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.
8th February
9th March
5th April
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.
9th February
8th March
6th April
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.
16th March
War on the Askew Road: a walk
Distance – 1.6km/1 mile – 1½ hours
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.
23rd February
Reviews
EXCELLENT Based on 52 reviews Camilla Croso30/06/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The White City walk with Joanna was fascinating. We were able to learn so much about how past and present are inscribed in the area, with its current developments and the ones that passed. Joanna's deep knowledge, wonderful sense of humour and a relaxed atmosphere, really made it a memorable experience. I look forward to more! Mat Griff1221/06/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoyed how informative and detailed the Guided walk was. It was a fascinating area with lots of history that I didn't know of or hadn't noticed before taking the guided Iya London Walk. Thank you and I look forward to joining another walk. Angela Tippett19/06/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another wonderful walk and talk with Joanna on Sunday from the Exhibition Road festival.. making sense of The Kensington institutions .. Imperial College.. Empire .. The Great Exhibition and so much more. A great introduction and insight . Thank you Joanna Lauren Willmot18/06/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joanna is a fountain of knowledge and loves nothing more than to share it with those around her. This was a 45 minute free walking tour around South Kensington for the Great Exhibition Road Festival. We learned about the history and politics behind the development of this art and science district. This was the first walk I’ve had the privilege of joining, the first of many to come I’m sure! Highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about this great city Liz Williams06/06/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. incredibly informative walking tour! I'd highly recommend Joanna as a tour guide. She brought a wealth of knowledge about West Kensington and the Gibbs Green Estate Community. Joanna expertly balances visual aids, historical context, and the ongoing socio-economic politics of an area. Would recommend for anyone interested in learning more about their area or London in general in a fun, accessible walking tour. Our group was buzzing and left very energised about community involvement. Ruba Sivagnanam06/06/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. IYA London walks are intellectually and culturally informative and stimulating. Joanna combines local knowledge with robust research to create walks which are more than sightseeing; they provide historical social, political and cultural background to modern developments and activities on your own London doorstep. A revelation . Iya London walks are a must for Londoners and visitors alike , you will learn so much whilst doing those steps! Thank you. Ruba Noushin Pasgar04/06/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was part of a great walk with Joanna on 1st June 2024. It was a very good experience to learn about the area I have lived in for a very long time. Joanna is very understanding in terms of walking at a decent pace considering those with disabilities. Joanna is very knowledgeable of the area in which we walked around, having images of how streets and areas use to look a long time ago. Definitely recommend joining one of Joanna’s walk you will have a great time, learning lots and meet new people in a very welcoming environment. Thank you Joanna for a wonderful experience. Eurydice Caldwell03/06/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. IyaLondon walks have opened my eyes and given me insights about the areas we have walked in. The story telling is engaging and accessible. Joanna is friendly and inclusive. Her walks have really shown me the history on which these areas have evolved from and where they are now. These walks supported my physical, and mental wellbeing, where I met new people and felt a real sense of connection. No question was too silly to ask, with enough time to share. Brilliant MJ H28/05/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended an IYA London Guided Walk of Earl's Court last week and had a great experience. Joanna is extremely knowledgeable and personable. I learned so much about the area and am very keen to get on another walking tour ASAP! Martin Smith26/05/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really lovely walk with Jo Oyediran. Well planned and fascinating. Loads of things we didn’t know and Jo’s research is so thorough that she was able to give detailed answers to all the extra questions asked by the group. Impressive. Excellent experience.