Education & Philanthropy in Bloomsbury
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Known as the place where the Bohemian set lived in squares and loved in triangles, Bloomsbury is also home to great philanthropists whose acts have left an enduring legacy. As we wander some of the most picturesque streets in the capital, you will hear about the man who fought for 17 years to care and educate the most vulnerable of citizens; a literary great who documented and campaigned for those in need, and an Elizabethan grocer whose generosity established one of the most famous public schools in England.
Home to some of the most picturesque streets in the capital, with unspoiled Georgian terraces and charming squares, Bloomsbury also claims the stunning art deco Senate House and the world renown British Museum. Along with impressive architecture, it boasts the world famous Great Ormond Hospital, the smallest alleyway in London and the University of London.
Join me to have your eyes opened to this lovely part of town and discover how education and philanthropy have shaped the area
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A Beautiful Wrenaissance
Join me to celebrate the magnificant works of Sir Christopher Wren in the tercentenary of his death. As one of the most highly acclaimed architects in English history, Wren electrified the London skyline with the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. This was not however a stand-alone project. There were also 51 other churches on the drawing board. As The City sought to rise from the ashes of the Great Fire of London, the mathematician, astronomer and scientist that was Wren, worked his magic.
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This walk will take you to a variety of Wren churches to look at not only the exteriors but visit some exquisite interiors too. In addition, you will hear about Wren's many talents and see some of his other legacies as well as learn about his inspirations and drive to shake up the post-fire landscape.
PUBLIC WALKS -
Dates for this season click HERE
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PRIVATE WALKS
Walks
Public Walks generally last around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Bermondsey Revealed
Nick-named The Land of Leather, Bermondsey has a rich industrial past where tanneries, biscuit factories and breweries once dominated. Sitting south-east of London Bridge it has been an area of poverty, being badly hit by bombs aiming for the nearby docks during the war. Today Bermondsey is experiencing a gentrification which has brought high-class hotels, art galleries and hipster-type cafés to this part of south London. Come and discover this exciting area which has its roots in an 11th century Abbey.
Bermondsey Revealed
Nick-named The Land of Leather, Bermondsey has a rich industrial past where tanneries, biscuit factories and breweries once dominated. Sitting south-east of London Bridge it has been an area of poverty, being badly hit by bombs aiming for the nearby docks during the war. Today Bermondsey is experiencing a gentrification which has brought high-class hotels, art galleries and hipster-type cafés to this part of south London. Come and discover this exciting area which has its roots in an 11th century Abbey.
Victoria & Albert - A Love Story
Come and discover the beautiful Kensington Gardens & Palace to hear about one of the most famous love stories in history. Learn about the drive and visions of a man who who had to carve himself a role in the shadow of his wife. See where the Great Exhibition of 1851 was held, and explore the enduring legacy of this which is an area fondly known as Albertopolis. En route, we will take a proper look at two of the greatest monuments to love in London and end the walk at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Kings, Queens & Coronations
Come and stroll Royal London to hear about Kings and Queens past and present. In this year of the first coronation for 70 years, you will hear stories of mishaps and unfortunate events of coronations throughout the ages as you walk from statues to monuments to royal buildings. You will see where The King lives, walk along the main processional route of London and end up at Westminster Abbey, the only church where coronations take place. This is a walk to bring alive all that you have seen on the television and experience Royal London for yourself.
Meandering in Marylebone
Whether you pronounce it "Mar-le-bon' or 'Marry-le-bone', the charm of this area remains the same. With famous institutions such as the BBC and Madame Tussauds, Marylebone has a fascinating social history which is revealed in the smaller streets. Famous for his medical heritage and delightful shopping, it is also home to some outstanding philanthropists. Come and hear their stories and discover what lies behind the scenes of this lovely part of town.
In The Shadow of the Abbey
Little explored by Londoners, let alone visitors, the area behind Westminster Abbey is a hidden oasis. As you wander the back streets, you will discover the beautiful Smith Square and see fabulous architecture. You will have your eyes drawn towards little details on buildings, lamp posts and pub signs that reveal so much about London history. In such close proximity to the ever noisy Parliament Square, you will be amazed at just how quiet it is, and wonder why you have never been before.
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Curious Covent Garden
Think you know Covent Garden? Far from the clean and safe environment it is today, Covent Garden used to be an area of slums and danger. Crime was rife and those seeking pleasure did not just go to the theatre. On this walk you will discover wonderful theatres, hear about royal love affairs and learn how it is thanks to the monks from Westminster Abbey that the great market flourished for centuries. . You will be taken away from the hordes of tourists to discover a world of back streets and alleys where history will come alive.
The Joys of St. James's
In its heyday, the area of St. James’s was where dukes and dandies lived and socialised. It was the height of fashion and the place for wealthy gentlemen. Today the charming genteel streets continue to thrive on tradition and quintessential Englishness. St. James’s is home to some of the most impressive houses in London, old English shops and members' clubs. But why and how did it develop into such a gloriously exclusive area? And who were the characters that helped shape it? Join me to discover this simply glorious part of London.
Treasures of Mayfair
Famous for being worth top whack on the Monopoly Board, Mayfair is synonymous with exclusivity. Known as the playground of the aristocracy, the nightclubs are high-end-celebrity-hangouts and everything from food to drink to fashion is luxurious. But the place that started as muddy fields with an annual fair, has more to it than high property prices and rents. Behind the glittering shop fronts and busier streets, lies a world of stunning churches, beautiful architecture and delightful gardens; a world where reputations were made and lost, where wealth and sleaze lived side by side. Come and immerse yourself in elegance and style and open your eyes wide to this glorious part of London. It’s not to be missed.
Exploring The Square Mile
The City of London is nicknamed The Square Mile and is famed for its quirky traditions and unique governance. It is where London all started; where the Romans landed and where trade and commerce have flourished ever since. This walk will showcase the variety of fascinating things found in this compact area. From wonderful Wren churches, to the history of Livery Companies - from what has emerged from bomb sites to the modern City - Join me to have your eyes opened to this exciting part of London.
Secret Gardens, Hidden Churches
Come and explore the delightful quiet spaces in The Square Mile. Tucked away from the busier streets, there is a different world where former graveyards and bomb sites have been transformed. The attractive little gardens and charming churches are not always obvious but once you've found them, you won't forget them.
London : The Queue
London "The Queue" is a walk to follow the incredible route taken by thousands to see The Queen lying-in state.
Following the river on the south bank, you will see and hear about not only hugely famous landmarks such as The Tower of London and The Globe Theatre, but also be treated to little insights and details about river life and the immediate area.
This is a gem of a walk - historically and visually exciting. It is little wonder that queuing for hours was no hardship - what better route to absorb and experience this wonderful city.
Whether you were in the actual queue or followed it from a distance, join me to have your eyes opened and the world of the south bank revealed.
Escape to Belgravia
It looks different, feels different, is different. Oozing wealth and stucco-fronted houses, Belgravia boasts a dazzling list of famous residents from aristocrats, to film stars to politicians. Stories of scandal, intrigue and gossip abound here - all wrapped up in a good dose of history. More than this, however, are the delightful back streets. Creating Belgravia's unique feel, they are key to many of the secluded treasures in this area.
In the Boots of Wellington
The first Duke of Wellington is best known for his achievements on the battle field, but what do you know about the man himself and his life in London? Come and discover his favourite shops and clubs and learn about his nicknames and mistresses. There is so much more to this greatest of British heroes than the Battle of Waterloo.