CULTURAL CANVAS: EAST LONDON MUST SEE – 16K

Our tour begins with the old gritty industrial East End from the 1700’s, overcrowded slums, extreme levels of poverty, and riddled with crime, our first stop at Fournier Street, once home to booming silk and weaving industry, provides a window into the past with its row of beautiful houses dating back to 1720, they are the best-preserved collection of Georgian townhouses in the UK. Next, we step into the dark 1800’s with a visit to George Yard, a site linked to one of most infamous figures in criminal history and an unfortunate part of London’s historical fabric, Jack the Ripper. The haunting narrow passage in Whitechapel is where one of the victims’ bodies was discovered in 1888.

The Hertford Union Canal creates a pathway out of the busy city. Opened in 1830 and spanning just over a mile it was an essential part of East London’s industrial network. The canal is now a serene pathway to view vibrant street art, from large intricate murals to small spontaneous tags, perfect for a quick instagrammable photo! The canal leads us all the way to our next must-see location, and back into the 21st century, The incredible Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, built for the 2012 London Games, it has revitalised East London with green spaces, world-class sports venues, and iconic landmarks. This entire area has been completely transformed form an industrial wasteland into a thriving hub of culture, wildlife and recreation.

A short jog away, is Victoria Park, a 213-acre Royal Park renowned for its picturesque lakes, beautifully landscaped gardens, and ornate Victorian fountain. Known as the “People’s Park,” it serves as hub for festivals and community events amidst its lush greenery, making It the perfect spot to catch some fresh air.

No trip to East London is complete without some iconic street art, Banksy’s Yellow Lines, created in 2020, is a series of yellow markings that symbolise societal restrictions and boundaries. We continue the graffiti theme, with our next stop at some of the best spots for local and international street artists, the run-down Fleet Street Hill features bold murals and intricate tags that create a tunnel of immersive art with layers of neon hues flashing by as you move, making you feel like you’re racing through a living, breathing gallery!

The heart of East London, Brick Lane, is a diverse melting pot of vintage fashion boutiques, authentic curry houses it has become a mecca for artists, hippies, bohemians and yuppies. The smells of fresh-baked bagels and spicy curries are intoxicating, there is so much going on here that it’s the perfect opportunity to slow our pace and take everything in. Our last stop, Spitalfields Market, is a historic market established in the 17th century, it’s known for its eclectic mix of independent vendors offering everything from vintage clothing to unique crafts and a great spot to grab a post run bite to eat!

PICK-UP SERVICE

Pick-up service from your hotel/apartment or another meeting point is possible and will be checked by the tour provider individually. If your hotel/apartment should be too far away from the city centre or not close to the tour route, then we will meet you at our standard meeting point.

MEETING DETAILS

The tour provider will get in contact with you to provide you with more detailed information after the tour was booked. Please, bring along your mobile phone in case we need to contact each other.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• Private guide/tour
• Individual pace
• Digital photos
• Tour route
• Pick-up service
• Water