Dynamic London, Go East

The City of London, constantly being rebuilt with new icons such as the Gherkin glass tower, but still retaining its traditions. Canary Wharf to the East, a Manhattan on the Thames, built in the last 20 years, where 90,000 people work. Not just business, the history of the great docks and striking examples of modern art. In the North East see the preparations for the Olympics where a massive building project will provide state of the art public and sports facilities and a riverside park. Further east on the Thames is regal Greenwich with stunning views of the old Naval College set in parkland and above on a hill the Observatory, home of time on the dividing line between the hemispheres.

North, to the London Heights

Start on the Marylebone Road, the British Library, home of the Magna Carta, early bibles, Shakespeare's First Folio. The great railway buildings including St Pancras, recently restored to its full glory as Eurostar terminus. Head north to Camden Town, with its famous markets, magnet for young visitors. Leafy Hampstead and Highgate with stunning views over the centre. London's country house Kenwood set in the rolling acres of Hampstead Heath. Highgate cemetery with the grave of Karl Marx.

Museum Mile

Running through the elegant squares of Bloomsbury and Lincoln’s Inn Fields the Museum Mile is a treasure trail of artistic and literary themes. Start at one end with the British Library, with its treasures from medieval Bibles to Beatles songs. London University with its impressive Senate House and Petrie Collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. The British Museum. The Foundling Museum, bringing to life an early charity for abandoned children, also containing important art works and music connections with composer G.F. Handel. Charles Dickens Museum in the novelist’s former house. Sir John Soane’s Museum, an Aladdin’s cave of antiquities and art, little changed in 170 years. Finally Somerset House, one of London’s grandest buildings, housing the world famous Courtauld art collection. Enjoy a drink on the balcony overlooking the Thames.

London Guiding

I will tailor a tour to your interests, taking into account whether you are a first time visitor or already familiar with the city.  Alongside are sample itineraries of extensive areas of London which could be seen by coach, minibus or on public transport.

West, along the river

Genteel Kensington and Chelsea with their leafy squares. The museums of South Kensington. Riverside developments from Cheyne Walk to glitzy Chelsea Harbour. Kew Gardens with its Palm Houses, royal palace, shady walks and colourful flower displays. Choose a ‘country house’, Ham House, Osterley or Syon House.