Walks schedule
by date
September 2019 | ||||||
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M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
6 | 7 | 8 | ||||
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 |
Earl's Court Tube, Earl's Court Road exit
Guided by Stephanie
Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 December 2024 | Tour du Jour | 10.45 am | 12.45 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
15 December 2024 | Tour du Jour | 10.45 am | 12.45 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
29 December 2024 | Tour du Jour | 10.45 am | 12.45 pm | Winter | Reserve Online |
This is a thread-the-needle walk. By that I mean it’s possible to walk from Earl’s Court to Kensington with hardly ever having to “deal with” – “put up with” – main roads and busy streets and the general philistinism of the automobile culture.
You can hidden lanes-it. Alleyway-it. Best of all, mews-it.
Pretty maids all in a row. Well, not in a row – rather, strung along Steph’s thread-the-needle route. But yes – BIG YES – pretty-as-a-picture mews cottages. Lots of them pastel-splashed.
Lots of them decked with flower boxes. Urban coves, havens of 19th-century tranquillity. And, always always always, the pleasure of the route – of the way it “connects up”.
Well, the way Stephanie has pieced it together. Connected it. Some of them – the connections – you wouldn’t know were there. They’re secret. They’re hidden. They’re through doors in walls and around a corner and up steps – that kind of thing. Very very satisfying. And visually – does this really need saying? – a huge treat. Welcome to near perfect London.
But not just eye candy. Because the whole thing is buttressed with lots of fascinating history. Some of it will catch you by surprise (might even give you a case of the giggles).
There are about 250 mews in London. Where they are, what they were for, how they came about, who they served – well, they’re one of the crucial pieces in the social puzzle of 19th century London. And not just London, but Britain, really. And for that matter, 20th and 21st century London. They’re not just a series of “pretty faces” – they “map” both the past and the present. Map them in important ways. Ways that help us to better understand the place. Better understand our city. Guided by Hilary, OBE or Stephanie.
Meet Stephanie or Hilary OBE just outside the Earl’s Court Road exit of Earl’s Court Tube.
Sue –
From the hustle and bustle of the Earl’s Court Road to a calm and beautiful mews, in 30 seconds! Wondefully interesting and informative walk with Stephanie. Clear delivery enhanced by excellent photos/cuttings. From cole holes to hinges, manure to Thomas Crapper, the gentry to servants, it was all there. We did the tour on 21st April hoping to see the wisteria in bloom, a plant so characteristic of the mews. Perfect timing! Stephanie was careful to ensure that we knew where to get lunch, find a tube or get to other attractions at the end of the trip. Brilliant walk.
simonetta –
A brilliant insightful walk !
Stephanie is great, a real expert with a deep knowledge of the area. Learned a lot and fascinated by every and each corner….Highly recommended!
Alison –
I’ve just been on a wonderful walk with Stephanie. The glorious spring sunshine helped. We learned all about the rich, their houses and their horses and carriages. Plus meandering down so many mews with small, bijou and delightful houses (£3000 per week if you want to rent one in the right place). And incredibly it was so quiet. You couldn’t hear anything considering we were in the heart of built up London. Also coal holes, gas lights, royal studios and a very early post box. Well, well worth joining this tour.
Stuart Russell –
Fantastic time with Stephanie today on a fascinating walk. I learnt so much from her and was captivated the whole time. I can’t wait to book on the next one 👍👍👍
Phillip –
Wonderful walk with Stephanie today in Earls Court, so much history again and wealth in the Mews properties. The origin of Earls Court date back to Saxon times. The stories from Stephanie (aka elephant zoo keeper) were superb with a wicked sense of humour and we were over 20 walking which is very good news.