Guide profile:
I'm English, born in London, spent much of my childhood in India, Sri Lanka & Singapore.
After living in France for 3 years in the late 70s, I moved back to London. I have specialised in Driver-Guiding since 1984 and have guided all over Britain and France for a quarter of a century. I hold the coveted "Blue Badge" and drive a big Mercedes Viano (Long) "LimoVan" that will take up to 7 passengers and a fair amount of luggage.
I now live in a 500 year old house near Ashford in Kent, which is a mere 36 minutes from London St Pancras International station - the same line as the High Speed Eurostar train from London to Paris and Brussels. I am very happy to meet you at any train station in the South East to start a tour. This can save at least 3 hours time getting in and out of London.
I live less than an hour some of the most famous sights in Britain in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Close to me are: Dover, Canterbury, Leeds Castle, Rye, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Chartwell (Churchill's home), Hever Castle. I live 20 minutes from the Eurotunnel centre; drive onto the train and in 35 minutes you are in France!
Most of my work starts in London, but I will meet you anywhere that suits you.
I was born in 1956, am married and have a teenage daughter born in 1992.
My interests are varied, mostly arts side, including antiques, architecture, London history, food and wine (not when driving!), World War 2, Country Houses & Stately Homes, people.
I also speak good French, but am not qualified to guide in French.
I know the best times to visit even the busiest places, the shortcuts, the interesting detours, the best places to eat to suit your time, palate and budget. As a Blue Badge guide, I have priority booking at all the major London sights and can save you lots of time "queueing" or waiting in line.
Recent reviews of this tour guide:
Riyaz G.
Simon was a fantastic tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable and so much fun ,laughter and information that made our trip more interesting. .He was also polite and efficient with the half a day that we had with him.
A truly seasoned tour guide that we will use again when we are back in London.
All ratings/reviews »
Tour guide services/sample itinerary:
Driver Guided tours of London, all over UK & France - in Mercedes Viano Long Ambiente (7 passengers).
Transfers from airports and ports including Dover and Southampton.
Licenced by the Public Carriage Office as a Private Hire Vehicle Operating Centre & Private Hire Driver. Full Private Hire insurance as required by law.
Top of the range Mercedes Viano Ambiente Long 7 passengers max. Special rates apply during London Olympics (27 July - 13 August 2012)
Transportation by tour guide:
Yes
Private sightseeing & group tours offered by this guide:
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Day trip SW of London-Bath, Stonehenge, Windsor
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Price Per
Group
960.00
USD
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Day trip: NW of London-Oxford, Cotswolds, Blenheim
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Price Per
Group
960.00
USD
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Half Day (4 hours) London Overview
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Price Per
Group
590.00
USD
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Heathrow arrival transfer & Windsor tour
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Price Per
Group
595.00
USD
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Heathrow arrival transfer& London sightseeing tour
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Price Per
Group
495.00
USD
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Kent: 'Castles and Countryside'
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Price Per
Group
860.00
USD
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London Overview + guided visit to 1 sight- 3 hours
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Price Per
Group
490.00
USD
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London: 'The Big Three'
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Price Per
Group
795.00
USD
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Tour guide interests:
Art & Antiques
Architecture
Country Houses, Castles & Stately Homes.
London
History
World War 2
Reviews of this tour – by clients who booked!