Historic Locations

Come along on Saturday 16th Mayl to visit the historic city of Lichfield in the county of Staffordshire! **About Lichfield** Lichfield is a historic and pretty town situated 14 miles north of Birmingham. Notable for its three-spired 14th century medieval cathedral, Lichfield was the birthplace of Dr Samuel Johnson, the writer of the first authoritative 'Dictionary of the English Language'*.* In 2009, the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork, was found 4 miles south-west of Lichfield. Lichfield's heyday was in the 18th century, when it developed into a thriving coaching city. This was a period of great intellectual activity; the city was the home of many famous people including Dr Samuel Johnson, actor and playwright David Garrick, physician Erasmus Darwin and the novelist Anna Seward, author of the book 'Black Beauty'. This prompted Johnson's remark that Lichfield was "a city of philosophers". **Itinerary** 9:07am - catch train to Lichfield City 10:41am - arrive and walk into town 11:00am - guided tour of the cathedral 12:30pm - lunch 1:45pm - guided tour of the town (meeting outside the cathedral entrance) 3:30pm - freetime: Samuel Johnson's Birthplace Museum, Erasmus Darwin House, the Old Guildhall Prison Cells, Wheate & Son's Toy Museum 5:16pm - catch train back to London 7:30pm - arrival back **Cost** Entry and tour of the cathedral is £10 per person and the guided tour of the city is £7 per person. Payable on the day by cash, PayPal or Bank Transfer. You can do both, either or just do your own thing in the city. **Train Tickets** Please go ahead and book your own ticket at the Avanti West Coast Railway website - [https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk](https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/)/ or on the Trainline website - [https://www.thetrainline.com/](https://www.thetrainline.com/) The GroupSave tickets don't work out any cheaper. so best to purchase two single tickets. If you aim to get the 9:07am train from Euston to Lichfield (£30.50 single) and return on the 5:16pm train back to London (£9.00 single). You might get them cheaper if you shop around. **Please book your tickets asap, as they will go up the nearer we get to the date of the trip.** Please note, we only wait at the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. If you can't see us at the station, please text. Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. 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/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

This is a new walk, and another enjoyable one. We will meet at 10. 45 am at The Beehive {see map below} for a hot drink. After our hot drink at 11.15 am, we will make or way to The Brixton Windmill {as image above} this windmill is one of the few left in London. After our visit to the windmill we will walk to Brockwell Park and the cafe there for our lunch {or bring our own} where you can get a hot meal. After lunch we will walk into artists homes and look at their art, {this is part of the Dulwich Festival} ending up in to Dulwich Park, where our walk ends, and have a well earned drink. For those who want to carry on after our drink we will make our way to one of our members homes to look at her paintings. who is in the festival. {This is optional} With North & West Dulwich railway station 10 minutes walk away, and local buses just outside the park. If you have a knee problem or walk slow, this walk is not for you. Meet up cost £7 {please have the right change} Please note: If you have a knee problem or walk slow this walk is not for you. Some of the footpaths can get quite muddy, so please wear the correct footwear. If you need any more info ring Paul on 07530 675739 {this is not a smart phone.} JOIN OUR 45+ NOT GRUMPY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY <[https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/](https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/)>

**VICTORIA.....not just a station** My first new tour for 2026 and surprises galore. Of course we will talk about the station and the famous theatre but once we hit the back streets there is so much more of interest. How about a forgotten wedding venue for the famous, a hidden square and a music venue many of us will remember. Also a pub that changed British comedy forever and the man who made crossing the road a bit easier! And if thats not enough we meet the most famous soldier from first world war. I enjoy the research for my tours and this one taught me much I never knew. tours cost £14 per head ...cash on the day please rsvp to book or if you have any queries send a message or contact me, Barrie,via Phone or Text 07860 911393

**VICTORIA.....not just a station** My first new tour for 2026 and surprises galore. Of course we will talk about the station and the famous theatre but once we hit the back streets there is so much more of interest. How about a forgotten wedding venue for the famous, a hidden square and a music venue many of us will remember. Also a pub that changed British comedy forever and the man who made crossing the road a bit easier! And if thats not enough we meet the most famous soldier from first world war. I enjoy the research for my tours and this one taught me much I never knew. tours cost £14 per head ...cash on the day please rsvp to book or if you have any queries send a message or contact me, Barrie,via Phone or Text 07860 911393

*“In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.”* - Albert Einstein **Join us at the Bow Street Museum on Saturday 16th May!** **Journey through the history of law and order in Covent Garden as you experience Bow Street Museum of Crime & Justice.** **Within the iconic building that housed both the Magistrates’ Courts and Police Station in the heart of London’s Theatreland, discover the story of the Bow Street Runners, London's first law enforcement service, and the Metropolitan Police Officers who walked the streets in their footsteps. Explore the original 19th century cells and uncover the stories of the people working in and passing through the station and courts.** **Read more here:** [Bow Street Museum website](https://bowstreetmuseum.org.uk) **MEET DETAILS:** **FROM 1:15pm: MEET AT CAFFE NERO (optional)** Address: 83-84 Long Acre, London WC2E 9NG **2PM: ENTER THE MUSEUM** Address: 28 Bow St, Martlett Ct, London WC2E 7AW **4PM-Late: PUB SOCIAL AT BOW STREET TAVERN (optional)** We'll head to a local pub for a social chit chat over drinks. Address: 37 Bow St, London WC2E 7AU **TICKETS:** **You will need to purchase your own ticket for this event. Bow Street Museum are giving us a special LoMAZ discount - £6 tickets instead of £8! Just choose the “Concession” option at checkout.** **Please** [book here](https://bowstreetpolicemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/33249?catID=33153&) and choose the 2pm slot (or thereabouts) for Saturday 16th May. LOMAZ DISCOUNT TICKET: £6 (choose the “Concession” option) Ticket with Art Pass: £4 **GETTING THERE:** [How to get to the Bow Street Museum](https://bowstreetmuseum.org.uk/visit/plan-your-visit/) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. The link will be posted in the Event Comments 48 hours before the event, for those on the confirmed going list. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE READ:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. This event has an attendee limit as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. If you RSVP but can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible, **otherwise you will be marked as a 'no show'.** We remove members from the group who: * repeatedly sign up for events then 'no show'. * repeatedly change their RSVP to 'No'. * are on the event waitlist or have not RSVPd but turn up anyway. Please see the [About Us section](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-for-30s-40s/) for more information about the group and how it works. **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** 📸 Follow LoMAZ on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/) Image credit: "CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS / @CSI：cafe" by [puamelia] is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

**Classic Jordan - Amman-Jerash-Dead Sea-Petra and Wadi Rum** **May 16-24, 2026** The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan offers a heady mix of natural wonders and ancient history. Geographically situated at the heart of a region that has influenced history and culture for over 2000 years, Jordan has been influenced by Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders and Arabs. On this tour, we will experience the highlights of this beautiful country, including touring the spectacular and extensive Roman ruins of Jerash, visiting the lowest point on the earth’s surface, the Dead Sea for swimming and floating, exploring the fabled Rose Red City of Petra, luxury camping in the desert of Wadi Rum and a chance to enjoy the modern metropolis of the capital city Amman. **Itinerary** **Day One - Amman** Arrivals in Amman. Transfers from airport to hotel. Dinner at hotel. Most flights arrive late. Overnight in Amman **Day Two - Jerash, Salt and Amman** Breakfast at hotel Transfer to Jerash to visit some of the best preserved Greco-Roman ruins in the world. Jerash gives insight to what this region was like 2000 years ago and includes archways, theatres, public baths, a hippodrome, public fountains and an amphitheater. We continue to the hillside town of Salt on the old main highway leading from Amman to Jerusalem. Salt was an Ottoman Empire trading hub and this is reflected in its Ottoman architecture. Return to Amman for a city tour. Overnight in Amman. **Day Three - Northern Jordan, Pella (Gedara) and Wine Tasting** Breakfast at hotel Full day tour to northern Jordan including a visit to a vineyard to taste Jordanian wines. We then head to Pella which was an ancient city that contains ruins from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Canaanite, Hellenistic and Islamic periods. A massive Bronze and Iron Age temple recently discovered in Pella is one of the best preserved temples from Old Testament times anywhere in the Holy Land. Return to Amman. **Day Four - Dead Sea** Breakfast at hotel. We travel to Al-Maghtas on the east bank of the Jordan River which is reputed to be the location of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. We continue to the Dead Sea where we can enjoy swimming and floating in the dense salt water. This is the lowest point on earth and it overlooks the West Bank. Dinner (included) and overnight at the Dead Sea **Day Five - Madaba, Mt Nebo, Kerak and Petra** Breakfast at hotel. On the way to Petra, we will stop and visit Madaba with its Ottoman-style houses and Byzantine-era mosaics including a 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land which can be seen at St George’s Church. We will travel via the King’s Highway to the historic crusader castle of Kerak and Mt Nebo where Moses was reputedly shown the Holy Land. Overnight and dinner (included) at hotel in Petra. **Day Six - Petra and Wadi Rum** Breakfast at the hotel Early morning visit to the ancient, Red Rose City of Petra. One of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, Petra is a blend of Eastern traditional and Hellenistic architecture. It is one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra is the highlight of any trip to Jordan. We approach via the narrow Siq canyon until we suddenly reach the amazing Treasury. This ancient city is half-built and half-carved into the rock and surrounded by gorges and mountain passages. We will have time to explore this site at leisure. Those who wish can return by horseback or even camel. In the late afternoon we continue to the desert of Wadi Rum for dinner (included) and overnight at a luxury Bedouin camp. **Day Seven - Wadi Rum** Breakfast at the camp. Two hour 4x4 jeep tour in the Wadi Rum desert. Return to Amman. Overnight in Amman **Day Eight - Amman** Breakfast at hotel Transfers to airport Price: £1795 per person sharing (double/twin) £485 single supplement **International Flights Are Not Included** **Price includes:** 7 Nights Accommodation in 4\* hotels and 5\* luxury camp (Wadi Rum) 7 x breakfast, 7 x dinner All ground transportation (18 seater bus) Entrance Fees to all sites mentioned in the programme Private English speaking guide for Day 2 - Day 7 (6 days) Tour leader from 45+ Not Grumpy (Jo) throughout the tour 2 hour Jeep tour in Wadi Rum Standard horse ride at Petra (included in admission ticket) **Price excludes:** International flights Incidental expenses at hotels (telephone, mini bar, laundry etc) Tips and gratuities for guide, driver, horse boy (Petra), 4x4 drivers (Wadi Rum), hotel and restaurant staff Any extra meals and beverages not mentioned in programme Travel insurance

This walk has been quite popular, and with a very good Sunday Roast at the end it would be a shame to miss it. Come with me on an enjoyable and picturesque walk along the River Thames. We will meet at 11 am in The London & South Western pub in Lavender Hill, { to get to the London & South Western Pub, when coming off the platform, as you come down the stairs, there are 2 exit signs, take the one to the town centre, , once you come out of the station, turn left cross the road, the pub is right in front of you]. After our hot drink at 11.20 am we will make our way to the River Thames, and walk through Battersea Park {as image above}, We will stop at the Battersea Brewery at Circus West or you can go to see the Shops in Battersea Power Station. We will end up for lunch at the Rose Pub which is opposite the Albert Embankment {please advise if you want lunch as I need to book it.} With Vauxhall main line and underground stations 5 minutes walk away. Walking distance 6 miles miles approx. This walk is mostly on the Thames Towpath, so wearing trainers would be OK. £7 meetup fee required {please have the right change}. If you need any more info ring or text Paul on 07530 675739 {this is not a smart phone} or email paulc200850@yahoo.co.uk

Come along on Sunday 17th May for a Blue Badge Guided Walk around historic Baron's Court! Blue Badge Guides know London better than anyone. They have trained intensively for two years and passed the highest Tourist Guiding qualification in the UK. **About the walk** Situated between Kensington and Hammersmith this attractive conservation area was built up during the late Victorian period and retains many interesting examples of domestic architecture. Discover purpose built artists’ studio houses, the former home of the Royal Ballet, one of London’s leading drama schools, the famous Queens tennis club, a teaching hospital and a former burial ground with an unusual name. We’ll hear about the notable people who have passed through the area including an aviator, authors, a world famous political leader, actors and dancers. The walk is a private walk for the group, we will be guided by Blue Badge guide [Diane Burstein](https://www.guidelondon.org.uk/guides/dianeburstein/) and Guy Fairbank. Guy will be starting at 2:15pm and Diane at 2:30pm, so on the day, just come along at your chosen time. **Payment for the walk** Full Members of the group will be £11, everyone else the cost is £13 per person (payable via cash or credit card on the day or in advance via PayPal or Bank Transfer). If you wish to pay in advance: \- send a bank transfer: TSB Bank plc\, sort code: 77\-66\-65\, account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), ‘send a payment’ to general@cultureseekers.org and click on the ‘Goods & Services’ option and change it to ‘Friends & Family’, as this avoids a charge from PayPal. **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 **Afterwards** After we will head to the 'Curtains Up pub' 28a Comeragh Road, for a chat over a drink. We finish close to Barons Court Tube Station. If you can make it, please come to the pub afterwards, as it’s a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit. Please note, we will only wait at the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time so please be early or on time. Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign outside the station. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (text only) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](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/)***

Hi all, cost & info below, Please join everyone for a stunning 3.5 mile, 5 mile or 6.5 mile beautiful, fascinating walk. We will walk along part of an amazing stretch of the River Thames and the local area adjacent, see where some of the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower ship, the captain of the Mayflower is buried in the local churchyard, the names and messages from the crew written on the walls, the old warehouses, remains Edward III Manor House, Mudlarkers, where Captain Cook prepared his Australian voyage and Samuel Pepys drank, the 'Fighting Temeraire' was painted by J.W Turner coming in to be hauled and scrapped Where Charles Dickens described this area as the poorest in London, Butler's Whaft and the amazing Shad Thames, a stunning historical area, location of Maltby Street Market (operates weekends only) a Tibetan tea room, a old factory where seal fur was made, beautiful parks and canals and a wall with an eye looking at you! £10 cash/card payment by simply turning up on the day Please meet outside the front of The Gregorian Pub, 96 Jamaica Road, Bermondsey, SE16 4SQ. Turn Left out of Bermondsey Underground Station (Jubilee Line) and the pun is about 200 meters on your left past all the small shops. Please note: This walk does not repeat or cover routes from the recent London Bridge and Bermondsey walk. This is a completely different walk 3.5 mile option ends back at Bermondsey Underground Station, does not include walk along an amazing stretch of the River Thames, Pilgrims Mayflower ship, captain burial, names and messages from the remains Edward III Manor House, Mudlarkers, Captain, the 'Fighting Temeraire' was painted, beautiful parks and canals 5 mile option ends at Canada Water Underground Station (Jubilee Line) does not include walk along an amazing stretch of the River Thames, Pilgrims Mayflower ship, captain burial, names and messages from the remains Edward III Manor House, Mudlarkers, Captain, the 'Fighting Temeraire' was painted 6.5 mile circular walk ends back at Bermondsey Underground Station 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 25 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 Sunday 17th May for lunch before the guided walk. **About the event** Once a month at lunchtime before the guided walks, we will be having lunch in a local cafe or pub in the area the walk is in. It's a chance to chat and get to know people in the group in a quiet relaxed setting. Each month's place will be in a different part of London and different cafes or pubs. The lunches are open to all, whether you come on the walk or not. Lookout for the 'London Cultureseekers' group signs on the tables when you get to the cafe. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](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/)***

…Platform 37\* (pictured: the east elevation from York Way) More than 20 years ago, the celebrated ‘blue veil’ in Allies + Morrison’s Masterplan drawings defined a long, imperforate block here, literally following the paths the railways had made, entering and spreading out across the site. An initial proposal, by AHMM, was abandoned in 2016, after joint Google founder Larry Page described it as ‘too boring’. Danish metamodernist Bjarte Ingels and critic-of-the-UK-architectural-profession Thomas Heatherwick were appointed to collaboratively re-design Google’s new ‘groundscraper’, 3rd largest office building in the UK\*\*, intended to accommodate all 7000 London 'Googlers’. It is almost finished, expected to open this autumn, and is the final piece in the King’s Cross Central puzzle. We're going to meet outside Thomas Heatherwick’s new Studio in Argyle Street, then see AHMM’s 10-storey Belgrove House, the London Discovery Research Centre\*\*\* intended for research into diseases of ageing and human biology, and then the site in Midland Road, where Richard Rogers’ British Library Extension, including tunnels and passageways for Crossrail 2, will soon be taking shape. It requires the demolition of Long & Kentish’s Centre for Conservation, which was only completed in 2007! Adjacent is HOK/PLP’s Francis Crick Institute, and then, passing through St Pancras International Station we emerge in Pancras Square, to see Google’s current building at No 6. Cutting through the station forecourt, we enter the casbah-like ‘Regent Quarter’, the first area around King’s Cross Station to be regenerated. Its small-scale offices, retail and leisure businesses are in a mixture of refurbished and new buildings arranged around an informal network of passageways and back courts, which leads us to York Way and the stunning, extraordinary east elevation of Platform 37, superbly juxtaposed with the glazed north gables of Lewis Cubitt’s 1852 twin train-sheds. At this point in the walk, it’s too early to make up your mind about the design, but it’s obviously without precedent\*\*\*\*, and, possibly, is not the work of a human hand! From the towpath of the Regent’s Canal, we can see the north elevation, rearing up from the end of the 330m long building, equivalent to a 80-storey skyscraper on its side. Finally, King’s Boulevard! Here it is the backdrop to the busiest desire-line in London! Anticipation, excitement, car-free of course, safe and secure, and bike-free, thanks to the wardens. We’ll probably never get to see inside, but I can describe the structural system, hanging the floors from intermediate trusses leaving continuous, and single-, double- and triple-height workspaces in open accommodation, producing continuously cascading work environments, running from one end of the building to the other, very much like open-gangway railway carriages. On the ground floor will be retail, plus Google’s own *AI Exchange*, a public venue ‘designed to demystify artificial intelligence through free educational programming, interactive exhibitions, and cultural events’. It’s dedicated to exploring AI's impact on society and increasing public understanding. But this building's contribution is to the public realm: like a geological feature: an escarpment, an endless cliff, meandering along a human coast of footfall. Not as sophisticated as Foster's Bloomberg, not as pure as Piano's Paddington Square. A flag waving in a breeze will never conform to a geometric pattern: it’s a dashed-off sketch, not a thesis! But even so, unique, different, memorable and like many of Google’s products, ‘free’ to Londoners! By the way, if AI is half as good as they say, why does Google need so many staff? And such a big building? And what do all those staff do? I will explain. Hope you can come! Andy \* Google’s new, recently announced, official name for their London HQ. \*\*only Nos 22 and 100 Bishopsgate are larger. \*\*\*Developed by Precis Advisory for US pharmaceutical giant Merck, who terminated their involvement last September, but the shell is now topped out and nearing completion. \*\*\*\* perhaps echoes of the London Bloomberg Building, the Centre Pompidou and the Chips Building by Will Alsop?

**GRADE:** Beginners hike 18km/11 miles. Approx 5 hrs hiking time on easy paths and park tracks. This is a lovely and historic circular hike along the Thames to **Runnymede meadow**. This historic and beautiful spot on the Thames is where **King John** grudgingly signed the **Magna Carta,** a document that limited the power of all the future Kings and Queens of England. From here, we will hike a forested hill and make our way to **Windsor Great Park.** Meandering through the deer park, ancient oak trees and rolling landscape, we'll have quite a view of **Windsor Castle** as we hike our way down the long walk to **Windsor Castle.** **Windsor Castle** has been home of royals since the 11th century, and the Great Park was the traditional hunting ground that surrounded the castle. On Leaving the castle we pick up the river path again and follow this back to **Windsor** where you are welcome to join us for a drink before catching the train home. **MEETING TIME:** 09:00 London Waterloo Station underneath the main clock **TRAINS.** 09.33 train from Waterloo arrives at Datchet Station 10.22, 57 mins journey time. Train Tickets are not included buy on the day or in advance return ticket to Windsor and Eton Riverside **COST:** £10 payable on RSVP. **HIKE STARTS:** 10.30 Datchet Station **LUNCH:** Pack lunch on route **HIKE FINISHES:** 17:00, Windsor and Eton Riverside Station **HIKE LEADER: Gary 07968585224** What to bring: lunch, snacks, water, dress appropriately for the weather with suitable clothing, spare layer waterproof and hiking footwear. [Click here for recommended kit](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FLjSAczjgbZ26OKE4Iy_zX2IFqkybdXCmK9AkVfqI1w/edit?usp=sharing) Terms and conditions: [Click Here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XSic4Aj9VJguTQuiWrTd6I1A-EmvmQCqCHggB0omlX8/edit?usp=sharing) To view our full calendar: [Click Here](https://www.meetup.com/GO-London/events/) Contact: [golondongary@hotmail.co.uk](http://golondongary@hotmail.co.uk/) \- 07968585224 Facebook page: [Click Here ](https://www.facebook.com/GoLondonAdventure/)Facebook group: [Click Here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoLondonHiking/) Instagram: [Click Here](https://www.instagram.com/golondonhiking/?hl=en) X: [Click Here ](https://x.com/GOLondonhiking)Linkedin: [Click Here](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-bebb-260056263/) Remember to tag us on social media @Golondonhiking

We will meet outside the Blackhorse tube station (Victoria line and Overground) and make our way to see the wetlands. * Walthamstow Wetlands is a 211-hectare nature reserve adjacent to the River Lea. The reservoirs, under the ownership of Thames Water, also form part of a larger Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, noted for the mixture of aquatic and terrestrial habitats on site, and for their London-wide importance (especially for birds). * We will finish our walk outside the Blackhorse tube station. Optional drinks/lunch at the end of the walk. What to bring: 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 or 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 organiser on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

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.

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

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."

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!