Private tour in London Simon C
4.3
(6) reviews
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Simon C.
4.9
Guide rating
337
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"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.
I'm from the sea, so I know we're a maritime nation! Walk by the Thames in historic Royal Borough Greenwich. On the Zero-Meridian, I'll transport you across centuries, under Sir Christopher Wren's domes. Savour the romance of explorers in a spot where so many set off. The Royal Naval College has been seen in various Dickensian dramas, Les Miserables and now Napoleon and I'll bring the 'finest Baroque interior ever created by an Englishman' alive for you in the famed Painted Hall. I'll share how Henry VIII made Greenwich royal and discover the rum characters that populated the famous navy hospital. How did Nelson win the Battle of Trafalgar? Why was 1800s navy life so tough? Let's savour the Tulip Stairs in the Queen's House and the elaborate ceiling of the chapel, as we follow in the footsteps of the men that sailed from this part of London across the globe. Finish off in lively Greenwich market (food available) or hike 15mins up to the Royal Greenwich Observatory for brilliant views of London!
We'll start by the newly restored Cutty Sark tea clipper by the riverside, then take a walk into the grounds of the beautiful Naval College and take in some recreations of its many incarnations at the visitor centre. We'll see the famous chapel, the exceptional Painted Hall dining room and the domes of Sir Christopher Wren. Then we'll stroll over to the Queen's House for some art and hear about King William and Queen Mary. If you like, we can pop into the National Maritime Museum for some more ship-based stimulation and famous art. If you're feeling fit, there's the Observatory at the top of the hill and absolutely fantastic views over all London - where you can stand on the Zero-Degrees Meridian. Alternatively, we can just 'observe' it from the bottom. There's also the market and some great pubs to round off the tour with some 'grog'! This tour as a whole or partially, can be customized to fit your preferences - please inquire!
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*Once we have arrived in Greenwich* everything is really close and walkable here. Once you're arrived (on DLR or train or boat) we don't need to worry about that. The Observatory is up a steep hill, so you can decide there if you want to walk up (10-15mins). PLEASE NOTE Greenwich is around 40 minutes travel on either tube/DLR or boat (Uber boats AKA Thames Clippers) so if we meet in town, please note the travel we will need to do together. Alternatively, we can meet at the Cutty Sark ship at Greenwich.
King William Walk, England, England, SE10 9HT, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: If we meet there, then under the bow of the Cutty Sark tea clipper is a great meeting point. You can't miss it, it's the high-masted historic sailing ship near to the boat jetty, Edwardian under-Thames tunnel and DLR (light transit) stop.
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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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