London Rock Tour with Brit Music Tours: Rolling Stones Minivan Experience
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; some walking involved in outdoor venue visits
Overview
Discover the roots of the Rolling Stones on this immersive minivan tour through West London. Visit the sites where their legendary career began, and hear the untold stories behind their rise to fame. Perfect for music fans eager to connect with London's vibrant rock history.
Rolling Stones Tour of London by Black Taxi
For all ages! • 4 hours • Private taxi Tour!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on an exclusive journey through rock history with the Birthplace of the Rolling Stones Tour. Discover the humble venues where the band began, from their first rehearsal space to iconic stages. Experience the contrast of their early days and later fame, all while enjoying the soundtrack of their groundbreaking music.
See the birthplace of the Rolling Stones
Duration
3 hours
About
This exclusive Birthplace of the Rolling Stones tour explores their early days, from when they performed to just 3 paying customers at the Station Hotel in Richmond.
You’ll see the pub location where they first rehearsed and where Bill Wyman auditioned for the vacant bass player slot, with a short stop outside Mick’s shabby flat that he shared with Keith and Brian and the opulent Chelsea homes that Mick and Keith bought just 5 years later.
To a backdrop of early Stones music you’ll head out to the stages they performed on… Like the Half Moon pub in Putney where they played a private gig as recently as 2000.
After a quick stop at Olympic Studios, where they recorded 6 early albums, you’ll arrive at their spiritual home in Richmond and the venues where they secured their first residencies. Here you’ll see their early haunts and later homes before visiting the location of the National Jazz & Blues Festival that they first headlined in 1964.
This tour ends at Richmond Station, opposite the location of the original Crawdaddy Club, with fast and frequent train and tube services to all parts of London.
Adventure Tips
Plan for comfortable walking shoes
Some venue visits involve short walks through historic neighborhoods, so bring comfortable footwear.
Bring a sense of curiosity
Engage with your guide and ask questions to get the most out of the stories and backgrounds of each site.
Check the weather forecast
Since part of the tour includes outdoor stops, be prepared for rain or sunshine with appropriate gear.
Book in advance
Tours tend to fill quickly, especially during peak seasons, so reserve your spot early.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sparrows and pigeons in outdoor venues
- Occasional foxes in quieter neighborhoods
History
West London's music scene in the 1960s was a hotbed of innovation, with many legendary bands cutting their teeth in these streets.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes respecting local neighborhoods and venues, ensuring London's musical heritage is preserved for future generations.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking around historic venues and neighborhoods comfortably.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Layered clothing helps prepare for London's unpredictable weather.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the iconic sites and vibrant street scenes along the route.
Portable charger
Keep your devices powered during the tour for photos and notes.