Talking and Exploring bring you a Polish South Ken Experience 2022

Polish Heritage Days this year is celebrating the lives and achievements of three important generals from the Second World War - General Wladyslaw Anders, General Stanislaw Maczek and General Stanislaw Sosabowski. They were all born in the same year, 1892, so this year is their 130th anniversary!

South Kensington was the home of the Polish Government in Exile during the war and is still frequented by many Poles because of its Polish ties and institutions - the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum, the Polish Hearth ( one of London's oldest Polish Clubs which today hosts a variety of theatrical, musical and other cultural events), a church and a famous restaurant. It is also still the home of many.

We meet just outside the station in Thurloe Street and then walk past the Daquise Restaurant (serving delicious, traditional Polish cuisine for over sixty years) towards Brompton Oratory. On the way we will pay our respects to the monument to victims of Communist regimes and then talk about some of the Polish items in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Brompton Oratory served as a place of worship for those first refugees from the war and the Little Brompton Oratory still serves the Polish Community.

From there we head towards the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum, overlooking Hyde Park, where one of their excellent guides will show us around so we can learn about the Polish involvement in the Second World War, including the work and achievements of the three generals (and, another hero, Wojtek the Bear).

Next comes the Polish Hearth, or Ognisko Polskie, in Exhibition Road. Here we will spend some time seeing what there is to offer in their rather exquisite restaurant (and maybe partaking of something later) and then we will have another tour and talk from one of their senior members.

A few more things:

Pictures are taken during our walks and the walk may be recorded so please let us know if you do not want to be included.

On our walks, participants are welcome to share their relevant stories, memories or snippets of knowledge and you may leave having found new friends or even a new business contact!

We may take longer than the advertised time as we always allow for the unexpected - a chance meeting, a puzzling sight, maybe an unexpected treat!

As it's a walking tour, please make sure you wear suitable footwear and clothing. Bring water and a snack with you if you wish to sustain yourself during the walk.

Talking and Exploring is now on Google Maps and we would welcome your review of the walk.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the walk or if you would like to book a tour with us for your party.

Host or Publisher Talking & Exploring