John Nash returns for summer of historical walks

Marble Arch London BID has launched a series of free character-led tours of Marble Arch with its iconic architect John Nash.

Discover Marble Arch will allow visitors to find out more about the fascinating history of the Grade II listed monument, as well as this corner of London’s association with Royal processions, free speech, and protests. The character-led walks will also take you past the site of the Tyburn tree, home to gruesome executions, and Speakers’ Corner, a site renowned for passionate speeches which have helped shape British history.

The series of tours will run from 18 July to 19 August, and form part of Westminster City Council’s Inside Out programme which showcases free live performances, outdoor exhibitions, sculpture trails, walking tours, installations, and pop-up activities across Central London.

The walks begin at the Marble Arch monument and last one hour. Westminster City Council’s Inside Out programme covers the tours in August, but Marble Arch London BID have added a series of extra dates in July in order to ensure as many people as possible can experience these unique tours.

A programme of special access walks are also planned for Wednesday 2 August and Wednesday 9 August at 10.30am, which will be step-free and shorter, allowing those with reduced mobility to enjoy this fantastic experience.

Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID, comments: “We are excited to be partnering with Westminster City Council to launch a series of immersive, character-led tours across this historic part of London over the summer holiday period. Discover Marble Arch will offer visitors – young and old – a memorable visit to London and will take in multiple sites where they can learn about the roles these sites have played in British history.

“We are also pleased these tours will form part of the Inside Out festival as this offers visitors a free and accessible way to experience London’s art, cultural and historic sites, and we hope it will encourage more people to visit Marble Arch and experience everything the area has to offer including our excellent array of local restaurants, cafes, and pubs.”

Cllr Jessica Toale, Deputy Cabinet Member – Culture, Heritage, and the Arts, added: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Inside Out Festival for 2023. It’s an opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the best of Westminster’s world-class cultural offering, for free, in the height of the summer. This year we hope to welcome even more visitors to the fantastic events on offer, including the Marble Arch London BID character-led walking tours.”

Discover Marble Arch will run from 18 July to 19 August, tickets are free and can be booked via https://marble-arch.london/news/discover-marble-arch/ Those looking to book a spot on the special access tours please email [email protected]