Online Program
Adventures Online: London, the Story of a City
Program No. 24194RJ
Journey through 2,000 years of history as our experts lead you on a live, online exploration of London! From the Romans to modern day, learn how this city has changed through the ages.
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Oct 6 - Oct 10, 2025
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
5 days
1
Orientation & Introductions, Overview, Early London
From the comfort of your own home.
2
The Reformation, The Great Fire & Its Legacy
From the comfort of your own home.
3
The River Thames, The Docks, Victorian London
From the comfort of your own home.
4
Kensington, Victoria & Albert Museum, Blitz, 2012 Olympics
From the comfort of your own home.
5
Olympic Park, Immigration, Diversity & the Future
From the comfort of your own home.
At a Glance
Welcome to London, one of the most fascinating cities in the world! With our experts, trace more than 2,000 years of history during this live, online adventure that introduces you to the cultures and events that have shaped the city. Through online field trips led by your instructor, explore London’s Roman, Saxon and Medieval remains, hear stories of King Henry VIII, learn about London’s Great Fire, trace the influence of Victorian culture and much more. Learn how the River Thames has shaped the industry of the city, and get a sense of modern London during an online field trip to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Throughout your online adventures, you’ll take in insightful lectures and Q&A sessions with your expert instructors and enjoy an opportunity to get to know your fellow Road Scholars.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover how the River Thames shaped London into the largest port in the world.
- Join museum experts for a look into modern London’s cultural offerings and enjoy an online visit to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Meet award-winning expert Ruth Polling, who will share stories of London’s 2,000-year-old history during online walks through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.
General Notes
You’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of daily instruction, discussion and/or field trips, which includes sufficient breaks throughout the program. This online program is through Zoom, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. We’ll provide a how-to guide to make sure you’ll have a hassle-free experience. This session is offered live only and will not be available on demand. Please review the daily itinerary for start and end times to ensure you won’t miss a minute of this live experience. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Ruth Polling
Ruth Polling graduated at the top of her class as the London Blue Badge Travel Educator of the Year and has been sharing her knowledge of London with curious travelers for over 10 years. London born and bred, she is energetic and passionate about her city and country and sharing their stories. Ruth graduated from the London School of Economics and previously worked in politics for 11 years, both in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Ruth Polling
View biography
Ruth Polling graduated at the top of her class as the London Blue Badge Travel Educator of the Year and has been sharing her knowledge of London with curious travelers for over 10 years. London born and bred, she is energetic and passionate about her city and country and sharing their stories. Ruth graduated from the London School of Economics and previously worked in politics for 11 years, both in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Antony Robbins
View biography
Antony Robbins — writer, broadcaster, lecturer — was Director of Communications at the Museum of London as it opened the Galleries of Modern London exhibition. He was in charge of audience development, communications strategy, and the museum’s digital presence for eight years. He spent most of his early career leading PR teams in the world of international relief and development including the Overseas Development Institute, the UK government’s Department for International Development, and CARE International. Antony is a born and bred Londoner.
Anna Warrillow
View biography
Anna Warrillow has worked at a number of museums and private art collections, both in the UK and the US, including the National Gallery and six years as a Curator of Sculpture of the Victoria and Albert Museum. She currently works as a freelance art historian and lecturer including at Richmond University, the American International University in London.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Adventures Online: London, the Story of a City
Program Number: 24194
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2014/aug/28/london-maps-a-unique-view-of-the-capital-through-classic-cartography
Great collection of maps from 17th to the 20th Centuries which taken together give a good indication of the geography and spread of the city in each century.
London The Biography
Ackroyd’s description of London as a body – a living organism whose past continues to affect the lives of its residents. Covering everything from the history of silence, to drink and London childhoods.
Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
Although focused on three famous Americans who lived and worked in London during World War Two this brilliantly readable account provides great insights into life for ordinary Londoners during the war.
Greater London: The Story of the Suburbs
Hugely detailed but very readable account of the development of London from the Roman’s one square mile to over 600 square miles today.
A Child of the Jago
Powerful 19th Century fiction telling the story of a child growing up in the Old Jago – one of the worst slums in 19th Century London.
The English Reformation,1530-1570
Good short summary of the English Reformation designed for students.
London Stories
Collection of 26 stories capturing the essence of London through time. Includes work by Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, Muriel Spark and a host of famous and lesser known authors.
London: The Illustrated History
Great one volume introduction to London’s history from the Thames Valley area before London’s foundation to plans for 2012 Olympic Games. Good for historic images, maps and infographics
The Making of Modern London
History of London from 1815 to the modern day. The overarching narrative is supplemented with personal accounts by Londoners over the past 200 years which bring the story alive.
http://blogs.casa.ucl.ac.uk/2014/05/07/london-in-time-a-londons-evolution-animation-3/
7 minute animation which shows the development of London by mapping the road network and preserved buildings from each different era of London’s history – fascinating to watch.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Welcome to London, one of the most fascinating cities in the world! With our experts, trace more than 2,000 years of history during this live, online adventure that introduces you to the cultures and events that have shaped the city. Through online field trips led by your instructor, explore London’s Roman, Saxon and Medieval remains, hear stories of King Henry VIII, learn about London’s Great Fire, trace the influence of Victorian culture and much more. Learn how the River Thames has shaped the industry of the city, and get a sense of modern London during an online field trip to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Throughout your online adventures, you’ll take in insightful lectures and Q&A sessions with your expert instructors and enjoy an opportunity to get to know your fellow Road Scholars.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover how the River Thames shaped London into the largest port in the world.
- Join museum experts for a look into modern London’s cultural offerings and enjoy an online visit to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Meet award-winning expert Ruth Polling, who will share stories of London’s 2,000-year-old history during online walks through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.
General Notes
You’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of daily instruction, discussion and/or field trips, which includes sufficient breaks throughout the program. This online program is through Zoom, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. We’ll provide a how-to guide to make sure you’ll have a hassle-free experience. This session is offered live only and will not be available on demand. Please review the daily itinerary for start and end times to ensure you won’t miss a minute of this live experience. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Featured Expert
Ruth Polling
Ruth Polling graduated at the top of her class as the London Blue Badge Travel Educator of the Year and has been sharing her knowledge of London with curious travelers for over 10 years. London born and bred, she is energetic and passionate about her city and country and sharing their stories. Ruth graduated from the London School of Economics and previously worked in politics for 11 years, both in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Antony Robbins
Antony Robbins — writer, broadcaster, lecturer — was Director of Communications at the Museum of London as it opened the Galleries of Modern London exhibition. He was in charge of audience development, communications strategy, and the museum’s digital presence for eight years. He spent most of his early career leading PR teams in the world of international relief and development including the Overseas Development Institute, the UK government’s Department for International Development, and CARE International. Antony is a born and bred Londoner.
Anna Warrillow
Anna Warrillow has worked at a number of museums and private art collections, both in the UK and the US, including the National Gallery and six years as a Curator of Sculpture of the Victoria and Albert Museum. She currently works as a freelance art historian and lecturer including at Richmond University, the American International University in London.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(10 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Day
1
Orientation & Introductions, Overview, Early London
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Activity Note
All times noted are Eastern Time. Today’s session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
1:00 p.m. Welcome. With our Instructor Ruth Polling, we will review the program schedule and answer any questions you have. We’ll also have a brief review of Zoom protocols. 1:15 p.m. Lecture (60 minutes). Ruth Polling will chart the development of London from a port on the fringes of the Roman Empire, through its rapid 19th century expansion to today’s cultural and financial center. Ruth will navigate the geography of the city to set the scene for our story. 2:15 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:30 p.m. Introductions (30 minutes). We will greet one another and hear what brings each of us “virtually” to London. 3:00 p.m. Virtual field trip (45 minutes). With Ruth Polling, we’ll take a virtual walk through London’s Roman, Saxon, and medieval remains. On the surface, the City of London is a 21st century financial center. We will encounter the 2,000 years of history hidden among the modern skyscrapers. Among the highlights, we will learn the story of the Roman Temple of Mithras, lost for 1,600 years before its rediscovery on a bombsite in 1954; the Saxon church of All Hallows; and the most powerful symbol of medieval kingship, the Tower of London. 3:45 p.m. Wrap-up (15 minutes). We will have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions and plan for tomorrow. 4:00 p.m. Today’s online session will end.
Day
2
The Reformation, The Great Fire & Its Legacy
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Activity Note
All times noted are Eastern Time. Today’s session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
1:00 p.m. Virtual field trip (70 minutes). We will set out on a virtual field trip to understand the impact of the Reformation on London. King Henry VIII’s desire for a divorce plunged London into 30 years of turmoil: changing the religious, social, political, and economic life of the city forever. From violent religious debates outside St. Paul’s Cathedral, to Smithfield where Protestants were burnt at the stake for their faith, to a Tudor mansion in a former monastery, we will explore places at the very center of England’s religious transformation. 2:10 p.m. Lecture (20 minutes). The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed 52 major halls, 87 churches, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and 13,200 dwellings, leaving around 100,000 Londoners homeless. Ruth will trace the course of the four days in September that destroyed London. 2:30 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:45 p.m. Lecture (30 minutes). Antony Robbins — broadcaster, former Communications Director at the Museum of London, and our guest lecturer — will discuss the impact of the Great Fire of London. What lessons were learned? How did the capital rebuild? And why is this 17th century event so deeply burnished into the consciousness of Londoners to this very day? Antony will present his unique perspective on this tumultuous event that occurred during an already turbulent period in British history. 3:15 p.m. Interactive discussion with Q&A (30 minutes). Antony will engage in a discussion focusing on the long-term impact of the Great Fire, how it shaped the city, and its enduring folklore legacy. 3:45 p.m. Wrap-up (15 minutes). We will have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions and plan for tomorrow. 4:00 p.m. Today’s online session will end.
Day
3
The River Thames, The Docks, Victorian London
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Activity Note
All times noted are Eastern Time. Today’s session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
1:00 p.m. Lecture (30 minutes). London has always been a port city but in the 18th century, the volume of trade through the port exploded. Between 1700 and 1770, the commerce of the Port was nearly doubled and from 1770 to 1795, it doubled again. Ruth will explain how London became the center of world trade and the impact this had on the London and the rest of the world. 1:30 p.m. Virtual field trip on video (30 minutes). Our exploration will take us along the river at the heart of London’s story: the River Thames. We will set off from the borough of Westminster — the center of “royal” London and home of Westminster Abbey, and the Palace of Westminster where Parliament sits. Heading past the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, we will reach London’s docklands and learn the story of how the river made London the largest port in the world. 2:00 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:15 p.m. Lecture (60 minutes). Victorian London was the wealthiest city on earth, yet many of its people lived in terrible poverty. Ruth will examine the “other” London of the 19th century: one of misery, slums, and child labor. We will hear how the work of figures as diverse as Charles Dickens and Florence Nightingale shone a spotlight on these social problems and provided a catalyst for change. 3:15 p.m. Interactive discussion with Q&A (30 minutes). We will focus on London’s rapid 19th century growth and the impact on both rich and poor Londoners. 3:45 p.m. Wrap-up (15 minutes). We will have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions and plan for tomorrow. 4:00 p.m. Today’s online session will end.
Day
4
Kensington, Victoria & Albert Museum, Blitz, 2012 Olympics
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Activity Note
All times noted are Eastern Time. Today’s session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
1:00 p.m. Virtual field trip (45 minutes). As we “walk” through Kensington, we will discover how the wealth and confidence of London in the 19th century turned it into a major cultural capital. Making our way from Kensington Palace via the Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College, and the Natural History Museum, we will get an up-close look at the amazing institutions and beautiful buildings of Victorian London. 1:45 p.m. Lecture (30 minutes). With guest lecturer Anna Warrillow, former Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, we will learn about the V&A. Anna will address the foundation of the Museum, what it tells us about Victorian attitudes to culture and education, and the artists who contributed to this magnificent building. 2:15 p.m. Interactive discussion with Q&A (30 minutes). Anna will stay with us for a discussion focusing on the Victorians and their contributions to making London a cultural and educational capital. 2:45 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 3:00 p.m. Virtual field trip (45 minutes). On this virtual “walk” we will explore the streets of Westminster to learn about London during the Second World War. We will go from the center of decision-making at the Churchill War Rooms to discover the role of the Royal family and the experiences of ordinary Londoners during the Blitz. We will see that reminders of World War II are still visible today. 3:45 p.m. Wrap-up (15 minutes). Ruth will introduce the 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony we will view independently this evening and explain the schedule for our final day. 4:00 p.m. Today’s online session will end.
Evening:
The Complete London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony is available free for independent viewing this evening. Go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4As0e4de-rI
Day
5
Olympic Park, Immigration, Diversity & the Future
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Activity Note
All times noted are Eastern Time. Today’s session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
1:00 p.m. Interactive discussion with Q&A (30 minutes). We will focus on the 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony and the image of modern London it projected to the world. How accurate was it? What was included and what was missing from the story of London it presented? 1:30 p.m. Virtual field trip (60 minutes). We will head out to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford East London to see how the area has developed since 2012. The Olympic Games provided an opportunity to re-develop one of the poorest areas of London with new housing, transport, community, cultural, and sporting facilities all set within the beautifully landscaped Olympic Park. We’ll learn how the Victoria and Albert Museum, University College London, and Sadler’s Wells Theatre are opening up new sites in the Park to create London’s newest cultural district. 2:30 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:45 p.m. Lecture (45 minutes). Immigrants have been settling in London for centuries. Today, more than a third of Londoners were born outside the UK, making this one of the most ethnically diverse cities on earth. Ruth will examine the history of immigration and the contributions immigrants have made to London from French Huguenots in the 16th century to east London’s Bangladeshi community today. 3:30 p.m. Wrap-up (30 minutes). Ruth will conduct our final session as we enjoy the libations of our choice and say our farewells. 4:00 p.m. This concludes our program.
Participant Reviews
Based on 34 Reviews
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Very well organized and detailed history of many centuries in London. Good interactions with other course participants. Excellent program!
— Review left May 11, 2024
This is a fantastic program! Ruth is very knowledgeable and has the ability to make many hundreds of years of history engaging.
— Review left May 11, 2024
Excellent program. A quick yet extremely informative survey of London history from Roman times through the 2012 Olympic Games. Our expert instructor, Ruth Polling was superb, presenting clear, organized, fast-paced and well-thought-out lectures and virtual field trips. A wonderful introduction to London!
— Review left October 1, 2023
This program offers an indepth study of the history of London right up to current day. It describes how various events impacted the city, its growth and development. It is extremely interesting. It would give anyone who is planning a real trip to London, a wonderful foundation on which to build their trip.
— Review left September 29, 2023
Excellent presentation of the fascinating history of London either as an introduction the city or as additional information for those who already know and love London
— Review left September 29, 2023
This program can be looked to as a prerequisite to a visit to London!
— Review left April 30, 2023
I rated this program very highly on the email form yesterday. The guide, Ruth created a very enjoyable program with the lectures and the prerecorded videos making up the field trips. The program was well thought out and planned. She answered the questions so well and people felt encouraged to ask. She was very personable and informative. The guest speakers added much information also. It was good to be able to interact on zoom.
Now I was trying to print the group picture. I was able to print it small but not large to fill the page. If I could put it on horizontal / landscape view it would probably work. Is there a way to do that?
— Review left April 29, 2023
Dense with information on London past and present, well organized, well illustrated, and enthusiastically presented.
— Review left December 9, 2022
This program was very good. My husband and I have been on a number of programs at least partially in London, and I really just wanted to experience a virtual visit there. I did enjoy that, but also learned an amazing amount about the city and its history. This video "class" made an excellent companion to the in-person tours that visit sites. Ruth was a very good presenter and talked about an interesting variety of eras and locations. I really enjoyed the program.
— Review left October 8, 2022
Three hours a day takes some schedule planning but is totally worth it. You certainly do NOT have to stay glued to your 'screen' the whole time.
— Review left September 30, 2022
A comprehensive overview of how London developed into the city it is today. This would be a great way to understand the history of the city before a visit.
— Review left September 30, 2022
If International travel is not an option at this time, this online comprehensive view of London is perfect. Ruth Poling and her team were full of knowledge and the ability to articulate it in such a way that it truly was the next best thing to being there. GO!!!
— Review left February 20, 2022
This program is incredible Ruth is excellent, and makes a long and complicated history fascinating. The week sped by. Do sign up!
— Review left February 20, 2022
This is an excellent program for anyone who wants to learn more about one of the most interesting cities in the world.
— Review left February 18, 2022
Five stars. Ruth Polling is a wonderful lecturer. I already had studied London history and have been to London many times, but I learned a lot from taking this program.
— Review left June 22, 2021
I tried to take “London: the Story of a City” 3 times as an actual, on-site program (in Sept. 2020 and April and Sept. 2021), but it was cancelled (the first time due to a “scheduling conflict” and the last 2 times due to the Covid pandemic). So I’m glad I had the opportunity to take it as a virtual program with the same instructor who would have given the actual program, the inimitable Ruth Polling. Ruth is a “walking encyclopedia” about London and figuratively speaking, has “written the book” about London. So does this virtual program diminish my desire to take the actual program, “London: the Story of a City.” No, quite the contrary — it makes me want to take it even more where one has a full 10 days with Ruth in London. Hope that Road Scholar offers the actual program if not in late 2022, then in 2023 for sure.
— Review left June 20, 2021
One of the best trips ever -- online or in person!
— Review left March 7, 2021
Website: easy to navigate.
One frustration: to get to anything, on iPad i had to sign in at least twice.
— Review left February 27, 2021
This was an amazing online tour. Ruth is a outstanding presenter. She had a mix of lectures, virtual field trips, and Q&A. Alyce was a great group leader, also very knowledgeable. She made us very comfortable with the online format. If you are considering an online trip, this one will not disappoint you.
— Review left February 27, 2021
Fantastic week that tells the story of London in a way that makes you think and provides a wonderful basis for a trip to London or facilitates further individual study of areas of interest. Plus it is done in a manner that is serious when appropriate and fun when appropriate. Plus everyone involved made sure all attendees could ask their questions or provide personal perspectives. Plus the schedule was honored. Thank so much for a worthwhile and fun week!
— Review left February 26, 2021
This is a fabulous on line virtual trip to London. I learned so much about its history, the instructor was outstanding and overall is was so well done. I highly recommend it and I will be doing other virtual trips with RoadScholar.
— Review left January 11, 2021
This was definitely the next-best thing to being there! Perhaps I learned even more about the history of London, and less tiring than actually walking the distance (especially in the rain, which it often is for me).
— Review left January 9, 2021
I was hesitant to take an on-line RS class: would the cost be worth it? I was pleasantly surprised that this class closely matched my in-person experiences with RS. I not only learned a great deal, but felt like I got to know my "fellow travelers." The leaders, Ruth and Alice, were amazing! I will be signing up for more on-line classes with RS.
— Review left January 9, 2021
This program was wonderful! There was such a wide variety of topics that it was continually fresh. I learned so much even though I have been to London several times. Ruth Polling is an excellent presenter with both lectures and field trips and had relevant and interesting slides.
— Review left January 9, 2021
This is my 6th virtual adventure and it was OUTSTANDING! I have never been much of an anglophile, however this adventure is changing my mind. The amount of information and the ability to ask questions was great. Everyone's questions were answered. Alice's moderating skills were great. You can tell Ruth loves her
— Review left January 8, 2021
If you've never been to London, or if you've been there often, this program will give you insights and information that will make any future visits even more meaningful.
— Review left January 8, 2021
Really excellent and informative exploration of the history of London. Full of fascinating little-known stories and facts about Britain’s capitol and first city. 2000 years of history in 5 days - amazing! A really good value.
— Review left January 8, 2021
The on-line virtual London tour was almost as good as being there in person. By not having to battle traffic and walking, we were able to see and discuss as much as one could in a 10 day trip.
— Review left January 8, 2021
Although we've done several on site programs, this was our first virtual program. The content, presenters and format were first class. During Covid it enriched our lives for five days and enticed us to explore London with RS in the future in person.
— Review left January 8, 2021
Since travel will be a challenge in the next year, Road Scholar's on line programs keep one from getting too depressed about feeling immobile!
— Review left December 22, 2020
Excellent!
— Review left December 18, 2020
I did not really know what to expect when I signed up beyond the fact that I loved London. Sign up for this program! It was fantastic; very educational, very engaging and lost of fun. I enjoyed it very much and will definitely sign up for other virtual RS programs. The key was the guide - Ruth Polling. She is a real gem.
— Review left December 11, 2020
There is so much to see and learn about London, and Ruth Polling does an amazing job of exploring a diversity of places and subjects in a way that is interesting to absorb. She is very personable, and in the Road Scholar tradition, makes you feel cared about and interested in our comments. A very good program, no matter if you have been to London often or just have an interest in learning something about it.
— Review left December 11, 2020
While I have been to London a few times and enjoy British television, movies, and literature, I often find myself wondering at the larger context. From this class, I was hoping for an overview of London that would provide me a broader perspective. This class turned out to be perfect for me. Ruth is an amazing teacher. She is very knowledgeable, well organized, a wonderful speaker and story-teller and has a warm personality. The subjects were broad-ranging, from key historic events to underlying social concerns. We “traveled” from Roman London, the Reformation, Great Fire of London, port development and empire, the Victorian era, WW 2, and into the future, where the Olympic Park is being developed. The presentations deepened my understanding of these time periods, including some of the serious problems that occurred. Watching the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics on our own before the last class was great fun. It pulled together a lot of what we learned, and led to an interesting discussion. I don’t think I’d have appreciated the opening ceremonies near as much without this class! In sum, the class was really enjoyable and I learned a lot!
— Review left December 11, 2020