TOUR GUIDE OF LONDON

Home
United Kingdom
London
TOUR GUIDE OF LONDON

LONDON TOURS WITH A PROFESSIONAL LONDON BLUE BADGE TOUR GUIDE Thematic tours such as the Financial City or literary London a specialty.
(3)

Explore London with your own private guide as this amazing city's past, present and future is brought to life. Hear the stories behind the famous sites such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, enjoy world class museums and art galleries, and discover atmospheric alleys, hidden gardens, unique shops and the quirky details that will make your tour memorable. Please see my web-site for more information on tours for individuals and large corporate groups.

14/05/2024

Tate Modern's Expressionists exhibition explores the works of a circle of friends and collaborators known as The Blue Rider group whose aim was to transform modern art in the early 20th century. As well as some fine works by Kandinsky, this is a great opportunity to see works by artists not often seen in collections here, such as the vibrant works of Franz Marc and women artists like Marianne Werefkin. On until 20th October 2024.

Now booking Tate Modern Exhibition Expressionists Kandinsky, Münter and The Blue Rider Until 20 October 2024 Free for Members Book tickets Become a Member Franz Marc Tiger 1912. Lenbachhaus Munich, Donation of Bernhard and Elly Koehler Discover the story of the friendships that made modern art Expl...

08/04/2024

London Open Gardens Weekend is on June 8th and 9th and is a wonderful opportunity to explore London's green spaces not normally open to the public. Buy your tickets in advance;

Book now for London Open Gardens 2024! This year we celebrate 25 years of unique access to over 100 hidden green spaces not normally open to the public. Join us celebrating our Silver Jubilee over one very special summer weekend. A garden for everyone This much-loved event began with volunteers’ p...

27/03/2024

London Craft Week runs from May 13th -19th and is full of interesting and inspiring events, exhibits, talks and demonstrations. Some are free and others need to be booked. I'm looking forward to seeing the Chihuly glass.

Celebrating outstanding British and international creativity, the festival brings together over 750 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. A curated selection based not on price or fame, but underlying substance. Plus, that essential dash of magic and...

20/03/2024

I went to an inspiring visit to the Acosta Dance Centre in Woolwich yesterday, courtesy of the London Ballet Circle. Having seen a passionate rehearsal of Carmen, I can't wait to see the full production at Sadler's Wells in July. Tickets are selling fast.

The Centre also does wonderful work with the local community and schools offering dance classes in a variety of styles. They are raising money through the Big Give at the moment so every donation is doubled.
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002SEVB5AAP

https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/acosta-danza-carlos-acostas-carmen/

Acosta Danza - Carlos Acosta's Carmen - Sadler's Wells Theatre

20/03/2024

For those who have been on my tours of Leighton House and the Holland Park Circle, don't miss the chance to see Leighton's Flaming June on display until 12th January 2025.

See Frederic, Lord Leighton’s Victorian masterpiece in our free Collection Gallery.

20/03/2024

Sargent and Fashion at Tate Britain is a lovely exhibition with many important loans, including the infamous Madame X. It is also a unique opportunity to see some of the clothes depicted in the paintings, most notably actress Ellen Terry's extraordinary dress she wore as Lady Macbeth. On until 7th July. Booking recommended.

Now booking Tate Britain Exhibition Sargent and Fashion Until 7 July 2024 Free for Members Book tickets Become a Member John Singer Sargent Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1864-1932) 1892 National Galleries of Scotland. Purchased with the aid of the Cowan Smith Bequest Fund 1925 Fashion, identity, painting:....

06/03/2024

Tickets are on sale for the rehearsals for Trooping the Colour (the KIng's birthday parade) and the ballot for the event itself.

On 8th June 2024 up to 1450 soldiers of the Household Division and The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, along with up to 400 musicians from the Massed Bands, all of whom will parade on Horse Guards for the second of two formal Reviews.

28/02/2024

The Glass Heart is the latest exhibition at Two Temple Place. It show cases the skill of glass makers from the past and present. On until 21st April 2024 Two Temple Place

Two Temple Place, one of London’s hidden architectural gems, hosts exhibitions and events and is owned by the charity The Bulldog Trust.

28/02/2024

The Courtauld Gallery is one of my favourite art galleries in London. I love showing clients the permanent collection which includes London's finest Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. They also stage small, fascinating exhibitions. At the moment it is the remarkable portraits by Frank Auerback. On until 27th May. The Courtauld

A remarkable group of early drawings by Frank Auerbach (b. 1931), produced in the 1950s and 1960s during his time as a young artist in post-war London, will be presented together as a comprehensive group for the first time.

25/01/2024

The brilliant production of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice which sets the play in 1936 with the rise of British Fascists is coming to the West End from 15th February for a limited run. I saw this at the atmospheric Wilton's Music Hall in the heart of the area where this production is set, however it deserves to be seen by more people. A very timely production.
https://merchantofvenice1936.co.uk/?

Ambition, power and political unrest explode onto the stage in The Merchant of Venice 1936, direct from the RSC. Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman (Eastenders, Doctor Who) as Shylock, Shakespeare’s classic is transported to 1930s Britain in this ground-breaking new production from acclaimed director Brig...

16/01/2024

Brighten up your January with a visit to the annual Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf from January 17th to 27th. To discover more about the history of the area book me for a Docklands walking tour.

Winter Lights returns in January for its seventh year – Canary Wharf will be transformed into a huge outdoor art spectacular, lit up by works new, returning and specially commissioned. This innovative, interactive light exhibition delights hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, so book a ta...

16/01/2024

There is a huge range of restaurants in London to satisfy the most demanding foodie. Many have become extremely expensive since the pandemic, but there are deals to be found particularly at lunchtime or early evening, so ideal for a pre-theatre meal. Here are the recommendations from the Michelin Guide:
https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/best-of/the-cheapest-michelin-star-restaurants-in-london?

Eating wonderful food is one of life’s great pleasures. That’s what the Michelin Star represents: it directs you to restaurants that serve truly memorable ...

03/01/2024

For art lovers there are plenty of exciting exhibitions to look forward to in 2024 including:
Sargent and Fashion at Tate Britain 22/2-7/7/24
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/sargent-and-fashion

Angelica Kaufman at the Royal Academy 1/3-30/6/24
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/angelica-kauffman

Modernism in Ukraine at Royal Academy 29/6-13/10/23
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/eye-of-the-storm

Expressionists Kadinsky, Munter and the Blue Rider 25/4-20/10/24
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/expressionists

Now You See Us - Women Artists in Britain at Tate Britain 16/5-13/10/24
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/women-artists-in-britain-1520-1920

Michael Craig-Martin at Royal Academy 21/9-10/12/24
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/michael-craig-martin

Monet and London at Courtauld 27/9/24-19/1/25
https://courtauld.ac.uk/whats-on/exh-monet-and-london-views-of-the-thames/

Van Gogh Poets and Lovers at the National Gallery 14/9/24-19/1/25
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/van-gogh-poets-and-lovers

Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael at Royal Academy 9/11/24-16/2/25
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/michelangelo-leonardo-raphael

To gain an insight into the permanent collections of these galleries, book a tour with me! We can also explore the private commercial galleries in the St James's area and/or street art in Shoreditch.

Now booking Tate Britain Exhibition Sargent and Fashion 22 February – 7 July 2024 Free for Members Book tickets Become a Member John Singer Sargent, Lady Helen Vincent, Viscountess d'Abernon, 1904Collection of the Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama; Museum purchase with funds provided by John Bohor...

30/12/2023

London's New Year's Day Parade starts at midday on Piccadilly. Full details on the website. Happy New Year to all!
https://lnydp.com/parade-location-timing/?

Each week, from the 1st April, we will be announcing new participants that are set to perform at London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2024.

08/12/2023

Come face to face with the Tudors at the excellent "Holbein at the Tudor Court" exhibition at The Queen's Gallery. It is worth visiting the two rooms on Holbein's techniques before starting the main exhibition.

Exploring the art of Hans Holbein, the ‘image-maker’ of the Tudor court.

04/12/2023

Art lovers won't want to miss "Impressionists on Paper" at the Royal Academy. As well as works by Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh etc there are some wonderful pieces by lesser known artists such as Zandomeneghi. Through drawings, pastels, watercolours, temperas and gouaches, sketches and completed works, this exhibition is a feast for the eye. On until 10th March 2024.
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/impressionists-on-paper?

Degas, Cézanne, Morisot, Van Gogh. You might recognise their paintings, but it’s their radical works on paper we put the spotlight on in this ground-breaking exhibition.

17/11/2023

Sondheim's Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre is a wonderful celebration of his great gifts as a lyricist and composer. A fabulous cast and excellent band in a well paced production make this a must for all lovers of musical theatre.

Book tickets today to see Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends. Performances from 16th Sept 2023 - 6th Jan 2024.

04/11/2023

The first of the Christmas lights and decorations have appeared in London. Discover the origins of our festive traditions whilst enjoying the beautifully decorated streets and shop windows on my Christmas Lights and Traditions walking tour. Ideal for a group of friends!

One of the most unique experiences around this time is to visit the extraordinary Dennis Severs House. Booking essential:

Dennis Severs' House website

01/11/2023

The Lord Mayor's Show is the longest and oldest civic procession in the world. Experience it on Saturday 11th November. All the details of the procession route and timings on the website. Discover more about the unique "Square Mile" on one of my City of London walking tours.

Welcome! Alderman Vincent Keaveny has been elected as the 693rd Lord Mayor of the City of London and the 2021 Lord Mayor's Show is on! It begins at 11am on Saturday 13 November 2021.

19/10/2023

The Frans Hals exhibition at the National Gallery will delight all who love portraits, Dutch art and/or brilliant brushwork. With significant international loans this is a great opportunity to see how Hals art developed over time whilst still capturing the character and humour of his sitters. On until 21st Jnauary 2024.

Four hundred years since they were painted, Frans Hals’s portraits still breathe with life. There’s the hint of a smile, a hand resting nonchalantly on a hip, and just occasionally, a burst of laughter.

12/09/2023

London has two new free viewing galleries on top of skyscrapers in the City. Having been up both with the architects before they opened to the public, I can confirm they offer fabulous views. The Lookout at #8 Bishopsgate is already open and timed free tickets for the taller Horizon 22 at #22 Bishopsgate are available from 27th September.

To put it all in context, hire me for a walking tour of the modern architecture of the City.
https://www.8bishopsgate.com/lookout

https://horizon22.co.uk/

Horizon 22. London's highest free viewing platform

05/09/2023

The fascinating London Transport Museum Depot in Acton is only opened to the public a few times a year, although you can arrange a private visit. The next public open day is 21st-24th September.

Explore the Depot on three open weekends each year. Discover rare road and rail vehicles spanning over 100 years, signs, ceramic tiles, original posters, ephemera, ticket machines, and more.

01/09/2023

Tickets for the next set of Big Ben tours in December go on sale on 13th September. They sell out fast!

To discover more about the Westminster area, book me for my Westminster walking tour to hear the stories behind the famous sites as well as exploring some lovely hidden backstreets.

Book an official tour of Big Ben to explore the Elizabeth Tower, the famous tower of Parliament

23/08/2023

The annual Open House Festival in September provides a great opportunity to visit inside places which are normally closed to the public.

Open Call: new proposals and early-bird submissions now open 💚 Open Call: new proposals and early-bird submissions now open 💚 Have something to show off? Click here to contribute to this year’s festival Open House Festival 2023Wednesday 06 – Sunday 17 September 2023Save the dates for the O...

22/08/2023

The City of London is reimagining the famous Bartholomew Fair with a series of events between 31st August and 16th September.
https://www.thecityofldn.com/bartholomew-fair/?

Over three weeks of free stunning performances and cultural events as the City of London’s historic Bartholomew Fair is reimagined.

21/08/2023

London Theatre Week gives you the opportunity to buy tickets at discounted prices this week. To find more about London's famous Theatreland, book my walking tour of the area!

It's London Theatre Week! Book West End theatre tickets to some of the best shows in London today.

15/08/2023

Brain Clarke's exhibition of stained glass "A Great Light" at Newport Street Gallery is a visual treat. On until 24th September.

An exhibition of works by Brian Clarke, who is widely regarded to be the most important artist working in stained glass today, will go on view at Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery from 9 June 2023. A Great Light, presented by HENI, celebrates Clarke’s 70th year with an extraordinary collecti...

05/08/2023

For those interested in architecture, the Herzog and de Meuron exhibition at the Royal Academy is worth seeing. As well as the usual collection of models, including those for Tate Modern, one room is dedicated to the development of a children's hospital in Switzerland showing how technology is utilised in helping all involved develop the project. To get the most out of the exhibition you must download the app from the QR code so you can use the augmented reality features. A fascinating glimpse on how traditional drawings, model making and the laterst technology are brought together by architects to create new buildings. On until 15th October.

Look behind the scenes of Herzog & de Meuron and immerse yourself in one of the most revered architecture practices in the world.

01/08/2023

The "Blue Badge" is the highest guiding qualification in the country. Applications for the next London course are now open until 27th September. Full details including how to apply, booking the pre-entry test, interviews etc on the link. The course starts in January 2024 with final exams in summer 2025.
https://britainsbestguides.org/london-blue-badge-course/?

If you're looking for a career change the London Blue Badge Tourist Guide Course might be just for you. Completion of this course will give you a rewarding career, where no two days are the same, providing you with an exciting opportunity to work as a freelancer or business owner.

20/07/2023

It is always a pleasure to visit Dulwich Picture Gallery with its wonderful permanent collection including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Canaletto, Gainsborough etc. They also host excellent exhibitions such as "Berthe Morisot Shaping Impressionism" which is on until 10th September.

Berthe Morisot: Shaping Impressionsim, the first major UK exhibition of the trailblazing Impressionist at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Address

London

Website

http://www.tourguideoflondon.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when TOUR GUIDE OF LONDON posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Private, customised London tours

Explore London with your own private guide as this amazing city's past, present and future is brought to life. Hear the stories behind the famous sites such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, enjoy world class museums and art galleries, and discover atmospheric alleys, hidden gardens, unique shops and the quirky details that will make your tour memorable. Thematic tours such as the Financial City or literary London a specialty. Please see my web-site for more information on tours for individuals and large corporate groups.