London revealed: The grand tours

Murderously interesting

The Jack the Ripper Tour is a chilling journey around England's most infamous serial killer's old slashing grounds. The tour takes customers to inspect the murder sites, examine the gruesome evidence, and get an idea of who the victims were. Fittingly, the tour begins at 7.30pm daily (Saturdays at 3pm) at Tower Hill tube station and costs £7 for adults. Children under 15 are free if accompanied by an adult.

(020-7624 3978; www.walks.com)

To walk, or not to walk

The Shakespeare City Walk to some of the lesser-known monuments in London that have links to Shakespeare's life, his friends, his loves and his work. Tour highlights include two London locations for Shakespeare's houses, and the place where Othello, King Lear and Macbeth were written. Tours run from Monday to Fridays at 11am from Exit 8 of Blackfriars Underground station. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £4.50 for children (12-14yrs).

(020-7625 5155; www.shakespeareguide.com)

Spooky stroll

The Old City Ghost Walk is an eerie trip into concealed courtyards and down narrow alleyways in the depths of the old city – the most spine-chilling quarter of London. On this tour you will visit the infamous Devil's Passage, discover the site of Scrooge's counting house and stumble on the sinister ruins of a 16th-century dungeon. The tours can only be in groups of 15 or more, and costs £7 each.

(020-8530 8443; www.london-walking-tours.co.uk)

Rock the city!

Let's Rock'n'Roll is an original tour that sheds light on the important role London has played in the development of contemporary rock music. There are three tours to choose from: the morning tour takes you to the capital's rock landmarks, such as Ringo Starr's Hampstead residence, the only flat shared by The Beatles, and Paul McCartney's office, where he penned "Yesterday". The afternoon tour takes you the places that defined the Swinging Sixties, including Abbey Road, the homes of David Bowie and Jimmy Page, and the place where Jimi Hendrix died. The full-day Monster of Rock combines both tours and allows you to have lunch at the Hard Rock Café. Morning tours are Tuesday and Sunday (May-October), departing at 9.30am; afternoon tours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of October, departing at 2pm. Both tours cost £25 for adults and £17.50 for children aged 12 and under. Full-day tours run from Tuesday and Sunday (May-October), departing at 9.30am. Tickets are £50 for adults and £30 for children. All tours depart from the Hard Rock Café, Old Park Lane.

(020-7950 1777; www.evanevanstours.co.uk)