Historical Tours

If it's blood, death and torture you're looking for, then this is the tour for you! On the London: City of Death Tour, you will witness torture, executions, and human experiments! We will walk over a plague pit and escape Newgate Prison! Our tour group meets outside Barbican Tube Station, and sets off at 3pm sharp! The tour lasts 90 minutes, finishing off outside St Pauls Cathedral! Afterwards you pay what you think the tour is worth! We accept cash or cards! So come and join us on this blood soaked walk through London's dark history! *(Trigger warning: This tour contains extremely graphic descriptions of torture and execution, and may not be suitable for younger audiences.)*

Ready to turn your weekly workout into an adventure? RunBox Westminster is officially open for 2026! Proudly presented by the Westminster International Learning Academy, our programme blends fitness with fascinating storytelling. We don’t just pass by the sights; we dive into the history of the city's most iconic symbols, from Big Ben to the secret courts time forgot. Why RunBox? Expert Insight: Historical tours led with a fresh perspective. Inclusive Pace: Dedicated groups for both runners and walkers. Weekly Community: A new route and a new story every week Snack Included

**ISLINGTON EDGES.**............Brand new for 2025 On this tour we touch various parts of London from Islington to Camden, from Kings Cross to Bloomsbury from Clerkenwell to Angel. But central to it all is Islington so why not call it Islington edges ! London at its best with a complete mixture of subjects, from the death of a clown to a man made river, from a South African hero to Bob Dylan As usual there are blue plaques in abundance and a personal story that takes me back to my very early youth. Its a circular walk from Kings cross and back again taking over two hours but in that time we meet lots of the sort of characters and visit various places that helped make London the city we all love.

Join us for one of our favorite hikes: **[Ivinghoe Beacon](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/ivinghoe-beacon): A Panoramic Walk**. Here are the details: ### **When and Where** * **Meeting Point:** [Euston Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5mTjVzCb7QrscrtB7) * **Time to Meet:** 8:45 AM * **Departure Time:** 9:00 AM * **Expected Return to London:** 7:00 PM ### **About the Hike** * **Distance:** 16 km * **Difficulty:** [Medium](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/faq/trails/trail-difficulty.html) * **Ascents:** 360 m * **Hiking Time:** Approximately 5 to 6 hours * Starting & Finishing point: [Tring Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4muZfRQbbEUzbBGh8) * Starting point: Tring at 9:51 am We'll trek along an open ridge to **[Ivinghoe Beacon](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/ivinghoe-beacon)**, pass through peaceful forests, and end in a charming village. **Price**: £12 (without transport) If you’d like to include train tickets, please book directly on our website: https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/ivinghoe-beacon-a-panoramic-walk-saturday.html **Note:** Don’t worry if the attendee list looks small — we also sell tickets on other platforms and our website! Got questions? Call or text **Maria** at **07535 295739**.

* We will meet opposite the Hampstead Heath Overground station. For members who prefer the tube – Belsize Park is 6 mins away. * We will then make our way to explore the Heath. Hampstead Heath is a large, ancient London heath, covering 320 hectares. This grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the highest points in London, running from Hampstead to Highgate. * We will be passing via the ponds and make our way to see the hollow tree via the Viaduct bridge (pictured). We will then make our way via Hampstead Heath Tumulus, which is a burial site of Boudicca, a British folk hero. * We will carry on via the ponds to see the Kenwood House and Estate – a total area of 50 hectares (120 acres) which is maintained by English Heritage. Kenwood House is free to visit and art lovers can always come back to see the wonderful art collection, including original Rembrandt and Gainsborough. This is where we are going to have our lunch break, so please bring a packed lunch. * We will then make our way towards Jack Straw's castle. Not that Jack Straw -:), this site is named after the rebel leader Jack Straw, who led the Peasants' Revolt in 1381 and who is said to have taken refuge on the site until he was caught and executed. It is mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, where Professor Van Helsing and Doctor Jack Seward stop to dine, and also in Harold Pinter's play No Man's Land. * We will finish our by the whitestone Pond. For members who prefer the Overground – Hampstead Heath is 10 mins away. What to bring: Packed lunch Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash/card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). ***'No Show' Policy:*** *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organisers on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

**Meet at Tottenham Court Rd tube outside the main exit.** **"Tottenham Court Road**, a market road, or street, leading from Oxford Street to the prebendal manor of Tothill, Totenhall, or Totenham Court, described in Domesday, and originally appertaining to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's. In 1560 the manor was demised to Queen Elizabeth for ninety-nine years, in the name of Sir Robert Dudley." In 1639, twenty years before the expiration of Queen Elizabeth's term, a lease was granted to Charles I., in the name of Sir Henry Vane. In 1649, being seized as Crown land, the manor was sold to Ralph Harrison, Esq., of London, for the sum of £3318 : 3: 11. At the Restoration it reverted to the Crown; and in 1661 was granted by Charles II., for the term of forty-one years, in payment of a debt, to Sir Henry Wood. The lease was next possessed by Isabella, Countess of Arlington, in the reign of Charles II., from whom it descended to her daughter, the Duchess of Grafton; and in this way was inherited by the family of the Fitzroys, Dukes of Grafton, descended from Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland, the notorious mistress of Charles II." **Check out the Flying Horse pub (1793) opposite the tube exit. Previously " The Tottenham", this is the only surviving pub in Oxford St. See pics below.** This is another of our many outside Picture Hunts this year. If any issues with weather, we’ll switch to our 50-50 Trivia in the nearby Wetherspoon Magnus Pyle, so turn up as something will be on regardless. If you’re new to Picture Hunts, check the previous weeks for winners and clue sheets. This time, the event will be centred around different buildings, shops and features on one side of Tottenham Court Rd, so there’s no crossing of busy roads. This road is not touristy like Charing Cross Rd opposite. Please aim to turn up for 1:00-1:30 when teams are being arranged. The Hunt starts at 1:30. You're losing search time if you're late! Bring a pen please. As usual, portions of the road are split up into four areas where teams search for the locations of photographed items in the street, buildings or shop windows, and then record where they found them. Picture Hunts are a great new way to get up to speed with slices of London history while sleuthing around the area. Everyone is presented with twenty partial photos of objects around an area. Your team mission is to find them. Some well known, some well unknown! This makes Picture Hunts more interesting and challenging, bringing out the best of your teams detecting skills. You will also have a map of the area. It will be sub-divided into four sections, P, Q, R, S. Each photo will come from one of these. Four players max per team, but the lower number teams get a point per player start from the biggest team. For example, four teams of one, two, three and four. Four player team, no advantage, (the biggest and theoretically the more knowledge between them, except it doesn't always work like that). Three player team, one point start. Two player team, two point start. One player team, three point start. Scores are always close and around the 15-20 points mark. How many players do you want in your team? There's a dilemma! The clipboard holder enters one of the letters to note its area location. Dead simple, right? 90 minutes to do the hunt. We have the usual prizes of chocolate, including some great new varieties. There is also an equal prize for the funniest team name judged by Sue, my glamorous assistant. Names win prizes too! So there’s everything to play for. We mark up at the quiz finish point. The Wetherspoon Magnus Pyke. Hunts are good fun and the proven experience so far is that members get to know each other better after working in teams as you all have to communicate. Great icebreakers. This is what Meetup is all about. Come and join us. **There is a £7 cash/card charge for this event. Pay on the day.** Contact number is 07422334411 if your transport is delayed. **If you can’t make it, please cancel using the “Edit RSVP Button”.** **Your consideration is greatly appreciated.**

📏 **Key Info:** • Distance: 9 miles (14km) • Grading: [Beginners](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) with one main hill that we take gently • Ascent: 140m • Hiking time: 4 to 4.5 hours • Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub 📍 **Meeting Point** • Location: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY before leaving home - you need to enter on the correct main entrance to the station, only this entrance leads to our meeting point, we advise allowing 10 minutes to find it: Fenchurch Street station inside the main entrance at the front of the station. Meet at the top of the escalators in front of the ticket office and the platform ticket barriers – [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Fenchurch.jpg). Please note - you must come in the main entrance at the front of the station, not any of the other station entrances. The main entrance is on a street called "Fenchurch Place", you can see it here on this Google Maps [LINK](https://www.google.com/maps/place/51%C2%B030'42.3%22N+0%C2%B004'45.3%22W/@51.51174,-0.079249,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d51.51174!4d-0.079249?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQwMi4xIKXMDSoJLDEwMjExNDUzSAFQAw%3D%3D) • Time: Meet 8:40am, leave 9am for the 9:18am train • Return: 5:31pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 **Highlights** • **Hadleigh Country Park** \- one of the largest in Essex • **Hadleigh Castle** \- enchanting 13th\-century ruins • **Estuary island of Two Tree Island Nature Reserve** \- a sanctuary for birdlife and marine species • **Leigh-on-Sea** \- often ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK\, a historic fishing town famous for its freshly caught cockles \- a local delicacy • Sweeping views of **the River Thames** estuary throughout the trail • Spot iconic bird species like herons, kestrels and peregrines, for all full list of birds you can see and seasons - [LINK](https://www.ebws.org.uk/birdsites/two-tree-island-leigh-sea) • Remnants of local fishing traditions at the **"Graveyard of Lost Species"** 🥾 **Hike Description** Our hike begins as we follow scenic trails into **Hadleigh Country Park**, a sprawling 387-acre area of meadows, marshes, and woodlands recognized for its natural beauty and biodiversity. We ascend toward **Hadleigh Castle**, perched atop a ridge with captivating views over the Thames Estuary. Built in the 13th century, the castle was a strategic defensive position and later immortalised in a painting by John Constable. We pause to soak in the panoramic views and immerse ourselves in Essex’s medieval past that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Continuing along the **Thames Estuary Path**, we journey toward **Two Tree Island**, a 634-acre nature reserve surrounded by saltmarsh and tidal mudflats. This peaceful island is crucial for various bird species, providing winter refuge for migratory birds. It is a haven for birdlife, including avocets, brent geese, and Mediterranean gulls. Finally, we arrive in **Leigh-on-Sea**, a charming seaside town with a proud fishing heritage that still continues today. Known for its vibrant maritime culture and delicious cockles and often ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, Leigh-on-Sea offers the perfect end to our hike, we have time to explore and also enjoy a drink in a coastal pub. 🧭 **Guide:** • Leader: [PAUL](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07873 221480 🍽️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) 🎒**What to Bring** • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ **Want to Know More?** • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) 📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) 📄 **Terms and Conditions** By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

**MEET:** for tea at 10.45 at Costa Coffee 44-46 Greenwich Church St or just outside at 11.15 for the start of the walk. **My number** is 07815009191 in case you are late; please do not send me a message but call if you need to contact me. It's where time begins but only because of the ravens in the Tower. Find out why the Astronomer Royal's wife was furious, why the observatory was almost destroyed by terrorism. See where Ann Boelyn doomed herself, where Elizabeth I played as a child, where Nelson lay in state as part of a massive propaganda exercise and the site of the country's Sistine Chapel. There's plenty more on this walk packed with naval and royal history. Please pay £12. You can pay cash on the day or transfer to my account sort 090128 acct 75471878.

Hi all, cost, & info below..A beautiful, scenic, healthy 5.5 mile circular walk, part walking along the River Thames, pubs date back to the 1500's and have been frequented by the likes of Princess Margaret, Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Kirk Douglas and Peter Sellers. We will see where the pirate Captain Kidd was hung, see Winston Churchill's funeral barge if in dock, see pubs Dickens wrote about, Where Judge Jefferies was caught. Old sailing wooden ships once transported goods and received rum, rice and wonderful new spices hundreds of years ago when the great River Thames was alive with large sailing ships and was the most powerful nation in the World! Some of the wonderful old warehouses still exist, The only wallside WW2 damage left in London, the oldest music hall left in the World, amazing docks and stunning canal walk and giant sailing ships left in dock. where a battle took place that includes a giant mural, deeply atmospheric Jack the ripper site left absolutely intact, stunning horse statues running through water, part of lost roman wall. It is an incredible area and if you have not been to this area you are in for a stunning treat, (we even have the option to drink in an old twisted warehouse with lanterns and the end of the Walk! £10 cash/card payment by simply turning up on the day Please meet outside the front of Tower Hill Station by the entrance to the small park and coffee mobile van ABOUT OUR SECRET LONDON WALKS It is a 15-year fascinating journey together to explore the whole of beautiful, enchanting Secret London. The only walking group in the World offering this unique experience! The individual walks have been created from an original route several miles in length (usually on average about 50 miles) where we have checked every nook and cranny, every hidden alleyway, lane, lost cobbled path, cul de sac, avenue, road or street in that area for you! It is then shortened, to give back to you a magical walk with all the best bits of 'Lovely London', voted the best City in the World for the 10th year running! What is given back to you is the most scenic, healthy walk (usually 3-6 miles in length) with some of the walks containing hidden cobbled lanes, lost shops, secret gems, areas lost in time, wonderful views, idyllic Instagram photo shots and all sorts! Now and then some brief local info is mentioned or something of historical importance along the way. You will have plenty of time to chat and meet new friends whilst walking the amazing lost areas of London! So we welcome you to the colourful highlights of this fascinating City of London with simply wonderful things to see! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. No Dogs allowed sorry We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!

Come along on Saturday 30th May for treasure hunt around the historic area of Southwark! The treasure hunts are a good way to get to know an area of London whilst meeting new people. **About the area** In around 200AD the Romans built a bridge between Londinium (now the City) and a group of islands directly opposite across the Thames. The area has been inhabited since and was called *'Suthringa Geweorche'* (which means Southern Defensive Work) by the Anglo Saxons, we know it today as Southwark. In the middle ages, the area became known as the place of 'entertainment', with theatres, bear & bull baiting pits, taverns and brothels. It also had notorious prisons like the Clink and Marshalsea. **How it works** Come along at 1:30pm and you will be randomly divided into teams of 3 people (or you can choose your own team beforehand). For fairness, any London Guides or Blue Badge Tour Guides won't be allowed to take part. Then each team will be given 15-20 written clues which you have to find the answers for. It's up to your team to work together to find the answers. The answers will be found on blue plaques or statues. You can answer them in any order and you will be provided with a map of the area to help you. It's not a race, so you can take your time getting to know Southwark. **Prizes** The team to get the most correct answers and then return to base (a local pub or cafe) will win book vouchers for Waterstones bookshops of £10 per person. If more than one team gets the top score, there will be a tie break question back at the pub. A £5 gift voucher per person will be given to each member of the team coming in second place and prizes will be given to each member of the team with the best team name. **Cost** Its £7 per person to take part (payable by cash or credit card on the day), apart from Full Members where it is free! **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year), either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809, Account name: Cultureseekers) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) We will be marking the scores back at the pub at 4:30pm, so it should all be over by 5:00pm. Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign/flag. If you can't see us, please text. Look forward to seeing you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](http://general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.*** ***Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** *Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing -* ***[https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

Come along on Sunday 31st May for a guided walk/hike, walking the route of one of London's lost rivers - the River Walbrook! **About the walk** We will walk the entire length of the river (about 2 miles), from its source to where it enters the River Thames. The Walbrook is unfortunately completely covered and is now part of sewer system since the 1860's. The walk is part hike/part guided, so starting at its source in Shoreditch, we will follow its route and on the way I will show you points of interest which would have been on the banks of the River Walbrook and tell you more about them. **The River Walbrook** The meaning comes from *'weala broc'* meaning '*brook of the foreigners'* which is what the invading Romans took to mean the native Britons. Despite being one of the shortest rivers to flow through London, the River Walbrook is counted as a major waterway, as it carved a route right through Roman Londinium. The exact location of the source of the river is of great dispute, although evidence suggests it is somewhere on Holywell Hill in Shoreditch. It was an important part of the Roman city providing fresh water to the Roman citizens. We will walk about 2 miles, so sensible shoes are advised. The terrain is pavements. The walk finishes near Cannon Street Station. **Payment** Full Members of the group will be free, everyone else the cost is £7 per person (payable by cash or credit card on the day). **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year), either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to [general@cultureseekers.org](mailto:general@cultureseekers.org), using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Afterwards** After, we will head to the 'Sir John Hawkshaw pub' (a Wetherspoons pub) on the concourse of Cannon Street Station for a chat over a drink. If you can't see us outside the station, please text. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) ***On the day, if you can’t make the trip, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.*** ***Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** *Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/)*

Step into the gas-lit streets of Victorian London and uncover the chilling story of Jack the Ripper. This evening walking tour takes you deep into Whitechapel, where one of history’s most notorious serial killers stalked his victims. Follow your expert guide as you: Visit the actual sites of the Ripper’s murders Explore hidden alleys and cobblestoned lanes Hear the true stories of the victims and the suspects See rare photographs and police reports Learn how the crimes shocked London — and the world Your guide will separate fact from fiction, using historical evidence and forensic insight to paint a vivid picture of life in East London in 1888. ⚠️ **IMPORTANT**: Attendance Confirmation Required To help us manage attendance, please complete the form below if you will be attending. You will only be added to the confirmed list once the form has been completed. **Confirm here:** https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO_ujT7S1q-3EiZgkxHfPxJGgG8CnlYNCrHqQkLPNXmEC4Gw/viewform?usp=header If you are unable to join, please just send us a message to let us know.

Step into the gas-lit streets of Victorian London and uncover the chilling story of Jack the Ripper. This evening walking tour takes you deep into Whitechapel, where one of history’s most notorious serial killers stalked his victims. Follow your expert guide as you: Visit the actual sites of the Ripper’s murders Explore hidden alleys and cobblestoned lanes Hear the true stories of the victims and the suspects See rare photographs and police reports Learn how the crimes shocked London — and the world Your guide will separate fact from fiction, using historical evidence and forensic insight to paint a vivid picture of life in East London in 1888. ⚠️ **IMPORTANT**: Attendance Confirmation Required To help us manage attendance, please complete the form below if you will be attending. You will only be added to the confirmed list once the form has been completed. **Confirm here:** https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO_ujT7S1q-3EiZgkxHfPxJGgG8CnlYNCrHqQkLPNXmEC4Gw/viewform?usp=header If you are unable to join, please just send us a message to let us know.

Fleet Street in London has a grim history - it is named after the River Fleet , one of London's filthiest and most dangerous rivers. Dickens based Fagin's lair along the river in "Oliver Twist" . The river has long since disappeared but the legends remain , including the tale of a bloody barber and his murderous assistant. Join actor and tour guide Nick Richmond for a dark journey through the bloody streets of London in search of Sweeney Todd, tracing his Victorian roots in the Penny Dreadful's to the musical version by Sondheim and the Tim Burton film from 2007. This is an adult themed tour and may not be suitable for younger children or those of a nervous disposition. You have been warned ! Tickets are £10 and we meet at the North entrance of Blackfriars station Any problems you can call me on 07490953722

Join Bold Spirit Travel for an all-women’s journey through the [heart of Provence. ](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/south-of-france-provence-2026) From charming villages and bustling markets, to lavender fields and coastal cliffs, this adventure blends history, art, food, and stunning landscapes. Your base is a boutique hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the perfect hub for exploring southern France. *\*We can only take 10 women on this trip.* **Highlights** * **Aix-en-Provence** – stroll cobbled streets, browse colorful markets, and enjoy lively cafés. * **Marseilles** – tour its historic basilica and meet traditional soap makers. * **Arles & Wine Tasting** – explore Roman ruins and sip wines at Mas Valériole estate. * **Lavender Fields** – capture the beauty of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. * **Cassis & the Calanques** – enjoy seaside scenery and an optional boat ride. * **St. Rémy** – wander the vibrant market and visit Van Gogh’s former monastery. * **Les Baux-de-Provence** – experience the dazzling immersive light show. * **Cabrières-d’Avignon** – discover lavender’s artistry at the Lavender Museum. **What's Included:** * 6 nights in a boutique hotel (shared occupancy; private upgrades available). * Expert Bold Spirit tour leader plus bilingual local guides. * Meals as listed in the itinerary. * Private ground transportation. * Pre-trip support: Zoom call, WhatsApp group, and packing guidance. **Why Travel With Us?** This Provence adventure is designed for women who love travel, culture, and connection. You’ll share meals, explore iconic sites, and enjoy the slower pleasures of the French countryside—with expert guidance and community every step of the way. **Pricing:** * **Trip Cost:** USD 5,885 * **Deposit:** USD 700 non-refundable (secures hotels and guides) Get in touch with us to set up a call and learn [more](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/south-of-france-provence-2026). Contact:[ https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact)

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."