About us
Welcome to Central London Humanists!
CLH provides a meeting place for humanists, the secular, and other non-religious people, particularly those who live or work in the central London area of the UK.
Every month we hold a talk/lecture and several social events. Our social activities include group socials, a book group, picnics, walks, museum & cultural visits and theatre trips.
If you're not religious, or doubting your faith or belief and like open-minded communities, and would like to meet like minded people, come along and join us!
As we don't have a membership fee, a donation of £3 is suggested at each meeting. This goes towards our running costs, partnership fees and charitable donations. If it's your first time, we don't expect a donation.
We are a partner group of Humanists UK.
We are an Associate Member of Humanists International.
We're also on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Some of our previous talks are available on YouTube.
Anyone who joins us on Meetup can participate fully in events. They can suggest events, participate in organising events and much more.
As we are such a large group, each year we hold an AGM and elect a committee to help manage the group. To be a voting member of Central London Humanists, or to be a member of the committee, you must be a paid up member of Humanists UK (to join go here).
Upcoming events
8
CLH Pub Night - great conversation, drinks & food with like-minded people 🍔🍺😀
The Somers Town Coffee House, 60 Chalton Street, London, GBOur monthly pub evenings are always a great opportunity to meet interesting people, chat, do a little networking, and enjoy a fun evening out.
Whether you’re new to Humanism or already a member, this is a fantastic space for anyone who is non-religious, questioning their beliefs, or open-minded and looking to mingle.
Time: From 6pm
Feel free to join us whenever you’re able to – we’re often there until closing time.Venue: Somers Town Coffee House
A lovely pub, close to Euston & Kings Cross stations.
You’ll find us towards the back of the pub, on the left of the bar – look out for the Humanist signs on the tables.What we talk about:
The conversations are different every time – from current events to humanism and secularism, with plenty of good laughs in between!
If there’s something specific you’d like to talk about, we’d love to hear about it.We kindly request a contribution of £3 for our events to help cover various admin costs - but first-timers are welcome to give us a free trial. If you prefer you can also pay online by clicking here.
Views and conduct at CLH events
We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information at our events but ask people to keep their interactions cordial. Any views expressed are those of the individual sharing them and may not reflect those of CLH.Please note that we do not tolerate aggressive, prejudiced, bigoted, discriminating, disruptive, belittling, or otherwise abusive behaviour at our events. (See link to code of conduct below.)
More about the venue:
All indoor facilities are wheelchair-friendly/accessible.
Free Wi-fi is available.
It’s easy to reach – close to Euston and Kings Cross stations, and on 18 different bus routes!
View a map hereMore about Humanism:
https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/about-humanism/We look forward to seeing you!
Resources and FAQs
…for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities
See here for our knowledge base packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See here for our code of conduct and complaints policy.
Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.6 attendees
External Event: East London Humanists Guided Walk and Talk
Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Rd, Ilford IG1 4XA, UK, Ilford, GBOur friends at East London Humanists are going on a guided walk and talk. Why not join them :D
Please note that this is an external event and you will have to rsvp on the original event listed below
See original East London post: https://www.meetup.com/east-london-humanists/events/316512730
## "Discover fascinating overlooked history on a guided tour of a beautiful corner of East London. With Maddy Goodall, head of Humanist Heritage.
(Organised in collaboration with Friends of Valentines Mansion. Limited numbers. A pre-booked ticket using event link below is essential).
East London has for centuries been a hotbed of radicalism, non-conformism, and of the non-religious ethical movement.
Feminist trailblazer Zona Vallance (1860-1904), born in Stratford, E15, helped found the East London Ethical Society in 1890. It promoted ‘a moral life independent of religious dogma’ and was a forerunner of Humanists UK.
American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an important influence. The ‘Ethical Church’ in Forest Gate, E7, also known as the Emerson Ethical Brotherhood, met at Earlham Hall on Earlham Grove roughly between 1902-1922. Celebrating and enjoying the natural world in the here and now was key, with the ‘Church’ organising weekly Sunday outings to Epping Forest.
This was a time when 6 day working weeks were standard and urban conditions were grim for most.
The radical and progressive Garden City movement sprang from this background.Letchworth and Welwyn Garden are prominent examples. They have influenced developments worldwide from New Jersey to Adelaide and beyond.
The guided walk and talk will look at the largely forgotten example of Valentines Park and the beautiful arts and crafts buildings on its border. The walk and talk will led by Maddy Goodall, along with local historian Dr Colin Runeckles.
Valentines Park holds the international Green Flag award, along with the Peoples Choice award. It has a beautiful walled garden and cafe, where you can enjoy refreshments at the end of the tour, along with the magnificent 18c Valentines Mansion (pictured).
The park entrance to access the starting point is on Emerson Road, approx 5 minutes from Gants Hill (Central Line). This unique station is, incidentally, also a 1930’s architectural jewel, taking its inspiration from the Moscow Underground.
Read full details of the meeting point, talk and tour and buy a ticket to reserve your place HERE."1 attendee
Spitalfields - impoverishment, immigration and industry
Costa Coffee, Liverpool Street Station, Opposite platforms 1 & 2, Liverpool Street Station, Lower Concourse, London, EC2M 7QH, London, GBSpitalfields - impoverishment, immigration and industry
This social walk, led by volunteer Robert Hall, is presented by Central London Humanists for everybody who desires a fulfilling, worthwhile and evidence-based path in life. Humanists believe we have just one life to be lived rationally and well, with compassion for others.
This event is a guided walk of +/- 2 hours pointing out places of interest. We will be walking 3.3 Km / 1.75 miles.
Impoverishment, immigration and industry yet intensely interesting sums up the area east of Liverpool Street. Who came there, what did they do and how did they fare? 2,000 years of history in one walk! We start with 2025 and finish at the start of the common era. And on a lighter note – if you turn up with a hangover you’ll find out the derivation of the word!!!
Date: Saturday 17th October 2026
Time: 2 pm with a prompt departure at 2.15 pm
Place: Meet at Liverpool Street mainline station opposite platform 1 near Costa Coffee. Liverpool Street station is served by 4 underground lines (plus easy access from Moorgate Station) and various buses..
It is strongly suggested you find us using: https://what3words.com/finds.comet.fired - or the What3Words app.The nearest toilets are at the station.
Finishes: About 4.00 pm at The Woodins Shades, 212 Bishopsgate EC2M 4PT. You are welcome to join us for refreshment and food.
The walk and refreshment stop at the end have been planned to be wheelchair-friendly/accessible.
The walk is led by Robert – 07981963681. He can be contacted for further information but please note he won’t
be able to respond to messages or calls after the walk has started.The formal bit:
These walks are not suitable for dogs, sorry.
CLH events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
If you have signed up but find you can't attend, please change your RSVP on Meetup (it’s very easy to do) as soon as possible so that an accurate numbers of attenders can be estimated.
You are responsible for your own actions and safety; there is no liability on the walk leader or CLH for anything that may happen on the walk.
You must be able to keep up with the walk leader at 4 Km/h (2.5 mph) for 5 Km (3 miles). It is participants' responsibility to safely cross roads.
Where appropriate, pedestrian controlled lights will be used and obeyed unless it is obvious that the whole group can cross safely.
When the group stops at a point of interest, please be mindful not to block pavements so members of the public can pass by safely.
Don’t forget this is the UK and it may rain at any time! The walk will go ahead whatever the weather unless conditions are dangerous so please bring clothing for all seasons.
A donation of £3 to Central London Humanists would be appreciated.
The majority of Central London Humanists events are free, but we welcome a £3 contribution per head. This helps towards the running and organising of events, as well as various admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, or would prefer to pay online, please click here.
Anyone who is interested in Humanism and Central London Humanists may wish to consider becoming a member:
- If you wish to register as a full member of CLH (no membership fee) please register on our website: https://centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup
- If you wish to join Humanists UK and support its work to promote humanism in British life, please go to: Humanists UK – Think for yourself, act for everyone
We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed (most definitely including the walk leader!) do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large. For your information, this link provides the CLH Code of Conduct Policy. We want an enjoyable, positive experience for everyone.
23 attendees
Past events
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