Private tour in London Jill D

The City of London - from 1st Century to 21st Century

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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

Jill D.

5.0

Guide rating

34

Reviews

Tours delivered

12 hrs

Avg. response time

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.

Overview of your London tour

You’ve seen London’s big-ticket sights, so what next? How about going back to the beginning and getting under the skin of 2,000 years of history? For many centuries London was the ‘Square Mile’ – the densely packed area that is now the heart of the financial district. St Paul’s Cathedral is its church, and the Tower of London sits at its border, but there is so much more to it. Come with me and explore the streets and alleyways of the City, unpeeling the layers of history. From Roman walls and temples, through medieval buildings and institutions, the rebirth of the City after the Great Fire of 1666, Victorian markets, up to the present day forest of skyscrapers. Hear how medieval trade guilds have reinvented themselves for the present day, how 17th century coffee houses created our financial institutions, and why pageantry still counts. I’ll weave stories from each period together as we make our way around the City. If this sounds up your alley (pun intended), I’d be delighted to show you around!

Your London tour itinerary

Start at Tower Hill • Roman Londinium – remains of the walls • Great Fire – Samuel Pepys and his diary • Medieval churches – St Olave and All Hallows Staining • 18th Century – Fen Court and the legacy of slavery • Modern – the Eastern Cluster of skyscrapers • Victorian – beautiful Leadenhall Market • 17th-18th century – the alleyways, coffee and the South Sea bubble • Elizabethan – the Royal Exchange • 17th-21st century – the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street, aka the Bank of England • 18th century – Mansion House, fit for a Lord Mayor • Roman London – the Mithraeum, underground temple • Medieval – The Mercers livery company, first in order of precedence • Roman thru Medieval – Guildhall, heart of the City • Medieval to 21st century – the Goldsmiths livery company • Victorian - Postman’s Park, a hidden garden with a secret • Medieval – Christchurch, burial site of Queens • 17th century – Temple Bar, Wren's arch with an intriguing story Finish at St Paul’s Cathedral

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: Walking

This is a walking tour

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Tickets
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Other
Tastings
Food Drinks Snacks
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Services
Meeting location

Tower Hill, London, UK

I can meet you at Tower Hill station, or I can meet you at your hotel and we can travel to the start point together.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1825263
Languages
English
Activity level
Light

FAQs

Who is this private tour in London best suited for?

This private tour in London is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of London's past. You'll delve into 2,000 years of history, from Roman times to the modern day, with stops at iconic sites like the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral. It's ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Jill D. for deeper insights into the city's history.

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?

How much walking is involved?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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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