Second World War Tours
Step Back in Time
How would you like to step back in time to the early 1940s, and see where the British government met and worked as the bombs were falling around England? The Churchill War Rooms combine two museums in one: the restored rooms of the War Cabinet and all their offices, and a museum dedicated to Winston Churchill himself. We can also step over to Parliament Square, take pictures at the best angle for viewing Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, and hear how the Second World War effected this vital area. Fascinating!
The Imperial War Museum in London is the main branch (of five) of the United Kingdom's galleries for all aspects of British conflict since 1914. As you enter the lobby, a Supermarine Spitfire is suspended overhead! There are extensive galleries showing all facets of the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Holocaust, and rotating special exhibits. The museum is located in south London and is well worth a morning or an afternoon for anyone interested in the effects and aspects of international conflict!
We will see the top sights of this royal city, including Big Ben, Parliament Square, and Buckingham Palace as we hear the compelling stories of London during the Second World War. London was a target for the German Air Force throughout the war. The Luftwaffe (the German Air Force) could use the River Thames for navigation and follow it right to Westminster, the heart of Governmental and Royal London! I’ll walk you through this fascinating and iconic area and we’ll review the impact of the bombing and war activity as we go.
The 'Blitz' was the sustained campaign of aerial bombing attacks on British towns and cities carried out by the Luftwaffe (the German Air Force) from September 1940 until May 1941. London was targeted more than any other city in the UK, and I will walk you through the significant city sites, reviewing the themes and topics of that critical time in the Second World War. I’ll show you shrapnel damage, we’ll talk about the civilian response, the difference between the British vs the Luftwaffe planes, all in the view of some of London’s iconic landmarks, such as St Paul’s Cathedral.
East London today is a remarkable area filled with colourful streets, shops, markets, and street art! But in the 40's it was commercial and residential, and singled out for destruction by the Luftwaffe (the German Air Force) early on in the Second World War. How did the citizens of the East End cope with nightly bombings? Which areas were hardest hit? As we walk the alleys we'll discuss the Second World War, and we'll also see the how East London grew and developed from Roman cemeteries to Medieval Monasteries, to dangerous Victorian slums!
I can show you the famous and iconic sites that London is known for! If you want to see the top attractions, we can see any of the following…
Parliament Square & Big Ben – the UNESCO world heritage site, featuring the Houses of Parliament, the iconic Clock Tower and also...
Westminster Abbey – the nation’s church for coronations and memorials!
The Tower of London – the most remarkable castle complex in the world, home to the incredible, priceless Crown Jewels!
Royal Palaces including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Kensington Palace!
The Changing of the Guard – the traditional display of military and musical pageantry!
London Highlights Tour
I can do a half-day or full-day tour based on your timeframe and priorities! I’ll put together a personal itinerary just for you, and we can see the sights at a pace that is good for you! Why not see a side of London that appeals to your own interests?
Design Your Own London Tour
London Food History Tour
Join me as we eat our way through London’s culinary history! You’ll have a tasty sampling of London’s best dishes, along with a side dish of interesting history and culture! We’ll explore neighborhoods rich in tradition, and learn why Londoners ate what they did and eat what they do!
Churchill War Rooms Tour
I will take you in Churchill’s footsteps through these historic rooms, and show you what life would have been like for those living and working underground. There's so much to discover at Churchill War Rooms. Usually we’ll need about two hours for a visit, so you have time to explore both the historic Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum. We will also be able to visit important Churchill and WWII spots in the immediate area!
London Shakespeare Tour
This half-day walking tour takes in the exciting sites and themes of William Shakespeare’s time in London! We will head to the alleys and streets that the Bard traveled and see the sights he would have been familiar with! We will even stop in at the city’s best Shakespeare- themed gift shop! Huzzah!
World War II Tour of London
Where can you see bomb damage from the Blitz? Where was Winston Churchill’s base of operations in the City throughout the war? We can tour the sites in London, and galleries/ museums that give you a first- hand experience of London’s experience during the war!
The Tower of London is the most fascinating and exciting castle complex in the world. Its history stretches back to the 11th century! It has been a palace, an execution site, the royal mint, and more! The incredible Crown Jewels collection are kept in the Tower, and you’ll be able to visit them! I’ll guide you to the sights of the Tower, and we’ll see all there is to see, including the Ravens, the legendary avian guardians that call it home. And also the Yeoman Warders who have kept the Tower safe for over 500 years! I can show you all that the Tower has to offer!
Tower of London Tour
I love showing visitors Westminster Abbey… it is one of the most remarkable places of worship in the world. It has been central to London’s history for over 1,000 years. There are more than 3,300 burials and memorials inside, including no less than 16 kings and queens of England and Great Britain. You will also see jaw-dropping church architecture and religious decoration. It has been the site of royal weddings since the 1300s, including in 2011 Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Westminster Abbey is a truly special church, bringing together spirituality, beauty and British history all in one place… I hope I can share it with you.