Blake, Defoe & Street Poetry Workshop

Exploring London’s Literary Heart with the Blake, Defoe & Street Poetry Workshop

Imagine wandering through Bunhill Fields, where the graves of William Blake and John Milton offer more than just a resting place—they serve as inspiration for your own poetry. For just over $100, you can spend around two hours exploring London’s literary corners while creatively engaging with the city’s literary giants. Led by an award-winning novelist, this private workshop promises an intimate, hands-on experience that balances the city’s historic sites with your own writing.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll get personalized feedback on your poetry from someone who truly understands the craft. Second, the guided stops—ranging from cemeteries to contemporary street poetry—offer a well-rounded view of London’s literary DNA. A possible consideration? The experience is somewhat brief, so if you’re looking for an in-depth writing retreat, you might want to combine it with other activities.

This tour suits writers, literary enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to connect with London’s past and present through poetry. If you appreciate sites imbued with history and enjoy putting pen to paper in inspiring settings, you’ll find this workshop both engaging and rewarding.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring tailored feedback.
• Visit Historic Sites: Graves of Blake and Milton, and locations tied to Daniel Defoe.
• Creative Focus: Writing prompts inspired by surroundings foster genuine creativity.
• Street Poetry Insight: Learn about the contemporary poetry scene at the Barbican.
• Flexible Scheduling: Choose morning or afternoon sessions for your convenience.
• Ideal for All Levels: The workshop is beginner-friendly, welcoming writers of all skills.

An In-Depth Look at the London Literary Workshop

An Introduction to the Experience

This private tour, priced at $103.35 per person, offers a chance to combine sightseeing with creativity. Led by Joe Pierson, the experience promises a two-hour journey through some of London’s most evocative literary sites, peppered with writing exercises and historical insights. It’s designed to be accessible for all, whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting to explore your writing voice. The fact that it’s private means you’ll have undivided attention from your guide, making it a more personal and flexible experience.

The Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Journey

Stop 1: Bunhill Fields

Starting at Bunhill Fields, close to Old Street underground, we’re introduced to the graves of William Blake and others. The guide encourages us to draw inspiration from Blake’s visionary poetry as we begin our first writing exercise. The setting—an old cemetery—may seem somber, but it’s woven into the experience, helping us connect with the poetic spirit of the place.

Travelers love the way this stop bridges the physical space with creative thought. One reviewer mentioned that the focus on mindfully examining the surroundings helps even busy minds slow down and notice details. The quietness and historical weight of the cemetery add depth to the writing prompts.

Stop 2: Barbican Centre and Street Poetry

Next, we move to the Barbican Centre, a cultural hub that’s a hub of modern creativity. Here, we explore street poetry, which is an often-overlooked form of contemporary urban art. Our guide, Joe, helps us see how poetry lives outside books and galleries, right on the city’s walls.

Participants have the chance to create a collaborative response, blending their voices with the city’s ongoing poetic dialogue. Reviewers appreciated the encouraging atmosphere and the chance to see how poetry adapts to urban environments, making it both accessible and relevant.

Stop 3: Church of St. Bartholomew the Great

Our next stop is a historic church that has seen centuries of London life. We follow in the footsteps of Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders, reading about her criminal adventures in and around Smithfield. This stop offers a glimpse into London’s gritty, lively past, which sparked fresh writing ideas.

Reviewers note that the combination of history and storytelling here makes for a vivid experience—more than just a stroll, it’s an inspiration for characters and narratives.

Stop 4: St. Giles Cripplegate

Our final destination is St. Giles’ Cripplegate, a remarkable church where Defoe and Milton are buried. In this extraordinary setting, we bring together our earlier exercises, crafting a final piece inspired by the space and our journey.

Many find this a powerful ending—an opportunity to reflect and consolidate their learning in a place tied to the very writers we’ve discussed. The setting itself, with its ancient stones, lends a sense of permanence to our creative efforts.

Practical Details That Matter

The tour begins at Bunhill Fields and concludes at St Giles Cripplegate. The entire experience is designed to be short and sweet, making it ideal for those with limited time but a deep curiosity about London’s literary side. The meeting point is easy to find, and the stops are all within walking distance, meaning no need to worry about transportation once you’re in the city.

Since the tour is private, it’s perfect for small groups, couples, or individuals who prefer a more intimate setting. The timing options—morning or afternoon—allow you to fit it into your broader London itinerary.

The cost might seem modest for a guided experience, especially considering the personalized feedback and historical insights, making it a good value compared to larger group tours. Plus, the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind if your plans change.

What Past Participants Say

Though only two reviews are available, they paint a consistent picture of this experience. One reviewer called it “really interesting for literary nerds and writers alike,” praising the mindful approach to London’s sites and the integration of creative exercises. They appreciated how the tour made the city’s corners feel alive with stories, even in a busy urban environment.

The second reviewer described it as “a weekend inspiration tour,” highlighting Joe’s spot choices—not only intriguing historically but also visually stunning—and how encouraging it was for their own writing. They left feeling inspired, which is exactly what a creative workshop aims to do.

Addressing the Value

At around $103, this tour is a fair investment for those interested in combining London’s cultural history with a creative boost. The focus on literary figures and street poetry offers a unique perspective that standard sightseeing tours rarely provide. For writers or literature fans, the chance to write in historic settings and receive feedback from an expert makes it a worthwhile experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a literary enthusiast eager to see London through the eyes of Blake, Milton, and Defoe, this experience offers a rich blend of history and creativity. It also appeals to writers of all levels who want to practice in inspiring environments, with guidance tailored to nurture your voice. The private nature and flexible schedule make it perfect for those looking for a personalized, meaningful experience that’s different from bustling group tours.

However, if you’re seeking a comprehensive, in-depth writing retreat or a long sightseeing spree, this two-hour workshop might feel a bit brief. It’s best viewed as a stimulating, inspiring taste of London’s literary side, rather than an exhaustive exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The workshop is designed to be accessible for all writing levels, encouraging participation regardless of experience.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately two hours, with four stops each around 30 minutes long.

What is the price?
The experience costs $103.35 per person, which includes guided stops, prompts, and personalized feedback.

Can I choose the time of day?
Yes, you can select a morning or afternoon session, providing flexibility for your schedule.

What are the main sites visited?
You’ll visit Bunhill Fields (Blake’s grave), the Barbican Centre (street poetry), St. Bartholomew the Great (linked to Moll Flanders), and St Giles Cripplegate (Defoe and Milton’s burials).

Is transportation involved?
No, the stops are within walking distance, and the experience begins and ends at designated points in central London.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, as a private experience, only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized session.

What should I bring?
Bring your favorite writing tools—pen and paper or digital device. The prompts are designed to inspire spontaneous creativity.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed, making this accessible for all travelers.

Final Thoughts

This Blake, Defoe & Street Poetry Workshop offers a rare chance to see London through a poetic lens. It’s more than just a sightseeing tour; it’s a creative outing that invites you to slow down, reflect, and craft your own piece of London’s literary story. Whether you’re a writer seeking inspiration or a history lover eager to connect with the city’s past, this experience provides a thoughtful, intimate exploration of London’s cultural fabric.

While brief, it packs in enough history, scenery, and creative prompts to leave you feeling both inspired and connected. The personal feedback from an experienced guide makes it especially valuable for those seeking encouragement or looking to improve their craft.

If you’re in London and craving a unique, hands-on literary experience, this workshop is certainly worth considering—especially if you want to step off the usual tourist trail and into a space where words—and history—come alive.