Classic London Highlights - Full-Day Walking Tour for First Timers

Hello, my name is Bea. I am a qualified City of Westminster and Camden Guide offering bespoke highlights and theme walks in central London. As a Westminster Guide, my specialty is the borough of London where we can find most of the historic and popular attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Churchill War Rooms, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, 10 Downing Street and also four royal parks, the oldest shops, the learned societies and exciting neighbourhoods, such as St James's, Covent Garden, Soho, Mayfair and Belgravia, to mention the most attractive ones. So the heart of monarchy, politics, as well as arts and science! :) Interests & tours Apart from highlight tours (with or without the Changing of the Guard :)) my tours pretty much reflect my interests, passions and persona, shaped by growing up in good old continental Europe. I am interested in the British Royal Family and everything connected to royalty - a passion that originates in my childhood and love of fairytales featuring crowned heads. I read and watch everything I can, from documentaries and royal biographies to costume dramas and use the information I have learnt in my tours. No big surprise that I am a fan of Netflix's The Crown, and have designed a tour that features both film locations and the real sites. As an absolute London movie buff, I have developed a profound passion for films and series that are set in London. Not only do I enjoy watching these cinematic masterpieces, but I also take pleasure in exploring the actual filming locations. Whether you are a fan of Harry Potter, Paddington, James Bond, or even the intriguing character Villanelle, I am more than happy to share my knowledge and incorporate it into your itinerary. Being a woman, I am especially interested in the life and legacy of remarkable women in British (and Hungarian) history, culture, and science as I believe their stories can inspire us, offer hope, and serve as positive examples. I have a curious mind, and like to bring the perspective of an insider-outsider to my guiding. As a native Hungarian, born in Hungary during 'Goulash Communism', that is, the 1970s, I had an 'eclectic' childhood. I am the last generation who learnt Russian at school, and the first who had access to learning English as an after-school activity. Thanks to my brilliant teachers and my school libraries, I grew up devouring British classics (from Peter Pan, Oliver Twist and Adrian Mole to Lord of the Flies and Frankenstein). This passion led to earning a degree in English Literature and becoming a TEFL Teacher and making me relocate to London aged 19, where the protagonists of my novels had lived! I started guiding in Budapest though, in 2018, but due to fate (and the coronavirus pandemic) here I am again, in London doing the job I love, meeting people from different countries, and helping them discover the beauties and fantastic stories this amazing city can offer! Practical info • Unlike many of my excellent colleagues here, I am not a driver guide, I offer walking tours only, with the exception of 'The Crown' Tour which is available as a taxi tour too. I believe that the best way to get to know a city is on foot, pausing from time to time and looking up to take in the beauty and decipher the hidden messages of the buildings around us. • I'm licensed to guide inside Churchill War Rooms, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Foundling Museum and the V&A. • If you have mobility issues, I can accommodate my walks to your needs and guarantee step-free walks, except for roadside kerbs. • For groups I can provide 'Vox Tour Guide System' (earphones connected to a little box, the receiver that you can wear in your neck), to ensure that everyone will hear everything I say. • As a qualified teacher and former Mary Poppins (nanny) with an enhanced DBS, I am happy to guide families with young children, and come up with suggestions regarding how to make the tour enjoyable for all age groups. The key to having fun while sightseeing with kids is considering their needs. If you have any questions regarding my tours, feel free to message me. I look forward to showing you around London! • City of Westminster Guide • Camden Guide • Member of the City of Westminster Guide Lecturers Association • Member of the Camden Tour Guides’ Association • Qualified Teacher (English Literature, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Library Science) • Member of Historic Royal Palaces • Licensed Tour Guide in Hungary • Public Liability Insurance • Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service Check I am a City of Westminster and Camden Guide and not a Blue Badge guide, so CANNOT guide inside Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. As I am not driver guide, I can't do transfers and layover tours.