Overview
For a London that feels more like home to a Londoner than the pomp and grandeur of Westminster, head to Spitalfields for a small-group experience like no other.
Historically much poorer than its cousin to the west, it has in more recent times found its fortune in skyscrapers and creatives- a true rags to riches tale.
The stories heard here are not of kings and politicians but of the real people who made this area- cockneys and costermongers, brave Blitz-era civilians and Eastern European Jewish settlers, Bengali Muslims and fleeing French Protestants, artists, fashionistas, trendsetters, foodies, radicals, 1950s gangs, Victorian murderers, workhouse paupers and everybody in between.
You’ll duck into the backstreets to discover hipster markets and Beigel shops, old breweries, a religious building that tells of centuries of immigration, 18th century weaver houses, old taverns, unbelievable street art from Banksy to Stik, global cuisine and a very different side to our fair city.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Mobile ticket
What's included
English Speaking local expert guide
Private guided walk of the East End including Brick Lane and Spitalfields.
Gratuities
Food & drink
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Any entrance costs
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Aldgate East Tube Station - Exit Three is signposted as the ‘Whitechapel Gallery’ within the station. Just follow these signs inside Aldgate East station, and you will come out at exit three of Aldgate East station and onto Whitechapel High Street.
What to expect
-
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid
5 min
This building is truly the story of the waves of immigrants who came and settled in this area over hundreds of years as a Christian church, a Jewish synagogue and now Mosque to the local Bengali community.
Visiting outside -
Brick Lane
20 min
From curry mile to the hipster record and vintage stores that line this historic street, you will discover an area alive with street art, great food and stories beyond measure.
Visiting outside -
25 min
A jolly good British boozer that used to carry the name of an infamous serial who became indelibly linked with its history- Jack the Ripper. Hear about the terrible crimes he committed in this area.
Visiting inside -
Spitalfields Market E1
5 min
The Old ‘Worst Street in London’
Rife with poverty, this street once housed the local rookery or slum- take an uncomfortable journey back in time to a Spitalfields a world away from what it is now.
Visiting outside -
Old Spitalfields Market
10 min
Starting life as a flesh, fowl and roots market in 1638, licensed by King Charles I, you are more likely to find cool clothing and hand painted crafts in this market today alongside an air richly scented with the wonderful street food vendors that trade here.
Visiting Inside -
The Old Truman Brewery
15 min
We have always liked beer here in London, that’s no secret. Find out the history of an iconic London brewery here followed by a little crash-course in the tastes of Shoreditch for your evening ahead.
Visiting Outside
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/London).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about A Ball of Chalk - Guided Private East End Walk
Can I cancel A Ball of Chalk - Guided Private East End Walk for free?
No. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
Aldgate East Tube Station - Exit Three is signposted as the ‘Whitechapel Gallery’ within the station.
What's included?
- English Speaking local expert guide
- Private guided walk of the East End including Brick Lane and Spitalfields.
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Food & drink
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
- Any entrance costs
Which places does it visit?
It visits Brick Lane Jamme Masjid, Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market E1, Old Spitalfields Market, The Old Truman Brewery.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Urban Saunters
