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Guided Tours of London & England
Each of my tours is tailored to your specific needs and interests. The tours mentioned on my website are merely examples of the experiences I can provide. It is essential to me that you visit the London attractions that interest you the most, so please get in touch with me to discuss your specific requirements.
Please note that my tour prices are per tour, not per person. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a larger group, the cost remains the same. My tour prices do not include any expenses for public transportation or entrance fees to any of the attractions.
Classic London Tour
Full or Half day
A full day tour on foot and public transport (bus, boat, taxi, tube) taking in views of London’s top sites.
These will include the Westminster Unesco World Heritage Site comprising the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben (look out for MPs and Lords doing their thing) and Westminster Abbey, scene of Coronations and Royal Weddings. Buckingham Palace (is the King at home?) Horseguards Parade, scene of the daily Household Cavalry Guard Change. Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
We might take in a flight on the London Eye for outstanding views of all of London.
We journey to the East and the City of London where highlights include, St Paul’s Cathedral, the skyscrapers of the financial district, many nicknamed by Londoners, the Gherkin, Walkie Talkie and Cheese-grater to name but three. The Bank of England.
We can climb the Monument a 202ft tall column commemorating the Great Fire of London. We take in the 1000 year old Tower of London, the capital’s fortress, prison and palace. We might end up at the Tate Modern art gallery for a cup of Tea or explore William Shakespeare’s Southwark on the South Bank.
Half day is like the full day but taking in either Westminster or the City, but not both because…there won’t be enough time! Still a brilliant tour though.
These will include the Westminster Unesco World Heritage Site comprising the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben (look out for MPs and Lords doing their thing) and Westminster Abbey, scene of Coronations and Royal Weddings. Buckingham Palace (is the King at home?) Horseguards Parade, scene of the daily Household Cavalry Guard Change. Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
We might take in a flight on the London Eye for outstanding views of all of London.
We journey to the East and the City of London where highlights include, St Paul’s Cathedral, the skyscrapers of the financial district, many nicknamed by Londoners, the Gherkin, Walkie Talkie and Cheese-grater to name but three. The Bank of England.
We can climb the Monument a 202ft tall column commemorating the Great Fire of London. We take in the 1000 year old Tower of London, the capital’s fortress, prison and palace. We might end up at the Tate Modern art gallery for a cup of Tea or explore William Shakespeare’s Southwark on the South Bank.
Half day is like the full day but taking in either Westminster or the City, but not both because…there won’t be enough time! Still a brilliant tour though.
City of London Tour (half day)
Get to know the ancient Square Mile from the arrival of the Romans, 2000 years ago through to the modern centre of commerce and finance. We’ll linger to admire Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral.
We can go and hold a bar of gold at the Bank of England and go and have lunch with the City suits at the Royal Exchange.
We’ll follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and even Harry Potter. Did you know that Pocahontas spent time here too?
We can combine some shopping and great views of the City from 1 New Change.
We can go and hold a bar of gold at the Bank of England and go and have lunch with the City suits at the Royal Exchange.
We’ll follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and even Harry Potter. Did you know that Pocahontas spent time here too?
We can combine some shopping and great views of the City from 1 New Change.
London Villages (full or half day) Greenwich
Greenwich has a rich association with the Navy and all matters nautical. There is so much to see and do at the second of London’s Unesco World Heritage Sites that we could easily spend a full day here.
To get the most out of this tour, I highly recommend arriving by boat from Central London. We’ll get great views of Tower Bridge, The Tower of London and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the redeveloped London Docklands.
On arrival at Greenwich we should make for the Royal Observatory and stand astride the Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude) dividing the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
We could take in a show at the Greenwich Planetarium and take a tour around the old observatory where the first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed set up his telescopes and other scientific instruments. We wll visit Inigo Jones architectural gem, The Queen’s House now looking spectacular following a multi million pound refurbishment.
Onwards to Wrens beautiful Royal Naval College used as the backdrop to many movies, “The Golden Compass” and “Les Miserables” both had memorable scenes shot here. The Painted Hall is spectacular and where Admiral Lord Nelson laid in State following his death at Trafalgar.
We still have the excellent National Maritime Museum and the wonderfully preserved tea clipper, “The Cutty Sark” to visit. If it all gets too much we can take a picnic into Greenwich Park and enjoy the views. We could have a look at the stalls in Greenwich Market and if you’re still hungry, we could get a plate of whitebait at the famous Trafalgar Tavern.
To get the most out of this tour, I highly recommend arriving by boat from Central London. We’ll get great views of Tower Bridge, The Tower of London and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the redeveloped London Docklands.
On arrival at Greenwich we should make for the Royal Observatory and stand astride the Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude) dividing the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
We could take in a show at the Greenwich Planetarium and take a tour around the old observatory where the first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed set up his telescopes and other scientific instruments. We wll visit Inigo Jones architectural gem, The Queen’s House now looking spectacular following a multi million pound refurbishment.
Onwards to Wrens beautiful Royal Naval College used as the backdrop to many movies, “The Golden Compass” and “Les Miserables” both had memorable scenes shot here. The Painted Hall is spectacular and where Admiral Lord Nelson laid in State following his death at Trafalgar.
We still have the excellent National Maritime Museum and the wonderfully preserved tea clipper, “The Cutty Sark” to visit. If it all gets too much we can take a picnic into Greenwich Park and enjoy the views. We could have a look at the stalls in Greenwich Market and if you’re still hungry, we could get a plate of whitebait at the famous Trafalgar Tavern.
Westminster Abbey (Half Day)
Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the World. This is the place where Kings and Queens are crowned. It is the scene of many a Royal Wedding.
We all remember William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.
Nearly 1000 years of history are crammed into this remarkable and architecturally stunning church. We will look at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior, a place honoured by every visiting Head of State. This is also the last resting place of a saint and many medieval Kings and Queens.
If architecture is your thing, this will be the highlight of your tour. Over 3000 people are buried here and countless other s remembered with poignant and sometimes extravagant monuments. Britain’s writers and poets are commemorated at Poets Corner. But this only scratches the surface.
There is so much to see that you really need to devote some time to this extraordinary and unique place.
We all remember William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.
Nearly 1000 years of history are crammed into this remarkable and architecturally stunning church. We will look at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior, a place honoured by every visiting Head of State. This is also the last resting place of a saint and many medieval Kings and Queens.
If architecture is your thing, this will be the highlight of your tour. Over 3000 people are buried here and countless other s remembered with poignant and sometimes extravagant monuments. Britain’s writers and poets are commemorated at Poets Corner. But this only scratches the surface.
There is so much to see that you really need to devote some time to this extraordinary and unique place.
St Paul's Cathedral (Half Day)
St Paul’s Cathedral, located in the City of London is the Capital’s most important church. This is the masterpiece of perhaps London’s greatest architect, Sir Christopher Wren.
Built in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London, it is built in English Baroque style and is quite unlike any other Cathedral in Britain. Its scale is astounding and you’ll be surprised how light it is inside. (Wren was not a fan of stained glass). This was the backdrop for the wedding of HRH Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.
There are many wonderful monuments and chapels to visit. The American Memorial Chapel, commemorating the 28,000 US citizens who died having been stationed in the UK during World War II is a must see for our visiting American friends.
Built in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London, it is built in English Baroque style and is quite unlike any other Cathedral in Britain. Its scale is astounding and you’ll be surprised how light it is inside. (Wren was not a fan of stained glass). This was the backdrop for the wedding of HRH Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.
There are many wonderful monuments and chapels to visit. The American Memorial Chapel, commemorating the 28,000 US citizens who died having been stationed in the UK during World War II is a must see for our visiting American friends.
Tower of London (Half Day)
London’s fortress, palace and prison. This is the most complete medieval fortress in Europe.
Kings and Queens stayed here, often during the period immediately before their Coronation at Westminster Abbey. Built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th Century and added to by successive monarchs the Tower retains an atmosphere of power and menace.
This is where the Crown Jewels are kept in conditions of the highest security. These fabulous objects are used during the Coronation and State Opening of Parliament. They include the enormous Culinan 1, otherwise known as The Star of Africa, the largest cut diamond in the World!
The Tower was also the backdrop for the tragic executions of Queens, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of Henry VIII’s six wives.
You will get to see the fabulously attired Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters who still live within the Tower precincts.
A truly memorable place to spend some time.
Kings and Queens stayed here, often during the period immediately before their Coronation at Westminster Abbey. Built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th Century and added to by successive monarchs the Tower retains an atmosphere of power and menace.
This is where the Crown Jewels are kept in conditions of the highest security. These fabulous objects are used during the Coronation and State Opening of Parliament. They include the enormous Culinan 1, otherwise known as The Star of Africa, the largest cut diamond in the World!
The Tower was also the backdrop for the tragic executions of Queens, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of Henry VIII’s six wives.
You will get to see the fabulously attired Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters who still live within the Tower precincts.
A truly memorable place to spend some time.
Royal London (half or full day)
We explore the parts of London associated most closely with the Royal Family. We will take in the Guard Change either at Buckingham Palace or Horseguards Parade or potentially both!
We will walk along the Mall to take in the Palaces and homes of the Royal family including Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and St James’s Palace. En route we’ll see the remnants of Henry VIII’s sprawling Tudor Palace of Whitehall. We can go and visit the Royal Mews to admire the Royal carriages including the amazing State Coach used for the Coronation and we can admire some of the horses still used today on magnificent State occasions. We take a short journey across Hyde Park to visit the historic Kensington Palace where Queen Victoria was born and where there is an exhibition devoted to Princess Diana and her fabulous collection of haute couture gowns.
Full day extensions can include visits to Royal Greenwich and the Tower of London.
We will walk along the Mall to take in the Palaces and homes of the Royal family including Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and St James’s Palace. En route we’ll see the remnants of Henry VIII’s sprawling Tudor Palace of Whitehall. We can go and visit the Royal Mews to admire the Royal carriages including the amazing State Coach used for the Coronation and we can admire some of the horses still used today on magnificent State occasions. We take a short journey across Hyde Park to visit the historic Kensington Palace where Queen Victoria was born and where there is an exhibition devoted to Princess Diana and her fabulous collection of haute couture gowns.
Full day extensions can include visits to Royal Greenwich and the Tower of London.
Shakespeare's London (Half day)
William Shakespeare spent much of his adult life in London and almost certainly wrote most of his plays here. His legacy looms large in London and there are many sites associated with his life and work to visit. Our tour starts in the atmospheric Temple on the margins of the City of London. London’s legal profession has been based here for centuries but Shakespeare was here too and we will follow in his footsteps.
Our journey takes us through the winding streets and alleys of the City of London to the places he lived and worked during the reign of Gloriana (Elizabeth 1). We venture across the River Thames across the Millenium Bridge to Southwark and the South Bank where Sam Wanamaker’s magnificently reproduced version of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre stands proud.
We’ll also go and visit the site of his actual theatre. Southwark and nearby Borough are buzzing places with great places to stop for a coffee. For foodies, Borough Market is the place to end up for some lunch or to buy something delicious to eat at your leisure.
Our journey takes us through the winding streets and alleys of the City of London to the places he lived and worked during the reign of Gloriana (Elizabeth 1). We venture across the River Thames across the Millenium Bridge to Southwark and the South Bank where Sam Wanamaker’s magnificently reproduced version of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre stands proud.
We’ll also go and visit the site of his actual theatre. Southwark and nearby Borough are buzzing places with great places to stop for a coffee. For foodies, Borough Market is the place to end up for some lunch or to buy something delicious to eat at your leisure.
Harry Potter
We all love Harry Potter and there are loads of places to see in London that you’ll recognise from the big screen. It’s my job to get you round to see all the sites without the use of a Nimbus 2000!
As with all magical mystery tours, some of our destinations must remain top secret, but I can promise you that among many stops, we will see Platform 9 and 3 quarters, Gringotts Bank, and the entrances to the Ministry of Magic and Diagon Alley.
For this tour we will need to make extensive use of the "muggles only" transport system (London Underground) as the Hogwarts Express is currently somewhere between Kings Cross and the famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. We might also get on a (Knight) bus or two.
Now where did I put my wand?
As with all magical mystery tours, some of our destinations must remain top secret, but I can promise you that among many stops, we will see Platform 9 and 3 quarters, Gringotts Bank, and the entrances to the Ministry of Magic and Diagon Alley.
For this tour we will need to make extensive use of the "muggles only" transport system (London Underground) as the Hogwarts Express is currently somewhere between Kings Cross and the famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. We might also get on a (Knight) bus or two.
Now where did I put my wand?
Museums & Galleries
London is absolutely packed with world class museums and galleries. I can provide you with highlights tours of many of these that will enhance your visit and give you an experience to remember.
There are so many great museums and galleries in London and I can provide highlights tours at many others. They include:
Victoria and Albert Museum
Science Museum
Natural History Museum
Wallace Collection
Tate Britain
Tate Modern
John Soane Museum
Guildhall Museum and Art Gallery
Imperial War Museum and HMS Belfast.
Please contact me for further details. Here are a few idea that might inspire you....
There are so many great museums and galleries in London and I can provide highlights tours at many others. They include:
Victoria and Albert Museum
Science Museum
Natural History Museum
Wallace Collection
Tate Britain
Tate Modern
John Soane Museum
Guildhall Museum and Art Gallery
Imperial War Museum and HMS Belfast.
Please contact me for further details. Here are a few idea that might inspire you....
The British Museum (Half day)
Britain’s most popular tourist attraction, with over 6 million visitors last year, is one of the planet’s greatest treasure houses.
Our highlights tour will take in objects from around the world and include the great civilisations of Ancient Egypt, Assyria and Ancient Greece to name but three. The Rosetta Stone ranks as the object that everyone wants to see. And you will, but I’ll bring it to life and explain why it’s so important and why it’s so famous. We’ll move on to look at some of the wonderful treasures that have been unearthed in Britain. The fabulous solid silver Roman Mildenhall Treasure, the strange and exotic artefacts from the Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo and the enigmatic Lewis Chessmen.
The Museum is an extraordinary artefact in its own right with the amazing Great Court glass ceiling constructed from over 3000 uniquely shaped panes of glass. There are great places to shop and get refreshment too if the cultural stuff gets a bit too much.
Our highlights tour will take in objects from around the world and include the great civilisations of Ancient Egypt, Assyria and Ancient Greece to name but three. The Rosetta Stone ranks as the object that everyone wants to see. And you will, but I’ll bring it to life and explain why it’s so important and why it’s so famous. We’ll move on to look at some of the wonderful treasures that have been unearthed in Britain. The fabulous solid silver Roman Mildenhall Treasure, the strange and exotic artefacts from the Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo and the enigmatic Lewis Chessmen.
The Museum is an extraordinary artefact in its own right with the amazing Great Court glass ceiling constructed from over 3000 uniquely shaped panes of glass. There are great places to shop and get refreshment too if the cultural stuff gets a bit too much.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery located in Trafalgar Square is quite simply one of the world's great art galleries. It contains mainly Western European art dating from 1250 to 1900. It’s the kind of place you walk into and in every room you will see a painting that you will know.
Many of the great renaissance masters are represented here. Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravagio, Botticelli, Uccello, Van Eyck, Hans Holbein and Titian all have wonderful works on display. And there are some tremendous British works here too. “Britain’s favourite painting” The Fighting Temeraire by JMW Turner and The Haywain by John Constable hang in close proximity to each other. If that wasn’t enough the impressionists are here too. Monet, Manet, Seurat, Pisarro and Cezanne are all spectacularly present and correct.
And I haven’t even mentioned that Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers are here too.
Let me show you the best of the best and help to interpret some of the themes and ideas that these great artists were driven by.
Many of the great renaissance masters are represented here. Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravagio, Botticelli, Uccello, Van Eyck, Hans Holbein and Titian all have wonderful works on display. And there are some tremendous British works here too. “Britain’s favourite painting” The Fighting Temeraire by JMW Turner and The Haywain by John Constable hang in close proximity to each other. If that wasn’t enough the impressionists are here too. Monet, Manet, Seurat, Pisarro and Cezanne are all spectacularly present and correct.
And I haven’t even mentioned that Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers are here too.
Let me show you the best of the best and help to interpret some of the themes and ideas that these great artists were driven by.
National Portrait Gallery
Are you new to London? Does British History confuse the heck out of you? Do you want to understand it better? O and do you want to see some great portraits of Royalty, rock stars, actors and writers? This my friends is the tour for you! The free to enter National Portrait Gallery is a great way to sort out your King Henrys from your King Edwards.
We can untangle Henry VIII’s complicated love life and point out those who died a natural death and those who ended up on the scaffold. Many of those portrayed here have close links to London and we can pick up their stories as we go. There are great innovators and thinkers here. Great military men, Wellington and Nelson for example hang near to their political and Royal masters. And there are plenty of contemporary paintings of celebrities here too. It’s like Madame Tussauds but without the wax and … did I mention this, it’s absolutely free to enter!
We can untangle Henry VIII’s complicated love life and point out those who died a natural death and those who ended up on the scaffold. Many of those portrayed here have close links to London and we can pick up their stories as we go. There are great innovators and thinkers here. Great military men, Wellington and Nelson for example hang near to their political and Royal masters. And there are plenty of contemporary paintings of celebrities here too. It’s like Madame Tussauds but without the wax and … did I mention this, it’s absolutely free to enter!
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