This is local London in high style. Starts with the Bishop of London’s old hunting park. Just a stone’s throw away from the tube station. Classic London, that. London immersion. “London specialises in hiding the best of itself.” And then we get serious about going off piste. We slip into the ghosts of Finchley Woods – once wild Finchley Common, a byword for danger.
“All change!” The railway came. Transformative. Coaching inns gave way to Victorian terraces. In their wake, the ripple outs: a pioneering cinema, McDonald’s European University and… And, well – nudge, nudge here – you can take it as read that we’ll well and truly uncover what stood here before Big Mac burgered in.
Some of the best trace evidence in London. And it’s everywhere. Pubs that still remember the stagecoaches, a Victorian industrial school that turned the poor into parlour maids and footmen. What’s that you say? Shhh. Hear it? Those are the whispers of the famous pig market in the old market square.
As for the culture, couldn’t be more broad church. And you better believe it, it’s hang on to your hats stuff. George Michael. Amy Winehouse. The Goons. Narnia. Margaret Thatcher. They were here. They left their mark here.
And for our finale? Well, it’s a lark rising high. A wild, forgotten fragment of Finchley Common. Hiding in plain sight. Once the haunt of highwaymen. Not just another secret in this local London time machine.
Last word, this local London neighbourhood, it’s a sockdolager.
*Star guide who’s local. It doesn’t get any better than that.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Maxine Sacks –
This was an eye-opening experience. Sam quickly turned a group of strangers into a group of potential friends and we learned a lot from each other as well as from him. He gave us a history of East Finchley which explained some of the road names and pub names and as we walked up the High Street he showed us where Finchley common and the woodlands are still present in many places. Having lived in and near this area for many years I was pleased to understand the area in more depth.
Brian Altchuler –
I enjoyed discovering what remains of wooded areas in or near East Finchley. Sam uses a mike and so was very clear. Interesting and informative anecdotes, backed up by a very interesting hand out after the walk. Recommended.
Sheila Hickerton –
Really interesting tour full of local knowledge and anecdotes from Sam and fellow walkers. A real treat!
Gretel –
What a lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon learning about the suburb of East Finchley. Being a local Sam is able to bring special insights into the area and make the stories come to life. His bright and cheery personality shines through and is happy to answer any questions that people have.
Jonathan –
Sam is extremely knowledgeable and goes out of his way to ensure people feel included in the conversations and stories he tells. He gives detailed insights into the history of the area and and brings everything he says to life with clear and relevant examples. I recommend this walk highly for anyone who is interested in what lies behind the main roads within the area. In addition to his knowledge he shares his enthusiasm and sense of fun most generously.
Martin –
A joyous afternoon. Sam is an excellent guide. I have lived in the area for nearly 30 years and I loved learning new facts about the place. He enabled me and my friend to look at our local area through fresh eyes and the information shared gave us a new sense of pride and fascination. Sam is knowledgeable and offer his information with enthusiasm and wit. He was open to questions and engaged with everyone equally. I would definitely recommend Sam to family and friends.
Thanks so much Sam.
Jan Rubidge –
Thank you Sam for a fascinating walk. I’ve lived here in East Finchley for fifteen years and had no idea the area had such an interesting history.
Your knowledge is incredible and I really enjoyed the way you shared it all with us. Many thanks
Jamison –
Lovely, engaging tour around East Finchley. Knowing the history brings the ordinary sights and places to life! Plus it was a fun crowd of neighbours I’d never met before.
David –
Sam really goes above and beyond to make your tour as all-encompassing as possible, with pre-reading (not mandatory!), invitations to ask questions at every stop and even a follow up asking if we need any more information! What a legend… I’ve booked 1 of his tours each week for the rest of the month. Sam Jacobs – guide supreme!
Alan G –
Another quality walk with Sam
Who knew there was so much rich history in East Finchley?
Sam did !!