Georgian Westminster – In the 18th century, London continued to expand and the area around Westminster was developed with houses for the aristocracy, government servants and the wealthy. This walk takes you through the Adelphi estate developed by the Adam brothers, a gorgeous Georgian terrace at Craven Street and past the elegant buildings of Trafalgar Square, many dating from the late Georgian period.
Victorian Westminster – To most, Westminster means its political and royal institutions but there is another darker side to Westminster. In the shadow of the iconic buildings was one of the worst slums in London (the Devil’s Acre). This walk takes you through some of the contrasting byways around Victoria and Westminster.
Theatrical London – The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane was the first of the modern theatres to be licensed after the Restoration, but the main growth of London theatres took place in the Victorian period and the early 20th century. This walk takes you through parts of theatre-land – the haunts of Henry Irving, Nellie Melba, Gilbert and Sullivan, Marie Lloyd and so many more.
Fitzrovia – . The name Fitzrovia was adopted at the beginning of the Second World War for that area stretching north from Oxford Street to Euston Road. The area developed piecemeal and was long known as a haunt of writers and artists, mostly impecunious ones. Today, the area is more associated with the media.
Mayfair – Mayfair was developed in the 18th century, mainly by the fabulously wealthy Grosvenor family. This walk takes you through the squares, highways and byways of this exclusive shopping, residential and business district.
Aldwych – Situated just outside the City of London, the area now known as The Aldwych was once a warren of slum streets and alleyways. Built in 1905, the Aldwych was soon developed with hotels, theatres, embassies and a shopping centre. There are earlier landmarks to the east and south – King’s College, Somerset House, St Mary-le-Strand and St Clement Danes.
Belgravia
Lower Belgravia – The area between Sloane Square and Victoria lies partly in the Cadogan estate and the Grosvenor estate. It has been home to Mozart, Noel Coward and others and today has some of the most expensive property in London.
Little Venice – .
St John’s Wood – St John’s Wood was indeed a wood for hundreds of years and named after the Knights of St John who owned it. Despite 18th century developments close by and the building of the Regent’s Canal, St John’s Wood retained its rural aspect which suited Thomas Lord when he wanted a new site for his cricket ground.
Sleuths – This walk takes you from the hustle and bustle of the Marylebone Road / Baker Street, where a famous fictional detective lived, past 2 former Lord’s cricket grounds to the mixed residential areas of lower St John’s Wood and a factory that made parts for the Spitfire.
Marylebone – Marylebone was one of the closest villages to central London until two landowners in the area began to lay out a regular grid of impressive streets and squares. This walk takes you along the old High Street and the parish church and some of the new squares.