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Free tour

Explore Brixton: off the beaten path in London's most multicultural neighbourhood

5.00
Excellent(5)
Duration: 2 hours
Languages: English
Guru: Hinesh
Registered on 25 January 2023
Guru Avatar Image
I'm a former diplomat and still an avid traveller. I look forward to helping you escape the usual sights of central London and discover our most multicultural, exciting neighbourhood - Brixton! I also love hiking, singing, running, languages, squash, history, and politics.
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Just 20 minutes from central London but worlds away from grand monuments and tourist shops, come and experience the best of this bustling, colourful part of the city. Whether visitor, Londoner, or Brixtonian: you might be surprised at what you'll discover!

Walk with me to understand:

 - Brixton's fascinating development from forests and fields to commercial centre and hub for a large Afro-Caribbean community

 - how immigration, neglect, and hope shaped Brixton's identity, including through politics, music, race relations, and regeneration

 - some of our beautiful protected buildings, all with their own stories


What do we cover?
 - London's last surviving windmill, learning how Brixton sprung up and connected to London through trains and trams
 - the once-mighty River Effra, now buried underground but for centuries a major local feature
 - the legacy of empire and the race riots of the 1980s and 90s, hearing about social housing and issues of inequality  
 - we'll weave among railway arches, shopping streets, and old pubs as we see Brixton's historic covered markets, and dive into debates about gentrification and regeneration
 - Electric Avenue (made famous by the song), David Bowie, and other cultural icons
 - the chance to try food and drinks from around the world after the tour

Brixton - so often misunderstood but with so much of interest to the curious visitor or local!


Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:
Windmill Gardens, 100 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton Hill, London SW2 5DA, UK
Meet in Windmill Gardens (I'll send travel instructions to guests). I'll be wearing a white cap and holding a sign saying The Brixton Line.
1
Outside visit
Brixton Windmill
Built in 1816, this is London's last windmill - and an excellent introduction to Brixton's origins and development.
2
Outside visit
Rush Common / Brixton Hill
A huge grazing ground just 200 years ago, we'll see how Brixton Hill grew, talk about transport and housing, and see some buildings from through the ages
3
Outside visit
St Matthew's Church
Discover the River Effra (now completely buried!) and the civic heart of Brixton, with cultural venues, local government, and more
Tour map

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour reviews

5.00
Excellent(5)
Generic
5
0
0
0
0
By category
Professionalism
5.00
Fun
4.60
Communication
4.80
Quality
4.80
Route
4.60

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Suitable for bringing pets.

What should I know?

Minimum attendees
Does not require a minimum number of people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or card payment accepted.
Explore Brixton: off the beaten path in London's most multicultural neighbourhood
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