London Boutique Tours

11/11/2023

The Lord Mayor’s Blessing in front of St. Paul’s in the Lord Mayor’s Show today.

01/11/2023

I took a tour of one of the four Inn’s of Court - Lincoln’s Inn, and isn’t their law library spectacular?! There is so much history right here. Famous members - John Donne, Sir Thomas More, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, amongst many more! The old hall held Fire Court proceedings after the Great Fire of London, and the undercroft of the chapel sadly became a place where foundlings were left. The children taken in from here were given the surname, Lincoln. Finally, many movies were filmed here including Wonder Woman!

17/10/2023

This unsuspecting townhouse at 23-24 Leinster Gardens has a little secret. It’s not a townhouse at all!! This little farce was constructed to hide the fact that the Metropolitan Line went right through it, and this certainly looks better than that.

People have had fun with this fact through the years, and in the 1930s many unsuspecting party goers were invited here to a garden soirée. When they arrived - the joke was on them!

You may also recognize it from the BBC’s Sherlock when Mary’s face is projected onto the building, and she is confronted by John Watson in the 5 ft. thick interior.

Keep an eye out for it when you’re between Paddington Station and Bayswater, but I won’t blame you if you pass right by it. People who live in the neighborhood don’t even know about it!

04/10/2023

What a wonderful talk about the history of jewellery entitled “From Elizabeth I to Elizabeth Taylor.” And what a surprise to have John Benjamin from as our speaker! It was as much fun and entertaining as informative. And it was extremely useful for my British Fashion tours of the V&A!

01/10/2023

Took some American football fans on my Rebellious Pub Tour of The City of London. This is our stop at The Cockpit pub - named for the famed Cockpit fights in the area. These were brutal fights to the death, and a very lucrative sport for the owners. Thankfully, it’s now just a very quaint, British pub today.

01/10/2023

Just finished giving my clients a tour of Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms, and I love to point out the outside of the Public Works building. This unassuming building in Whitehall, London took care of a national treasure - Winston Churchill - during WW2. This was the actual entrance to the Cabinet War Rooms where Churchill directed the war. He mostly slept in the ground floor rooms, Dubbed Number 10 Annex, but when necessary, he could head downstairs to the bunker. Look for the patches around the windows on the ground floor from the steel shutters that used to protect the Prime Minister during those dark days of WW2.

29/09/2023

Had the best time showing these fun-loving Midwesterners around London for a Rebellious Pub Walk through Smithfield. Join me and I’ll take you into the haunted cell-ar of one pub with cells left over from Newgate Prison!

20/09/2023

I think it’s safe to say my clients had a good time in my Royal London Changing of the Guard Tour with a visit to the Household Cavalry Museum!

16/09/2023

For London Open House I decided to volunteer at The Order of St John Museum, Church and Crypt. What a hidden gem! The order started in Jerusalem before the Crusades, protecting and taking care of pilgrims. They eventually moved to various places across the world as an knightly order and health care service. When we lived in New Zealand, St. John Ambulance was the only way to get to the hospital in emergencies.
The space boasts a gate and meeting rooms that go back to the 1500s, a church that was rebuilt after the Blitz, and a 1,000 year old crypt.
If you’re in London make sure to make time for a visit. You won’t be disappointed.

15/09/2023

On my British Fashion tour of the V&A we came across this fellow in a salvaged 18th Century room from Marylebone. He is called an “inanimate companion” and might’ve been used for his owner’s’ amusement. Historians aren’t quite sure, but he displays great British Fashion in the 1700s. Would you like one in your home? I think he’d make me jump every time in the night!

10/08/2023

I’ve just delivered my newly minted East London Street Art Tour today, and it was amazing to see my clients’ faces as they discovered new pieces of art around every corner! The pieces change daily, so every tour is a new adventure! Here’s a selection of this weeks’ sightings. Next week will be completely different, and I’m here for it!

20/07/2023

When the guards are not changing at Buckingham Palace, head down The Mall for the Changing of the Horse Guards on Horse Guards Parade. All the ceremony and precision, plus horses! 🐴

18/07/2023

I’ve got another tour on offer - a private walking tour of Greenwich! Learn how this riverside town became home-away-from-home to royalty, it’s naval and astronomical heritage and the strong women who shaped its history. The stories could be in a Bridgerton episode! In fact, I can show you filming locations as well! Greenwich has it all!

08/07/2023

Dearest Gentle Reader,

When you look at this house, I have no doubt that you know it is home to the Bridgerton family, but they actually had an neighbor whose life was every bit as scandal ridden as theirs.

Princess Caroline of Brunswick married George (IV), Prince of Wales before she learned that he needed her money more than her heart. He carried on many affairs, but it was not his affairs that bothered parliament, but hers. Their “Delicate Investigation” of 1806 cleared her of all charges, but you know how important a good reputation is for a woman.

The couple separated after the birth of their only child, Charlotte, and Caroline set up a separate court here in Greenwich. When the coronation of George IV occurred in Westminster Abbey, Queen Caroline was refused entry because she didn’t have a ticket. She tried to enter multiple doorways, but was barred from her own coronation as Queen Consort. She left the Abbey in public disgrace and died just a short time later.

As we bid adieu to enigmatic Queen Caroline, let us not forget her enduring spirit and the indomitable mark she left on history.

Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown

Learn more about Greenwich and it’s famous inhabitants on a tour with me!

05/07/2023

Check out my blog to see London's Changing of the Guard like a pro!
https://londonboutiquetours.com/f/see-the-changing-of-the-guard-like-a-pro

London’s world-famous Changing of the Guard is an absolute must-do for visitors, and it’s not hard to understand why. The grandeur of soldiers in their bearskin hats and vibrant red tunics marching in unison with a mili...

30/06/2023

What is a Diva? Is it a complement or a criticism? Ponder these questions and celebrate these strong, creative performers at the V&A!

💫 Tina Turner
💫 Cher
💫 Rihanna
💫 Marilyn Monroe
💫 Gloria Swanson
💫 Elton John

29/06/2023

I love when clients on my Changing of the Guard tour get to see Seamus, the Irish Guard’s wolfhound! Irish wolfhounds are brave, gentle giants, and they are the tallest dog breed. They were originally used in war to drag soldiers from their horses! They are so well known for their bravery that they are called Cu Faoil Croga in Ireland, meaning brave hound. 🍀💂‍♀️🐾

24/06/2023

Snagged some great views for my private tour of the Changing of the Guard 💂‍♀️ If you don’t like crushing crowds, come along with me. You’ll get awesome views, explanations about what’s happening and the history behind it.

21/06/2023

I literally went to the center of London today, and this fellow marks it. It’s said that all distances from/to London start and end here. This guy started his career at 5’6” and ended it at 4’8” give or take. Who was he❓

08/06/2023

Only a few days left to see the Donatello exhibition at the V&A. It closes on the 11th. Have you seen it or going this weekend? Let me know your thoughts.

19/05/2023

In honor of new adventures, I've dedicated my first ever London travel blog to first time visitors. If you've never been here, you are in for a treat! I've pointed out the iconic sights most hope to see and added some classic London pubs and tea rooms to round out a perfect first time in London. If you've been here before, stay tuned because I'll be giving my recommendations for London's hidden gems. It's the kind of city that's new every time you visit, if you know where to go. Enjoy!

London is the ultimate destination for first-timers heading to Europe. Everyone speaks English, the city's got more history than you can shake a stick at, and the Royal Family have been in the headlines for more than 1,...

17/05/2023

Fortnum & Mason should be proud as a peacock 🦚 because this gorgeous sculpture is made from their recycled biscuit tins!

19/03/2023

Happened upon Leake Street (aka Banksy Tunnel) in Lambeth. It’s under Waterloo Station and so worth a look. The smell of fresh paint is strong, and the clubs and restaurants look amazing.

26/02/2023

Sundays and roasts go hand in hand and when in Mayfair the choices are plentiful. Loved ours The sirloin 🥩 with horseradish and the roast chicken 🐔 with stuffing we’re top notch. Add an endive 🥬 Stilton 🧀 and beetroot salad for a delish starter and you’re ready for a perfect Sunday afternoon nap! Or rugby 🏉

16/02/2023

I had a great time sharing The Story of Theatre at the V&A with this lovely group. If you’d like to book a tour yourself, follow the link below or message me. I’d love to show you around this world class museum. Check out my website to find other tours.

13/02/2023

Ever notice these guys in certain parts of London? They’re not leftover Harry Potter props, they’re re the City of London’s heraldic dragons 🐉 and they mark the boundaries of the ancient Square Mile that goes all the way back to Roman times. They built a wall around “Londinium” almost 2,000 years ago, and parts of it still exist, and where they don’t, there are dragons to protect it. Why not join me on a tour of this amazing City?

07/02/2023

Grab a seat to the table with these lovable dinner mates in London! have made such a fun sculpture with an important message, aptly named The Wild Table of Love. They have both spent a lot of time in Africa and are passionate about saving these gorgeous animals. Stop by and take a selfie with your dinner party and scan the QR code to see how you can be involved with making sure these animals are here for generations to come. They are in Paternoster Square, just through the Temple Bar gate from St. Paul’s cathedral.

03/02/2023

Here's what's on this month in London! The Story of Theatre at the world renowned Victoria and Albert Museum and London's on Fire! - covering the 2 Great Fires of London.
Contact me for custom tours of London and/or Westminster crafted just for you!
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/february-events-1712579

31/01/2023

Greetings from the Prime Meridian! It’s from this beautiful Christopher Wren designed building that the eastern and western hemispheres are divided - zero degrees longitude. And historically everywhere on earth was measured in terms of its distance east or west of this line. Every day at 13:00 GMT the ball drops so ships could check the time before heading out to sea.

21/01/2023

If you’re busy shopping on New Bond Street you might think these are just two old guys 👴🏻👴🏻 having a chat on a bench, but they are made of bronze and they are Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt! These two worked together to help end World War 2 and the sculpture is aptly named Allies by Lawrence Holofcener. I am currently working on a new tour showcasing American history in London called Family Ties. This gem will certainly be on the Westminster tour! There’s also one in the City of London. Check out all my tours on my website. Link in bio.

17/01/2023

Got to play dress up in Goldsmiths Hall! I am in the gorgeous fur lined prime warden’s robe here. The goldsmiths go all the way back to Roman times in London and the livery company got its charter from Edward III in the 1300s! The hall is as sumptuous as you would expect from goldsmiths- lots of gold and silver leaf on everything, silver plates, and stunning trophies. It is difficult to get a tour, I waited months for mine, but if you get a chance, go! They also have an annual goldsmiths fair in September that is equally worth attending. You would help goldsmith company charities and you could pick up a one of a kind piece of jewelry! I am assured that there are affordable pieces as well as show stoppers in the mix.

11/01/2023

Discover the Story of Theatre at the V&A with me! It ends at the blockbuster new exhibition, Re:Imagining Musicals. Check it out at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-story-of-theatre-tour-of-the-va-tickets-501244875917

09/01/2023

Gave my London’s Burning tour today. In its 2,000 year history, London has burned many times. First, by Queen Boudicca who destroyed Roman Londinium, then many smaller fires until 1666 and the Great Fire of London, when 5/6 of the City burned. It all started in Thomas Farynor’s bakery oven. Fast forward to 1940 and London’s Second Great Fire. It occurred when Germany tried to break the will of the British people through almost nightly bombing, The Blitz. Each time, just like a phoenix rising from the ashes, London rebuilt and became stronger through it all.

07/01/2023

And that’s a wrap on my Dickens of a Christmas Carol Tour for this season! I had an amazing time touring this group of fellow tour guides to finish out the season. Stay tuned for new tours of the V&A!!

06/01/2023

Christmas and pantomimes go hand in hand, and I got to see one of the best - Jack and the Beanstalk in the gorgeous London Palladium. A huge beanstalk literally grew out of the floor of the theatre! Hilariously entertaining with songs, dancing and lots of jokes and innuendo the actors kept the audience constantly in stitches. A great holiday tradition to continue next year.

23/12/2022

Merry Christmas from Beatrix Potter. The exhibition closes in early January, so get in while you can!

21/12/2022

I love Wren’s Baroque architecture with a Christmasy flair. 🎄Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt more than 50 churches after the Great Fire of London in 1666 and St. Paul’s is his crowning achievement. He is buried in the crypt and his tombstone says - “if you seek his monument, look around you!”

20/12/2022

No way!!!

The cottage from The Holiday can now be booked on Airbnb for the most Christmassy of winter getaways in Surrey.

20/12/2022

Merry Christmas from Jubilee, one of the Ravens of the Tower of London. Superstition holds that "if the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it."

19/12/2022

Nothing says Christmas in London like Wow! The lights, the shops, the food! It’s a not to be missed attraction anytime, but at Christmas, it’s magic! 🪄