Philip Scott
I moved to London from Lancashire, where I grew up, in 1981. I love living in London and sharing my passion for and knowledge of this wonderful city’s rich history, culture and diversity.
After teaching politics, history and other humanities subjects in east London for 33 years; I transferred the skills I acquired as a teacher to become a qualified tour guide in 2019 (City of Westminster qualification).
I really enjoy guiding people around London, not only the main sights but also parts of central London that are off the main thoroughfares. My walks are delivered in an informative, friendly and accessible style. As well as the more obvious information, I like to share little-known and slightly quirky nuggets.
Book a guided walk with Philip
London History Podcast Episodes:
Blog Posts:
- Discovering Trafalgar Square’s Royal Connections: Part 1 – From Royal Mews to George IV’s Lavish Home
- Discovering Trafalgar Square’s Royal Connections Part 2
- Discovering Trafalgar Square’s Royal Connections: Part 3
- Noor Inayat Khan: The Spy Princess Who Defied Fascism
- The Legacy of Methodist Central Hall
Read Philip's Reviews
Rebecca
April 2025
March 2025
Very pleasant walking tour of Soho with a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. Was amazed by the things that I had never previously noticed, most noticeably the random nose sculpture on a wall. Would highly recommend.
January 2025
development
August 2024
A really enjoyable experience. Philip was very friendly and knowledgeable, clearly enjoying sharing his knowledge and ensuring we got the best views of the sights. Despite the fact I knew some local gay history, the tour definitely broadened my knowledge and I also got intrigued by the stories Philip told us, intending to research the topics even more. Highly recommended!
June 2024
Attended a great LGBT+ History tour of Westminster, hosted by Philip. Although I am in the area on a regular basis, the tour explored and pointed out landmarks, I had not paid attention to. Philip was knowledgeable and did an excellent job at keeping us engaged. Highly recommend the tour
March 2024
Fab-u-lous quirky five star London walk. Highly recommended – I always learn something new on these walks. The guide, Philip, is personable, knowledgeable, inclusive and doesn’t dawdle! He answers questions and adapts his talk to the participants interests. I will be looking out for his other walks.
Sylvester
March 2024
What is wonderful quirky tour of Westminster by Philip, our tour guide. He is friendly, knowledgeable and willing to answer questions asked,to give additional information. I worked in the area covered by this tour for 16 years and still there was lots that I learnt. I highly recommend this walk and talk.
March 2024
Attended a great LGBT+ History tour of Westminster, hosted by Philip. Although I am in the area on a regular basis, the tour explored and pointed out landmarks, I had not paid attention to. Philip was knowledgeable and did an excellent job at keeping us engaged. Highly recommend the tour
October 2023
LGBTQI+ rights are human rights and this is very much what this tour is about. A mixture of history and politics prevails (as you’d expect) but it’s all very accessible. There are many amusing anecdotes, shocking details and interesting facts to be had and it’s been assembled wonderfully by guide Phillip Scott who is both charming and engaging. When I say that I was a heterosexual man on this tour, I say it to highlight that this tour is absolutely for everyone. Give it a go, there’s so much that you will have knowledge of but can learn more about on this tour. Also, it’s constantly updating because of the times we live in. Highly recommended.
Stephen
September 2023
It was fascinating to revisit familiar London landmarks afresh through tour guide Phil’s gay lens. Intriguing to explore the legacies of George Villiers, Oscar Wilde, Molly Houses and George Canning. Phil skillfully wove a rainbow thread through the 17th & 18th centuries, Great and Second World Wars. Informative, enlightening and enhanced with a fun quiz, the tour itself was the prize, truly a winner!
