Day Tour: East End Uncovered, London
Once impoverished, dangerous & destroyed by the Blitz, London's East End has become a vibrant multicultural area of cutting-edge of cool. Check out the work of graffiti artist Banksy as you head off the tourist trail to see East London's hidden gems.
£26
Details of Urban Adventure in London: East End Uncovered
Our tour starts at Old Street tube station, which is on the border between the City, London's financial heart, and the creative hub of the capital, East London. You'll be able to see where Banksy made his name, and how he left his unique signature on the world famous Moorfields Eye Hospital. Nearby, we'll check out the place where Jamie Oliver set up his “social” restaurant, before wandering along tranquil Regent’s canal. Here are the studios where Hitchcock started off his career, as well as one of the nicest parks in East London.
Next, you'll get the chance to browse for a bargain in one of East London's celebrated markets, before stopping for a lunch of traditional pie & mash. You'll find out where (and how) Guy Fawkes' gunpowder plot was foiled, as well as spotting the gallery where Damien Hirst made his name, as well as paying a visit to one of the few Circus schools left in London, and casting your eyes at the wealth of contemporary street art.
We'll visit a church that has now been converted into a wonderful reclamation yard, and check out offices converted from old London Underground carriages, standing alongside the historic Spitalfields conservation area, which is lined with gracious Georgian Terraces, home to artists Tracey Emin and Gilbert & George - as well as wandering around the boutiques of Spitalfields market, passing the Ten Bells pub where several victims of the Ripper had their last drink.
Finally we'll enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of multicultural Brick Lane and see a Huguenot church that was once a Synagogue and is now, incredibly, a mosque! We'll walk past the celebrated curry houses of Banglatown, before finishing at the trendy Truman brewery where you can grab a lunch from many stalls and cafés or enjoy a meal with a difference on the old London 'Rootmaster' bus in the courtyard!
NB:
- The short walk along the Regent's canal is on a narrow towpath, there is a hazard of cyclists en route.
- The included pie and mash stop is not available on a Sunday, so your leader will choose an alternative stop.
What price includes
- English speaking expert guide
- Pie & Mash at F Cooke's (and maybe a few jellied eels!)
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Old Street Tube Station, in front of Martin's Newsagents shop.
London St Pancras International
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Take the Northern line tube from Kings Cross St Pancras to Old Street.
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Brick Lane
London St Pancras International
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
It is a short walk from Brick Lane to Liverpool Street for regular Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan line tubes to Kings Cross St Pancras. Alternatively Shoreditch High St and Aldgate East tube stations are also within walking distance.
