London has given the world some of its greatest ideas, most extraordinary inventions and most enduring works of art. But behind every breakthrough lies a story — and often a remarkable character.
For centuries, the city has attracted brilliant minds, restless thinkers and fearless innovators. Writers who changed the way we see the world. Scientists who challenged everything we thought we knew. Medical pioneers who transformed our lives. And inventors whose flashes of genius helped shape the modern age.
This quest follows in their footsteps, visiting the places where inspiration struck, discoveries were made and seemingly impossible ideas became reality. Along the way, we'll meet some extraordinary characters, uncover their triumphs and setbacks, and discover that genius is rarely as straightforward as it seems.
Ages: 12 to 102
Duration: 2 hours
Time: 2.5 hrs or longer if you linger
Starting point: the statue of Isaac Newton outside the British Library, on Euston Road.
A carousel of images showing just a few of the many innovators, inventors, and artists who changed London and the world
A carousel of images showing just a few of the many innovators, inventors, and artists who changed London and the world