Half Day to Hampton Court

Welcome to London! I'm a London Blue Badge Guide, a City of London Guide and an Oxford Green Badge Guide. With these qualifications I can take you on tours of Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum - and many other wonderful sites besides. Outside our great city let's explore the delights of Windsor, Bath or Oxford (I can guide you around Christ Church - a must-see for Harry Potter or Alice in Wonderland fans), which are all easy day trips, or we can learn about the mysteries of Stonehenge (a personal favourite). If you'd like to see a different side of London, then why not come on a tour of Richmond or Chelsea, two picturesque areas of London off the beaten track? Richmond will look familiar to you if you're a Ted Lasso fan - we can visit his pub if you like. If you're fan of Britain's amazing musical heritage, let's explore some of the the sights where famous artists lived, worked - and died. Aside from the area around Soho the rock history of West London is remarkable - and overlooked. Though I've lived in London for 30 years I was born and raised in Kent, known as the Garden of England. I studied Ancient History and Archaeology at Birmingham University and then I joined a well-known high street retailer. After many years I decided to take a change in direction. I chucked in my job and retrained as a tour guide - and I've never looked back. I've always had a love of history and like nothing more than sharing a tale or two with you. I'm also an amateur actor and director, having performed in over 40 shows, from Shakespeare to the local pantomime, so expect a few characters along the way. I do like to put on an accent now and again just to warn you… Aside from my guiding qualifications I'm also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, one of the City of London's historic livery companies. As a liveryman I'm also automatically entitled to be a Freeman of the City of London. One of its ancient rights is the ability to take sheep across London Bridge, a right I duly exercised in 2019! I'd be more than happy to explain more about these peculiar privileges - perhaps over a pint or a glass of wine (I know where the good pubs are). When I'm not guiding I like to catch the latest play, support my local football team (QPR) or check the cricket score. You'll also find me browsing a local bookshop for another interesting history book or relaxing in the pub after catching the latest play or exhibition. As an avid traveller I like to get away too, and have visited 70 countries and counting. Favourite destinations include Italy, New Zealand, Argentina, Canada and Lebanon. Many of them boast some fine wines - another passion. I'd be delighted to be your local guide when you're in London. London Blue Badge Tour Guide City of London Guide and Lecturer Oxford Green Badge Guide Windsor Castle Accredited Guide Windsor and Eton Accredited Guide Guildhall Art Gallery Guide Member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding Virtual Tours - special accreditation from the British Guild of Tour Guides In-house guide at Vintners' Hall and Mercers' Hall, City of London Freeman of the City of London Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Vintners BA (Hons) Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Birmingham My tours are mostly involving walking and using public transport (boat, Tube, bus, train) or a taxi. I can arrange a driver but please give me as much notice as you can so I can source one. In London a driver's not necessary.