Bowl Of Chalk
Bowl Of Chalk
5
City ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursWalking ToursPrivate Tours
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About
Fun, informal and factoid packed 'pay what you want' group walking tours of London on weekends and bespoke 'private' walks during the week. Whether you're a hardened Londoner or just stepped off the plane, you will learn oodles of things about London that you didn't know you didn't know, in guaranteed small groups. Booking via website.
London, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
1,265 reviews
Excellent
1,249
Very good
15
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Tim W
Manchester, UK3 contributions
Feb 2020
After searching various walking tours, we decided to go with Jonnie. We definitely made the right choice.
The day of our tour happened to coincide with Storm Dennis, this meant the size of our group reduced from 18 to 4 - it takes more than a bit of rain to stop us! Even though our clothes were soaked it didn’t dampen our spirits, and we and an American couple spent a highly enjoyable 3 hours walking round some areas of east London, which are off the beaten track.
Throughout the tour Jonnie was brilliant, constantly reeling off facts, figures and the history of the area - he clearly knows his onions! There was a lot focus on street art which I found really interesting, including an original Banky, Invader and an artist called Ben Wilson who creates art from chewing gum!
For anyone who’s looking for an offbeat walking tour, I’d highly recommend Bowl of Chalk, and we wouldn’t hesitate to book on another of his tours the next time we’re in London. Thanks, Jonnie - hope you’ve dried out !!
The day of our tour happened to coincide with Storm Dennis, this meant the size of our group reduced from 18 to 4 - it takes more than a bit of rain to stop us! Even though our clothes were soaked it didn’t dampen our spirits, and we and an American couple spent a highly enjoyable 3 hours walking round some areas of east London, which are off the beaten track.
Throughout the tour Jonnie was brilliant, constantly reeling off facts, figures and the history of the area - he clearly knows his onions! There was a lot focus on street art which I found really interesting, including an original Banky, Invader and an artist called Ben Wilson who creates art from chewing gum!
For anyone who’s looking for an offbeat walking tour, I’d highly recommend Bowl of Chalk, and we wouldn’t hesitate to book on another of his tours the next time we’re in London. Thanks, Jonnie - hope you’ve dried out !!
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura Meisel
5 contributions
Dec 2019
We had read a great review about Jonnie's tours and decided to reach out to him to see if he'd be willing to give our family a personal 3 hour tour of London. Jonnie responded quickly to my inquiry, told us he offers less expensive group tours on Sundays in London, but said that if we wanted to hire him for a personal tour, we should let him know our specific interests. My two teen daughters love Shakespeare and Harry Potter, while my wife loves Charles Dickens, and I love Sherlock Holmes and The Beatles. Jonnie said he would put together a tour that incorporates as much of those interests as possible....AND, he did!!!
Jonnie has a remarkable memory for facts and is a natural born storyteller, able to make history come alive. Our tour took us from the original Roman Ruins defining the boundaries of old London, to the working replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre funded by the Wanamaker family and private donors including members of Monty Python. We went to the amazing Borough Market, walked London Bridge, looked over the Tower of London, and ended at the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral. In addition to numerous facts and stories hidden in the alley ways and buildings of London, Jonnie added to the tour with his vast knowledge of London Street Art to show us hidden artistic treasures found right beneath our walking feet along our 3 hour journey.
Jonnie Fielding is a delight, and we cannot recommend him enough. I wish we could sign up for daily tours by this most excellent London tour guide.
The Meisel's (Ben, Laura, Lea, & Sophia)
Jonnie has a remarkable memory for facts and is a natural born storyteller, able to make history come alive. Our tour took us from the original Roman Ruins defining the boundaries of old London, to the working replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre funded by the Wanamaker family and private donors including members of Monty Python. We went to the amazing Borough Market, walked London Bridge, looked over the Tower of London, and ended at the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral. In addition to numerous facts and stories hidden in the alley ways and buildings of London, Jonnie added to the tour with his vast knowledge of London Street Art to show us hidden artistic treasures found right beneath our walking feet along our 3 hour journey.
Jonnie Fielding is a delight, and we cannot recommend him enough. I wish we could sign up for daily tours by this most excellent London tour guide.
The Meisel's (Ben, Laura, Lea, & Sophia)
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vadim S
1 contribution
Jan 2020
Jonnie was witty and shared many whimsical details about the places he was showing.
He is culturally adept, senses his guests' interests and adjust his story appropriately to make it a pleasurable experience. Thank you, Jonnie, looking forward to another chance to spend time with you!
He is culturally adept, senses his guests' interests and adjust his story appropriately to make it a pleasurable experience. Thank you, Jonnie, looking forward to another chance to spend time with you!
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizS
1 contribution
Jan 2020
We joined Jonnie for his Sunday morning walking tour of East London and thoroughly enjoyed our 3 hours-ish meander about that part of town. Jonnie is very knowledgable, passionate and interesting and we learnt a great deal. He's also very amusing and we enjoyed the multitude of tangents he took us down! There is so much street art in this area, most of which I would never have noticed if it weren't for this tour, but as well as this Jonnie gave us a good load of history, architecture and other random facts. I can't recommend it enough, hopefully we can book a different tour soon. Thanks Jonnie!
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon D
London, UK3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
A brilliant afternoon spent on both sides of the river and rummaging around in Jonnie's brain-full of facts. Even as a seasoned Londoner there was plenty I didn't know and it was all engagingly and amusingly communicated. Will definitely be spreading the word and booking on another tour. Thanks Jonnie
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siandawkins
3 contributions
Jan 2020
Having done a previous Bowl of Chalk walk and loved it, I was keen to do another. Jonnie didn't disappoint. Again, full of historical information and offbeat facts that you wouldn't know even as a Londoner. Jonnie makes a real effort to get include things relevant to the group's interests which made it feel more personal. We also had quite a laugh despite the rain and cold! Highly recommend
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheYoungerCato
London, UK6 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Our second walk with Jonnie (my third) and it’s difficult to say whether it was better than the last as both were superb and beyond comparison. There’s no script - just a wealth of knowledge about so much, bouncing around in casual, naturally informative conversation peppered with dry wit and all delivered from such a warm, welcoming man. Each time I try to hold on to as many nuggets of fascinating history as I possibly can - oh to have just a snippet of your knowledge! Thank you Jonnie - without doubt you’ll be seeing us again. C & Tim
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline J
8 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
A group of friends and I took a Bowl of Chalk walking tour on Sunday and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Jonnie is a truly excellent guide and a charming host, bringing to life the streets of Spitalfields and Shoreditch through a wealth of fascinating facts, art and insights. The tour brought London to life on a whole new level. I loved every minute, will definitely be booking more tours with Bowl of Chalk and would recommend to everyone. Don’t miss it.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca L
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Friends
Jonnie gave us a fantastic experience on a walk around Shoreditch. He is really engaging and knows so much about the area. I particularly enjoyed the information and stories he told us about the street art. Highly recommended.
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee C
Indianapolis, IN5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We had such a great time on our walk with Jonnie! My son and I were in London for his 13th birthday, and we went on a tour on a Saturday morning. Jonnie was informative, polite, and very much catered the experience to our interests. I would definitely recommend a stroll with him, regardless of the ages in your group. We will definitely be seeing him again on our next trip.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where did the walk start from in old street. Hoping to get on it but so last minute that havent heard back fro him yet, yesterday's walk was brilliant
Written 11 August 2019
Sorry, I didn't see this until now.
Written 3 September 2019
Hi how can I book a tour for 5th August?
Written 23 June 2018
Jonnie F
London, United Kingdom
Hello. Please send me a message via the contact form on the website. Let me know if you're wanting to join the regular east London walk or a private walk. Many thanks. Jonnie
Written 24 June 2018
Hallo , is there any tour we could join today? Or this weekend, until tuesday?
Family Domberg of 4
Written 28 April 2018
Jonnie F
London, United Kingdom
Hello. Probably not today as afternoon walk starts in 25 mins. Please email me or send message through contact form about next week. Many thanks.
Written 28 April 2018
I just got to London but looks like Jonnie is on a well deserved vacation of Germany and Paris! Anyone try a different tour along the lines of 'Bowl of Chalk'? I've done Jonnie's tour before and it's splendid!
Written 25 October 2017
Jonnie F
London, United Kingdom
Deb. Just sent you an email with a few suggestions. Byeeee ...
Written 25 October 2017
Assuming we like the tour, how much of a tip would you suggest we leave?
Written 30 March 2017
Jonnie F
London, United Kingdom
Completely up to you. The family above did £10 each. Some people give more, some less, but as you correctly pointed out ... if it's rubbish or you don't enjoy it, please don't give anything. You're welcome to leave too if it's too unbearable. Hopefully if you come, it'll be okay but I can't guarantee.
Written 30 March 2017
We would love to take one of your walking tours. My only reservation is that I can't walk for hours without taking a quick sit down. Are there any benches which I might occasionally use for a sec? Or conversely, if I feel I can't continue on the walk, would it be awful if I stop and get a taxi? I can walk for about an hour if I can stop for a bit maybe.we would love to take advantage of your tour, but I am not sure about how much walking there would be without a break.
Written 9 March 2017
Jonnie F
London, United Kingdom
Hello Judy. I'm sure it'll be fine. Please send me an email to discuss whether you're interested in a private walk or weekend walk ... and I can reply properly to your above question. Thanks.
Written 9 March 2017
I was wondering if the tour is power wheelchair friendly...
Written 14 June 2016
According to a few reviews I read, others using wheelchairs enjoyed the tour and felt Johnnie was very accommodating and helpful. Here are a couple quotes I found from recent reviews: "My family of four had a very nice day with him. He kept us entertained and informed. He dealt very well with my wheelchair." "My family is not an easy crowd since my oldest son is in a wheelchair therefore is challenging with transportation systems. Since my first communication with Jonnie I let him know and he didn't complaint, he even offer to help me with the tube planning!! The experience couldn't be better, " My family didn't use a wheelchair, but our tour was of the Westminster area, which was flat and did not require using stairs or getting on the tube. I hope this helps.
Written 14 June 2016
Will you pick up and drop off at a hotel location? I think we will be at the Chesterfield Mayfair.
Written 24 January 2015
Jonnie F
London, United Kingdom
Yes ... certainly can do if you want, and it all works out. Send me an email to discuss if you're interested.
Written 24 January 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.