Name: London By Gaslight – lamps, lanterns and ladders
Start: 2026-02-06T17:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-02-06T19:30:00+00:00
Location: Pimlico

$London By Gaslight \u2013 lamps, lanterns and ladders$

Pimlico to St James's Park via Westminster Abbey following an evocative trail of gas-powered street lamps
About this Event

A small proportion of London's street lighting dates back to the late Georgian era. Look carefully into the glass lanterns to see that some lamps are still gas-powered, offering a soft warm glow.

The walk lasts approx two hours, starting near Pimlico station – the exact meeting point will be provided after ticket purchase – see more in the FAQs below.

Learn about the first spectacular gas lamp demonstrations in 1807 and walk along some of the UK's earliest gas-lit streets. Visit the site of the first public gasworks and hear how the site was later repurposed by the government. See the first building that was lit internally by gas and find out about about one of the earliest lantern manufacturers, a company that is still in business today.

This tour includes a wander along some evocative residential streets where the lamp lights are still burning almost as they did 200 years ago. Hear how the lamps are currently maintained and what is being done to preserve this threatened form of street lighting going forward.

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Also available: Green Park to Covent Garden

The two central London gas lamps routes are distinctly different:
– Green Park to Covent Garden – via St James's Palace, The Mall and Trafalgar Square
– Pimlico to St James's Park station – via Horseferry Rd, Westminster Abbey and St Anne's Gate.
Although a small amount of history/content is repeated, there are distinctly different things to see and experience on either route, and both include evocative streets where original lamps, now Grade II listed, are still in use.

A third route from The City to Middle Temple is available on request

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Customer feedback: "How lovely - I'd never walked along those streets before , even in daylight - what a delight" / "I came back for more because I really like your presentation style" / "Such a marvellous idea for a route. Well done and thanks Jane" / "When I got home I spent hours googling this. I've now become Gasketeer follower – thanks." / "An inspirational and educational couple of hours – we'll be back for more soon!" / "Really interesting and your knowledge is amazing! Thank you" / "I loved the mix of history and details" / "That was excellent!" / More feedback here

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Other walks and talks available – please check my listings or see www.janeslondonwalks.com

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, postcodes 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 written description of where to find me, 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 provided within a reminder sent 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.

Are there steps or stairs involved / is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

There are some dark and uneven paths within St James's Park towards the end of the tour, although this section can be bypassed without loss of content. The same applies to a flight of steps near St Anne's Gate where assistance might be needed. Please contact me for info.

How can I contact the organiser?