Cost: Free            Maximum Number: 25 

Start time: 8pm     End time: Between 9 and 9:30pm 

Meeting point: The Snuff Mill at Morden Hall Park

Access: This event takes place after the park closes, so only one entrance point will be open. This will be the Morden Hall Park (Garden Centre) car park (there’s no parking charge for this event).  Then walk through, over the bridge, through the archway and follow the path to find the Snuff Mill on the right (behind the granite millstones). The paths are surfaced and quite flat. 

What to wear/bring: This event is outdoors, so please come prepared for the weather with layers etc.  If the weather is very wet or windy the bats are unlikely to be visible, and the park closes in very high winds. If this is the forecast the event could be cancelled, but you will be notified in advance if this decision is made. The café won’t be open so please do bring along some water/a snack if you may need this. Assistance dogs only.

Application form in the May Newsletter.

Cost: £14   Maximum No: 20

We again welcome Paul Baker to lead us being three walks for the price of one!  A charming green suburb, a delightful park containing a remnant of the ancient Stamford Brook, the remains of a 12th century Manor House and a tale of a King’s mistress and mighty Hammersmith.

Meet at Stamford Brook tube station on the district line in time for the walk which starts at 11am.  The walk ends at Ravenscourt Park tube station also on the district line.

Cost: £11   Maximum No: 13

The home in London of the Royal College of Nursing is in Cavendish Square and is a Grade II listed building.  We will have a tour of the building and afterwards you are welcome to stay on and visit the current exhibition.

Meet at Waterloo main line station opposite platform 1 by 10.15am.  We then take the tube to Bond Street, followed by a short walk for the tour which starts at 11am.

Cost: £14.00   Maximum No: 20

Following the very successful walk led by Debbie Pearson in October she now leads us again for her walk - My Word is my Bond – The London Stock Exchange.  It is one of the City’s financial institutions, founded in a coffee house and now with an international reach.  On the walk we will discover its story, secrets, and scandals, unlock some of the jargon and learn how it affects us all directly or indirectly.

Meet outside St Paul’s tube station on the Central Line by Caffe Nero (exit 2) in time for an 11am start.

Cost: £13.00   Maximum No: 20

Showcasing the best of British cartoon and comic art the Museum has over 200 original cartoons, caricatures and comics.  Stephen Marchant the Curator and Learning Co-Ordinator will give us a tour and a talk about the history of British cartooning, after which we shall be free to look around the galleries and view the latest exhibition.

Meet at Waterloo main line station opposite platform 1 by 10.15am.  We then take the tube to Oxford Circus followed by a short walk for the tour which starts at 11am.

Please note that the visit will not go ahead unless the minimum no. of 10 is reached.

Cost: £14.00    Maximum No: 25

The Cinema Museum has been in existence for more than 40 years and has a connection to Charlie Chaplin.  It has a fascinating collection about going to the ‘pictures’ from the architecture and fittings of the cinemas themselves to the marketing materials promoting the films.  Many historic films have been saved and we shall certainly discover hidden gems.

Meet outside Kennington tube station on the Northern line by 10.40am for a short walk to the Museum for the visit which starts at 11am. 

If you would prefer to travel with Rosemary from Wimbledon station, please get in touch with her a few days before the visit.

Cost: £7.00    Maximum No: 15

The Clockmakers’ Museum is the oldest museum in the world purely devoted to clocks, watches and sundials.  It was housed at the Guildhall in the City for 141 years before its move to the Science Museum in 2014.  The collection charts the development of horology in London from the late 16th century to the present day.  

The visit will be led by Dr James Nye, Chair of the Antiquarian Horological Society and recent Past Master of the Clockmakers’ Company, or one of his assistants.

Meet down the steps to the Wimbledon station District Line platforms by 10am for the journey to South Kensington station followed by a short walk.

Cost: £14   Maximum No: 20

Continuing our maritime theme this year we will enjoy a walk entitled steamships, sailors and significant organisations led by Debbie Pearson, who many of you will remember from her previous walks for us.

For hundreds of years London was the centre of the International shipping trade.  Today there are still many links in the City with the maritime industry, including organisations involved in insurance, classification and cargo and many of these are located near each other, in an area known as the Marine Quarter.  If you know where to look there are plenty of ships and maritime references to find.

Cost: £12   Maximum No: 20

Paul Baker, City of London guide, is leading another one of his walks for us again this year and this time we are in Marylebone which retains its delightful village origins and boasts some of the most beautiful squares in London.  We shall see four of these during the walk, as well as some stunning buildings and mews.

Meet outside Edgware Road tube station on the District & Circle Line – exit on Chapel Street - ready for an 11am start.

The walk lasts approximately two hours and finishes near Baker Street tube station.

Cost: £5   Maximum: 10

This is a totally different visit but one which should be both fascinating and enlightening.  Viridor does exactly what it says in that it is a recycling, renewable energy and waste management company based in Beddington and we will be taken round to see how everything works.

However, there are a number of matters of which to be aware.  This is a working site and we will be given protective clothing (PPE) and boots to wear and photography is prohibited. You should wear appropriate clothing for a visit to an industrial site with no bare arms, legs or feet.  You must be able to wear workmanlike boots and your shoe size should be noted on the application form. 

This is a 2 hour visit and during that time you must be able to climb up and down various steps and move around without difficulty.  In other words, you must be perfectly mobile.  Perhaps more importantly nobody who suffers from asthma is allowed to join this visit.

You must have access to a computer before the visit as a short video will be circulated for you to watch beforehand.

Please do not bring large bags, rucksacks and other non-essential personal items on this visit.

Meet at Wimbledon station on platform 10 by 12 noon ready to catch the tram to Beddington Lane followed by a short walk to the site.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

This is a repeat of the walk Marion Goodwin did last year as she was unable to do the second one.  Priority will be given to those who applied as she has a list of their names.

Covent Garden, famous for its fruit and vegetable market, has been a centre for entertainment, shopping and eating for centuries and remains so to this day.  We will visit the actors’ church and explore the many theatres with their stories of famous performers and even a murder.

St. Giles is now a vibrant shopping area but was once a notorious slum.  It was the setting for Hogarth’s famous nightmare vision of London – Gin lane. 

We will visit the Phoenix garden, which is a “hidden” wildlife garden, and the nearby church of St. Giles in the Fields as well as Denmark Street – the home of popular music in the 50’s and 60’s.

We will meet outside Covent Garden tube station at 10.30 and finish at Tottenham Court Road tube station about 12.30

Cost: £15    Maximum No: 15 

This iconic building has a terrific back story.  You will be taken round the hall by Gayna Martine who is a terrific leader and very charismatic lady.  Apart from the latter years as tour guide for the RAH, Gayna has had a 35 year career in Film and Theatre and actually appeared at the RAH in 1976 as a TV dancer in that year’s Miss World!  She will assess on the day the very best route to take, hopefully to include some special parts not usually seen.

Meet through the barriers of South Kensington station on the District and Circle Lines by 11.05am.  It is then about a 15 minute walk to the venue.

Cost: Free   Maximum No: 20 

Now is your chance to come on a free visit with a difference being to the only United Nations agency with its headquarters in the UK.  If you think this sounds not for you then please think again as the guide is absolutely first class and full of enthusiasm and you will learn amazing maritime facts.

The main mission of the IMO is “to promote safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping through cooperation.”  We will have a tour of the building and its artefacts and be shown a film about the work of the Organisation.

Meet at Vauxhall station outside on the main concourse by 10.10am for a short walk along the Embankment to the building where we will have to go through security before the visit which starts at 10.30am.

Cost: £16 per person.   Maximum No. 15 people

This Tour will include the Ardabil Carpet, woven for a great shrine near the Caspian Sea; Tipus Tiger containing a musical organ; The Raphael Cartoons - a treasure from the Renaissance; the Great Bed of Ware, mentioned by William Shakespeare; the Rodin gift; the Cast Courts etc. etc.

We shall meet our Guide at 10.45am for a prompt start at 11.00am in the main V&A lobby (Cromwell Road entrance) close to the information desk under the vast modern coloured glass chandelier.  (NB: NOT the Sackler entrance on Exhibition Road).  Toilets are close by.

Cost £7   Maximum No. 20

Art and an amphitheatre.  This hidden gem in the City of London holds a collection of artworks that includes valuable pieces from the Victorian period, as well as many works depicting London, or by London based artists.  Join City Guide,  Debbie Pearson, who many of you will remember took us on a delightful Florence Nightingale walk earlier this year, to hear about a selection of the works on display, and some of their stories.

Meet at Waterloo station opposite platform 1 by 10.15am.  We then take the Waterloo and City line to Bank station followed by a short walk to the Guildhall where we will have to go through security before the visit which starts at 11am.

Cost £5   Maximum No. 15

Southwark has a rich and colourful history and during this walk we will see what remains of old Southwark, including Guy's hospital chapel, the oldest galleried inn in London, the ornate Victorian Hop Exchange, London's larder - Borough market, Clink prison and Southwark Cathedral.
The walk will last about 90 minutes and although there are some busy roads to cross it is all on the flat.

Meet at 10.30 at the Borough High Street exit (east side) of the Jubilee line at London Bridge Station.  If travelling from Waterloo main line station the Jubilee line is almost directly opposite platform 5 and Borough High Street is clearly sign-posted on the platform when you alight at London Bridge.

Cost: £14.00

Maximum No: 20

The Garden is situated next door to Lambeth Palace and was inspired by John Tradescant’s journeys as a plant collector.  The Courtyard which is at the heart of the garden was designed by Dan Pearson and is intended to be a garden in which to take your time.

Amongst the foliage in the courtyard garden are the tombs of the Tradescants as well as Captain William Bligh captain of the infamous ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ voyage.

This is a free flow visit and you should take your time wandering around the garden.  The temporary exhibition is Gardening Bohemia: Bloomsbury Women Outdoors with the permanent exhibition being on the first floor. The medieval tower of 131 steps is also available to climb.

The café serves coffee, tea, cakes and biscuits throughout the day with tables given on a first come, first served basis.  However, during the busy lunch hours, they may only be able to serve tea and coffee to take away.

Cost: £12.00

Maximum No: 20

We again welcome Paul Baker as our guide for this walk where we will see the first garden suburb in the London area, built up in the 1870’s and 80’s, long before Letchworth and Hampstead Garden Suburb and considered by many to be more beautiful than both.  Its tree lined avenues and superb architecture are a feast for the eye and the walk should be both fun and informative.

Cost: £12.00

Maximum No: 20

We will enjoy a Behind the Scenes tour of the Club.  The story starts in the late 1800’s when a match was played on Wimbledon Common.  It continued to the 1988 FA Cup Final win, the change to MK Dons and now AFC Wimbledon.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

Covent Garden, famous for its fruit and vegetable market, has been a centre for entertainment, shopping and eating for centuries and remains so to this day.  We will visit the actor’s church and explore the many theatres with their stories of famous performers and even a murder.

St. Giles is now a vibrant shopping area but was once a notorious slum.  It was the setting for Hogarth’s famous nightmare vision of London – Gin lane.

We will visit the Phoenix garden, which is a “hidden” wildlife garden, and the nearby church of St. Giles in the Fields as well as Denmark Street – the home of popular music in the 50’s and 60’s.

We will meet outside Covent Garden tube station at 10.30 and finish at Tottenham Court Road tube station about 12.30.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

Covent Garden, famous for its fruit and vegetable market, has been a centre for entertainment, shopping and eating for centuries and remains so to this day.  We will visit the actor’s church and explore the many theatres with their stories of famous performers and even a murder.

St. Giles is now a vibrant shopping area but was once a notorious slum.  It was the setting for Hogarth’s famous nightmare vision of London – Gin lane.

We will visit the Phoenix garden, which is a “hidden” wildlife garden, and the nearby church of St. Giles in the Fields as well as Denmark Street – the home of popular music in the 50’s and 60’s.

We will meet outside Covent Garden tube station at 10.30 and finish at Tottenham Court Road tube station about 12.30.

Cost: £10.00    Maximum No: 20

How many of you have visited the Windmill?  If so how long ago was your visit? 

Because it is on our doorstep is this something you have been meaning to do for a while?  Now is your chance to hear all about the workings of the Windmill as well as the people who lived there on a guided tour.  The guides are all very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and you will have a wonderful time on this exclusive visit.

Meet outside the Windmill on the Common at 1350 in time for a 1400 start.  Take the 93 bus from either Morden, Wimbledon or Putney and alight at the Parkside Hospital stop.  Walk slightly forward or back to Windmill Road at the end of which is the Windmill.

Cost: £14.00  Maximum No: 20

We again welcome Julie Chandler as our guide as we walk in the footsteps of the ‘mother of modern nursing’ and discover the life of Florence Nightingale through the places where she lived and worked.  From the house where she spent the last days of her long life, the hotel where she wrote her famous Notes on Nursing, the shop where she bought her perfume and the statue of the Lady with the Lamp.  Along the way we take a look at her life and visit London as she knew it.

The walk starts in Park Lane and we finish at the Florence Nightingale statue in Waterloo Place, close to Trafalgar Square.  The duration is approximately 2 hours and the walk will be conducted by Julie at a reasonable pace so please do not apply if you are unable to keep up.

Meet outside Hyde Park Corner tube station, on the Piccadilly Line, by 1.30pm in time to walk up Park Lane for a 2pm start.  Take exit 2 for Green Park and go up the slope where there are seats at the top on the left.

Cost: £15.50   Maximum No: 20

The Postal Museum is an award-winning, accredited and independent museum in London.  The collection tells the 500 year old story of the British postal communication and its continued impact on life around the world today.  

The collection includes everything from vehicles, uniforms, pillar boxes and stamps to a 100 year old postal railway and incredible stories of innovation, engineering, design and social history.  

The visit will also include an immersive ride on Mail Rail, London’s hidden underground railway.  It lasts approximately 15 minutes and contains moments of pitch darkness and some loud noises and flashing lights. The ride takes a loop under Mount Pleasant through tunnels that are only 7ft (213cm) wide at their narrowest point. It will be narrated by a Mail Rail engineer and the train stops at two station platforms where films about the history of Mail Rail are projected onto the walls. At one point the ride simulates a brief power cut.

All visitors boarding the train must be able to transfer themselves in and out of the train unaided.  In the event of an emergency evacuation all visitors must be able to walk unaided on uneven terrain, in a confined space and with low lighting levels for approximately 100 metres, before climbing 70 steps to the surface.

Due to the size constrictions, no walking aids can be accommodated in the carriages and must be left in the cages provided before boarding the train.  The ride is unsuitable for anyone who is claustrophobic.

Meet at Chancery Lane tube station near the ticket office at 10:30am in time to walk a short distance (12 min walk).  The visit will start at Mail Rail for boarding the train at 11am.  We need to arrive 10 minutes before our boarding time.  Thereafter, you are free to view the Postal Museum at your leisure.

Maximum No. 20

This interesting Tour includes the history & work of UK Parliament and also includes the House of Commons, House of Lords & Westminster Hall.

Our Tour starts at 15.50pm & takes approximately 75 minutes. There are steps.

We enter via the Cromwell Green Visitors’ Entrance & must allow 30 minutes for security & any queue which (please be prepared!) is outside the building in all weather. We go through Airport style security (search & screening / ie no scissors, knives, open liquids etc).

 Once given a security pass it is worn visibly at all times as we then pass into Westminster Hall, where there is the Tours Coordinator’s Desk & toilets & cafe.

Photography is only permitted in Westminster Hall & St Stephen’s Hall & mobile phones may not be used within the Palace of Westminster. Security Pass to be returned on leaving.

The Worshipful Company of Vintners is one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies and one of the most ancient.  It received its Royal Charter in 1363 for the import, regulation and sale of wine and still maintains strong links with the UK wine trade.  The Hall, built in 1671 – 1675 to replace the medieval one destroyed in the Great Fire has been added to and extended considerably since 1821 but the interior retains the panelled Court Room of 1671, a wonderful staircase from 1673 as well as other fine rooms from later periods.  One of the rights of the Company involves the ceremony of Swan Upping, the annual census of the swan population on the Thames.

 Meet at Cannon Street tube station, Dowgate Hill exit on the District and Circle Lines, at 10.45am in time to walk a short distance to the Hall for the tour which will start at 11am.

Part of this walk will be in Holland Park where we will see the ruins of Holland House, the great Jacobean mansion which stood there until destroyed by bombing in 1941 and we will visit the Kyoto garden, a small but beautiful example of a Japanese garden.

We will also see the houses that were built in the 19th century for some of the most successful painters of the day, including Leighton House, the home of Frederick, Lord Leighton and 18, Stafford Terrace, home of the Sambourne family which has a beautifully preserved Victorian interior.

Meet at Holland Park Tube station at 10.30 and the walk finishes at Kensington High Street.

Cost: £12.00  Maximum No: 20

On this walk we welcome Paul Baker, City of London guide.  As well as its famous Gardens, which we'll walk past but shan't visit, Kew is also blessed with an unspoilt village and village green and rural delights, as well as more blue plaques and famous residents than you can throw a Who's Who at.

We'll also have time for a delightful Thames-side stroll and hear about Kew's beginnings as a fishing village. The walk should be fun and informative.

Meet outside the Kew Gardens tube station on the District Line, Royal Botanic Gardens exit, for an 11am start.  This is a circular walk lasting roughly two hours.

Cost: £8.50  Maximum No: 15

The London Canal Museum is where you can see inside a narrow boat cabin, learn about the history of London’s canals, about the cargoes carried and the people who lived and worked on the canals, as well as the horses that pulled their boats. Peer down into the unique heritage of a Victorian ice well used to store ice imported from Norway 

This unique waterways museum is housed in a former ice warehouse built in about 1862-3 for Carlo Gatti, the famous ice cream maker, and features the history of the ice trade and ice cream as well as the canals.

We will have a short introductory talk before we look around the museum in our own time.  Tea and coffee will be served.

Meet outside Vauxhall main line station by 10.20am in time to catch the Victoria line to Kings Cross followed by a short walk to the museum for an 11am start.

Cost: £10    Maximum No: 15

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) was founded in 1518 by a charter from Henry VIII.  Its present Grade 1 listed building was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun in 1964. 

The RCP’s garden of medicinal plants has the plane tree in the lawn which is a descendant of the tree under which Hippocrates taught his medical students on the island of Cos 2,400 years ago. The tour will remind us of our long heritage of plants associated with medicine.

Meet at Regent’s Park tube station, which is on the Bakerloo Line, at 10.40am in time to walk to the College for the tour which will start at 11am.

Please note that this is a garden visit and there will be a fair bit of standing around.  Mostly brick paths but part has no path, only lawn.  You should feel confident you are able to cope.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

Meet at Holborn tube station at 12.30.  Please note the later time, which will enable us to enjoy some of the gardens which are only open at lunchtime.

From Holborn station we will explore Gray’s Inn and Lincoln’s Inn and then walk past the Royal Courts of Justice and across the Strand to Inner and MiddleTemple.  We will finish at either Temple or Blackfriars tube at 2.30 – both stations are on the District Line.

On this walk we will see the quiet and picturesque world of legal London, visiting the little-known squares and lanes which are only really known to the people who work there.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

Meet at Holborn tube station at 12.30.  Please note the later time, which will enable us to enjoy some of the gardens which are only open at lunchtime.

From Holborn station we will explore Gray’s Inn and Lincoln’s Inn and then walk past the Royal Courts of Justice and across the Strand to Inner and MiddleTemple.  We will finish at either Temple or Blackfriars tube at 2.30 – both stations are on the District Line.

On this walk we will see the quiet and picturesque world of legal London, visiting the little-known squares and lanes which are only really known to the people who work there.

Cost: £12.50  Maximum No: 15

The Charles Dickens museum is in Doughty Street.  It was the London home of Dickens during the period from 1837 – 1839 and was where he finished writing The Pickwick Papers.  Nicholas Nickleby and, most famously, Oliver Twist were also written there.

The property is situated over five floors, four of them accessible by a lift.  It is not huge and we will therefore have a self-guided tour.

Meet outside Russell Square underground station, which is on the Piccadilly Line, by 10.45am for a short walk to the museum.

Cost: £12.00     Maximum No: 20

Helen is back!  Some of you will remember the walks she led for us a little while ago on both the Gaslights and the Ghosts.  This time she is doing a new walk for us and during this one you will learn a bit about the history of St Paul’s, the story of John Wesley the peripatetic preacher, the origin of the religious street names you will encounter en route, as well as the connections between Shakespeare and the Dominicans.

The walk will end at ‘The Black Friar’ pub on Queen Victoria Street where you might like to toast the Dominicans with a dram or two!

Meet at St Paul’s underground station which is on the Central line – Exit 2, by Cafe Nero – for a 2pm start.  The walk will finish near Blackfriars underground and main line stations.

Cost: £12.00  Maximum No: 25

The Oval Cricket Ground is home to the Surrey County Cricket Club and is the venue of some of England’s great sporting moments.  During our tour we shall learn about the history of the ground and view some of the wonderful memorabilia in the Club Museum.  Even if you are not a cricket fan this is still a very interesting visit.

Meet at Vauxhall station just outside the main entrance at 10.40am.  The ground is a short walk away.

Cost £12   Maximum No. 30

600 years ago most craftsmen in London were itinerant.  However the manuscript writers and illuminators decided to concentrate their efforts and set up stalls or ‘stations’ around St Paul’s Cathedral.  Because of this they were given the nickname ‘Stationers’ and this was the obvious choice of name for the guild they established in 1403.  When printing came to England in the late 15th century the Stationers had the good sense to embrace it and have continued to adapt to the many changes in the Communications and Content industry ever since.  Technology may have changed from pen and ink to printing and on-line links but the name has always remained the same.  The Stationers’ Company is unique for a 600 year old company in that 90% of members are involved in the industry.

We will enter Stationers’ Hall through the Church of St Martin-within-Ludgate and have a guided tour of the building.  Tea/ coffee and biscuits will be available after the tour.  Note that the visit may be cancelled if an event is planned.

NOTE:  This is a listed building with many different levels and many stairs and you should feel confident of your ability to cope. Meet just through the ticket barrier at St Paul’s underground station on the Central line no later than 1.40pm for a short walk to the building ready for a 2.00pm start.

 Cost: £12   Maximum No: 20

The Musical Museum was founded over 60 years ago by the late Frank Holland.  He started with his own private collection of six reproducing pianos and in 1963 he was given use of the former St George’s Church, Brentford to get the collection under one roof.  He was initially allowed use of the premises for only two years but the museum was still there 40 years later!

Since then the Museum’s collection has grown steadily and the current building, funded by a Heritage Lottery Grant, was specially designed for the Museum and opened in 2008.  We will hear more during our visit.

Meet outside Kew Bridge station at 2.20pm. The Museum is a short walk away and the visit will start at 2.30pm.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Temple tube station on the District Line.

We will be exploring this mile-long thoroughfare which extends from Trafalgar Square eastwards to Temple Bar where it joins the City of London and becomes Fleet Street.

Many important mansions were built along the Strand between the 12th and 17th centuries such as the Savoy Palace and Somerset House and in the 19th century the Strand became the home of some of the administrative, legal and commercial functions of the British Empire.

Some highlights of the walk will be the RAF church of St. Clements Danes, the Royal Courts of Justice, Adelphi terrace and Australia and Bush House.

The walk ends at Embankment tube station at 12.30.

Cost:  £7  Non NT Members + £5

Maximum No:  15

This is a charming 18th century merchant’s house, which we first visited in 2015 shortly after it opened following major restoration works. 
Since that time more work has been done to both the house and the garden.

We shall have a guided tour of the house and will be able to view the current exhibition.  There is a cafe in the stable block houses serving light lunches, home baked cakes as well as tea and coffee.

Meet at Tower Hill underground station on the District and Circle lines promptly at 12.30 pm for a short walk to Fenchurch Street station to catch the 12.53 pm train to Rainham. This will allow time for a quick tea or coffee before the guided tour at 2 pm.

The Hall is almost opposite the station.  Travel is wholly within the freedom pass area.

Cost: £9  Maximum No: 15

The Heath Robinson museum is in Pinner and is dedicated to showcasing the work of the world renowned artist, illustrator, humorist and social commentator William Heath Robinson – 1872 – 1944.  The museum opened on 15 October 2016 and was the first London museum in over 40 years to be purpose built in Greater London.

We will have a gallery tour and afterwards you will be able to wander around at your leisure.  In addition there is a special exhibition entitled 'The Humour of William Heath Robinson' which celebrates Heath Robinson's 150th birthday with a look at his best humorous work.

Meet outside Pinner underground station by 2pm for a short onward bus journey to the museum for the start of the visit at 2.30pm.  Pinner is on the Metropolitan line and the easiest way is to travel on the Jubilee line from Waterloo, changing on to the Metropolitan line at Finchley Road station where you should take the first train.  The journey from Waterloo will take approximately 35 minutes and is wholly within the Freedom Pass area.

Cost:  £13.00 (including tea/coffee)

Maximum No. 30

Fulham Palace was the home of the Bishops of London for 1200 years until 1973 when Bishop Robert Stopford retired. They include William Juxon who attended Charles 1 at his execution, Simon Sudbury who was killed in the Peasants Revolt in 1381, Nicholas Ridley who was burned at the stake in 1553 and William Laud who was impeached for high treason and executed in 1645.

There are some 70 rooms and all are on the ground floor.  The palace is set in extensive grounds including a walled garden with recreated 17th century flower beds.

The palace is across the road from Putney Bridge tube station and is on the 93 bus route.  We will meet at the 93 bus stop on Putney Bridge at 9.45.  We will have tea/ coffee in the cafe before our tour of the palace at 10.30.  The tour covers the rooms of the palace and afterwards anyone who wants to can stay for lunch in the cafe. 

The nearby church of All Saints has the tombs of ten former bishops buried in the churchyard and is well worth a visit.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 12

We will meet at 11.30 at Liverpool street station.  Please make your way from the tube to the mainline station and follow the signs for the Bishopsgate West exit where we will meet at the bottom of the up escalator by platform 14.

From the Huguenot silk weavers, to Jewish tailors, to Bengali garment factories, the rag trade has been one of the main sources of employment for the different groups of settlers who have made their home in Spitalfields.  Old and new now clash together and while today Spitalfields may be fashionable, we will walk down the quaint cobbled streets of the silk weaver’s houses that are at the heart of the area’s history, although they are squeezed between the skyscrapers of Bishopsgate and the down-to-earth atmosphere of Brick Lane.

Other highlights include the Spitalfields market, a wonderful Hawksmoor church and some interesting sites where we will hear some stories about the area’s most famous character - Jack the Ripper.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish back at Liverpool Street station.

NB. If you prefer to travel across London by bus the 26 from Waterloo Road stops outside the Bishopsgate exit and takes about 30 minutes. 

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 12

We will meet at 11.30 at Liverpool street station.  Please make your way from the tube to the mainline station and follow the signs for the Bishopsgate West exit where we will meet at the bottom of the up escalator by platform 14.

From the Huguenot silk weavers, to Jewish tailors, to Bengali garment factories, the rag trade has been one of the main sources of employment for the different groups of settlers who have made their home in Spitalfields.  Old and new now clash together and while today Spitalfields may be fashionable, we will walk down the quaint cobbled streets of the silk weaver’s houses that are at the heart of the area’s history, although they are squeezed between the skyscrapers of Bishopsgate and the down-to-earth atmosphere of Brick Lane.

Other highlights include the Spitalfields market, a wonderful Hawksmoor church and some interesting sites where we will hear some stories about the area’s most famous character - Jack the Ripper.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish back at Liverpool Street station.

NB. If you prefer to travel across London by bus the 26 from Waterloo Road stops outside the Bishopsgate exit and takes about 30 minutes. 

Cost: £9   Maximum No: 20

So you think you know all about this Park.  Think again!  This is a property mentioned in the Domesday Book which became a country estate in Victorian times before it was handed over to the National Trust in 1941.  Learn about London’s hardest working river and the history of snuff making with Blue Badge Guide Julie Chandler.

Meet just inside the main park gates in Morden Hall Road in time for an 11am start.  Buses 163, 164 and 93 from Wimbledon all stop near the park.  Alternatively travel on the Northern Line to Morden, turn left out of the station and the park is a short walk down the road. Tram stop is Phipps Bridge and then walk across the park.  If driving remember the car park could be very busy.  

Cost:£9   Maximum No: 25

Mr Robert Opie has collected over the years a most remarkable selection of packaging materials, magazines, and toys - more than 12,000 items.  These are now displayed in the Museum.

The Time Tunnel is a permanent exhibition so take a walk down memory lane and discover how brands have evolved since Victorian times.

This is a self-guided visit and therefore you may take as long as you wish walking round.

Meet at Waterloo main line station opposite platform 1 no later than 10.20am.  We then take the Jubilee line to Baker Street changing to the Hammersmith and City line to Ladbroke Grove where it is a 2 minute walk to the venue.

Cost: £12 (including Guide Book)

Maximum No: 20

The Museum, based in Rotherhithe, is an educational charity run by volunteers which tells the story of one of the world’s great engineering dynasties.  Brunel organised the world’s first underground concert party at the museum in 1827 and we shall learn more about this and the engineering history on our guided tour.

Meet at Waterloo main line station opposite platform 1 no later than 10.15am.  We will then travel on the Jubilee line changing at Canada Water for one stop to Rotherhithe on the Overground.  It is then a very short walk to the Museum.

Cost: £16   Maximum No: 20

The Royal Opera House or Covent Garden is the third theatre on this site since 1732.  We are going to be given a tour of this wonderful building and will learn about all aspects of opera and ballet production.  However as this is a fully working theatre we may not be able to see all aspects of the work that goes on. 

There is inevitably a lot of walking and stairs but there are some escalators.  However you should feel physically able to keep up with the tour especially as it is possible other members of the public may be accommodated.

Meet at Waterloo main line station just by Platform 1 no later than 1.40pm for an onward bus journey and then a short walk to the Opera House for a 2.15pm start.

Cost: £7           Maximum No: 12     

The vessel is operated by the Massey Shaw Education Trust and has a permanent Memorabilia display to tell the story of its involvement in Operation Dynamo the codename for the Dunkirk evacuation.  In addition the Trust has a range of photographs illustrating the boat’s history from its launch, time in service and restoration.

The tour incorporates visits to the main features of the vessel including the engine room, wheelhouse and hose compartment and explanations about how a fire boat works.

NOTE – You should be able and prepared to clamber up and down ladders between decks.

Cost:  £27   MAXIMUM NO. 20

We need to be at the College of Arms by 6.00 for 6.15pm. 

John Petrie OBE, Windsor Herald will talk to us about the history of heraldry and the role of the heralds, a little about the architecture of the building and how they run their practices.  We will then spend a good hour in the record room where he will show us a selection of records dating back to the fourteenth century. We will be offered a glass of wine whilst hearing about the architecture and then another at the end of the tour.

CANCELLED

To be re-arranged at a later date.

CANCELLED

To be re-arranged at a later date.

The March, April and May Town & Around events and walks were postponed due to COVID 19.

Future details will be posted once we have a better idea of when the lockdown will be lifted.

CANCELLED

To be re-arranged at a later date.

CANCELLED

To be re-arranged at a later date.

Cost: £8    Maximum No: 20

The historic library of the Dean and Chapter dates from the 16th century and the archives or muniment collection go back to the tenth century when the Abbey was founded as a Monastery.

We will have a guided tour of these wonderful records which date to the present day.

This is a historic building, space is limited and bulky bags are not permitted.  The library is on the first floor reached by a stone staircase of 25 steps.  Eating and drinking in the library, including bottled water, is not permitted.  Photography is also not permitted.  Please therefore make sure you understand these few rules and feel able to cope with the steps.

Meet just through the ticket barrier at Westminster underground station on the Jubilee, District and Circle lines no later than 10.35am for a short walk to the Abbey ready for an 11am start.  It is possible our bags will be searched.

NOTE:  This is the rearranged visit which had to be postponed last year due to building works in the library.  If you applied to attend this visit last year you should now reapply if you intend coming.

Cost: £10   Maximum No: 25

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) was founded in 1518 by a charter from Henry VIII.  Its present Grade 1 listed building was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun in 1964.  We will have a tour of the building which will last about an hour, although because it is a working and conference environment it will not be certain until the day which rooms will be available.  It may also be possible to see the temporary exhibition which will be about the history of anatomical illustration including works by contemporary artists.

After the tour there is a cafe where you can purchase tea and coffee.

Meet at Regent’s Park tube station which is on the Bakerloo Line at 1.30pm in time to walk to the College for the tour to start at 2pm.  There is likely to be a fair bit of walking and on stairs in the building and you should feel confident of your ability to cope.

Cost: £12   Maximum No: 25

The Courts, designed by George Street, were opened by Queen Victoria in 1882 and became the then permanent home of the Supreme Court.  This consisted of two courts, the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal.  During our tour we shall hear more about the art, architecture, history and the working of the Courts.

Meet at Waterloo main line station opposite platform 1 at 10.15am.  We shall then catch a bus over Waterloo Bridge in time to arrive at the Court for the tour, which starts at 11am.  On arrival you should be prepared for the usual security search of your personal belongings and possibly of your person.  Please note that photography is not permitted inside the building.  Note also that because of the age of the building there are several stairs to be negotiated.

IMPORTANT.  Please note the following.  This visit will not take place if the minimum number of 20 members is not reached.  Also on this occasion your cheque will be paid in five weeks before the tour starts and no refunds can be given after this time unless another member can be found to take your place.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Russell Square tube station.

Bloomsbury is always associated with the writers and artists who lived and worked there in the early part of the 20th century and whose lives were so vividly portrayed in the BBC TV drama series "Life in Squares".

This walk explores some of the oldest and most notable of London's squares, from the time of Charles II to the reign of Queen Victoria.  Along the way we will meet some of the many characters who have lived in the squares over the years.  

Highlights include Coram Fields, where you must be accompanied by a child to enter, The Foundling Hospital, Charles Dickens’ favourite pub and the art deco masterpiece Senate House.

The walk ends at Russell Square tube station.

Cost £5          Maximum No. 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Blackfriars station just inside the entrance to the underground at the top of the escalators.

We will explore the western side of the City walking back along Fleet Street and finishing at Temple station. Highlights include the College of Arms where all coats of arms are registered, the church of St. Brides, the spiritual home of the media, whose unmistakeable wedding cake spire towers over Fleet Street, the famous pub, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, and the peaceful backwater of Middle Temple gardens.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish at Temple station at 12.30. Both stations are on the District Line.

Cost £5     Maximum No. 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Blackfriars station just inside the entrance to the underground at the top of the escalators.

We will explore the western side of the City walking back along Fleet Street and finishing at Temple station. Highlights include the College of Arms where all coats of arms are registered, the church of St. Brides, the spiritual home of the media, whose unmistakeable wedding cake spire towers over Fleet Street, the famous pub, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, and the peaceful backwater of Middle Temple gardens.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish at Temple station at 12.30. Both stations are on the District Line.

Cost: £7.00    Maximum No: 20

Sutton House is a 500 year old Grade II listed property full of surprises.  Fine oak panelled chambers, a Great Hall, cellars and squatter rooms are all arranged around a tranquil courtyard. 

Outside combines a car-breaker’s yard.  We shall have a private tour of the property and afterwards there is a small tea room with tea, coffee and cake available.

Those members who came to the AGM in March will remember that Katy and Daniel from Sutton House gave us a brief talk on the property, and it is hoped that Daniel will be one of the guides on the day. 

Meet opposite platform 1 at London Waterloo main line station at 1pm.  We will then travel on the Jubilee line to Stratford, changing there onto the Overground for a short distance to Hackney Central station.  We will then walk for about five minutes to the property.  Please note that there is a fair bit of walking between stations and at the property where there are a number of steps and you should feel confident of your ability to keep up.  The tour starts at 2pm.

Cost £12     Maximum No. 20

Lance Pierson returns to lead his acclaimed “Poetry Walk” along the banks of the Thames, between Waterloo and Westminster bridges.  The walk includes modern poems about the Festival Hall, Hungerford Bridge and the London Eye as well as Westminster Bridge immortalized by Wordsworth.  We shall also see views of Shakespeare’s Globe and Donne’s St Paul’s as well as poetry paving stones along the South Bank and statues of Burns and Gilbert and Sullivan.  Lance will present relevant poems at each stopping place.

Meet at Embankment underground station which is on the District and Circle lines at 1.50 pm ready for a prompt 2pm start.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Marble Arch tube station in the booking hall.

The village of Marylebone was originally named St. Mary by the Bourne – the name of the parish church that stood near the Tyburn stream between 1400 and 1740.

On this walk we will explore the old village high street – now a charming area full of independent shops and restaurants, the current church of St. Mary where Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning married secretly in 1846 and some interesting mews and often missed side streets.  Other highlights include Hertford House, home of the Wallace collection, Harley Street and BBC Broadcasting House.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish at Bond Street tube station at 12.30.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Marble Arch tube station in the booking hall.

The village of Marylebone was originally named St. Mary by the Bourne – the name of the parish church that stood near the Tyburn stream between 1400 and 1740.

On this walk we will explore the old village high street – now a charming area full of independent shops and restaurants, the current church of St. Mary where Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning married secretly in 1846 and some interesting mews and often missed side streets.  Other highlights include Hertford House, home of the Wallace collection, Harley Street and BBC Broadcasting House.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish at Bond Street tube station at 12.30.

Cost: £8.00   Maximum No: 24

In 1813 Britain’s great landscape painter JMW Turner built a small villa, Sandycombe Lodge, on a large plot near the Thames at Twickenham.  Here the painter became an architect guided by his friend John Soane.  This was to become a quiet retreat for himself away from the pressures of the London art world as well as a home for his elderly father.  We shall hear more about the history of the house as well as its recent restoration.

The property is relatively small and therefore two tours have been arranged at 1pm and 2pm.  You will be allocated a place on the first tour and when that is full the second tour will be filled.  Please note however that if the second tour is not full it is possible it may not take place.  You should make a careful note of the time you have been allocated.  Rosemary will lead the 1pm tour and Marion the 2pm tour.

Meet just outside Strawberry Hill railway station which has direct trains from either Wimbledon or Raynes Park at 12.40pm for the 1pm tour and 1.40pm for the 2pm tour.  It is a relatively short walk to the property.

Note.  It is not permitted to take food or drink into the property.

Cost: £9    Maximum No: 20   

The Florence Nightingale Museum celebrates the life and work of the world’s most famous nurse.  Located on the banks of the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament, the museum attracts visitors from all over the world who want to learn more about the Lady with the Lamp and her Victorian world.  On our guided tour we will also learn more about Florence’s legacy, her influence on nursing today and the continuing relevance of her work.

Meet just through the ticket barrier at Westminster underground station on the Jubilee, District and Circle lines no later than 2.00pm for a short walk over Westminster Bridge to the Museum for a 2.30pm start.

Cost: £12    Maximum No: 20

The Wallace Collection is a national museum which displays the art collections brought together by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, thought to be the illegitimate son of the fourth Marquess.  It was bequeathed to the British nation by Lady Wallace, Sir Richard’s widow, in 1897 and opened to the public as a museum in 1900.

We will have a private guided tour after which you will be free to wander round on your own.

Meet just through the ticket barrier at Bond Street underground station on the Jubilee and Central Lines no later than 1.40pm for a short walk to the Museum ready for a 2pm start.

Cost: £8   Maximum No: 20

The historic library of the Dean and Chapter dates from the 16th century and the archives or muniment collection go back to the tenth century when the Abbey was founded as a Monastery.

We will have a guided tour of these wonderful records which date to the present day.

This is a historic building, space is limited and bulky bags are not permitted.  The library is on the first floor reached by a stone staircase of 25 steps.  

Eating and drinking in the library, including bottled water, is not permitted.  Photography is also not permitted.  Please therefore make sure you understand these few rules and feel able to cope with the steps.

Meet just through the ticket barrier at Westminster underground station on the Jubilee, District and Circle lines no later than 10.40am for a short walk to the Abbey ready for an 11am start.  It is possible our bags will be searched.

Cost: £10   Maximum No: 20

Those members who came on the very successful Gaslight Walk last year will be pleased to hear that Helen Coleman has agreed to lead another walk for us although it is perhaps not suitable for those of a nervous disposition.

Walk, in the twilight, past an ancient burial ground and look out for two murderous wives flitting through the trees.   Drink, if you dare, where the pub's resident poltergeist may snatch your glass.  Stand in the shadows of London's oldest parish church and look out for the limping, shadowy figure of its founder.   You may hear the chanting monks in the background.  Finish with a cheering drink in one of Clerkenwell's atmospheric pubs, optional, drinks not included. 

Meet just past the ticket barrier at St Paul’s underground station on the Central Line at 6.15pm.  This walk will obviously take place in darkness and you should feel comfortable about your attendance and the need to keep up on the walk.  Transport details for the homeward journey will be given on the night.   

Cost: £5   Maximum 15

Part of this walk will be in Holland Park where we will see the ruins of Holland House, the great Jacobean mansion which stood there until destroyed by bombing in 1941 and we will visit the Kyoto garden, a small but beautiful example of a Japanese garden.

We will also see the houses that were built in the 19th century for some of the most successful painters of the day, including Leighton House, the home of Frederick, Lord Leighton and 18, Stafford Terrace, home of the Sambourne family which has a beautifully preserved Victorian interior.  

Meet at 10.30am at entrance to Holland Park tube station (Central Line). Take the District Line to Notting Hill Gate and change on to the Central Line.

Cost: £12   Maximum No: 20

The Charterhouse has been living the nation’s history since 1348.  In that time it has served as a monastery, private mansion, boys’ school and an almshouse, which it remains to this day.

We shall have a tour taking about an hour and then you are free to visit the museum and chapel.  There is a coffee shop on site.

Meet near the ticket barrier at St Paul’s underground station on the Central Line at 11.00am for about a ten minute walk to the Charterhouse ready for an 11.30am start.

Details as for the 15th August.

Cost: £5   Maximum 15

We will meet at 10.30 at South Kensington tube station.

Prince Albert, Henry Cole and others organised the Great Exhibition of 1851 and, with the proceeds, began to plan an area in South Kensington dedicated to the arts, science and education.

The Victoria and Albert museum and the Science museum, which are included in our walk, were completed before Albert’s sudden death in 1861.

The rest of the project, later named Albertopolis, went ahead and other highlights of our walk will be the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal College of Music and the Albert Memorial.

The walk ends at South Kensington tube station at 12.30.

Cost: £12.50   

Maximum No: 18

Clarence House, one of the last remaining aristocratic townhouses in London, is the official residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Built between 1825 and 1827 to the designs of John Nash, Clarence House takes its name from its first occupant, William Henry, Duke of Clarence, later William IV.

The arrangement of the rooms and the groupings of their contents remain much as they were in Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s time, with important works from Her Majesty’s collection of art in their original positions.  A tour of the House includes rooms on the ground floor where official engagements are undertaken by Their Royal Highnesses. 

Meet just past the ticket barrier of Green Park underground station, which is on the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria Lines, no later than 10.45am for a short walk through the park ready for an 11.15am start.

Cost: £8.50

Maximum No: 24

Designed by acclaimed architect Ernö Goldfinger in 1939, this unique and surprising Modernist home was inhabited by four generations of his family.

The house paints a vivid picture of the urban creative and social circles of the mid-20th century through Goldfinger’s modern art collection, innovative designs and intriguing personal possessions.

This is a private general tour of 2 Willow Road and offers a fascinating insight into the life and work of an important figure of the British Modern Movement and includes a short film with archive footage.

Those members who came to the AGM in March will remember a most interesting talk on this property by Geoff Stevens, one of the volunteers, and he will be one of the guides on the day.  

Meet just outside Hampstead underground station on the Northern Line – Edgware Branch - at 10.40am for about a ten minute (downhill) walk to the property ready for an 11.00am start.  Please note that if a train is not signalled on the Edgware Branch you should take the first train and change at Camden Town.

Cost: £10     Maximum No: 20

Lance Pierson returns to lead a walk around John Milton's London. Milton is arguably England’s second greatest poet after Shakespeare.

Lance will show us the places where he lived and worked in the City and read some of the poems he wrote there.

Meet at Mansion House Tube station (Exit 4, signed to Bow Lane and St Paul's Cathedral) at 10.20 am ready for a 10.30 am start.

SEE DETAILS FOR 11th MAY

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Temple tube station on the District Line.

We will be exploring this mile-long thoroughfare which extends from Trafalgar Square eastwards to Temple Bar where it joins the City of London and becomes Fleet Street.

Many important mansions were built along the Strand between the 12th and 17th centuries such as the Savoy Palace and Somerset House and in the 19th century the Strand became the home of some of the administrative, legal and commercial functions of the British Empire.

Some highlights of the walk will be the RAF church of St. Clements Danes, the Royal Courts of Justice, Adelphi terrace and Australia and Bush House.

The walk ends at Embankment tube station at 12.30.

Cost: £12   Maximum No: 20

The Charterhouse has been living the nation’s history since 1348.  In that time it has served as a monastery, private mansion, boys school and an almshouse, which it remains to this day.

We shall have a tour taking about an hour and then you are free to visit the museum and chapel.  There is a coffee shop on site.

Meet near the ticket barrier at St Paul’s underground station on the Central Line at 11.00am for about a ten minute walk to the Charterhouse ready for an 11.30am start.

Cost: £9   Maximum No: 20

For the past twelve years the Cinema Museum has been situated in the Master’s House.  This is the administration block of the former Lambeth Workhouse, which Charlie Chaplin entered as a child when his mother faced destitution.

The Cinema Museum is devoted to keeping alive the spirit of the cinema from the days before the multiplex.  It houses a unique collection of artefacts, memorabilia and equipment that preserves the history and grandeur of cinema from the 1890’s to the present day. 

During our tour we shall see and hear about many more of the treasures housed in the Museum.

Meet at Kennington underground station on the Northern Line no later than 10.45am for a short walk to the Cinema ready for an 11am start.

Cost: £7   Maximum No: 25  

The Caledonian Club was founded in 1891 and is a little bit of Scotland in the heart of London.  The Club as it is today was formed in 1917 under the energetic leadership of the Marquis Tullibardine to make it the national representative Club and headquarters for Scots in London.

The Club’s Charity, the Common Good Fund, was formed in 2001 with the objective being to “preserve and enhance for the benefit of the public the Caledonian Club building at 9 Halkin Street and to encourage reasonable public access to view its historic and architectural features, art collection, furniture and artefacts”. 

We shall learn more about the history of the Club during our tour.

Meet immediately past the ticket barrier of Hyde Park Corner underground station on the Piccadilly Line no later than 10.45am for a short walk to the Club ready for an 11am start.

Important note.  As with most Clubs the Caledonian Club has a dress code and gentleman are required to wear suits, or jackets, with ties.  Ladies should be similarly smartly dressed and definitely no jeans or trainers.

Cost: £17  Maximum No: 25

This famous Club was founded in 1831 and named after the great 18th century actor, David Garrick.  It possesses a remarkable collection of theatrical paintings and memorabilia.  Frances Hughes, an expert in art and theatre history, will show us round and point out the highlights in all the main rooms.  Coffee and biscuits will be served in the Morning Room and the tour ends in the Library which houses a rich theatrical collection.

Meet outside the Garrick Club, 15 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9AY – nearest underground Covent Garden or Leicester Square – no earlier than 09.50am.  Do not attempt to enter the premises.  The tour will start at 10am.  Dress is smart casual and definitely no jeans or trainers.

Cost: £5   Maximum 15

Southwark has a rich and colourful history and during this walk we will see what remains of old Southwark, including Guy's hospital chapel, the oldest galleried inn in London, the ornate Victorian Hop Exchange, London's larder - Borough market, Clink prison and Southwark Cathedral.

The walk will last about 90 minutes and although there are some busy roads to cross it is all on the flat.

Meet at 10.30 at the Borough High Street exit (east side) of the Jubilee line at London Bridge Station.  If travelling from Waterloo main line station the Jubilee line is almost directly opposite platform 5 and Borough High Street is clearly sign-posted on the platform when you alight at London Bridge.

Cost: £5   Maximum 15

We will meet outside Sloane Square station at 10.30 am.

Belgravia has been one of London's most desirable addresses since the late 17th century.

On this walk we will be looking out for the many Blue plaques on the houses which we pass, as this area has been home to many famous people ranging from the Earl and Countess Mountbatten to Brian Epstein.

Some of the Belgravia streets have a village feel to them and there are plenty of charming pubs to "visit".  Our walk ends near The Grenadier, which was built in 1720 as the Officers Mess for The First Royal Regiment of Foot Guards and is said to be haunted.

We will finish the walk at Hyde Park Corner Underground station (Piccadilly line) at about 12.30.

Cost: £5   Maximum 15

We will meet outside Sloane Square station at 10.30 am.

Belgravia has been one of London's most desirable addresses since the late 17th century.

On this walk we will be looking out for the many Blue plaques on the houses which we pass, as this area has been home to many famous people ranging from the Earl and Countess Mountbatten to Brian Epstein.

Some of the Belgravia streets have a village feel to them and there are plenty of charming pubs to "visit".  Our walk ends near The Grenadier, which was built in 1720 as the Officers Mess for The First Royal Regiment of Foot Guards and is said to be haunted.

We will finish the walk at Hyde Park Corner Underground station (Piccadilly line) at about 12.30.

Cost: £8 (including tea and cake)  Maximum No. 12

Originally conceived in the mid-1990’s the Sunbury Millennium Embroidery became a unique project which epitomised all that was best in the community of Lower Sunbury.  The project only succeeded because of the extraordinary support it received from Sunbury residents, some of whom embroidered the remarkable work and many who have been loyal friends over the years.

Many landmark moments have arisen, achieving the cover of Country Life magazine in 2000, the visit of The Queen in 2001, an exhibition at the House of Commons in 2002 and the first performance of the Embroidery Suite in 2006, together with many fundraising events.

 The Gallery was opened in 2016.  We shall have a short talk followed by afternoon tea, after which there will be time to enjoy a walk in the historic award winning Walled Garden, which was built in the early part of the 18th century to accompany a large mansion built on the site.

 Meet in the main concourse of Kingston station no later than 1 pm for a short walk to the bus station in time to catch the 216 bus.  The talk will start at 2 pm.

Cost: £8 (including tea and cake)   Maximum No. 12

Originally conceived in the mid-1990’s the Sunbury Millennium Embroidery became a unique project which epitomised all that was best in the community of Lower Sunbury.  The project only succeeded because of the extraordinary support it received from Sunbury residents, some of whom embroidered the remarkable work and many who have been loyal friends over the years.

Many landmark moments have arisen, achieving the cover of Country Life magazine in 2000, the visit of The Queen in 2001, an exhibition at the House of Commons in 2002 and the first performance of the Embroidery Suite in 2006, together with many fundraising events.

The Gallery was opened in 2016.  We shall have a short talk followed by afternoon tea, after which there will be time to enjoy a walk in the historic award winning Walled Garden, which was built in the early part of the 18th century to accompany a large mansion built on the site.

Meet in the main concourse of Kingston station no later than 1 pm for a short walk to the bus station in time to catch the 216 bus.  The talk will start at 2 pm.

Cost: £9    Maximum No: 20

Actor Lance Pierson leads a guided walk around Highgate to see the places where John Betjeman was born, brought up and went to school. At each stop Lance will read the poems connected to the place including ‘Archibald’, ‘NW5 and N6’ and extracts from ‘Summoned by Bells.’ The walk also boasts a wonderful view of London from Parliament Hill Fields. Be warned though West Hill is a very steep climb!

The walk, which is likely to take a little over two hours, finishes in Highgate Village close to bus routes.  Good mobility on this walk is recommended and it is probably not for the faint hearted.

Meet at Kentish Town Station at 1.50 pm for a 2 pm start.  Kentish Town is on the High Barnet branch of the Northern Line and if no through train is shown take the first one and change at either Euston or Camden Town.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Monument tube station (Cannon Street exit).

 It has been said that there are " two great springs of human action, the love of money and the fear of God" and this walk will take us through the streets of the financial district where we will be dwarfed by the Gherkin and the Lloyd's building, but where we will find quiet streets and beautiful old churches nestling among this busy and noisy part of the City.

One of the churches we can visit is St. Stephen Walbrook which was designed by Wren but has a controversial modern altar designed by Henry Moore.  Other interesting places along our route are the Mansion House, the home of the Lord Mayor of London, the Royal Exchange and Leadenhall market which is housed in an elaborate Victorian building.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish either back at Monument station or Tower Hill depending on the route taken.  Both stations are on the District Line.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Monument tube station (Cannon Street exit).

 It has been said that there are " two great springs of human action, the love of money and the fear of God" and this walk will take us through the streets of the financial district where we will be dwarfed by the Gherkin and the Lloyd's building, but where we will find quiet streets and beautiful old churches nestling among this busy and noisy part of the City.

One of the churches we can visit is St. Stephen Walbrook which was designed by Wren but has a controversial modern altar designed by Henry Moore.  Other interesting places along our route are the Mansion House, the home of the Lord Mayor of London, the Royal Exchange and Leadenhall market which is housed in an elaborate Victorian building.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish either back at Monument station or Tower Hill depending on the route taken.  Both stations are on the District Line.

Cost: £10.00  Maximum No: 25

The Foundling Museum explores the history of the Foundling Hospital which continues today as the children’s charity Coram.  This was established in 1739 by the philanthropist Thomas Coram to care for babies at risk of abandonment.  Helping Coram realise his vision were the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. Indeed the museum is also home to the Gerald Coke Handel Collection an internationally important collection relating to Handel and his contemporaries.

We shall be given a guided tour which lasts approximately one hour, after which you are free to wander around.  A temporary exhibition entitled ‘Child’s Play’ is available at an extra cost of £2 payable by you on the day and which you may also like to visit.

There is a cafe at the Museum and also a free concert which starts at 1pm and to which we are all invited to attend.

 Meet outside Russell Square underground station which is on the Piccadilly line at 10.45am for a short walk to the Museum where the tour will start at 11am.

Cost: £10.50   Art Fund Pass £6.00

Maximum No: 20

This shows the best of British cartoon and comic art, has over 200 original cartoons, caricatures and comics and we will be given an illustrated talk on the history of British cartooning.

Following this it is possible to look round the galleries independently and a temporary exhibition is also usually available.  There is also a very well stocked shop for all things cartoon related.

Meet outside the Dominion Theatre in Tottenham Court Road no later than 10.50am.  The Museum is a short walk away and the visit will start at 11.00am.

DON’T FORGET YOUR ART FUND PASS

Cost: £10.50   Maximum No: 20

Did you know that London still has 1500 gas lamps?  Take a twilight stroll with our City Guide, Helen Coleman, to find some of these gas lamps.  Learn about where and when they were first installed.  Look out for some of the city’s newest gas lamps.  Hover outside one of London’s most exclusive clubs in the glow of gaslight and finish the evening with a drink or two in a local hostelry – not compulsory and drinks not included.

Meet on concourse of Charing Cross main line station by WH Smith, where there are some seats, no later than 5.45pm for a short walk to Trafalgar Square where the walk will start promptly at 6pm.

This is obviously a walk when darkness will have fallen and the route taken will involve dark and narrow streets and some steps and members will need to keep together.  It is therefore not a walk for anybody slow who also has walking difficulties.  The walk will finish not far away from Green Park tube station which is on the Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee lines.

Cost: £9.  Maximum No: 15

 As this visit proved very popular, a second visit has been arranged and those members on the original Waiting List who have confirmed their attendance are reminded to send their applications with accompanying cheques to Carol at the earliest possible opportunity. 

This is a self-guided tour where the history of Beefeater is entwined with the history of London Gin, which remains hand crafted to a recipe that is unchanged since the 1800’s.  Discover how international politics, exotic imports from the British Empire, the Victorians and Americans were all involved in making gin the world’s favourite cocktail spirit.

Following on a guide will take us to the heart of the distillery to explain the hand-crafted production process.  The tour will end with a complimentary Beefeater Gin and Tonic.

Cost: £9   Maximum No: 15

The original Royal Court Theatre, built on the east side of Sloane Square in the late 19th century, was the writers’ theatre.  It closed in 1932 and was rebuilt in 1952 for the London Theatre Guild.

It has been known since then for its adventurous productions including Arnold Wesker’s “Roots” and John Osborne’s “Look Back in Anger”.  Over 120,000 people visit the Royal Court each year and many thousands more see their work through transfers to the West End, UK and International tours.

We will have a guided tour of this Theatre and may even be lucky enough to appear on stage.  Please wear flat, comfortable shoes as there will be some stairs and narrow corridors.

Cost: £5    Maximum 15

We will meet at St. James Park station at 55 Broadway an "art deco icon" and make our way to Whitehall passing the Treasury and the Cabinet War Rooms.

On this walk we will also see the only surviving part of Whitehall Palace - the Banqueting House, designed by Inigo Jones for James 1.  We will visit Dean's Yard and also see the house where T.E. Lawrence wrote the "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" in 1922.

If it is open we will be able to go into St. Margaret's Westminster, the 15th century church where many society weddings take place. 

Cost: £6   Maximum No: 20

Dorich House is one of London’s hidden cultural gems and has recently re-opened after a major face lift. The striking 1930s house on the edge of Richmond Park is the former studio home of acclaimed Russian sculptor Dora Gordine, which she designed for herself and her husband, scholar Richard Hare, in 1936. The museum houses an extensive collection of Gordine's original sculptures, painting and drawings, which have been newly displayed throughout the impressive three storey building.  Visitors to the house can explore Gordine's ground floor plaster studio, the first floor gallery space she created to exhibit her work, and are even able to access the private top-floor apartment she shared with her husband - now presented as living quarters to recreate a sense of how the space would have been in their time.

The Museum is located over four floors with no lift.  There are 78 steps to the top floor, which is accessed via a narrow staircase.  Members should carefully consider therefore whether they are physically able to undertake this visit.

Meet promptly at 11 am at the bus stop on Kingston Hill which is known as Kingston Hospital, Queen’s Road.  We will then catch a further bus to the Museum which is also located on Kingston Hill. Our tour begins at 11.30 am.

Cost: £5   Maximum No: 15

We will meet at 10.30 at Russell Square tube station.

Bloomsbury is always associated with the writers and artists who lived and worked there in the early part of the 20th century, whose lives were so vividly portrayed in last year's BBC TV drama series "Life in Squares".

This walk explores some of the oldest and most notable of London's squares, from the time of Charles II to the reign of Queen Victoria. Along the way we will meet some of the many characters who have lived in the squares over the years.

Highlights include Coram Fields, where you must be accompanied by a child to enter, The Foundling Hospital, Charles Dickens favourite pub and the art deco masterpiece Senate House.

The walk ends at Russell Square tube station at 12.30.

Cost: £5    Maximum No: 20

We shall walk from Hampstead Tube Station via the easier route on to the Heath and head towards Kenwood House where we shall have lunch.  Afterwards you will be free to do whatever you like.  A tour of the house is well worth while and is free.  There are frequent buses outside Kenwood House back to a suitable tube station.

Cost: £14.50 (to include tea/coffee and pastries)  Maximum No: 40

Warren House is a stunning award-winning Victorian Mansion built in 1865 and set in four acres of beautiful private landscaped gardens.  It is located just 5 miles outside of London, and situated on the Coombe Estate not far from Richmond Park.

The visit will include a talk on the history of the house by historian Vicky Good, followed by a guided tour and talk by Horticulturist and Garden Designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin.

FULLY BOOKED WITH WAITING LIST

Highlights include the Royal Hospital, Cheyne Walk, Carlyle's house and St. Luke's church where Dickens married Catherine Hogarth in 1836.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish either back at Sloane Square or South Kensington tube depending on the route taken. Both stations are on the District Line.

We will meet at St. James Park station at 55 Broadway an "art deco icon" and make our way to Whitehall passing the Treasury and the Cabinet War Rooms.

On this walk we will also see the only surviving part of Whitehall Palace - the Banqueting House, designed by Inigo Jones for James 1.  We will visit Dean's Yard and also see the house where T.E. Lawrence wrote the "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" in 1922.

If it is open we will be able to go into St. Margaret's Westminster, the 15th century church where many society weddings take place. 

Meet at 10.30 at St. James Park tube station - booking hall (District Line).

Cost £5  Maximum No. 15

We will meet at Sloane Square tube station.

We will explore the quiet back streets of Chelsea where we will see a variety of buildings of all ages and styles. This area has been home to many famous writers and artists and has a large number of blue plaques for us to discover.

 Highlights include the Royal Hospital, Cheyne Walk, Carlyle's house and St. Luke's church where Dickens married Catherine Hogarth in 1836.

This is a 2 hour walk and we will finish either back at Sloane Square or South Kensington tube depending on the route taken. Both stations are on the District Line.

Cost: £9    Maximum No: 20

2016 is the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's passing.   Celebrate his legacy with actor Lance Pierson on this guided walk around the city.

Although everyone knows that Shakespeare came from Stratford-upon-Avon, all of his famous working life was spent in London.  Follow in his footsteps and see the places where he lived, wrote and acted. 

At each stop you will be further transported with extracts from Shakespeare's plays connected with that location.

See the original site of the Globe Theatre and its sister the Blackfriars Theatre, two houses where he lived and the very spot where we believe Othello, King Lear and Macbeth were written.  The walk will pause at the modern Globe for a comfort break (and a chance to visit the shop) but won't visit the actual theatre.

'All the world's a stage' and your entrance will be at London Bridge Station.  'Our revels' will end near St Paul's with plenty of options for post-walk refreshments.  The walk lasts about two hours.

Cost £7      Maximum No: 18

 Visits to the station typically last about an hour-and-a-half.  They usually consist of an illustrated talk about the RNLI generally and Tower Lifeboat Station in particular and a tour of the station, including seeing the duty lifeboat with one of the crew talking about it and answering questions. There will also be a chance to look at the kit the crew wear and an opportunity for those who wish to try it on.  There will also be video footage of rescues and time for photos and questions.

There is information material to take away and small souvenirs to buy, but there are no public toilet facilities.  

Exactly what happens might need to change on the day if the lifeboat is called out or the station facilities are required for an emergency.  Should this happen, an alternative visit will be arranged on another date.

IMPORTANT NOTE.  The station is afloat on the river, all the rooms open onto an outside metal grid walkway with just a railing between it and the water, and it jolts around – sometimes quite vigorously – in the current and the wash of passing vessels.  Therefore, all visitors need to wear flat footwear and outdoor clothes suitable for the weather, and anyone susceptible to seasickness should take appropriate precautions before coming. 

The station is reached by a ramp which, depending on the tide level, may slope down quite steeply, and there are three small steps from the Embankment up to the ramp, so anyone with mobility difficulties should think carefully about attempting this visit.

Cost: £9       Maximum No: 15

The tour covers the history of the British Library and its collections, and explains how we store our millions of items and how they are requested and delivered to researchers in the reading rooms. 

You will find out about the 'jewel in the crown' of the library's collections: the King's Library, which once belonged to King George III. 

The tour will take you behind the scenes into a book handling room and also, where possible, to the viewing platform, where you can see researchers inside the Humanities Reading Room.  Finally the group will be taken to the Treasurer's Gallery where some of our most precious and iconic items are on display and where the tour ends

Cost: £12 (to include tea/coffee/biscuits on arrival)     Maximum No: 30

The Armourers and Brasiers’ Company is a Livery Company of the City of London.  Founded in 1322 as the Guild of St George of the Armourers, it was awarded its first Royal Charter in 1453 from King Henry VI.  In 1708 the Armourers joined with the Brasiers and the Worshipful Company of Armourers & Brasiers received its current charter from Queen Anne.  Since the 19th century the main focus of the Company has been its charitable giving.

We shall learn more about the history of this Livery Company during our tour.

Cost: £7   Maximum No: 20

The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie stands on a site where people have worshipped for over 1000 years.  It is the oldest cathedral church building in London.  Much of the present building dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and the 13th century Retro choir is the earliest surviving Gothic building in London.

 We shall learn more about the history of the building during our tour.  Prayers will take place at 11.30am when we are asked to remain silent

The tour will last about 90 minutes.  There is a refectory on site.

This is a repeat of the walk which took place in April 2014 and preference will be given to those who were on the waiting list at the time.

Soho has been London's playground for more than 2 centuries, where musicians, artists, revolutionaries, bohemians, cynics and writers have come to live and spend their money.  We will walk from Soho Square to Golden Square, exploring the colourful streets along the way - with their famous and infamous pubs, clubs, shops and restaurants - and hear some interesting stories about the people who lived there.

Cost: £9 (including donation and tea or coffee at the end)   Maximum No: 30

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) was founded in 1518 by a charter from Henry VIII.  The present Grade 1 listed building was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun in 1964. 

The RCP’s garden of medicinal plants is now in its 10th year since replanting and amongst other plants we shall see the plane tree in the lawn, a descendant of the tree under which Hippocrates taught his medical students on the island of Cos 2,400 years ago.

The tour will remind us of our long heritage of plants associated with medicine.

Please note that this is a mainly garden visit and there will be a fair bit of standing around.  Mostly brick paths but part has no path, only lawn.  You should feel confident you are able to cope.

Cost £9                        Maximum No. 22

Lance Pierson and Barrie Armstrong present a 2-hour guided walk celebrating the wonderful poetic heritage of Twickenham and Teddington.  The poets who lived or wrote in the area include Alfred Lord Tennyson, Walter de la Mare, John Donne, Alexander Pope and Thomas Traherne.  At each place of interest Lance or Barrie will read the poem connected with that spot and explain how it came about.

Lance is a specialist poetry performer who regularly leads walks for the Original London Walks Company and Barrie is a long-term resident of Eel Pie Island and a poet himself

Cost:  £9                    Maximum No. 25

Clerkenwell is an extremely historic area, and with John we will explore many of its streets and alleyways, walking downhill from Angel to St Paul’s, and stopping midway for a lunch break.  Hopefully we will get inside – or at least see from the outside – a couple of interesting churches, plus the sites of a nunnery and a monastery, and an old friary gate. We will also see the original Clerks’ Well, plus countless items of interest.  There will be much talk about water, and John will show us the site of London’s early attempts to secure a fresh water supply.

18 STAFFORD TERRACE, London W8

Cost: £11.50       Maximum No: 30

From 1875 this property was the home of Punch cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne, his wife and family and provides a rare example of an ‘Aesthetic interior’ or ‘House Beautiful’ style.  There are various Japanese, Middle Eastern and Chinese objects throughout the house.

We shall enjoy a guided tour of the building which should take about an hour and a half.

Please note that this tour will not take place if less than 12 people apply.  Please also note that the building comprises four floors, each of which we stop at to hear about the rooms therein.  Access is by stairs only and this tour is not suitable for those members with mobility difficulties.

Portland Place, London W1A 1AA

Cost: £14      Maximum     No: 25

Step inside the exciting world of broadcasting!  Your entertaining and informative guide will bring to life this brand new, state of the art, multimedia broadcasting centre in the heart of London

Some of the things you're likely to experience include a camera's eye view via the big screen into some of the studios broadcasting to the nation, including television and radio news studios, as well as hearing about the rich history of the building and the BBC.  You will have a view over the new state of the art newsroom and you will hear about how BBC Radio Drama is made.

The 1½ hour tour will start promptly from outside the Media Café.  Please use the side entrance on Portland Place where you will be directed to wait before going through security.  You should arrive fifteen minutes before the start to allow for security checks. 

There are no cloakroom facilities and you are asked not to bring large bags.  Sharp or pointed items such as nail files, scissors or penknives will be confiscated.

Due to copyright and security reasons, photography is restricted. Please do not bring long-lensed cameras on the tour. There are several photo opportunities which the guide will point out.

BBC Broadcasting House is a working building, so there is no guarantee of who or what you will see on the day and some days are busier than others.  Please be aware there will be a lot of walking involved.

The nearest tube station is Oxford Circus (3 min walk to Portland Place) on the Central, Bakerloo and Victoria Lines. 

Wapping Police Station, Wapping High Street, Wapping E1W 2NE

Cost: £7 (including a donation)  

Two Tours - maximum no: 15 for each

This is located in what was once the carpenter’s workshop at Wapping Police Station, situated within the headquarters of the Metropolitan Polices’ Marine Police Unit and offers a unique insight into the history of the world’s first police force.  There are many fascinating exhibits and during the tour by Mr Robert Jeffries, the Curator, we shall learn more about the history.  The Museum is quite small but there is seating for everyone.  The visit will take between 1-1½ hours.

The museum is not far from the Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall, Wapping, London E1W 3SH.  This is a historic public house on the banks of the Thames, which lays claim to being the site of the oldest riverside tavern, dating from around 1520.  Anyone who is interested might like to meet there for lunch either before or after their tour.

St John’s Gate, St John’s Lane, Clerkenwell, EC1M 4DA

Cost: £7    Maximum No: 30

The Knights of St John were members of a religious Order, founded to care for the sick and the poor in Jerusalem.  Later they developed a military role and for 700 years were based in the Mediterranean.

Meet at the Museum.  Please note that there is a fair bit of walking, standing around and steps involved in this visit and you should feel confident you are able to cope.

42 Craven Street, London WC2 5NG

Cost: £7      Maximum No: 25

Founded by Mr J H Sutcliffe in 1901 this is a remarkable museum collection comprising over 20,000 outstanding objects and archival items relating to the history of ophthalmic optics, the human eye and visual aids.  Many of the objects in the museum are rare or unique and the museum continues to be recognised as the oldest and one of the best optical collections in the world.  Our visit will be guided by the Curator and will take about two hours.

FULLY BOOKED

FULLY BOOKED

The 1½ hour tour will start promptly at 13.30 from the Media Café off Main Reception. Please use the side entrance on Portland Place and arrive ten minutes before to allow for security checks. The Media Cafe has limited facilities for groups. Please do not arrive too far in advance of the tour as there is limited seating. There are no cloakroom facilities and you are asked not to bring large bags. Sharp or pointed items such as nail files, scissors or penknives will be confiscated. Due to copyright and security reasons, photography is restricted. Please do not bring long-lensed cameras on the tour. There are several photo opportunities which the guide will point out. BBC Broadcasting House is a working building, so there is no guarantee of who or what you will see on the day and some days are busier than others. Please be aware there will be a lot of walking involved. Refreshments are available in the Media Café and there are numerous catering outlets close to Broadcasting House.

This is a longer walk than usual with a refreshment stop halfway through at The Garden Museum, where we will see the 17th century garden and the tomb of John Tradescant, the famous gardener and plant collector of the time. Some of the highlights of the walk will be the Imperial War Museum, the Royal Doulton Factory, Archbishop's Park and Lambeth Palace. We will finish the walk at Vauxhall station via the Spring Gardens which are on the site of the old Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Please note that there will be long stretches of walking between places of interest.

Come and celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mansfield Park, which was written at Chawton Cottage between February 1811 and 1813 and also see the ring once owned by Jane Austen that was saved for the nation after the museum successfully raised funds to buy it from the American singer, Kelly Clarkson. We shall leave Mitcham at 12.35, Wimbledon at 1.05 and Raynes Park at 1.15 and drive to Chawton, near Alton in Hampshire. There we shall gather in the Learning Centre for an introductory talk before going into the house, where Jane Austen lived with her mother and sister, Cassandra, from 1800 until 1817. There is a small garden and a shop with a selection of books and souvenirs. Tea/coffee and cake or scones will be available to buy at Cassandras Cup, the café opposite, either before or after the tour of the house, depending on numbers.