Discover London’s Diverse History Through Six Unmissable Walking Tours
New Go Jauntly walking routes honour the renaming of the London Overground.
London is a city built on layers of history, culture, and community. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's no better way to experience its rich past than through our collection of six self-led walking tours in honour of the newly named London Overground lines.
Each of these routes visits stations along the lines and celebrates iconic movements, communities, and legacies that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of London. From the Suffragette line celebrating women's fight for the right to vote, to the Windrush line exploring the powerful contributions of the Caribbean community, these tours offer a unique glimpse into London's evolving story.
Want to discover the hidden gems and places of interest on the walks? Read on….
Together, these six walking tours take you on a journey through migration, equality, and cultural heritage—making London a true melting pot of histories. Get ready to explore the diverse narratives and incredible places and spaces that make the city what it is today!
1. The Suffragette Line Walking Tour: Discover Women’s Fight for Rights
The Suffragette Line Walking Tour takes you through the streets of London, retracing the steps of courageous women who fought tirelessly for their right to vote. Starting at Barking Station and concluding in Hampstead, this tour covers key historical landmarks such as the Barking Abbey Ruins, Highgate Cemetery and Hamsptead.
The walk tells the stories of incredible women like suffragette, Annie Huggett and race relations pioneer, Claudia Jones, letting you engage with history at your own pace through photo-led guides and convenient station stops. If you're passionate about women's rights and history, this walking tour offers a powerful and personal connection to the suffragette movement, womens’ rights and beyond.
Highlights:
Barking Abbey Ruins, Women’s Museum, Greatfields Park
Walthamstow’s gorgeous Orford Road
Highgate Cemetery and Hampstead’s historic sites
Explore London’s rich weaving and textile history with the Weaver Line Walking Tour, a self-led journey through the heart of the city’s immigrant communities. This tour follows the London Overground from Liverpool Street to Walthamstow and covers historic sites such as Petticoat Lane Market, Spitalfields and the William Morris Gallery.
From the Huguenot weavers of the 17th century to Bangladeshi leather workers in the 20th, this walk reveals how London’s textile industry was shaped by migration. Walk through historic neighborhoods like Hackney and Bethnal Green where the legacy of weaving lives on today.
Highlights:
Petticoat Lane Market and Spitalfields Market
French Huguenot history in Fournier Street
Historic immigrant communities of Hackney and Bethnal Green
Trailblazing William Morris
3. The Liberty Line Walking Tour: Celebrating Havering’s Independence
Step into the rich history of Havering with the Liberty Line Walking Tour, a journey between Romford and Upminster that celebrates the area’s unique status as a Royal Liberty. The tour covers important sites such as Romford Market, Upminster Windmill and Ingrebourne Marshes, each highlighting the area's autonomy and independence.
The Liberty Line is not just about history; it’s also a celebration of the area's expansive green spaces, making this a perfect walk for those who enjoy learning about history while surrounded by nature.
Highlights:
Romford Market, established by royal decree in 1247
Havering’s Royal Liberty heritage and its green spaces
Ingrebourne Marshes, and Upminster Windmill
Walk the Liberty line walking tour
Abolute scenes along the walks
If you’re a fan of women’s football or simply inspired by stories of female sporting achievement, the Lioness Line Walking Tour is for you. Running from Wembley to Headstone Lane, this self-led tour celebrates the achievements of England’s women’s football team, the Lionesses, while also highlighting other influential female athletes.
With landmarks like Wembley Stadium along the way, this walk delves into the inspiring legacies of elite sportswomen like Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly, whose efforts have cemented the Lionesses in sporting history.
Highlights:
Wembley Stadium, home of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 champions
Celebrating elite female sports heroes like Sarina Weigman, Emma Hayes and Michelle Agyemang.
Inspiring the next generation of women in sports
Hidden gems along the Lioness line such as Headstone Manor.
5. The Mildmay Line Walking Tour: LGBTQ+ History and Healthcare
The Mildmay Line Walking Tour offers a deep dive into the history of Mildmay Hospital and its groundbreaking work in healthcare, especially in supporting the HIV/AIDS community. This walk covers the London Overground from Hackney to Kensington, passing through key LGBTQ+ landmarks that have shaped the city’s queer history.
From Princess Diana’s famous visits to the hospital to modern-day LGBTQ+ activism, this tour connects you to an important part of London’s social history.
Highlights:
Mildmay Hospital, known for its compassionate care during the HIV/AIDS crisis
LGBTQ+ history and activism in East London
Princess Diana’s involvement and support for HIV/AIDS patients
6. The Windrush Line Walking Tour: Honoring Migration and the Caribbean Legacy
The Windrush Line Walking Tour is a tribute to the Windrush generation and the wider impact of migration on London’s cultural landscape. This tour takes you through key areas like Dalston, Peckham, and Clapham where you’ll discover the powerful stories of Caribbean communities and their lasting influence on the city.
From Ridley Road Market to Windrush Square, this walk highlights both historical events and modern-day cultural landmarks that continue to shape London.
Highlights:
Celebrating the legacy of the Windrush generation
Discover key cultural sites like Brixton Village and Black Cultural Archives
Explore how migration continues to enrich London’s identity
Join the jaunts now!
Whether you're a history buff, a cultural explorer, or someone looking for a new way to experience London on train and on foot, these six self-led walking tours offer a unique and immersive way to uncover the city’s layered history. From women's rights to migration, LGBTQ+ history to textile heritage, each tour invites you to walk through the stories that make London the vibrant and diverse city it is today. Step-free options included as part of the walking trails.
