How long is the Tale of Two Slums walk?

The walk lasts approximately 90 minutes, covering about 0.16 miles at a leisurely pace.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Tottenham Court Road Station and finishes at Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden.

Is the walk suitable for people with mobility issues?

The route is mostly flat but includes cobblestones, so it may be challenging for some; please contact the company if you have concerns.

Do we enter any buildings during the walk?

No, the tour is entirely outdoors with stops outside historic sites.

Can I take photos during the walk?

Yes, photography is encouraged but please remain mindful of other participants and local businesses.

What should I bring on this walking tour?

Wear comfortable shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a bottle of water.

Historic St Giles Walk with London Guided Walks

In the heart of London’s Bloomsbury district lies a walk that peels back centuries to reveal the gritty past of St Giles and Seven Dials, once notorious slum neighborhoods. London Guided Walks invites adventurers to step into this living history on the “Tale of Two Slums in St Giles Walk,” a 90-minute guided tour with Sylvia, whose storytelling breathes life into the shadowy alleys and cobbled streets where Victorian London’s poorest and most resilient lived.

Starting at Oxford Street in London WC1A 1DG, the route threads through sites that chart a drastic urban transformation. Participants encounter the layered histories embedded in St Giles in the Fields Church and the distinctive Resurrection Gate—symbols of eras ranging from medieval times to Victorian hardship. As you traverse Betterton Street, once part of the notorious Rookery slum, Sylvia highlights how overcrowding, disease, and lawlessness shaped the lives of immigrants and working-class Londoners. The walk’s narrative sharpens around extraordinary women, especially those who ran the Endell Street Military Hospital, a pioneering all-female institution during World War I.

Seven Dials emerges as a study in urban reinvention—from squalor and crime to a buzzing cultural hub laced with boutiques, markets, and eateries. Ending in the colorful Neal’s Yard, the tour invites reflection on both the stark struggles of the past and the vibrancy of today’s London.

London Guided Walks stands out in the city’s outdoor recreation scene by offering a deeply immersive and educational urban adventure that balances historical depth with walking ease. Their focus on lesser-known stories, including the lives of ordinary Londoners and remarkable women, offers fresh perspectives on the city’s evolution. The walk’s intimate size and expert guide ensure you’ll move at a comfortable pace, making it accessible and enriching for locals and visitors alike. More than a stroll, it’s a chance to uncover London’s layered identity through its streets and stories.