Discovering Off-Beat Walks in London

by John Wittich, Ron Phillips

The busy streets of London have been traversed for centuries and many a Londoner or tourist may feel that they are familiar with all the capital has to offer. Yet the eight walks described in this volume reveal more than even the most seasoned commuter or visitor may be aware of. The author leads the reader through the most historic parts of London, down city byways, past unsuspected treasures, to exciting discoveries that are omitted from the standard tours or are inaccessible from an open-topped bus. Detailed instructions, clear maps and photographs of points of interest en route make this sixth edition a tried and trustworthy companion through the streets of London.

Genres: Nonfiction, London, History, Travel, Reference

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this little book in a little library near my office and it was so much fun to do these walks as a person who knows London really well!

The book was last updated in 2008 so some places and things that were mentioned weren't there anymore but that was part of the fun.

I did 7/8 walks in the book but that was mainly because I didn't want to go to Chelsea. I think walk 7 and 2 were my favourites as there was a diversity in the places you were looking at as well as diversity in the places history, especially in walk 2.

I have to say that I did get very lost on some of these walks because sometimes the author didn't make it obvious that you have to walk much further to find the place they mention. Also, after doing almost all of the walks it was very obvious that the author really liked Dickens, which I didn't mind but it seemed random how he was mentioned so many times. Also walk 8 included way too many churches that weren't that pretty to look at either so that walk felt quite repetitive.

Overall, I would recommend this to anyone keen to discover less well known historic places in London.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small collection of eight walks around different parts of London. This is a Shire book, first published in 1969 and now only available on their ‘print on demand’ list. The photos look dated and I’m wondering if everything they mentioned is still standing as imminent clearances were mentioned. An interesting book, and some new places to consider visiting, but I think you’d need to do some research first to check its all still there.

[Ericthehamster]

"I bought this when I was working in London to try and explore some of the less well known parts of the city at lunch time, and also work out better ways of getting to the office from the station without using the tube. Very enlightening and recommended (if still in print)."

[Paula Kirman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting look into obscure places to take walking tours in London. I shall use it as a guide should I ever be there.