Blake & Defoe’s London: Literary Tour & Writing Workshop

Getting a taste of London’s literary side often involves hours in museums or wandering through historic neighborhoods. But for those who crave a more interactive, creative experience, the Blake & Defoe’s London: Literary Tour & Writing Workshop offers a fresh approach. Led by an award-winning novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing, this 1.5-hour journey mixes history, inspiration, and hands-on writing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just curious, this experience brings London’s literary past alive in a way that’s engaging and personal.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers a visit to William Blake’s grave, allowing you to connect directly with one of England’s most visionary poets. Second, it takes you through the streets of Smithfield, following the footsteps of Daniel Defoe’s infamous character, Moll Flanders, adding vivid storytelling layers to the city’s history. Third, the creative exercises at The Barbican enable you to craft poetic responses inspired by street poetry and environments that feel alive with stories. The one possible downside? It’s only 1.5 hours long, so if you’re used to longer tours, you might find it a quick hit rather than an in-depth exploration. Still, it’s perfect for writers at any stage, or anyone interested in seeing London through a literary lens.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, creative way to explore London’s literary scene—without the crowds or typical sightseeing—this workshop could be your ideal fit. It works especially well for travelers who want to combine education, creativity, and a sense of place in one compact experience.

Good To Know

• Interactive and Creative: This isn’t just a sightseeing walk; it involves writing exercises that deepen your connection to London’s literary history.
• Expert-led: The guide is an award-winning novelist with a background in creative writing, bringing both knowledge and inspiration.
• Unique Stops: From William Blake’s grave to Smithfield’s streets, the itinerary offers meaningful, less-touristy sites.
• Encourages Personal Expression: Designed for all skill levels, the activities stimulate creativity and personal response.
• Accessible & Small Group: The experience is private and wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive and intimate.
• Flexible & No Extra Cost for Tickets: No entry tickets needed, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Detailed Review of the Experience

Meeting Point and Logistics

We meet on the green in the centre of Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, a quiet, historic patch just a short stroll from Old Street Underground (around 3 minutes) or a 10-minute walk from Liverpool Street. This peaceful setting immediately sets a contemplative mood, perfect for a literary walk. The group is small and intimate, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

First Stop: William Blake’s Grave

Our guide, a knowledgeable and engaging storyteller, introduces us to William Blake’s final resting place. Blake’s grave isn’t just a marker; it’s a portal into the poet’s visionary world. We use Blake’s poetry as prompts for our first writing exercise, encouraging us to channel his sincerity and ideals. As Xiao notes in her review, she appreciated the “niche route that is not noisy but has history,” emphasizing how the experience feels authentic and thoughtfully curated. The guide offers insights into Blake’s poetic philosophy, inspiring us to think beyond simple biography and explore the depths of his visionary ideas.

Exploring Street Poetry at The Barbican

Next, we walk to The Barbican, not just a modern arts center but also a hub for street poetry. Here, we discover how contemporary street art and poetry keep London’s literary spirit alive in urban spaces. We’re invited to craft responses to the street poetry we encounter, fostering a sense of immediacy and connection. The guide encourages us to share our work over coffee at the café, promoting a non-judgmental, friendly critique session. This part of the experience is especially valued by Xiao, who mentions how the activity stimulates creative vitality and facilitates good connection with the environment.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Following Moll Flanders in Smithfield

From the vibrancy of contemporary street art, we shift gears and step into the historical streets of Smithfield. Here, our guide recounts stories of Daniel Defoe’s notorious character, Moll Flanders, exploring her criminal exploits and complex personality. The walk offers a glimpse into London’s darker, more rebellious side, adding layers to the city’s literary landscape. We read excerpts about Moll’s adventures, inviting us to imagine her world vividly. This segment is particularly engaging for fans of historical fiction or those interested in the social history of London.

The Final Stop: St Giles’ Cripplegate

Our journey concludes at St Giles’ Cripplegate, a stunning Gothic church that offers a dramatic backdrop for our final writing exercise. Here, we synthesize everything we’ve experienced—Blake’s visionary poetry, Moll Flanders’ gritty tales, and street poetry—into a new piece of our own. The relaxed, reflective setting encourages us to write with focus and authenticity. The guide helps structure our ideas, ensuring everyone leaves with a sense of achievement and inspiration.

The Overall Experience

Throughout the tour, the guide’s storytelling is lively and informed, blending anecdotes, historical context, and literary insights seamlessly. Xiao’s review highlights the value of having a knowledgeable guide who can bring the city’s literary past to life, making the experience both educational and creatively stimulating. The activities are designed to be inclusive; even if you’re not a seasoned writer, the exercises are accessible and designed to spark your imagination.

Practical Details

• Duration: 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy day.
• Cost: The experience offers good value—no extra entry tickets are required, and it’s a private group, ensuring personalized attention.
• What to Bring: Remember to carry a notebook, pens, and an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable, and you’ll want your writing tools handy.
• Accessibility: The experience is wheelchair accessible, making it open to a wide range of travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This workshop is a fantastic pick for writers and literary enthusiasts looking to deepen their connection with London’s literary figures and scenes. It’s equally suited for newcomers eager to try writing exercises or seasoned writers seeking inspiration in a new environment. The mix of history, environment, and creative prompting makes it perfect for travelers who prefer an experiential, hands-on approach rather than passive sightseeing.

If you enjoy discovering a city through its stories and creating your own, this is a uniquely rewarding experience. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate personalized, intimate tours and value knowledgeable guides who can weave history and literature into engaging narratives.

The Sum Up

The Blake & Defoe’s London literary tour and writing workshop offers a well-rounded, creative glimpse into London’s literary heritage. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that balances historical storytelling with opportunities for personal expression. The small-group setting and expert guidance ensure that you’ll come away feeling inspired, whether you’re an aspiring poet, a history buff, or simply someone who loves London’s storytelling spirit.

This experience provides great value for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to participate, create, and connect with London’s literary soul. It’s suitable for all skill levels and encourages you to see the city not just as a place to visit, but as a living canvas for your own stories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the activities are designed to be inclusive and accessible, making it suitable for adults of any age and skill level.

Do I need to bring my own writing materials?
Yes, you should bring a notebook, pens, and an umbrella in case of rain. The experience does not provide these items.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can participate comfortably.

Are there any entrance fees at the stops?
No, no entry tickets are needed for the sites visited, making it convenient and straightforward.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel schedule.

How long is each segment of the tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with the timing for each part guided by availability and group pace.

Is this tour suitable for non-native English speakers?
The tour is conducted in English; some familiarity will enhance understanding, but the engaging storytelling makes it accessible even for those with basic English skills.

Embark on this literary journey and get inspired to write your own stories in the heart of London. Whether you’re chasing a new hobby or looking to see the city through a poet’s eyes, this tour promises a rewarding, creative adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: