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
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.
18th April
Hammersmith radicals - a walk
Distance – 3.2 km/2 miles – 1½ hours
Exploring Hammersmith Riverside’s artistic and activist past, this walk covers a beautiful stretch of the Thames.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the riverside was home to many radicals who challenged the exploitation of the working classes and women through art, design and socialism.
You’ll see sites where William Morris and other creative men and women associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement lived and worked. You’ll hear about the birth of the private press movement.
25th April
31st May
War and Renewal on the Askew Road: a walk in Shepherd's Bush
Distance – 1.6km/1 mile – 1½ hours
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.
26th April
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 May
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.
Exploring the area’s architecture, you’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.
Reviews
EXCELLENT Based on 85 reviews Posted on Sara Thomas30/03/2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went on Iya’s guided walk: Designed to be forgotten: Women’s History Month around South Kensington. Iya gently shares her astounding levels of historical knowledge with compelling enthusiasm and ease. I felt included in her revelatory researcher curiosity and delight. Iya helped open up new layers of contextualised historical perspectives for us all that resulted in ripples of conversation across and between the group. Iya holds the group’s attention comfortably and paces the walk to meet everyone’s needs. This was an enlightening energising and utterly enjoyable experience. Thank you Iya.Posted on Fi OBrien08/12/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been on two of these walks in areas that I have lived in and know quite well but I have learnt so much. Joanna is a great guide and shares very interesting facts and figures along with entertaining stories about local London. Highly recommendedPosted on Cecilia Tacoli27/11/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So far we went on four walks with Joanna and each time we are amazed of how much more there is to discover in this area where we have lived for over three decades! Joanna is a formidable guide, extremely knowledgeable and also great fun. If you want to know more about the Bush do go on her walks!Posted on Alexander Garlitos05/11/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on the White City walk and came back knowing more about the area than in my 34 years living here! Joanna was a fountain of knowledge and very patient despite the classic rain - but I would highly recommend and would love to book another walk in soon.Posted on Katja K20/10/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lovely walk through White City, so much history. Guide (Joanna) is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I had a great time despite the rain ;-)Posted on kate rosin16/10/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Iya London Walking Tours highly enough! Joanna is incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating stories that make London’s history come alive. Her passion for history shines through every step, and she has that rare gift of making you see familiar streets in a completely new light. What I loved most was how personal and thoughtful the tour felt. It never felt rushed or generic. Joanna tailored the experience beautifully to our group’s interests and made sure everyone felt involved. I left feeling inspired and full of appreciation for the layers of history and culture that I’d usually just walk past. A truly fascinating and memorable experience. Thank you, Joanna!Posted on Summer Peet13/10/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joanna is an absolute fountain of knowledge and such a pleasure to learn from. Our walk through Kensington was perfectly paced and a wonderful way to be encouraged to look more closely at the buildings we pass by and through. I'm excited to attend more of her walks in the near future and would highly recommend to anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of London and the city's past.Posted on Anna Rosenkovitch23/07/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent tour of South Kensington. Really interesting and well presented.Posted on 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.Posted on 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.
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