For a London that feels more like home to a Londoner than the pomp and grandeur of Westminster, head to Spitalfields for a small-group experience like no other.
Historically much poorer than its cousin to the west, it has in more recent times found its fortune in skyscrapers and creatives- a true rags to riches tale.
The stories heard here are not of kings and politicians but of the real people who made this area- cockneys and costermongers, brave Blitz-era civilians and Eastern European Jewish settlers, Bengali Muslims and fleeing French Protestants, artists, fashionistas, trendsetters, foodies, radicals, 1950s gangs, Victorian murderers, workhouse paupers and everybody in between.
You’ll duck into the backstreets to discover hipster markets and Beigel shops, old breweries, a religious building that tells of centuries of immigration, 18th century weaver houses, old taverns, unbelievable street art from Banksy to Stik, global cuisine and a very different side to our fair city.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ English Speaking local expert guide
✔ Private guided walk of the East End including Brick Lane and Spitalfields.
✖ Gratuities
✖ Food & drink
✖ Hotel pick-up & drop-off
✖ Any entrance costs
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Aldgate East Tube Station - Exit Three is signposted as the ‘Whitechapel Gallery’ within the station. Just follow these signs inside Aldgate East station, and you will come out at exit three of Aldgate East station and onto Whitechapel High Street.
Itinerary
1
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid
This building is truly the story of the waves of immigrants who came and settled in this area over hundreds of years as a Christian church, a Jewish synagogue and now Mosque to the local Bengali community.
Visiting outside
Duration: 5 minutes
2
Brick Lane
From curry mile to the hipster record and vintage stores that line this historic street, you will discover an area alive with street art, great food and stories beyond measure.
Visiting outside
Duration: 20 minutes
3
A jolly good British boozer that used to carry the name of an infamous serial who became indelibly linked with its history- Jack the Ripper. Hear about the terrible crimes he committed in this area.
Visiting inside
Duration: 25 minutes
4
Spitalfields Market E1
The Old ‘Worst Street in London’
Rife with poverty, this street once housed the local rookery or slum- take an uncomfortable journey back in time to a Spitalfields a world away from what it is now.
Visiting outside
Duration: 5 minutes
5
Old Spitalfields Market
Starting life as a flesh, fowl and roots market in 1638, licensed by King Charles I, you are more likely to find cool clothing and hand painted crafts in this market today alongside an air richly scented with the wonderful street food vendors that trade here.
Visiting Inside
Duration: 10 minutes
6
The Old Truman Brewery
We have always liked beer here in London, that’s no secret. Find out the history of an iconic London brewery here followed by a little crash-course in the tastes of Shoreditch for your evening ahead.
Visiting Outside
Duration: 15 minutes
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
