David Bowie was born in Brixton, grew up in Bromley and moved to Beckenham in 1969 at the age of 22, when he was a struggling performer searching for fame. He left four years later as an international star and this tour shows you the locations and tells you the fascinating stories of Bowie's everyday life in this London suburban town, where his life changed forever.
During his Beckenham years, Bowie was experiencing one of his most creative eras of his life with his first hit single 'Space Oddity' and going on to release five albums. When the boys from Hull came to join him in Beckenham: Mick Ronson, Woody Woodmansey and Trevor Bolder (The Spiders from Mars), that's when things really began to change. The character 'Ziggy Stardust' was born and Bowie was propelled into the Starman!
Established in 2016 'In Ziggy's Footsteps – The walking tour of David Bowie's Beckenham' is led by Kat, who is Beckenham born and bred and lived in the town when Bowie was there. Kat is always carrying out ongoing research on David's life during this era and has spoken to and interviewed numerous people that were around at the time including: John Cambridge, Woody and June Woodmansey, Tony Visconti, Dana Gillespie, author Kevin Cann, as well many local people who have shared their memories of David living in Beckenham. Her vast array of insightful and fascinating stories of Bowie's life which she shares as she guides you round the town like only a local would know, showing you the sights of where Bowie, Angie and the Spiders lived, performed and spent their day-to-day life.
'Kat was great, and we learnt so much about Bowie and Beckenham. This tour is great for anyone who is interested in either or both! Can definitely recommend'. (Corrine from Yorkshire)
A fun filled walk around Bowie's old haunts with our informative guide Kat, 10 out of 10' (Will from London).
Every tour ticket sold each year goes into a free prize draw to win a night's stay with breakfast in the David Bowie room at Twentieth Century B&B, Birchington-on-Sea, Kent.
Tours cost £27 for adults and £15 for children 17 years and under.
To book email Kat on: info@twentiethcenturybandb.com or call her on 07954 847746. If you want to book a private tour with Kat, then please contact to discuss your requirements.
Upcoming tour dates for 2024 - 2025:
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