Emily Laurence Baker
Regional Qualification(s):
London
Language(s):
English
Phone Number(s):
07770 612244
Website:
Contact guide
Introduction:
This is your holiday; let's have FUN! I'll show you London from an historic, current and just plain entertaining perspective - aspects you might miss as a visitor or even as a UK resident.
I have lived in central London since 1991, working as a travel writer.
I have an unusual advantage. I grew up in America (just like Meghan!) but knew when I first visited London as a teenager that this was my home. I still view London with the enthusiasm of a newcomer but I have the added knowledge and wisdom of a longtime resident. My dual British/American nationality and world-wide travel experience helps too; I see London within the context of the wider world.
I specialise in bespoke walking tours, arranging a day tailored to your wishes. London is the ultimate literary town. Not only do many famous stories take place here, so many writers and poets have and do live here. London’s eclectic neighbourhoods are like chapters in a book. Let’s explore.
How about a walk that examines how English monarchs have shaped London's development? We'll take in some parks, palaces and maybe a bit of pomp.
I'm also so excited about Mayflower 400! I am a Mayflower descendant and have designed a walk in Rotherhithe to highlight why these brave pioneers set sail and the drama of their journey. You can see more details below.
I've published a walking guide for families (Chronicle Books) that caters to mixed-age groups. I raised two children in central London so I know how to make the city come alive for children and teens. I'll create a day that will be as fun for grandparents as it will be for youngsters. Let's go!
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
I have christened Emily "the queen of guides." Her knowledge and fun tales brought the London sites alive. She continually included our two grandchildren and yet kept the day on track - she was our own personal Mary Poppins. I had secretly hired a limo as a 40th birthday surprise for my son and when it didn't turn up, the day could have been ruined. But Emily quickly negotiated a great rate with a black cab and soon we were whizzing around town. We have all taken away happy, lasting memories and hope to make another visit when Emily can show us more. -Kevan Prescott, NW England
Emily’s tours during our two days in London were fabulous. She brought the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey to life for us – and indeed the entire city. During the rest of our trip in England and Scotland, we all referred back to things she had mentioned. Our 17-year-old loved actually seeing things she’d learned about in her AP European history class. We also really enjoyed getting to know Emily and spending time with her. We thank her for making our trip so memorable and fun.
MG Kerr, Charleston, SC
Emily was a fantastic guide for us. We were a group of six and mostly first-time visitors. Her approach to our tour was spot on - from the material provided to setting a comfortable pace. We are now anxious to return and see more. It was such a fun day. (Feedback from Agency booking)
Emily was extremely knowledgeable and could answer all our questions, including detailed history about Britain. She was like a great friend taking us around the city; she and our driver even found the highlight that my daughter wanted to see from her favourite film. It was an awesome and memorable experience being with Emily for the day. CM, Canada
Emily was exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging. We enjoyed our tour immensely and learned a great deal. (Feedback from Agency booking)
Personal Interests:
| Monarchy: How about a walk past palaces and through parks to show how the royals have shaped London? We'll go from Westminster to Kensington and take in 800 years of royal history - including the present! |
| Literature: London is the ultimate literary town. Not only do many famous stories take place here, so many writers and poets have and do live here. Let me take you back to when Chelsea was a bohemian writers’ colony, when Oscar Wilde captivated the social scene and Laurie Lee fired an arrow along the deserted King’s Road. See where Jane Austen enjoyed a musical soiree and understand why my favourite expat, Henry James, described the riverside as “this Chelsea perch, this haven of sage and seagull.” Or maybe you’d enjoy seeing Dickens characters come to life in London’s hallowed Temple area? How about exploring Southwark’s development from the time of Chaucer through to Shakespeare and on to Charles Dickens? London’s eclectic neighbourhoods are like chapters in a book. Let’s explore. |
| Mayflower 400: As a descendant of four passengers on the Mayflower, I am especially excited to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the ship’s sailing. I’ve created a walking tour along the River Thames in Rotherhithe that explains the background of the ship’s passengers, presenting them as incredibly brave pioneers and possibly shattering myths that many Americans have been taught in school. We’ll get some Instagram-worthy views of the City of London and explore a riverside area that not many travellers to London visit. |
Special Interests:
| Walking Tours | Literature: Chelsea; Southwark; Bloomsbury; Temple |
| Churches & Cathedrals | Westminster Abbey |
| Castles & Palaces | Kensington Palace |
| Museums | British Museum |
| Regional Tours | Bath: Jane Austen walk; Highlights and History |
Endorsements:
Virtual Tours
Driver Guide:
No
