Short read: Open Studios Day in the “seriously hip” artists’ quarter.
Long read: One of our Long Live Local London walks – that’s what we serve up on this “Special.” A walk that’s spiced with those ‘seriously hip’ artists’ studios (as The Times put it). But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. These Local London forays are capital (so to speak) D Discoveries because they show you Londoners’ London, real London, at home London – as opposed to “the parlour.” It’s fun to see – and get inside, get to know – a neighbourhood that otherwise wouldn’t be on your radar. It’s an undiscovered planet swimming into your ken.
Here’s guide Isobel’s say. “I’m on home turf here. This is the Walworth Walk. Distinct from the Lambeth one. More fun I’d say, but I could be biased. After joining me on this walk @ThisisWalworth tweeted ‘just when u think u know all there is to know about #walworth #se17, along comes @GuidedbyIsobel.'”
And picking up a special something or other or two is certainly a possibility because – bears repeating, this – it’s Open Studios Weekend. Timing is everything! Terence Conran raved about it, and Keith Richards came here for a bespoke guitar. Famous for being the birthplace of Charlie Chaplin, once known for its market gardens, and studios where theatre scenery was made, Walworth is one of those neighbourhoods that has quietly slipped under the radar. Another way of putting that, “London specialises in hiding the best of itself.”
N.B. the walk takes about two hours and ends in Pullens Yards, a three-minute walk from numerous buses on Walworth Road. Or a seven-minute walk to Elephant & CastleTube (and Railway Station) or KenningtonTube.
WALWORTH OLD & NEW – MEETING POINT
The meeting point for the Walworth Old & New walk is just outside the exit of Kennington Tube.
Walworth Old & New, it’s hidden not forbidden fruit.
LONDON WALKS REVIEWS
“Without a doubt the best walking tour company currently operating in London” Stardust
“by far the most impressive series of walks that I have ever encountered are those offered by London Walks” Travel & Enjoy
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, public Walworth Old & New Walk do think about booking one as a private tour. If you go private you can have the Walworth Old & New Walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. And – always – we go to great lengths to make sure the guide-walker(s) “fit” is well-nigh perfect. Ring Fiona or Noel or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk is good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group. And the clincher: a private London Walk makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a very special, thoughtful and unusual gift. Be it a birthday or anniversary or get-to-know-your-new neighbourhood or graduation or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.