Islington Guided Walks

06/09/2026

Angel Canal Festival 2026

27/08/2026

Ever wondered what it's like to train to become a Clerkenwell & Islington guide? Our friends at Islington Council's Islington Life magazine spoke to guide Andy Taylor about his experience taking the course and what he's doing now.

Have a read and if you're inspired come along to our 'Meet the Guides' session on Wednesday 9 September to find out more (link in comments).

Fancy training to become a tour guide in your local area?

13/06/2026

Did you see our guide Rob Smith on Who Do You Think You Are - Joe Swash episode this week? Rob is on for a few minutes from 10 minutes 25 seconds talking about Little Italy. It's really worth watching the whole episode.

Joe Swash goes in search of his Italian roots. Along the way, he finds stories of murder, banditry, an inspiring political activist and a family bar in southern Italy.

21/04/2026

Have you been on our tour inside Union Chapel yet?

14/04/2026

Out friends at Union Chapel are looking for volunteer storytellers to share fascinating stories from over 200 years of music at Union Chapel to rapt audiences ahead of our live shows. From the rare 19th Century Henry 'Father' Willis organ, choirs and community singing throughout the ages, to huge name stars that have taken over the stage and filled the unique space to help make Union Chapel a world renowned and beloved venue.

Learn the skills to inspire live show audiences in a new series of pre-gig talks. Work with professionals to develop and share stories of the music, people, and legacy from 200+ years of heritage to modern day stars.

No experience needed. Training provided. Applicants must be aged 18 or over. The application deadline is 22 April.

You can find out more and apply here

https://unionchapel.org.uk/projects/news-views/volunteer-storytellers-apply-now-to-tell-musical-tales-from-our-archive

12/01/2026

🔴 St Mary’s Church & Tower 🔴

Did you know St Mary’s on Upper Street has been a place of worship for nearly 1,000 years? The elegant 18th-century tower and spire survived a direct hit during the Blitz, even when the rest of the church was destroyed.

On this guided tour with Islington Guided Walks, step inside the church, uncover its remarkable story of loss and rebuilding, and climb the tower for panoramic views across Islington and central London.

🎟️ Tickets available now – book via the link in bio
Part of our Islington Landmarks Walks series.

08/01/2026

We were delighted to welcome our new cohort of students to Islington Town Hall last night for the first class of this year’s Clerkenwell and Islington guiding course.

You can look forward to seeing them leading tours of their ow later in the year!

08/01/2026

🔴 Did you know… during the Second World War, Thornhill Square in Islington was home to a barrage balloon, part of London’s air-defence network designed to deter low-flying enemy aircraft.

🔴 Many of these balloons were operated by women from the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). By 1942, women made up the majority of balloon crews, carrying out physically demanding and highly skilled work right in the heart of residential London.

🔴 Laid out in the mid-19th century, Thornhill Square was built as an elegant Victorian garden square and has long attracted writers, reformers and creatives.

🔴 Today, this peaceful green space hides extraordinary wartime and social history — a reminder that Islington’s streets played a vital role on the home front.

🎟️ Discover stories like this on our Islington Landmarks Walks with Islington Guided Walks - link in bio.

07/01/2026

🔴 Canonbury Tower 🔴

One of Islington’s oldest surviving buildings, Canonbury Tower dates back to the early 16th century and once formed part of a grand Tudor manor. Hidden among quiet residential streets, it has hosted figures including Thomas Cromwell and Francis Bacon.

Today, the tower stands as a rare Tudor survivor, offering a fascinating glimpse into centuries of political, intellectual and everyday life in Islington.

🔴 Canonbury Tower tours now run twice a month — tickets available via the link in bio.
Part of our Islington Landmarks Walks series.

07/01/2026

First Islington Tour of the year done!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today for a visit to the incredible Union Chapel — especially on such a very cold day ❄️

Thank you to the team for keeping this remarkable place alive as a working church, music venue and homelessness project, and to our brilliant guests for braving the cold and bringing such great energy.

More Islington Landmarks Walks coming soon 👀
🎟️ Link in bio