DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Una McTernan went on the walk on March 9, 2025. Here’s her review (please be sure to note the penultimate sentence): “We had a wonderful time on this walk with Luisa. We thought we knew Soho but we learned so much in side streets and previously unnoticed historic buildings. This is a walk for locals or visitors: there is something for everyone and especially if you are interested in the history of medicine, social history, and juicy tales of “ladies of the night.” All in historical context from a former doctor and current journalist/writer. We have done regular London walks for many years and this is the best one yet. Do not miss it!”
BILL OF FARE TO THE FEAST
Meet madams of bawdy houses, body snatchers and benevolent doctors in a two-hour walk through the alleyways and past the elegant townhouses of the square mile that is Soho. Find out how Soho got its name, how death, debauchery and do-good doctors all rubbed along together in Soho in the 1700s and 1800s and how some of Soho’s residents had an impact far wider than these colourful streets.
Discover what links “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” with one of the best-preserved workhouses in Soho, hear how executed murderers advanced medical knowledge and how a brave doctor turned detective to discover how 500 people died of Cholera within a few streets in two weeks in 1854. Clue: it was linked to a popular water pump.
We cover just over a mile of Soho, from the Georgian lodgings of a Devotee of Venus to a picnic spot beneath which lies a secret, to the first anatomy school in London and the sites of the first speciality hospitals in London that cared for women and those with the ‘foul’ disease.
There will be some sexual content (historical and tasteful) and some gore. It will be funny and moving – sometimes at the same time.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Ready? Strapped in? Here goes. Life force. Particle-Accelerator. Dynamo. Operatic. One woman procession. Surgeon. Author. Distinguished journalist (columnist, Editor, A-List freelancer). “Thinking person’s media personality” (radio and television pundit). All-rounder. Medical doctor and artsy (English Literature First). Londoner. Professionally qualified guide. Friendly. Fun. Charismatic. Effervescent. Make buzz distilled.
Alex Ness –
An outstanding, insightful walking tour that really brought Soho’s past to life. I live and work within 10 minutes of Soho and still learnt so much. Luisa is a superb tour guide!
Vibeke Arentz and Jeff Kacirk –
Louisa, as a medical doctor, is so personally qualified to lead this this walk. She’s spirited, passionate, compassionate about all the patients she talks about, and so kind. She breathed life into London’s dark medical past. This is one of the best London Walks we have ever taken (in 30 years!) She was so interesting and breathed life into this dark but interesting chapter of London’s medical history. Even if you’re not interested in medicine, doctors, etc. etc., you will be inspired by this tour! We highly recommend Louisa, this tour, and all of her tours!
Laura Cosmas –
Luisa is a fantastic guide! Gave me a whole new perspective on SoHo. It’s a great blend of facts and stories that made the 2 hours fly by. Definitely a must do!
Terri Chandler –
Luisa did a fantastic job. Great sense of humour, The walk was well paced and extremely informative; just the right amount of facts and figures. Throughly enjoyed the walk (even managed to forget about the cold wind!) Would highly recommend.
Kristen –
Who knew there was so much more to know about Soho! Well, our fantastic tour guide Luisa, of course, and what an eye-opening bit of history we learned. Our favorite line: “A moment with (a devotee of) Venus, a lifetime with Mercury.” Fascinating history from someone with a medical background and sense of humor. Highly recommend!
Andrew Oliver –
Luisa is a very knowledgeable guide who keeps you interested all the way round, always welcoming questions and adding some humour along the way. It is on the flat and not too much walking. Well worth finding out more about this fascinating area of London.
Suzana –
It was an excellent tour and highly recommendable. Luisa has a great capability in picturing lively the historic facts with humor and right balance of respect and sensitivity. She made it a very personal tour giving a lot of facts to follow up and dig deeper into. I will remember very well and looking forward to other walking tours provided by Luisa.
Eliza (age 12) –
Luisa was very knowledgeable and kind. She managed to answer all my burning questions and took time after the tour to tell me more about another person in history.
Zizi Sulkin –
This was a fascinating walk led by a warm and witty guide, Luisa. We have gone on many London Walks and have never been disappointed. This walk was undoubtedly one of the best. Luisa was knowledgeable and so generous with her time, even stopping to chat and share more stories after the walk was over. Two hours very well spent.
Highly recommend.
Shane –
A truly wonderful walk, featuring intriguing themes in a fascinating area! And in dozens of London Walks, I’ve never experienced a better guide: Luisa is warm, witty, eloquent, and amazingly knowledgeable. A physician and health journalist, she’s crafted a walk that’s entertaining, enlightening, and totally engaging! (She also brings amplification, much appreciated in busy Soho.)