A Power Trip: guided London walk on the theme of power, politics & law

This power-themed guided walk round the Strand, Fleet Street and St Paul's explores London's shifting landscape of power. Our route will take us in search of 'The Man' - those often rather anonymous forces of power, influence and control in the capital. On our way, we'll encounter the taxman, the military man, God (!) to name but a few. We'll find them reflected in the buildings, statues and street furniture that we pass, and in the area's history.

We'll also go inside the Royal Courts of Justice, somewhere few Londoners ever visit. I'll take guests to a court room to observe a judge in action (we'll sit in on a hearing if Covid precautions there allow).

Expect an engaging and provocative introduction to English political, legal and constitutional history, and plenty of food for thought about the balance of power - and the extent of our personal freedoms - today. These issues couldn’t be more relevant given the UK's unfolding Brexit drama which has questioned the balance of power between Parliament, EU institutions, the Prime Minister, ‘the People’ and the courts.

As one of my guests recently commented, this is a 'thinking tour' in that it raises lots of questions for people to ponder. I keep groups small (max 12 people, but generally fewer) to allow us all to get to know each other, with plenty of opportunity to discuss the issues raised.

About me: This walk blends my love of London and its history with a fascination with power. I have a degree in social and political sciences from Cambridge University. I then qualified as a solicitor and worked in the UK's Government Legal Department, specialising in planning and environmental law. There, it was my job to know the limits of the power of the state, the extent of our rights as individuals, and the role that our judges have in resolving disputes. My legal background informs how I think about power but this is not a tour of legal London. (We won't be touring the Inns of Court, or visiting the Old Bailey.) These days, I combine leading walks for dotmakertours.co.uk with producing podcasts and audio features for Tickertape Productions.

Listen: Here's a 2 minute audio introduction to the walk.

Read what others have to say: on AirBnB and TripAdvisor.

Suitable for: adults and young people aged 18 and over. The walk involves going up and down steps.

Maximum group size: 12.This is to keep things interactive and allow plenty of opportunity for discussion.

The ticket price includes an untaxed snack.

Cancellation: We can't usually offer refunds. But if you give at least 5 days notice before the date of the walk we may be able to offer you a place on another one.

Host or Publisher Rosie Oliver, Dotmaker Tours