London's second heartland, encompassing the historical expansion from the seats of power within Whitehall and the City. Here, the aristocratic estates of West London were speculatively developed into the set of Georgian streets and squares such as those of Bloomsbury that characterise this area.

Legal and educational institutions sit side-by-side, Senate House and Garden Court Chambers. But this is also London's cultural core, where major contemporary adaptations and upgrades of historical landmarks make them fit for modern purpose - Victoria House, Beaux Arts Portland stone with new 'pod'insertions by Alsop Architects, Lamb's Conduit Street an unusual survival of a local Georgian shopping street and McCann London an example of 1930s 'streamline style'.

Walking tour, departing from The Building Centre, Store Street WC1E 7BT at 10am'

Upcoming dates: 4 Feb/3 March/24 March/21 April

Cost £11.50/£9.50 concession

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Find out about the guide for this tour here

Open-City's activities and events programme gives the opportunity for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the buildings and places where we live and work. At its core is the simple but powerful concept: for people to learn about and advocate for the value of good design in every London neighbourhood through first-hand experience.