Black Museums, Art Galleries And Tours

Of course, there are many ways for your money to get spent whilst traveling! Here are some of the best Black-owned experiences to pour your travel budget into in London…we’ll let them speak for themselves!

Black History Walks

Black History Walks is one of the best educational activities you can do in London. The usual historical tours on London will take you around Jack the Ripper’s London, or on blue plaque tours, which are England’s official notices of commemoration, and you can find 950 of these across London. However, most tours do not cite notable Black historical locations, which is what Black History Walks delivers. Black History Walks offer twelve tours in different areas, including a Black History River Cruise from Temple to Greenwich. Black History Walks have also teamed up with English Heritage to establish more blue plaques that represent Black culture, as well as the Nubian Jak Community Trust, who have installed more than 60 plaques which you can spot around the city.

Notting Hill Carnival 

While Notting Hill Carnival is not “owned” per se, it was founded by a group of Caribbean Londoners in the late ’50s, most notably by Claudia Jones. On the last bank holiday weekend of August, the streets of Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park, Portobello Road and the surrounding areas are filled with millions of people, from all over the world, to celebrate Caribbean culture. Large sound systems blaring out the bass of dancehall and soca fill the atmosphere, and stalls and trucks of small businesses selling jerk chicken, burgers, wings, jollof rice and fried plantain. Dance the weekend away and applaud the colourful trucks, sporting different flags, and intricately designed costumes of the passing parade. 

Reggae Brunch

Notting Hill Carnival may only be once a year, but the team at Reggae Brunch have decided that the partying should be all year round! Who could say no to a three-course authentic Caribbean meal, bottomless rum punch and endless reggae, soca and bashment to transport you from their secret location right to sunny Jamaica. With events such as Reggae Bingo and Carnival, there is no shortage of fun and good vibes! Check their calendar for events in London.

Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story

Recently established in London’s West End is a musical which depicts the story of Bob Marley and the Wailers, from their roots in Jamaica to their international success and British popularity. Directed by Clint Dyer, the first Black British artist to direct a musical in the West End, the show brings the music alive in the most brilliant, exciting way. 

Ballet Black

Ballet Black is an award-winning ballet company training and showcasing ballet dancers of African and Asian descent. Founded by Cassa Pancho MBE, this ground-breaking school of dance has shaken up the predominantly white ballet industry, highlighting the need for more diversity in Ballet.  Check their website week in advance for upcoming performances – this is an experience you will speak about for years to come.

Prince of Peckham

You can’t visit London without going to a pub! The Prince of Peckham (in, you guessed it…Peckham!), is owned by British-Nigerian Clement Ogbbonnaya, and has become a popular pub experience for young people in the city. Going to a Black-owned pub in London is a unique experience, as many pubs have been taken over and gentrified. Serving up dishes such as Crispy Okra, Jerk Halloumi and their signature ‘The Prince’ cocktail (Dark Rum, Wray & Nephew and Tropical Juices), the food is known to be mouthwatering. There are different events every day, including retro games night and karaoke. 

Fox in a Box 

Fox in a Box, owned by Sheyi Thomas, is a highly reviewed Escape Room in Dalston, East London. If adrenaline and problem solving is your thing, then Fox in a Box will satiate your needs! In an hour, you must work your way out of Mr. Fox’s rooms by interpreting clues and solving puzzles. Oh, and you can have a cocktail while doing so!