How long does it take to walk Brick Lane?

Walking the full length of Brick Lane takes about 15-20 minutes at a steady pace. However, if you stop to look at street art, visit the mosque, and eat at Beigel Bake, you should allow at least 60 to 90 minutes.

Is Brick Lane worth visiting for food?

Yes, Brick Lane is world-renowned for its culinary diversity, specifically its Bengali curry houses and historic Jewish bagel shops. It is a top destination for food lovers in London looking for authentic, budget-friendly meals.

Can I see street art on this self-guided walk?

Absolutely. Hanbury Street and the side alleys off Brick Lane are some of the best places in London to see street art. The murals change frequently, featuring work from both local and international artists.

Is this walking route accessible for wheelchairs?

The outdoor portion of the route is largely accessible as it follows city pavements. However, some areas like Folgate Street have uneven cobblestones, and Dennis Severs' House is unfortunately not accessible due to its historic, narrow staircase.

What is the best time of day to explore Spitalfields?

Late morning is ideal. You can see the markets setting up, the light is good for photography of the architecture, and you'll beat the heavy lunch and evening crowds at the popular food stalls.

Where does the Spitalfields walk start?

The walk typically starts near Liverpool Street Station at Petticoat Lane Market (Middlesex Street). This location is easily accessible via the Central, Circle, and Metropolitan lines.

Are there public toilets along the Brick Lane route?

Yes, there are public facilities inside the Old Spitalfields Market complex. Additionally, many of the cafes and pubs along the route provide facilities for customers.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the vibrant tapestry of London’s East End with this self-guided walk through Spitalfields and Brick Lane. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of a city in constant flux, where centuries of immigration have layered one culture upon another to create a unique urban landscape. As you navigate the narrow alleys and bustling markets, you will discover the stories of the French Huguenots, the Jewish community, and the Bengali families who have all called this area home. The route begins at the historic Petticoat Lane Market, a place synonymous with the rag trade and the entrepreneurial spirit of new arrivals. From here, the journey takes you past the towering spire of Christ Church Spitalfields, a monument to the wealth brought by 18th-century silk weavers. This walking route London allows you to explore the architectural shifts that mirror the social changes of the district. You will see how a single building on Brick Lane has served as a chapel, a synagogue, and a mosque, embodying the area's spiritual evolution. History enthusiasts will appreciate the stop at Hanbury Street, while those seeking sensory experiences can dive into the world-famous street art and culinary delights of Brick Lane. This neighborhood is famous for its curry houses and 24-hour bagel shops, offering a taste of the diverse heritage that defines the East End. The walk also includes a visit to the enigmatic Dennis Severs' House, where the past feels palpably present in a series of meticulously recreated historical rooms. Whether you are interested in the dark tales of the Victorian era or the modern-day creativity of Shoreditch, this self-guided adventure provides a deep dive into the soul of London. Exploring at your own pace allows for spontaneous detours into hidden courtyards or a quick stop for a salt beef bagel. This walking tour London offers a comprehensive look at how global migration has shaped a local community, making it an essential experience for anyone looking to understand the real London beyond the typical tourist sites. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Explore the historic rag trade roots of Petticoat Lane Market

Admire the Baroque architecture of Nicholas Hawksmoor’s Christ Church

See the Brick Lane Mosque, a building that has served three different faiths

Discover the sensory 'still-life drama' of Dennis Severs' House

Taste a legendary salt beef bagel at the 24-hour Beigel Bake

Wander through Hanbury Street, a hotspot for evolving street art

Tour Stops (6)

Petticoat Lane Market

Start your self-guided adventure at Petticoat Lane Market, located primarily on Middlesex Street. Though the name 'Petticoat Lane' was deemed too scandalous by Victorian authorities—who renamed it to Middlesex Street in 1846—the market's original moniker stuck. This area was the heart of the Jewish garment industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Thousands of immigrants arrived here, bringing skills in tailoring and textiles that defined the local economy. Today, you will find a mix of clothing, leather goods, and household items. The market is a living link to the East End's entrepreneurial past, where many families began their journey from poverty to prosperity in the London rag trade.

Christ Church Spitalfields

Look up at the towering spire of Christ Church Spitalfields, one of Nicholas Hawksmoor’s most significant architectural achievements. Completed in 1729, this church was built during a time when the area was booming thanks to the French Huguenots. These Protestant refugees fled persecution in France and brought with them the secrets of high-end silk weaving. The church’s grand scale reflected the newfound wealth of the neighborhood. As you stand here, imagine the surrounding streets filled with the rhythmic clatter of looms coming from the attic windows of the nearby townhouses. The building underwent a massive restoration in the early 2000s, returning it to its original 18th-century glory.

Hanbury Street

Hanbury Street is a place where different eras of East End history collide. In the late 1800s, this street was part of the impoverished landscape associated with the Jack the Ripper mysteries, but today it is better known as a canvas for world-class street art. Because street art is ephemeral, the murals here change frequently, reflecting the neighborhood's current creative pulse. Historically, this street was also home to the Truman Brewery workers and numerous Jewish soup kitchens. As you walk, notice the contrast between the old brickwork and the vibrant, modern colors of the spray paint. It is a testament to how Spitalfields constantly reinvents itself while keeping its structural bones intact.

Brick Lane Mosque

The building at 59 Brick Lane is perhaps the most significant symbol of the area’s immigrant history. It was originally built in 1743 as a Protestant chapel for the Huguenots. As the demographics shifted, it became a Methodist chapel, then the Machzikei Hadass Great Synagogue in the late 19th century to serve the growing Jewish population. Since 1976, it has served as the Jamme Masjid, or Brick Lane Mosque, for the local Bengali community. The structure itself has changed very little on the outside, but its interior and purpose have adapted to meet the needs of each new wave of residents, perfectly illustrating the 'tale of two immigrations' that defines this district.

Dennis Severs' House

Tucked away on Folgate Street is Dennis Severs' House. This is not a traditional museum but what Severs called a 'still-life drama.' Inside, the house is arranged as if a family of Huguenot silk weavers, the Jervis family, has just stepped out of the room. You might see a half-eaten meal on the table or smell the scent of woodsmoke and candles. It is an immersive experience designed to trigger the imagination and transport you back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Please note that the house has specific opening hours and often requires silence inside to maintain the atmosphere, so it is worth checking their schedule before your neighborhood stroll.

Beigel Bake

Conclude your walking route at the legendary Beigel Bake on the northern end of Brick Lane. This 24-hour institution is famous for its traditional Jewish-style bagels, boiled and baked to perfection. The white-and-orange sign is a beacon for locals, night owls, and travelers alike. Their salt beef bagel with mustard and gherkins is a local favorite that has remained consistent for decades. While the surrounding area has become increasingly gentrified with high-end boutiques and trendy cafes, Beigel Bake remains a steadfast reminder of the Jewish community that once dominated this street. Grab a bagel, find a spot to sit, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of one of London’s most iconic streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk focusing on the immigration history of the Huguenot and Jewish communities is often considered the best way to see Spitalfields. This route covers approximately 1.5 miles and includes key landmarks like Christ Church and Brick Lane Mosque.