London's Hidden Walks: Volumes 1-3

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If you want to go on this one, you can take a look at the route, map, photos, and video on my Islington walk blog post. Once you’ve got your reader’s card you can access all the previously inaccessible rooms. In them you’ll find plenty of empty desks and supreme quiet – something that’s missing from the BL’s main public areas. While Leadenhall Market has slowly crept onto an increasing number of people’s radars, it’s still unknown enough to warrant a spot on any list of secret places to visit in London. The latest tour with London Walks for us and brilliant as always. We are Londoners, and the first thing we think of when we have a free day is going on a London Walk. Even the three teenagers enthusiastically jump on the tube and off we go. It doesn’t matter who leads our tour (it was Simon today), we leave knowing our city that much better. Each and every guide is so knowledgable, so eloquent and so entertaining, that two hours fly by. No one complains they are hungry or tired. It is great value, old fashioned entertainment that never fails. Thank you! Clear your mind’s eye and think of an old London pub – we’re talking really old. What does it look like? Which part of town is it in? Got it?

This morning’s Hidden London walk with Shaughan was a delightful experience. I learned so much about London’s history and character via off-the-beaten path stops and Shaughan’s stories, told with humor and his deep knowledge. I learned so many origin stories of well-known and commmonly-heard phrases and songs! Of my four London Walks tours during my week in London, this was my favorite (so far – but I have more in the coming days)! Shaughan is a very engaging guide who shows an interest in his group members – asking them about where they are from and their careers, an indication of his enjoyment of his work. This was so much more fun than a typical history walking tour! Next time I come to London, the first thing I’ll do is plan my London Walks tours. This loveliest of secret London walks is perfect if you like to be on the water and take in a variety of sights and neighborhoods as you go. It’s a good alternative to the Thames Path, and a great way to see some local London neighborhoods. I’ve put together lists of seasonal walks for spring, summer, autumn, Christmas, and winter, too. The routes in them are included in my London walking map as well. As such, it found itself as the centre of many a naughty activity including bear baiting, gambling and even duelling. Oh those crazy olden days people. Serving decadent drinks with live jazz in a fin-de-siecle interior, Oriole is everything you want from a secret bar in London– hush hush, fancy and not afraid to shake up some adventurous tipples.My first ‘London Walks’ experience and it’ll be a tough act to follow. Adam our guide was both charismatic and engaging and kept our group very focused and involved. The sunny weather helped throw and unexpected but welcome brightness on the many Wren churches, their stained glass windows and of course the majestic St Pauls … and his anecdotes kept us amused too. I’m game for more of these London walks – so much to digest from the stimulating and numerous other tours also on offer. A walk with Shaughn is pure street theatre. The performance includes information, history, facts/figures, songs in character and delicious humour. Cheap entertainment for 90 minutes of education and fun. He introduces places and events unknown to even the locals and every walk is different. Every time I go to London I do at least one Shaughan walk. Yet again he performed his magic and it was worth the 2 year (covid) wait.

So we decided, like any good, inquisitorial journalist / nosey person to read up a bit more and lo. Only goes and turns out that it’s one of the coolest viewing points in London. You’re probably aware of the British Library. It’s a bit of a Meca for people trying to find a quiet spot to get productive in the city centre, and an iconic place in its own right. Do you know about its reading rooms though? Absolutely fantastic walk with Simon as our guide. Wonderfully paced with a cliff hanger at the end of each stop. I learnt so much and the whole thing was delivered in a knowledgeable and humorous fashion. Thanks Simon for a great experience. The sister of Elephant & Castle’s Mercato Metropolitano opened in the beautiful setting of a converted church that makes quiet the setting for lunch. That said the venue still doesn’t garner as much attention as the E&C location does.It’s all very well and good extolling the virtues of exploring the unexplored places in London but who has the time to do all that research? To weed through the copious amounts of chaff to find the stuff that’s really worth doing? Who wouldn’t want to discover an ancient Roman temple buried in the heart of The City? Or visit one of the highest points in South London where you can soak up some of the best views in the city – get this – in absolute peace and quiet? Our 1st walk this trip. We had a most interesting walk with Shaughan. A wealth of facts shared with us from start to finish. We were brilliantly entertained throughout including several songs and snatches, included. Thank you Shaughan

It would have been a miserable walk if it wasn’t for Simon’s excellent wit, knowledge and ability to engage everyone. Daughter’s birthday on 22.07.22 so suggested London Walk tour with Shaughn. He was brilliant; the walk was fascinating; always interesting learning about the history of the area around the Monument. Really enjoyed it! Will definitely do again! 😊 🙏

Underneath the behemoth that is Waterloo Station, in the bowels of the maze of arches that crisscross below the ground, you’ll find another of London’s cool spots – Leake Street Tunnel. If you said to us that we’d get excited about a pumping station that formed part of London’s sewage system, we’dhave raised an eyebrow to say the least. This loveliest of secret London walks will guide you through the streets and green spaces in Dulwich village. It’s great if you’re looking to discover more of south London and want to find the best things to do in Dulwich as you go. Eltham Palace was bought in 1931 by the wealthy Stephen Courtauld who started a period of transformation and extension that led to some of the best-preserved Art Deco interiors you can find today.