Ben Nolan

Profile updated 23/03/23

Regional Qualification(s):

London

Language(s):

English

Phone Number(s):

07720 217082

Contact guide

Introduction:

I’m Ben Nolan and I am a London Blue Badge Guide, and a City of London Guide.

There is so much to see in London and beyond that it can be daunting for a visitor, or even for those who live here in the UK. That’s where I come in. Together we can arrange an itinerary to suit your interests and the amount of time you have. I can provide you with one of my ready-made tours, or create one just for you. My aim is to help you make the most of your time in London and leave you with wonderful memories of this amazing city.

As a Blue Badge guide, I can take you on a tour inside venues that other guides cannot, including some of the most fascinating and historic places in the world, such as Westminster Abbey and The Tower of London. I have also studied St Paul’s Cathedral in depth and am a qualified in-house guide at the Cathedral. And I’m an official guide for The Charles Dickens Museum, for whom I take walking tours and house tours.

London is full of fabulous museums and galleries and I can show you the treasures that lie within The British Museum, The National Gallery, The Museum of London or any others that take your fancy.

I love showing guests the sights of London on foot and have a number of walking tours I offer, including Dickens’s London, The Beatles’ London, Jack the Ripper, The East End, The City of London, Westminster, Royal London, Chelsea, Docklands and Canary Wharf.

And if you want to add a little shopping into your trip, why not let me take you to where you can find what you’re looking for, and maybe show you around some of the most famous and beautiful shops in London, such as Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Harrods to name a few.

As well as showing you what London has to offer, I can also show you some wonderful places outside of the capital. Areas of my particular interest and expertise are Oxford, Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge and Stratford-Upon-Avon.

So whatever your plans are for enjoying your visit, I can help you achieve them. I can promise you a fun, friendly and well-informed guide. You can see what others have thought by having a look at some of my TripAdviser reviews under Ben’s City Tours, London.

Special Interests:

Art/Paintings & Sculpture

London has the most amazing galleries. Whether you have a particular interest such as British art, Italian Renaissance Masters, Impressionists, Pre-Raphaelite or pretty much anything else, you can find it in a London gallery, and I can not only show you where, but help you see the highlights.

Business & Finance

The City of London is the business and financial centre of the UK. As well as the Blue Badge I am also a qualified City of London guide, which means I have studied the City in depth for a year and been examined on it. So I can take you on a tour of London and the UK's business area, show you where all the major players are located and tell you all about some of the most recognisable buildings in the country, new and old.

Churches & Cathedrals

Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral are two of the most amazing and historic churches in the world, with centuries of history to explore.
I am a qualified St Paul's guide which means I have studied the Cathedral in depth for a year and passed the Cathedral's guiding qualification. So whether you want to see the resting places of greats such as The Duke of Wellington or Horatio Nelson, or want to hear all about the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, come with me for an unforgettable experience.
And if Royalty is your interest, let me show you Westminster Abbey, where monarchs are crowned, and many are buried, and where most royal weddings take place.

Literature

So many famous authors are associated with London that you really are spoilt for choice. Maybe Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group have grabbed your attention. Or Samuel Pepys with his famous diary and record of London in the 17th century. J K Rowling....Oscar Wilde....Dr Johnson....and many many more. I can show you the sites associated with many of them, or take you to a literary pub perhaps?
If Charles Dickens is you man then I'm....your man. I'm an official guide for the Dickens Museum and lead specialist Dickens walking tours.

London Areas in Depth

London is comprised of many areas which have their own unique character and charms. From the spender and prestige of Mayfair, Chelsea or Kensington to the sometimes darker history of Whitechapel, the variety is as great as the people who populate them. Whatever your interests there are areas of London that will enthral and fascinate.

Maritime Britain

Being an island has shaped this country and there is a wealth of maritime history to be discovered.
Let me show you Royal Greenwich and see the National Maritime Museum, The Cutty Sark, The Old Royal Naval College and the Royal Observatory.
Or Docklands, once home to the most important docks in the world, and hear stories of the pirates, dock workers and sailors who thronged the narrow streets.

Music

The Beatles, The Stones, Bowie, The Sex Pistols, The Clash and many many more, have made their name and their money in London.
Come on my London Rock Tour and see the places associated with them, where they lived, played and recorded.

Regional Tours

There are many wonderful cities and sites within easy distance of London which I can show you. My interest and expertise are especially: Oxford, Windsor, Bath, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Stonehenge.

Royalty

On a walk around Royal London I'll show you palaces, pageantry, parks and people. I'll get you the best spots to see the Changing of the Guard, show you where Prince Charles lives, take photos with the Horseguards and point of film and TV locations, including The Crown series.

Shopping

Visit some of the world's most famous stores with me or just let me show you where to get that special something.

Walking Tours

London is often best seen on foot. I offer a range of walking tours, including: The City of London, Westminster, Chelsea, Rock Tour, Dickens Tour, Covent Garden and Theatreland.

Driver Guide:

No