London, City of Alchemy: a walking tour

London was not only built in stone and gold: it was shaped by centuries of obsession with transformation.

This walking tour explores the hidden alchemical imagination of the City: the pursuit of the philosopher’s stone, the dream of turning base matter into perfection, and the early scientific and spiritual ideas that helped shape modern London. Moving through historic streets and buildings, we will uncover how architecture, commerce, belief, and experimentation intersected in a world where the boundaries between mysticism and science were far more fluid than we might expect.

At its heart, the walk also reflects on belonging: how people across time sought their place within a changing city, using transformation not only to reshape matter, but to understand identity, community, and purpose.

Expect gold, fire, faith, and a few surprises; not as legend, but as part of the lived history of the City itself. Come walk the alchemical London that still echoes beneath the surface.

This tour is connected to our current architectural installation, 'Alchemy', viewable in the Museum's Stock Office. Find out more on our What's On page.

The tours are free to attend, but booking is essential. Tickets for later slots will become available to book closer to the time. Our newsletter subscribers always receive early access links to book tickets - sign up here!
Essential Information:

• Tour consist of 90 minutes of walking around the City of London. Please ensure you are comfortable on your feet for this timeframe.
• Please arrive at Wakefield Gardens in front of Tower Hill Station at 11.30am, where the tour will begin. The tour concludes at the Bank of England Museum.
• Ticket capacity for bookings is capped at 2 bookings per person.
• If you can no longer make your slot after booking, we kindly ask that you cancel your ticket through Eventbrite so we can offer the place to someone else.
• There are toilet facilities in the Museum.
• There is airport-style security at the Museum's entrance.
• The Museum will be open from 10am to 5pm, with last visitor entry at 4.30pm.

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Host or Publisher Bank of England Museum