Introduction:

So you’ve chosen to visit London – but how do you choose the right guide? Whether you’re a first-time visitor daunted by all there is to see and do, or an old friend exploring in more depth, I can help you make the most of your stay. I specialise in small groups – often couples and families – and offer a very personalised service to my visitors.

I can explain the pageantry of the world-famous Changing of the Guard, and reveal the secret histories of Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London (I was one of the volunteers who helped 'plant' the amazing poppy art installation to commemorate the start of the First World War and was one of those who lit the 10,000 lamps to mark the end); I can also show you the highlights of St Paul’s Cathedral and the British Museum. For art lovers, I can trace the development of western art at the National Gallery, share our collection of British art at Tate Britain, make sense of modern art at Tate Modern and help you negotiate the vast number of art and design treasures at the Victoria & Albert Museum. I also offer personal tours of the National History and Science Museums.

You can come with me on fascinating walking tours of areas such as the City of London or Notting Hill & Kensington, plus thematic tours exploring the medieval or legal areas of the city – even rock and pop London. Further afield, I can bring to life the rich history of Hampton Court, Windsor, Bath, Stratford upon Avon, Oxford, Cambridge, Salisbury and Stonehenge.

London is a wonderfully cosmopolitan city, and I am a typical Londoner - both my parents were immigrants, my mother from France and my father from New Zealand. I have also spent much of my working life among the international community here – for many years I was a BBC World Service studio manager, in both radio and television, before moving into print journalism. I am still a working journalist, nowadays specialising in finance.

London is not a museum. This is a modern, living city – one that’s both fascinating and fun. I take pride in looking after my guests and making sure you have a wonderful time.