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Private tour in London Lesley M
Roman London beneath your feet
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Lesley M.
4.5
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Welcome to London. I'm a Londoner through and through and a former award winning BBC radio journalist. Let me show you round my home town! I'm an experienced and enthusiastic guide and qualified to show you around London - taking in iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster, The Royal Parks, and the historic City of London, with its Roman remains and breathtaking modern skyscrapers. I am a qualified City of London and City of Westminster Guide, and am fully insured to guide you safely on the busy streets. I lead tours for agencies as well as creating walks which follow my particular passions. I love history - having studied it to degree level at York University. One of the key themes of my professional life is storytelling. I want to tell you tales about how London became such a great city. There's almost two thousand years of history to delve into on my tours. From monarchs, scientists, and entrepreneurs, to people working in the arts, to rebels and campaigners wanting change - they've all left their mark. I love historical gossip - as a former journalist - of course I do! I'll always do my best to entertain you with unusual insights on my tours. I have a particular interest in Roman, Medieval and Tudor London and I love bringing people's stories to life on my walks: from playwright William Shakespeare, to famous and infamous monarchs, or far-sighted Lord Mayors of London, like Richard Whittington - just a few characters that feature. I'm also fascinated by the City of London's commercial and financial history, as I worked as a BBC business journalist for many years. Just how did all that financial expertise end up crammed into the City? I can take you around little-known historic alleyways to reveal how financial companies first got started hundreds of years ago. Hint! They began in coffee shops - rather like many start up companies today. I'll also take you to cutting edge skyscrapers with nicknames - like the Gherkin or the Cheese grater. When I'm not walking around London, I'm a keen musician, playing the clarinet and singing in various choirs. Let me guide you around the fascinating streets of London. City of Westminster Guide Lecturers Association: membership no: 387 https://westminsterguides.org.uk/guide-profile/lesley-mcalpine/ City of London Guide and Lecturers Association: membership number: 927 https://www.cityoflondonguides.com/find/lesleymcalpine History Honours Degree York University I am not a Blue Badge Guide: so I cannot guide inside The Tower of London or other Royal Palaces; or Westminster Abbey; or St Paul's Cathedral. I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lesley M.
Just what did the Romans ever do for ancient Londinium?
Overview of your London tour
Ever wondered how London - or Londinium - got started? Join your expert guide to find out. To quote the comedy Monty Python film team, the Romans really did create roads, a fresh water system, public order and gruesome forms of entertainment for ancient Londoners in the newly created capital. The City became a valuable trading post, attracting people from around the Empire to make it their home. Come with me to see an ancient temple to a mysterious sun god; the remains of a Roman amphitheatre, where gladiators fought wild beasts; and parts of the original London Wall. You'll be going back in time - almost two thousand years - to walk in the footsteps of Emperors.
Your London tour itinerary
Views of St Paul's Cathedral Site of Roman baths at Cleary Gardens The Mithraeum, (Temple to Mithras) - (the guide will pre-book free timed tickets). NB The Mithraeum is closed on Mondays Guildhall Yard and Art Gallery (free entry to the Roman Amphitheatre in the Art Gallery basement. Open Daily) Section of London Roman Wall via Wood Street - with views of St Alphege Gardens St Giles Cripplegate church - the north west boundary of the Roman Wall and fort End of Tour (NB in case of rain - the route can be adjusted to include an extra indoor site where the Roman market and law courts were at Leadenhall.)
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Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a linear walking tour with some steps involved - so not a fully accessible walk. Approximately 1.5 miles of walking involved. We start by St Paul's underground station on the Central Line and finish near Moorgate/St Paul's underground stations.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Cheapside, England, England, EC2V 6BJ, United Kingdom
Meet outside St Paul's underground station, exit 2. This is on the Central Line.
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- 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.