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Date updated: 18/04/2024

Walking tours

The City Guides run walking tours of Smithfield for members of the public on a monthly basis.

Hear how Smithfield meat market has changed throughout its 800 year history and experience its working life first-hand on this special tour. The walk takes you right into the heart of the Smithfield area where you will learn about the workings of London's last and most famous central market.

It explores how the area has evolved over the years, with stories of its long and turbulent history, the growth of the cattle market and the gaiety of the Bartholomew Fair. You will also get a chance to meet the traders and buyers that bring the place to life.

Tours begin at 7am at Barbican Underground Station and end in West Smithfield. The tours last for approximately an hour and a half.

Places must be booked in advance, to do so email Smithfield Market.

Geo Tourist App

Smithfield Market was recently introduced to the Geo Tourist App and have now created a walking tour name ''Farrington Ring Tour'' along with our neighbourhood partners St Bart's and The Charterhouse. This include a four minutes audio which talks through the past and present of Smithfield Market. The app is now live. For more details, visit the Geo Tourist Website

Visits

Early morning visits can be arranged on an adhoc basis for students and groups within the meat and catering industry. A charge will apply. For more information email Smithfield Market.

Filming and photography at Smithfield

Smithfield Market and the City of London have strict rules concerning photography or filming for any purpose, commercial and non-commercial.

Non-commercial photography and filming

Visitors wishing to take photographs at the Market and students undertaking photographic project work must email Smithfield Market. To apply for non-commercial photography, complete our online form.

If you need further information, contact a member of the team by email at Smithfield Market or telephone 020 7332 3092.

There are some conditions that we ask you to note, these are listed below:

  • Any permission is granted entirely at the applicant's own risk
  • Any instructions given by an authorised Officer of the City of London must be complied with and whilst at Smithfield an authorised permission slip must be produced if asked for
  • The use of tripods is not permitted and the applicant must not impede the running of the Market
  • A Merchant's permission must be obtained before photographing that Merchant's products

Commercial photography and filming

If you have any enquiries regarding commercial filming, email the City of London's Film Office.

Film liaison contacts

Joanna Burnaby-Atkins - 020 7332 3202 Mick Bagnall - 020 7332 3182