Private Tour
A Ball of Chalk - Guided Private East End Walk
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
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
What To Expect
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
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
Options
A Ball of Chalk - Guided Private East End Walk
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic!
Marina D,
Aug 1, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic guide, fantastic place. Frances told us an array of stories about the history and soul of the area. He’s very knowledgeable and has lots of personal experiences in the area that helped illustrate its character. Will come back for more!
Great walking tour!
Cardunson,
Jul 1, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was so great!! And Francis was wonderful and so nice. Very knowledgeable and helpful. We loved it!!
Good Pace and Interesting
Catherine Z,
Mar 27, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed this East End walk. Francis was knowledgeable about the area both past and present and had some really interesting stories to tell. Good pace so that it didn't feel rushed and was a really pleasant way to spend a couple of hours
Perfect afternoon experience!
Julia S,
Jul 21, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this tour. My husband and I had a great time on the tour. I've been on lots of tours, both walking and bus tours, and Francis was the best guide I've ever had. He was patient and a gentleman in every way. He was also the most knowledgeable guide I've ever seen.
Excellent
RufusZach,
Jul 9, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent guided walking tour of the East End of London. Our guide was Francis who was very informative and made the event fun and entertaining as well as educational. A great way to spend an afternoon. I would highly recommend it.
Amazing East End Tour!
638marlenak,
Jun 14, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shabby obviously loves the job she is doing and London! She is a fountain of knowledge and conveys a lot of historical detail in a very enjoyable way. She has a great sense of humor and could answer any and all questions.
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