This tour will take place in person.
Your walk takes you through the restored St Katherine Dock to the cobbled High Street for wonderful views of the River Thames. Be enwrapped in memories of spice warehouses, stories of pirates meeting their watery end, and tales of the Thames River Police, the oldest uniformed police force in the world. Two historic pubs also remain, The Town of Ramsgate and the Prospect of Whitby, which provides an opportunity for a leisurely riverside drink.
Who is this tour for?
Anyone who is interested in exploring London.
What can I expect?
This is a walking tour where the guide will lead you through the area. The terrain is flat, so the tour is suitable for those with mobility scooters and wheelchairs, but please note that the tube station only has stairs to exit the station. If you would prefer to meet the group at street level, please let Bishopsgate Institute know, and we will arrange accordingly. Please also note that the tour lasts around two hours, with no coffee or loo stops on the walk.
Will I need any equipment or materials?
You will need comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. It is always best to have a bottle of water with you too.
Bursary places
We provide a number of funded bursaries to people who find it hard to pay the full or concessionary rates. Find out more information on how to apply.
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You will learn
While enjoying a gentle walk you will learn about the neighbourhood, its history and famous personalities linked to the area.
Meet the Tour Guide
Rachel Kolsky
Engaging, knowledgeable and entertaining Rachel Kolsky is a popular prize-winning London Blue Badge Tourist Guide.
Focussing on the 'human stories behind the buildings' Rachel's tours are fun and informative, filled with anecdotes past and present. From off-the-beaten track London and famous personalities to cinemas and shopping, memories of all aspects of London's rich and varied social history come flooding back.
Before embarking on her career as guide and lecturer, Rachel, a qualified librarian, was an information professional in the financial services industry for over 25 years. She was recognised at industry level with the Information Professional of the Year award in 2006. Her professional organisation, SLA, awarded her the Membership Achievement Award in 2008.
When not working or guiding she supports her local independent cinema, The Phoenix, East Finchley, where she was a Trustee for over 20 years. Rachel has published four books, Jewish London (2012), Whitechapel in 50 Buildings (2016), Secret Whitechapel (2017) and Women’s London (2018), and she is thrilled to have been a guest lecturer on cruises since 2009.
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