This is your holiday; let’s have fun! I’ll show you London from an historic, current and just plain entertaining perspective – aspects you might miss as a visitor or even as a UK resident. During these travel-restricted times, how about a virtual tour exploring London's literary sites or the origins of the Mayflower journey? One advantage of a virtual tour is that we can cover a lot more ground than we could while walking.

I have lived in central London since 1991, working as a freelance travel writer.

I have an unusual advantage. I grew up in America but knew when I first visited years ago that this was my home. I still view London with the enthusiasm of a newcomer but I have the added wisdom of a longtime resident. My dual British/American nationality and world-wide travel experience as a writer helps too; I see London within the context of the wider world.

I specialise in bespoke walking tours, arranging a day tailored to your wishes.  I especially love following in the footsteps of English monarchs and writers.  I'd love to take you back to when Chelsea was a bohemian writers’ colony, when Oscar Wilde captivated the social scene and Laurie Lee fired an arrow along the deserted King’s Road. See where Jane Austen enjoyed a musical soiree and understand why my favourite expat, Henry James, described the riverside as “this Chelsea perch, this haven of sage and seagull.”

Or maybe you’d enjoy seeing Dickens characters come to life in London’s hallowed Temple area? How about exploring Southwark’s development from the time of Chaucer through to Shakespeare and on to Charles Dickens?

How about a walk that examines how English monarchs have shaped London's development? We'll take in some parks, palaces and maybe a bit of pomp.

As a descendant of four passengers on the Mayflower, I especially enjoy celebrating the ship's sailing from Rotherhithe.  I’ve devised a walking tour along the River Thames to Rotherhithe that explains the background of the ship’s passengers, presenting them as incredibly brave pioneers and possibly shattering myths that many Americans have been taught in school. We’ll get some Instagram-worthy views of the City of London and explore a riverside area that not many travellers to London visit.

I’ve published a walking guide for families (Chronicle Books) that caters to mixed-age groups. I raised two children in central London so I know how to make the city come alive for children and teens. I’ll create a day that is as fun for grandparents as it is for youngsters. Let's go!

WHAT CLIENTS SAY

I have christened Emily "the queen of guides." Her knowledge and fun tales brought the London sites alive. She continually included our two grandchildren and yet kept the day on track - she was our own personal Mary Poppins.  I had secretly hired a limo as a 40th birthday surprise for my son and when it didn't turn up, the day could have been ruined. But Emily quickly negotiated a great rate with a black cab and soon we were whizzing around town. We have all taken away happy, lasting memories and hope to make another visit when Emily can show us more. -Kevan Prescott, NW England

Emily’s tours during our two days in London were fabulous. She brought the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey to life for us – and indeed the entire city. During the rest of our trip in England and Scotland, we all referred back to things she had mentioned. Our 17-year-old loved actually seeing things she’d learned about in her AP European history class. We also really enjoyed getting to know Emily and spending time with her. We thank her for making our trip so memorable and fun. MG Kerr, Charleston, SC

Emily was a fantastic guide for us. We were a group of six and mostly first-time visitors. Her approach to our tour was spot on - from the material provided to setting a comfortable pace. We are now anxious to return and see more. It was such a fun day. (Agency feedback)

Emily was extremely knowledgeable and she answered all our questions, including detailed history about Britain. She was like a great friend taking us around the city; she and our driver even found the highlight that my daughter wanted to see from her favourite film. It was an awesome and memorable experience being with her for the day. CM, Canada

Emily was exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging. We enjoyed our tour immensely and learned a great deal. (Agency feedback)