Private tour in London Sam J

The Great Fire of London - 1666 & the World War II Blitz - walking tour with your local 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

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

Sam J.

5.0

Guide rating

23

Reviews

Tours delivered

8 hrs

Avg. response time

Welcome to London. It's one of the wonders of the world and a very exciting place with something for everybody to enjoy. I'm a third generation Londoner and have been born and bred in the City. I'm a qualified City of London guide and have been leading many groups through the city. I love exploring together and each tour is different and everybody brings something new to the day. I've appeared on the US TV network NBC "Today" programme and spoken about what's available for visitors in London. I can run the tours described here or we can customise tours to meet your exact requirements. I've written a series of books "City of London guide books" available on Amazon which give a great background to the walks. I'm a specialist in the art, architecture, sights, eating and drinking places, churches, synagogues, mosques , gardens and history of the City of London and Whitechapel and lead regular walks in the area. I've written books about London's sights, literature and hotels, pubs and restaurants. I'm a graduate of Literature from Cambridge University and our walks are shot through with the history and characters of the city. I've worked in high tech for 40 years and been involved in the business side of the city. In short there's never a dull moment, come rain, wind or shine. I look forward to meeting you. I love to share the highways, byways and alleys of the city. On the walks we explore the key sights of the city, literary, historical background and of course some ancient pubs. Our walks are usually immersive with plenty of chances for everyone to get involved I have worked with the City of London Corporation, Greater London Authority, London Festival of Architecture, IT and Butchers' Livery companies, Circle Squared, Society of Authors, Baker McKenzie, London Unseen, Zyen and many other organisations arranging customised tours. I am a City of London certified guide and a ITG Green Guide. I run tours for the City of London. I also run tours for the Greater London Authority. Other organisations I work with are Circle Squared and Society of Authors. I am a graduate of Cambridge University with a literature degree. I've also a Computer Science qualifications. I do not have any kind of restrictions

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

Overview of your London tour

We'll be starting from near St Pauls and discussing this before and after the fire and the blitz. We look at the Firefighters monument, churches rebuilt after 1666, Wren's vision for the city, and we walk round the area affected by the massive fire in 1666. We read some of the diaries from that time with the graphic descriptions of politicians struggling, people running and the fire blazing. We take time and meander through the city looking at some amazing pre-1666 buildings, the devastation of World War II and the rebuilding of the city. We will look at sights which I cover in more detail in my book available on Amazon "Key tourist sights of interest in the City of London". I worked for many years in the City of London in amongst others, the iconic Gherkin building. I'll share with you my insider stories about living, working and having fun in the city. We will have lots of time for refreshments in the restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs.

Your London tour itinerary

During this tour, we will be able to see: * Firefighters Monument * St Pauls - in both fires * Paternoster Square * Christchurch Grey Friars - burnt, rebuilt, burnt * Pie Corner - where the 1666 fire stopped * St Bartholomew the great - pre 1666 survivor * The oldest inhabited house in London - pre 1666 * Noble Street Roman fort - unearthed in WWII bombing * Guildhall - medieval survivor * Pre 1666 houses and pubs * Post 1666 houses * Monument and the start of the 1666 fire The itinerary is flexible, for any changes please let me know.

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

Walking tour

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Saint Paul's Churchyard, England, England, EC4M 8BX, United Kingdom

City of London visitor centre St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8BX

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
1260892
Languages
Hebrew
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

FAQs

Who is this private tour in London best suited for?

This private tour in London is perfect for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in the Great Fire of 1666 and World War II. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide, Sam J., for deeper insights into the city's past and present. The tour is suitable for families, including kids, and is wheelchair accessible.

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, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

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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