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Art and culture activities in London

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

Discover unique experiences hosted by inspiring locals.

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4.99 out of 5 average rating, 769 reviews

Explore London's History with an Archaeologist

Discover the entire history of this incredible city from its roots as the Roman settlement of Londinium, through the tumultuous medieval period, and up to the modern day. You’ll visit major landmarks such as Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, as well as less famous sites and hidden gems usually unknown to tourists. See the Roman wall, the location of a temple where Roman soldiers worshiped before battle, amazing churches, cathedrals, and much more! All guided by a professional archaeologist with a decade of experience working on excavations across the globe. Not only will you learn about these remarkable pieces of history, you will leave with an understanding of why they are so important and how they shaped London of today.

5 out of 5 average rating, 8 reviews

Keats-inspired Hampstead Heath tour and poetry workshop

Discover London’s scenic Hampstead Heath through the poems and life of John Keats, a poet I’ve dedicated much of my career to exploring. • We’ll start at Keats’ house and walk around his gardens, which are beautifully preserved by the Keats Society. • Next, we’ll venture out onto the Heath, the patch of nature that inspired not only Keats but also T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, Francis Bacon, and many other writers and artists. • Finally, we’ll end up at one of Keats’ old haunts: The Flask, a picturesque 1663 pub with a history full of highwaymen, strange initiation rites, and ghosts—in other words, the perfect setting for a poetry workshop. I’ll help you write a poem of your own, inspired by the beauty of the Heath. You’ll leave with your own poetry as well as a zine created to remember your time in Hampstead Heath.

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City History Mystery Tour, a guest-curated walk

Discover the City of London with me, your expert Green Badge Tourist Guide, on a spontaneous immersive journey where no two walking tours are ever the same. You'll uncover some of the Square Mile’s rich tapestry of ancient landmarks, modern skyscrapers, and hidden gems, all tailored to the historical themes that interest you most. • I’ll welcome you and invite you to choose themes from several subjects including Roman London, Shakespeare, the Great Fire, Wren churches, the history of finance in the City, modern architecture, hidden gardens and more. Based on your selections, I’ll craft a spontaneous route on the spot! • I’ll show you secret alleyways, courtyards and medieval churches; sites damaged during the Blitz and the City’s wartime resilience; the Thames and its bridges; or Roman ruins and the origins of Londinium. • As we walk, you can ask me questions about any elements of history you’re curious about. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveller, or a local looking to see the City with fresh eyes, I’ll guide you on an unforgettable journey through London’s streets—revealing the City’s secrets, one step at a time.

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Explore Hampstead like a local

Embark on an enchanting journey through Hampstead, where history and culture seamlessly intertwine, and every corner reveals a new story. • First, we’ll take in architectural gems like the elegant Hampstead Parish Church of St John’s, which dates back to 1747. • Next, we’ll stroll past the ‘best pre-war house in England,’ and then visit Judge’s Walk and see the very view that inspired painter John Constable. • We’ll venture over to the Hampstead Scientific Society Observatory, where public stargazing has been a cherished tradition since 1898. • We’ll finish at an iconic local pub, frequented by many famous figures over the years, like John Keats, George Orwell, and HG Wells. You’ll walk away with an insider’s view of the rich history hidden in the streets of Hampstead.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Monumental London and World War II

Rediscover the extraordinary story of wartime London with me, Dr Tessa Dunlop. Having written several books and history documentaries, this is my first season of hosting tours and I can't wait to share with you all I know about London, war and royalty. On this walking tour of World War II landmarks and memorials, there will be plenty exclusive first-hand stories behind the world's most outstanding monuments to war. • Starting near London's commemorative altar - Hyde Park Corner - I’ll guide you around the city’s most iconic statues and explain how two world wars pushed Britain into a new space and demanded a capital rethink on how to honour the fallen. • From the Bomber Command Memorial to the Cenotaph via mighty Winston Churchill, you’ll learn how political personalities and royalty shaped London's wartime identity and changed ideas of Britishness forever. • During the tour, we’ll pause for photo opportunities and questions. Invariably sights and stories pique interest and there will be plenty of opportunity purse individual quests for further information. By the end of our walk, you’ll have more personal understanding of wartime Britain and a connection to the heroic lives that the memorials and statues represent. For a long view of British history the tour will take in both Wellington's Arch and Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.

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Discover Jane Austen’s London with a historic walking tour

Have you fallen in love with Jane Austen novels like "Pride and Prejudice", "Emma", and "Persuasion"? So have I. On this walking tour, I’ll use Jane’s letters and novels to bring the author’s London to life, uncovering the stories behind every stop. • We’ll start at the site of the hotel where Jane stayed with her family in the late 18th century. • We’ll journey past the gardens, theatres and assembly rooms that Jane visited. Some were prime spots on the “marriage market.” • On our walk through Mayfair, St. James’s and Covent Garden, we’ll learn about her publishing journey from start to finish, including taking in the home of the Prince Regent, with whom Jane had an intriguing relationship. You’ll come away with a richer understanding of Regency society, its allure, and its vices—all seen through Jane’s eyes. Plus, you'll take away a mini guide to Jane's London to remember her experiences by. The next time you read her novels, you’ll be able to picture some of the places she writes about!

5 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

Draw landscapes like an artist at The National Gallery

Join me, an artist and former instructor at the Royal Drawing School, for an immersive drawing experience at the National Gallery that will deepen your appreciation for British landscape art. • We’ll start with a few warm-up exercises to loosen up, tap into your creative side, and connect with your personal style. • Then, we’ll take in iconic works by artists like Turner and Constable, taking in their use of light, color, and technique. • Finally, with newfound inspiration, you’ll choose a work of art in the gallery to engage with and make your own, putting our earlier lessons into practice. You'll leave with a sketchbook filled with new techniques and a deeper connection to the gallery’s masterpieces and to your artist within.

5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Explore Hackney with an artist

Get to know Hackney the local way! • To begin with we will step into my world as a painter, for a hands-on colour and paint-making session in my studio, located in a lively artist-filled building in Hackney. • We’ll explore pigments, experiment with mixing paint from scratch, and play with how colours interact. No experience is needed—just a chance to have fun and create! You’ll even take home a small painting as a keepsake of the day. • Then, we’ll visit neighbourhood hidden treasures beloved by locals. We'll stop by a record shop , the best coffee in the area, an independent store brimming with items - each with its own charm. There will also be some unexpected animal and nature encounters sprinkled along the way.

5 out of 5 average rating, 5 reviews

Hunting for vintage treasures in Portobello Market

We’ll explore one of London’s best vintage markets in the heart of Notting Hill – where I’ll use my years of experience as a vintage shop owner and buyer to help you score top finds. • As we stroll through the historic market, I’ll walk you through the different eras of vintage clothing you'll find here, sharing insights about styles and trends that defined each period. • I’ll introduce you to some of my favourite stalls, where you can find hidden gems and timeless pieces. With my tips on pricing and negotiation, you’ll be well equipped to snag unbeatable deals. • To wrap up our adventure, I’ll take you to one of the best food markets in the city, where you can enjoy a delicious bite after all the walking and perusing. As a little extra, I’ll leave you with my recommendations for my go-to vintage shops across the city, and tricks for buying online so you can keep the treasure hunt going. Plus, everyone gets a free gift!

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Karl Marx’s London: guided walking tour with a historian

Take a tour through the streets of Soho, the bustling central London district which in the 1850s was home to thousands of radical political exiles - including the young German philosopher Karl Marx. Guided by Dr Thomas Jones, an expert and scholar in refugee history, you’ll see the sites that shaped the lives of Marx and his growing family as they struggled to establish themselves in an unfamiliar country where they would spend the rest of their lives. We’ll assemble in Leicester Square, where in 1849 the Marxes joined hundreds of refugees escaping the collapse of Europe’s 1848 revolutions and found shelter at the nearby German Hotel. We’ll go on to visit the Marx residences at Dean Street, where they contended with poverty and disease as they navigated the perils of life in mid-Victorian London. We’ll see the headquarters the Communist League and the International Working Men’s Association, radical societies that Marx joined and for which he produced some of his most famous writing, including the Communist Manifesto. Along Soho’s winding streets, we’ll see the pubs and café’s where Marx’s fellow exiles gathered and made their plans to reignite revolution in Europe. As we stroll, Dr Jones will explain the details Marx’s life in exile, the impact of his time in exile on his ideas, and why London – and Britain- was the asylum of choice for refugees trying to change the world.

Top-rated art and culture activities

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4.91 out of 5 average rating, 4292 reviews

See 30+ Top London Sights. Fun Guide!

See 30+ London Sights in one tour! Fun local guide. The highest-rated Experience on Airbnb !!! We will guide you on an exploration of London’s major landmarks. This will give you a good idea of the history, culture & legends of Europe’s best-loved city. We will head through Green Park to Buckingham Palace, where we'll watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony (Sun / Mon / Wed / Fri only) After witnessing this traditional ritual, we'll head to Westminster. Sights we'll see along the way include Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, Horse Guard Parade, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Our last stop in Westminster before heading underground on the tube is the start of Westminster Bridge where we will be able to see the Eye and other sights. Then we'll go to the London Bridge area, we'll see Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, The Clink Prison, London Bridge, The old warehouse district, Borough Market, The Shard, views of the Square Mile, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Plus a few Harry Potter filming locations... Other things to note. ** There are multiple co-hosts running the tours and we are all amazing. You may not get Geoff.

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 2748 reviews

London's Amazing Palaces & Parliament

We will see 20+ of London's most iconic sights in a 3 hour walking tour This part of London is a must see for all visitors to London. We will head through Green Park to Buckingham Palace, where we'll watch the world famous Changing of the Guard ceremony (Sun / Mon / Wed / Fri only) We will walk down The Mall, the red colored road that is adorned by two Royal Parks & two Royal Palaces Then we will head Parliament Square to see Big Ben & Westminster Abbey. Sights we will see along the way include Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column, Horse Guards, Downing Street, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey & the Houses of Parliament. I will guide you on an exploration of one of London's most loved areas : Westminster It is the oldest part of London with buildings that are 1000 years old. Early Kings and Queens lived, got married and were buried in this part of London There are Palaces and Parks galore here. This area houses the UKs famous democratic institution, the Houses of Parliament (Westminster Palace) We will walk around this area and tell you the history, the fun facts and figures and also how the UK evolved from Roman to Medieval times to the modern day London Other things to note The afternoon tour : no changing of the guard. **Small group tour. We avoid crowded places as much as possible**

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 640 reviews

Soulful Travel Memories - Multilocation London Photoshoot

Insta: soulful_travel_memories Please note that this tour is between 60 and 90 minutes long Solo: 60 minutes Couples and Families: 90 minutes Locations available: -Big Ben, Red Phone Booth, Parliament, London Eye and Westminster Abbey -Tower Bridge, Tower of London and Borough Market -St. Paul's Cathedral & St Dunstan in the East -Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market -Camden Market -Picadilly Circus, Soho, Chinatown & Covent Garden -Kensington & Chelsea -Pergola Gardens & Hampstead Heath Whether you are travelling solo, with your significant other, or with friends/family, it is always hard to get a great photo of you all to truly capture the environment! Don't leave it up to a stranger on the street, let me show you some of my favourite spots around London and you'll get a bunch of epic shots to take as your souvenir. Perfect for: - Solo travelers - Couples photoshoot - Surprise marriage proposals - Family - Wedding elopements This tour will show you some well-known spots plus some hidden gems around London whilst I snap some candid and posed photos of you along the way. You will get up to 15-20 high-resolution, social media-ready, light edited photos. Keep in mind that my style is to keep it as natural as possible so no heavy retouching included. If you wish to have a private tour or are travelling in a larger group, please contact me to arrange a custom booking.

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 2591 reviews

London's Amazing Harry Potter Walking Tour; Kids Freeee

Kids under 13 go FREEEEE (Just book yourselves in and tell us how many kids you have with you) This walking tour of London unfurls the movie set locations of the world's most famous Wizard (you know who he is!) Great day out for the family. You will see over 10 movie set locations and several locations that inspired JK Rowling. We will visit actual filming locations in London! The tour starts at King Cross Train station : for a special photo stop at the real location for platform 9 3/4. (Not the Shop) We then head to Leicester square area to see some of the film locations & visit the best Harry Potter Shop. When in the shop The House of Spells, feel free to use our discount code "HP934" when buying all your Harry Potter Goodies. After visiting this incredible area we head to London Bridge where we see more film locations. These include the Millennium (aka Wobbly) Bridge and the Leaky Cauldron. In addition to the film locations, we will see sights and buildings that inspired JK Rowling when she was writing each of the books. This is a great tour for families & die-hard fans of Harry Potter **Please note: there will not be more than 10 adults per group*** Other things to note ***THIS TOUR IS IN ENGLISH. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND ENGLISH: PLEASE DO NOT BOOK 3-hour walking tour. Please bring an Oyster with at least £7 or a Travelcard/ Contactless Payment card.

5 out of 5 average rating, 690 reviews

Obi's African & Caribbean Food Tour in Brixton Market

Welcome and thank you for viewing my page. We are the only food tour on Airbnb with a 5 star rating from 100% of attendee :) If you have 4+ people in your group, then send me a message for our special group rate. Please send a message if your desired date/ time is unavailable. For more pictures and videos follow us on IG @gorgeoustoursuk Join us as we embark on a journey through Brixton, uncovering hidden gems and indulging in delicious African and Caribbean cuisine. Historical Landmarks: Visit iconic sites that hold cultural significance, delving into the history of Brixton. Brixton's Art Scene: Explore the vibrant street art scene, discovering captivating artworks that showcase the area's heritage. Brixton Market: Step into Brixton Market, a bustling hub where cultures collide and flavours intertwine. Explore the vibrant stalls and immerse yourself in the multi-cultural atmosphere. Indigenous Flavours: Discover new African and Caribbean foods, fruits, and spices, expanding your palate. Local Eateries: The highlight of our tour will be visiting 5/6 exceptional local eateries that specialise in African and Caribbean cuisine. Prepare to be tantalised as we sample an array of mouthwatering dishes and delectable desserts, each bursting with authentic flavours and aromas. Suitable for vegetarians, gluten, dairy free and halal.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 690 reviews

The Cloak & Dagger Tour, Horrifying History brought to life

The Horrors of History brought to life...literally! A Walking tour like no other! Combining history tour, theatre and immersive experience. London's best and multi award winning tour takes you on a journey through the Horror, and gruesome history of London's darker past, Bringing it to life! Travel and experience fascinating and gruesome reality of London's horrible history: crime, poverty, disease, war, rebellion, executions and torture! See it brought to life, as you MEET the People from the history you explore, face to face! Starting at the historic "The George Inn", our guide, will take you and your fellow travellers on a through the darker, untold side of History, that will horrify you, till the end of your days! This will be a gruesome, horrible, disgusting experience. ADULT CONTENT! Be prepared! 14+ is the age rating for this experience. Wear clothing appropriate to the weather.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 852 reviews

Discover Non-touristy & Secret London with a City Planner

London is only truly experienced when you venture off the well-worn tourist track so that you can see, hear and feel the place the same way a local does. Only then will you get close to the true essence, to the true heart, to the very fabric of the place you are in and have an experience like no other. We are going to leave the touristy mainstream London to the side and explore its unseen and authentic neighbourhoods outside the centre because this is where the ordinary Londoners acutally live their everyday lives. We delve into London's modern and pioneering urban history to understand its current challenges as well as future developments. Despite the length of six hours the tour does not feel too exhausting and time will fly. In between, you can also sit and relax for a bit while we travel by bus and train. My London safari can easily be made weatherproof if you dress warmly enough and bring an umbrella if necessary. Some places are partially covered and in bad or cold weather, the 30-min lunch break can be taken in an indoor market. START: Paddington railway station (West London) FINISH: Canada Water station (East London) or Waterloo railway station (close to Central London). It depends on the order in which we visit the different places. WE MIGHT FINISH 15 MINS LATE IF TRAFFIC IS SLOW. The food is NOT included. The tour is NOT step-free. See you soon! Fabian

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 424 reviews

The Vegan Taxidermist

Two English classics come together in this workshop and teatime with London’s leading taxidermist, Suzette Field. You’ll learn the art and science of preparing, preserving, and mounting—all the basics of taxidermy. Then, you’ll try it yourself (don’t worry, all the subjects have been ethically sourced—reptile food, pest control or roadkill). Choose to leave your handiwork au naturel or dress it up to create a souvenir worthy of a prime spot on your mantlepiece. Students will have a choice between mouse, rat, guinea pig or gerbil. Other things to note If you live outside the UK, you'll still be able to take your taxidermy creation home with you. We'll provide you with a certificate to show to customs, or mail your souvenir to your home address.

5 out of 5 average rating, 232 reviews

London's Instagram-Worthy Photo Walk

Hello! This listing is for my 2 hour photoshoot tour created especially for Airbnb. I have been running this tour on Airbnb since 2017! I also do private professional shoots charged by the hour, for quotes message me here: @londonphotographytours Hi I'm Maddie; private tour guide & photographer from @londonphotographytours :) In a sea of Airbnb photoshoot experiences, I've created something different. Introducing London's Most Ig-Worthy Photo Walk; the relaxed way to make memories in authentic locations that you won't find with a quick web search. By choosing my experience, you get a 2 hr walking tour of some of the most beautiful hidden spots in London with a private guide; AND my expertise as a photographer to take your pictures along the way. It’s more relaxed than a professional photoshoot, however you still get high quality images. Joining a small-group tour is also a great way to socialise if you’re a solo traveller! - Small group sessions (great for solo travellers!) are Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri once per day and cost £38 per person. This price covers the tour and all photos taken on your phone. You're welcome to upgrade to my professional camera package for a small fee. - All private bookings include my camera, 200+ original images and 20 edited of your choice. Prices start at £150 per group for a 2 hour session in your location of choice. Great for families!

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 1777 reviews

Royal London Bike Ride, with cosy ale pub and street art

Experience the freedom of exploring London by bike, just like a local, and get an exciting introduction to the best of London's landmarks and culture. We'll provide you with a gorgeous, hand-built British bicycle and a tweed flat cap (caps optional, helmets also available) and we'll set off on an adventure around London’s iconic sights and lesser-known hidden gems. Following back streets and dedicated bike lanes, you'll ride from Big Ben past Westminster Abbey and up to Buckingham Palace, the home of the Queen, where we'll see the Royal Guards in their dapper uniforms. (Changing of the Guard days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, & Sundays) You'll coast along (London is very flat!) at an easy-going pace, stopping regularly to hear fun facts and some quirky historical tales. There's time to take photos too! We'll then take a break to enjoy a pint of beer at a cosy historic pub where you can get to know your fellow travellers. Lastly, you'll have a chance to try street art in Banksy's graffiti tunnel (and we provide spray paint!). We've designed this route to give you the best introduction to London. It's a great balance between 'not to miss' sights and local gems. - The route is mainly flat and easy - London can be a busy & unpredictable - The total distance is 7 miles / 11km - We ride rain or shine - Great for groups - Solo travellers welcome - Best way to start a trip

Art and culture activities in London

Art and culture activities led by local experts

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