Reviews

Bermondsey

A large private guided walking tour of the Bermondsey area of London, which proved to be fascinating because Paul took us off the ‘tourist track’ in places, which allowed us to gain a rich history. Paul kept the party fully engaged and at a pace we could all manage. He shared pictures and maps along the way and was very informative about this area and knowledgeable about its lovely architecture. Finally, he took us to a historic pub, which made this a memorable and wonderful tour. This is the second tour the group has done with Paul and I thoroughly recommend his tours.
Sarah Goldman, City of London

Who knew that nestling behind that shiny massive shard of glass next to London Bridge station is a labyrinth of backstreets and buildings with a fascinating history of trade (leather, wool, bananas you name it) medicine (hospitals, research, graveyards) and misdemeanours (you can imagine!). Paul delivered a fantastic walking tour explaining the history of the area and changes through the decades which have led to the bustling commercial, philanthropic and wealthy residential and tourist area it has become. Thankyou Paul. Truly fascinating.
Paula Buckton, Twickenham

On a very chilly January day a group of us met with Paul, at London Bridge Station, to begin our walking tour of Bermondsey. From the beginning of our journey, through until the end, Paul held our attention with incredible facts and stories. He seamlessly combined the old and the new of the area while keeping his narrative clear and succinct. He showed great patience and knowledge when answering the many questions that we had and remained humorous throughout the tour. Paul’s enthusiasm for his subject was infectious, so much so that I now plan to return to Bermondsey to re-visit some of the places on the route. Having been on many guided walks/tours in various cities around the world, I found Paul to be one of the best guides I have experienced. He really knows his subject and he delivers the material in a thoughtful and engaging way. I highly recommend his London walks and will look forward to joining him again to explore another area of the city.
Daryl Lang, London

Clerkenwell & Smithfield

We had an absolutely fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable tour around these two unique areas of London. Paul is an extremely knowledgeable and entertaining guide; as amusing as he is well informed. We appreciated his flexible approach which allowed for our physical pace: stopping for coffees and snacks from recommended eateries. His anecdotes and stories were varied, funny and intriguing. We both look forward to another walk!
James Ellery, Teddington

Four of us recently went on the Clerkenwell and Smithfield tour.
Paul the tour guide, was friendly, approachable and extremely knowledgeable about all the aspects of the area he was showing us.
If you want to listen to the lost River Fleet, visit the oldest church in London, see the site of the execution of William Wallace or find out in which pubs Lenin and John Betjeman drank, this is the tour for you.
I found it all fascinating.
Thank you.
Wiktor Stankiewicz, Wimbledon

Bloomsbury

 I thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour of Bloomsbury with Paul, our very engaging and informative guide.   It was wonderful to explore the elegant Georgian squares and secret little streets and to imagine the life of some of the former renowned residents – Dickens, Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes to name but a few.  Even better that the tour encompassed old and new and we were able to visit the medical hub and buzzing educational sites in this fascinating part of London.  I would definitely recommend this tour and look forward to doing more.
Liz, Surrey

We joined Paul’s Bloomsbury tour in a small group. Paul was extremely knowledgable and well informed about the area. His manner was casual and friendly and his delivery was confident, very clear and easy to follow. We had both worked in the area and knew our way round much of it but we learnt so much.
We were given factual information and also heard great anecdotal stuff that added enjoyment to the tour. Would highly recommend the tour for both visitors to London and for London dwellers alike. A great way to spend a few hours being educated and entertained at the same time.
Norma Clark & John Jenkins, West London

A comprehensive, insightful walk around Bloomsbury.Paul, our guide, was warm and engaging.There was an interesting mix of architectural styles and we were introduced to the delightful, secluded squares.We learnt about some of the famous past inhabitants, including the infamous Bloomsbury Group and Charles Dickens.Additionally, how some of the local charities are funded including Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
I can highly recommend this walk which also gives the incentive to explore / discover more of the area..
Sue Norton, London

Chelsea

Paul, on his Chelsea walk, conveyed an enormous amount of information in an entertaining way. We walked down the King’s Road (Swinging ‘60s) and around the Chelsea back streets- Sir Thomas More, Charles II, pre-Raphaelites, Chelsea pensioners and so much more.We shall certainly be back for another walk.
Monica, Richmond

Our little group of retired urban explorers enjoyed another conducted tour with Paul Jackson one hot day recently, this time in Chelsea.Who knew there was so much to learn about this famous London borough?!I clearly didn’t, despite having worked there for years.Paul certainly does his research very thoroughly, and regaled us with lots of interesting and entertaining facts about its many famous residents, past and present, as well as informative and fascinating details about numerous historical buildings, whilst patiently answering all our questions along the way.A day very well spent, and we are already planning our next tour
Zosia Martin

Deptford & East Rotherhithe

We enjoyed this tour because it took us somewhere we would not necessarily have thought of visiting and experienced a place off the beaten track so to speak. Walking through Deptford was what we would class these days as real London – the street market, the locals, all made for a real and authentic London experience.  This, combined with historical facts really brought the area to life.

We love the history of places and in particular London and the surrounding areas and were thrilled that Paul had taken so much time to research the area in meticulous detail. In addition, his personable manner and knowledge definitely made this tour one we would highly recommend and we are looking forward to doing some more of his tours next year.

The breaks during the tours were welcomed and so much more so as he took us to a coffee bar and also a lovely local pub, The Dog and Bell. When you are new to an area a visit to a couple of local establishments gives you a sense of comfort and somewhere we would definitely seek out again when we go back to London in future.

The journey through to Rotherhithe and the excerpts of surrounding historical facts about the locality, and the once thriving industries along this stretch of the Thames, which have now made way for 21st Century panoramic living accommodation, made for a really fascinating and enjoyable 4 hours.
Matt and Steve, Brighton

Roman London

My wife and I recently had a private guided tour of Roman London. Starting at the site of the Roman bridge, we explored the Roman remains in the City of London, the site of Londinium. It was a fascinating tour, which brought to life the two thousand year history of our capital.  The guide, Paul Jackson, is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and engaging.  In all a very enjoyable and informative experience. We are planning to do more of his tours.
Paul and Karen Johnson, Scarborough

Fleet Street

Thank you for a great walk. It combined the legal aspect of the area together with the journalists and also brought out how they interacted. The final bit of the stationers and paper trade around Ludgate brought the printing aspects together with the other two. A brilliant walk along the Street of Shame; In all a very enjoyable and informative experience.
Peter Ray, London

Old Docklands

It was a privilege to be shown the secrets of the Thames by such an expert. We loved the way Paul took us off the tourist track without losing anything of the rich history of the route, and particularly enjoyed all the many well-researched stories he had about people, places and other hidden gems along the way.  He kept us fully engaged the whole time from beginning to end. We also liked the maps and pictures he shared along the way – it really brought history to life.
Cathy Baxter, Isleworth

A fantastic, historical and interesting tour of a sometimes overlooked part of London. Walking through Wapping, Limehouse and onto the Isle of Dogs, Paul pointed out many hidden gems that without him we would have easily missed. Our personal highlights were St Katherine’s Dock, the oldest riverside pub in London – an excellent place for a refreshment break – The Limehouse Cut (canal) and the really interesting stories Paul told us about the refurbished wharfs. We enjoyed the tales of pirates, hangings and opium dens. A mysterious pyramid and a visit to Shadwell Basin market just added to a brilliant afternoon walk. A truly fascinating tour, where Paul’s enthusiasm and knowledge of this area shines through and absorbs you completely.

Matt and Steve, Brighton