Alexandria & Arlington — City Guides

Two districts, one living story

Independent digital publication covering the everyday life, history and evolving character of two neighbouring urban districts. We walk the high streets, talk to long-standing traders, and map the green spaces, markets and community events that make this corner of the city feel like home. Browse the latest issue online or subscribe for the free weekly newsletter.
A quiet high street lined with independent shops and trees in Alexandria
12Neighbourhood profiles published
8Walking routes mapped
40+Traders interviewed
24Community events listed monthly

We started Alexandria & Arlington with a simple belief: the places we live in deserve to be understood, not just passed through. Our pages are built on patient observation, long conversations and a genuine fondness for the streets we cover.

Why we publish, and what we hope you take away

Local knowledge, not noise Every profile, route and interview is researched on foot. We walk the streets, sit in the cafés and talk to the people who actually shape the neighbourhood — traders, gardeners, teachers and long-time residents. What we publish is what we've seen and heard, not what a press release told us.
Independent voices first Our editorial line is clear: the high street matters, and the people keeping it alive deserve attention. We prioritise stories about family-run shops, community gardens, local makers and the small organisations that give Alexandria and Arlington their character. When big chains move in, we report on what that means for the area — honestly, but without doom-mongering.
Practical, seasonal, useful We know our readers are busy. That's why our walking routes come with clear directions and realistic timings, our park guides follow the seasons, and our events calendar is curated for families, students and new residents. No filler, no fluff — just the details you need to get out and explore.
A sense of belonging The effect we're after is simple: when you finish reading, you feel more connected to where you live. Whether that means discovering a bakery you'd never noticed, joining a community garden or simply understanding why a particular street looks the way it does, we want our work to make Alexandria and Arlington feel a little more like home.

Further Reading from the Archive

Three recent features that capture the everyday texture of Alexandria and Arlington — from the traders who anchor our high streets to the volunteers who tend our green spaces.

A Morning Walk Down King Street

We meet the butchers, bookbinders and bakers who have kept the street alive for decades, and ask what the council's new high street strategy could mean for independent businesses.

Read the full walk
The Green Lungs of Arlington

From spring blossom to autumn harvest, a seasonal guide to the parks and community gardens that bring the district together — with notes on the volunteers who keep them thriving.

Explore the seasonal guide
Meet the Makers

Behind the railway arches, a ceramicist, a coffee roaster and a candle maker are shaping Alexandria's creative identity. We visit their studios and hear about their craft.

Visit the studios

Articles (placeholder)

Template for this section was not found. Placeholder content.

Cookie settings

We use cookies to keep the site reliable, remember basic choices, and understand which pages are useful. You can accept, reject, or review the settings before continuing.