A walk exploring White City's hidden history
Edwardian London's go-to venue for exhibitions, entertainment and the 1908 Olympics - Discover White City's amazing story from 1908 till now
Location
In front of Ichiba Supermarket, Westfield London
Unit 0220 Relay Square Westfield London London W12 7FU United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
Discover how a Hungarian impresario, who'd wowed America with spectacular shows, went on to transform farmland and brickfields into London’s biggest entertainment and sports venue.
In 1908 Imre Kiralfy realized his dream and built a 140-acre complex for exhibitions and amusements, including the first purpose-built stadium for the Summer Olympics. It was called the Great White City and had a strong imperialist theme.
This area of London has, ever since, been associated with entertainment and leisure. On this walk you’ll see Television Centre with its iconic 1950s architecture; the UK's first public Japanese garden, built for the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition; the White City Estate; and the memorial to the 1908 Olympic Games.
It is easy to join the walk from almost anywhere in London - it starts and ends minutes from tube stations for the Central, Hammersmith and City and Circle lines.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "What an extraordinary walk we had today! I learned so much about White City and it’s really sparked my interest to do more walks in the future. I was sad when it came to an end. Thoroughly recommended" Jan Lancaster (Google)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"The Iya tour of White City was truly wonderful. I learned a huge amount. Joanna was an amazing host, teacher, and tour guide. Her tour highlights a huge amount of fascinating historical information, in a completely accessible way - especially for non-British participants! She has expertly woven this together, while still engaging with contemporary issues affecting the community. If you are a visitor, or a London resident - I would highly recommend this walk and I cannot wait for the next tour!" Miranda Russell (Google)
Frequently asked questions
The route's about 1.8 miles.
Due to restrictions in some sites, it is not possible to bring your bike with you on the walk. However, there are plenty of bike racks where you can lock up your bike, near the starting point for the walk.
You can find accessible public toilets near the starting point for the walk. There's also an accessible public toilet available at one stop on the route.
Yes! The walk is accessible for a wheelchair user. A user has already joined the walk. In the few places where there are steps, ramps are available. If you have any other accommodation needs, please contact Iya London Walks through the Eventbrite organizer page.
Yes! A number of people have already joined the walk with a child in a pushchair/stroller. In the few places where there are steps, ramps are available.
Iya London Walks go ahead, rain or shine. However, in the rare event of the Meteorological Office issuing a red warning covering the location of the walk, we will cancel the walk. You will be offered an option to book an alternative date for the walk.
The walk is suitable for secondary school children. All children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult if aged under 16. You must purchase a concession ticket for children aged between 15 and 17. You don't need to purchase a ticket for children aged 14 and under.
Dogs are very welcome as long as they are on a lead.
The walk ends at White City Place, about seven minutes' walk from Wood Lane and White City tube stations.
Organised by
Iya London - Guided Walks, brought to you by Joanna Oyediran.
Iya London unearths and shares London’s overlooked stories, past and present.