London has been a special destination place to me, ever since I was a student of English Philology in my hometown Lublin in Poland. However, it was during a flying and spontaneous visit to London in 2008 that I met my husband Tim, which set in motion a chain of unexpected events. A year later I left Warsaw where for several years I had been working as a Business English teacher and moved to London. Our daughter Zuzia was born later that year.
I discovered my passion for guiding when I joined the team of volunteer guides at Carlyle’s House in Chelsea in March 2011 and soon realised that I would love to make it my career. I have created and guided several; specially tailor made walks for my colleagues in Carlyle’s House in Chelsea. In July 2011 I guided a riverside walk from The Thames Barrier to St Catherine Docks for London Hikers. In December 2011 I successfully accomplished a guiding course in Greenwich with GreenwichTour Guides Association I joined GTGA in 2012 as the only Greenwich guide of Polish origin. In autumn 2012 I started working as a volunteer at the Rose Theatre, the very first theatre that opened on Bankside in 1587. I qualified as City of London Guide in 2012. Since March 2014 I've been working for Environment Agency as a Tour Guide at The Thames Barrier Visitors Centre in Woolwich, London.
I always do my research thoroughly and guide with passion and care. I am constantly developing my knowledge and improving my skills. My motto is: ‘Whatever you do, do your best and put your heart in it’!
Nika Garrett