Private tour in London Vivien S

Windsor Castle - your exclusive private guided tour

5.0

(9) reviews

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Hours icon 7 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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-
Hours icon 7 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Vivien S.

5.0

Guide rating

349

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

I LOVE London! Obvious?. . . . . But I really, really KNOW London too. A proud holder of the prestigious LONDON BLUE BADGE TOURIST GUIDE qualification, (amongst other guiding qualifications), I can offer you private, exclusive and in-depth tours of the very best locations that London has to offer. My specialities are the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, the British Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum, the National Gallery, Kensington Palace, the Churchill War Rooms, Kew Gardens, Buckingham Palace (during summer opening). . . . the list is long. I love giving themed guided London tours. How did London develop from a muddy Roman foreshore to become one of the world's most important financial hubs? I'll show you how and where it all began. Want to immerse yourself in the 17th C churches of Christopher Wren? I can offer you a tour featuring his hidden gems and his great masterpiece, St Paul's Cathedral. Intrigued by our royal family? Join me for a guided walk around Royal London - the palaces, the stories, the history, the pomp and ceremony, the scandal and the gossip. . . Love architecture? I'll show you medieval churches, lead you through ancient alleyways and reveal the glories of 19th C London, or I can show you sections of the ancient Roman wall which can be found in some very surprising hidden places. Lots of world-class contemporary architecture too. London was founded on the banks of the River Thames - but why? I can take you on a river-side walk to show and tell you about the history of London's global trading past. Or we could cross the Thames and discover what happened on the south bank; the "wild" side of Southwark, with its early theatres and other more dubious places of entertainment, all within the shadow of the Shard. . . . And that's just a little teaser of the themes I cover in my London tours. Why don't you email me and tell me what interests YOU and I'll compose a private tour just for you! Architecture, churches, 17th Century coffee house history, in-depth financial history, Royal London, The Great Fire, literary London, the River Thames - or what about a highlights tour with a bit of everything? If you want to snap and dash (photos of everything) we can do that too. I am proud to be one of the few official fully-qualified City of London Guides & Lecturers who is also a St Paul's Cathedral guide. I have in-depth knowledge of the history of the cathedral and its construction after the Great Fire of 1666. I'm also something of a Sir Christopher Wren fan. It would be my pleasure to personally guide you through this world-famous cathedral with its London landmark dome, and take you on a walking tour down alleyways to discover some of his other hidden architectural gems. But if it's art you're after, I'm also an official guide at one of London's best-kept secrets; Guildhall Art Gallery. With its important collection of Victorian paintings, it's historic London art and hidden Roman amphitheatre, it is well-worth discovering and we could include it in a City of London tour. About me: Guiding is my passion. I'm also a dog-owning, country-walking, museum-junkie, old books on London-collecting knitting nut that drinks rather a lot of tea, preferably from a London-themed mug with a slice of something nice on the side. Coming to London? Great! Feel free to get in touch and let's work out how to make the most of your precious time. It's my job and my pleasure to show you the wonders of London so that you go home with precious memories to cherish forever. And of course a few photos! Looking forward to hearing from you, With warmest wishes Vivien Proud holder of the LONDON BLUE BADGE TOURIST GUIDE qualification - the highest guiding qualification. Blue Badge guides are the ONLY guides PERMITTED to guide within many important London venues. Member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding (ITG). City of London Guide & Lecturer - Institute of Tourist Guiding (ITG) accredited. St Paul's Cathedral Guide - Institute of Tourist Guiding (ITG) special accreditation. City of Westminster Guide - University of Westminster, London. Windsor Castle accredited guide. Windsor & Eton accredited guide. Guildhall Art Gallery Guide - City of London. Accredited to guide inside Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, British Museum, the National Gallery, St Paul's Cathedral, Churchill War Rooms, V&A Museum, British Museum, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Kew Gardens Coach/mini-bus guiding. The Culture of the English Country House - University of Oxford English Landscape Gardens: 1650 to the Present Day - University of Oxford Member of the V&A Museum Member of The English Speaking Union. Life-long member of the Tufty Road Safety Club My tours are mostly walking tours using public transport and/or taxis which can be hailed in the street when required. If you want a private vehicle and driver for your London tour, or a day out of London, I will hire a suitable vehicle and a driver.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Vivien S.

Overview of your London tour

WINDSOR CASTLE: pre-purchased timed entry tickets are ESSENTIAL. Please contact me before booking your tour to check availability for the date/time you require. CLOSED TUES/WED. Blue Badge Tourist Guides with the specific Windsor Castle Accreditation are THE ONLY GUIDES permitted to guide within the castle precincts! This is a very important historic site so only a few guides have this access. Certain guiding restrictions apply - I will forward guide where necessary. This historic Royal castle has belonged to monarchs since the 11th C and was the favoured residence of our late Queen Elizabeth who is laid to rest here. Visit the State Apartments where monarchs have entertained for centuries and where priceless items such as Dutch Masters, furniture, sculpture, and paintings from the priceless Royal Collection are on display. The castle has played an important role in the history of Great Britain. Learn about the devastating fire of 1992 and see how the castle has been refurbished.

Recent Reviews

Mark C.United States
August 2025

Another outstanding tour with Vivien. She ensured up front that we obtained all the necessary passes and times. Tour is well described in the listing and was delivered flawlessly (no fault for the English showers that day). We saw 4 distinct aspects of the castle, with excellent commentary throughout. So much history to absorb for us, but she has mastery of it all. No issues meeting up at Paddington Station and the train rides were pleasant too. The walk into town was a nice break and lunch by the river very nice. Highly recommend!

Amelia H.
March 2025

We just finished two lovely days of touring London with Vivien Schrager-Powell, and it was terrific! Vivien is incredibly knowledgeable about the city and made learning its history truly engaging. The tour was well-planned, allowing us to see all the main sights, along with unique insights and fun stories we wouldn’t have discovered on our own. Vivien was always happy to answer questions and shared fascinating anecdotes that brought the palaces and churches to life. The pacing was perfect—never too fast or too slow. I’d highly recommend Vivien to anyone visiting London. Her passion for the city is evident, and it makes all the difference!

Glen L.United States
September 2023

Great tour of Windsor with Vivian! She is cheerful and helpful.

Ruth C.United States
December 2022

Vivien was a wonderful guide to Windsor Castle. She was attentive to our interests and made sure everything went smoothly with all of the logistics. Her knowledge of the castle and the surrounding area greatly enhanced our experience.

David J. Y.Canada
November 2022

Vivien's historical knowledge is vast and and she is an excellent teacher for Windsor Castle. I didn't know it was so big and had such a long history. Vivien knew and I learned. We got early entry tickets to pass the long line up and spent about three hours walking thru the glorious past. This is my second tour with Vivien and I highly recommended her.

Eugene C.United States
April 2022

Vivien was knowledgeable and delightful. We totally enjoyed our visit and tour. Gene & Amy (USA)

Your London tour itinerary

Meet: London's Paddington (mainline NOT the underground) Station. Train from Paddington to Windsor & Eton station - about 45 minutes. Private guided tour of Windsor Castle (we can only visit the parts normally open to the public) Highlights include St George's Chapel, the burial places of eleven monarchs including Henry VIII, State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls House, armour, priceless paintings, and historic artifact displays. Occasional special exhibits. Some locations such as the State Apartments do not permit guiding inside but usually permit guides to accompany their guests around the various rooms. I will forward the guide where necessary. Tour takes about 2. 5 - 3 hours. Highlights also include the King's Guards who are on duty at the Castle. Walkabout 15 minutes for lunch in Windsor. I will pre-book a restaurant for you. I accompany you on your return train journey to Paddington station.

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Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train

National rail service from Paddington station to Windsor & Eton station and back to Paddington plus some walking.

What's included
Other: My Blue Badge guiding services and my special Windsor Castle guiding accreditation. My train fare from Paddington to Windsor, Windsor back to Paddington.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Entry tickets: These are for strictly timed entry so it is ESSENTIAL that they are purchased in advance after booking your tour with me. £31 per adult (2025 price). Your train fare from Paddington to Windsor & Eton is roughly £19 per adult.
Private Transportation
Tastings
Private Transportation With Driver
Equipment
Services
Classes Workshop
Accommodation
Meeting location

Praed Street, England, England, W2 1HU, United Kingdom

Meet at London's Paddington station (the main line station NOT the underground station). The exact spot is on Platform One, under the very large overhead clock and by the bronze statue of Paddington Bear.

Other details
Tour categories
History
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Food And Drink
City Highlights
Religious Sites
Architecture
Tour reference number
318310
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in London best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who are interested in British history and royal heritage. It's ideal for those who want an exclusive experience with a knowledgeable guide, as Vivien S. holds the special Windsor Castle guiding accreditation. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for those who prefer a moderate level of activity.

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?

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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 7 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

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