Outside Olympia – cakes, candles, cars and computers

The revamp of Olympia exhibition and entertainment complex is finally coming together – most of the spaces will be accessible from late 2025 with the reamainder completed in the new year. But there's so much more to see here...

On this almost circular guided walk we will wander the streets that surround the ever-expanding complex to look at other examples of impressive architecture. Learn about manufacture and museums, transport and trade, parks and pubs, cakes and candles, antiques and Art Deco, plus a bit of Hollywood and whodunnit too.

Hear how Olympia’s huge conglomeration of exhibition halls has evolved since it first opened its doors in 1886 and how it has further expanded throughout the past century. See how the site is being transformed today.

Learn about the station's varied history (and various names!) and the innovative businesses that have operated adjacent to the railway lines.

We'll wander along the lovely residential streets behind and around the huge exhibition site to see an interesting cross-section of residential architecture interspersed with impressive developments constructed as workplaces for thousands of employees who flooded here daily. Find out how these old buildings are being repurposed today.

• The meeting place will be clearly described in words via email after purchase – please see the FAQs below
• 2hrs / 1.5 miles max

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Customer feedback: "Marvellous – I will be coming back for more ... I love how you point out all the little quirks... and you make it fun too. Thanks" / " Unbelievable how much I didn't now about where I grew up. streets I had never walked down, history I knew nothing about. Jane's enthusiasm is infectious and I highly recommend her walks. My favourite guide." / "You even kept my teenager interested. No mean feat!" / "...every time so engaging, thanks to your delivery style and obvious thirst for knowledge" / "Loved the walk. You’re a fab guide Jane" / "Thanks for the inspiration. See you again soon." / More feedback here

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com

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FAQs

Where does this walk start / what if I am running late?

Important re meeting point info – please do not rely on any QR codes and maps sent via apps as these often give incorrect information.

• The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase
  – Scroll down to the bottom of that email to the Additional Information section where you will find a description of the meeting point as well as details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.
  – As a back-up, the same information will be sent to you within a reminder email 24hrs before the event.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

• There is no minimum age
• No charge for children aged 5 or younger. Children 6-15yrs = concession rate
• All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

• No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

• No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

• As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!
• You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hours before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.
• Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – please notify me in writing via email/text at least 48 hours before this walk is due to start.

What if it's raining?

• Walking tours will go ahead, rain or shine.
• However, if severely adverse conditions are forecast, or other unforeseen complications cause the event to be cancelled, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

• Not really. The two platforms at Olympia station are linked by a footbridge which we use to cross the lines near the beginning of the walk. In addition to this, a wheelchair user might need to circumnavigate this footbridge via Hammersmith Road at the end of the walk in order to access the other platform. The walk itself is mostly on standard pavements, but there is one alley where bollards at the entrance may be too narrow for wider chairs.

How can I contact the organiser?

• Email: janeslondon@gmail.com
• Mobile: +44(0)7941 475003
• Instagram/Facebook: janeslondonwalks