An Artists' Retreat - Discover Belsize Park
This tour explores Hampstead's lesser known but equally interesting neighbour. The name Belsize means "beautifuly situated" and its hilltop location has attracted many notable people over the years including artists and sculptors. We see the studios described as a "gentle nest of artists" where Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and many others worked in the 1930s. Nearby is the the iconic apartment block where Agatha Christie and her archaeologist husband rubbed shoulders with the artistic set. All this plus Victorian almshouses, delightful mews and an impressive Priory church contribute to a surprising tour of a little known area.

Actors, Oarsmen and Artists - Historic Hammersmith
Passing Hammersmith by road or rail people often don't realise that the River Thames flows through this area which holds some delightful secrets. Theatres, film locations, an elegant square, two churches, an exclusive school with some famous ex pupils and, of course, a riverside walkway with great views all feature. Hear of some actors, writers and artists past and present who have made Hammersmith their home. Learn the history of the famous Oxford v Cambridge boatrace while passing the many sailing clubs which line this part of the river. Discover a bridge which is a great survivor and find out why some Hamersmith residents should have avoided the funeral of one of England's most popular royals.

Abolitionists, Academies and Architects - Historic Clapham
Just a few miles from Central London, Clapham was the destination of many 18th century city businessmen who wanted an impressive house that was a short carriage ride from their work. 19th century transport improvements attracted the "man on the Clapham Omnibus" who came to enjoy the green space of Clapham Common on his rare days of rest. On this tour we visit Clapham Old Town to hear of an old parish church, a royal laundry and an African Academy. At Holy Trinity Church we learn about the Clapham Sect and their struggle to abolish the slave trade. On the common we see the entrances to wartime shelters, discover the homes of past residents including diarist Samuel Pepys and author Graham Green. Finish at a pub which once played host to Prime Ministers and Royalty.

Apples, Actors, Rogues and Rookeries – Historic St Giles and Seven Dials
Discover some intriguing courtyards and byways of this historic area with a once notorious reputation. While some past inhabitants earned an honest living as costermongers at nearby Covent Garden market others survived by prostitution and petty crime in a district which became known as the “St Giles rookery”. An elegant 18th century church, several theatres, the home of “Monty Python”, hidden almshouses and one of London’s most famous restaurants all feature.

Art Deco London
This tour takes you back to London in the 1930s. A style which made its first public appearance at the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels made its way across the channel and influenced a variety of designs from radios and cutlery to places of entertainment and commerce. Starting in Victoria with some buildings dedicated to travel, we move west to the Strand with theatres, a cinema, hotels and a Masonic Temple. In addition to looking at the architecture of the period, your guide will tell stories of life in London when these buildings were erected.

Please note that this is a very flexible tour . The route can be altered and can involve several areas if participants are willing to travel via public transport between different central London districts with examples of Art Deco architecture. The tour can also be combined with a look at examples of Art Deco design in the V and A's 20th century gallery.

A Curious Collection - The London of Charlie Chaplin, Michael Faraday and Robert Browning
Discover a rarely explored corner of South London which will surprise you. Behind the busy Walworth Road you will find a church designed by eminent architect Sir John Soane, a garden farm, a Victorian workhouse and a vibrant street market. Learn about famous past residents from scientists to film stars. Hear about the charismatic preacher, the housing reformer, the Pearly Kings and the Little Tramp. Finish at the area's newly restored local museum with a chance to explore some "cabinets of curiosities" amassed by a local resident.

Beatles' London
Come on this "magical mystery tour" of Beatles sites in London. Not only will you see some of the famous landmarks which helped map out the group's career in the capital but you'll explore sections of some fascinating London districts from Mayfair to Marylebone. Discover where John met Yoko, George met Patti and Paul met Linda, see the exterior of Ringo's London flat and hear about his troublesome tenants, see an unusual venue where John was doorman for the day and view the theatre where the Beatles gained legendary status. There's an option to extend this tour with a short tube ride to St John's Wood to view the legendary crossing outside Abbey Road studios and Paul McCartney's London town house (exterior only!).

Beautiful Blackheath
Many people visit historic Greenwich but very few venture to its more attractive but lesser known neighbour. Blackheath really does deserve the title of "village" with its unique shops and delightful houses. Hear of the historic gatherings on the Heath, the first game of golf in England, the secret caves and a Queen who fell out of favour. We'll see historic 17th century almshouses, a pagoda and an elegant 18th century crescent where two ladies scandalised Blackheath's polite society.

Brothels Bishops and the Bard – Historic Southwark and Bankside
Listen to the notorious Bankside stories, view Southwark Cathedral with its Shakespearean connections, see reconstructions of Francis Drake’s Golden Hinde and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre,. Literature religion and prostitution all feture.

Bohemians and Bluestockings -Literary London"
The Bloomsbury Set were described as people who lived in squares and loved in triangles. Stroll through the Georgian squares of Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia to see the places where the famous writers lived, worked and loved. Virginia Woolf, Lytton Strachey, George Bernard Shaw, T S Eliot, W B Yeats and Charles Dickens are just some of the writers you’ll meet on this walk.

NEW! Camden Unlocked - Historic Camden Town
Camden is an area that is full of contrasts from leafy crescents to "urban grunge". Learn of this area's development and the effect of the railways which was described graphically by ex Camden resident Charles Dickens. We'll visit famous Camden Lock, home to one of London's most popular weekend markets and we'll stroll by the Regents Canal which flows past Camden's industrial buildings and smart Victorian houses. Hear about the many famous personalities past and present who have made this area home.

Charming Chiswick
One of London's riverside villages, Chiswick has much to offer. We'll view the home of a famous 18th century artist, a delightful village church, a Palladian mansion , two breweries and the house which inspired Thackeray to write "Vanity Fair". There's also a chance to discover London's first Garden Suburb.

City Alleyways and Courtyards
This walk explores the hidden courtyards and alleyways of the City of London. Discover the site where the “exotic”drink of coffee was first consumed, visit deserted churchyards, admire the 17th century gates given by King William and Queen Mary to the Lord Mayor of London, drink in hidden pubs and walk through an atmospheric 19th century market place.

Discover Kings Cross and St Pancras
This is the site that everyone is flocking to since the arrival of the Eurostar at St Pancras station. Explore the newly renovated station and unlock the secrets to the surrounding area's history on a guided tour. Once London's most notorious red light district this area has started to undergo a transformation. Two Victorian railway stations, the gothic splendour of the old Midland Grand Hotel, industrial buildings, regeneration projects, a German Gymnasium, film locations, a canalside walkway, literary connections and the church which gave the area its name with several notable burials. All feature on this tour culminating with a look a the newly refurbished St Pancras station.

Discover Woolwich
This South London district which is extremely rich in history but rarely explored on walking tours is about to be put on the map in 2012 when it will serve as a venue for Olympic shooting events. The area has a long association with the military and you'll hear about its army and maritime connections on this walk. Henry VIII's dockyard, an 18th century church with a famous British boxer buried in the churchyard, "art deco " cinema buildings, a magnificent town hall, a traditional street market and the Old Royal Arsenal complex which was birthplace of a famous London football team all feature.

Duchy Diversions - Historic Kennington
This is one of London's least known districts with a varied history. Royal connections are strong - there was once a royal palace here which was home of Edward the "Black Prince" , the first prince to hold the title "Duke of Cornwall". Today's Duke of Cornwall is Prince Charles and we will see several Duchy properties on this tour. In addition to the royal connections, we will see two homes of Charlie Chaplin, music hall performer turned international silent movie star who found some of his artistic influences on the streets of Kennington. In an area of contrasts elegant late 18th century terraced houses stand cheek by jowl with social housing, a gin distillery, a famous cricket ground, an execution spot and a park where radicals once gathered to campaign for the vote.

The Dulwich Village Walk
Explore a delightful south London village. Hear how an actor's guilty conscience led to the foundation of almshouses and a famous school for boys. View the art gallery which is also a mausoleum, see London's only remaining tollhouse, walk through two delightul parks and finish in a real London village street.

NEW! An East End "Village" - Historic Mile End and Stepney Green
A Ragged school, hidden cemeteries, the "People's Palace", a charity that cared for thousands of children, an ancient church, one of London’s oldest inner city farms, an 19th century synagogue building, a canal and some elegant 18th century houses all feature on one of Diane's most surprising tours. Discover theatrical history of past music halls and radical history with an anarchist club and the fields where people assembled to challenge the system. Stepney is a hidden green oasis just a few minutes away from the busy Mile End Road.

Elegant Mayfair
Explore the village like streets of Shepherd Market, hear about the area’s distinguished residents (Fanny Burney, Florence Nightingale, Lord Byron etc.) See London’s most haunted house and discover a small part of America in Central London.

Fashion, Food, Antiques and an Abbey - Historic Bermondsey
Once dominated by industry this area is now on the up with fashionable restaurants, riverside apartments and museums devoted to fashion/design. Hear about Bermondsey's renaissance on this tour which takes in the site of an ancient abbey, one of London's most atmospheric streets, the old Leathermarket and, if you take this tour on a Friday, an antique market. We finish in a riverside area renowned for its cuisine.

Follow the Stars - The London Film Locations Walk
On this walk we follow in the footsteps of Jude Law, Hugh Grant, Ralph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rene Zelwegger and other stars of the big screen to discover some of London's film locations.London is providing a backdrop for an increasing number of films and on this tour we visit sites where movies such as "Closer", "Four Weddings and a Funeral" " Bridget Jones' Diary" and "Shakespeare in Love" have been made.

Visits to film locations in the City and along the Thames will be interspersed with anecdotes about filming in the capital. We'll also unravel the history behind some of the selected sites. Please note that this tour is available as a full day or half day tour. If you have a coach at your disposal a full day tour can include sites associated with films such as "Notting Hill" "The Elephant Man" and the recent Bond movies.

NEW! Football, Fine Art and a Foundry - Fulham and Chelsea Harbour
Starting at busy Fulham Broadway with the home of Chelsea football club we head down towards the Thames. On the way we admire Victorian college buildings, artists studios, a fine art college, a power station, workers cottages, luxury apartments and London's oldest gasholders. Mix this with breathtaking river views, a harbour, new gardens and a heliport resulting in an exploration of an area well away from the tourist trail.

From Mills to Medals - Lower Lea Valley and 2012 Venues Walk
The tour starts in the 18th century with Britain’s oldest surviving tidal mill. We then move forwards via, the "cathedral of sewage", a working film studio and a waterside towpath alongside the River Lea's tributaries to a viewing point on the edge of the Olympic construction site. There we’ll view the latest progress on the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre. Hear all theup to date news about these and other sporting venues for 2012 plus plans for future regeneration. You'll also learn about the area's past industries and about previous occasions when London hosted this prestigious sporting event.

From Bishops to the Boat Race - Historic Fulham
This West London suburb was once home to successive Bishops of London. The last Bishop left in 1973 and his home is now open to visitors, surrounded by a riverside park. On this tour we walk through the park and view the palace with its 17th century herb garden. We pass Victorian almshouses, a pottery kiln and the home of London's oldest football club. If available, we visit two churches with some fascinating connections. Learn about the lifestyle of the bishops, an anti slavery campaigner and a crucial event in the English Civil War.

From Dockyard to Dance - Historic Deptford
A thriving street market, one of London's best baroque style churches, a riverside walkway and London's oldest railway station feature on this tour. Unravel the mystery of the playwright who may or may not have been murdered here, discover Deptford's Russian connection, see London's latest artists' quarter and visit a fantastic new dance centre designed by the architects of Tate Modern.

From Pleasure Gardens to Spies - Historic Vauxhall
Discover one of London's lesser known areas which is rich in history and full of surprises. A famous cricket ground created on land owned by the Prince of Wales, a City farm which stands on the site of London's most popular 18th century pleasure garden, a home of modern burlesque, a secret square and the capital's smallest houses all feature. We'll view one of London's best Victorian churches and take the riverside walkway to see London's worst kept secret - the MI6 building which features in al the recent Bond movies.

Gardens and a Green - Historic Kew
The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew have just been made a World Heritage site but Kew has much more to offer. We'll learn of Kew Palace as a royal residence and discover the delights of Kew Green where those who served the palace made their homes. There's a chance to visit St Anne's Church where royals worshipped and famous artists were buried. All this plus fantastic riverside views.

Hampstead Garden Suburb
Once open farmland, Hampstead Garden Suburb was the realisation of one woman's dream. Founded by vicar's wife and social reformer Henrietta Barnett, this now exclusive area of London had it all - village greens, meeting halls, places of worship, schools, woodland, an open air theatre, affordable homes designed by the top architects of the day - but definitely no pubs!!! Learn about this social experiment,admire the work of distinguished architects such as Lutyens  and  hear about past inhabitants while exploring woods, heath and "twittens". 

Hangings, Horsemen and Hyde Park -Historic Bayswater.
Although in the centre of London, Bayswater is one of the capital's lesser known districts. A place of execution, the home of an ex Prime Minister, elegant squares, cobbled mews and a hidden graveyard all feature. Add to this a famous Victorian department store, an Italian Garden, a park, and several places of worship. The result = an interesting and surprising tour!

Hidden Courtyards of Fleet Street
Walk through the heart of what was once the centre of the nation’s newspaper industry and hear about the colourful characters who lived here. Samuel Pepys, Dr Johnson, Samuel Richardson Edgar Wallace and the colourful Sweeney Todd are all encountered on this tour.

Hidden Holborn and Little Italy
Come and explore this little known corner of London which was once the city's Italian quarter. Italian organ grinders and ice cream sellers contributed to the area's street life while skilled mosaic and figurine makers helped to decorate beautiful St Peter's church. The tour will also feature a 12th century church, a road which was once part of Cambridgeshire, a courtyard with bloody connections and the streets which were settings for Dicken's "Oliver Twist".

Hidden Westminster
We explore the hidden century streets behind Westminster Abbey to see homes of famous people and numerous political figures. Discover “Queen Anne’s Footstool”, the site of a royal cockpit, monastic cloisters, delightful 18th century houses, a hotel with a secret passage and a famous public school.

The Hidden World of Regents Park
This walk traces the development of Regents Park from hunting ground to public park. Hear of the park’s attractions past and present – The Diorama, London Zoo, The Collosseum and the Open Air Theatre. Admire John Nash’s stucco terraces and discover a secret garden in the heart of the park.

The Highgate Village Walk
Explore this historic North London Village and hear about some interesting inhabitants past and present. Stroll through Waterlow Park and view Lauderdale House where Charles II is reputed to have left Nell Gwynn. Afternoons end with optional visit to an historic pub.

Upstairs Downstairs in Historic Belgravia
Enjoy this walk in one of London’s most elegant and prestigious districts. Owned by the Duke of Westminster, this area inspired TV’s “Upstairs Downstairs” and has played host to numerous celebrities. Mozart, Margaret Thatcher and Noel Coward are just some of the famous residents you’ll hear about on this tour.

Poets Playwrights and Pianos - Historic Primrose Hill
Behind the bustling streets of Camden Town you’ll discover delightful village like streets, one of London’s least known parks, the Regents Canal and attractive Victorian terraces. See the homes of famous poets, playwrights and artists, discover why Camden was once the centre of London’s piano industry and finish at the famous Camden Lock Market.

Aristocrats and Artists - Historic Holland Park
See Holland Park’s beautiful gardens and the remains of a Jacobean mansion. We move on to the Melbury Road Artists Quarter to admire the magnificent houses of Luke Fildes and William Holman Hunt. After an interior visit to Lord Leighton’s House we explore the delightful streets of Kensington, finishing at St Mary Abbots Church with the highest spire in London.

Historic Chelsea
A few steps away from the bustling Kings Road, you’ll find a tranquil riverside village. Viw the famous Royal Hospital, home of the Chelsea Pensioners, discover a hidden garden from where the first cotton plants were sent to the Americas, see the site of Thomas More’s mansion and visit the historic Chelsea Old Church.

Historic Clerkenwell
In London’s Secret Village your guide reveals the Clerk’s Well which gave the area it’s name. We view the site of an underground prison, monastic foundations, a Jacobean Hall, a 16th gatehouse and an 18th century courthouse. Follow the footsteps of radicals such as Lenin, Marx and Wat Tyler and hear how this area has now become one of the most fashionable parts of town.

NEW! From Music and Millionaires to Mausoleums and Multicultural London
- Historic Earls Court
We start with the notorious "acid bath murderer" before entering an enclave of exclusive Victorian London which has been home to varied personalities including Princess Diana, Hugh Grant, Beatrix Potter and W S Gilbert. In Brompton Cemetery we seek out graves of the famous including suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst. Nearby is Earls Court exhibition centre which has been home to Wild West shows, the royal tournament and rock stars. We finish in cosmopolitan Earls Court with its elegant squares, lively atmosphere and village like early 19th century housing hidden away from the bustle of Earls Court Road.

Mariners and Monarchs - Historic Greenwich
On this walk we visit historic St Alfeges Church and hear about its connections with General Wolf, Henry VIII and Thomas Tallis. We walk through the 19th century Greenwich Market to the park where we view the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House. The walk finishes with a delightful riverside walk to see the Cutty Sark, Gypsy Moth, two historic pubs and the magnificent Royal Naval College.

Healthy Hilltop Hampstead - a North London Village
One of London's most picturesque and historic spots is explored on this tour. After coming to take the waters for their health people stayed and made this former farmland area into an elegant village just over 4 miles from central London. Many who came to improve their health were creative and we'll see homes of the famous including artists and writers. We visit an 18th century church with some notable burials, the highest point in London, a house which inspired the author of a well loved children's story and finish at Hampstead's small museum situated in a Queen Anne era house.

Please note that this tour involves some gentle uphill walking

From the Potteries to Portobello - Historic Notting Hill
Trace the history of this area from its notorious days as the home of piggeries and potteries to its current status as a fashionable media haunt. We visit film locations from the famous “Notting Hill” movie, window shop in Portobello’s antique shops and discover squares with luxuriant hidden gardens.

London's Creative Quarter - Historic Shoreditch
Trace Shoreditch’s history from the days when it was London’s Theatreland (Shakespeare in Love was partly set in Shoreditch! ) to its current status as a centre for artistic creativity. England’s leading circus centre, a Victorian music hall, and a traditional street market all feature on this walk, which finishes at the Geffrye Museum, London’s museum of domestic interiors.

Scholars Scandals and Socialites - Histoirc Soho
Discover Soho’s development from the fashionable 18th century through the scandalous 19th century to its present day status as the centre of London’s café and club land. Hear how Soho became a centre for international Jazz Musicians and “meet” some colourful characters including Casanova, Mozart, Karl Marx, William Blake and Jeffrey Bernard.

NEW! Museums, a Market and a Hidden Village - Historic Walthamstow
Just a few minutes from busy Walthamstow Town Centre we enter a different world of one of London's villages. An ancient church, an 18th century workhouse now housing a museum, two sets of almshouses and a 15th century half timbered Tudor house are some of the bulidings we'll explore in the old village centre. Making our way back towards modern Walthamstow we view the house of famous artist and designer William Morris , a modernist town hall and the longest street market in London.

A Hilltop Village in South London - Historic Wimbledon
There's more to Wimbledon than tennis and the Wombles.  Explore this lively hilltop village with its many cafes, pubs and boutiques. Visit historic St Mary's church and discover the tomb of the man who made London a more fragrant city. Admire the historic houses around Wimbledon Common and learn of some eccentric past residents.

NEW! Island Exploration-Discover the Isle of Dogs
Have you ever wondered about the origins of this mysterious name and why inhabitants of this area call themselves Islanders? Why is there a station called Mudchute? Why does Millwall Football Club no longer play in Millwall? Find out the answer to all these questions and more on this tour of a rarely explored corner of Docklands. A City Farm, a Bond movie location, "homes for heroes", the site from where a famous ship was launched, riverside and dockside walkways and one of the best views in London feature on this tour.

Jack the Ripper’s Wicked London
Known as the Whitechapel Murderer, hear about Jack the Ripper’s brutal murders of East End prostitutes and the squalor of the poor immigrants of the day. Hear about the evidence and suspects including a royal connection.

Legal London
Explore the peaceful Inns of Court as we step back in time to hear the history of this secret corner of London. Famous Barristers and their unique customs, literary figures like Oliver Goldsmith, Dr Johnson and “Rumpole of the Bailey”, The Knights Templars and a Jack the Ripper suspect all feature here. We’ll view the 12th century church of the Knights Templar, visit an Elisabethan dining hall and pay a short visit to the Royal Courts of Justice.

The Lambeth Walk
Not far from Central London, Lambeth is rich in history and offers some surprises. The Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Palace and the Museum of Garden History rub shoulders with elegant squares, a Catholic cathedral, the remains of the Royal Doulton factory and the best riverside views of the Palace of Westminster. We'll also "meet" notable ex residents such as William Blake and Captain Bligh of the Bounty.

The Little Venice Walk
On one of our prettiest walks we discover a secret world of canals, stucco villas, a village green, attractive churches and splendid Victorian pubs. Hear about the area’s famous past inhabitants from Robert Browning and Lily Langtry to Richard Branson and Joan Collins.

Literary and Theatrical Islington
Once known as "merrie Islington" where you would go for fresh air and dairy produce to escape the hustle and bustle of the City, this urban suburb has fascinating history. Behind the restaurants and shops of busy Upper Street we’ll discover charming streets and squares which have been home to writers, artists and playwrights.

The London of Charles Dickens
Dickens was inspired by London and spent many days and nights walking the streets. On this walk we step back in time to follow the great writer’s footsteps. Stroll through the courtyards of Lincolns Inn where Dickens set his famous novel “Bleak House”. View a 15th century dining hall and a 17th century chapel. Hear how Dickens helped with the founding of London’s first and most famous childrens’ hospital. View Dickens’ home, now a museum, and hear about his life and relationships.

Mariners, Movies and the Mayflower - Historic Rotherhithe
This old riverside village was much altered by the development of the Docks but still has many stories to tell. Connections with the Pilgrim Fathers, an unusual film studio, 19th century warehouses, breathtaking river views, contemporary sculpture, an 18th century church and a community centre with a sinister secret all feature on this tour of one of London's lesser known districts.

Mistresses, Musicians, Artists and Equestrians - Historic St John's Wood
What was once considered the "wrong side of the park" is now an exclusive part of North London. Today St John's Wood is home to the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, a delightful Regency church, Lords cricket ground, the world famous Abbey Road recording studios, elegant villas and homes of leading Victorian artists like Tissot and Alma Tadema.

NEW! Money, Music Hall, Moseley and Marines
Now that the East London line has reopened Shadwell is back on the map again and this walk will unlock the secrets of an area rich in history. Delightful St Katherines Dock, a square with Scandinavian connections, London's oldest music hall still in use as a theatre, an heroic female doctor, the notorious Ratcliffe Highway murders and the site of the famous Battle of Cable Street (Oswald Mosley's blackshirts versus the Jews and Dockworkers of the East End) all feature. We'll also see a school which inspired a 1960s film, the place where our money used to be made, remains of a medieval abbey and a traditional street market.

Music Hall to Market - Historic Hackney
Follow the Market Porters' Route from the old village of Hackney with its ancient church tower through London Fields to Broadway Market with its canalside location and unusual specialist shops (plus, on Saturdays only, a great food and vintage clothes market!). The walk includes the famous Hackney Empire where Marie Lloyd and other famous music hall artistes once entertained , the 16th century Sutton House, an 18th century church and the Victorian Round Chapel. Hear about the area's past when rich City merchants settled in this once elegant district, 19th century industrialisation, 20th century immigration and recent regeneration projects.

Music, Markets and Multicultural London - The Brixton Walk
This vibrant area of London will surprise you - it's not what you're expecting! An elegant Edwardian Baroque Town Hall, one of London's oldest cinemas, georgian almshouses and a windmill all feature from the area's past. There's one of London's liveliest markets selling an amazing variety of goods from wigs to fish and religious artefacts! Learn about the area's past as a centre for music hall artistes and its recent regeneration as a centre for entertainment. Discover the history of London's African Caribbean community and some of that community's leading "movers and shakers". It's all happening in Brixton!

Musicians, Medicine and Mystery - Historic Marylebone
A winding village high street, grand 18th century houses, a famous music college and the centre of medical London are all covered on this walk. Add to this collection a fictional detective and the literary world’s best known love story and you have an entertaining tour of one of London’s lesser known districts.

Murder, Medicine and Missionaries - The Hidden East End
On this walk we explore Whitechapel and Mile End to hear about East End gangsters, reformers and radicals. Jack the Ripper, The Krays, The Elephant Man and Dr Barnardo all feature on this tour.

Old Jewish East End
The oldest synagogue in England, a soup kitchen and famous Petticoat Lane are just some of the sights you’ll see on this fascinating walk. In addition to Jewish connections we’ll hear about the other immigrant communities and their contribution to the rich tapestry of the area.

Oscar Wilde’s London
We return to the Naughty Nineties as Oscar Wilde mocks the twilight of the Victorian era. See the theatre’s, club and cafes where his wit triumphed. Follow the events leading to his trial and final imprisonment. Expect the unexpected in the backstreets of Mayfair and St James’s.

NEW! Parkland, Power, Prayer and a Pagoda - Historic Battersea
Walk through beautiful Battersea Park with its lake, Children's Zoo, Festival Gardens and Peace Pagoda. Leaving the park we follow a riverside walkway to learn about the area's bridges, past industries and recent regeneration. View new buildings designed by Britain's two most famous contemporary architects, view the elegant 17th century house which has played host to a Hollywood star and finish with a visit to St Mary's Church which has connections with two famous artists.

Passport to Pimlico
Although in Central London, Pimlico is a rarely explored area but a real treat. Once owned by the Duke of Westminster, this is a district of contrast with elegant private garden squares near to social housing and the site of one of London's most notorious prisons. Today the prison has been replaced by an art gallery and one of London's leading art colleges. See homes of past Pimlico inhabitants including a fashion designer, an artist and a Prime Minister. Discover the building christened " A Lily among the Weeds" and learn about the film which gave this tour its title but wasn't filmed here!

Pirates, Pilgrims and Penthouses - Historic Docklands
Trace the history of this fascinating area of Thames waterfront. Discover its sinister past from Execution Dock to the opium dens of Limehouse. Enjoy spectacular riverside views, walk down cobbled streets lined with 19th century warehouses converted into exclusive apartments and hear about the time when these streets were bustling with activity during the heydays of the Docks.

Queen of the Suburbs - Historic Ealing
Ealing is one of London's greenest suburbs with a common, a green and several pleasant parks. On this tour we discover two Victorian churches, an elegant 18th century manor house designed by renowned architect Sir John Soane and a film studio where many famous British movies from 40s classics like "The Ladykillers" to 90s hits like "Notting Hill" have been filmed. Hear about past Ealing personalities from a Prime Minister who was assasinated, two renowned tennis players, several rock stars and the widow of a poet who scandalised 19th century society.

Rail Lands to Regeneration - Discover Stratford East
In 2012 this area of East London will take centre stage for the Olympics. Discover Stratford East before the crowds start flocking, hear about plans for regeneration and learn about the area's history. An impressive town hall, two Victorian theatres, an area which was once a trainspotter's paradise and a new cultural quarter all feature. Hear about the area's past movers and shakers including the first Labour MP, a maverick theatre director, a poet and and a philantropist.

Religion, Writers and Reformers - Historic Stoke Newington
This North London district was once home to wealthy city merchants but has also attracted a number of notable personalities including religious nonconformists and some famous writers such as Daniel Defoe and Edgar Allen Poe. Learn how Poe gained inspiration while at school in the area, discover the delights of Stoke Newington's Church Street without a chain store in site, visit Abney Park cemetery where William Booth and other Salvation Army leaders were "promoted to glory" and walk through delightful Clissold Park with its aviary,deer enclosure and traces of the New River.

Retail Therapy - London Shopping Through the Ages
Starting with the historic shops of St James's we move via elegant Regency shopping arcades to the tailors of Saville Row and designers of Bond Street finishing with Oxford Street's most famous store. A shop founded by a Royal footman, a 17th century hatter, the arcade where you are not allowed to whistle, a couturier who dressed the Queen and a shopping street named after a saint to make the inhabitants behave all feature!

Rivers Reformers and Radicals - Historic Bow
This walk is full of surprises - an 18th century tidal mill, film studios, artists' studios, a "cathedral to sewage" and a delightful medieval church all vie for attention. A number of interesting characters passed through Bow including Queen Matilda who nearly fell in the River Lea, Chaucer's fictional Prioress, Indian political leader Ghandi, social reformer Annie Besant and suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst. Learn about the struggles of the matchgirls, the battles for female suffrage and the campaign for a fair rate by radical local councillors. This walk is a "must" for anyone interested in London's social history.

Royal and Parliamentary London
See the Houses of Parliament, hear about the roots of democracy and famous parliamentarians. View the exterior of Westminster Abbey where coronations have taken place, walk through lovely St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace and view the homes of other members of the Royal Family.

Royal Richmond by the River
The remains of a royal palace, a riverside promenade and some wonderful views of West London all feature on this walk which introduces you to one of London’s most attractive villages. Find out what has attracted residents past and present from kings to rock stars.

Royal St James’s
A Royal Palace, some of the oldest retail businesses in London, a Wren church and several Gentlemans Clubs feature on this tour. We stroll round elegant St James’s Square to hear about its famous inhabitants. Then it’s on to Jermyn Street to hear the history of its famous shops such as Floris and Paxton and Whitfield.

NEW! Secret Southwark
Many people are now familiar with the sites of Bankside but this walk delves into another side of Southwark away from the tourist trail. Two small art galleries, a former chocolate factory that has recently been given a new lease of life, a delightful garden created by a Victorian philanthropist, two secluded Georgian squares, the wall of the prison where Charles Dickens' father was incarcerated for debt and "Little Dorrit's Church" all feature. Hear about a murderous married couple, a flamboyant firechief and a local heroine while we wind our way round the lesser known corners of this intriguing district.

Secrets of the Strand
The Strand is one of London's main thoroughfares but this tour looks at some of the courtyards, buildings and secret places behind this famous street. Two little known chapels, a hidden archway which inspired Dickens, a "Roman Bath", a 17th century watergate and a "ghost station" are just some of the places we'll visit on this tour. We'll also walk through the elegant courtyard of Somerset House following in the footsteps of royals, sailors, artists, musicians, actors and skaters. This tour , which always surprises people who thought they knew this area, is best taken during the day when sites are more accessible.

Silks to Spices - Historic Spitalfields
Discover one of London's most fascinating and vibrant areas. A dramatic 18th century church, two market buildings, an old brewery and the best preserved early Georgian domestic architecture in London feature on this walk. Walk down the atmospheric streets which have featured in so many tv adaptations of classic British novels like "Nicholas Nickleby". Learn about the many immigrant communities including French Huguenots, Russian and Polish Jews and Bengalis who have added to the rich tapestry of the area. Discover how this area has developed into a popular enclave for successful East London based artists and designers

Sinister London- The City Ghost Walk
In the oldest part of London we spend the night ghost hunting! Every alley and courtyards here holds a sinister secret. Prison cells, ghostly monks, body snatchers, unquiet spirits and an evil queen await us on this tour. Visit a place of execution and stop for a drink in a pub with a sinister secret.

NEW! The South Bank and the Festival of Britain
On this walk we go back to 1951 when the Festival of Britain took Londoners out of post war austerity to marvel at the latest innovations in art, design, industry and technology at a festival to celebrate the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Find out how this event was a catalyst for the regeneration of the entire South Bank which is today famous for its arts centre. We trace the surviving remnants of the festival including a mural by artist Topolski, two sculptures and the recently restored Royal Festival Hall. We view the post festival arts centres such as the National Theatre and finish with a great riverside panoramic view from the Oxo Tower.

Sunday Morning Markets Tour
London's East End is a mecca for markets and on a Sunday morning we can pack in several. This tour leads you from beautiful blooms in Columbia Road via the designer and vintage shops around Cheshire Street to a variety of goods in bustling Spitaflields market and one of London's oldest street markets in Petticoat Lane. As well as giving you time to shop/browse Diane will tell you the history of the markets and their atmospheric surroundings. Most of these markets stay open in the afternoon and there are many so you can return to your favourites after the tour has finished.

Theatrical London
This tour of Covent Garden and the surrounding area treats you to historical vignettes and anecdotes about the West End’s most illustrious personalities. See Central London’s oldest theatre and hear about its many ghosts, view the Royal Opera House and hear about the riots which took place there. Visit a haunted stage door where an actor was brutally murdered. Discover the "Actors’ Church" and stand on the spot where Eliza Doolittle sold her flowers. See the home of a leading 18th century actor/manager. Hear about the hotel which was built from the profits of a theatre and discover a restaurant which was once the home of London’s most famous theatrical costumier.

Top Drawer London - The Knightsbridge Walk
Discover the delights and hidden corners of Knightsbridge. Starting with the area's most famous attraction - Harrods - we learn how the store started with a small grocery business back in the 1840s. From there, we explore the backstreets, mews and squares of Knightsbridge to hear tales of actresses, mistresses, a bigamous Duchess and a society scandal.

Town of Kings - Discover Historic Kingston
A short train journey from Central London's Waterloo station takes you to delightful Kingston which has everything from a great shopping centre to a medieval market place. Tradition has 7 Saxon kings being crowned here and you can see the ancient coronation stone which was used for these ceremonies. An historic church, a 19th century market hall, one of the oldest bridges in London and one of the most elaborate shop fronts you'll ever see contrast with newer buildings such as the Rose Theatre which is gaining a reputation for excellent productions. Learn about past inhabitants including a Bishop and a famous pioneer of moving pictures. Along the riverside you'll hear about the area's more industrial past and take a pleasant walk where industry has now been replaced with waterside restaurants and pubs.

Vibrant Victoria
Once the site of prisons and an area known as the "Devil's Acre" Victoria has many secret gems. Two hidden statues of English Queens, the country's leading Catholic Cathedral, almshouses, an exhibition hall which has served a film location, the playing fields of a famous public school, suffragette connections and the burial place of the man who tried to steal the crown jewels all feature on this walk. Discover how Scotland Yard got its name, find out why an apartment building was once famous for celebrity marriages and visit a shop which was once a school for poor children.

Victorian London – Historic South Kensington
Discover an area which was developed after the Great Exhibition of 1851. Find out where Eliza Doolittle sold flowers when she wasn’t in Covent Garden, discover some of London’s most elegant Victorian streets. South Kensington has it all from grand museums to hidden mews and we see the area’s contrasting faces from the large scale to the intimate in this unusual walk.

Virginia Woolf's London
Follow the footsteps of the famous author of "The Waves" "To the Lighthouse" "Mrs Dalloway" and many other novels which changed the fact of early 20th century English literature. We'll visit several of her London addresses in Bloomsbury's leafy squares while learning about her life, friends, loves and literary career. For students of Mrs Dalloway there's an option to take an alternative walk from Westminster to Mayfair visiting the sites that Clarissa Dalloway visits in the opening pages of the novel.


DIANE BURSTEIN
TELEPHONE: +44 20 8881 2933
Email:diane@secretlondonwalks.co.uk

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Theatrical London Day
Spend the morning in Shakespeare’s London visiting the Bankside area which was London’s 16th Century Theatreland. See the remains of the palace of the Bishop of Winchester who owned the land (and the brothels!) in the area, have a drink at London’ s only remaining galleried coaching inn, visit Southwark Cathedral with memorials to Shakespeare and Sam Wanamaker, take a tour of the latter’s reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

In the afternoon, travel to the West End for a walking tour of Covent Garden at the heart of London’s present day Theatreland. Visit the “actors’ church”, see the West End’s oldest Theatre, view the house of a famous 18th century actor and stand on the spot where Eliza Doolittle sold her flowers. We finish by bringing you up to date with one of London’s leading fringe theatres.

Literary London Day
We start the day in famous Fleet Street where London’s earliest newspapers were printed. Visit the “journalists’ church” and the home of Dr Samuel Johnson, the compiler of one of the first English dictionaries, see the birthplace of diarist Samuel Pepys and the burial place of playwright Oliver Goldsmith as we wend our way through some ancient courtyards and alleyways.

In the afternoon we move on to Bloomsbury to see the area where members of the famous Bloomsbury set “lived in squares and loved in triangles”. We see the workplace of T S Eliot, the favourite pubs of Dylan Thomas and the home of Charles Dickens.

Upstairs Downstairs in Chelsea and Belgravia
A tour combining two of London’s most prestigious and attractive districts. Laid out in the 1820s, Belgravia is still part of the Duke of Westminster’s estate. The area has played host to numerous celebrities including Mozart, Vivien Leigh and Noel Coward. We’ll drive round grand squares and walk through cobbled mews to discover a London that many Londoners have never set eyes on. After lunch, we move to Bohemian Chelsea with its military, artistic and royal connections. We’ll visit Chelsea Old Church, the site of Thomas More’s mansion and beautiful Cheyne Walk.

Docklands Old and New
After morning coffee in a riverside pub we’ll drive through the atmospheric streets of historic Wapping where we’ll stop for a short stroll. Hear about the area’s connections with famous people such as J M W Turner and Captain Bligh. Visit an execution site and discover how 19th century warehouses have been converted to luxury penthouses. Then its on to Canary Wharf and our lunch stop in one of the complex’ many coffee bars, restaurants or pubs. After lunch we’ll drive out to London City Airport in the Royal Docks enjoying a commentary on some of Docklands’ more unusual sites on the way. We’ll enjoy great views of the Millennium Dome and the Royal Naval College in Greenwich. We can finish with refreshments near the Tower of London before your drive home.

The first part of this tour can be combined with a Greenwich tour entitled “Historic Docklands and Greenwich”.

South Kensington and Holland Park
A walk through Holland Park to admire the remains of a Jacobean Mansion with its 18th century ice house and the 19th century artists’ quarter with houses belonging to Luke Fildes, William Holman Hunt and Lord Leighton. We can include an interior visit to Lord Leighton’s House, one of the most breathtaking interiors in London. Meeting the coach in Kensington High Street we’ll drive to South Kensington for a exploration of London’s museum quarter with grand college and museum buildings, The Albert Hall, the newly restored Albert Memorial and some delightful cobbled mews.

Hampstead Village and Kenwood House
Meeting at a venue just outside Hampstead for morning coffee we’ll take a gentle stroll through Hampstead Village to hear about the healthy air and water which attracted ailing authors and artists. This tour will include a visit to Hampstead Parish Church with its famous burial ground. We’ll meet up with the coach to drive to Kenwood for a guided tour of this superb 18th century house. We can end with afternoon tea in the old coach house.

Exploring the City
Following a morning coffee stop we’ll head for the Guildhall, the Civic and ceremonial centre of the Square Mile. In this medieval hall we’ll explain the City’s government and explore some of its traditions. You’ll hear about the trial of Lady Jane Gray, livery companies and the election of the Lord Mayor. After lunch we’ll focus on the Business City looking at the Bank of England, Royal Exchange and the alleyways where many of our financial institutions started life. We’ll include an inside visit to at least one city church.

Plague and Fire in the City – The City of Samuel Pepys and Sir Christopher Wren
This full day tour looks at two great London events – the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of 1666. We start with coffee by the Tower of London. After coffee, we visit sites associated with the great 17th century diarist Samuel Pepys. Visit the interior of the church where Pepys worshipped and is buried with his wife Elizabeth. Explore the area where he worked as a senior official with the Navy Office and listen to extracts from the great man’s diary, including some of the naughty bits! We stand on the spot where the Great Fire started, view the Monument to the fire and discover how Pepys coped with fire and plague. After a break for lunch we visit some churches designed by another great 17th century man, Sir Christopher Wren. Hear about Wren’s plans to rebuild London after the Great Fire and admire his contribution to the architecture of the City. We finish with refreshments near St Paul’s Cathedral and an opportunity to cross the new Millennium Bridge.

London Scandals
On this tour we’ll visit Southwark, the area which was London’s red light district in the 16th century. Hear about the area’s brothels, playhouses and inns. See the reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and view the remains of the palace belonging to the Bishop of Winchester who owned all the brothels!! We’ll move onto scandalous Soho for lunch and a short tour to discover the area’s fascinating past from 18th century elegance to 20th century scandals. Finally, we’ll visit elegant Mayfair to hear of high class courtesans and admire 18th century town houses.

Richmond
Enjoy this full day tour in the delightful riverside “village” of Richmond. In the morning we explore the buildings around Richmond Green and take a walk along the riverside. Hear the history of Richmond’s Victorian theatre, admire fine 18th century townhouses, see the remains of King Henry VII’s palace and its outbuildings. By the riverside we admire some elegant buildings and hear of the aristocratic personalities who lived here. In Richmond’s town centre we take a break for lunch where you’ll find a variety of pubs, cafes and restaurants to suit your budget/requirements. If the weather forecast is good, why not bring a picnic to eat by the river? After lunch we take a leisurely walk up Richmond Hill to see the Royal Star and Garter Home, famous Richmond Park and admire the view over West London. On the way, we see historic almshouses, the site of Richmond Wells and several homes of the famous from Richard Brinsley Sheridan to Mick Jagger!

Sinister London
This tour looks at London’s sinister past. We’ll visit the West End to hear about some theatrical ghosts and we’ll drive past London’s most haunted house. In the City we’ll take a short walking tour in the Smithfield area to hear about hangings, burnings and executions. Naturally, we’ll visit a haunted churchyard or two and several atmospheric alleyways! Even in daylight your guide will conjure up many spirits of London’s past.

Notting Hill and Bayswater
Two adjoining areas of London with an interesting but contrasting history. In Bayswater we’ll discover Central London’s oldest remaining riding stable, Peter Pan connections, a famous actress and the church where horses take part in a service. Then its onto Notting Hill to discover the site of a racecourse, one of London’s oldest cinemas, famous Portobello Road and Victorian crescents with luxuriant private gardens. All this and locations from the famous Hugh Grant/Julia Roberts movie!

Hidden Interiors of Clerkenwell and Smithfield
Let your guide unlock the secret of the Clerks Well which gave the area its name, visit two historic churches, discover an underground prison and visit the Old Sessions House, now a Masonic Centre. There’s plenty to see in Clerkenwell which is known as “London’s Hidden Village” and Smithfield, once an area of execution and home to the famous St Bartholemew’s Hospital where we’ll visit the hospital’s fascinating small museum. At weekends a tour in this area is available but without the interiors.

East End Exploration
Find out about the East End’s fascinating history. The first part of the tour covers the area around Spitalfields Market where we’ll admire beautifully restored Huguenot Weavers Houses, the Old Trumans Brewery and a 19th Century Synagogue with a secret history. After lunch we’ll rendezvous with the coach to drive to the historic area around Mile End and Stepney Green. Hear about the Elephant Man, The Krays, Dr Barnardo, Jack The Ripper and the birth of the Salvation Army. We’ll view the historic church known as the “Church of the high seas”, almshouses, a City Farm and finish with a drink at a pub which was formerly a theatre and a Welsh Chapel!

Marylebone and Little Venice
These two adjacent areas are very attractive and rich in history. In the morning our guide will meet the coach in the Baker Street area to explore the district of Marylebone. Hear the history of Madame Tussaud’s, view the parish church where a secret wedding of two famous authors took place, visit the spot where “Sherlock Holmes” was created and discover some hidden alleyways. Take a lunch break in an area of Marylebone rich in coffee bars, restaurants and cafes and we’ll meet up with the coach to drive to Little Venice. Just two minutes away from two of London’s busiest thoroughfares you’ll find one of the Capital’s most tranquil and picturesque areas. Stucco villas, two canals, brightly coloured barges and some of the best Victorian pubs in London are here. We’ll “meet” some famous people from Sigmund Freud to Arthur Lowe of Dad’s Army fame, discover an island named after a famous poet and visit a village green with its delightful 18th Century church.

London Interiors Old and New
In this tour we visit four London Interiors. We start off at The Great Court of the British Museum where you can enjoy a morning coffee after your journey into town and admire this brand new public space designed by Norman Foster and Spencer de Grey. After coffee your guide will introduce you to the history of the British Museum and you will hear about the famous readers who have frequented the magnificently restored Reading Room. Then there’s time to explore the room and look at the desks where Charles Dickens, Karl Marx, Thomas Hardy, Virginia Woolf and numerous others created their famous works. We meet the coach outside the Museum and move on to the Royal Opera House to explore the public areas including the new space that has been created in the shell of Edward Barry’s magnificent Floral Hall. Hear the history of the three theatres that have stood on this site and admire the view on the terrace over Covent Garden. After lunch in Covent Garden we take the short walk to Somerset House where we discover the history of Chambers’ 18th building and look at the public areas including the courtyard, Seaman’s Waiting Hall and King’s Bargehouse. We finish off at the Royal Courts of Justice where we admire the magnificent architecture, hear the history of the building and visit the legal costume exhibition. This tour is only available on weekdays and days when there is not a matinee at the Royal Opera House. If the group has visited one of these interiors before we will be happy to make substitutions. For example, a group who has been to the Royal Courts of Justice can substitute this visit with a visit to the interior of a City of London Church.

All tours can be arranged at very reasonable rates. Cost depends on group numbers, timings and whether or not you wish us to arrange transport, refreshments etc.

If you have a large group and need more than one guide or if Diane cannot guide personally on the date of your choice she will be happy to arrange for the services of one of her well qualified guiding colleagues selected personally from a pool of talented and reliable London Blue Badge and City of London guides with whom she works on a regular basis.

For further details please call Diane to discuss your choice of tour or let her put together a special tour tailor made to your group’s requirements.

DIANE BURSTEIN
TELEPHONE: 44 20 881 2933
Email:diane@secretlondonwalks.co.uk

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