About

The Urban Rambler (AKA Nick Collinson)

Hi I’m Nick, AKA The Urban Rambler! I have been working in the museums and heritage sector for over a decade, and have been a qualified City of London guide since 2016. My passion for the fascinating history if this city is infectious. I can guarantee you an unforgettable experience while exploring London or queer history (or both!) with me…

Starting off

Having grown up in rural Essex and Sussex, I moved to Edinburgh to study Biology, and worked in the pharmaceutical industry in Liverpool for a while. In 2010 I moved to London to work in pharmaceutical recruitment. The job didn't fulfil my innate curiosity for my surroundings; the history, geography, art, culture - basically all the things I loved - so in my spare time I took to exploring my new city on foot. In 2013 I jacked the job in and began to volunteer at a historic house perched above London on Hampstead Heath. My friends and family thought that I had lost my mind. I won’t deny it - I questioned my sanity too, but I fell in love with the Georgian villa, its former illustrious inhabitants and its collection of awe-inspiring art including a Vermeer and a Rembrandt! It was here that I learnt the basics of guiding, and realised that I may have (finally) found the path to that elusive equilibrium between working and having fun - that 'dream job'. A short time later I gained employment with English Heritage, where I worked with the charity’s historians, curators, educators and site staff, to interpret the complex histories of its over 400 sites. I can safely say I flipping loved it. The gamble definitely paid off! But I wasn't finished there...

Going Pro

When I learnt of a course that didn’t cost the earth, and may help me in achieving my dreams, I went for it. In summer 2016, after a year of long lectures, all weather-walks, and excruciating exams, I qualified as a City of London guide. From weekend wandering without a goal, to being accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding, I am now perfectly placed to take you to London's quirky corners and introduce you to its most intriguing inhabitants. I'll take you on an urban adventure that you won’t forget in a hurry!

People and Place

My tours focus on people. I don’t (just) talk about ‘King so-and-so the third’ or ‘Lady such-and-such of nowhere’. I talk about real people. The ones who made this city what it is today. People like you and I. Hear their stories where these people actually lived and died. Believe me there are some fascinating stories to be told, and countless more still to uncover!

So whether you want to book one of my 20+ walks or talks for a social / work / special event, or would like to talk about commissioning a new walk or talk, then please get in touch. I’ll pull out all the stops to give you an experience that is engaging, memorable, and, most of all, fun!