How the West End Was Won
Charing Cross Underground station, exit 5 (front of mainline station)
Guided by Charlie
Adult: £20 · Students & Seniors: £15 · Children: £5
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 February 2025 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | |
| 3 January 2026 | Tour du Jour | 10.45 am | 12.45 pm | Winter |
Short read: A John Nash production.
Short listen: Charlie’s podcast about this walk
Medium read: “The wall” 200+ years before Trump. Aristocracy to the west, the great unwashed to the east, the “wall” of Regent’s Street keeping them separate. Social history in bricks and mortar and “town planning” in the Age of Jane Austen and the Napoleonic Wars.
Long read: It’s 1810. London is at war with France and the ailing George III’s son takes over as the country’s Prince Regent. The Regent wanted a “new London” that would quite eclipse Napoleon’s Paris. And John Nash was the man to plan it for him. This walk through the heart of the West End shows how those plans still determine the way we use the city today. From the novel concept of a square at the top of Whitehall to the grand shopping street with the Regent’s name on it, we will get a deeper understanding how a capital city emerged fit to rule the greatest empire the world had ever known. Guided by Charlie.
HOW THE WEST END WAS WON – THE MEETING POINT
Meet Charlie just outside exit 5 (right in front of the mainline station) of Charing Cross Station.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Here’s a podcast in which Charlie tells us a bit about himself, his career, his guiding, his London
Jem Bowen –
What a wonderful walk!
I’ve been on many walks with London Walks over the years, and this was one of the very best, despite the very cold winter weather.
Charlie is a wonderful guide! His knowledge is remarkable, and he communicates it brilliantly!
I really learnt so much about the city i love.
I’d definitely recommend this to everyone!
Jane –
Despite a bitterly cold day, Charlie kept me fascinated by historical insights about places I thought I knew pretty well: 19th century urban design that has lasted well into the modern era. Do go.
john mcclintock –
I and my wife did this walk with Charlie in February. It was bitterly cold, but the chill wind was more than offset by Charlie’s lively and invigorating explanation of this wonderful part of London. A great afternoon, time well spent and most educational. Thank you so much Charlie.
Dorothy MacDonald –
Another excellent walk with Charlie, fascinating information on Nash plans for the West End and what has survived to the present day.
Pauline Wetherell –
What a stimulating walk. Charlie really brings alive the connection between what we see and take for granted today and the history, personalities and social forces which shaped this. Highly recommended!
Jo Lloyd –
Charlie’s enthusiasm is infectious and his knowledge superb. A fascinating walk centred on the brilliance of John Nash and his West End masterplanning skills.
Josie Morgan –
Really enjoyed this!
Charlie is an excellent guide and opened my eyes to many things I took for granted eg the circuses! And the Regent’s Canal
Very knowledgable on Nash and architecture plus interesting snippets on the Gentry