A walk from Old Oak to White City: a history of public housing in London
A walk exploring the history of 20th century public housing in London, told through the homes lying between East Acton and White City
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Location
East Acton Station
Erconwald Street London W12 0BP United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
This thought-provoking walk between East Acton and White City explores how social housing developed in London in the 20th century, setting standards for the rest of the U.K.
The story begins on the Old Oak Estate where the London County Council (LCC) applied garden city ideas to build charming cottages for working class people before and after World War I.
Next we'll walk through the Wormholt Estate, built by Hammersmith borough council as part of Prime Minister Lloyd George's "homes for heroes" program after World War I, and finally completed by the London County Council (LCC).
Moving on to the1920s and 1930s, we’ll explore Peabody Trust's Cleverly Estate and the LCC's White City Estate, which offered new levels of comfort for tenants in high-quality self-contained flats.
A system-built modernist block, whose hexagonal design is inspired by the Giants' Causeway, brings us into the 1960s. Finally, our last stop takes us into the 1970s with the low-rise Wood Lane Estate, designed by groundbreaking architects Darbourne & Darke.
In less than three miles we’ll see an incredible range of architectural styles and layouts that reflect the many challenges that continue to face social housing provision in London to this day. We’ll find out how successive generations dealt with marrying the roles of the public and private sectors, while trying to deliver affordable, good, quality homes for the many people that rely on them.
It's easy to join the walk - it starts outside East Acton station on the Central Line and ends minutes from stations for the Central, Hammersmith and City, and Circle lines.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Fascinating and expertly led walks. I have been on two now. Joanna is a first rate guide: thoughtful, knowledgeable and with a real understanding of her subject. Recommended unconditionally!”
Max Whitby – Google
Photo 1: ©Nathaniel Télémaque
Frequently asked questions
The route's just under three miles.
Iya London Walks go ahead rain or shine. However, in the rare event of the Meteorological Office issuing a red warning covering the location of the walk, we will cancel the walk. You will be offered an option to book an alternative date for the walk.
Unfortunately, there is nowhere to sit until we get to a park, half way through the walk.
Yes. There is an accessible public toilet half way through the walk at the local leisure centre. There are no toilets available at the start of the walk.
The walk is accessible for a wheelchair user. There is an underpass in one location and it has ramps. If you have any other accommodation needs, please contact Iya London Walks through the Eventbrite organiser page.
We don't encourage children of primary school age to attend as we'll mainly be on residential roads with few places to play. However, children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult if aged under 16. You must purchase a concession ticket for children aged between 15 and 17.
Dogs are very welcome as long as they are on a lead.
The walk ends on Wood Lane, minutes from stations for the Central, Hammersmith and City, and Circle Lines in Zone 2.
The walk starts outside East Acton underground station on the Central Line in Zone 2.
Organised by
Iya London - Guided Walks, brought to you by Joanna Oyediran.
Iya London unearths and shares London’s overlooked stories, past and present.