Private tour in London William J

Private Full Day Chartwell House and Hever Castle Excursion

5.0

(8) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

William J.

5.0

Guide rating

212

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi and welcome to the magnificent metropolis and historical minefield that is London. My name is Will and I have been driving a London Taxi around the City's streets for over 24 years. I am also a qualified London Taxi Tour Guide which allows excellent access to many of London's attractions in my modern, electric and fully air-conditioned London Black Taxi. I was born in North London and am a father to three daughters and a grandfather to my two grandson's Noah and Jude. I have always been massively interested in all aspects of history. From back in my school days, where I studied History and Ancient History, to the modern day where I am often found with my head in a historical book, when I am not working or guiding. I am especially passionate about the history of London, the city I was born and raised in. I have always loved sharing my historical knowledge, enthusiasm and experience of London with anybody and everybody with similar interests, whether that be purely historical or linked to more modern, themed interests. I also make yearly Armistice day visits to Ypres, in Belgium, where the British were based in the Great War. My other interests include running my own Krav Maga self-defence school and virtually all sports. I also enjoy meeting and learning from the many people I meet whilst guiding. As the old adage goes "Every day is a school day". I pride myself on providing interesting, informative but mainly fun days with my clients and I really look forward to hearing from you and to showing you such places as Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and many other locations in my great city. We can also venture further afield and visit some English treasures just outside of London. Such as Bath, Avebury, Stonehenge, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Eton, Runnymede Magna Carta, Hever Castle (Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn), Chartwell House (Winston Churchill), The Cotswolds, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cambridge, Winchester, Canterbury, White Cliffs of Dover, Salisbury and Old Sarum. Not forgetting some theme based tours with Harry Potter, Charles Dickens or The Beatles. Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like me to customize or personalize any tour which differs from the tours/itineraries shown. Please just ask and we can create, together, the perfect day for your wishes combining any mixture of places. I'm at your disposal also for the multi-day tours. Qualified London Taxi Driver. Qualified London Taxi Tour Guide. Member of English Heritage. Member of the National Trust. Member of Historic Royal Palaces. Member of Royal Collection Trust. Although I can accompany you into such attractions as the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle, I am not a Blue Badge guide and therefore unable to guide in these historical monuments.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message William J.

Overview of your London tour

Upon departing London, we will head out south-east through the rolling countryside of Kent, "The Garden of England". We will begin our day together at the beloved family home of Winston Churchill, Chartwell House. England's most famous Prime Minster lived here with his wife and five children between 1924 and his death in 1965. We can see where he wrote some of his famous speeches and take a stroll around parts of the surrounding gardens. Exploring his personal lakes, kitchen garden and his Studio which houses some of his collection of over 500 canvasses. We will then return to your London hotel or another agreed location. It's then onto the medieval Hever Castle which dates back to 1270. Apart from being the childhood home of Queen Anne Boleyn and also King Henry the VIII's fourth wife Anne of Cleves it also also formed the backdrop to many historical events up to and including the 20th century. Hever is surrounded by beautiful gardens and so light walking will be necessary.

Recent Reviews

Cynthia P.United States
2 weeks ago

This was our second day trip with William J, who was our tour guide and driver for Chartwell House and Hever Castle. Will was an excellent driver on even the narrowest of roads. His knowledge of local history is extensive. Since I am 78 with left knee and right hip replacements, I especially appreciated the fact that he provided a wheelchair that I could use for longer walks both inside and outside both places we visited. When walking, the wheelchair provided balance over uneven terrain and a place to sit when needed. We fully enjoyed our trip outside the city with Will. His care and support were so welcomed.

David S.United States
August 2026

William was amazing. Recommend him without reservation. Best part is that he uses his authentic London taxi for transportation.

Jon G.
April 2025

My daughter and I booked a tour through ToursByLocals during our visit to London, and it was truly a highlight of our trip. We were fortunate to have William as our guide, driving us in his iconic black cab. Our tour included visits to Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill in Kent, and the beautiful Hever Castle. William was exceptional—extremely knowledgeable, reliable, and an excellent driver. He thoughtfully provided drinks and snacks, was considerate of our needs, and kept us entertained with his great sense of humor. The entire day was both educational and fun, with no pressure or rush at any point. At the end of the tour, he dropped us off exactly where we requested. We highly recommend this tour and especially William. He made our experience unforgettable!

Truly S.United States
October 2024

Will was right on time to pick us up and whisk us away to Chartwell. His knowledge along with his sense of humour set a comfortable tone for a wonderful experience. He tailored our tour to suit us and was sensitive to our needs. We highly recommend Will!

Eileen M.United States
August 2024

Will is the best! Informative, professional and fun! Will definitely recommend to others ans would certainly book again!

Thomas N.United States
June 2024

Will is amazing. Very knowledgeable about both sites and some interesting trivia and background . He made the drive over to Kent from our hotel in London very fun too pointing out places as we drove and put up with our questions very well! Plus being an American being drive around in a Black Cab was so cool.

Your London tour itinerary

Example: 9am: Meet at your London Hotel (or another agreed location) and set off from London. 10. 30am: Arrive at Chartwell House 12. 15/30pm: Leave Chartwell 12.45pm: Arrive at Hever Castle and have a light lunch. 1. 30pm: Explore the House. 2. 30pm: Explore the gardens. 3. 30pm: Depart Hever. 5pm: Arrival back in London I am very flexible so we can organize your tour, step by step, according to your needs. I will endeavour to answer as many questions that you may have whilst giving a light and informative history behind each place we visit. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities throughout the tour.

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: Private Transportation / Category: Other

Transportation will be in my fully licensed, modern, air-conditioned electric London Black Taxi. We will make occasional stops and take some short strolls during the day.

What's included
Other: Courtesy soft drinks and nibbles.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. • Any collection or drop off required from outside of the central London area. • Entrance fees to any sites and/or attractions for any customised tours. • Most of London's galleries and museums have free entrance, but this can be confirmed upon finalisation of the tour. • My Black Taxi is licensed to carry up to and including 6 passengers. However larger groups can be catered for upon request.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

London, England, United Kingdom

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Photography
Tour reference number
728739
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in London best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in British heritage, as it explores the homes of Winston Churchill and Anne Boleyn. It's also suitable for families and travellers with mobility needs, offering a comfortable and accessible experience.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in London be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

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?

Is this private tour in London suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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