Private tour in London Jill D
5.0
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Jill D.
5.0
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31
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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.
Soho is an area of the West End where London goes to eat, drink and party. But how and when did it start out? Explore the area with me on this walk and learn about the waves of immigration – from French Huguenots, to Italians, to Jews – that have shaped Soho. Themes that weave their way through the very fabric of the area are music, fashion, art, the LGBTQ community and vice. We will explore all these aspects and more through some of the interesting and outrageous characters who have called Soho home over the years. Distances are short as Soho is a compact area. The walk will take about 2 hours and will finish not far from Regent Street and Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus stations.
Meet at Tottenham Court Road station, and head to Soho Square – hear about why and when this area was developed, the influence of French immigrants, and the hostess with the mostest: Theresa Cornelys. Down Frith Street, home of Bar Italia and Ronnie Scott’s world-famous jazz club. On to Old Compton Street, the centre of London’s gay nightlife. To Soho’s parish church – St Anne’s – where the ‘King of Corsica’ is buried. From religion to vice, and the King of Soho’s sex scene – Paul Raymond. On to Broadwick Street and public health – see where and how the cause of cholera was discovered. At Golden Square meet Angelica Kauffman, portrait artist of the rich and famous, but even she was susceptible to a smooth-talking conman. To Carnaby Street, where Jewish immigrants sewed suits for the rich, and the cool cats bought fashion in the swinging 60s. Finish with the Soho Mural – a huge piece of street art celebrating Soho. The route can be customized to include Chinatown or other nearby areas.
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.
The tour will be entirely on foot
Oxford Street, England, England, WC1A 1DG, United Kingdom
I can meet you outside Tottenham Court Road tube station (exit 4) by the Outernet, or I can collect you from your hotel.
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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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