Welcome to Local London Guiding Day 2023
Our FREE one-hour walking tours are hosted and led by qualified guides from six of London’s guiding associations.
This year our theme is “London Influencers”
Find out about people, places and innovations that have shaped London’s history and landscape. Hear about the influential people who played key roles in London’s, and indeed Britain’s, history therefore paving the way for the future and enriching our lives today.
The six tours are FREE to attend – no booking is necessary – simply just show up!
Tours start on the hour, every hour – first tour 10am, last tour 4pm – designed such that you can fit four walks into one day!
Shaping the City
Hosted by City of London Guides
Meeting point: Outside St Paul’s tube station Exit 2, by the Co-op, Cheapside, EC2V 6AA.
Enjoy a reflective look at St Paul’s cathedral and hear about the movers and shakers who made their mark on architecture, equality, trade and charity. Hear about a Member of Parliament who the citizens found to be rather refreshing and visit an iconic church where the story is greater than just its well-known architect.
Back to the Future
Hosted by Westminster Guides
Meeting point: Outside Covent Garden tube exit, at the top of James Street near the junction with Long Acre, WC2E 9JT.
A gentle stroll from 17th century Covent Garden to 21st century Aldwych. It’s amazing how many of the institutions we take for granted today actually began in this area. Find out about the early British police force, the first theatre, dictionaries, transport, broadcasting, and one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era.
From Steam Engines to Search Engines
Hosted by Camden Guides
Meeting point: In front of King’s Cross railway station, under the clock, facing Euston Road, N1 9AL.
Explore and contrast the rich history and the new developments in this diverse zone. Learn about the 19th century engineers, architects and builders who shaped the area. Hear the stories behind the Victorian bricks and find out about new innovations in travel, art, commerce and recreation within today’s high-tech buildings.
From Archers to Wizards
Hosted by Islington Guided Walks
Meeting point: Outside Angel tube station, by the benches in front of NatWest bank, Islington High Street, N1 8XX.
Five hundred years of Islington history told through the people who influenced politics and culture. Meet the man who gave us drinking water and hear about an author who imagined a whole new fantasy world. Find out about a woman who gave away a great fortune, a pacifist MP, and a beloved princess whose untimely death changed the nation.
Influencers at the Gate
Hosted by Ealing & West London Tour Guides
Meeting point: Outside Notting Hill Gate tube station Exit 2, near Paul/Pret A Manger, W11 3JS.
A fascinating mix of literature, politics and entertainment that includes the first woman to enter the rock and roll Hall of Fame, a well-known First World War poet, a renowned theatre architect, a famous gossip at the royal court, and a pioneer of comprehensive education married to a prominent left-wing MP.
Veni Vidi Vauxhall: I came I saw [the Influencers] in Vauxhall
Hosted by Lambeth Tour Guides Association
Meeting point: Outside Vauxhall mainline station, South Vauxhall Place, opposite the bus station, SW8 1SS.
Travel south of the river to learn how Lambeth was the launchpad of hot air balloon pioneers and the birthplace of UK car manufacturing. Experience a slice of Little Portugal, witness a tribute to 1980’s Sandinista solidarity and find out about secret agents, LGBTQI influencers, a city farm and pleasure gardens.