The Story of London festival celebrates the city’s past, present and future.
The Festival, which will be held across June, features hundreds of events across London, so wherever you are in the capital, you’ll find an event near you.
The Story of London festival has been organised around four ‘big weekends’ each of which is based upon a particular theme.
The festival kicks off with a Walking Weekend where you can step outside and discover the secret histories of the streets of London. There’ll be guided walks on everything from history to architecture, medicine, literature and even fashion.
London is the world’s most dynamic city, abundant in history, hidden gems and stunning architecture – a metropolis brimming with stories to tell.
The coveted Blue Badge Tourist Guides, Gold Award winner London Walks, and many more organisations have come together to host a collection of over 150 walks, themed on everything from history to architecture, medicine to literature, and theatre to fashion. Some walks are also available in Polish, Russian and Japanese.
Experience 2,000 years of history, from the Romans to Rock ‘n’ roll, in two hours or be inspired by the stunning 21st century architecture of Canary Wharf. Take a stroll in the sun around the award-winning historic gardens of the City’s livery companies or a short, easy, walk along the Regent’s Canal.
London is a great city to discover on foot and early summer is the perfect time to do it so why not step out onto the streets and experience the Story of London…
Some of the walking events
Walking West London’s waterways
The Grand Union Canal, UB1 3EU (see venue details)
Walk with ‘Isambard Kingdom Brunel’ as he explains the engineering feat that is Three Bridges – where canal crossed rail and is crossed by road. Ealing Countryside Rangers will be stepping out on the wilder side of life with walks that highlight the wildlife haven provided by the waterways and the areas that surround them. Hounslow Heritage Guides will be stepping back in time to lead groups around the Hanwell Flight – an ancient scheduled monument – and the impressive architecture of St. Bernard’s’ Hospital. If all that sounds too much for you British Waterways London will be laying on boat trips around the site. So if all that walking doesn’t sound like the way forward you can sit back, relax and watch the scenic sites slip by as you celebrate the Story of London.
The Phoenix: The Great Fire of 1666 and the Rebuilding of London
Meet by the Fish Street Hill exit of Monument Station, EC4R 9AA
Leo Hollis follows the trail of the Great Fire of London from its origins in Pudding Lane to St Paul’s Cathedral, exploring what everyday life was like in restoration London along the way. He will also tell the story of the men who recreated London out of the ashes of the Great Fire including architect Sir Christopher Wren, scientist Robert Hooke, Charles II and more.