Ben’s Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of London
From Tourism Insider to Licensed London Guide
Ben didn’t arrive at guiding overnight. Having already spent years working within the tourism industry, he crossed paths with Blue Badge Guides regularly — and it was those encounters that convinced him to make the move himself. Qualifying in 2019, Ben brings that industry insight with him on every tour, giving guests a perspective that goes well beyond the textbook.
London Never Runs Out of Surprises
Ask Ben what keeps guiding fresh after all these years, and he’ll tell you about a guest from Canada who recently visited London for the tenth time — still finding new things to see. That, for Ben, sums up everything. “There is always something new to discover,” he says — and as a Londoner himself, he knows that feeling firsthand.
A Front-Row Seat to History: The Coronation Rehearsal
Some moments on tour stay with you. Just a month before the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023, Ben was guiding a family along the Mall — the grand road leading up to Buckingham Palace — when they happened upon what appeared to be a full rehearsal for the ceremony. Guards, horses, and full pageantry marching right in front of them. It wasn’t on the itinerary. It was better than anything that could have been.
Ben’s Areas of Expertise
Ben’s guiding is centred around some of London’s most iconic sites: the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul’s Cathedral. He also brings specialist knowledge from his time guiding at Premier League football stadiums, making him an excellent choice for guests who want to combine London’s history with its sporting culture.
The Bridge in St James’s Park: Ben’s Favourite Spot
Every guide has a place they love to share. For Ben, it’s the bridge in St James’s Park — a tranquil spot that offers one of the most surprisingly beautiful views in the city. On a clear day, it makes for a photograph you’ll genuinely treasure.
Making a Connection Wherever You’re From
Ben has a gift for finding common ground. No matter where in the world his guests are travelling from, he nearly always finds a thread that connects them — a shared interest, a familiar reference, something that turns a great tour into a genuine conversation. That ability to build a rapport is something guests consistently remember.
Guiding in English
Ben guides in English and is a fluent Spanish speaker — something he hopes to develop further in his guiding career in the future.
Outside of the Tours
When he’s not showing guests around London, Ben enjoys tennis, keeping active at the gym, and spending time with his family.
