This autumn, the Sherlock Holmes Society of London will be retracing the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes, as described in Charles O. Merrimans’ The Tourist Guide to the London of Sherlock Holmes. This booklet, originally published in 1970, traced out six walks in Central London, covering a swathe of thrilling adventures, and noting locations. The aim of this Remapping project is to compare the buildings and layout of 1970s London to that of today: what was there? What is there now, and has it kept or lost its charm?

Remapping walks will take place over Saturday mornings, led by Society member and City of London Guide Lecturer Robin Rowles. Guests are invited to make observations and comments, which will be collated into a new edition of The Tourist Guide, just in time for the Society’s 75^th anniversary in 2026. Each walk is expected to take approximately one- and three-quarter hours and will finish near to a convenient hostelry where everybody can compare notes over lunch. There will be a nominal charge to cover expenses. For logistical reasons, numbers are limited to 12. Walks are scheduled as follows:

Walk 1:
Walk 1 has been rescheduled from its original date in September.

6 December: The Return of Sherlock Holmes Portland Place to Oxford Street

This walk traces what was probably the most hoped for adventure in the Canon after 1891, the return of Sherlock Holmes in ‘The Empty House’, taking place in the Spring of 1894. Booking is now open, with a booking fee of £10. Places are limited. Information about the rendezvous and itinerary will be sent on booking.

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Walk 2:
4 October: The Museum, The Goose and The Mafia The British Museum to Oxford Street

This walk brings together elements from several well-loved Sherlock Holmes stories: the bizarre adventure of ‘Wisteria Lodge’, the black comedy ‘The Blue Carbuncle’, the sinister ‘Red Circle’ and others.

Walk 3:
25 October: The City of Dark Secrets The Royal Exchange to Aldgate Station

From the financial heart of the City, travelling East, this walk discovers the place of business of Hugh Boone in ‘The Man with the Twisted Lip’, the body of Cadogan West at Aldgate Station, and the impersonation of Hall Pycroft in ‘The Stockbroker’s Clerk’ and more.

Walk 4:
1 November: Origins, Shocks, and Surprises Holborn to Cannon Street

This walk starts where everything began from Watson’s memoirs in A Study in Scarlet. We’ll also see a location claimed (and disputed) for Pope’s Court in ‘The Red-Headed League’, the site of old Doctors’ Commons in ‘The Speckled Band’, and Cannon Street Station, where Neville St Clair famously failed to catch the 5.14 train in ‘The Man With the Twisted Lip’.

Walk 5:
15 November: Theatreland of Adventures Haymarket to Bow Street.

From the Haymarket to Simpsons in the Strand, this is a ramble of relaxation…or is it?

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Walk 6:
22 November: Squaring the Circles Piccadilly Circus Circular.

This walk takes in where Holmes and Watson introspected to the violin of Sarasate in ‘The Red-Headed League’, Brook Street where ‘The Resident Patient’ was murdered, and finishes at the Café Royal where Baron Gruner’s men attacked Holmes in ‘The Illustrious Client’.

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Booking for each walk will open 4 weeks beforehand and close the Monday before the walk; joining information will be sent to those who book.

Health & Safety

Please dress suitably for the weather, including footwear. Check your travel options on the day at www.tfl.gov.uk. Guests are gently reminded to stay on the pavement and be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. When crossing roads, designated crossing points will be used where possible. However, please do not begin crossing unless you are sure it is safe to do so. Everybody is responsible for their own actions. Dogs are welcome, provided the animal is always kept on its lead, and the owner handles any mess.