Book TourI came to London after graduating with a law degree and have worked here for many years in global professional services firms. Now, as a prize-winning London Blue Badge tourist guide, I delight in sharing my love and deep knowledge of the city with those who want to learn its history and secrets and with those who just want to enjoy the best of what it has to offer.
Karen Dawson
Enjoy browsing our great guided tours...
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'London, my home since 1985 and one of the great cities of the world, is quite simply the one city which I have come to love more and more over the years. Every chapter in London’s history, ancient or modern, is still there to be read in the London you see today: you just have to know where to look.
London is a city best enjoyed on foot. Whatever your interests, my walking tours will aim to offer something to amaze, inspire and entertain.
My own interests are eclectic, ranging from art through history, music, fashion and textiles to food and dining, science, sport and urban regeneration.
Join me and let my love of London develop yours.
My guided London walking tours…
ALL
Themed
Bright Sparks, Genius Plots and Historic Spots
 | A private walking tour through the heart of London to hear about the scientific discoveries which took place here and shaped the world we know today. Tour type: Walking Tour Price: From £195 READ MORE / BOOK |
Living in squares, moving in circles and loving in triangles - a literary tour of Bloomsbury
 | Unravel Bloomsbury's secrets! Stroll through charming squares, hear echoes of Woolf & Dickens, and witness where groundbreaking minds like Keynes reshaped the world. This literary & historical tour whisks you through a vibrant past, alive in every cobblestone & townhouse. Tour type: Walking Tour Price: From £195 READ MORE / BOOK |
Monks, Mayhem, Meat and Marx - The Hidden Gems of Clerkenwell
 | From Smithfield's meaty markets to serene secret gardens, mix with the medieval, roar with revolution in Victorian alleys, and sparkle with Hatton Garden diamonds. Towers, art, and whispers of William Wallace & Karl Marx-uncover London's hidden pulse. Ready? Let's walk. Tour type: Walking Tour Price: From £195 READ MORE / BOOK |
Monks, markets and regeneration: the earthy, edgy east end of town - half day central to east trail
 | Dive into London's vibrant East End on this half-day walk! Journey from bustling Smithfield Market to the modern marvel of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, witnessing gritty history, hidden gems, and stunning regeneration along the way. Tour type: Walking Tour Price: From £195 READ MORE / BOOK |
Old London’s fairytale Christmas tour
 | Unwrap the magic of Christmas in London! Our enchanting tour whisks you through historic streets, revealing the city's festive folklore & dazzling illuminations. Discover where Dickens dreamt ghostly tales, and marvel at Trafalgar Square's radiant tree. Book your enchanting journey today! Tour type: Walking Tour Price: From £195 READ MORE / BOOK |
Royal parks, royal palaces and neighbourhood squares: the fashionable west end of town - half day west to central trail
 | Escape the city roar, weaving from green havens to London's vibrant core. Uncover hidden whispers–from Victorian cemeteries to elegant Chelsea streets. Bask in the beauty of royal parks, then dive into Smithfield Market's historic buzz. Tour type: Walking Tour Price: From £195 READ MORE / BOOK |
Royal parks, squares, markets and canals - full day west to east trail
 | Swap the train for the trail and unwind on this fascinating greentrail walk, linking London's royal parks, hidden squares, and vibrant markets. Breathe deep in Regent's & Hyde Park, uncover whispers in Lincoln's Inn Fields, then shop Spitalfields' past & present. Tour type: Walking Tour Price: From £310 READ MORE / BOOK |
Traders, barrow-boys and grafters - life on the edge in Spitalfields
 | This gritty, glorious walk traces London's multicultural spirit-Roman whispers to trendy art, forgotten weavers to Banglatown spice. See Gherkin steel, mingle with Georgian ghosts, where Emin paints and barrow-boys once traded. History collides with the present-discover London's vibrant underbelly today! Tour type: Walking Tour Price: From £195 READ MORE / BOOK |
Our customers say...
"I learnt new things, even in an area I thought I knew well, excellent company and all felt good with the world! You have one very happy customer. "
Frank
"Thank you so much, Karen. We all had a great time."
Marta
"Interested, informative and engaging.
Our guide clearly knew her stuff – She sprinkled fascinating information with fun and quirky facts that engaged and entertained our party who was of all age groups. Time whizzed by and I was astounded by how much we had covered. Fantastic tour… Really recommend"
Richard
"I’ve now been on two separate tours with Karen as guide and I will definitely be signing up for more. Karen obviously has a huge amount of knowledge, and brings things to life through fascinating stories and anecdotes. The walks have been thoughtfully planned, well paced and kept me engrossed for the whole time. Highly recommended for anyone who has a curiosity to learn more about London. "
Sue
"What a superb day! Karen gave us a splendid 150-180 minute tour of Westminster Abbey and - my! - does she know her stuff! Peers, poets, scientists, warriors, kings and queens, and, of course, the Abbey itself:; Karen had interesting stories and an engaging delivery for all of them and was more than happy to deal with our questions. A really great morning, rounded off with a walk across Parliament Square and along Parliament Street and Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. I thought I knew this part of London, but not a bit of it:; Karen had something new every few metres! Thank you, Karen:; we'll be back!"
Will, Hampshire
