If you love London for its layers—the stories hidden behind doors, down alleyways and beneath your feet—then Jack Chesher is a name to know. He’s the guide and storyteller behind Living London History, and for years we’ve been fans of his work and how it brings London’s past to life.
If you don’t follow Jack yet, he has a way of telling stories that makes you look twice at London sights and streets you thought you already knew. We’re always a little wowed by his posts, like a recent one where he shared the history of the word stationery and its unexpected connection to London, filmed inside Stationers’ Hall, one of the City’s oldest livery halls and a place most people walk past without ever knowing what’s inside.
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This winter, Italy Perfect founder Lisa finally did something she’d been wanting to do for a long time in London. After years of following Jack’s fascinating content, and with the whole family having thoroughly enjoyed his books, they took one of his guided walking tours. It turned out to be one of those London experiences you keep talking about long after the day ends.
Jack’s small-group tours are immersive, richly detailed and full of those “how did I not know this?” moments. They’re incredibly popular and book up fast, so if you’re planning a trip to London, you’ll have to move quick and reserve early. (Sign up for his newsletter for advance notice.) If you’d prefer something tailored, Jack also offers private walking tours for deeper dives into areas or themes that interest you most.
Even if a London trip isn’t on the calendar just yet (though we’re always planning one…), Jack’s books are well worth getting your hands on. His first book, London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers, quickly became a Sunday Times bestseller – and for good reason. It’s packed with the kind of insights we love: overlooked corners, unexpected details and practical tips that help you experience London beyond the obvious.
His follow-up book released last year, London: Hidden Corners for Curious Wanderers, is the perfect companion. Together, the two books feel like having a knowledgeable friend sharing recommendations as you explore, pointing out what’s easy to miss and gently nudging you off the well-trodden path. The self-guided walks are also very handy for planning a day out in London. We truly recommend getting both as they complement each other beautifully.
And while Jack’s tours are a standout for history lovers, they’re just one of many experiences we adore in London. If you’d like to explore more ideas, you’ll find our full list of recommended tours and experiences—all personally chosen by our team—on our London tours page.
