Meet opposite one of London’s finest hospitals and end at the chapel of a rival hospital that has been razed to the ground. Learn about the medical discoveries at University College Hospital and at the now extinct Middlesex Hospital on the other side of Tottenham Court Road. We’ll talk about the discovery of the hormone aldosterone, early identification of HIV, novel cancer therapies and growing mini eyes to understand blindness among other medical marvels.
In between, explore the architectural gem of Fitzroy Square and learn about some of the characters who have lived there from author Virginia Woolf to artist Tracey Emin of unmade bed fame.
Hear about a buccaneer of the high seas, a mighty Venezualan military leader and see the place that Gandhi visited and serves the cheapest good quality Indian food in London. Look at an optical illusion on the outside of a neuroscience research building, see the site of an old workhouse, international street food, the architectural mix from Georgian to ultramodern and end the tour with a quiet moment in an exquisite Byzantine style chapel.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Ann teaches the next generation of doctors at University College London Medical School. She broadcasts on BBC radio as well as writing a research roundup for the British Medical Journal. She was a health columnist for the Guardian newspaper. She’s a real Londoner. She was born, studied, gave birth and worked in the UCL area as a junior hospital doctor and most recently as a GP for homeless people. She’s written books on women’s health and embarrassing problems so nothing fazes her or makes her blush. Anything else? Yes, she’s a knowledgeable guide specialising in her neighbourhood (the London borough of Camden). In short, an unbeatable combination: local knowledge and connections, lived experience and top flight professional expertise.
13 reviews for Fabulous Fitzrovia & Its Medical Marvels
Rated 5 out of 5
Lesley Stansfield –
It is only when you walk round London with an amazingly informative person like Ann, that you realise how little we know of our capital. Ann took us through streets, squares, pubs, university, chapel bejewelled with historical facts. The life of Jeremy Bentham is well worth broadcasting. Thank you Ann for your inside medical knowledge and sharing your love of Fitzrovia.
Rated 5 out of 5
Oxana –
Despite the bleak weather, I enjoyed this walk around the central London area where the boroughs of Camden and Westminster meet to form an eclectic bunch of streets, roads and squares with monuments, notable buildings, statues, plaques and other little things to explore.
Ann is visibly fond of these streets and has a personal, as well as professional, history here, so it was a pleasure to listen to her and follow her into the University College London and UCLH, Fitzroy Square, the Fitzrovia Chapel and even into a couple of pubs on our way for a cuppa and a friendly chat (a special thanks for that!).
Lots of curious facts and stories to re-tell at the dinner table and to research deeper into if you have the right mindset.
If Ann comes up with more ideas for walks in the future, I would certainly be interested.
Rated 5 out of 5
Harriet Calvert –
Fascinating walk with Ann who had personal knowledge of the area and medical profession. The little anecdotes that were told made the walk come alive. Two visits to two different pubs were great. A hidden art gallery in one! A short sit, loo and refreshments if desired. I will definitely look out for more of Ann’s very informed and amusing walks.
Rated 5 out of 5
Neil –
Super walk with some very interesting facts about Fizrovia and medicine with a number of places that one never see’s in London when on the main streets. Ann was great and very knowledgeable. The pub stops were a nice touch.
Rated 5 out of 5
Mike Sullivan –
A fascinating insight into a part of London that is overlooked. Ann was an absolute delight and given her medical background, this added an extra personal dimension to the walk. It was great to delve into the history of ‘Fitzrovia’ and to gain a sense of those individuals who brought it to public attention. A thoroughly enjoyable walk which included a preserved body, a beautiful historic square, a lovely hidden pub, and the gorgeous chapel among the many surprises uncovered. Add to boot, the group itself to round off a perfect afternoon. Thanks again Ann.
Rated 5 out of 5
Christine Taylor –
What a bonus, meeting Ann who led this interesting and informative walk. Her knowledge and enthusiasm made for a very enjoyable 2 hrs, which included time for a quick drink in a fabulous pub we would never have discovered. We will definitely be back in spring to carry on exploring this area. Ann…..what about Fabulous Fitzrovia part two for 2025??!
Rated 5 out of 5
Helen Stern –
Dr Ann was an amazing guide! I so enjoyed hearing about the history of a part of London that I had visited often but knew so little about. Ann knew so much about Fitzrovia as well as the history of medicine there and had many fascinating stories to tell. As a Dr who had trained in the now demolished Middlesex Hospital and still teaches medical students at UCLH she has a personal connection that adds to the charm of the walk. Highly recommended!
Rated 5 out of 5
Roger Dear –
We went on the Fabulous Fitzrovia & Its Medical Marvels tour with Ann the Doctor on Wednesday. It’s always a treat to stroll through a neighborhood with someone who can enlighten us so much. We went away with an appreciation of London’s medical history and a understanding of the University College London. We were a small group and loved how Ann was able to get all of us involved. Stopping at a pub for a break makes the tour very intimate. A wonderful and informative tour.
Rated 5 out of 5
Andrea Tommasini (aka Mr. Tom) –
Had a wonderful Walk today exploring Fitzrovia and all its different links with Medical profession , Hospitals, the literature world , architecture and the Arts ! Our guide dr. Ann went beyond all our expectetions , she was ready to answer all our questions and also created a friendly atmosphere within the group. The brief visit to a couple of traditional pubs was highly appreciated to warm up a bit, have an ale and an informal chat . Highly Recommended!
Rated 5 out of 5
Elizabeth Singh –
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk especially as it’s a part of London I used to work in. Even though I was familiar with the geography there were so many new things that I had no idea about. Ann is a very well informed host, affable and easy to talk to. I’d love to go on any other walks that she leads in the future.
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Lesley Stansfield –
It is only when you walk round London with an amazingly informative person like Ann, that you realise how little we know of our capital. Ann took us through streets, squares, pubs, university, chapel bejewelled with historical facts. The life of Jeremy Bentham is well worth broadcasting. Thank you Ann for your inside medical knowledge and sharing your love of Fitzrovia.
Oxana –
Despite the bleak weather, I enjoyed this walk around the central London area where the boroughs of Camden and Westminster meet to form an eclectic bunch of streets, roads and squares with monuments, notable buildings, statues, plaques and other little things to explore.
Ann is visibly fond of these streets and has a personal, as well as professional, history here, so it was a pleasure to listen to her and follow her into the University College London and UCLH, Fitzroy Square, the Fitzrovia Chapel and even into a couple of pubs on our way for a cuppa and a friendly chat (a special thanks for that!).
Lots of curious facts and stories to re-tell at the dinner table and to research deeper into if you have the right mindset.
If Ann comes up with more ideas for walks in the future, I would certainly be interested.
Harriet Calvert –
Fascinating walk with Ann who had personal knowledge of the area and medical profession. The little anecdotes that were told made the walk come alive. Two visits to two different pubs were great. A hidden art gallery in one! A short sit, loo and refreshments if desired. I will definitely look out for more of Ann’s very informed and amusing walks.
Neil –
Super walk with some very interesting facts about Fizrovia and medicine with a number of places that one never see’s in London when on the main streets. Ann was great and very knowledgeable. The pub stops were a nice touch.
Mike Sullivan –
A fascinating insight into a part of London that is overlooked. Ann was an absolute delight and given her medical background, this added an extra personal dimension to the walk. It was great to delve into the history of ‘Fitzrovia’ and to gain a sense of those individuals who brought it to public attention. A thoroughly enjoyable walk which included a preserved body, a beautiful historic square, a lovely hidden pub, and the gorgeous chapel among the many surprises uncovered. Add to boot, the group itself to round off a perfect afternoon. Thanks again Ann.
Christine Taylor –
What a bonus, meeting Ann who led this interesting and informative walk. Her knowledge and enthusiasm made for a very enjoyable 2 hrs, which included time for a quick drink in a fabulous pub we would never have discovered. We will definitely be back in spring to carry on exploring this area. Ann…..what about Fabulous Fitzrovia part two for 2025??!
Helen Stern –
Dr Ann was an amazing guide! I so enjoyed hearing about the history of a part of London that I had visited often but knew so little about. Ann knew so much about Fitzrovia as well as the history of medicine there and had many fascinating stories to tell. As a Dr who had trained in the now demolished Middlesex Hospital and still teaches medical students at UCLH she has a personal connection that adds to the charm of the walk. Highly recommended!
Roger Dear –
We went on the Fabulous Fitzrovia & Its Medical Marvels tour with Ann the Doctor on Wednesday. It’s always a treat to stroll through a neighborhood with someone who can enlighten us so much. We went away with an appreciation of London’s medical history and a understanding of the University College London. We were a small group and loved how Ann was able to get all of us involved. Stopping at a pub for a break makes the tour very intimate. A wonderful and informative tour.
Andrea Tommasini (aka Mr. Tom) –
Had a wonderful Walk today exploring Fitzrovia and all its different links with Medical profession , Hospitals, the literature world , architecture and the Arts ! Our guide dr. Ann went beyond all our expectetions , she was ready to answer all our questions and also created a friendly atmosphere within the group. The brief visit to a couple of traditional pubs was highly appreciated to warm up a bit, have an ale and an informal chat . Highly Recommended!
Elizabeth Singh –
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk especially as it’s a part of London I used to work in. Even though I was familiar with the geography there were so many new things that I had no idea about. Ann is a very well informed host, affable and easy to talk to. I’d love to go on any other walks that she leads in the future.