Here’s a very unique take on walking tours; led by homeless or previously homeless guides, you might learn about local history and architecture, see some street art, or discover new parts of London. But what makes Unseen Tours different is that the guide also shares with you their story and experiences of being homeless in the capital. This takes the tours off the beaten track, giving a glimpse into the city from a totally different perspective.

There are five unseen tour routes – Shoreditch, Brick Lane, Covent Garden, Mayfair and London Bridge, and each ends with a stop in a pub or cafe so you can get to know your guide (and the rest of the tour group) better.

Training and support for the tour guides is provided by Sockmob, a volunteer network who work with homeless people (using cosy socks to break the ice!). Most of the profits from the tours are also kept by the tour guides, providing a valuable source of income.

Unseen tours take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays weekly, so click here for more details. (Words: Clare Ebberson)