which John Le Carré, Frederick Forsyth, and Ian Fleming would be proud.

We explore the successes and failures of MI5 and SIS (MI6), root out the treachery of the Cambridge spy ring, find out the facts behind the invention of the world’s first computer and why many of its uses were top secret until recently… and how many more still are!  Created by an expert from the real world of espionage and the British secret service, you will discover the world of spooks in a unique and practical way, starting with a Vesper Martini (or other cocktails/mocktails) and ending with dinner and discussion at our atmospheric Whitehall venue.

Agenda (Itinerary)

Meet at St James’s Park Underground Station at the Petty France exit at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start

• Visit St Ermin’s, an essential part of the British espionage story.  Known as the “House of Spies”, this beautiful Art Nouveau building sat opposite a former MI6 headquarters and was frequented by none other than Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond novels.
• Queen Anne's Gate: home of the first Head of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) codenamed “C” (that’s “M” from the Bond movies to you and me) and was the base for all the most prominent espionage personnel. 
• A walk-through St James's Park is always a pleasure, but you’ll never see it in the same light after this visit as you are surrounded by espionage history.
• Then, as we walk through the corridors of power, past the old War Office and the Air Ministry, we’ll stop off at The Admiralty which some believe is the birthplace of Bond himself.
• Then, to finish off the day, you’re invited to an atmospheric pub in the heart of Whitehall for dinner where guests are welcome to discuss the tour with their expert host and fellow spy explorers

Inclusions 

• Tour of the hidden London areas where the first professional spy networks were formed and sites associated with international espionage
• Espionage expert host 
• Your own version of Bond’s favourite cocktail; the ‘Vesper’ (or other alcoholic / non-alcoholic drink) at the Caxton Bar, House of Spies, St Ermin`s Hotel 
• Debrief session with your spy expert in a venue in Whitehall
• Two course dinner and a choice of Beer/wine in Whitehall club

Know before you go.

If you have any allergies or specific dietary requirements, please advise at the time of the booking so that the Imagine customer service team can advise of the different food outlets included in the tour. There are also vegan options available.

Please note that the walking section of the experience lasts for approx. 3 hours.

What`s not included

Extra drinks and food at the respective venues

Nearest Public transport 

Nearest station: St James’s Park Underground (District and Circle lines)

Dress code

Please bring comfortable shoes as a significant amount of walking is involved.  

What to bring with you?

Please bring your booking confirmation, either on your phone or printed to show to your guide.

Departure Meeting point

Meet at St James’s Park Underground Station at the Petty France exit

Additional Info 

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking. Guests are welcome to join in discussion with their expert host over dinner. At the final venue guests will have the opportunity to dwell in the heart of Whitehall after dinner. The tour will depart on time at 6.30pm and we have a provisional time of 9.30pm to conclude the experience.