A wander along Upper Street looking at remnants of lovely old shop fronts hinting at a bygone age when this area was a magnet for upper classes, hence its reputation as Islington's Golden Mile. Learn about the top quality products on offer, beautifully presented behind spindle windows and curved glass. Hear about umbrella makers, handmade ... Read More
Ghostsigns are the remnants of old advertising still clinging to the walls above our busy streets depicting products or services that are no longer available, and there are some excellent examples to be found around in Islington. Most of the signs we'll look at will be the hand-painted variety, as per the example shown here, ... Read More
For centuries, Islington has been a popular destination for pleasure seekers. On this two-hour tour we'll explore the activities and institutions that went from ubiquity to obscurity as London changed around them. We'll uncover Islington's time as a land of pastoral excess; the antics of various rock-n'-rollers; the food; the fads; and the fights. The ... Read More
See fine Georgian squares, secret gardens and London's smallest nature reserve, while learning about the area's history. Dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, Barnsbury was for centuries a rural manor set back a little from the busy Islington main road of Upper Street. In the 18th century its open fields, fresh water springs, ... Read More
Learn about the importance of the Regent’s Canal and how its fortunes have changed over the centuries. Join Susan, your qualified guide, for a 90-minute guided walk along this probably lesser-known stretch of the canal. Hear about its history as an industrial area with slum housing. Find out how it has been rejuvenated over the ... Read More
Learn about the importance of the Regent’s Canal and how its fortunes have changed over the centuries. Join Susan, your qualified guide, for a 90-minute guided walk along this probably lesser-known stretch of the canal. Hear about its history as an industrial area with slum housing. Find out how it has been rejuvenated over the ... Read More
The Georgian period was considered to be elegant and polite. A new type of society had emerged in Britain; a more free, diverse and enlightened society. The Georges may not have been the most exciting of Kings but it was a lively time, and much was achieved in their reigns. The now world famous site ... Read More
Victorian London was a dangerous place especially after dark, with highwaymen and other scoundrel’s waiting to pounce on anyone crossing their path. Imagine stepping back in time to 1837, when London was a bustling city and not so different from today's metropolis. You see people walking down the street with their heads held high as ... Read More
St Mary’s, Islington on Upper Street has played a central role in the history of Islington for a thousand years. During this time several different churches have stood on the site, leaving an eclectic range of architectural styles. On this 90-minute guided tour you’ll learn about the 12th-century Norman church and its 15th-century medieval successor. ... Read More
Discover nonconformist burial grounds, one of the oldest regiments in the British Army, a 90 year-old public baths and wash-house, the site of London's first outdoor swimming pool and one of its most unusual churches. "Another walk where you think you know the patch and Jonathan shows you the hidden stories!" Sitting between today's financial ... Read More
London has a long and dark history of martyrs, public executions, body snatchers, crime and punishment - and butchery. "Fascinating and fabulous. Recommend for both London locals and visitors. Do it, you’ll love it." "Very enjoyable..., good pace, very informative, will definitely be back." "Another wonderful walk with the excellent - and highly recommended... Fantastic ... Read More
Clerkenwell & Islington Guides will be taking part in this year’s Local London Guiding Day, with our free walk: Local heroes of Islington. This walk introduces the Angel Islington area and highlights heroes from the mid 16th century right up to the present day who lived locally. Walking from the Angel, you will hear about a ... Read More
The Georgian period was considered to be elegant and polite. A new type of society had emerged in Britain; a more free, diverse and enlightened society. The Georges may not have been the most exciting of Kings but it was a lively time, and much was achieved in their reigns. The now world famous site ... Read More
The perfect guided walk for those interested in history, London and alcohol. Join us on the “Road to Ruin” walking tour, a fascinating exploration for history enthusiasts, London lovers and those with interest an in alcohol. We’ll begin in Clerkenwell, a historic gin and beer production hub, and venture through the area to uncover its ... Read More