In Search of London's Poets: Confidence Edition
About this Event
We’ll be exploring the literary landmarks and poetic stories of Marylebone and Soho and ending at Oxford Street’s literary landmark, the Poetry Ph*rm*cy. Included in the walk will be tales about Lord Byron, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Katherine Mansfield, Dylan Thomas, William Blake, Shakespeare, Shelley, Oscar Wilde. The aim is to “take poetry for a walk” so we will be including readings along the way.
In association with the Poetry Ph*rm*cy and sponsored by Batsford Books discover:
• How the reclusive Elizabeth Barrett Browning regained her confidence
• How the golden age of radio revolutionised poetry - BBC Broadcasting House
• In which London pub the outgoing Dylan Thomas left his manuscript of Under Milk Wood
• Whether Shelley’s arrival in Soho was fuelled by over-confidence
• How self-belief led to the rise and fall of Lord Byron and Oscar Wilde
Ticket price of £38 includes:
- Two hour guided walk with anthologist Liz Ison (numbers are capped at 10)
- Delicious refreshments at the Poetry Ph*rm*cy, Oxford Street
- A Poetry Ph*rm*cy bundle of 100 Poems to Grow Your Confidence and a bottle of Confidence Poetry Ph*rm*cy pills
About 100 Poems to Grow Your Confidence
100 Poems to Grow Your Confidence is a collection of 100 upbeat, empowering and encouraging poems selected by Liz Ison aimed at anyone who is looking for a boost of confidence. This collection of 100 poems is here to be your biggest cheerleader. Whether you need a push towards inspiration for the big or little things in life, there's a poem to help you through it. From calling on a higher power for support and reminders of who you are to meditations on the difference between confidence and arrogance, there are a variety of perspectives to learn from in this collection.
Meeting point: Hanover Square: the corner of Tenterden Street outside the Bond Street Elizabeth Line tube entrance.
Postcode: W1S 1HU. Close to Oxford Circus/Bond Street tube stations
Date and Time: Sunday 2nd August, prompt 10am start
End point: The Poetry Ph*rm*cy, LUSH, Oxford Street
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Over 16s only
Please note that the walk will happen no matter what the weather is like, so please dress accordingly!
Feedback on Liz’s Literary Walks
“I loved the Poets Tour! Informative, inspiring & hugely enjoyable. Liz is a superstar.”
“Liz has been very lovely. Will come back for another walk”
“Such a lovely morning meeting past and present literary giants. Thank you so much”
“Exactly what I needed! Loved uncovering all these special corners of London. Thank you!”
“A relaxed, humorous and knowledgeable host”
‘Poetry Walk St James’s Park to the Poetry Ph*rm*cy Walking to Relax’
“Made my heart and soul feel calm”
“I feel truly inspired after your poetry walk today. I love the atmosphere you created and
the slow radical readings. Feel truly pampered”
“Thank you for a delicious morning of contemplation, radical acts of outdoor poetry reading and wandering about London. Absolutely wonderful!”
About Liz Ison
Liz believes in the transformative power of poetry. She has been leading poetry walks in collaboration with the Poetry Ph*rm*cy since 2024. She also runs regular shared reading groups and has conducted workshops encouraging a daily poetry habit and extolling the benefits of reading aloud, and reading together.
Liz has edited several literary anthologies including A Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of the Year (Batsford 2023), Poems for Tortured Souls (Hachette Children’s Group 2024), 100 Poems to Help you Heal, 100 Poems to Help you Relax and 100 Poems to Help you Relax, Poetry of the Zodiac and A Literary Letter for Every Day of the Year (Batsford 2025-6).
She is a museum educator at the Charles Dickens Museum. Liz has a degree in English literature and social science from the University of Cambridge and a doctorate from University College London for research into childhood speech and literacy development.
You can follow Liz on Instagram @liz.ison and visit her Society of Authors page https://societyofauthors.org/soa-member/liz-ison/
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 38.00
