The Alternative London Tour

This is more than just a street art tour, you are guaranteed to see a huge range of street art from some of the the World’s finest artists.

Oscar the Grouch by BLAM

You will discover the London you won’t find in the guide books. The Alternative London Tour takes you on a two hour walk through London’s east end. Like other tours in the area it covers some of the interesting history and culture of the Spitalfields, Banglatown and Shoreditch areas. But unlike those other tours it also shows you what is happening now in London’s creative hotbed.

They operate this tour on a pay-what-you-like basis. This ensures that it is accessible to everyone - regardless of their budget. 

There are 5 different tour and you can choose which one you like:

• The Alternative London Walking Tour

This is the original tour which was established to showcase East London's incredible creativity.

• The Alternative London Bike Tour

On bikes they are able to take you much further into London's amazing East End for an in depth look into it's interesting past, it's cultural present and a huge amount of street art that can't be reached on foot.

• Street Art Bike Tour

You'll see works of all sizes from the world's finest street artists including Banksy, Shepherd Fairey, Invader, Conor Harrington, D*Face and ROA.

• Street Art Tour & Workshop

If you want to learn how to create a piece of artwork, then you are in the right place!

• East London Bar Tour 

For an authentic East London nightlife experience click here 

• Private Tours & Students Tours

They can offer any of the above tours on a private basis to anyone.

Gary (guide, and creator of the tour) promises to provide something ‘off the beaten tourist track’, and although Street Art is a large part of the two hour walk – with around fifty artists covered each time – there is a large dose of informative and important history included.

Alternative London Tour

You’ll need to book the tour in advance, so hurry because they good booked up very quickly! The tour leaves Spitalfields Market Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7p.m and every Saturday at 12p.m. 

Visit the website here for details.

And don't forget to bring your camera! 

Wall Murals: An Interesting Alternative to the London Art Scene.

London is a melting pot of innovation and design and undoubtedly the number one spot in Europe for alternative tourism. London artists have used the walls of the city as an urban canvas, to tell and retell the stories of local residents: come with Boutique London Lets on a tour down the streets of Brixton, Soho and Kilburn and spot the London murals, giving an interesting and honest portrayal of London life.

We begin our journey in Kilburn to view the largest permanent public graffiti art mural ever commissioned in the UK. The 300m2 mural was put together by the Signal Project in 2004 and has come to represent and define the area, reflecting its vast multiculturalism and historic roots, with subtle references to local themes – it is clear that the local community had some say in the creative process.  You can spot images of people moving between the city and the countryside, as well as famous locals and fanciful creatures. Drop by Kilburn Station (Jubilee Line) to see this incredible piece of London design.

Kilburn Mural, London

Next up, we are spoiled by the colourful designs that are painted upon the walls of Brixton. They say that a picture speaks a thousand words, and never has this been more fitting. Many of these murals were painted in the aftermath of the Brixton riots of 1981, and portray ideas relating to the politics of the time and are considered a representation of the local community. The London Mural Preservation Society recently funded a restoration project, to repair the Brixton murals and ensure their conservation.  The murals of Brixton are all within walking distance of each other and are well worth a visit, should you wish to experience London as it is to the local community.

The recently renovated Brixton Windmill mural in Brixton, London

Our last stop brings us to Carnaby Street and the Spirit of Soho, designed to document the A to Z of life in Soho. The image boasts a bizarre collection of images to represent a potted history and geography of Soho – an array of fruit and vegetables, next to shifty bunch of men trying to sneak a peek up the skirt of a woman, next to images of local hotspots and residents. Stop off at Oxford Street Station (Bakerloo and Victoria Line) to see this London artwork.

The Spirit of Soho, off Carnaby Street, London

London boasts an incredible array of urban art works, all of which can be viewed with the tap of an Oyster Card. All of the London murals featured in this post are within easy reach of all Boutique London Lets apartments - just hop on the tube and see them for yourselves. Get to know London and what it means to locals - not something you'll find in a guidebook!