London Walks

Fiction writers are often the first to identify and analyse a social phenomenon. We will examine two centuries of London history through the eyes of novelists and poets, from William Blake to Zadie Smith.

Explore the City’s development from Roman and medieval times through to the Tudors and Stuarts. This course will consist of 8 guided walks starting with Roman London.

Although born in Ireland, Bram Stoker came to London to work with the great Actor Manager Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre and spent the rest of his life here. While working at the Lyceum he published his most famous and enduring novel “Dracula” in 1897. This virtual tour takes us to the London locations of that novel so we cover a wide range of ground from Hendon to Hampstead and Piccadilly to Pimlico tracing the footsteps of the fictional vampire and his creator. Learn about the places Stoker visited, the people he knew, the library where he researched and the history of the book on stage and screen.

Over four walks, we take in some great City of London’s history: its trade along Cheapside and amazing growth; its City Livery Company system and Halls; then how it dramatically burnt down; and how it massively changed in the nineteenth century in ways little thought about today.

Discover the mysterious atmosphere to Hampstead on a tour after-dark where the streets are lit by old-fashioned lamps. We will wind through the narrow back streets and catch glimpses of its fascinating history from the glow of lamps and lit buildings. This tour is particularly stunning over the Festive season where subtle Christmas lights add to the effect. We will end at the historic Holly Bush Tavern where we can warm up with a drink!



Tour starts outside Wagamama 58-62 Heath Street, NW3 1EN Ends Hampstead Tube Station.

Where and how did Londoners live? What did they eat and drink? What illnesses did they suffer from, how were they treated and how did they deal with sanitation? These and other questions will be addressed on this course.

London is made up of a series of villages, each with its own individual characteristics. Explore Spitalfields



Shoreditch, Finsbury, Clerkenwell, Islington, Soho, Fitzrovia and Mayfair on these 8 guided walks.

Explore the transformation of London from the onset of Thatcherism in 1979 to its status as a global metropolis in the 21st century.

The walk traces the early history and developments of Hampstead Garden Suburb and includes the Heath Extension, Central Square- designed by Edwin Lutyens, and the original Artisans quarter designed from 1907 by Parker and Unwin. Starts outside the main entrance to Golders Green Tube station and ends at Temple Fortune on the Finchley Road.

Travel back to the 1930s to explore the Art Deco style that influenced a variety of designs, from radios and cutlery to places related to travel, entertainment and commerce. In addition to looking at the architecture of the period, your guide will tell stories of life in London from the time these buildings were being erected.



Meeting outside St James’s Park tube station (Broadway exit) and finishing at the coach station. Meeting outside St James’s Park tube station (Broadway exit) and finishing at the coach station.