John's Walks

Variety is a guaranteed element of John’s eight walks. London is packed full of history going back to Roman times but there’s a wealth of modern buildings to discover, too.

All the walks take approximately two hours with regular stops and end at a public transport link.

Groups are restricted to a maximum of 20 people. If you’re interested in joining a walk or would like to be placed on John’s mailing list for information on future dates, please give him a call on 0208 462 1947 or email him on jhalligan2000@aol.com. Places on walks must be booked in advance.

 
1. Ancient and Modern London
This walk provides a fascinating glimpse into 2,000 years of history of the City of London.

Meet at Cannon Street Station.

Highlights include:
-The Goldsmiths Hall
-Postman’s Park
-Paternoster Square

The Guildhall


2. Great Fire of London & Samuel Pepys
 John will describe the devastation caused by the Great Fire of 1666 and the life of Pepys, the famous diarist. The walk begins at Cannon Street Station. The Fire is an important event in the history of London but how much do you know about it?

In the walk you’ll be visiting some key sites connected to the Fire and John will explain how we know so much about the event from accounts of the time.

You’ll also get an opportunity to visit the atmospheric St Dunstan’s in the East and to see 30 St Mary Axe, aka the Gherkin, up close.


Roman City Wall

 


3. South Side of the Strand
So many people walk along the Strand but wouldn’t have an insight into the fascinating history of the area between this famous London street and the River Thames.
Come and find out!
We meet at Charing Cross Station.


York Gate


4. North Side of the Strand
There are some delightful gems to be found in this part of London, such as:
-Shop-fronts from the late 1700s
-The Old Curiosity Shop, said to be the oldest shop in London
- Lincolns Inn Fields

The meeting place is at Charing Cross Station.
   

Cross at Charing, 1550


5. Life in Medieval London
In this walk you’ll learn about aspects of life in Medieval London – from the Livery Companies that controlled trade in the City, the King’s Wardrobe where the monarch’s financial affairs were settled through to the origins of the printing industry in London. Richard Whittington is probably the most famous Lord Mayor of the City of London. Come and hear about his life.
The walk starts at Cannon Street Station and finishes at the Chapel of the Knights Templars, if open.


St Bride's Church


6. The Enterprising City
This walk describes the gradual development of the City as a financial centre, from coffee houses in alleyways in the 1600s to the modern buildings of today. Starts at Cannon Street Station.

Highlights include:
- Quaint alleyways
- Hope Square, Liverpool Street Station
-The Broadgate Centre
   


7. Historic Spitalfields
Spitalfields has been the settling place for different migrant groups for centuries and many of the original streets and properties have been preserved. Today it’s becoming a trendy place to live.
Come and see the area for yourself.



Jewish Soup Kitchen


8. A Stroll through Bloomsbury
Come and join John for an informative walk around Bloomsbury in which he’ll describe the history and development of this delightful area.

Meeting place is the Statue of Newton outside the British Library in Euston Road.

 


 

Woburn Walk


9. Guildhall Art Gallery

John will guide you through a private tour of some of the paintings and sculptures on display at the Art Gallery, explaining the background to the exhibits and some interesting details you might otherwise not be aware of.
In addition, John will escort you to the Roman Amphitheatre discovered during the building of the Art Gallery. Click here for details.

'Too Early' by James Tissot