Ruth Polling

Ruth Polling

 

Energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about London, Ruth graduated top of her year as the London Blue Badge Tourist Guide of the Year 2014. London born and bred, she has been guiding in London for over ten years and is an International History graduate from the London School of Economics.

Ruth says:

"London is the world's most diverse, exciting and magical city and I want to share it with you!

"Although I grew up in London it was only when I went traveling that I realised how much London had to offer and how much more you get from traveling when you have a knowledgeable tour guide who is as excited about their city as you are. I came back to London, changed career and haven't looked back.

"I love meeting new people and showing them the best of my city."

Ruth's visitors say:

"My girlfriend and I went on an excellent tour in London with Ruth! She was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the history of the city and was an engaging storyteller which made the tour feel more like an adventure. Ruth easily accommodated our personalized tour request and was able to cover medieval, Victorian, and WWII history without missing a beat. I'd highly recommend her for any group considering a tour." Joseph , USA

"Ruth delivered a bespoke tour which was received excellently by our group of Army Officer cadets. I gave Ruth specific areas to cover, linking into our course syllabus, and she met the brief perfectly and pitched it at exactly the right level for the students. As well as being an engaging guide, Ruth was also very helpful on the day. Our team would highly recommend her to other education groups." Army School of Education

“The day my husband and I spent with Ruth was the true highlight of our trip to London. She is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, entertaining, and warm. She answered our many questions throughout the day. I will think about day together for years to come. Will suggest to anyone I know going to London to book a tour with Ruth. She is the best.” Sheryl and Jon, USA

Before becoming a guide Ruth worked in London politics for eleven years including working in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. In addition to tour guiding Ruth lectures and runs training courses on London history and politics.

Whatever the size of your group, age, background or experience Ruth provides a personal service and will build an itinerary that's just right for you. Although Ruth has limited availability in the winter due to other commitments she guides all summer and looks forward to bringing London to life for you through its history, people and stories.

Languages

English

Top 5 Specialities

British Military History Tour

Imperial War Museum Tour

Tower of London Tour

Churchill War Rooms Tour

Classic London Tour

Guide Calendar Last Update: 14th of April, 2024

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    Blog Posts

    The Story of the Cenotaph in London – Marking 100 Years

    At 11 a.m. on 11th November 1920, Britain marked the exact moment two years previously when the Armistice ended the fighting of the First World War. Standing on Whitehall, King George V stepped forward to unveil a new permanent Cenotaph and join the nation in two minutes of silent reflection. This moment started the tradition of the monarch leading the nation in remembrance from the Cenotaph, which is still with us 100 years later.

    Read more

    Remembering The Blitz On London

    On the afternoon of 7th September 1940, 350 German bomber planes attacked London, devastating the docks area and killing over 400 people. The day became known as Black Saturday and marked the beginning of a bombing campaign – the Blitz – that terrorised the city for eight months. Around 20,000 Londoners were killed. Eighty years on from Black Saturday, Blue Badge Tourist Guide Ruth Polling explores how remnants of that period can still be seen in London today.

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    Five Top Battle of Britain Sites to Visit in London

    This summer marks 80 years since the Battle of Britain was fought in the skies over southern England. This was a fight for Britain’s survival against a Nazi Germany that had conquered much of western Europe in just a few short months. With the fall of France in June, Britain expected a German invasion, and one was indeed being planned under the codename Operation Sealion. However, for the invasion to be successful the Germans first needed to control the skies over Britain – they needed to destroy the Royal Air Force.

    Read more
    See all blog posts posted by Ruth Polling