London Guided Walks » Georgian London Walk

Georgian London Walk

Step back in time on this Georgian London walk, where rural charm met the rapid expansion of an ambitious city.

Authentic, different guided walk
Admire Georgian architecture and town planning
Qualified Clerkenwell and Islington tour guide.

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Step back in time on this Georgian London walk, where the elegance of white-stucco townhouses meets the ambition of radical thinkers, engineers, and performers. Today, the area around Sadler’s Wells is known for world-class theatre and cultural venues, but in the 18th century, it was a place of transformation—where grand infrastructure projects reshaped the city, entertainment flourished, and society itself evolved.

At the start of the Georgian period, Islington was a rural retreat, dotted with coaching inns and fresh water sources. But as London expanded, new roads, turnpikes, and taverns turned it into a thriving hub of movement and trade. The introduction of turnpikes made travel faster and more efficient, while inns and alehouses became centres for business, news, and debate.

One of the most ambitious projects of the era was the Regent’s Canal, designed to improve the transport of goods across the city. At its heart was the Islington Tunnel, an extraordinary engineering achievement that allowed boats to pass beneath the growing town. Yet, despite its ingenuity, the canal’s success was short-lived—completed just as the rise of the railways made its purpose almost obsolete.

Beyond industry, Georgian London was a city of spectacle and performance. Theatres thrived, drawing crowds eager to see actors like Edmund Kean command the stage. Stage managers such as Charles Dibdin shaped the theatrical world, while pleasure gardens, masquerades, and street performances entertained Londoners of all classes. Among them was Joseph Grimaldi, the celebrated clown who revolutionised pantomime and comedy, leaving a lasting legacy in British theatre.

This Georgian London walk is perfect for anyone wanting to explore how society changed during this dynamic period. In just 90 minutes, you will discover how an area once known for its rural charm and lively taverns became a hub of industry, culture, and entertainment. Through stories of ambition, excess, and ingenuity, you’ll see how Georgian London’s streets reflect the remarkable transformation of the city.

Start: Outside Angel Tube Station
End: Near Angel Tube Station

Your Guide: Hazel Baker

Georgian London Walk Reviews

Amy

Hazel never disappoints with her amazing London walks and this one was not an exception. We loved exploring a different part of London and learning about the Georgian time. I was grateful that she accommodated for my American visitors too.

Mary

My first guided tour was a veritable treat around Georgian Islington with the lovely Hazel who was as sunny as the day which was glorious. It was an interesting fact-finding mission around areas of my childhood. So interesting in fact that I went back the following day to have another walk around her points of interest and to explore the architecture along the Regents Canal in further detail!

Margaret

Georgian London walk around the Angel was a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. From the Regents Canal to Sadlers Wells and the New River, this area has so much history and so many stories. As always, Hazel kept us all entertained and involved, whether visitors to London or locals. We all learned something new.

Carol

5 stars. Actually, I’d have rated it even higher. Hazel is so friendly, and relaxed but professional. Humorous stories, factual information that you retain. Easy walking, you really see great areas of London on foot.

Ulrich

I have been on several walking tours with Hazel and enjoyed every one of them. I’m looking forward to the next one. Hazel is very knowledgeable and always has some interesting and fun things to point out. Very highly recommend all of Hazel’s tours so please sign up for the next. You will have a wonderful time.

Irene

Very interesting tour! Our guide was Hazel and she was lovely and very helpful. I definitely would recommend it and I hope to see Hazel in a future tour.

Marianne

A thoroughly enjoyable, informative and interactive walking tour around Angel. Hazel is great fun, easy to hear and she made sure everyone was comfortable throughout. I look forward to doing more of her tours.

Danielle

So interesting, entertaining and enjoyable. Hazel is a fantastic guide. Will look out for more of her walks. Thank you.

Nazima

Georgian London Walk with amazing London tour guide Hazel from londonguidedwalks.co.uk on a hot Saturday day was such a treat! I joined this walk at the last minute and was not sure what to expect. However, I was so glad that I did! Hazel met our group of 11 at Angel Station, explained the rules and what we will be looking at and then set off around the area showing us the real hidden gems of architecture and telling the stories behind those landmarks. We learnt about how Georgian towns were developed, famous characters that occupied these parts, origins of few of today’s catch phrases and how to spot some characteristics while out around London. Hazel is an amazing guide, she kept us captivated throughout the whole walk, had humorous welcoming approach, answering all the questions we had. She has a great engaging skills keeping even young ones interested. I would recommend this particular walk and especially guide to all who has interest in the history of Georgian London. Thank you so much for enriching our knowledge of London!!!

Sharon

So interesting, entertaining and enjoyable. Hazel is a fantastic guide. I will look out for more of her walks. Thank you.

Marianne

A thoroughly enjoyable, informative and interactive walking tour around Angel. Hazel is great fun and easy to hear, and she ensured everyone was comfortable. I look forward to doing more of her tours.

Angela

“Great walking tour of Islington and Angel (off the main busy roads) by Hazel – she was great at engaging everyone on the our and sharing her expert knowledge. Learnt all about the Georgian ways of life, architecture, businesses and New River and Sadler Wells theatre. Highlights for me were the easily missed “Peelers’” graffiti and the Islington tunnel, which the Regents canal travels down. Very informative!”

Geoffrina

“An interesting circular walk taking in the Georgian history of the area with the social and architectural details. Hazel is a knowledgable and fun guide and a bit of rain did not put off the enjoyment.”

Alastair

“Hazel is a terrific guide and provides a really interesting insight into the Georgian period of life in London. She is extremely knowledgeable and communicates Her subject passionately. Lots to discover! I was particularly interested to see how astute she was about securing the live time information about a film shoot that was taking place en route – great for photo opportunities and an added treat to an excellent afternoon.”

Sue

“This was a very informative walk talking about Georgian London around the Angel and Islington, 90 minutes, more talk than walk just so you know. Really well done.”

Brenda

“Hazel the guide was brilliant. So informative. Thoroughly enjoyed despite the weather.”

Alice

“Really interesting and insightful tour with the wonderful tour guide Hazel. Highly recommended”

Helen

“A very informative and interesting guided walk with Hazel on a wet Saturday afternoon. I will be looking out for Mylne’s windows from now on!!”

Cathy T, Hammersmith

“Once again a fantastic walk with Hazel. I had no knowledge at all about this area and was fascinated to hear all that Hazel had to tell us. Hazel is a brilliant guide who is obviously passionate about her subjects. Highly recommended.”

Kathryn R

“Despite the weather proving extremely cold I really enjoyed this walk. Hazel was passionate about the history of this part of London but also brought in contemporary references. I learned a lot of interesting things and will definitely go back to this area to explore in my own time. Hazel was able to conjure up bygone eras in a fascinating tour.”

Barbara D

“From the outset it was easy to find the welcoming and effervescent Hazel. On a bright and blustery winter’s day there was just the right amount of walking and looking, and stopping and listening. Hazel’s knowledge of Islington, and indeed London history (and current events) went well beyond the subject of the walk; you learnt a lot without it feeling like a lecture. It was easy to talk with other people in the group, so you got another set of perspectives on London. Whether you were a Londoner born and bred, or a temporary visitor, there was something for everyone. All in all, a great afternoon out.”

Mary F

“A very informative and interesting guided walk. Hazel really opens your eyes and gives you a a new perspective on an area. Good pace and just the right amount of information to keep it interesting. Definitely recommended.”

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