ABOUT CANVAS & STONE TOURS

Canvas & Stone Tours is a boutique tour company which specialises in taking the hassle out of travel and putting the fun and discovery back into your trip.

Hello. I’m Anna, the founder of Canvas & Stone Tours.

Since 2013, I have been a London Blue Badge Guide taking discerning private clients on bespoke tours of everything this city has to offer. From the soaring dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral to behind the glass screen at the Churchill War Rooms.  From private views of Hogarth paintings at the John Soane Museum to spectacular views on the London Eye and plenty more in between. I have travelled far and wide with clients showing them the neo-lithic mysteries of Stonehenge and had tea with Military Knights of Windsor at Windsor Castle.

Recently I began to notice that the clients I had came back, or sent their friends to the UK and all of them asked for me…..hence my decision to start my own company in 2016. 

I’ve worked in museums and private art collections and my passions are art, sculpture, architecture, history and the people who make London and beyond what it is.

I am open to all but I particularly specialise in couples, families and multi-generational groups or small groups of friends with similar interests.

Long before I graduated as a guide I was a Mum.  Travelling with my own 3 children has given me a unique insight into the situations that can arise when touring with kids……let me make it hassle-free so you can get on with the business of enjoying yourselves!

As an ongoing investment in the well being of my beloved city I also volunteer in a homeless charity, providing safe refuge and a warm meal for those in need.   You can check it out on the weblink;

www.ecwns.org.uk

Anna Warrillow of Canvas & Stone Tours
Canvas & Stone Tours

WHY CHOOSE CANVAS & STONE TOURS?

A Personal Touch & True British Experience

I have been a Blue Badge Guide since 2013 when I graduated after 2 years of intensive training.  I can guide anywhere in London and anywhere you can get to from London in a day.  I was born in the city and have lived here all my life, more recently raising my own family and introducing them to the delights of this town.  I have worked with discerning clients from all over the world and have enabled them to see the best of the city.  I want you to feel you are in safe, capable hands from start to finish.

A Specialist in History, Art & Architecture

I am a specialist in History and Art.  I graduated with a masters in decorative arts and have worked in museums and private collections, both in the UK and the US.  I guide all of the major and lesser known galleries and was a specialist in house guide at the National Gallery most recently.  I also am a History lecturer at Richmond, The American International University London where I teach undergraduates the History of London.  I run continual professional development courses for my fellow guides in a range of topics from Arts in the Age of Industry to The Middle Ages – from Dark to Light.  I am also involved in the training of new guides with the Institute of Tourist Guiding.

Family Friendly Tours

I love kids and having 3 of my own (from teen to toddler!) gives me a unique touch when it comes to family travel.  I know how to bring the city to life for a bored teenager or to see it through the eyes of a 5 year old.  Or perhaps more importantly for the parents, I know when to stop for that all important hot chocolate!

Multi generational groups from grandparents to grandchildren are particularly rewarding as I get to share in the delight of travelling with the family – and seek out the exciting new attractions that will keep everyone happy.

Call or email to organise your personalised tour of London and beyond.

 

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

 

 

I was searching for a suitably qualified tour guide to escort a small group around Westminster who were visiting from the US. Anna was the perfect choice and was extremely knowledgeable not just about the Abbey itself, but about all aspects of Parliament Square and the Houses of Parliament. Her extensive knowledge extended well beyond Westminster to cover all aspects of London. Her passion for the subject matter really brought the history to life. She was very engaging, flexible and open to questions throughout. On the one occasion when she did not know the answer to a question, she actually followed up with the answer on email the next day! I would not hesitate in recommending Anna as an expert tour guide.

Simon Kaye from Gartner.com

 

 

 

Canvas & Stone Tours: Signature Tours

Signature Tours

Enjoy the big Block-Buster sites from The Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral or The London Eye to Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and much more.

Canvas & Stone Tours: Art Tours

Art Tours

Be it the highlights or the hidden gems you’re after or maybe you’re in town for a special exhibition or private view. Let us open your eyes to all that this city has to offer.

Canvas & Stone Tours: Family Tours

Family Tours

Whether you have teens, toddlers or multi-generational groups, we are here to take the hassle out of your travel – there’s more than enough to keep all the family happy.