Blake, Defoe & Street Poetry Workshop

Exploring London’s Literary Roots Through Creative Writing

If you’re into poetry, history, or just looking for a different way to experience London, the Blake, Defoe & Street Poetry Workshop might catch your eye. This tour isn’t your typical sightseeing trek; instead, it offers a chance to connect with the city’s literary past while sharpening your own writing skills. Led by an award-winning novelist, this experience promises a mix of exploration, reflection, and creative exercises—all within about two hours.

What makes this tour stand out for us is its unique blend of literary history and hands-on creativity. We love how it guides you through meaningful sites like Bunhill Fields and the Barbican, tying historic figures like William Blake, John Milton, and Daniel Defoe into the experience. Plus, the emphasis on beginner-friendly prompts means you don’t need to be a seasoned poet or writer to enjoy it.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is the short duration—two hours isn’t a lot of time to soak in everything, especially if you’re a deep thinker or want to spend more time on your poetry. It’s also worth noting that this experience is designed for those interested in literature or creative writing, rather than a traditional tour with extensive sightseeing.

This would be especially appealing for literature lovers, aspiring poets, or anyone curious about London’s writers, looking for a creative twist on their visit. If you prefer your tours to be purely sightseeing or more extensive, you might find it a bit light, but if you want an engaging, intimate experience rooted in literary discovery, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Interactive and Creative: The tour focuses on writing exercises inspired by London’s literary sites.
• Beginner-Friendly: No prior writing experience needed; prompts are designed to be accessible.
• Historic Stops: Includes visits to sites linked to William Blake, John Milton, and Daniel Defoe.
• Flexible Scheduling: Choose from morning or afternoon sessions to suit your plans.
• Private Experience: Only your group participates, making it more personal.
• Price Point: At roughly $103, it’s a niche activity that offers a mix of history and creativity—good value if you’re into this kind of experience.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Bunhill Fields – Starting Point and William Blake’s Resting Place

The journey begins at Bunhill Fields, a peaceful cemetery just a short walk from Old Street underground station. Here, you’ll meet your guide and immediately dive into the world of William Blake, one of England’s most visionary poets. The group uses Blake’s poetry as a launchpad for a writing exercise, which is a great way to get your creative juices flowing right from the start.

One reviewer appreciated how the tour “focused on mindfully examining the areas around us,” making the experience more than just sightseeing—it’s about engaging with the space and its history. Expect around 30 minutes here, with free admission, so you can take your time absorbing the surroundings.

The Barbican Centre – Street Poetry and Collaborative Creation

Next, you’ll head to the Barbican, a hub for arts and culture, where the focus shifts to street poetry. This part of the experience involves discovering the street poets who have left their mark on the city and creating your own responses. The inclusion of street poetry at a venue like the Barbican adds a contemporary layer to the experience, connecting past and present forms of poetic expression.

Here, you’ll also spend around 30 minutes, engaging in exercises designed to foster collaboration and inspire spontaneous creativity. One reviewer described this segment as “breath-taking,” especially because of the visually stimulating environment paired with encouraging prompts.

Smithfields and Daniel Defoe’s Footsteps

The tour then moves into the historic neighborhood of Smithfields, famous for its meat market and for being a setting in Daniel Defoe’s stories. You’ll explore the surroundings where Defoe’s character Moll Flanders had her adventures, providing a rich context for your own storytelling and poetry inspired by criminal escapades and city life. This stop also lasts around 30 minutes, and you’ll read excerpts from Defoe’s work to set the mood.

St Giles’ Cripplegate – The Grand Finale

The last stop is at St Giles’ Cripplegate, a striking church where Defoe and John Milton are buried. Here, you’ll bring together everything learned during the workshop to craft a final piece of poetry or prose. The setting gives a sense of solemnity and inspiration, perfect for reflection and finishing your creative project. Expect about 30 minutes here, with enough time to absorb the historic atmosphere before wrapping up.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Meeting Point & Ending Location: The tour kicks off at Bunhill Fields Burial Ground and concludes at St Giles’ Cripplegate. Both are accessible via public transportation, making it easy to join and leave.

Duration & Schedule: At around two hours, the experience is concise but packed with activity. The choice of morning or afternoon sessions provides some flexibility depending on your plans.

Group Size & Privacy: Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, offering a more intimate environment for sharing ideas and receiving feedback. This is especially helpful if you tend to feel shy or prefer personalized attention.

Weather & Cancellation: The tour is weather-dependent, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation policy is quite flexible—full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Cost & Value: At about $103.35 per person, you’re paying for a guided, personalized literary experience rather than just a sightseeing tour. Considering the inclusion of historical insights, creative exercises, and the personal touch, many might find it a fair price—especially if you’re eager to explore London’s literary side.

Accessibility & Family Suitability: The experience is accessible for most travelers, including service animals. While the reviews don’t specify family-friendliness, given the focus on writing and history, it’s probably best suited for adults or older children interested in literature and creativity.

Authentic Perspectives from Past Participants

One reviewer mentioned that the tour is “recommended for literary nerds and writers alike,” emphasizing how much they appreciated the mindful examination of the environment and the chance to use the surroundings as inspiration. They found it a meaningful way to slow down and connect with the city, which is often missed in fast-paced sightseeing.

Another appreciated the inspirational aspect, noting that the tour offered “breath-taking seasoning beauty” and was very encouraging for writing. They seemed to enjoy the mix of intriguing history and creative prompts, making it a weekend highlight.

A common theme in reviews is the value of the focused, mindful approach—the tour isn’t just about ticking off sites but about engaging deeply with the environments and stories that make London special for writers and poetry lovers.

The Sum Up

The Blake, Defoe & Street Poetry Workshop offers a rare chance to combine London’s literary history with your own creativity. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy reflective, hands-on experiences and want to explore the city through a poetic lens. The small group setting, personalized prompts, and meaningful stops make it a thoughtful alternative to more conventional tours.

While it’s not a huge sightseeing extravaganza, its strength lies in the quality of engagement and the opportunity to produce your own creative work inspired by London’s storied streets. If you’re a writer, a history buff, or simply someone looking to see London in a different light, this could be just the enriching experience you need.

For travelers craving a calm, inspiring activity that deepens their connection to the city, this workshop could be a memorable highlight. Just keep in mind its brevity and niche appeal—it’s perfect if you’re into arts and literature but maybe less so if you’re after a fast-paced, comprehensive sightseeing tour.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners in poetry or creative writing?
Absolutely. The prompts are designed to be beginner-friendly and accessible for all writing levels, so no prior experience is needed.

How long does each stop last?
Each of the four main stops is approximately 30 minutes, making the entire experience around two hours.

What sites will we visit?
You’ll visit Bunhill Fields (William Blake’s resting place), the Barbican Centre (street poetry), Smithfields (famous for Defoe’s Moll Flanders), and St Giles’ Cripplegate (Defoe and Milton’s burial site).

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, which can make for a more comfortable and personalized experience.

What’s the price point like?
At about $103.35 per person, it’s a niche activity that balances history, creativity, and personalization. For those interested in literature and poetry, many might find it worth the cost.

Can I cancel or reschedule easily?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Less than that, and you’ll typically forfeit your payment.

Is the experience suitable for families or children?
While not specifically geared toward children, the creative and historical aspects could appeal to older children or teens interested in writing or literature.

What should I bring?
Bring your own notebook and pen if you’d like to jot down your poetry or notes. Everything else, like prompts and guidance, is provided.

Does this experience include transportation between sites?
No, transport isn’t provided between stops. The sites are within walking distance, and the tour plan is designed to be manageable on foot.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of what to expect from the Blake, Defoe & Street Poetry Workshop. It’s a thoughtful, creative way to experience London’s literary history—perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing and are eager to leave with some new poetry or stories of their own.