William Watson

Last updated 13/12/2011

Email:
Web: http://www.willwatsontourguide.com
Mobile: 0044[0]7971043647

Year qualified: 2000 - Driver Guide

Native language: English

Biography: I grew up in the countryside and love it still.Sissinghurst, Hidcote Manor, Wisley, Kew Gardens and driving through the Cotswolds en route to Stratford on Avon are just a few of the delights I share with my tourists.

Cycling around Kent as a boy, looking at the castles in Dover, Leeds and Hever, little did I realise that years later I would be guiding there and visiting Canterbury - “the cradle of Christianity” and the ancient King’s School where I was a pupil.

Winston Churchill is a speciality: his birthplace Blenheim Palace, The Cabinet War Rooms, the Churchill Museum and his beloved Chartwell. I offer personal stories of the man from my father’s meetings with him.

Oxford is a favourite. I show tourists my old college Christ Church, the inspiration for Hogwarts Hall and where scenes were shot for the first Harry Potter film. The centuries old colleges are full of literary connections. Lewis Carroll, JRR Tolkien and C. S. Lewis all created their magic worlds here-Wonderland, Middle Earth and Narnia.

Thirty years in social work have given me inside knowledge of the Law Courts. I also tour the nearby Temple Church mentioned in Dan Brown’s Book “The Da Vinci Code”.

I am married with 2 adult children. Our daughter and family live nearby and our son is married and living in Louisville, Kentucky. I am now a proud grandfather in London, and Louisville KY USA !

I love this country, and our history : Westminster Abbey is a special favourite.

I love our language, the origins of words, expressions and phrases. Latin is no problem for me !

I have travelled widely, but will always remain a proud Englishman....

Region for which accredited: London
London sites for which accredited: British Library, British Museum, City of London, Greenwich, Hampton Court Palace, National Gallery, Somerset House, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tate Britain, Tower of London, Victoria & Albert Musm., Westminster Abbey
Sites outside London for which accredited: Bath, Oxford, Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Winchester Cathedral, Windsor Castle

Special interests: My strength is bringing history alive: the personal stories behind the facts and dates make history so much more fun and memorable. I like visitors to feel at home here: one visitor complimented me on making her and her friends “feel like insiders”.

I have a great deal of experience with three-generation family trips. I tailor tours to your requirements – we go where you want, at the pace you want. If you are unsure, I am happy to make suggestions.

I can guide fully inside Westminster Abbey, where all the royals were crowned; The Tower of London and Crown Jewels; St Paul’s Cathedral with viewing galleries; The British Museum, Greek Marbles and Egyptian Mummies, and The National Gallery, the best of British Painting.

We can drive by, and sometimes go in, Buckingham Palace, with the Changing of the Guard; St James Palace; Kensington Palace, once home of Princess Diana; Clarence House, the home of Prince Charles, Camilla and the Princes William and Harry; Big Ben; Parliament; Shakespeare’s new Globe Theatre; The Beatles Abbey Road crosswalk; Sherlock Holmes Pub or Museum; The War Museums, to name but a few!

Outside London I tour Hampton Court, Windsor, Salisbury, Winchester, Stonehenge, Avebury, Crop Circles, Lacock Abbey, Bath, The Cotswolds, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick Castle, Cambridge, Suffolk, “Constable” country, more gardens, museums, fun and beautiful villages, jolly pubs and eateries.

My car is a modern minivan, seating 8 in air-conditioned comfort. I, and my car, are fit and flexible enough to combine as many of the above as we can in one day. Or come on an extended tour for more fun, facts, and photo opportunities! Check out my website for more information and pictures: www.willwatsontourguide.com.

Walking tours: London: The Blue Badge "Essential London" walk in Westminster: The Royal Parks, The City of London and Christopher Wren churches.

Thames River trips to Kew, Hampton Court and Greenwich.

Countryside: Guided walking tours in the countryside for one to ten days anywhere in England; favourites are the Cotswolds, Suffolk villages, Constable country, Kent, Wiltshire, Bath. Can be combined with visiting famous sights in the local area.

Extended tours: England: Two to ten days of particular areas, or all England, customized to your requirements.

France: 1. Day trip to France exploring Calais, Boulogne and the local countryside.

2. Two to ten day tours in my car anywhere in France and French speaking Switzerland; for example; Paris, Monet’s garden at Giverny and the Normandy Beaches. Accommodation can be arranged.

Countries offered: France