From Notting Hill to Norwich, these are some of the UK's finest Black history walking tours
Take a walk back in time this October by going on a Black history walk. These guided tours unearth the untold pasts and stories of Black and Asian communities in British cities. Whether you’re looking for an educational half term activity, or just a day out in your city with a twist, they’re a fun and informative way to get involved with Black History Month. From the place slave abolitionists once met to the Victorian houses where African aristocrats once lived, we’ve rounded up the best Black history walking tours in the UK. Read on to find out where you can get involved.
Black History Walking Tours To Discover In The UK
1. Black History Walks, London
London’s best and biggest Black history walks provider is called just that. With 12 walking tours covering different areas of the capital, you’re guaranteed to discover something new about your neighbourhood. Learn about the African Victorians who lived in aristocratic luxury in Clapham; walk in the footsteps of the Black Panther’s in Notting Hill; or take a trip down the Thames on a black history river cruise. With nothing but five-star rave reviews, this tour is a can’t miss experience. blackhistorywalks.co.uk
2. Hidden Histories Tour, Southampton
Starting from God’s Tower House – the late 13th century gatehouse into the old town of Southampton – this 90 minute tour focuses on the city’s early black history. From black privateers to plantation owners, you’ll be uncovering the diverse heritage of Southampton with the help of white badge holders tour guides. godshousetower.org.uk
3. Bristol Slave Trade Walk
In 2020, Bristol became the focus of the UK’s Black Lives Matter movement when protestors tore down statues that glorified the city’s history as a slave port. You can explore that dark past for yourself on the Bristol Slave Trade Walk. Led by blue badge tour guide Rob Collin, the walk takes in Bristol’s historic harbour areas, visiting the places where slaves were first brought to the UK and examining the divisive legacy slave owners like Edward Colston have had. robcollinguide.co.uk
4. Leeds Black History Tour
The African presence in Yorkshire goes back over 2000 years. African priests, soldiers and merchants would often travel to Roman York from Nubia and Ethiopia, and spend time trading and negotiating treaties in the city. This tour around Leeds University campus looks at the widely unknown pre-slavery history of African people in Britain. heritagecornerleeds.com
5. Norwich, a black history guided tour
This two-hour guided walking tour is a celebration of Norwich’s Black history. As well as examining the city’s darker links with the slave trade, it also covers the UK’s first Black circus impresario Pablo Fanque, looks at the legacy of Black boxers in the 19th century, and remembers the American servicemen who first brought Norwich rhythm and blues. If you’re in Norwich and you’re looking for a great day out, this is it. pauldicksontours.co.uk
Featured Image: Dalston Square Street Art
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