London Blue Badge Tour Guide

Discover London's hidden story

Private guided tours through the City's medieval lanes, great institutions, and living history — led by one of London's most qualified guides.

Robert Woolf, London Blue Badge Tour Guide
London Blue Badge Guide
City of London
London Blue Badge Guide
City of London Guide
City of Westminster Guide
Freedom of the City of London

Hello — I'm Robert.

I'm a Blue Badge guide, a City of London guide, and a City of Westminster guide, and I have the Freedom of the City of London — which, traditionally, lets me drive sheep across London Bridge. A privilege I have so far declined to exercise.

What I actually do is take small private groups around the parts of London I know best, and tell stories about the people who shaped them: monarchs, merchants, architects, philanthropists, the occasional rogue.

Tours run from two hours to a full day, for whatever group you bring along. Pick an area on the map to see what I cover, or skip straight to the form.

"Thank you for a fascinating and inspirational morning yesterday"

— A recent guest

I volunteer at Westminster Abbey, so I know the building well. I co-authored a book on the Lord Mayors of the City of London, so I know the Square Mile inside out.

Personal audio devices are available on request, ensuring every word carries clearly even in the busiest locations.

A Book by Robert
Lord Mayors' Portraits
Donaldson to Woolf · 1983–2013

Co-author of Lord Mayors' Portraits, 1983–2013

A book about the tradition of commissioning portraits of the Lord Mayors of the City of London — thirty years of sitters, painters, and the stories behind each year in office. Co-authored with Nicholas Woolf and Alexandra Epps, published to mark Dame Fiona Woolf's term as Lord Mayor.

It is, as you'd expect, the kind of research that filters into a tour. If you want to know which Lord Mayor really did own a Picasso, ask on the day.

Find the book →

Pick an area to see what I cover there

Click any marker on the map to find out more about that area.

Walks in this area
    A typical route

    I also guide at the major attractions — Tower of London, St Paul's, the British Museum, V&A, the National and National Portrait Galleries, the Science Museum, the Churchill War Rooms, and the Changing of the Guard. These can be folded into a half- or full-day tour around any of the areas above. Day trips further out — Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, and Richmond — are also available; just ask.

    How a tour works.

    For booking agents and tour operators putting together UK itineraries: the practical details. I work with several international operators as a vendor on multi-day trips, and I'm happy to send a partner brief on request.

    Group Size
    Private tours for 1 to 10 guests. Larger parties by arrangement, usually split across two guides.
    Duration
    Two-hour walks, half-day (3–4 hours), or full-day (6–7 hours, usually with a lunch stop).
    Languages
    English. Tours are pitched for educated travellers — historical depth without jargon.
    Audio Devices
    Personal listening units available on request — keep groups together in busy spots without raising voices.
    Accessibility
    Routes can be adapted for limited mobility. Tell me in advance and I'll plan around stairs and uneven cobbles.
    Lead Time
    Four to six weeks ahead is ideal, particularly for summer and the run-up to Christmas. Shorter notice often works — ask.
    Rates
    Half- and full-day rates on request, with agency pricing for repeat partners. Happy to send a one-page partner brief.
    Bookings
    You handle the booking and the client relationship; I'm the vendor. Invoicing is straightforward, in GBP, with terms to suit your operation.
    Coverage
    All seven areas on the map above, plus the major attractions. I can pair a museum visit with a themed walk in the same day.

    Seven questions, seven stories.

    Question 1 of 7
    The Story
    0 / 7
    Book a tour

    Tell me what you're thinking.

    A specific area, a particular attraction, a half-day, a full day, two of you or twenty — whatever you have in mind. I'll come back with a suggested route.

    Mobile +44 (0) 7740 563799
    Email robert.a.woolf@gmail.com
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