Private tour in London Simon C

Discover Arty Cool Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Brick Lane

4.9

(22) reviews

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

1

Tour date
Start time
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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

338

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

You've seen classic London - now you're looking for something a bit more cool? Where locals hang out? Come east! This history-rich area is my backyard. You can me in the ToursByLocals trailer, enjoying the most diverse part of the city. History meets contemporary culture with an internationally-recognized art scene with world-class street art. In super-hip Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Brick Lane, you'll see the cream of global street artists, some of whom I know. There are lots of interesting boutiques, vintage fashion stores, quirky pubs, and of course centuries of London stories to savour. Come for weekend markets or midweek if you prefer a quieter tour. The streets are rich in history and the alleyways are living galleries - come and see an incredible range of contemporary art and hear some tall stories about the various characters behind this constantly changing world. It's a great place to linger afterward over a coffee while you people-watch. Suitable for 'cool kids' of all ages!

Your London tour itinerary

I usually meet people at Liverpool Street station. We can either stick to the main East London street art hot spots around nearby Shoreditch and Brick Lane, or we can jump on a train trip to go a little off the beaten track to the 'next Shoreditch' in Hackney Wick. You can see Shoreditch in depth, or mix up a shorter look with Dalston and the once-unknown Hackney Wick - all street art hotspots. The usual Shoreditch tour takes us through some medieval City of London history and then into the back streets where the cool stuff is to be found. We'll stop off at some street art; see an area rich in social history and ethnic diversity; we'll visit an unofficial outdoor public gallery hidden away; we'll stroll the main drag where the cool kids from all over the world hang out and I'll show you some funky stores and street food as we take in the vibe and all the interesting elements that make this a popular spot for the lover of arts and culture. There'll also be a brief artisenal chocolate tasting too.

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

Overground train between sites. Clean, comfortable and more access-friendly that the subway.

What's included
Other: My guiding experience, knowledge and passion for all things East London. You can see me in the Tours By Locals video for London to see for yourself. I recommend an Oyster Card pass if you're coming by public transport (see TfL.gov.uk)
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: You might want a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Public Transportation
Meeting location

England, England, EC2M 7QA, United Kingdom

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: London's Liverpool Street station at the top of the stairs by McDonalds where the Kindertransport statue is (south side stairs, not east).

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
110408
Languages
English
French
German
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
4.9

Traveller reviews for this private tour in London

22 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in London best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for those who have already seen the classic sights of London and are looking for something a bit cooler and more local. It's ideal for travellers interested in contemporary culture, street art, and history. The tour is suitable for 'cool kids' of all ages, including families with children and those with mobility concerns, as it is wheelchair accessible.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

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

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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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