Unseen Tours has relaunched two of its alternative London walking tours

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - July 6th, 2015 - Unseen Tours, the social enterprise that offers alternative London walking tours with homeless and formerly homeless guides, has relaunched its Brixton tour after an 18-month break from the area. It also plans to introduce a new London Bridge itinerary this summer.  

The revamped Brixton Tour - Dynamic and Vibrant (£10, 1 hour 45 min) uncovers the area's hidden gems, from the river to a restored windmill, and a prison that has been home to more than a few famous names. Led by Hazel, a local lady who became homeless after her marriage ended, the tour explores Brixton's varied history from the riots of the 1980s to its reinvention as a Transition Town with its own currency, the Brixton Pound.

Faye Shields, co-founder of Unseen Tours, says: "We're delighted to be back in Brixton, offering people a really alternative way of seeing the area alongside a guide who knows the streets only too well. Just like all our other Unseen Tours, £6 from every ticket sold goes straight to the guide, so you can be sure that as well as getting a unique insight into one of London's most vibrant neighbourhoods, you're supporting your guide to work their way towards a better future."

From August, David will lead a new version of the London Bridge Tour - Mysterious Alleys, Hidden Pathways (£10, 1 hour 45 min). Starting at the famous landmark, the route will follow the Thames along the South Bank before delving into Borough's more mysterious alleyways, taking in one of the world's greatest food markets, the infamous Clink prison and a secret archaeological dig. The tour ends at one of the city's oldest pubs.

"All of our tours are designed in partnership with the guides to reflect their interests and knowledge of the area, so with David joining us as a new guide our London Bridge tour is having a refresh," explains Shields. David became homeless for a short period 11 years ago, when the tenancy agreement on his rented flat was terminated while he was in hospital for six weeks.

Unseen Tours aims to provide income and opportunities for the homeless, and for formerly homeless individuals trying to get back on their feet, but it also aims to challenge perceptions of homelessness, which are often based on stereotypes.  "Homelessness can happen to anyone, for all sorts of reasons such as redundancy, relationship breakdown, or illness," says Shields. "Our hope is that by spending time with Hazel, David or another Unseen Tour guide, people may rethink those stereotypes."

Unseen Tours was set up in 2010 and has been recognised with a Responsible Tourism Award and an Observer Ethical Award. There are now six tours, in Brick Lane, Brixton, Camden, Covent Garden, London Bridge and Shoreditch.

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Notes to editors
Review tours and images are available on request.

About Unseen Tours
Unseen Tours is an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 2010. It offers alternative walking tours through London's most vibrant and interesting neighbourhoods, with homeless and formerly homeless guides. As well as winning a Responsible Tourism Award and an Observer Ethical Award, the tours get excellent reviews on Tripadvisor and offer a unique insight into London life - while giving visibility and a voice to people who often feel unseen and unheard. For more information visit unseentours.co.uk

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