Private tour in London Simon C

Before London Wakes - Soho Morning Coffee Walk

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Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Simon C.

4.9

Guide rating

337

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

"OUTSTANDING! We had a terrific half day with him and got to see so much." (Stacey, NYC) "...a terrific guide in every way. Super accommodating to our needs, and great personality that adds to the vibe." (Donna) "You made the city come alive." (Ryan, FL) As seen at TEDx, Guardian newspaper, British Council – and many more. WELCOME! The reviews don't lie, sharing the greatest city in the world with you is the best! Experience London like a local with me and you'll see why I love it. (Windsor/Stonehenge? Please see our other excellent guides for these) I. Was. There... I was in media; I went to the warehouse raves; lived in an old factory, then a boat. I did some cabaret; I was bombed by the IRA then ended up leading walks in San Francisco and on the Great Barrier Reef leading divers. I crisscrossed Europe with American school groups, went to 50 countries, but I still come home here to London. I've been a travel writer, walking artist and performer. I've 20yrs experience on four continents, contributed to guide books, been on London radio to wax lyrical and even trained young people as guides. A personal trainer, I'm not a Blue Badge guide and my knowledge is naturally not as extensive as theirs; but I entertain and inform everyone from families to language school pupils to Masters students. "I was with my children and they never got bored." (Gloria, Miami) BEEN BEFORE? I do alternative tours in East London uncovering lesser-heard histories too for all kinds of organisations. My Olympic tours started in 2012, so if you want the story of London and the Games then I'm your man. I love helping visitors discover London - and you bring a little of your home to us, from New York to Vancouver to the Midwest to Cali'. You'll feel at home in this welcoming cosmopolitan capital. And we pack it in: "...see all of the biggest attractions in London in a short period of time!" (Annie) There's a core of the best spots I like to show you that fit with the theme, but I can tailor routes if you have a request. LONGER TOUR? A great combo is the 3. 5-hour general London tour and then - after this perfect intro to the city - zoom in to the street by level and add a 2.5-hour market experience or a street art tour in hip East London? Alternatively, book the TWO DAY TOUR to go deeper. . . London has many different sides to it - nothing beats exploring its stories. I do a little performance/cabaret work occasionally and I enjoy bringing that to the tours if it's relevant. I'll even sing you a song if you like and kids are very welcome. Child-free? Tours can be arranged to end in a traditional British pub :) USING EUROSTAR? I can show you London's newest hip location Kings Cross or the Harry Potter tour can start/end there. Several tours start just 15mins by subway from Kings Cross. My international guiding background - which includes North American schools, international backpackers, Brits of all ages - means I know what sort of practical questions you want to ask; and how you can get max out your stay. Travelling on? I've seen much of it, especially Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin etc - so feel free to pick my brains. Let's spend a few hours exploring London and I'll tell you tales spanning centuries and show you why this particular wanderer is proud to call it home. **ACCESSIBILITY** In a wheelchair or use a stick? London is for all! If you're not so mobile, then all tours can be made into taxi-cab tours with a surcharge. London buses and some tube stations also have ramps. Everyone is welcome here.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Simon C.

Overview of your London tour

Big day ahead? Early riser? Or just enjoy a little peace? Get off to a great start by joining me in the West End as the city is still waking up. Because morning people like us, we know that this is the best time of the day! See... Theatreland before the curtain rises Soho’s deep-rooted coffee and immigrant culture Quiet squares and empty streets that most visitors never see The contrast between night-time energy and morning stillness As well as fellow morning-lovers, this is also good for: visitors adjusting to jet lag; early risers who want to make the most of their day; coffee lovers; anyone looking for something a little different from the usual tours; anyone wanting to see another side of our famous district Soho.

Your London tour itinerary

A typical start point might be Piccadilly Circus or Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square, though we can discuss if you're staying further away. We begin in the soft early light of the usually-frantic West End, when London feels almost like a private showing at this time. From there, we drift through the silent theatre streets that will soon be buzzing; historic corners of Soho shaped by artists, outsiders, and coffee culture. We'll see hidden pockets of calm where the city pauses before the day begins. There’s no rush. No crowds. Just space to notice. Then if we're in Soho, I'll take you to my favourite historic cafe, to have coffee and a pastry and take a moment to stop and smell the London flowers.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

If we're meeting at Piccadilly Circus then everything is nearby.

What's included
Private Guide
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Accommodation
Public Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Private Transportation
Tickets
Tastings
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Services
Meeting location

Piccadilly Circus, England, England, United Kingdom

We can meet right under the statue of 'Eros' in Piccadilly Circus just like the GI's used to meet their British girlfriends. If it's raining, meet under the porch of Lillywhite's or the Criterion, right by the statue. If you're not sure you can get there for that time, message me and we can talk about logistics.

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Food And Drink
City Highlights
Art And Culture
Off The Beaten Path
Architecture
Tour reference number
1456548
Languages
English
French
German
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Kid Friendly

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in London best suited for?

This private tour in London is perfect for early risers, coffee lovers, and those who enjoy a peaceful start to their day. It's also ideal for visitors adjusting to jet lag, anyone looking for a unique experience away from typical tours, and those wanting to explore the quieter side of Soho and the West End.

Where does the tour start and end?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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