Walking Tour around Spitalfields in the East End of London

London, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (102 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Coffee and/or tea

Meeting Point

Our tours begin and conclude outside the entrance to Christ Church, Spitalfields in Commercial Street. The meeting point is a 10 minute walk from Liverpool St Station. Please be early or on time as we cannot wait for latecomers.

Meeting point

Commercial St, London E1 6LY , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

Our tours begin and conclude outside the entrance to Christ Church, Spitalfields in Commercial Street. The meeting point is a 10 minute walk from Liverpool St Station. Please be early or on time as we cannot wait for latecomers.

Meeting point

Commercial St, London E1 6LY , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1

Christ Church Spitalfields

Nicholas Hawksmoor's masterpiece of English Baroque

2

Soup Kitchen for the Jewish Poor

We meet people whose lives were bound up with with this institution to minster to the needs of Jewish immigrants who came from East Europe, the area now known as the Ukraine

3

Old Spitalfields Market

We learn the story of this ancient market

4

Spitalfields Charnel House

We reveal the purpose of this astonishing medieval survival

5

Spital Square

We visit the site of the Priory of St Mary Spital

6

The Old Truman Brewery

We tell the story of the brewery through the lives of two women who worked there

7

Brick Lane Market

We tell the story of this famous thoroughfare and the ongoing controversy over its future

8

Brick Lane Jamme Masjid

We reveal the history of this building which is emblematic of the history of Spitalfields - a Huguenot Chapel that became a Synagogue that became a Mosque

9

Fournier Street

We tell the story behind these fine eighteenth century houses

10

Puma Ct

We visit the herb garden of the 17th century herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper

11

Townhouse

We put our feet up in a 18th century drawing room, overlooking Christ Church Spitalfields, at the end of our tour and enjoy tea and cakes baked to a recipe of 1720

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers who cannot stand and walk for two hours
Provided by The Gentle Author's Tours

What our experts say

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    Arrive early; we start on time.
  • icon
    Try nearby Brick Lane for lunch.
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    Visit the nearby Old Spitalfields Market.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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    Enjoy tea and cakes after the tour.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the captivating history and culture of London's Spitalfields neighborhood on a walking tour like no other. Join our expert guide, a member of the local community, and embark on a journey through two thousand years of fascinating tales and hidden gems. From ancient churches to vibrant markets, this tour will immerse you in the rich tapestry of London's past and present.

What to expect?

During this two-hour tour, you can expect to uncover the intriguing stories behind each landmark you encounter. As you stroll through Spitalfields, your knowledgeable guide will share the history of the Huguenots, Jews, Irish, Bengalis, and other communities that have shaped this vibrant neighborhood. Discover the resourcefulness and resilience that define modern Britain, all while exploring the nooks and crannies of Spitalfields.

Who is this for?

This walking tour is for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of London's cultural heritage and wants to unveil the lesser-known stories of its diverse communities. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply someone looking to explore the real London beyond the well-trodden paths, this tour will appeal to you. It welcomes all ages, backgrounds, and interests, as long as you have a thirst for knowledge and a passion for discovery.

Why book this?

Unique, authentic, and enriching, this walking tour offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary tourist routes. Led by a local guide with insider knowledge, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the tapestry of cultures that have come together in Spitalfields. The tour takes you through ancient churches, bustling markets, and historic buildings, revealing stories and secrets that even the most experienced Londoner may not know. By the end of the tour, you'll have a newfound understanding of the multicultural history that has shaped modern-day London.

Good to know

As you join our walking tour, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring your curiosity along. The meeting point is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Liverpool St Station. Please arrive early or on time, as the tour cannot wait for latecomers. Throughout the tour, you'll have opportunities to pause, take photos, and absorb the unique atmosphere of Spitalfields. At the end of the tour, treat yourself to tea and cakes baked from a 1720 recipe in an elegant 18th century drawing room overlooking Christ Church Spitalfields.

Reviews

Past participants have praised this walking tour for its engaging storytelling, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to discover hidden gems in a lesser-explored part of London. Travelers have appreciated the blend of history, culture, and personal anecdotes shared by the guide, which brought the neighborhood to life. Visitors particularly enjoyed the diversity and inclusivity of the tour, as it allowed them to understand the multicultural fabric of modern Britain. Overall, the walking tour around Spitalfields has left participants with a deeper appreciation of London's history and a desire to explore more off-the-beaten-track destinations in the future.

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