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History Walks, Talks, Films & Tours In London

Black History Walks offer walking tours, educational talks and films in London. We work with museums, schools, communities and universities to deliver a diverse and engaging programme of educational experiences for students, sightseers, businesses, film fans and anyone with an interest in history and learning. Read our revolutionary book ‘Black History Walks in London Volume 1‘ HERE   See our new James Baldwin plaque HERE

The dedicated Black History Walks team has been delivering some of the best walking tours in London for over 17 years and has more than 20 years’ experience delivering film exhibitions and talks. In 2024 in association with New Balance, we curated the first ever Black History Run, see video HERE. Our helicopter tour of London can be seen HERE

For our unique and pioneering GCSE History exam text book for schools produced in collaboration with Pearson Edexcel and used by 10,000 pupils in 140 schools, click HERE. The book features Black British Civil Rights activism in Notting Hill and is based on our walk in that area. BHW was Activist in Residence at UCL Sarah Parker Remond Centre (2021)

To see our NEXT walk, talk, film or river/canal cruise click  here

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As Seen On

BBC
TimeOut London
Conde Nast Traveler
c4
itv
National Diversity Awards
teachers.tv
The Voice
Black Travel Alliance
Thames River Cruise
black history walks
Black history tours with University of Dayton students
Black history tours with University of Dayton students
Black history walks in London
Black history tour in Soho London
Black history walks with University of South Florida students
Thames River Cruise
James Baldwin plaque

Black History Walks has featured in national publications and on television, including the Evening Standard, Huffington Post, ITV, Channel 4, Teachers TV and the BBC. Conde Nast Traveller listed them in their Best 15 walks in London in 2018 and also ‘Best Summer Events‘ in 2024. The Guardian put them in their Top Ten walks in 2011. They have written ‘Black History Walks in London Volume 1’ the first and only book on the topic of Black History Walks in London. The Black History Walks group has also won several community awards. In 2020 they became the first ever Activist in Residence at University College London’s  Sarah Parker Remond Centre. BHW has also invested in the Nubian Jak blue plaque scheme, most recently to James Baldwin in Hackney, and installed 9 such plaques so far HERE

Our walking tours of London provide the ideal travel experience, learning activity or networking opportunity for everyday walkers and corporate clients

We offer in-person and online talks, delivered by professors and academics who excel in their fields of study. Previous audiences range from the Bank of England and the Houses of Parliament to schools and NHS settings.

The African Odysseys film programme, which offers a monthly spot for Black films (plus Q&A) at the BFI Southbank, curated by BHW and other community activists, has been running for 17 years. It is the only scheme of it’s kind in the country and has screened thousands of films to tens of thousands of people.

We have also developed an extensive list of resources to help teachers, pupils and the public learn more about Black History.

For our unique and pioneering GCSE exam text book for schools produced in collaboration with Pearson Edexcel click HERE. The book features Black British Civil Rights activism in Notting Hill and is based on our walk in that area.

Black History Walks is committed to providing exceptional educational experiences that help to uncover the 3,500 years of Black History in London.

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Black History Walks & Tours

There are 12 London walking tours to choose from. The walks take place in ten different areas between February and November and last approximately two hours.

Three indoor walking tours take place in London’s top art galleries — Tate Britain, National Gallery and The Wallace Collection.

Times can be tailored to meet the needs of your group and private walks are available on request. Check out the reviews from previous walkers below and join our free mailing list to get advance notice of upcoming events. Ready to book? Check for the next public walk as listed here. If there are no public walks you can request a private walk here.

Black History Talks

We offer a wide range of public monthly Black History talks, which are delivered online or in locations of unique historical and cultural interest.
Click here for a list of the next public talks.

For private groups there are over 40 interactive, short to long, multimedia presentations to choose from. These are suitable for a wide range of settings — school assemblies, university lectures, community groups or staff events. Click here for details of our private  and bespoke talks

The venues for in-person talks are chosen with care and have previously included libraries, art galleries and lecture theatres. Talks are available year-round and our popular Queen Nzingha lectures provided by African Caribbean female academics/experts are hosted every month. A full list of upcoming events is available here.

Black History Courses & Resources (Schools)

For our unique and pioneering 2021 GCSE exam text book for schools produced in collaboration with Pearson Edexcel click HERE. The book features Black British Civil Rights activism in Notting Hill and is based on our walk in that area.

Senior consultants from Black History Walks produced a mini-documentary in collaboration with Teachers TV in 2011.

This four-part video is available online along with an extensive list of resources (including websites, DVDs and books), designed to assist teachers, pupils and the public in exploring the issues raised in the documentary and general Black History.

Subscribe to the Black History Walks YouTube channel to stay up to date with our latest videos.

About Black History Walks

Black History Walks was set up in 2007. Since then, the company has established a reputation for its diverse programme of high-quality walks, tours, talks, educational courses, resources and film events. Black History Walks is committed to providing exceptional experiences that educate people about Britain’s Black history. ‘Black History Walks in London Volume 1’ published by Jacaranda Books will be out in 2021. It is the first guided walk book on London’s African/Caribbean past.

The organisation has developed a collective, which includes a diverse range of contributors, including athletes, teachers, artists, film-makers and academics who collaborate to deliver a programme of walks, talks, films and events throughout the year. The Black History Walks team includes PhDs, authors and professors, enabling us to provide the highest levels of expertise. We pride ourselves on the variety, consistency and quality of the educational events we offer.

We have also teamed with Nubian Jak plaques to install plaques in honour of outstanding African/Caribbean people. Plaques for Dennis Brown, Frank Chrichlow, Dr Harold Moody, Phyliss Wheatley, Dr Cecil Belfield-Clarke, James Baldwin, Emma Clarke, Sarah Parker Remond and Darcus Howe have already been unveiled and more are to come. If you would like to sponsor a plaque please get in touch.

Black History Walks in London Vol 1  is published by Jacaranda Books and also available on Audible

Upcoming Walks & Tours

Billy Waters Blue Plaque Unveiling

Coming soon, click on link
Every child in Regency(Bridgerton) London knew Billy Waters, the “King of the Buskers.” Born in 1770s New York, he became a Royal Navy sailor one of many African Americans who…
Find Out More

Black History Canal Cruise: Regents Canal

Sunday 1st June 2.30pm
Relaxed sightseeing cruise on Regent’s Canal with commentary and educational references on the centuries of African/Caribbean history There are centuries of Black history across Britain’s canal networks. This guided cruise…
Find Out More

East Croydon Black History Walk

Saturday 8th March 10.00am
On this unique tour we will cover: Ancient African civilisations, the East Croydon links in your face Christianity and Black people, The under-recognised influence of the Black church Invisible Black…
Find Out More

Reviews of Black History Walks, Tours & Talks

Don’t miss out some of the most fascinating and historically interesting events in London. Sign up to our free newsletter for updates on coming events or book one of our walks and talks today!

It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it for all

A brisk, informative stroll through the heart of the British Empire. Our cheerful and intellectually generous tour guide, led us through narrow alleyways and past Roman ruins, within halls constructed by powerful guilds; in the process, he revealed to us both the many layers of British history and the often unacknowledged cultural multiplicity at its core. The tour was exciting, informative and allowed everyone across age, interest, and temperament to participate and learn. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it for all.

Professor Caroline Brown, University of Montreal, Canada

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T11:38:44+01:00

Professor Caroline Brown, University of Montreal, Canada

A brisk, informative stroll through the heart of the British Empire. Our cheerful and intellectually generous tour guide, led us through narrow alleyways and past Roman ruins, within halls constructed by powerful guilds; in the process, he revealed to us both the many layers of British history and the often unacknowledged cultural multiplicity at its core. The tour was exciting, informative and allowed everyone across age, interest, and temperament to participate and learn. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it for all.

A truly inspiring day

A truly inspiring day, filled with information I may have NEVER been aware of, if it was not for attending this walk. The friendly intellectually amazing tour guide relayed facts that I would have had to research for months to be aware of. I would URGE any and everyone, of all ages to attend - a great, fun, educational day out.

Isschara Maxine, London

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T11:44:18+01:00

Isschara Maxine, London

A truly inspiring day, filled with information I may have NEVER been aware of, if it was not for attending this walk. The friendly intellectually amazing tour guide relayed facts that I would have had to research for months to be aware of. I would URGE any and everyone, of all ages to attend - a great, fun, educational day out.

Extremely informative and made it seem all really relevant

I just wanted to let you know that the students REALLY enjoyed the tour yesterday. I polled them in class and everyone overwhelmingly had positive things to say. They particularly enjoyed how you incorporated modern day information into the tour. They said it was extremely informative and made it seem all really relevant. And today it was great listening to them as they walked around central London, noticing some of the things you'd pointed out. So, your work was very well received. Well done and thank you!

Lori Tharps, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Journalism, Temple University, USA

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T12:12:20+01:00

Lori Tharps, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Journalism, Temple University, USA

I just wanted to let you know that the students REALLY enjoyed the tour yesterday. I polled them in class and everyone overwhelmingly had positive things to say. They particularly enjoyed how you incorporated modern day information into the tour. They said it was extremely informative and made it seem all really relevant. And today it was great listening to them as they walked around central London, noticing some of the things you'd pointed out. So, your work was very well received. Well done and thank you!

Best element of the trip

You may hear this often, but many of my students named your tour as the best element of the trip last time.

Nancy Comerau, Assistant Professor of English, Ohio Wesleyan University, USA

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T12:28:53+01:00

Nancy Comerau, Assistant Professor of English, Ohio Wesleyan University, USA

You may hear this often, but many of my students named your tour as the best element of the trip last time.

Absolutely brilliant lecture and walk yesterday

Absolutely brilliant lecture and walk yesterday. Students were really energized. Thanks so much.

Bill Mullen, Professor of English and American Studies, Purdue University, USA

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:27:53+01:00

Bill Mullen, Professor of English and American Studies, Purdue University, USA

Absolutely brilliant lecture and walk yesterday. Students were really energized. Thanks so much.

A rich and detailed learning experience

Our guide's encyclopedic knowledge of the area, and his passion for black history, made for a rich and detailed learning experience. He was friendly and engaging, frequently involving the students in dialogue and relating his points to places and subjects that are familiar to them. The students were fascinated throughout and learned a great deal. We recommend this tour most highly!

Rebecca Whisnant, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Director of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Dayton, USA

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:28:21+01:00

Rebecca Whisnant, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Director of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Dayton, USA

Our guide's encyclopedic knowledge of the area, and his passion for black history, made for a rich and detailed learning experience. He was friendly and engaging, frequently involving the students in dialogue and relating his points to places and subjects that are familiar to them. The students were fascinated throughout and learned a great deal. We recommend this tour most highly!

The children talk about it for a long time afterwards

I would really like to book two black history walk dates around St Pauls and the Barbican for our two year 6 classes. We have done them for the last two years and the children always learn such a lot and talk about it for a long time afterwards.

Helen Davies, Head of Year 6, John Scurr School, Tower Hamlets

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:29:08+01:00

Helen Davies, Head of Year 6, John Scurr School, Tower Hamlets

I would really like to book two black history walk dates around St Pauls and the Barbican for our two year 6 classes. We have done them for the last two years and the children always learn such a lot and talk about it for a long time afterwards.

I could not have asked for a better supplement to my Sociology course on race, identity, and culture

Thank you for organizing a wonderful walking tour for my students. You are incredibly knowledgeable, and it was such a joy to hear your take on things. The students loved this field trip. You did an excellent job relating the history, culture, and social contributions of Black and Afro-Caribbean people in a fun and lively way while still emphasizing the seriousness and importance of this often overlooked aspect of British life. I could not have asked for a better supplement to my Sociology course on race, identity, and culture. I really appreciate you helping make the class so special and look forward to arranging another.

William Force, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Western New England University

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:31:05+01:00

William Force, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Western New England University

Thank you for organizing a wonderful walking tour for my students. You are incredibly knowledgeable, and it was such a joy to hear your take on things. The students loved this field trip. You did an excellent job relating the history, culture, and social contributions of Black and Afro-Caribbean people in a fun and lively way while still emphasizing the seriousness and importance of this often overlooked aspect of British life. I could not have asked for a better supplement to my Sociology course on race, identity, and culture. I really appreciate you helping make the class so special and look forward to arranging another.

Engaging, moving, will keep you asking more questions.

What an amazing tour! It completely moved me to rethink the intricate web of social, economic and political relations that characterize British imperial rule and racial politics. Engaging, moving, will keep you asking more questions. The best way to get to know London.

Alai Reyes-Santos, Professor of Ethnic Studies, University of Oregon

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:32:29+01:00

Alai Reyes-Santos, Professor of Ethnic Studies, University of Oregon

What an amazing tour! It completely moved me to rethink the intricate web of social, economic and political relations that characterize British imperial rule and racial politics. Engaging, moving, will keep you asking more questions. The best way to get to know London.

Nothing but positive feedback

The audience and the panellists had some incredibly positive feedback about your presentation. It went down so well and was a brilliant combination of information, revelation and humour. There were also a number of attendees whose firms or companies had organised a Black History Walk with yourself and also had nothing but positive feedback

Sharon Takhar, Origin Network, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

Black History Walks
5
2020-08-19T16:34:16+01:00

Sharon Takhar, Origin Network, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

The audience and the panellists had some incredibly positive feedback about your presentation. It went down so well and was a brilliant combination of information, revelation and humour. There were also a number of attendees whose firms or companies had organised a Black History Walk with yourself and also had nothing but positive feedback

I cannot recommend BHW highly enough for a school visit

We are studying Migrants in Britain with Edexcel, and to participate in a workshop/talk from one of the authors of the Pearson textbook was a fantastic learning opportunity for our students. His insight and in-depth knowledge of Notting Hill combined with his well-pitched and flexible delivery meant our students were fully engaged for three full hours, which is some feat! They loved the many jokes and links to their own music tastes, and I am confident that they will retain more knowledge for the final exam thanks to his input. I have rebooked for next year.

Penny Tosney, Head of History - Sheringham High School, Norfolk

Black History Walks
5
2023-07-28T23:23:42+01:00

Penny Tosney, Head of History - Sheringham High School, Norfolk

We are studying Migrants in Britain with Edexcel, and to participate in a workshop/talk from one of the authors of the Pearson textbook was a fantastic learning opportunity for our students. His insight and in-depth knowledge of Notting Hill combined with his well-pitched and flexible delivery meant our students were fully engaged for three full hours, which is some feat! They loved the many jokes and links to their own music tastes, and I am confident that they will retain more knowledge for the final exam thanks to his input. I have rebooked for next year.
5
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Black History Walks