ABOUT ME
I have been one of the foremost guides in London for ten years.
Born and raised in London, I now live in Windsor. In 2010 after a two year course, I was awarded my Blue Badge. Conferred by the Institute of Tourist Guiding, the Blue Badge is the highest guiding qualification in Britain. Qualified to guide all the major sites in London, I delight in showing visitors the hidden corners and fascinating details of both the historic and modern city. I also love meeting visitors to the UK and talking with them. As well as Britain and its history, I have recently had conversations as diverse as British road markings, the difference between ale and beer, where the London set episode of Columbo was filmed and whether Ringo Starr was a better drummer than he is normally given credit for. Read more >
About 70% of my clients are Americans, but I also take pleasure in showing British people some of their own capital city, and learning from them. I am particularly interested in the history of the First & Second World Wars and enjoy taking visitors to the Churchill War Rooms or the Imperial War Museum, as well as pointing out the still visible traces these conflicts have left in London. As a Windsor resident, my expertise in guiding the Queen’s favourite home, Windsor Castle, the town of Windsor as well as Eton, is second to none.
Blue Badge Guides and why use them.
Due to our unparalleled knowledge, we are the only external guides permitted to guide the major sites such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, and Windsor Castle. Blue Badge Tourist Guides have detailed, in-depth knowledge of London’s highlights as well as places off the beaten path; Borough Market, Mayfair, traces of Roman London, Harry Potter film locations, or museums and art galleries such as the Victoria and Albert museum or the National Gallery. They offer guides and tours for every occasion and will help you to have a great time in London. They work with families, couples, inbound tour operators, and corporate groups. We also provide study tours for professional and educational clients. All Blue Badge Tourist Guides carry full public liability insurance and are fully accountable through the respective Code of Conducts of their professional associations.
My life outside guiding
Born and raised in Islington in North London, I have lived in Windsor for 25 years. I spent much of my working life as a customs officer at Heathrow Airport and in central London to working for the British government, prior to training as a guide.
Married to Laura, I have 4 children, one of whom is a primary (elementary) school teacher and the other three are studying at various universities around England. I have a passion for wildlife, and for many years I helped to run the local Wildlife Watch Group for 7-12 year olds.
When not showing clients around London and elsewhere, I delight in walking along the Thames and around Windsor Great Park.
I also enjoy visiting the battlefields of France and Belgium, watching old, black and white movies, and researching my family tree, and peoples’ military service.
I obtained an endorsement to guide the 2012 London Olympic Games, and still consider the 2012 Olympics to be the best three weeks I have ever spent in London.
I try to remain cheerful despite following the mixed fortunes of Fulham Football Club.
What my clients say of my Guided Tours
“His personality is engaging and his knowledge base of British history and the Monarchy was deep. Mike's greatest asset is his ability to present his information in an extremely entertaining manner."
PITtravel, Pennsylvania