museum
St MaryAldermary Garden, Love Lane, EC2P 2NQ
A walking tour of the City, visiting key areas associated with famous writers, from Shakespeare, Dr Johnson, Oscar Wilde, and many others.
Bank
Moorgate
Visitors will be on their feet for the duration of the walk, public benches available.
Some streets may be noisy, and visitors will need to be aware of road crossings. Guides will speak unamplified.
Guided tour
18:00–19:00
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
Guided tour
14:30–15:30
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
Discover the Square Mile’s literary legends, from Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde and beyond.
Step into the heart of London’s literary past with this guided walking tour for book lovers. Led by an expert City of London Green Badge guide, this two-hour tour takes you through the streets of the Square Mile where some of history’s greatest writers lived, worked and found inspiration.
Discover where England’s publishing industry began, see where William Shakespeare wrote King Lear over lockdown and hear the gripping story of Oscar Wilde’s downfall following a scandalous court case.
You’ll also uncover the behind-the-scenes tales of the people who ensured Shakespeare’s plays survived for future generations and the romantic, bittersweet story of a priest poet who nearly lost everything for love.
Whether you're passionate about literature or curious about the City’s hidden history, this walking tour will open your eyes to the fascinating world of writers who left their indelible mark on London.
Please note: wear footwear suitable for a long walk around the City.