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John Blakey

Private tour guide in London

Guide profile:

JOHN BLAKEY - BESPOKE PRIVATE DRIVER-GUIDED TOURS OF LONDON & ENGLAND

"The Best Blue Badge private guide in England" says John Murray of Oregon, USA. "It is evident to us that John Blakey's aim is to exceed the expectations of his customers."

Katey Hartwell, named Top Travel Specialist for 11 years, 2000 - 2010 by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, says:

“After my first tour with John, I realized that he is an amazing guide. He can really tell a story. He makes the sites and the history come alive. As a former actor, his talents certainly lend themselves to his profession - he's one of the UK's top Blue Badge guides. If you are a couple, or a family with young children or teens, you will all enjoy spending your time with John in London and/or around the English countryside. I have been in the business now for more than 30 years, and have spent a lot of time sourcing guides for clients. At the end of the day, I find that is what people most remember about their trip - their time with a wonderful guide. John is perfect. You will be wowed.”

"A thousand thank yous John, for all your insight and experience. We had such an enlightening and unforgettable time. We could never begin to peel as much skin off of London if we were not guided by such a wise and eloquent companion. You made London come alive for us, and I will never forget these days." Janet Dahl, Chicago

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The Blue Badge is the highest tourist guiding qualification in Britain. I am a qualified, professional, Blue Badge private driver-guide, based in London, and am very excited to be newly available to you... via Viator!

As a former television and film actor with a 20 year career, I like to concentrate on the great stories and characters associated with any particular place.

"Bring history to life", is my motto. History is made of real flesh and blood people of all shapes and personalities both noble and ignoble. Wars, love affairs, treachery, sacrifice, avarice, ego, greatness - it's all here and I like to make sure my clients are taken to the heart of it - whatever their interest might be, and WHEREVER it might be. Tours of London, Oxford, The Cotswolds, Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge, Hampton Court, Stratford, The Tower of London, The British Museum, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral... If I can inform AND entertain on my tours - I've done my job.

As well as driver-guiding, I also write articles for travel books and am finishing my first novel for a publisher here in England. I was featured in Country Life magazine, in a piece entitled 'Badge of Honour' profiling the rigorous training and depth of knowledge it takes to qualify as a Blue Badge Guide. In 2012, I feature as one of the writers in "London Walks - Out of Town Tours", contributing two chapters: a tour to The Cotswolds and a tour to Laycock and Avebury.

NB - IMPORTANT... Please contact ME directly, to check my availability, before confirming and booking with Viator so as to avoid any confusion. Many Thanks.

I am a member of:

The Institute of Tourist Guiding

The Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

The Association of Professional Tourist Guides

The Driver-Guides Association

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Recent reviews of this tour guide:

Raymond (. J.

10 star. John was the very best, great knowledge, very helpful, very personable. The Blue Badge service is lucky to have this gentlemen. He was the top highlight of our whole trip. He is now a friend and I would hire him without reservation for a tour of London or England. Thank you again, John.

Jeanne and Jake Jacobs San Jose, California

All ratings/reviews »

Tour guide services/sample itinerary:

Once I have collected you from your hotel in my spacious, top of the range Land Rover - my time is yours. I will do my very best to bring London and the rest of England to life, with completely private, bespoke tours, tailored specifically to you, your interests and your requirements.

I particularly enjoy helping my guests get under the skin of the places we visit, far, far beyond the 'tourist trail'. Even if you have been to England many times before, I promise you will see cities and sites in a whole new light, allowing each destination we visit to become 3D!

As well as London, we could travel to many of the most beautiful areas of Britain, including the picture perfect Cotswolds, Bath & the West Country, The Jurassic Coast, Kent, York, Yorkshire and many fascinating areas in between, such as Oxford and Stratford Upon Avon.

With prices starting at £295 for a half day London tour, I can show you the highlights or hidden corners of one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

As well as day tours from London, I can arrange longer tours around England of up to 10 days.

For instance, why not base yourself in The Cotswolds for a few days?

The Cotswolds are in the very heart of England allowing us to visit the surrounding historic houses, castles, beautiful gardens, a falconry centre, farms, antique shops... and more.

3 - 4 days is recommended and I can arrange accommodation in characterful old inns or majestic country house hotels.

Secret Dorset. Stay in beautiful old hotels, visit country gardens and ancient Manor Houses. Renowned for food, unspoiled countryside and beaches on the World Heritage 'Jurassic Coast'. I grew up here, so know all the most beautiful places to take you. 3 to 5 days recommended.

Tours which include an overnight stay are charged at £550 per day plus £100 guide's accommodation allowance.

Please note that the fixed rate tours apply to London tours only.

Transportation by tour guide:

I drive a top of the range Land Rover Freelander 2, with black leather seats, air conditioning and a double sun roof, perfect for sightseeing.

My car and I are both fully licensed, inspected and insured to carry up to 4 passengers.

Relax and enjoy your visit in comfort.

Private sightseeing & group tours offered by this guide:

A Day In London - Tailored To You	Price Per Group 460.00 Pound Sterling
A Half Day In London - Tailored To You	Price Per Group 330.00 Pound Sterling
Cotswolds, Stratford and Warwick Castle	Price Per Group 620.00 Pound Sterling
English Country Houses And Gardens Tour	Price Per Group 560.00 Pound Sterling
Half Day Thames Valley Countryside & Pub Lunch	Price Per Group 445.00 Pound Sterling
Overnight/Extended Touring	Price Per Group 550.00 Pound Sterling
Oxford (or Stratford) and The Cotswolds	Price Per Group 620.00 Pound Sterling
Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour	Price Per Group 560.00 Pound Sterling
See London Like Londoners! Full Day Only	Price Per Group 330.00 Pound Sterling
Stonehenge & Olde English Country Pub Lunch	Price Per Group 450.00 Pound Sterling
Stonehenge, Avebury & Bath	Price Per Group 620.00 Pound Sterling
Winchester, Salisbury and Stonehenge	Price Per Group 590.00 Pound Sterling
Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Palace	Price Per Group 485.00 Pound Sterling
Windsor Castle OR Hampton Court	Price Per Group 345.00 Pound Sterling

Tour guide interests:

The things I enjoy most are good food and good restaurants, which is why I'm also a recreational runner, having done the Paris Half-Marathon recently.

I also have a real passion for travel and travel writing, as well as antiques, architecture, the countryside, stately homes & gardens, Harry Potter and most especially, social history i.e. how real people lived their lives throughout the differing centuries.