
Iya London
IYA London Walks
Iya London unearths and shares London’s overlooked stories, past and present, through guided walks, talks and research.
Iya London brings the joy of learning about London, while walking together in its streets, to new audiences.
upcoming schedule
Old Oak to White City: a history of 20th century public housing
Distance – 3.6 km/2.9 miles – 2¼ hours
Telling the story of public housing in London in the 20th century, this walk explores an extraordinary range of homes from cottage estates influenced by the garden city movement, to Peabody flats channelling Hampton Court, to a hexagonal modernist block inspired by the Giants’ Causeway.
5th April
4th May
21st June


Prince Albert's legacy - a walk through South Kensington
Distance – 1.6km/1 mile – 1½ hours
Discover how Prince Albert instigated the development of London’s first district dedicated to arts and science.
By exploring the area’s architecture, we’ll decode the symbols which asserted the dominance of Western ideas and technology, as well as the power of monarchy and empire.
You’ll also hear about a dramatic act of anti-imperial resistance that took place in the heart of South Kensington.
6th April
10th May
22nd June

A Walk Exploring White City's Hidden History
Distance – 2.9km/1.8 miles – 2 hours
Learn how Imre Kiralfy, a Hungarian impresario, created a 140-acre pleasure ground for exhibitions, entertainment and the 1908 Olympics. Its name was the Great White City.
We’ll also explore the UK’s first public Japanese garden, the memorial to the Olympics and visit Television Centre with its iconic architecture.
11th May

War on the Askew Road: a walk
Distance – 1.6km/1 mile – 1½ hours
As we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, this walk explores the impact of two world wars on Askew Village.
You’ll see the remarkable interior of St. Bobola, a Polish church containing stained glass and other memorials to the Polish armed forces who fought alongside the Allies during World War II.
You’ll also see Greenside School, one of only two primary schools in the UK designed by the famous modernist architect Erno Goldfinger.
Reviews
EXCELLENT Based on 68 reviews Joss02/02/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've done 3 walks - so far - with Joanna. Such interesting, unusual themes. Joanna digs deep into local history (it's clearly original research), but links to the bigger picture. All three groups have been a pleasure to be with. Grace Spicer05/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a Londoner of decades standing, I thought I knew everything about the Exhibition Road. I didn’t. Monarchy and Empire was a fascinating walk which introduced me to key players I’d never heard of and buildings and memorials I’d never noticed. Jo is an informed and approachable walk leader. Highly recommended. Clare Tollemache02/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joanna has a very extensive knowledge of all the areas in London that she does her guided walks (I've now been on 2 of her walks) and the hour and a half flies by in a flash. Highly recommended. Robbin Pierce05/12/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Iya London Walks, the perfect outing to combine walking, quirky historical soundbites and share the experience with others. Joanna is a great guide and she showcases wonderful West London & Shepherd's Bush, my community so I find it super interesting. Yasmin Shariff24/11/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The tour was very well organised. Having such a well informed guide who has consulted deep into the archives made the tour informative and meaningful. The experience opened a window into the social history of Londoners and Empire that I was totally unaware of. Everything about the tour was well balanced -the length, loo break, the amount of information and number of people. I enthusiastically recommend iyalondonwalk -the walks are a very special experience and I will be booking more. Tony Beck20/11/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was such an interesting tour, perfect way to understand the history of South Kensington and the Great Exhibition. Guide was super knowledgeable and able to answer all of our questions, and we saw some fascinating sights that we would never have come across unless with a guided tour of this kind. Thoroughly recommended. Alexandria Animba19/11/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Informative and extremely interesting. Joanna is an excellent host, and is able to express her extensive knowledge of London history so well and effectively to a group. I can't wait for the next one. Malcolm Austin17/11/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joanna's walks are always interesting and entertaining. Margie Buchanan-Smith15/11/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an interesting and informative walking tour of South Kensington, to learn about the stories and history behind the building. I learned so much, yet pleasantly relaxed and informative. I would thoroughly recommend it. Thank-you, Joanna!
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