Private tour in London Jill D
5.0
(2) reviews
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Jill D.
5.0
Guide rating
29
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5 hrs
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I'm a Londoner by choice, not by birth. I moved here after university, and stayed because I think it's the greatest city on earth! Over thirty years later I'm still finding out new things to see and do in London. I've been guiding tours for eight years now, and with ToursByLocals since 2023. I'm a qualified guide in the City of London (the financial 'square mile', a long history with a modern twist), in the City of Westminster (think tradition, royals, politics, parks, shopping), and in the London Borough of Camden (think literature, music, green squares, and hip areas such as Camden Town and King's Cross) - so basically all of central London, with a bit of North London in the mix. In fact I like guiding so much I now teach Tour Guiding. My favourite thing is sharing my love of our great city with others. Not just the well-known places, but the secret corners, the quirky facts, the stuff that makes London so special. I love talking about the people - women and men, real and fictional - the architecture, the open spaces, and the social history. You may just see a road, or a building, or a plaque, but I see a story to tell. And I want to share it with you. I did my first degree in Classics (Latin, Greek, Ancient History) at Oxford University, and then worked in Telecoms for many years, latterly as a project manager, so I have super organisational skills. Now I am free to do what I love, and that includes taking you on a walking tour. I've travelled extensively, particularly in the USA and Canada (shout out to the in-laws and cousins!), and I know what I want from a good tour when I am on vacation. I'll aim to provide that to you, and introduce you to the sights you may have heard of, and the ones you haven't, but will be glad you discovered them too. I am only too happy to customize any tour that takes your fancy, to meet your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you! I am an accredited City of London guide (Institute of Tourist Guiding Green Badge). I am an accredited City of Westminster guide. I am an accredited London Borough of Camden guide. I am not a Blue Badge guide, so am unable to guide within Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and St Paul's Cathedral. I provide walking tours of London, not driven tours.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jill D.
I've always believed the best way to get to know a city is to walk it, and London is perfect for that, especially the elegant squares of Bloomsbury, and the vibrant hub of King's Cross, London's newest creative quarter, a stone's throw away. Bloomsbury has many literary and artistic connections, and it's also home to several museums and universities. I want to tell you the tales of the writers and artists who lived and loved here, the aristocratic families that built the area, the story of London's foundling hospital, show you a hidden cemetery, and much more. We'll take a break for coffee before leaving leafy Bloomsbury for buzzing King's Cross. Here I'll tell you the story of how the railways and canals shaped this area, you will see where the designers of the future study, and learn about how London's seediest area has been reinvented to become a 21st century success story. The area is pedestrianised, and is full of up-scale shops, restaurants and food stalls, so it's a great location for walking.
We will meet at your chosen location. In Bloomsbury we'll see; • Bedford Square - fabulous Georgian architecture • Senate House & London University • Russell Square - one of the biggest and best • Torrington and Woburn Squares - the heart of the university • Gordon Square - my favourite! • Tavistock Square - the 'peace square' • Marchmont Street & The Brunswick - a bit of brutalism • Brunswick Square & the Foundling Museum • St George's Gardens - former cemetery In King's Cross we'll see; • King's Cross Station - home of famous platform 9 and ¾ • The German Gymnasium and the IFO (Identified Flying Object - modern art!) • Pancras Square and Granary Square - one old, one new • Coal Drops Yard - up-scale shopping with a history • Regent's Canal • Gasholder Park - yes, a pocket park in a gasholder • UAL: University of the Arts, St Martin's College • Handyside Canopy - host to a pop-up food market, and our final stop. Please note this tour can be customised - use the 'message guide' button to contact me.
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.
Walking tour.
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I can meet you at your hotel or at an underground station. If arriving by tube (underground) the suggested station is Tottenham Court Road (served by the Central, Northern and Elizabeth Lines)
2 reviews
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