Islington Guided Walks

Cultural Clerkenwell - a walking tour
2025-01-17 11:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London)
Walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare and Dickens and see contemporary art in London’s oldest parish church.
Since the middle-ages, when religious pageants were held on the banks of the River Fleet and entertainers performed at the annual Bartholomew’s Fair, Clerkenwell has been a part of London steeped in cultural history.
Theatre, literature, music, film, architecture, food, sculpture and visual art spanning the last 900 years are all covered as we wander the streets and alleys of this atmospheric neighbourhood.
In addition to following in the footsteps of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, along the way you’ll hear how William Morris, Agatha Christie, Vladimir Lenin, William Hogarth and Benjamin Franklin have all left their mark on Clerkenwell.
In London’s oldest parish church you’ll see a striking sculpture by one of Britain’s most controversial artists. Down hidden alleyways you’ll find out about one of London’s great 17th-century theatres, a pioneering architectural partnership and an unsung champion of classical music. You’ll also see why this historic area has been a location for some of Hollywood’s biggest movies. And you’ll get the chance to see close-up the site that gave Clerkenwell its name.
The tour lasts about 2 hours. It starts outside Barbican underground station (Hammersmith & City line) and ends at Farringdon station.

Islington's Lost Entertainments
2025-01-12 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-12-22 11:00 - 13:00
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 walk begins outside Angel station and ends near Highbury and Islington station. Due to some mature themes, the walk is recommended for ages 15+.
“Really fascinating”
“brimming with insights you won’t find in the usual guidebooks”

Evolving Islington - a walking tour
2025-01-12 11:00 - 13:00
Discover how Islington developed from a rural settlement and centre for dairy farming into the diverse, bustling area it is today.
In 1086 the Domesday Book reported that Islington contained just 27 households. Today its quarter-of-a-million residents live in an area that boasts world-class cultural venues but also less green space than any other London borough.
The story of how Islington developed over the centuries provides many tales of social, cultural and political history. The walk takes in many of central Islington’s most fascinating sites – some well-known and others even locals may not be familiar with.
You’ll see a Tudor house that’s been in the same family since the 16th century, the first church bombed in World War II and some of the pioneering homes built in the early 20th century as Islington’s population boomed. You’ll also find out how the world-famous Union Chapel got its name and why you should never graffiti in a library book…
The tour lasts about 2 hours. It starts at Highbury & Islington station (we’ll meet at the round benches near the station) and ends in Islington Square off Upper Street, a 10-minute walk from both Angel and Highbury & Islington stations.

Christmas walk in Clerkenwell
2024-12-23 17:30 - 19:00, 2024-12-22 11:00 - 12:30, 2024-12-13 17:30 - 19:00
Exploring the themes of Celebration, Religion, Charity & Tradition during the festive season with a guided walk through this historic quarter of London.
What we eat, what we drink, our Christmas traditions, the way we worship and charitable deeds are all explored as we stroll through hundreds of years of history – from Medieval through to Victorian times to the present day.
Join us as we reveal the stories behind Clerkenwell’s landmarks and buildings.

The Clerks' Well -Water, Water Everywhere
2024-12-14 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-16 11:00 - 12:00
2024 marks one hundred years since the rediscovery of the medieval Clerks’ Well, unearthed in 1924 on a building site in Farringdon Lane. To mark this anniversary, you are invited to join guides from Islington Guided Walks for a short water-themed tour of the area and an opportunity to view the Clerks’ Well. Join this This free 60- minute tour on one of the following dates: Saturday 16th November, Thursday 21st November and Saturday 14th December. The tour begins at Farringdon Station and ends at the Clerks’ Well.

St Mary Islington - Church and Tower tour
2024-12-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-21 14:00 - 16:00
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. In the 18th century it was completely rebuilt, lasting until 1940 when St Mary’s became the first London church to be destroyed in World War II. Only the tower and steeple survived the bomb; the main body of the church was rebuilt in 1956, a fascinating example of post-war reconstruction and design.
As well as providing a glimpse into the history of St Mary’s and how it has influenced Islington today, you’ll also have the opportunity to climb the 120 steps to the top of tower, giving you a bird’s-eye view over London.

Reviews of this tour
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The guided tour of St Mary’s, Upper Street, Islington was fascinating and the view from the top of the tower was very special indeed.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “An excellent informative tour of St Mary’s Church. We had a great trip up the church tower with fabulous views over London. But we were also entertained with an interesting history of the church and its site – despite living very locally for over 30 years it is amazing what you miss on your doorstep!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great tour of St Mary’s Islington – a very beautiful church with lots of history. The best bit though was the opportunity to climb up the tower for a fantastic view. Highly recommended.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A very interesting 90 minutes. Guide friendly, well-prepared, informative and easy to listen to. Getting to the top of the 18th-century church tower is the highlight.”

Angel at Christmas: an Islington Walk
2024-12-07 11:00 - 13:00
Angel, Islington. The festive spirit is in the very name of this part of London!
Discover the history of the area – for centuries famed for its pastures, dairies, fresh water wells and pleasure gardens – and some of its associations with Christmas.
Upper Street, Islington’s main road and liveliest thoroughfare, is particularly magical in the build up to Christmas. Delve into its colourful past and enjoy its equally vibrant present through its eclectic range of shops, restaurants, theatres, pubs and cafes.
The walk lasts approximately two hours. It will take place come rain or shine, so please be prepared for all weather conditions!
Start: Outside Angel tube station, Islington High Street, N1 8XX.
Finish: a short walk from Highbury & Islington tube station.
Praise for London On The Ground’s other tours of the area:
“A great afternoon visiting a part of Islington I thought I knew but found out more and more about!”
“wonderful tour of Angel… very impressed by your extensive knowledge.”
“…a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, the tour was brilliantly structured and Jonathan’s narrative flowed beautifully – hugely informative and very entertaining.”

Angel at Christmas: an Islington Walk
2024-12-07 11:00 - 13:00
Angel, Islington. The festive spirit is in the very name of this part of London!
Discover the history of the area – for centuries famed for its pastures, dairies, fresh water wells and pleasure gardens – and some of its associations with Christmas.
Upper Street, Islington’s main road and liveliest thoroughfare, is particularly magical in the build up to Christmas. Delve into its colourful past and enjoy its equally vibrant present through its eclectic range of shops, restaurants, theatres, pubs and cafes.
The walk, with Jonathan Wober of London On The Ground, lasts approximately two hours. It will take place come rain or shine, so please be prepared for all weather conditions!
Start: Outside Angel tube station, Islington High Street, N1 8XX.
Finish: a short walk from Highbury & Islington tube station.
Praise for London On The Ground’s other tours of the area:
“A great afternoon visiting a part of Islington I thought I knew but found out more and more about!”
“….wonderful tour of Angel …very impressed by your extensive knowledge.”
“…a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, the tour was brilliantly structured and Jonathan’s narrative flowed beautifully – hugely informative and very entertaining.”

Ribaldry, radicals and reformers - the north Clerkenwell walk
2024-11-28 11:00 - 13:00
Come and join us on this entertaining walk through 400 years of the development of this Georgian suburb – one of London’s earliest. Discover the 17th century civil engineering project that transformed the capital, the 18th century delights of Islington’s pleasure gardens such as Sadler’s Wells, the 19th century radicals who tried to ferment revolution and the world of Victorian scandal, crime and punishment. During our walk we will also meet the 20th century reformers who pioneered modern London, including the NHS and the world beyond.

Crouch Hill and Stroud Green
2024-11-23 14:00 - 16:00
Crouch Hill and Stroud Green were built around the railways as middle class suburbs but became home to diverse communities after the Second World War. Learn about innovative social housing, the first black supplementary schools and how the beautiful frescos on the Old Dairy pub were made. Oonagh is a local qualified guide with five star reviews.

Caledonian Clock Tower
2024-11-10 11:00 - 13:00
Climb 178 steps to the top of the Caledonian Market Clock Tower for fabulous panoramic views across London. On the way up you’ll learn about the history of the market and the
area from our experienced and knowledgeable Islington Guides and get close-up views of the turret clock in action.

A watery wander around the Angel Islington
2024-11-06 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-27 11:00 - 13:00
A circular walk from Angel tube, exploring the influences of water sources. Islington and Clerkenwell developed around a hilly area with an abundance of water from natural springs, wells and the River Fleet, all now more or less hidden. The New River – an astonishing early 17C waterworks scheme with engineering and reservoirs – and the early 19C manmade Regent’s Canal and basins followed. Meanwhile, some of the springs had been turned into risqué pleasure gardens and a famous theatre, then the residential boom of Georgian and Victorian squares and streets sprung up.
This walk traces all things watery, tells of an eccentric estate owner, an evangelical Countess and a lost cricket ground.
The walk lasts 2 to 2 1/4 hours, starts at the Angel station and ends in a historic market near the start.

Oliver Twist Walking Tour
2024-11-03 15:30 - 17:00
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 they go about business; no one would be talking on their phones, perhaps chatting amicably among friends or family members catching up after being apart for awhile… But what would your Victorian life look like? How could you fit into this Age of Improvement which is so unlike ours here today? Would YOU survive?
Highwaymen roamed the roads exiting Victorian London, ready to pounce on anyone who crossed their path. A dark and dangerous place at night with Highway men waiting in the shadows just looking for an opportunity make off with your valuables or even kill you if they had no intention of taking anything from you alive.
This Oliver Twist walking tour follows the footsteps of Oliver Twist and Artful Dodger as they make their way through London to reach Fagin’s lair, just like in Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist.”
You can’t be too stealthy in London, especially if you want to avoid being caught by the police. The Artful Dodger and Oliver would have needed this skill when they headed into Fagin’s lair at night-time.
– Authentic different tour
– Discover 1837 London
– Qualified guide
– Suitable for all age groups. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
– Start: Angel Tube Station | End: Farringdon Station

Georgian London Walking Tour
2024-11-03 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-10-06 13:30 - 15:30
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 of Sadler’s Wells had, however, a less salubrious in the past which we explore further on this guided walk.
On this guided walk we take you back to the days when the surrounding area had a raucous reputation and see how it transformed from a place to be avoided at all costs to a most desirable postcode. We explore Georgian North Clerkenwell discovering tales of radicals and clowns, we will see see great Georgian engineering feats from engineering to town planning, in an area where Georgians came to play and be entertained.
– Authentic different tour
– Discover Georgian London
– Qualified guide
– Suitable for all age groups. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
– Start: Angel Tube | End: Angel Tube

A watery wander around King’s Cross and St. Pancras
2024-11-03 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-16 11:00 - 13:00
An almost-circular walk around King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations and the extraordinary, vibrant redevelopment of what was a semi-derelict wasteland of railway lands. The area originally had a plentiful supply of water from the now-hidden River Fleet and associated lost springs and wells, then the man-made Regent’s Canal supplied more water from the early 1800s.
This walk explores how all things watery have influenced the development of the area, from lost pleasure gardens and an ancient church by a riverbank, to canal locks, steam engines and gas storage holders, then today’s inspiring water features and a tranquil nature reserve.
This walk starts outside King’s Cross Station, lasts 2 – 2 1/4 hours and ends near St. Pancras Station.

A Road to Ruin Walking Tour
2024-10-06 15:30 - 17:00
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 intriguing past.
Discover the complex relationship between London’s different classes of society and the alcohol they consumed. Learn about the impact of alcohol production and consumption, and how artists portrayed society and its expectations of different classes.
Authentic different alcohol-themed tour
Discover an interesting aspect of historical London
Adults only. NB: Tea totals are very welcome. This is not a pub crawl.

Local heroes of Islington - a free walking tour
2024-10-05 10:00 - 16:00
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 number of local people who did great things to make them into heroes of Islington. They include philanthropists, people who created entertainment, produced great literature and improved people’s lives.
This walk will start and end at the Angel Underground station.

Monasteries, Martyrs, Murder & Meat
2024-09-28 14:30 - 16:30
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 stuff.”
“Fantastic, so interesting, highly recommend these walks.”
“Jonathan brought the history of the City to life in an informative and entertaining way.”
Hear tales of hangings and burnings; grave robbers and law enforcement; and the annual fair that became so riotous it was banned after 700 years. Discover medieval monasteries, the country’s oldest hospital and the City of London’s oldest house. See London’s most famous courthouse, on the site of its most notorious former prison.
The walk lasts approximately two hours. Please be prepared for all weather conditions!
Start: St Paul’s tube station, Exit 2 (signed to St Paul’s Cathedral)
Finish: Charterhouse Square (nearest tubes: Barbican, Farringdon)

Bunhill: Barracks, Bone Yards and Baths
2024-09-22 14:30 - 16:30
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 district and the Angel, Islington’s Bunhill ward is named after an ancient bone yard. Once marshland outside the walls of the City of London, for a while the area offered spas and outdoor leisure facilities. As urbanisation swallowed the fields, the area became industrialised and populated by tradesmen, the poor and the sick.
The legacy of the past is still visible, but this walk will also reveal some hidden architectural gems and tranquil open spaces.
The walk lasts approximately two hours. It will take place come rain or shine, so please be prepared for all weather conditions!
Start: outside Moorgate tube station, the western entrance on Moorfields (follow signposts to Exit 1).
Finish: close to Old Street tube station.
