Rhymes and Reasons: Exploring the City of London through nursery rhymes
Discover the stories behind familiar verses on a guided walking tour of the City of London, from Charterhouse Square to London Bridge.
Nursery rhymes aren’t just for children. These memorable little verses offer a playful way into London’s architecture, communities and history—and some surprisingly dark tales. Through well-known favourites such as Oranges and Lemons and London Bridge is Falling Down, alongside lesser-known rhymes, we’ll explore the places, traditions and possible meanings connected with them.
What you’ll discover
Our walk takes us past historic churches, famous landmarks and easily overlooked details. Along the way, we’ll meet the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, explore the significance of Bow Bells and discover stories around St Paul’s and London Bridge.
Expect tales of fire, changing streets and London life, with opportunities to join in familiar rhymes—or simply listen and enjoy. We’ll also consider where history ends and folklore begins: the origins of nursery rhymes are often less certain than their familiar words suggest.
Who is the tour for?
This walk is for adults curious about London’s history, visitors looking for a different perspective on the City, and families who enjoy exploring together. You don’t need any previous knowledge of nursery rhymes.
Although the theme is playful, some stories touch on death, punishment and other darker aspects of London’s past. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout.
Plan your visit
Start time: 10:30am
Duration: approximately two hours
Meeting point: the south-east corner of Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6EE
Finish: near London Bridge
Accessibility: a step-free route is available, with an optional set of steps along the way. Please contact me before booking if you would like to discuss access requirements.
Toilets: there is an opportunity for a toilet stop midway through the walk.
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and a sense of curiosity.
Upcoming dates
All tours below start at 10:30am:
Friday 13 November 2026
Sunday 15 November 2026
Friday 27 November 2026
Friday 11 December 2026
Sunday 13 December 2026
Book your place
Booking is essential. This is a tip-based tour: there is no fixed ticket price, and you choose what to contribute at the end.
