Islington Guided Walks

Islington's Big Screens - a cinematic walking tour
2025-03-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-01 11:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London)
A stroll through more than 100 years of Islington cinema-going; all between Angel and Essex Road stations. We’ll encounter Victorian showmen, architectural wonders and tales of bad behaviour in the stalls. Come to discover hidden gems and hear what a night ‘at the flicks’ was like decades before multiplexes.
In addition to such landmarks as the Screen on the Green, you’ll see some buildings that were once cinemas as well as a few intriguing places where all trace of their cinematic past has vanished.
The walk lasts about 2 hours, starts at Angel station and ends near Essex Road station.

Georgian London Walking Tour
2025-03-23 13:00 - 15:00
Step back in time to when this area had a wild reputation! Discover how it transformed from a place to avoid to a sought-after postcode. Explore Georgian North Clerkenwell, uncovering tales of radicals and entertainers, and marvel at stunning Georgian engineering where the Georgians came to play and revel.

Introduction to Islington's history: A Highbury to Angel Guided Walk
2025-03-23 11:00 - 13:00
When you visit Islington today, it’s hard to believe that this charming, vibrant neighborhood was once known as “Cow Town,” a bustling dairy hub with muddy streets that later turned into a slum.
Our walk kicks off where local history began 1,000 years ago, and we’ll explore a fantastic blend of busy places and quiet spaces: a Tudor holiday destination, a radical church, famous residents, an iconic pub, music legends, and even a “river.”
Join me on this fun-filled walking tour as we uncover layers of history from medieval times through the turbulent Tudor era, the Victorian Industrial Revolution, World War II, and the punk rock days.
The tour starts outside Highbury & Islington tube station, lasts around 2 hours, and finishes near Angel station.

Caledonian Clock Tower
2025-03-22 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-03-22 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-02-16 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-02-16 11:00 - 12:30
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.

Ribaldry, Radicals & Reform - a guided tour of North Clerkenwell & Pentonville
2025-03-20 11:00 - 13:00
The tour will span over 400yrs of history including: the origins of one of the country’s oldest theatres; an engineering wonder from the Elizabethan times; the site of what was once Britain’s most notorious prison; a Victorian scandal; the open spaces that were once home to spas, pleasure gardens and occasionally protest & insurrection; the building that pioneered the NHS, the stories of famous authors, illustrators and the scene of a Hollywood blockbuster!
Review:
“Andy was a brilliant tour guide. I think the best l’ve ever listened to and l’ve attended a lot of tours both in London and abroad. Andy is a very good story teller and he brought the area of North Clerkenwell alive. He remembered so many names and facts without notes and answered any questions thrown at him cheerfully. I would definitely recommend. Thank you.”

St Mary Islington - Church and Tower tour
2025-03-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-07 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.”

Oliver Twist Walk
2025-03-15 13:00 - 15:00
ictorian 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

Up and Down Upper Street
2025-03-15 11:00 - 13:00
Islington, now the most densely populated London borough, was for centuries famed for its pastures, dairies, fresh water wells and pleasure gardens. Today, this inner urban borough offers an eclectic range of modern shops, restaurants, theatres, pubs and cafes, but its history remains there, hidden in plain sight.

“Jonathan’s narrative flowed beautifully – hugely informative and very entertaining.”

At the heart of Islington is Upper Street, the borough’s main road and once part of the main route for drovers bringing livestock into Smithfield Market in the City of London. Islington comprised Upper Street, Essex Road (formerly Lower Street/Lower Road) and a lot of fields until the 18th century.

The gateway to Upper Street is Angel, a name which has come to denote this whole quarter.
• Learn how the tube station, and the area, got its name.
• Hear echoes of forgotten tramways, waterways and cattle droving routes.
• See the church that distils Islington’s history in a single building; and two contrasting theatres.
• Find out about Islington’s takeover of the former borough of Finsbury.
• Discover a hidden garden most locals don’t even know; and Upper Street’s newest public space.

The walk lasts approximately two hours. 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.

“…wonderful tour of Angel… very impressed by your extensive knowledge.”
“…a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, the tour was brilliantly structured.”

A Road to Ruin Walking Tour
2025-03-09 13:00 - 15:00
This is the perfect guided walk for those with a keen interest in history, London and alcohol. The walk ventures through Clerkenwell, historically an area of gin and beer production.
Explore the past and uncover the relationship between different classes in London and what this meant for the alcohol they were able to drink.

Groundbreaking Women of Islington
2025-03-08 14:30 - 16:30
This brand new London On The Ground walk in the Angel area tells the stories of groundbreaking women of Islington that changed the course of history. It will have its first outing on 8 March 2025, International Women’s Day. (London On The Ground’s ‘Groundbreaking Women in the City’ tour will take place a week earlier, on 1 March at the start of Women’s History Month.)

Feedback on London On The Ground’s ‘Groundbreaking Women in the City’ tour:
“We really enjoyed the walk. It would be really fun to be able to do this again!”
“Really fun afternoon (and I learnt stuff).”

The new walk includes women from the 16th to the 21st centuries, who made significant contributions to philanthropy, politics, literature, sport, leisure, community activities, music, film, theatre and the arts. See where they drew their inspiration from Islington and where they left their mark on the area.

The walk lasts approximately two hours. Please be prepared for all weather conditions!
Start: Outside the entrance to Sadlers Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN
Finish: A short walk from Highbury & Islington tube station

Feedback on London On The Ground’s other tours in the Angel 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.”

Evolving Islington - a walking tour
2025-03-02 11:00 - 13:00, 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.

Oliver Twist Walking Tour
2025-02-22 13:00 - 15:00
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 a while… 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 to 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.”
– 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

Islington's Lost Entertainments
2025-02-15 13:30 - 15:30
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+

First and Quirky Angel Walk
2025-01-25 11:00 - 13:30
On this walk we discover where the Crufts dog show started, where the first female teenage pop star performed. We pass the homes of politicians, both past and present and include a few political, religious and theatrical firsts along the way. We visit the place where a horrendous crime took place, the place where first Christmas Card was sent and pass the statue of an iconic pet. The walk continues along London’s first ‘by pass’ and discover a few transport firsts. We end this walk where a recent famous crime was plotted!
• Start: Angel Underground station • Ends: Angel Underground station

Islington's Lost Entertainments
2025-01-23 11:00 - 13:00, 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”

Cultural Clerkenwell - a walking tour
2025-01-17 11:00 - 13:00
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.

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 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.
