Name: The Only Way Is Essex Road
Start: 2026-03-17T14:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-17T16:30:00+00:00
Location: Islington

A guided walk from Islington Green to Ball's Pond Road – Tudor houses, Georgian lino, Victorian emporiums, Art Deco, alcohol and animals
About this Event

This often overlooked Islington thoroughfare is packed with wonderful historical gems, interesting buildings and intriguing stories.

We'll walk the full length of this street, from Islington Green up to its junction with Balls Pond Road (just over one mile) and along the way we will stop to look at historical sites and marvel at how this important road into London has changed throughout the centuries.

Admire a variety of interesting buildings and developments and hear about the history of this road, with references to theatres and entertainment, social housing, sport and manufacture. We'll look at the bones of a swimming pool, a cloned church and an Egyptian Temple.

Find out about an innovative market, an early care home, various alcoholic beverages, Georgian floor coverings and some Elizabethan establishments. We'll also look at a cloned church an Egyptian Temple and the bones of an old swimming pool

It's a marvellous mixed bag... but then so is Islington... and that's why we love it.

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The 2-hr tour starts a short walk from Angel station – The exact meeting point will be clearly described in words on your ticket and confirmation – for more info, please see the FAQs below
The tour finishes at the northern end of Essex Rd, a short walk from Canonbury station with many buses available back to Angel station, or to Highbury & Islington, Newington Green or Dalston.

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Customer feedback: "I have lived near this street almost all my life and although I had looked at a few places and wondered what they were I had never before noticed many of the others. I also loved hearing abut the history of the area, espcially the asylum. That was lovely. Thanks" / "This walk was marvellous – I will be coming back for more / "The group really enjoyed this walk and we will be booking more tours with you. Thanks again." / " I love your jolly style" / "My favourite guide" / "Oh dear, I am embarrassed to say I am probably one of those people you mentioned who has 'tunnel vision' not looking up etc... and hadn't noticed half of what you showed me. I feel enlightened. Thanks" / 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?

Please do not rely on maps and info supplied within QR codes and apps as these often give incorrect or misleading information.
The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within an email sent to you immediately after your purchase...– Scroll down to the Additional Information section at the bottom 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.

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?