Richard is a vastly experienced London Tour Guide having worked in the industry for 25 years, He started out working for Historic Royal Palaces based at Hampton Court Palace before becoming a guide with The Original London Tour (now Toot Bus) and later a guide manager for Golden Tours. His career has seen him work at many of London’s major attractions including The London Film Museum, The Tower Bridge Museum, a long stint at The Harry Potter studio tour and even at Buckingham Palace itself. His varied career has also seen him working for Merlin Entertainments (The company who own and run The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Sealife etc) City Cruises and combine his passion for sports and particularly Football to work as a guide at Chelsea FC, West Ham United FC and Wembley Stadium tours. For the past 4 years Richard has been running independent small group walking tours via Guruwalks, using his vast passion for London, deep knowledge and experience to bring London to life for thousands of happy visitors every year.
A classic London tour as we take a stroll along The World famous Southbank area of the river Thames, an area steeped in history, mystery, and intrigue, whilst constantly evolving to be the beating heart of London and all that it stands for.
From the Roman invasion 2000 years ago to modern-day 21st-century innovative design and architecture, the Thames has always played a critical part in London’s development, decline, and rise as a major World City. Home to Shakespeare, Dickens, Wren, Newton Churchill and countless others, the area has always been, and will always remain a vibrant and key part of London’s history and its future.
This tour will take in many famous landmarks as well as some unusual and hidden gems including:
With fantastic views of “Big Ben” The London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Pauls Cathedral, and many other famous sights , all whilst following the magnificent river Thames.
Hear about the discovery of a ship buried for 2000 years, learn the REAL story of Henry VIII and his six wives. Discover the story behind the worlds oldest sporting event (still running to this day) Walk in the very footsteps of Shakespeare and Dickens and hear stories of poverty and deprivation and regeneration. See how London’s 21st Century skyline lives cheek by jowel with its fascinating past.
And much much more!
📃THE BASICS📃- What you need to know! (And the boring legal bit)
📍The Tour Starts at the BOTTOM OF THE STEPS underneath the Lion Statue on the south side (London Eye side) of Westminster Bridge OUTSIDE THE BAKERY ( nearest underground Waterloo or Westminster) I will be wearing a flat cap and carrying a Black rucksack
📍The tour ends outside The Bishop of Winchesters Palace which is next to Borough Market & a 2 minute walk to London Bridge station.
🧑🦽The route is flat and on paved footpaths or roads, and can be tailored to be suitable for those with reduced mobility, the meeting point is at the bottom of several steps down from Westminster Bridge if you have specific mobility issues there is a step free way to the meeting point, please contact me in advance for more information.
A comfortable pair of shoes or trainers is sufficient, no need for any specific footwear, although it is advised against wearing high heels
🐕🦺The tour is suitable for dogs but they MUST be kept on a lead at all times.
🥤🥪Please note that there are limited Toilet facilities on this tour, these will generally be inside cafes or restaurants and used at the owners descretion, public toilets on the route may charge for use. You may eat and drink on the tour (please no alcohol) but please be responsible and take any rubbish with you until you can find a bin. Generally we will not stop for refreshments or bathroom breaks unless the group is in agreement then we can do so at a suitable venue, Smoking and vaping is forbidden on this tour for the comfort of all participants.
👉💉I am hold an advanced DBS (child and vulnerable peoples) certification. And valid 1st aid certification from The British Red Cross.
👉Please follow any instructions given to you by myself, police officers or anyone else holding a position of authority whilst on the tour. We reserve the right to remove any person or persons whose behaviour is deemed unacceptable or if they appear to be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.
🎒Please take basic precautions with your personal belongings. All visitors are responsible for any personal possessions. Neither the guide or Guru Walks are liable for any personal injury loss or damage to any personal property whilst taking part in the tour
📩 If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via the tour guru website
I look forward to welcoming you to London
⌚Total tour time Approx 1 hour 45 minutes
The bottom of the steps underneath The Lion Statue on the south side of Westminster Bridge outside the cafe/bakery (The London eye side) Nearest station Waterloo or Westminster (across the bridge) I will be wearing a flat cap and carrying a green bag carrying a small sign saying “Guru Walks”
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
