Private tour in London Jill D

Covent Garden Highlights - Private Tour

4.9

(8) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Jill D.

5.0

Guide rating

34

Reviews

Tours delivered

12 hrs

Avg. response time

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.

Overview of your London tour

Do you love to be where the action is, and experience the hustle and bustle of a city? If so, I have just the walk for you. Covent Garden is London's best spot for people watching, street performers, and market browsing. The surrounding streets contain some of London's best-known theatres, and the actors' church - a who's who of theatre and film are commemorated here. But Covent Garden was not always so. Let me guide you through its streets and alleyways, peeling back the layers of its chequered history, pointing out a hidden courtyard here, a historic pub there, a pocket park beyond. We'll break for coffee, then head down to the Strand for a peep at the world-famous Savoy hotel, before ending up at London's newest pedestrianised street in front of Somerset House, home of the Courtauld Institute of Art. I'm looking forward to it already!

Recent Reviews

John M.United States
June 2026

For our first trip to London we stayed in a hotel near Covent Gardens and decided to book a walking tour with Jill to explore the Covent Gardens neighborhoods and surrounding areas. The tour was very educational, as Jill knew so much of the local history, genesis of the neighborhoods, special attractions, and unique points of interest. We visited historical several areas (outlined in her itinerary) that ultimately helped shaped the landscape of present day London. As an added feature Jill was also able to recommend other areas to visit which added us in efficiently using our time in London. If you want to learn about the fabric of historic London, I highly recommend this tour and Jill was an excellent guide and teacher.

Jackie P.United States
June 2026

Very nice tour of Covent Garden. I know central London quite well but Jill managed to show us quite a few tucked away interesting spots that we hadn’t previously seen. We especially loved the secret neighbourhood garden with street art that I’ve walked past many times and didn’t know it existed.

Christine N.
July 2025

We had an incredible afternoon touring Covent Garden with Jill. Jill is very personable, knowledgeable, and fun! We saw and learned much more about this area than we could’ve ever done on our own. We had a very enjoyable time, and would gladly book another tour with her in the future. Thank you, Jill for a great experience!

Robert H.United States
July 2024

Jill was an excellent guide with great insight into the Covent Garden district. We had visited Covent Garden many times before, but never with the understanding that Jill shared. We saw many areas that we never knew existed. Personally, Jill was a friendly, dynamic individual with whom we loved to share time with. Highly recommended. Bob & Ann Hannah, Charlotte NC USA

Randall H.United States
March 2024

Jill did an outstanding job with our tour. She took us through areas and sights that we would not have seen and gave interesting insight to each of them. She was conscientious about our comfort and brought rain essentials due to the weather. We would highly recommend her for another tour!

Val C.United States
September 2023

Really enjoyed our tour with Jill. Very informative and professional. Thanks for a great day

Your London tour itinerary

• Bow Street Magistrates Court - home of the first London police force • Royal Opera House - needs no introduction • Theatre Royal Drury Lane - the world's most haunted theatre! • Covent Garden Piazza - the hub of the area • St Pauls Church - thespians' church • Neal's Yard - cute yard: an Instagram favourite • Seven Dials - chic shopping in former 'rookery' • St Giles in the Fields - Palladian-style church with a history • Alleyways and courtyards with character, and pubs of course • Strand - still a major road linking the City of London and City of Westminster • Savoy - a classic hotel. Remember to drive on the right on the way in! • Somerset House - home of the Courtauld - art and history in one place • Finish in front of St Mary le Strand church in London's newest pedestrian space. Please note the tour can be customised according to your wishes. Use the 'message guide' button to contact me for a customised tour.

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

This is a walking tour, so will be entirely on foot

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

London, UK

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I can meet you at your hotel or at an underground station. If arriving by tube (underground) the suggested station is Holborn (served by the Central and Piccadilly Lines)

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Architecture
Tour reference number
1062997
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in London best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who love the hustle and bustle of city life, enjoy people watching, and have an interest in theatre and history. It's ideal for those who want to explore London's vibrant Covent Garden area with a local guide like Jill D. for deeper insights.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in London be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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