English.
Accessible tours, Architecture, Christmas Walks, Christopher Wren's London, City churches, Evening walks, Gardens and open spaces, General city tour, Great Fire of London, Guildhall Art Gallery, Lectures and talks, Livery companies, Markets, Medicine, Medieval London, Public art, River Thames, Romans, Romantic walks, Samuel Pepys.
"Sarah was friendly, approachable, professional and knowledgeable. Her warmth and enthusiasm shone through. We couldn't recommend Sarah highly enough and will definitely ask her to take us around when we are next in town." - Andrew & Di, from Bath, Nov 2024.
I love sharing the City of London's fascinating story with guests from the UK and beyond. Walking is the best way to explore its ancient alleyways, streets, markets and modern plazas which sit side by side in the historic and financial heart of London.
With a degree in ancient history, my professional career has been in communications within media and public health organisations, including the BBC and the NHS. Most recently I was a director at children's mental health charity Place2Be, based in Clerkenwell.
As a keen gardener, I love visiting London's many beautiful green and open spaces - as well as the riverside. These feature in my wellbeing walks, encouraging workers and visitors to get away from their screens, and take in the beauty of the pocket parks, gardens and historic gems of this special City.
Please get in touch to discuss a tour with you, your colleagues, friends and family.
Qualifications:
BA (Hons) Classical Studies
Member of the Association of Coaching (Exec business coach)
CITY OF LONDON GUIDE.
The key tours I offer:
The highlights of the Square Mile. We follow in the footsteps of those who founded, lived, died, worked, thrived, performed and built this great City. Discover 2,000 years of history, from its Roman roots to the Medieval centre of trade. We look at the impact of the Great Fire and the Blitz of World War Two and the plucky surviving buildings. We discover hidden alleyways and coffee shops that spawned the stock market and enjoy the grandeur of the city's civic and religious buildings and financial institutions - including its iconic skyscrapers.
The Great Fire of London - discover the true story of the devastating fire of 1666 which ripped through the heart of the City. Hear the words of diarist Samuel Pepys who famously witnessed and recorded the fire; and visit some Medieval gems that survived the inferno. For those feeling fit and energetic, we can climb up the imposing Monument that commemorates this significant event in the City's history.
Architecture - a tour of the dramatic built environment, from the imposing remains of the Roman wall, to 20th and 21st century iconic structures by celebrated architects Richard Rogers and Norman Foster. We marvel at the oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon arch; and the magnificence of Sir Christopher Wren’s churches and masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral; and consider the utopian post war vision of the Barbican estate.
Green spaces and hidden gardens - Join me to discover the City’s secret green and open spaces, which makes up 10% of the Square Mile; discover the rare species living in this historic centre. And find out about the pioneers of past and present who created and continue to nurture these important havens.
Wellbeing walks - A stroll through the City of London, viewing this historic centre through the lens of health and wellbeing. We visit a former priory and the oldest medical school in the country; discover calm green spaces and hear about their origins, and explore the City's largest housing and arts complex, designed as a post war solution to urban living. The tour is aimed primarily as a corporate team-building or wellbeing event, but can be tailored for any audience.
A Christmas Carol - Follow in the footsteps of London’s biographer and world-famous storyteller, Charles Dickens, as we take a scenic tour through the streets and alleys of the historic City of London. See the beautiful marketplace where Victorian Londoners bought their Christmas goose or turkey. Marvel at the world’s first indoor shopping market, now home to luxury retailers. Wander through cobbled streets to view the boutiques and Christmas lights of Bow Lane. We end the tour in an historic City pub.
City of Love - a romantic tour for couples wishing to celebrate a special event; or even for groups of friends looking for an uplifting walk celebrating love! Groups of up to 6 only.
I am also very happy to tailor a tour to meet your specific interests and needs.
Accessibility - If you have any special needs, please get in touch so that we can ensure the tour is accessible for you.
“Sarah was truly delightful. She got us all excited even before we started to walk, with her effervescence and enthusiasm. She proved to be a true expert on the history of the City’s ‘hidden’ gardens, including interesting people stories. We didn’t want the tour to end!” - Nancy, visitor from Lausanne, Switzerland, May 2024
“Thank you so much for an amazing tour. We learnt so much. It was brilliant!" - Nathan, Islington resident and business owner, September 2024
"Such a fantastic guide! Thank you so much for creating such an interesting walk and wonderful atmosphere." - Maria, CEO of 'Suited & Booted', on a walk designed in partnership with the charity, September 2024
"Thanks for a really lovely walk today. It was such a pleasure to be taken to so many green urban pockets, while hearing about the multi-layered history of the City and the Barbican." - Graham, Open City 'Barbican & City Gardens' tour, September 2024
"We so greatly enjoyed the walk, and were impressed by your pacing, enthusiasm and knowledge. The time flew by and I saw and learned many new things, right from the start! Thank you." - Patrick, Wellbeing Walk, October 2024
"Thank you, Sarah, for such an interesting and informative tour. Everyone really enjoyed it."
- Helen, Worshipful Company of Girdlers, October 2024
"Sarah was friendly, approachable, professional and knowledgeable. Her warmth and enthusiasm shone through. We couldn't recommend Sarah highly enough and will definitely be asking her to take us around when we are next in town." - Andrew & Di, visitors from Bath, November 2024.
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