About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, most "literary tours" are just a guide pointing a dusty umbrella at a blue plaque and reciting a Wikipedia entry while praying for a high occupancy rate on their next slot. It’s a bit of a yawn, honestly. But this experience with David McGrath actually flips the script by treating you like a peer rather than a passive lead in a sales funnel. Instead of just soaking up dry facts, you're expected to actually produce something. I’ve seen plenty of tours that claim to be "transformative," but usually, that just means they transformed your wallet into something lighter. This one? It actually puts your pen to the paper in spots that haven't been sanitized by corporate tourism yet. It’s raw, it’s a bit gritty, and frankly, it’s about time someone focused on the craft rather than just the gift shop.
About the Tour
If you’ve ever felt that the soul of London’s literary scene has been buried under overpriced lattes and souvenir magnets, this tour is your antidote. Led by David McGrath, a published novelist and award-winning short story writer, this isn't a lecture—it’s a mobile workshop through the veins of the city.
Walk the Path of Giants
You won't just hear about the greats; you’ll stand where they bled ink. The journey takes you through the atmospheric haunts of:
- William Shakespeare: Explore the "cockpit" of the legendary playwright.
- Charles Dickens: Visit the secret hideaways where his most iconic characters were born.
- George Orwell: Trace the gritty inspiration behind his social commentaries.
The Experience
The tour is structured to balance historical narrative with active creation. You aren't just a spectator; you are the protagonist.
- Inspiration Stations: Stop at London’s most storied locations, including a famously haunted pub that has fueled centuries of local folklore.
- Creative Exercises: David leads specific prompts designed to break through writer’s block and get your creative juices flowing, whether you're working on a poem, a play, or a deep-dive character study.
- The Final Session: The tour concludes with a dedicated writing session at one of Dickens’ own inspirational retreats. It’s the perfect spot to polish the prose you’ve gathered along the way.
Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a fresh perspective or a hobbyist waiting for the right spark, this tour offers a rare chance to engage with the city on a truly intellectual level. Just bring a notebook, a sharp pen, and leave the "tourist" persona at the door.
Highlights
- Uncover tales in Shakespeare's cockpit and London's haunted pub
- Follow in the footsteps of the world's greatest writers like Dickens
- Write your own prose, poetry, play, or character study in London
- Get inspired by London's history and the stories of its famous writers
- Enjoy a writing session at Dickens’ inspirational hideaway
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking
- Bring a sense of humour, adventure and a willingness to be inspired
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
buns from home
London
Guided tour (45 minutes)
Newgate Prison.
Guided tour (45 minutes)
The Cockpit
Guided tour (30 minutes)
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Class (45 minutes)
Finish at:
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese