London Economics Walk: Exploring Economics Ideas That Shaped Our World

This walking tour will take you on an intellectual journey from the early 19th century until today. Walking in the streets of Bloomsbury, we visit places associated with Jeremy Bentham, David Ricardo, Vladimir Lenin, John Maynard Keynes, Virginia Woolf, George Orwell and other profound thinkers. We will explore how these thinkers shaped the history of the 19th and 20th centuries and will discuss the relevance of their ideas to today’s world.

A guided walking tour through the heart of London and discover the economic ideas that have shaped our world. From markets and money to inequality, trade and financial crises, this interactive walk explores how economic thinking has influenced the development of modern society. Along the way, participants will visit locations associated with influential economists, major institutions and key historical events, while discussing how economic ideas continue to shape contemporary issues such as the cost of living, globalisation and economic policy. No prior knowledge of economics is required.

The event will be led by Dr Ramin Nassehi, Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Economics at UCL.

The event is open to adults and older teenagers.

No prior knowledge of economics is required, and the walking tour is specifically designed for people with little or no background in the subject.

The event is free and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about economics, public policy and the social and economic issues that shape everyday life.

This event will be of particular interest to anyone curious about how economic ideas shape the world around us. It is especially relevant for members of the public interested in economics, finance, history, politics and public policy, as well as students, teachers and prospective university applicants. The walk is designed to make economic thinking accessible and engaging, and no prior knowledge of economics is required.

04/11/2026