women's tour london

Professionally led Women's History walking tours Of London

International women's day 2024.

Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day this March!

We have a full schedule with five different tours, so something for everyone:

Women In Art: – Friday 8th March 10am (1 space left) – Friday 8th March 6pm (6 spaces left) – Saturday 9th March 10am ( 4 spaces left)

Myths, Mothers & Matriarch’s: Women in the British Museum: – Friday 8th 10am (5 spaces available) – Saturday 9th 10am (7 spaces available)

Working Women of the East End: – Thursday 7th March 2pm – Saturday 8th March 2pM

Women of Westminster: – Friday 8th March 10am – Sunday 10th March 10am

Women of Bloomsbury: – Friday 8th March 2pm – Saturday 9th March 2pm 

Bookings are now open for our public tours listed above and you can contact us on [email protected]   to arrange a private tour.

a few words

We are a Women’s History Walking tour company created by experienced tour guides.

After many years of taking people on tours around London we decided it time for a company that approaches London’s history through the achievements of Women.

Women of London aims to show visitors and locals that Women’s History can be found everywhere.

We offer a range of Women’s History Walking Tours throughout the year, which are also available, upon request, for Private Tours.

Read more about our walking tours below or contact us for more information.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Women's History Walking Tours

Our walking tours will take you around different areas of London and introduce you to the smaller and often missed tributes to the Women who shaped London.

Our walking tours are available to book now, please note booking is essential.

Click below to see available dates and time and join us in celebrating the Women of London!

Women Of Westminster ~£25~

Working Women of the East End ~£25~

Women Of Bloomsbury ~£25~

Women in art ~£25~

Myths, Mothers & Matriarchs ~£25~

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Amazing Women in London Tour

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• Pay what you can

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Recommended for all ages
• Not wheelchair friendly unfortunately
• Guaranteed departure
• No need for bus/tube tickets
• Meeting point: Lambeth Palace
• We accept card payments

Free Tour Amazing Women in London

Have you ever walked through London and wondered ‘where are the statues of women?’, or have you ever walked around London and counted the statues of women then tried to do the same with the statues of men? If you did, what differences did you notice? We at Wonders of London have walked through the streets of London with a thought always residing in the backs of our minds. This thought is ‘surely women have contributed to history just as much as men, but where are their statues?’.

Join us on this amazing free walking tour through the London boroughs of Lambeth and Westminster and discover the statues , memorials and stories of some of the amazing history changing and history making women of London . On this tour we will discover the story of the woman who burnt the City of London down, the story of the queen who saved The Burghers of Calais, amazing nurses and heroic spies from World War II. When we say women we mean real women as opposed to mythological representations of women or statues that embody the ideals that are often associated with women and the statues include but are not limited to Mary Seacole , Florence Nightingale , Emmeline Pankhurst among others.

This free tour is recommended to all ages although topics include war, disease, death, murder, suicide and the wrongful treatment of women in history.

Reviews of those who participated in the tour

Free Tour Itinerary and Highlights

Here is a preview of our itinerary:

• we will start at the Garden Museum on the Southbank, located right next to Lambeth Palace and Lambeth Bridge
• Violet Szabo Monument , Southbank
• Mary Seacole , St. Thomas Hospital
• Boudicca Statue , Westminster Bridge
• Millicent Garrett Fawcett, Parliament Square
• Women in Law , Supreme Court
• Emmeline Pankhurst , Victoria Tower Gardens
• The Women of World War II, Whitehall/Parliament Street
• Edith Cavell , National Portrait Gallery
• Florence Nightingale , Regent Street St. James
• we will end the tour by the Guards Crimean War Memorial

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

When does your amazing women in london tour run.

Our Amazing Women in London Tour usually runs on weekends, please check the calendar to find available dates

Where does your Amazing Women in London tour start?

Our Amazing Women in London Tour starts outside Lambeth Palace, Garden Museum by the Southbank – SE1 7LB

Where does this tour end?

This tour ends by the Crimean War Memorial , Waterloo Pl, St. James’s – SW1Y 4BN

How long is the tour expected to last?

The tour lasts for around 2 hours and a half

How will I find your tour guide?

Look for the guide with our unique blue, red and white umbrella with our logo. You will receive more detailed instructions by email after your booking

What happens if it is raining?

We go out rain or shine, so if it’s drizzling please remember to bring a rain jacket or an umbrella. Only in case of unbearably inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled and you will be contacted as soon as we can

Can I show up without booking?

Yes you can, but we highly recommend to make a booking which is absolutely free and it takes less than one minute. This is because in case of a very large group, for health and safety reasons we would need to accept participants with booking only and unfortunately if you have no booking we will have to send you home. Please note that we can’t take groups of more than 8 people on our free tours, if this is the case please get in touch with us here to enquire about a private tour [email protected]

What does 'Pay what you can' mean?

Wonders of London works on a pay what you feel basis, we understand that many of you have travelled various distances to get here, some of you might be locals, some of you might be on holiday here and we know that it can be difficult to enjoy all of London’s best attractions without spending a fair penny. We want our tours to be accessible to anyone and everyone so we don’t charge a ticket price but just bear in mind that are guides are working guides so we ask that at the end of the tour just have a think about what the tour was worth to you and pay however much or small you feel

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Free Women’s Legacy Tour London

• Rediscover London through the refreshing lens of its female trailblazers .
• Explore the historical boroughs of Lambeth and Westminster , connecting you to the real-life locales that influenced these women's monumental achievements.
• Uncover the fascinating stories of extraordinary women, from queens to suffragettes , from warriors to spies .

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London Guided Walks » Pioneering Women in the City Tour

Pioneering Women in the City Tour

Despite playing significant roles in shaping society throughout history, women’s achievements have frequently been disregarded or erased from the historical record. This private tour highlights the extraordinary women who founded charities, championed workers’ rights and paved the way for future generations.

As you walk through the streets of the City, you will discover lesser-known stories of the women who impacted London’s history. You will also have the opportunity to see iconic buildings and landmarks that witness women’s many struggles and triumphs throughout the ages.

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With a qualified London tour guide leading the way, gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of women’s important role in shaping the City of London and beyond.

Embark on a journey to uncover the rich and diverse history of women who have significantly contributed to the vibrant and dynamic City of London. From the working women of the 1300s to modern-day activists, this guided walk offers an opportunity to delve into the stories of those who have left their mark on the capital.

Women’s achievements have often been overlooked or forgotten despite their vital roles in shaping society throughout history. This private tour highlights the extraordinary women who founded charities, fought for workers’ rights and paved the way for future generations.

As we stroll through the streets and buildings where women made their mark, we will learn about the medieval hospitals founded by nuns and the Suffragettes who fought for women’s right to vote. We will discuss how working women through the centuries have been forgotten and how so much of their history is still unknown. Along the way, we will uncover the inspiring stories of pioneering women who challenged the status quo and achieved great things against all odds.

Book a 90-minute private tour through the City of London, starting at Cannon Street Station, and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the incredible contributions of women to the world we live in today.

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Private Women in the City Tour Calendar:

Going Out | Events and Things To Do

Women’s history in London: Where to learn about the feminist movement, suffragettes and women’s rights in the capital

From suffragette protests to SlutWalks, London has long been a battleground for women's rights.

The struggles and successes of women of the past are celebrated across the capital, from the collections in the Feminist Library to the walking tours about town.

Over the years, the city has seen a number of pivotal moments in women's history, from equal pay marches of the 50s to the first female speaker in the House of Commons in 1992, and continues to do so today.

To mark International Women's Day , we've rounded up our pick of London's most interesting spots to learn more of women's history.

The Feminist Library

This spot is home to the largest collection of women’s liberation literature in London – in particular, second-wave materials dating from the late 1960s to the 90s. Since its establishment in 1975, the library has been committed to supporting activist research and community projects, and volunteers have kept it going strong for 45 years. It's open to everyone and is incredibly accessible with no registration or membership required. Take your time in the bookshop , which boasts both new and second-hand books as well as periodicals and zines. It's also currently running a crowdfunding campaign to help its move to Peckham this spring .

5 Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7XW, feministlibrary.co.uk

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is home to a variety of paintings that commemorate inspiring women from British history . Visitors can find portraits of female trailblazers from the worlds of arts, literature, politics and more, with the likes of Emmeline Pankhurst hanging in the gallery's permanent collection as well as Florence Nightingale and Jane Austen lining the walls elsewhere. It's also the spot to learn about influential women in art history — later in 2019 it's set to host an exhibition titled Pre-Raphaelite Sisters . The show will explore the untold stories of female artists, models, and muses and how they contributed to the famous art movement. Definitely one to get in the diary.

St. Martin's Place, WC2H 0HE, npg.org.uk

Museum of London

The Museum of London’s Votes for Women exhibition may be closing its doors this month, but there’s still time to catch the final few days of the show. It features a number of standout objects from the museum’s extensive Suffragette collection, including Emmeline Pankhurst's hunger strike medal and jewellery from Kitty Marshall and Louise Eates. Those that don't have time to head to the show before it closes will still be able to soak up the long-term Suffragette display in the museum's People's City gallery, which features banners, news clippings, letters, medals and more.

150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN, museumoflondon.org.uk

The Women's Library at LSE

The Women’s Library started out in a converted pub on Marsham Street in Westminster, and now has 60,000 books and pamphlets detailing key moments in women's history. The library, which can be found at LSE, features more than 50 artefacts including suffrage campaign banners, photographs, posters, ceramics, tickets, badges, textiles and more. The largest collection on the women's movement in Britain, it focuses mainly on UK history spanning from the late 19th century to the present day. It’s made up of seven key threads: women’s suffrage, prostitution and trafficking, women in the workplace, women in public life, women in the church, women’s liberation movement of the 1970s and peace campaigns — so there's plenty to get stuck into.

Houghton St, WC2A 2AE, lse.ac.uk

Historical walking tours

If you’re partial to a little walk around the capital, try one of these. The London Town Walks are particularly good, boasting a suffragette walk starting at Embankment Underground station and finishing at the Emmeline Pankhurst memorial next to the Houses of Parliament. For something a little more dramatic, opt for Women on the Walk — a theatrical walking tour based in central London, which explores tales of women living in the city during pivotal times in history. Elsewhere, Black History Walks host regular ventures detailing African history in the capital and Beyond the Streets offer an alternative Jack the Ripper tour, focusing on the hidden history of East End women.

Across London

East End Women's Museum

It may not be officially open yet but that hasn’t stopped the East End Women’s museum hosting events and exhibitions across the city. Set to open its doors in Barking in 2020, this will be the first museum in the capital solely dedicated to women's history. Past projects include an exhibition at Hackney Museum on 100 years of women’s activism as well as a pop-up show on women's political efforts in east London, which was hosted at Whitechapel Idea Store. While it looks like the team are taking a break from events before their new launch, they're currently looking for local residents with a passion for women's history to bring ideas for the new museum. Updates on the venue opening can be found on the official website.

Events held across London, for more information visit eastendwomensmuseum.org

Portraits of inspiring women in London's galleries

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Meet the ‘Women of Westminster’ on our London walking tour

To celebrate the launch of our women’s history london map , author and expert tour guide katie wignall has curated and written a walking tour of london’s westminster, highlighting some of the fascinating women whom you can meet through statues, plaques and sculptures. illustrated with photographs by jo underhill, katie’s map is your ideal guide for exploring women’s history in london. .

As a seat of politics in the United Kingdom, Westminster is a historically important area of London. Yet it’s only relatively recently that women have started to play a leading role within this realm and let’s face it, there’s still more work to be done. The statues of women marked below for this walking tour not only show the importance of women to British political history, but their gradual growth in visibility to the public in this significant part of the city.

The walk starts at the statue of Boudicca and her daughters, a short walk from Westminster Tube Station. Opposite the Houses of Parliament, our national seat of power, stands a statue of a woman, both arms aloft with her right hand clasped around a spear. Crouching beside her are her two daughters clutching the sides of a chariot, pulled by horses that are hurtling towards you. This is Boudicca, married to the ruler of the Iceni tribe in Britain during the 1st century AD. When her husband died the Romans who had invaded Britain assumed they would take control of the tribe but Boudicca had other ideas. Affronted by this apparent coup, the Romans flogged Boudicca and ‘violated’ her daughters. The upper echelons of Iceni men were also stripped of their estates. Incensed by their mistreatment, Boudicca led a revolt against the Romans, first destroying Colchester, then St Albans and finally London. The Roman historian Cassius Dio explains that “80,000 of the Romans and of their allies perished, and the island was lost to Rome. Moreover, all this ruin was brought upon the Romans by a woman, a fact which in itself caused them the greatest shame.” In the end the Romans regrouped and Boudicca’s win was short-lived. She committed suicide by poison and (though there are many rumours) it’s not known where she died and was buried. This dynamic bronze statue was commissioned in the 1850s by Prince Albert and designed by Thomas Thornycroft. It was unveiled here in 1902.

Millicent Garrett Fawcett

Walk past the Elizabeth Tower and cross into Parliament Square. Parliament Square has a number of statues of British and international statesmen but it was only in 2018 when a statue of a woman appeared. This is Millicent Garrett Fawcett, sculpted by Gillian Wearing and unveiled in 2018 to commemorate 100 years since some women gained the vote in 1918. Fawcett is most famous as a suffragist who believed in a non-violent campaign for the vote for women. She spent almost all her life as an activist driven to improve the lives of women, writing her first published article on the importance of educating women aged 20. She lived to see the 1928 Representation of the People Act which gave the vote to women on the same basis as men. One of the best aspects of this statue is the fact that it is not just Fawcett celebrated here. She is literally supported by the work and courage of 59 women and four men who are commemorated in photographs around the base.

Women of World War II

Edith Cavell

Continue up Whitehall to enter Trafalgar Square. The grand building that dominates the space is the National Gallery, our national collection of some of the finest paintings in the world. Though women are shockingly underrepresented (there are only 21 paintings by women in the collection) it is worth visiting to see works by Rachel Ruysch (1664–1750), Artemisia Gentileschi (1593 – c.1652) and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun (1755 – 1842). On Charing Cross Road, pause alongside the entrance to the National Portrait Gallery to admire the statue of Edith Cavell. Born in 1865, Cavell received a good education and then worked for a governess for a Belgian family between 1890 – 1895. When her father was severely ill she returned home to care for him and the experience drove her to train as a nurse once he recovered. From 1896 she worked under the formidable Eva Luckes at the London Hospital who revolutionised the training for nurses making it more rigorous and professional. Highly skilled and experienced, Edith had various positions in St Pancras and Shoreditch before moving back to Brussels from 1907. At the beginning of the First World War and despite German occupation she continued to work, helping British soldiers out of Belgium and into the Netherlands. In August 1915 she was arrested and held in prison for ten weeks, the last two in solitary confinement. She would eventually admit to helping 60 British and 15 French soldiers (as well as approximately 100 civilians) to escape. She was executed by firing square on 12 October 1915, despite worldwide condemnation. This statue was designed by Sir George Frampton and erected only a few years after her death in 1920.

Agatha Christie

Walk up to the top of St Martin’s Lane for our final stop. This is a complicated junction of six streets, but on the corner of Cranbourn Street and Great Newport Street you can find the memorial sculpture of Agatha Christie. Christie was born in 1890 into a wealthy family in Devon. Her big break in writing came in 1920 when the Hercule Poirot story, The Mysterious Affair at Styles was published. She would go on to write 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, becoming arguably the best-selling novelist of all time. Fittingly, the statue designed by Ben Twiston-Davies, is shaped like a book with a bust of Christie in the centre. It also features details of Christie’s much-loved titles so it’s fun to try and pick out her characters and symbols from some of her best-loved stories. My favourite detail is the mousetrap at the very top, a nice link to the nearby St Martin’s theatre where you can see  The Mousetrap – the world’s longest running play – which opened in the West End in 1952.

Women’s History London Map Explore London through the lens of women’s history. Our new Women’s History London Map highlights 50 statues, sculptures, blue plaques, gravestones, buildings and monuments – dedicated to women such as Millicent Garrett Fawcett, ​​Virginia Woolf, Aphra Benn, Ada Lovelace and Phillis Wheatley. With an introduction and descriptions by Katie Wignall, author, city history tour guide and Londoner, and photography by Jo Underhill, the map guide is a companion to begin exploring the lives of some of London’s most impactful women, and to inspire the next generation to continue their work.

The map is available in bookstores or from our website here .

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A violent fight for the women's right to vote

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The Suffragettes of London

Explore the Holborn area of London with this self-guided walking tour, based on the story of the militant women’s rights movement.

The story begins in 1906, when Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters move from Manchester to London. The four women are co-founders of WSPU – Women’s Social and Political Union – and they are fed up with women being treated as second class citizens.

At this point, the women’s rights movement in the UK had been at a standstill for 40 years. Politicians kept making promises about granting women the right to vote, but nothing seemed to happen. WSPU takes on a new slogan: “Deeds, not words” and gets to work. Their militant activism includes radical actions such as public protests, arson, and bombings.

Step into the story

The Suffragettes of London audio tour invites you to an interesting walk through Holborn, which was the epicenter of the London suffrage movement. Your digital guide is a historian, who will show you the way and tell you the story of what happened.

Examine unique old photos and listen to the story while you walk between the locations where it all took place.

Use the StoryTourist app

To walk this tour, download the user-friendly StoryTourist app. The app is equipped with a map, GPS and a digital guide which makes sure you walk in the right direction. Once you have purchased the tour it is yours to keep. You can use it at any time and as many times as you wish.

Through the app, you can interact with photographs and illustrations of the people involved. The app shows you what the lives of the suffragettes were like and how their actions impacted women’s rights.

The only thing you need to be able to step into the story is a smartphone with headphones. Travel back in time and experience an important part of history in with us!

This StoryTour is written by Maria Lundin Osvalds .

How this tour works

Your smartphone is your guide on this tour! Once you have purchased a tour, this is what you do:

• Download the StoryTourist app from  Apple App Store  or  Google Play , while connected to Wi-Fi.
• Log into the app using the same email address you filled in when purchasing the tour. You will create your password the first time you log into the app. The tour you have purchased will be ready to download in the tour library once you have logged in. Make sure you are still connected to Wi-Fi while downloading the tour.
• Go to the starting point of the tour, open the app, put your headphones on and head out on your StoryTour adventure!

Important information

• This is a location based experience. You have to be at the tour starting point in London, UK, to start this walking tour.
• Once the tour is downloaded to your phone, you can use it offline.
• There is a map, GPS and a digital guide in the app, making sure that you’ll walk the right way.
• This tour is available in English.
• Once you have purchased the tour, it is your to keep. You can use it whenever you want and as many times as you would like. You can start, pause and end the tour whenever you would like.
• This tour is pet friendly – feel free to bring your dog on this walk!
• Public transport is available close to both the tour start point and end point.
• This tour is not accessible to wheelchair users due to stairs.
• We recommend this tour from ages 9 and up, due to mentions of violence.

What to bring

• Your smartphone, with the StoryTourist app and the tour you purchased already downloaded. 
• Headphones, for the best possible listening experience
• Make sure that your smartphone battery is fully charged. If you know that your phone has poor battery capacity, it can be a good idea to bring a powerbank as well.

Lincoln's Inn Fields

The tour starts here, on the corner of the park, by the fountain.

Clement's Inn

Visit the location where WSPU had their first headquarters.

• The British Library of Political and Economic Science

Make a stop here to take a look at some interesting photos.

St Clement's Press

Visit the location where the suffragette movement printed their popular magazines.

Lincoln's Inn House

Make a stop outside the building where WSPU moved their headquarters to.

• Peacock Theatre

This is where the London Opera used to be located - the venue where the suffragettes held rallies and events.

• St Clement Danes Church

This is close to where the suffragettes arranged a census boycott campaign.

• The Royal Courts of Justice

The tour ends outside the architecturally impressive Royal Courts of Justice.

Locations you'll visit on this tour

• Lincoln's Inn Fields
• Clement's Inn

A Malmö ghost story – Dance of the Dead

Eila’s time travels

The Battle of Visby

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

Walking Tour: London’s Blue Plaques for Pioneering Women

This route, calling at 9 commemorative plaques dedicated to groundbreaking female londoners, will take you from st james's to chelsea and should last around 2 hours..

Harry Sherrin

17 mar 2022.

London is home to more than 900 blue plaques, erected by English Heritage to commemorate the city’s most influential former residents. Amongst those celebrated are mathematician Alan Turing , author Virginia Woolf and guitarist Jimi Hendrix.

In recent years, English Heritage has taken steps to address a gender imbalance in their blue plaques, of which there are substantially more dedicated to men than women. In 2020, for example, 6 of the 12 newly introduced plaques were installed in memory of former female residents of the city.

Despite this imbalance, trying to visit all of London’s plaques dedicated to women on foot would be an immense undertaking. Instead, we’ve devised a walk following a string of 9 blue plaques clustered around St James’s, Mayfair, Belgravia and Chelsea. Expect to witness odes to celebrated suffragettes, iconic movie stars and groundbreaking scientists.

This walk, which covers a little over 4.5 miles or 7 kilometres, should take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you dedicate to each plaque.

Walking shoes on, cameras at the ready: here’s our tour of London’s blue plaques dedicated to pioneering women.

Ada Lovelace to Madame d’Arblay

The tour begins on St James’s Square, home to a statue of William III, BP’s London headquarters and countless exclusive members clubs. Work your way around its perimeter, basking in the Georgian and neo-Georgian architecture, until you find number 12. Here you’ll spot the blue plaque dedicated to pioneering mathematician Ada Lovelace , who is widely revered as the first computer programmer in history.

Next, take King Street and then St James’s Street to Piccadilly. Head west past Green Park tube station, and take a right along Bolton Street. At number 11, you’ll find the plaque dedicated to novelist Madame d’Arblay, nee Fanny Burney, famed for her works Cecilia (1782) and Camilla (1796), which inspired both Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf.

Fair warning: this one isn’t blue. As the oldest surviving London plaque dedicated to a woman, this commemorative sign dates to 1885 and is made of crimson terracotta. If you can’t see it, cross to the opposite side of the road as it sits on the first floor.

Terracotta plaque marking the former home of writer Fanny Burney, aka Madame d’Arblay. 11 Bolton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8BB.

Image Credit: Mick Sinclair / Alamy Stock Photo

Florence Nightingale

Follow Bolton Street to Curzon Street, and head in the direction of Hyde Park. Take South Audley Street to South Street. After passing the Egyptian Embassy on your left, keep your eyes peeled for the plaque dedicated to Florence Nightingale , which you’ll find just after number 14.

‘The Lady with the Lamp’ is a woman who needs no introduction: Nightingale is renowned as a national hero in Britain due to her contributions to nursing during the Crimean War .

Plaque dedicated to Florence Nightingale on South Street, Mayfair, where her former home once stood. 10 South Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 1DE.

Image Credit: L: Peter Wheeler / Alamy Stock Photo R: Spudgun67 via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Vivien Leigh

It’s a bit of a walk from Nightingale’s plaque to the next stop on our tour. Follow the edge of Hyde Park heading south then cross Knightsbridge past Hyde Park Corner. Off to your left, you’ll see the Wellington Arch as you follow Grosvenor Place to Grosvenor Crescent. Do a lap of the remarkably well-kempt Belgrave Square, then take Belgrave Place down to Eaton Square Gardens.

On the perimeter, at 54 Eaton Square, sits Vivien Leigh’s plaque. The iconic actress, famed for playing Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939), lived in a flat at number 54 in the 1950s and ’60s.

English Heritage blue plaque for actress Vivien Leigh . 54 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE.

Image Credit: Vindice / Alamy Stock Photo

Dame Maud McCarthy and Princess Seraphine Astafieva

Head west along the A3217, passing Sloane Square station and joining King’s Road. Look out for Markham Square on your right. Just a few houses up, at number 47, you’ll find Dame Maud McCarthy’s plaque. Another cherished nurse, McCarthy earned acclaim for her heroic efforts in the Boer War and World War One .

Continue along King’s Road, and a few minutes later you should see another plaque off to your right. Rather unceremoniously pinned to the facade of a Pizza Express, Princess Seraphine Astafieva’s plaque was erected in 1968 to commemorate the dancer having lived and taught there from the late 1910s to early 1930s.

L: Maud McCarthy’s blue plaque. 47 Markham Square, Chelsea, London, SW3 4XA. R: Princess Seraphine Astafieva’s blue plaque. 152 King’s Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 3NR.

Image Credit: Both: Mick Sinclair / Alamy Stock Photo

Dame Sybil Thorndike

Continue on your way down King’s Road until you reach Carlyle Square. At number 6 sits English Heritage’s ode to Dame Sybil Thorndike, the celebrated theatre and film actress who made her fame starring in Shakespearian and Greek tragedies.

English Heritage blue plaque for Dame Sybil Thorndike. 6 Carlyle Square, Chelsea, London, SW3 6EX.

Rosalind Franklin

Back on King’s Road, you’ll pass the historic private members club Raffles, which opened in 1967 to cater to London’s elite, from movie stars to international spies. When you reach the four-way junction, take a brief detour up Beaufort Street to Drayton Gardens.

At 107, installed proudly on the stone facade of Drayton Court, is the plaque dedicated to Rosalind Franklin. A pioneering chemist, Franklin is today hailed for her invaluable insights in the study of DNA. During her lifetime, however, Franklin’s contributions were widely overlooked.

Blue plaque marking the former home of pioneering scientist Rosalind Franklin. Donovan Court, 107 Drayton Gardens, Chelsea, London, SW10 9QS.

Sylvia Pankhurst

Make your way back down Beaufort Street, and keep going until you hit the Thames. Take Cheyne Walk heading west. Beady-eyed walkers might be able to spot several bonus plaques along this stretch of the walk: one to artist James Whistler (this one’s grey and set back from the street), two side-by-side, for artist Walter Greaves and poet Hilaire Belloc, a double feature for father and son engineers Marc and Isambard Brunel , and lastly another to painter Philip Wilson Steer.

At 120 Cheyne Walk, we reach the final stop on our tour. Sat above the entrance to this grand Chelsea townhouse is the plaque erected in memory of Sylvia Pankhurst . A suffragette, Pankhurst is remembered for her unflinching commitment to the cause of securing women’s right to vote , for which she campaigned tirelessly throughout her life. Pankhurst lived at this residence between 1906-1909.

Chelsea residence of noted Suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst. 120 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, London, SW10 0ES.

Image Credit: Zoonar GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

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The History of Advent

The Feminist Jack the Ripper Tour

You may have heard the story of Jack the Ripper, but how much do you know about his victims? Our Feminist Jack the Ripper tour looks at history from a different angle focusing on the lives of Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly, bringing them centre stage.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is different. Katie’s tour focuses not on the killer but on his – largely forgotten – female victims. If that sounds preachy or po-faced, don’t worry: it’s anything but. Her stories take you down surprising historical side streets and alleyways, revealing inspiring East End women past and present. Spitalfields and Whitechapel are so lucky to have a guide like Katie.” – Tripadvisor Review, 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “What a fascinating way to spend a Sunday afternoon. This walk is enthralling, engrossing and at times surprisingly inspiring. ” – Tripadvisor Review, 2020

About The Tour

We’ll be stepping back in time to the 19th century streets of Spitalfields and Whitechapel in East London. Forget the overly theatrical man in top hat and overcoat, we’re not focussing on him. Our alternative Jack the Ripper walking tour investigates the grim and unfair situations women had to face in the 19th Century.

This is a chance to hear about the real women behind the glorified vision of ‘Jack’, visiting the streets they would’ve known and seeing the physical reminders in an area that has changed almost beyond recognition. The walk will concentrate on women’s lives rather than their murders and aims to inspire you with the stories of brave and brilliant East End women, past and present.

Tour Information

The meeting point is outside Whitechapel Art Gallery on Aldgate High Street.

Groups are limited to 10 and the ticket price includes a hot drink and snack at an atmospheric cafe dating back to the 18th century.

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Guide to the WorldTour

About the uci women's worldtour.

‘Stages’, ‘seasons’, ‘elite’, ‘Classique’… It all sounds a bit serious, doesn’t it? Well, fear not – the RideLondon Classique, part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, is nothing to shy away from! Rather, it’s an amazing spectacle that displays women’s cycling at its best, for everyone to watch and enjoy – no matter what your background in the sport. Let us give you the low-down…

What is it?

Let’s start with basics – what even is the UCI Women’s WorldTour? Founded in 2016, the UCI Women’s WorldTour is a collection of the highest level of elite road races in the world and the new RideLondon Classique is one of them! The races are split between one-day races and stage races:

• One-day races As the name suggests, one-day races involve one route, on one single day, where the first person across the line wins! (Football fans, think the knockout rounds of a cup competition – winner takes all.)
• Stage races Also known as tours, stage races take place across multiple days – anywhere from three days to three weeks. A race takes place every day within that period (bar rest days), with a winner crowned every day. But, the overall winner of the tour is the rider who has the quickest accumulative time across all the stages – similar to a domestic league in other sports with the accumulation of points! Are you still with us? OK – great! The races within the tour are called ‘Stages’ and the overall victory is referred to as the ‘General Classification’, or simply the ‘Overall’. Some riders will ride specifically with the General Classification in mind, while others will just be on the hunt for Stage wins and less concerned about performing well on all the days.

Both types of races can be great fun to watch, with stage races having multiple storylines and one-day races being a straight shoot-out first to the finish. Every rider will accumulate UCI WorldTour points in each race they participate in, depending on where they finish. The leader of UCI WorldTour will wear a leader’s jersey – so look out for that!

Where does the Ford RideLondon Classique fit in?

We know the Ford RideLondon Classique is an integral part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour calendar. But where does it slot into the women’s pro race schedule?

The 2024 UCI Women’s WorldTour begins in January with the Santos Tour Down Under and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. It then moves to the United Arab Emirates for the UAE Tour in February ahead of the European spring one-day race season, which includes Classics such as Omloop het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition, La Fleche Wallonne Feminine and Liege-Bastogne-Liege Femmes.

The stage racing season then begins in earnest in May with three races in Spain, including the La Vuelta Espana Femenina by Carrefour.es, before the world’s best riders come to the UK for the Ford RideLondon Classique (24-26 May).

The Classique is the only UCI Women’s WorldTour event in the UK in 2024, and the riders will have two big races just around the corner following its conclusion on May 26, with the Grand Tour pairing of the Giro d’Italia Donne and Tour de France Femmes.

The Olympic Games in Paris in August will be a target for many of the elite peloton in 2024 before the closing two months of the season.

The WorldTour concludes in China in October with the Tour of Chongming Island and Tour of Guangxi.

You can view the calendar for the 2024 UCI Women’s WorldTour and 2024 UCI WorldTour on the UCI website here .

A brief history of the Classique

The Ford RideLondon Classique has been a key part of RideLondon since the festival launched in 2013 as a legacy event from the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Classique started life as a one-day race held each year on a Saturday evening in London, taking in a 5.5km circuit that started and finished on The Mall, and was added to the inaugural UCI Women’s WorldTour calendar in 2016.

The first RideLondon Classique in 2013 was won by decorated British track and road cycling legend  Laura Kenny (need we say more?) and has continued to grow as a pro cycling spectacle over subsequent years. 

Dutch sprinter Kirsten Wild secured wins in both 2016 and 2018 while other winners include Giorgia Bronzini (ITA, 2014), Barbara Guarischi (ITA, 2015), Coryn Labecki (USA, 2017) and Lorena Wiebes (NED, 2019).

In 2022 – after being a casualty to Covid restrictions in both 2020 and 2021 – the RideLondon Classique returned in a new three-day stage format. Wiebes, the 2019 champion, returned and swept all before her, winning all three stages and the overall general classification.

London Solo Travel Guide

SOLO GUIDES

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London is a giant metropolis filled with an abundance of activities and attractions for women that travel alone. Throughout the city you’ll find grand historic architecture, remarkable cultural landmarks, spectacular green parks, and impressive museums.

From entertaining theater performances, to bustling food markets, to dazzling shops, and eye-catching attractions, London offers something for everyone. The city is also a fantastic starting point for a solo vacation across Europe.

If you’re considering traveling by yourself to this thriving city, read below to see our solo travel guide to London.  

Things to Do on a Solo Trip to London

There’s no shortage of interesting activities to experience during a solo getaway to London. Even a casual walk through the bustling streets will reveal the city’s cultural icons. You might see the famous red double-decker busses pass by, recognize the red telephone booth at the street corner, admire the heritage buildings at every turn, or come across one of many historic pubs.

London Bridge

This iconic bascule bridge was completed in 1894 and overlooks the River Thames. At the street level, visitors can walk across the bridge and see the fascinating details of the Neo-Gothic architecture up-close. With scheduled lifts that allow boats to pass through, you might be able to catch the bridge lifts in action. The bridge also offers additional high-level glass walkways for those that would like to get a birds-eye view of the city below, which is available with an admission ticket to the towers.

This massive 350-acre royal park is an incredible spot for solo travelers to take a break away from the busy streets. Right in the heart of the city, Hyde Park conveniently has multiple entry points. Enjoy a picnic on the grass or bench, admire the swans in the lake, discover the Peter Pan statue, or take a walk through the picturesque Kensington Gardens, the former private gardens of the royal Kensington Palace.

V&A Museum

This impressive art and design museum is free to visit, and houses a collection of over 2 million objects. The museum features a diverse collection spanning over 5,000 years, and includes Alexander McQueen evening dresses, ancient Chinese ceramics, theater costumes from the 18th century, and much more. Various exhibits are available as well, with some requiring an additional fee to access.

Camden Town

Camden Town is a hip district with colorful shops, live music, alternative nightlife, and the well-known Camden Market. Take a walk through Camden High Street, which showcases its funky shops and vibrant atmosphere. Stop by the Camden Market for an eclectic mix of food vendors, as well as shops selling fashion items, jewelry, accessories, and other fun collectible items. The market is a fantastic spot for solo travelers to browse around for a souvenir or gift, or to just experience the fun vibe.  

Officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, this cultural landmark often comes to mind when you picture London. Possibly the most famous clock tower, the structure stands tall at 316 feet, and is located at the North end of the Palace of Westminster. The surrounding Westminster district is a great spot for solo travelers to grab a coffee and go for a walk.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a grand Gothic-style church that has been the site of every coronation for British monarchs, as well as 17 royal weddings. Admire the ornate detailing of this impressive structure that was built in 1245. The church is also a five-minute walk from Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.  

Notting Hill

This famed neighborhood is filled with colorful buildings, adorable cafes, and independent shops. A lovely area to visit for women traveling alone, casually stroll amongst the pastel-colored houses, grab lunch at a cafe, or browse through antiques and vintage items at the long-standing Portobello Market.

Day Trip to the Cotswolds

The famous Cotswolds region in west-central England is the quintessential image of the English countryside, brimming with picturesque villages and rolling hills. Spread out over almost 800 miles, the breathtaking scenery and close proximity to London (80 miles), the Cotswolds is a popular day trip from London.  

It’s a welcome change of pace compared to the bustling city, with the towns offering a relaxed atmosphere as well as charming shops and eateries.  From London, solo travelers can conveniently experience the Cotswolds through one of many group tours which typically include an itinerary with stops at various towns in the region. 

What to Do at Night in London

West End Theater District

A solo trip to London isn’t complete without a visit to the West End, home to the city’s incredible theater district. With a selection of over 35 theaters, you’ll find some of the best Broadway musicals, plays, stage performances, comedies, and operas.   An entertaining evening awaits for those traveling alone, as you admire the elegant interior of the historic venues and enjoy a show!

While you’ll want to check the theater listings for show schedules, several long-running highlights include The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and Disney’s Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.

With an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, Soho especially comes alive after dusk with its energetic vibe. Soho is a great choice for single travelers looking for a night out on the town.  

A diverse selection of pubs and jazz bars offer live music with a fun atmosphere for dining in. For an English pub experience, popular spots include The Spice of Life and O’Neill’s Wardour Street where you can enjoy a hearty meal in a vibrant setting. For jazz and blues, highlights include the long-running Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and Ain’t Nothing But the Blues Bar.

Sitting on the North edge of the neighborhood is the lively Oxford Street, perfect for an evening stroll and shopping. If you’re looking to socialize and dance, stop by one of the many nightclubs right in central Soho.

Where to Stay in London

London has an abundance of neighborhoods to choose from, along with a fantastic subway system that can conveniently get you around the city regardless of where you stay. However, there are certain areas that offer closer proximity to the attractions and highlights, allowing you the opportunity to see more all at once. If you’re traveling by yourself and wish to be close to the action, there are some fantastic spots to consider.

Mayfair is the perfect area for solo female travelers looking to be in a central location near some of London’s top attractions. This neighborhood is a great base for sightseeing, and is conveniently walking distance to Buckingham Palace. Surrounding the immediate area, you’ll also have access to Hyde Park, the bustling Oxford Street for shopping, the Big Ben clock tower and Westminster Abbey.

South Kensington

South Kensington is a fantastic option for solo women that would prefer a more peaceful setting. In this lovely neighborhood, there’s beautiful side streets, a laid-back atmosphere, and admirable historic houses. It’s also home to the V&A Museum and the Natural History Museum, two top museums which are free to enter.

This vibrant district consists of a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. It’s a great choice for solo travelers looking for a lively atmosphere and close proximity to nightlife options. Given Soho’s convenient location, it’s also a great base for daytime sightseeing.

Covent Garden

This chic area is an excellent choice for solo travelers interested in shopping, entertainment, and dining. In the heart of the district, you’ll uncover markets showcasing a variety of artisan crafts and antique collectibles. A diverse collection of trendy restaurants, modern cafes, and retail boutiques are also in abundance. Additionally, Covent Garden is located close to the operas and the theatre district for evening entertainment.

What to Eat in London

London offers a myriad of food venues including bustling markets, historic pubs, chic cafes, upscale restaurants, and tea houses. Food markets are an excellent choice when you’re on vacation alone. They’re fun to browse, and offer a diverse selection of food that you can enjoy in a casual and lively environment.

Borough Market  

Borough Market is often considered to be the most famous food hall in London. It’s also the largest and the oldest, as it dates back to the 12th century. The eclectic market showcases international offerings such as handmade Italian gnocchi, delicate French pastries, savory English pies, Scottish smoked fish, vegetarian Indian curries, and much more. The market offers both ready-to-eat meals and takeaway specialty items such as cheeses, cured meats, jams, and fresh bread.  

Fish & Chips  

A trip alone to England should include a taste of the classic fish and chips. Right in central London, there’s a variety of awesome fish and chip shops, such as Golden Union, Poppies Fish & Chips, and Rock & Sole Plaice. These eateries offer a casual vibe, simple decor, and options for both dine-in and take-out.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a popular British food tradition that dates back to the 1800’s. It consists of a variety of finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream or jams, and dainty cakes and pastries. The light meal is served alongside a pot of fresh tea, and served at a dining table in a leisurely environment. Solo travelers looking for an afternoon tea experience have many notable spots to consider, ranging from casual quaint tea houses to traditional venues in historic hotels.

Full English Breakfast  

Before a day of sightseeing, relish in a full English breakfast, which generally consists of sausages, back bacon, fried eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and toasted bread. This hearty meal is a great way to start the day, and can be enjoyed at many joints throughout London. While you can find this meal at many cafes and brunch spots, top casual eateries in the city center include The Breakfast Club (multiple locations), and Half Cup.

How to Get Around London by Yourself

London’s extensive subway system is a magnificent way for single travelers to navigate through the city. There’s over 200 subway stations spread out in various neighborhoods across the city of London.

If you’re planning to stay in London for a week, consider getting a 7 Day Travelcard which allows for unlimited trips for the week. Single Day Travel cards are also available, offering unlimited trips for a single day. These might come in handy on select days where you plan to do the most sightseeing.  

The underground subway system avoids traffic and is an efficient mode of transportation. On the street level, you’ll likely have noticed the red double-decker busses. Hop on a bus to experience a fun way of getting around the city, all while seeing the action on the streets.  

Solo travel in London is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems. It’s an easily walkable city, and there’s plenty you’ll see and experience by getting around on foot! A visit to centrally-located areas such as London’s West End allows you to explore quite a bit, as the attractions, shops, eateries, and entertainment are concentrated.  

Read More for Solo Travelers:

• Best Tours for Singles
• Top Solo Destinations

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EuroBuffs: Soccer Foreign Tour

Colorado soccer is off on its 2024 foreign tour, hitting stops in London and Barcelona from May 10-20. Lola Stanley, Lawson Willis, Angelina Moschetti and Juliauna Hayward will keep a rotation blog of all the happening. Fans can also follow along on Instagram and Twitter @CUBuffsSoccer. 

Today we landed in London and hit the ground running! Although we were tired, the excitement of seeing the city fueled us through a few miles of walking and exploring. We ventured to some of the most famous sights in London, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.

We are so excited for the next few adventures in London and can't wait for our first match of the European Tour tomorrow against Haringey Borough F.C. at 2 p.m. (local time)

Sko Buffs, and we will check back in tomorrow!

-Lola Stanley

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