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Never Mind the Bollards, Here's the Walking Tour
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Never Mind the Bollards, Here's the Walking Tour

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Run by a local guide · Joe Marchenko

Booking is free; at the end you give the guide what you think is fair. Free cancellation at any time.

Discover central London from a fresh perspective on this unique walking tour! Uncover hidden history through the city's overlooked cast-iron bollards, hearing fascinating street stories as you explore. Perfect for curious urban adventurers.

Duration
2 h
Destination
London
Meeting Point
On the corner of Graces Alley and Ensign Street
Provider
Joe Marchenko

Description

This walking tour aims to tell a number of stories across central London though one of it’s most abundant and unnoticed elements of street furniture; the humble bollard. Standing proud on our pavements, these posts carry peculiar stories, protect buildings of historic significance, and come in an array of beautiful shapes and sizes. Come along to learn more about our streets’ cast iron compatriots.

What to expect:
The tour will start at a row of bollards marking the short-lived Brunswick Theatre, before heading West into The City of London and up through its financial district until we reach the end point at The Barbican’s Pedways, where the mid-century utopian vision of separating pedestrians from vehicles removed the need for bollards in the building of post-war Britain. Along the journey you can expect examples of ornately designed bollards by the City of London Corporation, tales of cannons, anti-terrorism measures, some of England’s most well-known authors’ favourite churchyards, and posts that move in the night.

Practicalities:
The tour will last around two hours – please wear suitable shoes for walking, and weather appropriate clothing.

Includes

  • St Olave's Church, Hart Street
  • Barbican Centre
  • Historic Bollard
  • Leadenhall Market
  • St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate

Meeting Point

On the corner of Graces Alley and Ensign Street

Get directions →
Free tour

How does a free tour work?

Booking costs nothing. At the end, each person gives the guide what they think is fair for the experience: it's a voluntary tip.

Suggested in this destination: €10 to €15 per person (€20+ if it was exceptional)

  • • Pay in cash at the end of the experience.
  • • Bring small bills or change.

Availability and Language

Free tour

Book now