Hidden gems await on TfL's series of free walks
Explore London on foot with one of Transport for London’s (TfL's) 40 free guided walks next month. Winter Wanders, on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 February, offers a variety of walks for people of all ages and abilities.Whether you enjoy learning about cinema, public art or the history of the LGBTQ+ community in London, or discovering some of the 200 open spaces in the Square Mile, there’s something for everyone. They include a specially curated #BehindEveryGreatCity walk, as part of Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s new campaign drive for gender equality across the capital. The Suffragette City walk provides an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Suffragettes’ fight for Votes for Women.
February’s walks include:
Saturday 3 February 2018
From Prejudice to Pride
This walk takes us through the heart of London’s modern LGBTQ+ community in Soho following the history, struggles and the challenges individuals have faced to have their gender identity recognised. You will take a look at some bohemian bars and meeting places from the 1930s and learn about the fight for equality.
The City Sculpture Trail – featuring a pony, a parachute and other peculiarities
This is a new walk for culture vultures and dragon spotters. Tour the acclaimed modern sculpture exhibition in the historic Square Mile where racehorses guard medieval churches, dragon wings rise from the pavement and volcanoes nestle beside shiny skyscrapers.
Family Favourites – the walk that's also a quiz
You’ll see the Tube station that Harry Potter and Mr Weasley use, and how it could have made Big Ben fall over, a location visited by Paddington Bear, and lots of stories for fans of Horrible Histories, such as why a king of England wore two shirts when he had his head cut off. Along the way there will be a quiz for the children on the walk and prizes!
Sunday 4 February
#BehindEveryGreatCity Suffragette City
Much of the Suffragettes’ fight for “Votes for Women” took place in central London. Discover where it all happened with a walk through some of Westminster’s side streets and meet the brave women who fought for the vote and the politicians who tried to stop them.
A Challenging Walk, the Greatest Rewards
If you're fit and truly want to be rid of the excesses of late December, this is walk for you. It's muddy, steep and strenuous – the pace will be brisk, and the rewards are outstanding. Climb through extensive and dense, 8,000-year-old woodland, discover London’s least known ancient monuments, and climb Shooters Hill where if the weather is clear, you can see out to the North Sea.
Cinema Walk – from Charlie Chaplin to Harry Potter
Find out what amazed Daniel Radcliffe during the making of a Harry Potter film; how Daniel Craig’s tie proved a problem during the making of Skyfall; how Michael Caine got his name from a cinema in Leicester Square and much more about the history of cinema and its famous names.
Each walk is led by an experienced Walk London guide and range from challenging treks to short strolls. To find out more about these popular walks and book your free place, visit: http://www.walklondon.org.uk/walks/
Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Our Winter Wanders are a great way to learn more about our capital and at the same time keep fit and healthy. This year’s walks cover a fascinating range of topics and I hope they inspire all Londoners to go and explore everything London has to offer.”
Lilli Matson, Director of Transport Strategy said: “Walking is great way to stay healthy, and discover London on foot for free. We are passionate about ensuring walking is an activity for all ages and abilities, and with 40 free guided walks there’s certainly something for everyone at this year’s Winter Wanders.”
The seven top walking routes in London cover long distances, but are designed to be completed in sections that are accessible by public transport. The routes are:
January 26, 2018