Mayfair: Walking Tour of London’s Posh Neighborhood, London, England

Mayfair is an exclusive London neighborhood named after its old-time “May Fair.” In 1686, King James II granted permission for this two-week fair; it was held at Shepherd Market (a small precinct in Mayfair). Crowds flocked to this rural area between the 17th and 18th centuries for this May annual fair. They came for drinking, eating, and entertainment, including bare-knuckle fighting, women’s foot racing, and puppet shows. The authorities banned it in 1764 because it was too raucous.

Today, Mayfair is one of the most expensive London neighborhoods. Its luxury accommodations have been home to Clive of India, Disraeli, Handel, Florence Nightingale, Jimi Hendrix, Dodi Fayed, and Earl Mountbatten.

“This Monopoly board icon is filled with lavish boutiques, upscale eateries and top-notch hotels.”-Visit London

But you don’t have to live in Mayfair to enjoy its charms. For the price of a subway ticket, you can spend a day getting to know London’s aristocratic neighborhood. Be sure to wear good walking shoes. This Mayfair walking tour will wear you out! (Mayfair reminds me of other historic neighborhoods I have toured, such as Dublin, Hay-on-Wye, and Montmartre.) I promise you a delicious bowl of homemade pasta at the end of your adventure. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).