London is so much more than Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. Sure, those landmarks are iconic, but the real magic lies in its hidden streets, cool neighbourhoods, and local vibes. With a private London tour and a local guide, you can go beyond the tourist hotspots and explore the side of London most people never see.

<h3>Top 10 must-see attractions in London</h3>
Every part of London has its own story, and there’s so much to explore. Here are some highlights to include on your private London tour:

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
Stand beneath London’s most famous clock tower as it chimes the hour, and walk along the historic corridors of power where Britain’s biggest decisions are made.

Buckingham Palace
Feel the grandeur as you watch the Changing of the Guard, stroll through the Royal Gardens, or, if you’re lucky, step inside to see the opulent State Rooms.

Tower of London
Step into a fortress of intrigue, treason, and treasure—from the dazzling Crown Jewels to the chilling tales of past prisoners who met their fate within these ancient walls.

Tower Bridge
Watch in awe as the bridge lifts before your eyes to let ships pass, then walk across the high-level glass walkway for unparalleled views of the Thames.

The British Museum
Marvel at the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Parthenon sculptures as your guide takes you through thousands of years of human history.

Westminster Abbey
Walk in the footsteps of monarchs and poets as you step inside this legendary church, where kings and queens have been crowned for over 1,000 years.

St. Paul’s Cathedral
Climb the whispering galleries and dome for one of the best panoramic views of the city, or stand where great moments in British history have unfolded.

Covent Garden
Feel the buzz of street performers, boutique shops, and historic markets as you explore this vibrant district full of life and character.

The Shard
Soar to the top of Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper and take in a 360-degree view of London’s famous skyline.

Camden Market
Dive into a world of quirky stalls, global street food, and alternative fashion, where punk rock meets bohemian charm.

<h3>Explore London Off the Beaten Path</h3>
Beyond the famous landmarks, London hides a treasure trove of lesser-known spots that only your local guide can reveal.

Leadenhall Market
Wander through this hidden Victorian marketplace, where ornate ceilings and cobbled walkways transport you to another era—or straight into a Harry Potter film!

Neal’s Yard
Step into a rainbow-coloured courtyard tucked away in Covent Garden, home to independent cafés, organic shops, and a quirky, laid-back vibe.

Little Venice
Escape the city crowds and glide along peaceful canals, where houseboats, waterside cafés, and willow trees create a tranquil retreat.

The Seven Noses of Soho
Follow a peculiar treasure hunt through the streets of Soho, searching for hidden sculpted noses that are part of a quirky London mystery.

God’s Own Junkyard
Immerse yourself in a neon wonderland, where vintage movie signs and glowing artwork light up a warehouse full of character.

The Hunterian Museum
Step inside one of London’s most bizarre and fascinating collections, where preserved anatomical specimens and medical oddities tell the story of surgical history.

The Thames Path
Ditch the tour buses and walk along the scenic riverbanks, discovering hidden pubs, historic wharfs, and stunning views of the city’s evolving skyline.

<h3>Day Trip Ideas from London</h3>

<a href="https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/united-kingdom/windsor?utm_source=internallinks&utm_medium=marketingblock&utm_campaign=london" target="_blank">Windsor Castle</a>
Visit the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, where royalty has resided for over 900 years—and maybe even catch a glimpse of the King!

<a href="https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/united-kingdom/stonehenge?utm_source=internallinks&utm_medium=marketingblock&utm_campaign=london" target="_blank">Stonehenge & Salisbury</a>
Stand before the mysterious monoliths of Stonehenge, then step inside Salisbury Cathedral, home to the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta.

<a href="https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/united-kingdom/oxford?utm_source=internallinks&utm_medium=marketingblock&utm_campaign=london" target="_blank">Oxford</a>
Wander through the world-famous university city, where grand libraries, medieval courtyards, and cozy bookshops transport you into a scene from Harry Potter.

<a href="https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/united-kingdom/bath?utm_source=internallinks&utm_medium=marketingblock&utm_campaign=london" target="_blank">Bath</a>
Step into a city of Roman baths and Georgian elegance, where honey-coloured stone buildings and literary history make it one of England’s most charming destinations.

<h3>Travel tips for exploring London</h3>
<b>Best times to visit</b>: Spring and fall are great for mild weather and fewer crowds, but summer brings an exciting energy to the city.
<b>Getting around</b>: London’s Tube, buses, and black cabs make it easy to get anywhere, but don’t miss a boat ride along the Thames for epic views.
<b>Local etiquette</b>: Stand on the right side of escalators in Tube stations and keep things quick and smooth during busy times—Londoners love efficiency.
<b>Walking tips</b>: Comfy shoes are your best friend. London’s historic areas are perfect for exploring on foot.

<h3>Create your perfect London tour with a private guide </h3>
A private London tour gives you a personal connection to the city. With your trusted <a href="https://www.toursbylocals.com/tour-guides/united-kingdom/london?utm_source=internallinks&utm_medium=marketingblock&utm_campaign=london"target="_blank">London tour guide </a> showing you the best of the city, you can spend extra time taking in the beauty of St. Paul’s Cathedral, start your morning with flowers at Columbia Road Market, or mix famous landmarks with hidden gems. Whether it’s history, art, food, or just soaking up the vibe, London has it all. Ready to explore? Book your London tour today!


London

A swift half before we embark on a stroll around Soho

Outside the greatest rock n roll pad of all time

4 happy travellers about to start their journey

John Lennon's cell at the magistrates court

Leave your mark on the Abbey Road Studio wall

Retrace the footsteps of one of the most influential bands ever during their time in the capital.

The Beatles in London Private Taxi Tour

Skip the Line Admission Tickets for the Churchill War Rooms

Express Half Day Look at Winston Churchill's London Headquarters in WW2.

Private Churchill War Rooms Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

The Beatles Ultimate London Story - Half Day Tour

John and Yoko are just two of a host of stars who lived here.

The most famous crossing in the world! 'Abbey Road'.

Compulsory signing of the wall! Abbey Road.

Learn the A to Z of the Beatles' rise to fame.

One 1/2 pint beer supplied at each venue. Total of 4 beers

A tour of the historic City of London and its heritage pubs

Historic London Pubs - Private Beer Tour

Come discover Victoria as you have never seen it!

Victoria -  London Off the Beaten Track 

Charles Dickens - A walk through the London of his life and novels

A walk looking at the city through the life and novels of Charles Dickens

Private BEATLE-maniac experience with guide

Come to Liverpool &amp; Footsteps of Fab Four

Private BEATLE-maniac tour with guide up to 7 hours

1 drink (beer, wine or soft drink) at the Bull & Gate and 1 kebab at Kentish Delight

Discover the north London neighbourhoods featured in the Taylor Swift song London Boy

Taylor Swift's London Boy - Highgate to Camden Market Walking Tour

Essential London - Full Day Private Walking Tour

One Day to See the City? Enjoy the highlights of London and Westminster + a typical pub lunch

Oyster cards with prepaid credit will be supplied by the guide.

Reconstruction of William Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

A whistle stop walking tour exploring the city of Westminster and the City of London

A Tale of Two Cities - London Highlights

Windsor Castle & Eton - Private Full Day Tour

Let's visit the favourite countryside residence of the Royal Family.

Name a Neighbourhood, I'll Make a Tour for You

Have an ancestor who lived somewhere in London?

London's Chic Gallery Hop with an Art Expert Guide - Private Walking Tour

I regularly organise and lead gallery tours in Mayfair and St James's as part of my offering. That's me providing context around an artist considered one of the most interesting rising stars today. The show was at a leading St James's gallery.

This is me introducing the exhibition at a primary Mayfair gallery, before entering and exploring the four floors of the display.

I am one of the official guides of the Mayfair Art Weekend - MAW, the association of Mayfair galleries. I am on top of the best exhibitions and events in the area. Photo: courtesy Mayfair Art Weekend - MAW, credit David Owes Photography.

It's important to join a curated tour, rather than exploring contemporary art on your own. With a tour you can have explanations and context, that would be otherwise challenging to find. I also provide an opportunity to discuss and share ideas.

The tour includes sight and visit of the Royal Academy of Arts (RA), founded in 1768, the most prestigious post-graduate art school in the UK. It holds a notable art collection, including a Michelangelo! It is hosted in the magnificent 1600's Burlington House in Piccadilly. I took this photo during an event with a performance in the courtyard.

Contemporary art also may include live performances, a though provoking and less known art medium.

Mayfair is a beautiful area, full of historical, architectural and artistic sights. I will give you highlights of all that, while walking from a gallery to another.

As one of the official guides of the Mayfair Art Weekend, I lead private and public tours on behalf on the organisation, like this one. Photo: courtesy Mayfair Art Weekend - MAW, credit David Owes Photography.

The Royal Academy of Arts contains a fantastic display of 1700's and 1800's copies of ancient statues, used by art tutors to teach drawing back then.

Based on your interests, the tour can include fine art with paintings dating before 1900. If contemporary art is not your thing, I am happy to curate a gallery hop entirely on fine art.

The gallery hop can also contain a selection of art photography, with top or emerging international artists.

Some galleries are in prestigious and impressive spaces, worth the visit by themselves.

Another example of gallery with impressive interiors, with stuccoes and old crystal chandeliers.

Explore a curated selection of some of the best international galleries!

Half day London tour with a Blue Badge guide 4hrs

Visit the world famous church and the Churchill war rooms

Royal London Highlights with Changing of the Guard

Private half-day tour of iconic London sites with a City of Westminster Guide

Skip the Line Admission Tickets to Churchill War Rooms 

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