Marie Helly, Footprints of London

I am a qualified City of Westminster guide and a former BBC journalist with Radio 4 and the World Service. I have had the privilege of a career that involved witnessing history in the making and meeting news makers. As a radio producer and editor I love writing and recording stories that people want to listen to - entertaining as much as informing.

But the last few years at the BBC became too office bound and too reliant on laptops and Zoom meetings. I wanted to get back out meeting people face to face and telling stories…. and so I signed up to train as a tour guide.

I love everything about it – the research, the histories and the engaging characters at the centre of it all - brought to life on the streets of London.

I am a lifelong Londoner on a permanent voyage of discovery. I am interested in social history, backstories to events, and of course politics and current affairs.

But mainly I’m a person who likes meeting people: sharing the drama and fun of human experiences….. enjoying the pleasure of good walking and talking.

Current tours

Warrior Women – a walk through Westminster and Whitehall

Behind Westminster Abbey – a history of the City of Westminster and the incredible people who have lived and died in the shadow of power.

History Makers at the National Portrait Gallery – tyrants, scientists, visionaries and of course royals.

Reviews

Behind Westminster Abbey

Julie from Kent - Fantastic tour, Marie knows her subject so well and adds many interesting insights to a rich history. Can thoroughly recommend, thank you.

Warrior Women

Olga From Moscow - I went on the Warrior Women Walking Tour, and it was an incredible experience. The guide is knowledgeable, charismatic, and has a great sense of humour. Her presentation was lively, engaging, and emotionally rich. Marie’s passion for her work truly shines through and is infectious. She doesn’t just show you the London she knows and loves — she immerses you in the atmosphere of this beautiful city.

Behind Westminster Abbey

Jill From London - Marie’s Westminster Tour was brilliant. It was educational, informative and entertaining, and her energy and enthusiasm brought her plethora of facts and figures to life. I look forward to taking another one of her tours and highly recommend her as a guide. Thank you