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Wonders of Whitehall private tour reviews:

Wonders of Whitehall (WoW) "Although the Wonders of Whitehall Guided Walk was down to be presented by its designer, Hazel, this particular outing was done by Ian. Despite this being Ian’s first gig guiding the Wonders of Whitehall it was immediately clear he was not only a very experienced guide but a highly qualified ‘domain’ expert on many aspects of English political and social history.

After the usual run-through of the standard dos and don’ts of an urban guided walk we were off. Ian set a sensible pace for the size of our group (about a dozen or so) and demographic. This was later proved when we completed our Tour of Whitehall’s Greatest Hits bang on time! 1000 years of selected history highlights in a mere 90 minutes is no small achievement. Not a minute was wasted.

His accompanying commentary was a well-judged mixture of facts (historic events, dates and leading personnel), anecdotes and (some) opinion. Fire featured a lot! His delivery was clear and the content consistently engaging and focussed. Ian was also happy to chat (generally and specifically) to the various members of the group and answer questions (there weren’t many) as we walked.

I liked the way we sometimes had to use not just our eyes but our imagination. The sheer size and scale of the Palace of Whitehall took a great deal of imagination! Also, considering its unique significance, I’d have liked just a little bit more on the execution of Charles 1, but, hey, maybe that’s just me.
Anyway, Hazel can relax. The Wonders of Whitehall Guided Walk is in safe additional hands with Ian." Ruthven M

"Very interesting tour. The guide was lovely and professional. I think it would be a good tour for someone living in London or tourists that want to discover something more than the usual sightseeing." Alan P

"I enjoyed the walk very much." Mark O'Rourke

"The walk was good, Hazel is a knowledgeable guide with a fun sense of humour. The highlight was the last stop of the tour and realising what went where in terms of Westminster geography."

"A great 100 minutes with a fabulous guide and lovely lady, Hazel! I learnt so much and I will be looking on her own website to join more of her tours. Thank you Hazel." Mark Poisson

"Great to have attention drawn to things never noticed and to be given the back story. All most interesting."

"Very interesting and entertaining walk around a beautiful part of London .Hazel is an informative knowledgeable and amusing guide" Susan Anderson

"Hazel's depth of knowledge about London is incredible. This is a really interesting walk!" Anon

"This having been my 1st Walking tour having lived here since the 90's, ashamed to say I know London not! Having passed by Whitehall for years to and from work, it was insightful to look a little bit behind the scenes." Anon

"Very interesting tour. The guide was lovely and professional. I think it would be a good tour for someone living in London or tourists that want to discover something more than the usual sightseeing." Anon

"Although I worked right by this area for over 20 years it is amazing what I had missed, Hazel brought it to life with her enthusiastic knowledge and storytelling. A well experienced guide - she knows where to station her group to get give them the best view of any area without causing blocks at busy sites. The tour starts at Westminster Station and finishes near Trafalgar Square lasts about 90 mins covering the beginnings of Whitehall with Henry V111 up to modern day memorials. She also packed us off with ideas for more things to explore in the area once we left the group." Katrina Patterson

"Another great informative walk with Hazel" Gillian Faulkner

"Despite a raw wind the walk was warming as well-known buildings were brought to life with lots of historical facts interspersed with quirky snippets which (hopefully!) will stick in the mind. Hazel is a very welcoming leader, engaging with all her group and keen to make it fun. Highly recommended." Anon

"Hazel is knowledgeable and gives a fascinating insight into the history of the area." Pamela Kalman

"We really liked this one as it took us to the places that Londoners tend not to visit very often. Although a cold evening we wrapped up warm and listened to some fascinating historic tales from the welcoming guide. A friendly and fun way to spend 90 minutes, with the added benefits of a healthy stroll and some new learning for our ageing brains!" Sarah & Tony Greaves

"Good fun to be on another of Hazel's excellent tours. I was inspired to contact my local MP for a tour of the Houses of Parliament!" Helen Morgan

"Highly recommended. A trip through history with a knowledgeable and friendly guide.Lots of interesting facts and plenty to think about. The 90 minutes goes very quickly!" Paul Burrell

"Outstanding, informative, insightful, entertaining walk and our bubbly, intelligent guide Hazel was 10/10! Superb afternoon out- thank you!" Anon

"A beautiful evening spent walking around Whitehall taking in big Ben/ horses guards/ houses of parliament /Westminster abbey/ poets corner /banqueting hall /10 downing street etc etc .Also beautiful views of London eye lit up at night.Hazel the tour guide is fully qualified well read/researched funny chirpy interesting and took a moment to give a smile a kind word to everyone. The walk was very educational fun and thought provoking an evening very well spent and never to be forgotten thank you." Marie Power

"A really-good , informative afternoon walk!" Anon

"Very nice walk with lovely and knowledgeable Hazel" Anon

"Hazel gave us a most informative and entertaining walk. I found many ideas for places to visit such as the Banqueting Hall. I can highly recommend this walk." Sylvia Smith

"Great to have attention drawn to things never noticed and to be given the back story. All most interesting." Anon

"This having been my 1st Walking tour having lived here since the 90's, ashamed to say I know London not! Having passed by Whitehall for years to and from work, it was insightful to look a little bit behind the scenes." Amy S

"Hazel's depth of knowledge about London is incredible. This is a really interesting walk!" Julie

"Very interesting and entertaining walk around a beautiful part of London .Hazel is an informative knowledgeable and amusing guide" Susan Anderson

"Although I worked right by this area for over 20 years it is amazing what I had missed, Hazel brought it to life with her enthusiastic knowledge and storytelling. A well experienced guide - she knows where to station her group to get give them the best view of any area without causing blocks at busy sites. The tour starts at Westminster Station and finishes near Trafalgar Square lasts about 90 mins covering the beginnings of Whitehall with Henry V111 up to modern day memorials. She also packed us off with ideas for more things to explore in the area once we left the group." Katrina P

"Hazel is knowledgeable and gives a fascinating insight into the history of the area." Pamela Kalman

"We really liked this one as it took us to the places that Londoners tend not to visit very often. Although a cold evening we wrapped up warm and listened to some fascinating historic tales from the welcoming guide. A friendly and fun way to spend 90 minutes, with the added benefits of a healthy stroll and some new learning for our ageing brains!" Sarah & Tony Greaves

"Despite a raw wind the walk was warming as well-known buildings were brought to life with lots of historical facts interspersed with quirky snippets which (hopefully!) will stick in the mind. Hazel is a very welcoming leader, engaging with all her group and keen to make it fun. Highly recommended." Anon