Something you should do…Badaude’s London Walks

As long as the weather’s behaving itself, a walk around London is a wonderful way to take  in the city’s nooks and crannies.  It  ticks off the exercise quota, gives you a bit of fresh-ish air, and saves you money when you’re feeling particularly hard done by TFL’s premium tariffs (and all the other stuff that’s a nightmare in the morning – like that person under the train *who IS that?!*)

Anywho – in timely fashion,  a new guide’s arrived to show us how to explore the capital, penned by artist and writer Badaude (aka Joanna Walsh).  Not only has she outlined 21 walks, 3 bus routes – AND a boat trip! – but the good lady’s included charming hand-drawn illustrations to bring to life  London’s many colourful characters and traits.

The release of the book is being marked by  a series of events, starting with Badaude’s How To Be A Tourist lecture at The Idler Academy on June 1st (£20, including wine, games and nibbles), an alternative walking tour at Foyles Charing Cross Road (June 4th: Free) and finally Drawing London at Tate Modern on June 11th (Free).  The final gig sees Badaude graffiti the walls of the galleries’ bookshop with her quirky drawings before signing copies of her book, which seems tipped to put walking back into fashion. (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)