Join the original Alfred Hitchcock walking tour in Leytonstone, East London—the place where the “Master of Suspense” began his life and where many of the stories that shaped him unfolded. Created and led by local historian and Hitchcock expert Gary Lewis, this guided experience is the result of years of dedicated research into Hitchcock’s early years, brought to life with rare documents and photographs.
Over roughly two hours, you’ll walk in Hitchcock’s footsteps and discover the real-world locations connected to his childhood and formative experiences: his birthplace, his first school, his favourite pub, and the cinemas he enjoyed. You’ll also hear about dramatic moments from the era, including the site of a WWI air raid he survived, and the police station where he was briefly locked up as a child—an experience often linked to his lifelong fascination with authority, fear, and guilt.
A highlight of the tour is the striking Hitchcock mosaics at Leytonstone Tube Station, a visual tribute to his legacy in the area where it all started. Throughout the walk, Gary weaves together local history, Hitchcock’s family background, and early influences to show not only where Hitchcock lived, but how Leytonstone helped shape his imagination.
After the walk, enjoy a relaxed and extensive Q&A session with Gary—an ideal chance to ask about Hitchcock’s life, films, and the research behind the tour.
Tours operate in most weather conditions; only snow may cause cancellations, in which case a full refund is issued.