Private travel, thoughtfully arranged.
Looking for a private tour guide in London? The right choice depends on what you would like to see, who is travelling with you and how you want to spend your time.
Tell Ivan Zharikov about your dates, group, interests and priorities. He will recommend a guide, a combination of specialists or another format that fits your visit.
Ivan personally selects the guides who work with LDN Tour. Many are professional partners he has known for years. Each guide has different strengths: one may be an excellent choice for a particular museum, while another is better suited to a walking tour, a neighbourhood or a broad introduction to London. We match the recommendation to your programme, group, preferred pace and budget.
London guiding arranged around you
When you book through LDN Tour, you have a point of contact throughout the planning of your visit. Ivan listens to your wishes, helps shape the programme and coordinates the agreed arrangements.
You do not need to contact a guide, ticket office and driver separately. Where your programme calls for them, Ivan can arrange attraction tickets and transport, set out the timings and confirm how the day will work. You can ask organisational questions and discuss changes as your plans develop.
A clear programme can include meeting points, guide and driver details, timings, tickets and transport arrangements. You will know who is involved and what has been arranged before the visit.
What kind of guide is right for your visit?
Blue Badge Tourist Guide
A qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guide can be the right choice for in-depth interpretation and visits where the venue’s rules require or favour a suitably qualified external guide. Access and guiding rules vary, so we check the requirements for the places in your programme.
Museum or subject specialist
For a visit centred on art, architecture, a particular collection or a period of history, a specialist may be the best fit. We can match the guide’s knowledge to the museum or subject that matters to you.
Walking and neighbourhood guide
Explore London on foot with a guide whose interests fit your group, from well-known landmarks to neighbourhoods and themes that receive less attention on standard sightseeing routes.
Guide in training
For suitable walks or orientation visits, a guide in training may be an option. We will explain the guide’s experience and role clearly before you decide.
Companion or city host
Some visitors want practical help getting around, keeping to a schedule or finding their bearings. In those cases, a companion or host may suit the visit better than a history-focused tour.
Driver-led visit or guide with a separate driver
A professional driver can be the practical choice for a panoramic route or a day with several stops. When detailed commentary is important as well, we can arrange a separate guide and driver.
One guide or several specialists
You may prefer one guide throughout the day, or a different guide for a museum or subject where another specialist is a better fit. We will listen to your preference and build the programme accordingly, subject to availability.
Sometimes the best visit is self-guided
Some attractions are easy to explore independently, and some offer their own audio guides or interpretation. Other visits benefit from a specialist guide or practical accompaniment. We will talk through the options and recommend the level of support that suits your plans.
Explore London around your interests
A London guide does not have to follow a standard sightseeing route. Tell us what interests you and we can discuss a programme focused on museums, architecture, theatre, London’s political and legal history, nightlife or local neighbourhoods.
We can also arrange an orientation visit for people who want practical help understanding the city, its transport and how to get around. The emphasis can be on everyday London rather than a history-heavy introduction.
If you have an unusual idea, send it to us. Ivan will look at the group, timings and practical requirements and advise what can be arranged.
Meet the guides
Browse the guide profiles below to learn about each person’s languages, experience, qualifications and areas of interest. Every profile should make clear which kinds of visits the guide is suited to.
Sean Kelleher
Born and bred in London, Blue Badge guide Sean Kelleher brings deep local knowledge, a warm sense of humour and first-hand Olympic Park experience to tours shaped around you.
Your London programme, coordinated by Ivan
Ivan Zharikov is the person who plans your programme and selects which guide to recommend. He works with guides he knows professionally and understands that each person has different strengths.
He will listen to your group’s interests, age range, preferred pace and practical requirements, then coordinate the agreed guides, tickets and transport. If you have a particular guide in mind, you can request them. If you would like one guide to stay with you throughout, tell Ivan when you enquire.
How it works
- Tell us about your visit. Share your dates, group, interests, language, pace and the places you have in mind.
- Get a recommendation. Ivan proposes a suitable guide or combination of services and explains why it fits.
- Review the programme and quote. Your proposal sets out the plan, timings and the services and costs included.
- Enjoy your visit. LDN Tour coordinates the confirmed arrangements and Ivan remains your point of contact.
How much does a private London tour guide cost?
Guide-led private arrangements start at around £350. The final price depends on the guide’s experience and specialism, the duration, language, group, venues, transport and tickets.
A complex programme involving several guides, a vehicle, specialist arrangements or multiple days can cost several thousand pounds. Your quote will set out the agreed plan and what is included.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose the right London tour guide?
Ivan considers your interests, group, preferred language and pace, the places you want to visit and your budget. He then recommends a guide whose experience suits the programme.
Do I need a Blue Badge guide in London?
It depends on where you are going and what you want from the visit. Some major attractions restrict external guiding, so we check the venue’s current requirements and recommend an appropriately qualified guide where needed.
Can I request a particular guide?
Yes. Tell Ivan who you would like and whether you prefer that guide to stay with you throughout. Availability and venue requirements will be checked before confirmation.
Can you arrange tickets and transport as well as the guide?
Yes. If tickets or transport are part of your programme, Ivan can coordinate them with the guide and timings. Your quote will show the agreed services and costs.
Can you arrange more than one guide in a day?
Yes. Some programmes work well with a different specialist for a particular museum or subject. If you prefer one guide throughout, let Ivan know.
Can you organise an orientation tour of London?
Yes. We can discuss a practical introduction focused on getting around and understanding the city, with the amount of historical commentary you want.
What if I have an unusual request?
Send it to Ivan with your dates and group details. He will review the practicalities and tell you what can be arranged.