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Private tour in London Mary K
Half Day Saints and Sinners - St Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare's Southwark
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3 hours
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Tour date
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3 hours
1
Mary K.
4.9
Guide rating
7
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2 hrs
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Hi, I'm Mary, an expert London Blue Badge Guide. It is such a joy, at last, to have found a job that allows me to spend time sharing my love of English history, people, culture and buildings with visitors from around the world. You won't regret choosing me to help you get the most from you and your family's precious holiday time. I know how to put the 'story' into history, to bring the past into the present, and to add sunshine into the rainiest of London days. But what of my own history? I spent my early years in California, moved to Switzerland when I was 9 (where I learned French) and moved with my parents and sisters to Oxfordshire for my teenage years. As a teenager, I had a thirst for adventure, opting for a degree in Modern Chinese Studies at Leeds University, part of which involved heading off for a year's study in Shanghai China aged 19. After finishing university, I held a variety of jobs as a journalist on popular and technical magazines in and around London's famous Fleet Street. Next, I moved to Brighton to bring up my children, and worked there for many years as a Communications Manager for the National Health Service and others, before deciding to take a different path, and undergo the rigorous training required to become an elite London Blue Badge Tourist Guide. The combination of my lifelong interests, motivation and experience makes me the ideal person to bring your family and friends the very best of London and other nearby destinations. The way I see it, the office used to be my world and now, the world is my office. I look forward to meeting you and showing you London and England's famous places, faces and spaces! London Blue Badge Guide Member of the Association Professional Tourist Guides Member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding Accredited Windsor Castle Guide I am not a driver. but can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. I speak excellent conversational French.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mary K.
London is, indeed, a tale of two cities - both of them fascinating, and both still visible today
Overview of your London tour
The glistening stone walls, sweeping steps and towering Dome of St Paul's Cathedral are just part of the fascinating story I have in store for you. Built in the wake of the 1666 Great Fire, Sir Christopher Wren's creation is an enduring inspiration and scene of momentous events - like the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. Crossing the Millennium Foot Bridge takes us to Southwark, historical haunt of 'low-lifes', where bears were baited and the beer flowed as freely as the dastardly deeds. We will admire Sam Wanamaker's recreation of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre; hear tales of torture and despair at the notorious Clink Prison; and marvel at the luxurious Winchester Palace, whose ruins lie just a few feet away. Then it's on to a reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's glorious Golden Hinde, where sailors subsisted on worm-infested ships' biscuits. Happily, our tour ends with a far tastier lunch - courtesy of world-famous 'foodie-heaven', Borough Market.
Your London tour itinerary
Meet by the Queen Anne statue, opposite St Paul's Cathedral main steps Introduction to the Cathedral Enter Cathedral (you will need to purchase tickets via the St Paul's website)* Your St Paul's tour includes: -Duke of Wellington Memorial -Artworks by Jerry Judah, Henry Moore, Bill Viola -Painted interior of the Dome -Ceiling mosaics -American Memorial Chapel (dedicated to WW2 troops) -High Altar -John Donne death statue -Tombs of: Duke of Wellington, Admiral Lord Nelson, Sir Christopher Wren -Florence Nightingale memorial * Your Cathedral ticket gives you the chance (when available) to climb the 528 steps up the Dome, for views of London. Exit Cathedral and cross river via Millennium Footbridge Guided walk along the River towards Borough Market, taking in views of: - Shakespeare's Globe - The notorious Clink Prison - The ruined, but lovely Winchester Palace - Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hinde (replica) etc Finish at Borough Market for lunch
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Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking
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What's not included
Meeting location
England, England, EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: At Queen Anne Statue, opposite main steps leading to St Paul's Cathedral
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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EnglishActivity level
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3 hours
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Tour date
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3 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.