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You can discover some of the people, events and places that have shaped London’s history, politics, buildings, heritage and culture. We will concentrate on the heart of the city – Central London. To help make sense of the sprawling metropolis perhaps it would be useful to bear one thing in mind. London is two cities: the City of London (known as the City), founded by the traders and merchants who still reign in their Square Mile; and the City of Westminster (known as Westminster), which developed later and became the headquarters for the sovereign and his or her court and government.
During our tour we will visit both cities and see some of the most famous London landmarks: Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace with Changing of the Guard, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Harrods, Houses of Parliament, Kensington Palace and the British Museum to name just a few. As well as these celebrated landmarks we’ll also uncover some of London’s hidden treasures from peaceful mews courtyards to the site of the pirate, Captain Kidd’s execution; from the garden where the cottonseeds were grown that started Georgia’s cotton industry to the smallest house in the Capital. We will visit the film locations used in Bridget Jones’s Diary and Harry Potter and we’ll drive by the previous homes of Lawrence of Arabia, JFK, Winston Churchill, Mick Jagger, J M Barrie (Peter Pan) and many more.
As a keen photographer myself I am very much aware that having a good set of photographs of your visit is a key part of the experience. My tour includes photo stops at London's major sights, including the best positioning for great photos. For lunch we can select a traditional London pub, go international, grab a sandwich – there’s so much choice, just let me know what you want and I’ll take you there.
On this full day tour we can visit and explore two or three of London’s major attractions. Enjoy a private tour inside Westminster Abbey. In 1066 William the Conqueror was crowned here; it has witnessed 900 years of coronations. Buried here are 13 Kings and 14 Queens of England. Recent years have seen the funerals of Diana Princess of Wales and the Queen Mother. For many, Westminster Abbey is an absolute must see, the history and architecture are amazing.
Alternatively, have a private tour inside St. Paul’s Cathedral: it is the first English cathedral to be built by a single architect (Christopher Wren), the only one with a dome, the only one to be built between the Reformation and the nineteenth century and the only one in the English Baroque style. If you are feeling energetic climb the 560 steps to the very top of dome, you will be rewarded with incredible views of London. St Paul’s is where Prince Charles married Diana.
You can have a private guided tour of the Tower of London, the oldest palace, fortress and prison in Europe. Nowhere else does London's history come to life so vividly as in this mini-town of 20 towers filled with heraldry and treasure, the intimate details of lords and dukes and princes and sovereigns etched in the walls (literally, in some places), and quite a few pints of royal blood spilled on the stones. The atmosphere is filled with the haunting memories of torture and imprisonment, as well as the richness of the Royal Ceremonies it has hosted. You will be dazzled by the breathtaking Crown Jewels, and also see our traditional Beefeaters and famous Tower ravens.
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