About Us

Discover the charm of West London with Talking & Exploring, a unique initiative created by Joanna Dudzinska to connect people through culture, history, and conversation. Alongside Anthony Smith, Joanna, a Polish-born tour guide and English teacher, leads you on captivating walks that are as informative as they are leisurely.

Embrace the opportunity to visit local businesses, artists' studios, and engage in enriching chats with fellow explorers. These strolls often culminate in a warm gathering at a local eatery, where the exchange of memories and insights is encouraged.

"We encourage newcomers to the country to join us as the walks are an excellent opportunity for learners of English to practise and improve the language and to learn more about the country."

Join us to step beyond the tourist trails and truly connect with the heartbeat of the city!

Joanna Dudzinska & Anthony Smith

We are a dynamic duo at the heart of Talking & Exploring!

Joanna, a passionate tour guide and English teacher from Poland, brings a vibrant spirit and a deep love for local culture and history to the streets of West London. Her dedication to fostering connections among people shines through each guided walk.

Anthony, a retired English teacher with a wealth of experience in working with refugee and migrant learners, contributes a rich tapestry of knowledge and a commitment to community-building.

Together, they create an inviting atmosphere where every step is a story, and every conversation opens doors to new friendships and insights. Join them on their next stroll to uncover the hidden gems of the city and the stories that make each path unique.

Recent projects

See here a few pictures from the first part of our 'Remembering Katyń Victims' project in collaboration with Piotr Szkopiak, director of 'The Last Witness' and the Polish Social and Cultural Centre (POSK) in Hammersmith. The other part was a walk which started at the Katyń Memorial, through the Gunnersbury Cemetery, with a stop at a Gunnersbury Park cafe and a final stop at the Gunnersbury Museum. Our project was made possible owing to the support from the Polonia Aid Foundation Trust.

More footage from our events can be seen on the Ealing Walking Talking and Exploring Group on Facebook. Our upcoming events are published on the Talking and Exploring Eventbrite page and shared on other social media.

What We Do

We organise regular community walks that explore:

Local history and heritage sites
Black histories and cultural contributions
Street art and murals
Green spaces and parks
Community landmarks and hidden gems
Seasonal events and celebrations

Our Mission

We aim to:

Foster social cohesion and community connections
Celebrate diversity and promote inclusion
Preserve and share local stories and memories
Encourage physical activity and wellbeing
Support local organisations and initiatives

Work with us

Please get in touch if you would like to work with us. We welcome collaborations with local organisations, cultural centres, and community groups.

Join our community

All our walks are open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or fitness level. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, you'll find a warm welcome and interesting conversations on our walks.

Most of our walks are free or donation-based (£5-£10 suggested) to keep them accessible to all. We often finish with optional refreshments at local cafés or community spaces.