London is a vast metropolis with a population of over 8.5 million people and a history stretching back two millennia. However, unlike more modern cities, London was never planned as a major city but has grown over the centuries to absorb numerous historic towns and villages. Many of these are now bustling cosmopolitan areas such as Bloomsbury and Notting Hill, while others, such as Barnes and Dulwich, are more rural and retain their original charm and character. It’s hard to imagine nowadays, but in the 18th and 19th centuries, people were farming in Islington and fishing in Chiswick!
Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a village vibe – a village green, small local shops, an ancient church and graveyard, even a pond beside a pub – you can still find them in London if you know where to look. Modern London is made up of a rich tapestry of ancient villages, just waiting to be discovered.
London’s Village Walks takes you around 20 of the city’s most interesting and best preserved villages, where – with a little imagination – it’s possible to imagine you’re still living in a bygone age.