MEET YOUR GUIDE
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.
Carlie Holland –
I was totally enthralled by Ann’s tour – she is such a warm, personable, enthusiastic and most knowledgeable guide. The fact that she kept me going for two hours after a very long international flight and being up for 36 hours shows just how good she is! I almost cancelled because of that, but am so glad I didn’t. Would highly recommend this tour.
Madeleine Boomgaarden –
This was a fascinating tour by an incredibly knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. It ranges across so many areas of medicine through the streets of Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury. I learned so much despite having worked in the area for quite a while!
Veronica Jones –
Dr Ann’s experience and expertise shines through on this intriguing tour, which covers a whole medicine chest of characters and curiosities. Ann is a warm, engaging guide, who really knows her stuff. I really enjoyed finding out more about Fitzrovia and the jewel in its crown, that extraordinary chapel.
Malki Chilton –
Ann was an amazing guide, informative, witty and made the whole thing really interesting. Would really recommend.
Bill Dunsmuir –
This is a cleverly contained, original and fascinating little tour. It would be irreproducible because the charm of this walk is Ann’s ebullient, ‘bubbly’ and fun character. I thought I would have known it all – but I learnt loads. Definitely a strong recommendation and a big thumbs up from me. Thank you Ann
Liz –
Super walk delivered with passion and enthusiasm by Ann. Her knowledge of the area – history, medical, architectural and social is excellent. Very enjoyable.
Simon –
Great route though an area of London we did not know much about, Ann is very knowledgeable and passionate, the chapel was the cherry on the cake!
Julian Gladwell –
My goodness, DO come on Anne’s walk!
Fascinating facts both medical, architectural and general – from a real doctor. Best of all there was a pub stop and very special pub.
Do give this walk try, you will not regret it.
Tessa shaw –
Fabulous guided walk. An area of London I’ve spent a lot of time in yet realise know very little about. Dr Ann has such an enthusiastic energy for her subject. Knowledgeable and a great storyteller, would recommend her walk to everyone….learned so much in just a couple of hours..and great pubs too!!!
Kevin –
A fascinating walk through Fitzrovia. Ann manages to cover the medical, social and architectural history of the area in a very relaxed and informal way. Stops at two interesting pubs along the route also add to the experience. It is staggering that all this is found minutes from the hustle and bustle of the West End! I would highly recommend.