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Art and culture activities in England

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

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Explore Soho’s secret music, theatre, and LGBTQ history

Embark on an immersive journey through Soho—the beating heart of London’s jazz, theatre, and LGBTQ+ scene from the 1760s to the 1960s and beyond—with me, an accredited Blue Badge tour guide, and step into the world of playwrights, musical icons, and trailblazers who shaped this vibrant district. • Visit sites like the legendary Marquee Club (where The Rolling Stones and David Bowie made history), and the hidden recording studios where Queen, The Beatles, and Elton John shaped their iconic sounds. • At Casanova’s former residence, hear how Soho was once a playground for Europe's most notorious lovers and libertines. • Learn about Soho’s pivotal role in furthering LGBTQ+ rights, from housing the first gay bars and drag clubs to inspiring modern advocacy movements. You’ll leave having taken a deep dive into the very soul of this central London neighbourhood, and with my recommendations for further places to explore.

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Sculpt, paint, and throw with a master ceramist

At my lively Kilburn studio, this hands-on ceramics workshop invites you to learn the art of clay throwing and create your own drinks coaster inspired by London’s iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a beginner or have dabbled in ceramics before, this experience will spark creativity and connect you to London’s vibrant artistry. • I’ll start with the basics of working with air-drying clay—shaping, smoothing, and sculpting—and guide you through the process of designing your own unique coaster. • Next, I’ll demonstrate wheel techniques and teach you tricks to bring balance and form to your creations before it’s your turn to practise shaping clay on the wheel. • Emboss, carve, and paint your coaster with details that showcase your style, from bold London-inspired colors to delicate designs. You’ll leave with your custom coaster, a perfect reminder of your journey into the heart of ceramics in this meditative, hands-on session.

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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!

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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.

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!

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.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Step into London’s neon history at God’s Own Junkyard

Step into the vibrant world of the Bracey family’s neon art, where I’ll share a behind-the-scenes look at how our neon lit up everything from London’s West End to the big screen in Hollywood. • Our time will begin with a guided tour of our neon-filled showroom, which we call God’s Own Junkyard, where you’ll hear the story of how my family illuminated 1970s Soho, transforming it into a world-famous neon spectacle. • We’ll share firsthand stories about how the family craft has been intertwined with London’s film legacy for decades, including collaborations with legendary directors Stanley Kubrick and Ridley Scott, and iconic films like Eyes Wide Shut, Batman, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Iron Man, and more. • Next, one of the world’s top neon glass benders will demonstrate their rare skills, while also sharing stories about how neon pieces ended up in the private collections of icons like Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney. • We’ll cool down with a hot drink at the on-site cafe, where we can catch up on our favorite moments from the day. Before saying our goodbyes, you’ll be free to explore, take photos, and immerse yourself in the vibrant, glowing world of God’s Own Junkyard.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

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.

Top-rated art and culture activities

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4.91 out of 5 average rating, 4301 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.

5 out of 5 average rating, 699 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.

4.96 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.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 644 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.

5 out of 5 average rating, 6 reviews

Future Self workshop-Mindful African Art

Reclaim your boldest future, on your own terms. Tired of surviving in systems that weren’t built for you? Ready to stop shrinking and start thriving? What to expect In this workshop, we use self-portraiture and African storytelling traditions to reconnect with your deepest desires. Using tactile materials like bark cloth, raffia palm, and banana fibre, you’ll: Unmask your present: Release societal expectations and code-switching fatigue. Own your history: Honour your journey without letting it define your limits. Design your future: Journal life and make art aligned with your values, not others’ demands. Studies show that envisioning your future self boosts resilience and decision-making (Hershfield, UCLA) Why this works for Black women and Non-binary folk No more “hustle harder” narratives. Here we merge ancestral wisdom with modern psychology to reimagine liberation through radical rest. What others say “This workshop helped me see myself beyond burnout. I finally gave myself permission to dream.” – Angela

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 41 reviews

Walking Tour with Drag Queens

There are 4 different tour routes – please get in touch if you'd like to know which date is which tour! The WEST MINCER tour is a fun, fruity and fabulous visit of some of central London’s most treasured tourist sights, guided by Maneeta and/or another drag artist. You'll hear salacious details of the royal palaces and sordid tales of the government! The GOING DOWN SOUTH tour is a fun day out rolling down the river along the Southbank! We'll pass by the wilds of Southwark, see the Globe theatre and have lots of silly fun seeing the beautiful London skyline. The WILD WILD WEST END tour is led by the ferocious Letita Delish. She will take you down memory lane with an LGBTQIA+ history-laden tour through the infamous Soho! The QUEER FOOTPRINTS tour is our newest tour, based on a route in the book of the same title by Dan Glass. We will step into the vibrant, radical queer history of Kings Cross and honour the unsung heroes who helped shape LGBTQ+ liberation! Bring an umbrella in case it rains—it's the UK after all—and appropriate footwear for pattering around the city. Let us know if you'd like to book a private tour for your group – our tours are perfect for corporate groups / teams and are great for team building! We'll be happy to customise your tour for your team too!

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 2759 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**

5 out of 5 average rating, 82 reviews

Instagramable London private photo shoot

Whether you are traveling solo, or with friends & family, it is hard to get a great photo to capture your vacation memories. Don't leave it up to strangers on the street, let me show you my favorite London location gems while snapping some great shots. Don't worry if you feel a little awkward in front of the camera - I am happy to give you directions! During the experience we will get to know each other and afterwards I will send 25+ edited photos per person. This experience meets in Notting Hill. Come with me to explore the neighborhood that has inspired so many books and films. During the experience I will take photos and introduce you to my favorite colorful buildings, hidden gems, and point out the best spots for coffee, shopping and brunch along the way. Feel free to contact me on Airbnb if you are looking for a different time. Please note that each guest must have a booking, unfortunately I will not be able to accommodate any extra individuals that do not have a booking. If you need to add a member to your booking feel free to message me on Airbnb.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 861 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

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 2598 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.

Art and culture activities in England

Art and culture activities led by local experts

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