Leo Heaton
Regional Qualification(s):
London
Language(s):
English
Phone Number(s):
07801 025002
Website:
Contact guide
Introduction:
**An ITG London Blue Badge Guide of the Year**
A very warm welcome back to London!
After all the challenges of the last two years, I am so glad we can finally start to welcome visitors back to all our favourite places.
I am an award-winning guide offering fun and informative tours of some of London's most memorable and famous sites, including Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, The British Museum and The National Gallery. I also have a wide range of walking tours available: whether you want to know more about the City of London, Bloomsbury, Greenwich, the Docklands, Covent Garden, the South Bank, the vibrant West End or the hip East End, I can show you hidden corners and architectural or historical gems you might not otherwise notice. Further afield I can make arrangements for a private car to take us to explore Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Stratford, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Canterbury, Oxford, Bath or even the beautiful Cotswolds.
I have a great 'mixed bag' of a background - I originally trained in musical theatre and performed professionally for several years, then spent a decade working in very corporate environments - in high-end hospitality and as a Private PA and Executive Assistant. This cross over of both my theatrical and corporate backgrounds with the guiding world gives the perfect mix for companies looking for someone who can accurately pitch their style of commentary for their groups, or who can offer something out of the ordinary as a team-building exercise. I'm just as happy exploring with small private groups or families, and I especially love guiding children - their enthusiasm and excitement for things grown ups often take for granted is always a joy to see. Daunted by the thought of spending a day trying to get your children or grandchildren enthused by the museums or art galleries you want to visit? With me as part of your gang we will bring everything to life, make the day a treasure hunt, play games to get them looking for things in exchange for points and prizes, and entertain them with tales covering everything from princesses to pirates to prisoners!
Have a browse of the areas I specialise in on my profile here and let me know if anything piques your curiosity. My particular favourite subjects include contemporary and street art, London's archaeology, 'foodie' London and our amazing markets, and all things film and television - especially Harry Potter and James Bond!
Most importantly, and whatever your group size or family dynamic, I can help you to really enjoy planning your trip. A tour with me or one of my other Blue Badge Guide colleagues should prove to be a valuable and memorable part of your visit and I really look forward to meeting you and helping to make your vacation a special one.
Personal Interests:
The history of the City and the Square Mile |
Haunted London: ghosts and mysteries |
Roman London |
London's markets and 'foodie' culture |
Musicals and theatre |
Corporate tours and team-building |
Street Art |
Special Interests:
Archaeology | The Museum of London has some incredible and detailed exhibitions of some of the treasures that have been found beneath the City. Roman writing tablets, shoes and hairpins, Saxon swords and jewellery, Medieval plague pits uncovered during the building of the Crossrail project, and incredible evidence of the Great Fire of London. We can tour the Museum, then get out into the City to see the locations where your favourite objects were discovered. Perfect if your interest lies in what's found beneath the ground rather than what is currently above it! |
Food & Drink | The great author JRR Tolkien wrote, "if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world..." We can explore the areas of London where food and drink are the most important things! London's markets are incredible places, past and present: Borough, Smithfield, Spitalfields or Covent Garden all have a fabulous history and all still are buzzing today. Come and indulge your inner foodie with real ales and craft beers, street food from all over the world, and gourmet produce from local growers and specialists. |
Galleries | Along with museums, some of the UK's most impressive art collections are available in the capital. We can explore the treasures of stunning spaces such as the National Gallery, Wallace Collection, Tate Britain or Tate Modern. |
Ghosts, Murders & Mysteries | London's streets and alleyways hide many a secret story, some more gruesome than others. With me as your guide, we can unravel terrible murder mysteries and explore the chilling tales of London's dark and haunted side! |
Museums | We are lucky to have some incredible (and mostly free!) museums here in London, including the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and National Maritime Museum to name just a tiny few. We can plan a highlights tour, or if you would like something more detailed please ask. |
Theatre | With my musical theatre training, where better to head than for Theatreland and the West End. Theatrical themed tours could include Shakespeare's London, or the West End's musical theatre history - if you like I can even throw in a song! |
London Areas in Depth | Southwark and the South Bank |
Churches & Cathedrals | From the grandeur and historic significance of Westminster Abbey to the classic beauty and architectural spectacle of St Paul's, or from the towering spire of Salisbury to the spot of the murder of Saint Thomas Beckett in Canterbury - the UK has many spectacular churches and cathedrals to explore. Even the small City of London churches, or the picturesque 'wool churches' of the Cotswolds have incredible history and architecture just waiting for you to discover. |
Walking Tours | The best way to see London is often on foot! Whether you want to know more about the City of London, the West End or the East End, I can plan a walking tour to show you hidden corners and architectural or historical gems you might not otherwise notice. |
Street Art | Shoreditch and Spitalfields are vibrant areas in the East End of London, famous for food pop ups, 'designer' coffee, hipster culture and some of the most incredible street art you will see anywhere in the world. |
Endorsements:
Virtual Tours
Driver Guide:
No