Walking Tour - In Vincent's Footsteps: from Covent Garden to Stockwell

Vincent Van Gogh lived at 87 Hackford Road in Stockwell for a year between August 1873 and 1874. He fell in love with British culture and was inspired by the art he saw in the UK. He was working at Goupil and Company, an Art Dealers in Covent Garden, and he walked to and from work.

The first part of this tour follows Vincent's footsteps in a 3½ mile (5½ km) walk between his workplace and his lodgings, exploring what London would have been like in the early 1870s. The walk goes by the river Thames along what was then the newly built Victoria Embankment and crosses Westminster Bridge which Van Gogh sketched on some Goupil and Co headed note paper. Then after walking through Kennington we get to the house in Hackford Road, where we have a 45 minute exclusive interior tour (Normally £12 on its own but included in the price of this tour).

Visitors will have a chance to learn about the Hackford Road house and its most famous tenant. The tour is an opportunity to gain insight into the house's future as a site for artist residencies and to view artefacts uncovered during the recent renovation and conservation of the house, providing a glimpse into the stories hidden within its walls.

Please note the house at Hackford Road dates from the 1820s and has small rooms on three floors with a steep narrow staircase. Because of this, it may be difficult for people with mobility issues - in particular it is not possible to accommodate wheelchairs.

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Tripadviser 5* review in August 2024 from Anji444

Time travel at its best - Lovely walk with lots of historical information to imagine what London would have been like in Vincent’s day. So nice to end at the house in Stockwell. Recommended!

Tripadviser 5* review in May 2024 from SaKi_London

Well researched and full of interesting facts, we really enjoyed this walk with Stephen and a small group. It helps if you are a fan - but even for non art lovers, this is a great insight into how London looked in 1873, and how people lived. Would definitely recommend!

Tripadviser 5* review in July 2023 from Sarah-Jane M

Stephen is a great tour guide who took us on a journey from Covent Garden to Van Gogh House walking Vincent Van Gogh's route home from work.

This well researched and excellently presented tour gave me a great insight into 1870s London and the time that Vincent Van Gogh lived in London. I had a really great time, as did my friends who attended with me.

Tripadviser 5* review in February 2023 from Climber697452

Stephen has many interesting facts to share on the Van Gogh walking tour from Covent Garden to Stockwell. Van Gogh's house is worth the wait. Most enjoyable.

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You can check travel options at the Transport for London Journey Planner.

Host or Publisher Stephen Benton, Footprints of London