MEET YOUR GUIDE
Meet opposite one of London’s finest hospitals and end at the chapel of a rival hospital that has been razed to the ground. Learn about the medical discoveries at University College Hospital and at the now extinct Middlesex Hospital on the other side of Tottenham Court Road. We’ll talk about the discovery of the hormone aldosterone, early identification of HIV, novel cancer therapies and growing mini eyes to understand blindness among other medical marvels.
In between, explore the architectural gem of Fitzroy Square and learn about some of the characters who have lived there from author Virginia Woolf to artist Tracey Emin of unmade bed fame.
Hear about a buccaneer of the high seas, a mighty Venezualan military leader and see the place that Gandhi visited and serves the cheapest good quality Indian food in London. Look at an optical illusion on the outside of a neuroscience research building, see the site of an old workhouse, international street food, the architectural mix from Georgian to ultramodern and end the tour with a quiet moment in an exquisite Byzantine-style chapel.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Ann teaches the next generation of doctors at University College London Medical School. She broadcasts on BBC radio as well as writing a research roundup for the British Medical Journal. She was a health columnist for the Guardian newspaper. She’s a real Londoner. She was born, studied, gave birth and worked in the UCL area as a junior hospital doctor and most recently as a GP for homeless people. She’s written books on women’s health and embarrassing problems so nothing fazes her or makes her blush. Anything else? Yes, she’s a knowledgeable guide specialising in her neighbourhood (the London borough of Camden). In short, an unbeatable combination: local knowledge and connections, lived experience and top flight professional expertise.
Liz –
Super walk delivered with passion and enthusiasm by Ann. Her knowledge of the area – history, medical, architectural and social is excellent. Very enjoyable.
Simon –
Great route though an area of London we did not know much about, Ann is very knowledgeable and passionate, the chapel was the cherry on the cake!
Julian Gladwell –
My goodness, DO come on Anne’s walk!
Fascinating facts both medical, architectural and general – from a real doctor. Best of all there was a pub stop and very special pub.
Do give this walk try, you will not regret it.
Tessa shaw –
Fabulous guided walk. An area of London I’ve spent a lot of time in yet realise know very little about. Dr Ann has such an enthusiastic energy for her subject. Knowledgeable and a great storyteller, would recommend her walk to everyone….learned so much in just a couple of hours..and great pubs too!!!
Kevin –
A fascinating walk through Fitzrovia. Ann manages to cover the medical, social and architectural history of the area in a very relaxed and informal way. Stops at two interesting pubs along the route also add to the experience. It is staggering that all this is found minutes from the hustle and bustle of the West End! I would highly recommend.
Amanda –
Absolutely wonderful 2 hours spent with Ann today strolling round Fitzrovia. I’ve lived in the area for around 30 years and thought I knew about my neighbourhood but today I learnt so much. Thank you Ann! Would highly recommended this walking tour.
Lesley Stansfield –
It is only when you walk round London with an amazingly informative person like Ann, that you realise how little we know of our capital. Ann took us through streets, squares, pubs, university, chapel bejewelled with historical facts. The life of Jeremy Bentham is well worth broadcasting. Thank you Ann for your inside medical knowledge and sharing your love of Fitzrovia.
Oxana –
Despite the bleak weather, I enjoyed this walk around the central London area where the boroughs of Camden and Westminster meet to form an eclectic bunch of streets, roads and squares with monuments, notable buildings, statues, plaques and other little things to explore.
Ann is visibly fond of these streets and has a personal, as well as professional, history here, so it was a pleasure to listen to her and follow her into the University College London and UCLH, Fitzroy Square, the Fitzrovia Chapel and even into a couple of pubs on our way for a cuppa and a friendly chat (a special thanks for that!).
Lots of curious facts and stories to re-tell at the dinner table and to research deeper into if you have the right mindset.
If Ann comes up with more ideas for walks in the future, I would certainly be interested.
Harriet Calvert –
Fascinating walk with Ann who had personal knowledge of the area and medical profession. The little anecdotes that were told made the walk come alive. Two visits to two different pubs were great. A hidden art gallery in one! A short sit, loo and refreshments if desired. I will definitely look out for more of Ann’s very informed and amusing walks.
Neil –
Super walk with some very interesting facts about Fizrovia and medicine with a number of places that one never see’s in London when on the main streets. Ann was great and very knowledgeable. The pub stops were a nice touch.