Mary Poppins In London: Practically Perfect Private Walking Tour

Mary Poppins is undoubtedly one of the most iconic heroines of children’s literature. Appearing in 8 books and 2 unforgettable films, PL Travers’ most beloved character has captivated kids and adults alike for generations. The city of London plays a major role in the books and the movies as the backdrop for Mary’s adventures with the Banks children, and our immersive private walking tour gives you the chance to follow in their footsteps and see some of the most emblematic spots depicted in the stories and on screen.

On your private 2-hour tour, you will:

• Set out on a Mary Poppins-themed route around London that is practically perfect in every way;
• Enjoy the undivided attention of your local expert guide, a friendly Londoner well-versed in the lore of the marvellous magical nanny;
• See plenty of iconic London landmarks along the way;
• Uncover hidden details from the original Mary Poppins books and hear intriguing behind-the-scenes stories about the classic film starring Julie Andrews;
• Learn more about the Edwardian era when the books and films are set;
• Stop by the famous corner steps of St Paul’s Cathedral, where Mary Poppins sang “Feed the birds”;
• Visit various filming locations from the 2018 sequel Mary Poppins Returns, including cousin Topsy’s shop;
• Take in amazing views over London from a scenic rooftop.
  

Step into the world of London’s most famous nanny on this enchanting private walking tour through the heart of one of the world's greatest cities. Designed for curious minds of all ages, this journey through London's streets and stories brings together the rich literary legacy of P.L. Travers' beloved books, the timeless charm of the classic 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews, and the wonder of the 2018 sequel Mary Poppins Returns, weaving them seamlessly into the living, breathing city that inspired them all. Your adventure begins right in the heart of the city, where your dedicated local expert guide, steeped in the lore of Cherry Tree Lane and its most extraordinary visitor, will be on hand exclusively for you and your group from start to finish. 

From the City of London's grand Edwardian streetscapes, the very world that shaped the stiff-collared patriarch Mr Banks, you'll set off on a route that is, in the best possible tradition, practically perfect in every way. Along the way, your guide will illuminate the fascinating history of the Edwardian era in which the stories are set, revealing how P.L. Travers drew on the culture, class and character of early twentieth-century London to create her enchanting tales. Expect hidden details from the original books that even devoted fans may never have encountered, alongside intriguing behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the iconic 1964 film starring Julie Andrews.

No Mary Poppins pilgrimage would be complete without a pause at the storied steps of St Paul's Cathedral, one of London's most majestic landmarks and the very spot immortalised in the song Feed the Birds. Standing where the Bird Woman once sat, tuppence in hand, you’ll feel the history of that beloved scene wash over you. In the middle of the tour, the city itself becomes the spectacle as you glide up to a rooftop with sweeping panoramic views across London's glittering skyline, and let your imagination take flight. Up here, it's not so hard to picture Mary Poppins floating gracefully overhead, parrot-headed umbrella catching the breeze, looking down on the chimney pots and church spires with that particular expression of serene satisfaction.

The tour also ventures into the world of Mary Poppins Returns, tracing a series of filming locations from the 2018 sequel across the city. The grand finale is a discovery that delights children and adults in equal measure: a tucked-away hidden alley, the very one used as the exterior of cousin Topsy's upside-down shop. Few visitors ever find it on their own, and walking through it feels genuinely like stepping through the screen. This tour ends in Covent Garden, one of London's most vibrant and beloved neighbourhoods, leaving you perfectly placed to explore at your leisure, or simply sit with a cup of tea and reflect on the places you've been and the stories you've uncovered.

Whether you're travelling with little ones discovering Mary Poppins for the first time, or with adults who have loved her for decades, this tour offers something rare: a genuinely fresh and imaginative way to experience London, guided by someone who knows it deeply and loves it well. Supercalifragilistic? Quite possibly. Unforgettable? Absolutely.

Please note that this is an independently operated, theme-inspired tour and is not an official or licensed product. While the route celebrates locations associated with the stories and film of Mary Poppins around London, it is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with the rights holders, production companies, or studios connected to the character. All references are for thematic and entertainment purposes only.