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 and from 2018 as a Blue Badge guide. I am also a City of London Green Badge guide.

I have an unusual advantage. I grew up in America 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.

I'd love to 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?

Maybe you'd like to follow the trail of the Bloomsbury Group and Virginia Woolf in Bloomsbury. Or how about following Mrs Dalloway on her route to buy flowers?

London’s eclectic neighbourhoods are like chapters in a book. Let’s explore.

We could take 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.

As a descendant of four passengers on the Mayflower, I especially enjoy celebrating the ship's sailing from Rotherhithe.  I’ve devised a walking tour along the River Thames to 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.

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

Emily was probably the best tour guide we have ever had in our travels. We felt as though we met up with a friend who had a vast knowledge of the Abbey and all things British. Emily was professional, personable, and informative. She answered every question and gave us an in-depth history that stretched back many centuries. Emily is an excellent listener and we couldn't think of anything she could improve upon. - A Black, USA May 2025

The BEST! Meeting Emily was an absolute highlight of the trip. She was SO incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Mrs. Dalloway and the Bloomsbury group. I learned a TON and she connected immediately with my students. The two literary walks in London far exceeded my expectations. I would go back to simply walk the streets and listen to Emily's stories. - S Hipp March 2025

Emily was our favorite guide in Europe this trip. Very knowledgeable, personable and added interesting thoughts and references. - J Graber, Forth Worth, Texas May 2025

London was probably our favorite part of our trip due to Emily the tour guide. She was amazing and engaged our group of 6, we all loved her. We highly recommend her for all your bookings if she's available and look forward to using her again. - Agency Feedback, April 2026

This was one of our favorite tours! Emily is delightful and knowledgeable, making our "Royal Walk" through Westminster and past Buckingham and Kensington Palaces so memorable. She shared her vast and detailed knowledge of English history, English gardens, monuments, landscape design, British culture and anecdotes that were so entertaining. - Agency feedback, June 2024

Thank you again for being such a fantastic guide during our London trip. You truly made the experience memorable—and your James Bond/Slow Horses site scouting was top-tier! T Bradley,  September 2025

Emily Baker exceeded all expectations as a guide. She made the trip seamless, educational, and incredibly fun. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, personable, and truly outstanding guide in London. Before the trip, Emily carefully reviewed and improved my agenda, helping to maximize my time and see as much as possible during my short stay.
Emily made every effort to ensure my four days in the city were filled with memorable experiences, tailored recommendations, and fascinating insights. Her deep understanding of London’s history brought every site to life. She answered all my questions with enthusiasm and provided context that made each stop even more meaningful.
Emily’s warmth and energy made exploring London a joy. She was engaging, attentive, and always ready with a story or a helpful tip. From lunch and dinner spots to hidden gems, Emily’s suggestions were spot-on and added a local flavor to my experience. T Bradley, July 2025

Emily was a wonderful guide at the Tower of London. She was incredibly knowledgeable about English history and the monarchy, bringing centuries of stories to life in a way that was both engaging and easy to follow. Her passion for the subject really shone through, and she answered questions with such depth and clarity. On top of that, she was fun to chat with along the way, striking the perfect balance between informative and personable. She made the experience memorable and truly enhanced our visit—we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. - Agency Feedback, January 2026

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)