walk/tour
St Thomas' Hospital Garden, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7GA
what3words: tested.piano.angel
This architecture and open-space tour explores post-war north Lambeth. Born in an era of optimism for health, housing, learning, and play, these modernist places tell a deeper story. We will look at the people of influence, reflect on representation, and how culture continues to challenge. By considering people, place and context we shall revisit what matters in making a city for all.
Westminster, Lambeth North, Waterloo
Waterloo
11, 12, 148, 159, 453
The walk connects bridging points of the river. We start near to Westminster Bridge, and end at Lambeth Bridge
Accessible toilets, including baby changing facilities are available at St Thomas' Hospital and half-way around at Imperial War Museum.
Bring your best energy as we move with the bustle of this vibrant part of the city, taking time to pause in its tranquil open spaces.
Walking tour
10:00–13:00
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
As we explore north Lambeth, on the south side of the Thames, we shall look at the modernist architecture of health, housing learning, and play. Whilst reflecting on the contexts of the time, specifically through the lens of women, we shall question how central and local government policy has shaped the places of life and work. This walk invites us to build our understanding of the relationships between people, place, and power, as we look for ways to adapt our built environment to the challenges of the 21st century.
Join this weekday, three-hour walk to experience the bustle of the city and reflect on everyday social infrastructure in use. As we move through the streets, and build our ideas of what matters, you are invited to reflect and share responses at the quieter places where we pause for thought. We’ll be navigating a mix of busy routes and narrow pavements. Due to the context and our group size, please message me directly with queries and we can discuss how best to support your needs.
Our meeting point is by the seats near to the Mary Seacole statue, in the tranquil riverside gardens of St Thomas' Hospital. Public toilets including Changing Places facilities can be accessed at the hospital. Please arrive 5 minutes early if you can, so we can compose ourselves before the walk. The route passes one of the 100 drinking water fountains installed by the Mayor of London, to reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles and to provide free access to tap water. We'll take a short break about half way round, by the cafe kiosk in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, with access to public toilets and Changing Places facilities in the Imperial War Museum.
The Golden Key Academy is a course training up insightful and engaging guides dedicated to explaining London and bringing its many stories to life. This tour is part of a wider collection of tours created by Golden Key Academy guides for the Open House Festival celebrating their conclusion of the eight month course.
Further information on the Golden Key Academy can be found here https://open-city.org.uk/golden-key-academy
If you would like to attend this tour, please ensure you have booked a ticket before turning up.
Ann Bodkin brings a strong sense of belonging to London life and a deep curiosity about how we experience the city. Her perspective is shaped by an interest in the interconnections of people, culture, place, and nature’s systems. Ann has extensive experience across public and private sectors, working in both design and client-side strategic briefing roles, as an architect and a built environment professional.
