
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.
16th November


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.
11th October

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.
19th October

War and Renewal on the Askew Road: a walk in Shepherd's Bush
Distance – 1.6km/1 mile – 1½ hours
As we mark the end of World War II, this walk explores the impact of two world wars on Askew Village in Shepherd’s Bush.
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 78 reviews Anna Rosenkovitch23/07/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent tour of South Kensington. Really interesting and well presented. Louise Harris24/06/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jo took us on a beautiful walk and we were given the opportunity to discover a new perspective of a familiar environment. Our party included a History student, an architect nut and two artists and we all discoved new information about the area. The presentation was incredibly well researched and the delivery was engaging. We will definitely sign up for another when we are in town. Janet Matthew10/06/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am impressed with the walks organised by Joanna from Iya London. She is a friendly, helpful and knowledgeable guide and is always willing to answer your questions about the areas she covers. It is great to be part of her walks as the groups are not too large and you get to meet some lovely people. I'm looking forward to my next walk. Thanks Joanna. Nick Montagu14/05/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The tour of South Kensington, with the common thread of Prince Albert's legacy, was interesting and informative. Joanna is an erudite and infinitely well-informed guide with the ability to share her knowledge clearly and informally. The walk brought a new understanding of this particular part of London even to those already familiar with the area, and a real coherence to the buildings and memorials visited. Definitely a five-star experience. Hetan Shah12/05/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've done three of these guided walks and they are excellent. Joanna really gets under the skin of the local history. She has a very wide range of interests - from local communities to housing and much more. Very enjoyable and well worth coming. Augustin Venero05/04/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The walk was brilliant. Joanna is charming and very knowledgeable. I got to learn a lot about my neighbourhood which is great and exactly what I was hoping for. A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Will do more of these walks. Margaret Hancock24/03/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joanna was an excellent guide who gave us a real insight into the past, present and (planned) future of White City. She was well prepared with maps and illustrations. A friendly, knowledgeable guide who maintained her enthusiasm and kept us entertained while sheltering for a sudden, (short) thunderstorm to pass! Joel Ho16/03/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Informative and interesting walks! Her walks (I've been to three) are very well researched each time I leave learning something new. Nazneen Kanji15/03/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoyed the walk for Women’s History Month in North Kensington led by Joana. It was so informative and uplifting! I’ve only been on one other walk with Joana around Askew Road where I’ve lived for decades. I thoroughly enjoyed that one too and learnt a lot of new things about this area. I look forward to many more walks! Valerie Wizard15/03/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have a habit of isolating myself and these walks have inspired me to get out of my house and meet other people. As long as I am free I will definitely continue to participate in these walks. Joanna our Tour Guide is fantastic to be around. She is fun friendly and brings loads of enthusiasm along on her guided walks. Bravo Iya London for organising these events. Valerie Wizard
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