Regent's Canal, a walking tour of its industrial past & sustainable future
2025-09-27 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-10-26 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-11-30 11:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London)
On this linear walk along the Regent’s Canal from Angel Station, led by qualified Clerkenwell & Islington guide and conservation architect Minerva, you will:
• Discover how Victorian industrial wasteland became London’s most desirable waterside living – and what this transformation cost some communities
• Learn why adaptive reuse of old buildings is the ultimate climate action – and which developers are getting sustainable regeneration right
• Compare two contrasting estate regenerations: Packington’s success story vs Colville’s cautionary tale of poor workmanship and displaced tenants
• Understand how the canal that once moved coal now moves gentrification – spotting genuine community benefit vs expensive window dressing
• Explore mixed-use developments and warehouse conversions that either honor or erase the area’s working-class heritage
” This tour was an incredible experience! The walk, combined with Minerva’s explanations, helped me rediscover the canal’s rich history and evolution. The tour highlights some of the key buildings along the canal, but it’s presented in a way that’s engaging and accessible, even for those who aren’t architecture enthusiasts. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore and learn more about this fascinating part of the city!”
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The walk lasts approximately 2 and a half hours along canal towpaths (with a 10 minute comfort break if the group requires it). Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing as there is no shelter along the route. Bring a water bottle.

Regent's Canal Regenerated
2025-09-28 14:00 - 15:30
Join Jen for a Sunday afternoon stroll along and around the Islington section of Regent’s Canal. Follow the history of the canal from its hey-day in the nineteenth century, through its decline in the 1960s to its subsequent re-invention as a place for people to live, work and play

Union Chapel Guided Tour
2025-10-01 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Union Chapel, 19b Compton Terrace, London, N1 2UN, United Kingdom
The Union Chapel has towered over Upper Street in Islington since the 1870s and today thrives as an award-winning venue, homelessness project and a working radical church.
On the tour, led by an expert Islington Guided Walks guide, you’ll see this architectural gem up close and discover the building’s fascinating history.
The Grade I listed Victorian Gothic Chapel is one of the largest Nonconformist churches in London. It houses an important Father Henry Willis organ that is one of few left in the UK with an original hydraulic blowing system, stunning stained glass windows and a distinctive octagonal interior built for acoustics and visibility.
Take a tour and learn more about Islington’s heritage, the Chapel’s triumphant survival after a wartime bomb, and the fascinating story of its near demolition in the 1980s, at a time when Victorian architecture was only just being appreciated.

The Slow Horses Stroll
2025-10-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Barbican Tube, Aldersgate Street, London, EC1A 4JA, United Kingdom
Prepare to immerse yourself in the authentic London of Mick Herron’s Slow Horses novels and the acclaimed TV adaptation.
This walking tour takes you beyond the screen and pages, directly into the streets that inspired the stories and characters you love.
Your guides, Caroline and Nigel, will take you in the footsteps of your favourite bunch of MI5 misfits, and give you a whole new perspective on the city. You’ll see the actual Slough House and other real-life locations where memorable encounters with the Slow Horses take place. And along the way, you’ll discover the fascinating links between the series and London’s rich past — from the medieval heritage of its oldest parish church, to the Victorian grandeur of Smithfield Market, and the striking Brutalism of the Barbican.
The locations are brought to life with some of your guides’ favourite extracts from the novels and they’ll uncover the production secrets that transform this corner of the city into Lamb’s London.
The two-hour tour starts outside Barbican Underground Station (Hammersmith & City line) and ends near Old Street Station (Northern line).
Disclaimer: this walking tour of Slow Horses locations is in no way affiliated with Mick Herron or his publishers, See-Saw Films or Apple TV+.

Geoffrey Fletcher's Islington
2025-10-11 11:00 - 13:00
Discover some of the Islington locations that the artist Geoffrey Fletcher captured so lovingly in the 1960s and 1970s and learn about the area’s long and rich heritage.
“Excellent walk – really interesting and a really great guide.”
Best known for his 1962 book ‘The London That Nobody Knows’, Geoffrey Fletcher’s sketches, paintings, books and weekly column in the Telegraph recorded the London he feared was vanishing in the decades after World War II.
He was especially fond of Islington, with its markets, Georgian terraces and varied Victorian architecture. Some of it has disappeared and the character of the area has changed.
However, Fletcher would still recognise many of the buildings and streets he drew or painted 60 years ago.
The walk will last approximately two hours. Please be prepared for all weathers!
Start: outside Angel tube station, Islington High Street, N1 8XX
Finish: Essex Road (close to Essex Road station)
“Great walk, Jonathan, thanks!”
“A fascinating walk through 60s and 70s Islington – or what remains!”
Tickets from Guided walks, London blog | London On The Ground

Evolving Islington - a walking tour
2025-10-11 15:00
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.

Tufnell Park Tales
2025-10-17 14:00 - 16:00
From manor house to picture house – the making of a Victorian suburb.

The Diary of a Nobody - Mr Pooter's High Brow Holloway
2025-10-19 11:00 - 12:45 | Upper Holloway
The Diary of a Nobody started as a popular satirical column in Punch magazine in 1888 before being extended and published in book form a few years later.
This guided tour brings the book to life, taking you back to the late Victorian middle-class Holloway that Mr. Charles Pooter and his family and friends might have experienced had they been real people.
We’ll look at relevant buildings, shops, and street furniture to link to the stories in the diary, such as Pooter’s silly arguments with the ironmonger, the shirt dresser and the stationer. Find out about 1880’s Holloway in the form of theatre venues, transportation, tradesmen and gin palaces as you roll your eyes at his clunky puns.
You don’t need to have already read the book to enjoy this tour, but it’s likely you’ll want to do so afterwards!
For more info on this specific walk please use the website link at the bottom or see janeslondonwalks on Eventbrite

Clerkenwell & Islington Tour Guiding Course 2026: Meet the Guides
2025-10-22 18:30 - 21:00 | Farringdon Station, Cowcross Street, London, EC1M 6BY, United Kingdom
Would you like to develop the skills to become a tour guide? Would you like to know more about history of Islington? Why not apply for the Clerkenwell & Islington tour guide training course starting in January 2026?
If you’d like to find out more, join guides who have completed the course at our free ‘Meet the Guides’ event. The course tutors and other guides who have completed the course will take you on a walk to show you their favourite parts of Clerkenwell followed by a chance to ask questions and socialise in a local pub.
We meet outside Farringdon Station at 6:30pm and the walk will last approximately one hour
The event is free but please book a place so we know who to expect. We anticipate high demand for this event so if having booked you find that you are unable to attend we would be grateful if you would cancle your ticket so that someone else can attend.

The Dark Side of Clerkenwell: Tales of Crime and Death - Guided Tour
2025-10-30 18:00 - 20:00
The Dark Side of Clerkenwell: Tales of Crime and Death (18th–Early 20th Century)
Clerkenwell may have been crowned the best place to live in London in 2024 by The Times, but behind today’s calm streets lies a far darker past. Between the 18th and early 20th centuries, Clerkenwell was one of the most dangerous corners of London—a place where poverty, crime, and death walked hand in hand.
Once a thriving hub of industry, Clerkenwell drew in waves of migrants seeking work. But the promises of the Industrial Revolution soon gave way to grim reality: squalid housing, meagre wages, and desperate choices. For many, life narrowed to just two fates—the workhouse or the prison. And in this climate, crime flourished. The district gained a reputation as a den of thieves, pickpockets, and highwaymen, while its slums inspired some of Charles Dickens’ most vivid characters.
From the 17th century onwards, at least four different prisons operated here, packed with thieves, debtors, radicals, and the destitute. The Middlesex House of Correction—infamous for its severity—was once the largest prison in the country. Their looming presence gave rise to the magnificent Sessions House on Clerkenwell Green, for years the busiest courthouse in England.
On this walk we’ll uncover two centuries of Clerkenwell’s hidden history. From the escapades of Jack Sheppard, the infamous 18th-century thief and master of escape, to the rise of the Italian gangs of the Sabinis and the Cortesis, Clerkenwell’s streets echo with tales both thrilling and chilling.
If you want to discover the side of Clerkenwell that Londoners once feared, join me on this walk. Don’t worry—you’ll be safe.

Diverse London: Radical Islington
2025-11-01 14:00 - 15:30
From the 1960s Islington was associated with a range of radical causes, from Anti -Apartheid , CND and LGTB rights. First produced in conjunction with Islington Museum, this walk covers some radical decades where the feminist bookshop Sisterwrite was based in Upper Street, as well as the first LGTB registered charity London Friend. The Anti Apartheid movement had many activists in the borough and the ANC had its headquarters in Penton St N1. The local MP, Chris Smith, was the first openly gay MP in Parliament and the borough was the target of intense media attention as ‘loony Left’. Explore these memories and places on this fascinating guided tour.

Iconic Stages of Islington: Theatre & Music Walking Tour
2025-11-02 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Sadler’s Wells Theatre
When people think of London’s theatre scene, the West End often comes to mind. However, to the surprise of many, Islington actually has a rich and diverse theatrical history, from Victorian music halls to today’s cutting-edge fringe theatre. This walk will take you through centuries of drama, dance, music and comedy, revealing the hidden stages that have shaped British theatre.

Why Islington?
Islington has been a centre of performance for over 400 years. The borough’s theatre history spans centuries of grand dance stages, lively pub theatres, and iconic music venues. Some of the UK’s greatest actors, playwrights, musicians, and comedians have started their careers here, and today, it remains a hub for bold, experimental theatre.
This tour uncovers the hidden stories of legendary venues, visionary theatre-makers, and show-stopping performances. Whether you’re a theatre enthusiast or a curious audience, come discover the borough’s stagey stories and enduring creative spirit.

Who is this tour for?
This tour is perfect for:

Theatre enthusiasts eager to explore off-West End venues and theatre history.
History lovers interested in the evolution of London’s entertainment scene.
Curious Londoners keen to discover the hidden stories behind local landmarks.

No prior theatre knowledge is needed – just a comfortable pair of shoes and a sense of adventure!

Why You Should Join This Tour
This tour offers a fresh perspective on London’s theatre history, far from the West End’s bright lights. It’s a chance to discover hidden gems, hear fascinating stagey stories, and see where tomorrow’s stars are being made.
Even if you think you know London’s theatre scene, Islington will surprise you. And who knows? You might leave with tickets to a show at one of these incredible venues.

The Dark Side of Clerkenwell
2025-11-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-15 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-29 11:00 - 13:00
Clerkenwell may have been crowned the best place to live in London in 2024 by The Times, but behind today’s calm streets lies a far darker past. Between the 18th and early 20th centuries, Clerkenwell was one of the most dangerous corners of London—a place where poverty, crime, and death walked hand in hand.
Once a thriving hub of industry, Clerkenwell drew in waves of migrants seeking work. But the promises of the Industrial Revolution soon gave way to grim reality: squalid housing, meagre wages, and desperate choices. For many, life narrowed to just two fates—the workhouse or the prison. And in this climate, crime flourished. The district gained a reputation as a den of thieves, pickpockets, and highwaymen, while its slums inspired some of Charles Dickens’ most vivid characters.
From the 17th century onwards, at least four different prisons operated here, packed with thieves, debtors, radicals, and the destitute. The Middlesex House of Correction—infamous for its severity—was once the largest prison in the country. Their looming presence gave rise to the magnificent Sessions House on Clerkenwell Green, for years the busiest courthouse in England.
On this walk we’ll uncover two centuries of Clerkenwell’s hidden history. From the escapades of Jack Sheppard, the infamous 18th-century thief and master of escape, to the rise of the Italian gangs of the Sabinis and the Cortesis, Clerkenwell’s streets echo with tales both thrilling and chilling.
If you want to discover the side of Clerkenwell that Londoners once feared, join me on this walk. Don’t worry—you’ll be safe.

Revealed: Why the Great Fire of London nearly didn’t happen
2025-11-10 10:45 - 12:45
Find out about the circumstances of the Great Devastation, the main characters and visit some of the rebuilt churches.
We walk through the City from Tower of London to Clerkenwell following the 5 days of the Fire
Meet outside Tower of London ticket office.
Tour lasts 2 Hours
Walk Date: 10th November 2025 at 10.45am

Islington World War Walk.
2025-11-15 12:00 - 14:00
Discover Islington`s role in two world wars. The factory that saved Britain from invasion, the second world war soldier turned wandering Buddhist mystic, the former arsenal stadium at its surprising role in winning both world wars, where some of the most notorious bombs fell and where some of Islington`s greatest heroes lived.

Clerkenwell Crime and Punishment
2025-11-23 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-02 11:00 - 13:00
Turbulent centuries of monasteries, vengeance, courthouses, prisons, murder, social reformers, a bomb plot and more….
Clerkenwell lies just outside the old City, originally the location of the monastic houses from the late 1100s. When Henry VIII siezed these in the 1500s, some occupants met grim fates. Over the following centuries, the population increased greatly as London grew and people came looking for work, and in turn the area became overcrowded, crime-ridden and squalid. As it lay outside the City’s direct jurisdiction (part of Middlesex), the area attracted radicals, rebels and criminals. The local system of magistrates, judges and parishes in turn built prisons, courthouses and workhouses.
This walk explores the nature of crime and the various punishments meted out over the centuries in this fascinating area. The route is roughly circular so we will start and end near Farringdon Station – allow 2 hours +.

Revealed: Why The Great Fire of London 1666 nearly did not happen
2025-11-25 10:45 - 12:45
Find out about the main characters in this story and why it should not have happened. I want to walk you through the five days of destruction in the city and see the rebuilding of the many churches and visit some of them. We will be walking along the direction of the fire to reveal many interesting stories and human tragedies.
The walk will last 2 hours
Meet outside the exit of Tower Hill underground station at 10.45 am
I will be wearing my Islington’s lanyard
Tour fee £12
No need to book a place so just turn up and pay cash or card
I have been a qualified tour guide since 2019
Walk Date: Tuesday 25th November 2025 at 10.45 am
Outside exit to Tower Hill underground station

Angel at Christmas: an Islington Walk
2025-12-06 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.
“…I thoroughly enjoyed the tour…”
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.”
Book your place via this link: Angel at Christmas: an Islington Walk | London On The Ground

A struggle for survival: A story of markets and monasteries in Clerkenwell
2025-12-13 13:00 - 15:00
Join me on a walk-through, the mediaeval quarter of Clerkenwell with its dark alleyways and ghosts of the past
You will learn how and why monasteries and markets were established and how they struggled for survival, especially against King Henry the eighth. We will visit churches established by the monasteries and the famous Smithfield market now earmarked for closure. We will walk along the alleyways and ancient streets of Clerkenwell and learn how the area fell into decline and became a by word for poverty and crime.
We shall see how the area reinvented itself in the 19th and 20th century as an area famous for jewellery brewing and watchmaking.
At the end of the walk I have organised a private viewing of the Clarks well.
The walk will last two hours and the tour fee is £13 cash or card. No need to book just turn up on the day if you have time.
We meet outside Farringdon Station
