This one’s ablaze.
And the guiding? Incendiary.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
But don’t just take it from us. London Walker Robert Thistle (September 22, 2024): “Catherine brought the story of the Great Fire thrillingly to life with a range of fascinating facts and insights, excerpts from Samuel Pepys’ famous diary, and with her natural flair for storytelling and her obvious passion for the subject. I found myself looking at the buildings and streets in an entirely different light, as Catherine pointed out details, inscriptions and curiosities along the route that I would never otherwise have seen. A wonderful experience.”
‘The saddest sight of desolation that I ever saw’ Samuel Pepys
Short read:
Join Samuel Pepys. He’s on the scene. Middle of the night. September 1666. Smoke in the air. The City burning. We’re beside him.
Long Read: The Great Fire of London. Four days that changed the city forever. Thirteen thousand houses gone. Eighty-seven parish churches reduced to ash. St Paul’s Cathedral — destroyed.
And because of one man — the greatest diarist London ever produced — we have the fire live, hour by hour.
On this walk we follow the flames east to west. Landmark by landmark. As Pepys saw it.
His house near the Tower, where he first glimpsed the blaze — and went back to bed.
The Tower of London, which he climbed for a better view as the skyline turned red.
A hidden courtyard where a church once stood — its burning spire sending panic through the crowds.
The street where the Lord Mayor ‘cried like a fainting woman.’
We stand in Pudding Lane.
We examine the Monument — and learn to read it properly. (Deciphering it alone is worth the price of admission.)
We pass St Paul’s — lost, reborn, Wren’s masterpiece rising from the ashes.
And we finish within sight of where the fire was finally stopped — the moment London refused to burn any further.
And yes — you’ll hear the extraordinary story of what Pepys buried in his garden.
With Catherine, this isn’t just 1666.
It’s heat.
It’s panic.
It’s London on the brink.
And you’re in the middle of it.
Hugh –
Catherine is an excellent guide and it was a very enjoyable tour. I not only learnt so much more about the Great Fire but we also visited some parts of the City I never knew existed. I really enjoyed the quotes from Samuel Pepys diaries. In fact I was so inspired, I bought a book on Samuel Pepys on the way home! I would definitely recommend this tour.
Vibeke –
Catherine’s tour about the Great Fire is absolutely excellent – we highly recommend! Between her own thorough research and her quoting directly from Samuel Pepys’ diary, she really paints a live picture of the chaos of those several days and the aftermath. This tour is an excellent way to learn in depth about the fire, and tuck into some corners of London that you might not have seen before. Plus Catharine is very personable and a joy to be with.
Sam Jacobs –
An excellent walk taking us day by day through the 1666 fire. With pictures and stories we recreated the events day by day. Catherine brought the people and the events to life. Highly recommended
Brittany –
This was a fantastic and insightful walk led by Catherine, who wrote a book about the Great Fire! My five year old son tagged along and had a blast. We walked in the steps of the great diarist, Samuel Pepys, who chronicled the fire as it tore through London. Excellent guiding and storytelling by Catherine, who pointed out details large and small as we walked through the City.
Lynn Withington –
The Great Fire of London walk was a fascinating insight into London in 1666.
Children’s author, Catherine Randall was a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide who really brought the past to life, despite the damp and dreary February morning. She guided us through the path of the fire, quoting from Samuel Pepys’ diary and adding lots of anecdotes and witticisms along the way. We discovered hidden gems of old London among the city tower blocks and left feeling inspired to find out more.
Thank you, Catherine.
Debbie –
This walk doesn’t disappoint! Catherine has created an exciting walk with lots of fascinating details which bring it all to life. You will feel transported back to the scene of the Great Fire of London, watching it unfold with Samuel Pepys by your side. A great walk for all ages.
Simon Finn –
Catherine is a really engaging tour guide. She has a really well-prepared walk that covers all the main sights and a few you might no expect. It was really interesting to get the real history from the diaries of Pepys. I have walked past so many of these places before and not known what was there or what I was looking at. Catherine illuminated everything perfectly!
Melissa H –
Catherine was a very knowledgeable guide, and she has immersed herself in the people and places associated with the Great Fire. She is also sensitive to her “walker’s” experience! Thoroughly enjoyable-high recommend!
Andrew Napier –
Catherine really is ‘the great’. A really interesting and fun walk. Catherine is so knowledgeable and it was lovely to be with someone who knows where the ‘hidden’ places are or can point out an unusual features that you wouldn’t otherwise notice. I learned so much. Thank you.
Diana Marshall –
Really enjoyed the Great Fire of London Walk yesterday. Catherine is a brilliant guide – well informed and with an infectious enthusiasm. We heard detailed accounts of the fire’s devastating impact on Londoners, with many quotes from Samuel Pepys diaries – which really brought events to life. Thoroughly recommend this walk.