TOUR GUIDE OF LONDON

For gin lovers, I can recommend the excellent distillery tour at Hayman's in Balham. They are still an independent family run business and in 1863 pioneered the distinctive taste of London Dry Gin. Very informative and fun.

Distillery Tours - Hayman's Gin Come and join us on our behind-the-scenes tours at Hayman's The Original Gin, voted London’s Favourite Gin Distillery.* Please see full details below. *repeatedly voted by TripAdvisor

On Sunday 15th June there will be the annual free concert in Trafalgar Square given by the LSO. Turn up early to get a place!
https://www.lso.co.uk/whats-on/bmw-classics-2025/?

BMW Classics 2025 | London Symphony Orchestra The LSO and Sir Antonio Pappano give a free open-air concert in Trafalgar Square, London, with music by Rossini, Puccini and Verdi, plus a world premiere by Isabella Gellis.

This weekend is the annual London Open Gardens weekend where you get the opportunity to explore green spaces which are usually private. Full details and booking on the link:

London Open Gardens 2025 - London Parks & Gardens Booking for London Open Gardens 2025 is now open London Open Gardens is our annual event when normally closed or hidden green spaces open their gates to our supporters. Discover rooftop gems, community spaces and historic walled enclosures. We also offer walks and special access opportunities to mee...

The National Gallery is celebrating 200 years of being open and the new entrance layout as well as the rehang are very welcome. I am therefore resuming giving tours of this wonderful collection for groups of up to 4 people. Walk through the history of western art from 14th century to 1900 as we enjoy masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Rembrandt, Turner, Monet and Van Gogh. Hear the stories behind the paintings as we consider why they were painted, the techniques used by the artists and the extraordinary lives of the artists.

The National Gallery, London The Nation's Gallery. The story of European art, masterpiece by masterpiece.

This week May 19th-25th enjoy Chelsea in Bloom, London’s largest free-to-attend festival of flowers. Details and a map to follow on the link.

Chelsea in Bloom The world class alternative floral art show is back for its 20th anniversary, transforming the streets of Chelsea from 19-25 May, with breathtaking displays

London Craft Week runs from 12th - 18th May and showcases the brilliant craftsmanship through a range of demonstrations, talks, behind the scenes visits and exhibits. Booking recommended.

Home - London Craft Week Celebrating outstanding British and international creativity, the festival brings together over 1000 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. A curated selection based not on price or fame, but underlying substance. Plus, that essential dash of magic an...

MOCO London provides a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to experience some of the biggest names in Modern and Contemporary art. Beautifully displayed in a building opposite Marble Arch, it is well worth visiting to see works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, Damien Hirst, KAWS, Jeff Koons, Marina Abramović etc. There is an immersive section downstairs too.

Moco Museum London: Best Modern Art Experience! Moco Museum London: Modern, digital & immersive art. 🌍 Plan your visit & see Banksy, Basquiat & more. 🎟️ Get your tickets today!

A wonderful selection of Renaissance drawings, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael are on show in the King's Gallery. On until 9th March.

Drawing the Italian Renaissance: The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace Discover drawings by artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian.

20 years ago today I sat the first two (of four) written exams to become a professional London Blue Badge Tour Guide! The Core Knowledge paper included a wide range of questions on history, art, architecture, geography, government, sport, literature etc. I remember one of the questions was "briefly describe the geological breakdown of Britain and its impact on building materials". Paper 2 was questions on day tours from London such as designing a literary walking tour around Oxford.

Two days later were two London papers and then a week of practical exams including giving tours by coach, a walking tour, Westminster Abbey, British Museum, Tower of London and an art gallery.

The exams were a culmination of just over a year of intense study including two lectures a week plus practical training every Saturday.
My very first job as a qualified London Tour Guide was on April 1st (not an April Fool joke). Since then I have had the privilege and pleasure of guiding many people around this amazing city and the day trips from it.

Since 2009 I have also been one of the tutors accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding training a new batch of would be guides each year.

To find more about what I offer check my website:

Home - Tour Guide of London Award winning London Blue Badge Tour Guide, Gavin Webb, specialises in customised London tours, from famous London sites to hidden London.

The annual Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf is a lovely free way to brighten up late January. It runs from 21st January until 1st February. Return later in the year for a guided walking tour with me to hear all about the area's past, present and future!

Winter Lights Spectacular light installations and immersive art

Happy New Year to everyone following this page!

Here are some of the exhibitions I am looking forward to seeing in 2025. Booking in advance recommended.

Drawing the Italian Renaissance at the King's Gallery on until 9/3/25
https://www.rct.uk/collection/exhibitions/drawing-the-italian-renaissance/the-kings-gallery-buckingham-palace?

Goya to Impressionism at The Courtauld 14/2-26/5/25
https://courtauld.ac.uk/whats-on/exh-goya-to-impressionism-masterpieces-from-the-oskar-reinhart-collection/

Siena at The National Gallery 8/3-22/6/25
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/siena-the-rise-of-painting

Victor Hugo Drawings at The Royal Academy 21/3-29/6/25
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/astonishing-things

José María Velasco at The National Gallery 29/3-17/8/25
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/velasco

The Edwardians at The King's Gallery 11/4-23/11/25
https://www.rct.uk/collection/exhibitions/the-edwardians-age-of-elegance/the-kings-gallery-buckingham-palace

Burra and Colquhoun at Tate Britain 13/6-19/10/25
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/burra-and-colquhoun

Kiefer and Van Gogh at The Royal Academy 28/6-26/10/25
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/kiefer-van-gogh

Neo-Impressionism at the National Gallery 13/9/25-8/2/26
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/neo-impressionism

Picasso 3 Dancers at Tate Modern 17/9/25-spring 26
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/picasso-the-three-dancers

Lee Miller at Tate Britain 2/10/25-15/2/26
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/lee-miller

Turner and Constable 27/11/25-12/4/26
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/turner-and-constable

Birth of Art Photography at Tate Modern 4/12/25-25/5/26
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/global-pictorialism

Turner and Constable | Tate Britain Tate Britain Exhibition Turner and Constable 27 November 2025 – 12 April 2026 Free for Members Become a Member John Constable, The White Horse, 1819© The Frick Collection, New York. Photo: Joseph Coscia Jr The definitive exhibition of two pivotal British artists in the 250th year of their births ...

London's New Year Parade attracts participants from around the world and raises money for London charities. Details of the route can be found on the official website. Happy New Year everyone!

About – London's New Year's Day Parade London, consistently voted as one of the world’s most popular destinations, packed full of landmark buildings, world class tourist attractions, restaurants offering cuisine from around the globe and, for over three decades, The London’s New Year’s Day Parade (more fondly known by Londoners as ...