Tour Guide Associations
Blue Badge Guides are registered, professional tourist guides who are passionate about British history, art, literature, and traditions, and know how to bring them to life. Between them, they speak over 40 languages, provide numerous tour services and are experienced in meeting special visitor needs, such as guiding those with disabilities or guiding children.
The Guild of Registered Tourist Guides
The Guild of Registered Tourist Guides is the national professional association for Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guides in the United Kingdom, with members throughout England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey and the Isle of Man. The Guild website, including its guide search, is a major resource for all users of tourist guides.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7403 1115
Website: www.blue-badge-guides.com (www.blue-badge.org.uk)
Email: guild@blue-badge.org.uk
The Driver-Guides Association
The Driver-Guides Association, a subsidiary of the Guild of Registered Tourist Guides, is the national professional association for Blue Badge Tourist Guides in Britain who provide customised tours in their own cars. All members are fully licensed and insured, and provide a high level of service.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7384 2388
Website: www.driver-guides.org.uk (www.driver-guides.org.uk)
Email: info@driver-guides.org.uk
Association of Professional Tour Guides
APTG members have successfully completed the Blue Badge training course and examinations of the London Tourist Board. Many have also trained and registered in other areas of the United Kingdom. You can book a guide through its website.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7780 4060
Website: www.aptg.org.uk (www.aptg.org.uk)
Email: aptg@aptg.org.uk
All UK (except Scotland)
Institute of Tourist Guiding
The Institute of Tourist Guiding is the government approved standard-setting body for tourist guiding in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Channel Islands. It is also the organisation for the annual validation of all professional tourist guides in those areas. Use their search guide to find the guide whose qualifications and specialities match your requirements.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7953 1257
Website: www.itg.org.uk (www.itg.org.uk)
Email: office@itg.org.uk
Scotland
Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA)
Blue Badge Guides interpret Scotland’s landscapes and heritage to the delight of all visitors. They are all fully covered by Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance and wear the STGA Coat of Arms, protected under statute by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. This is your guarantee of quality of service!
Tel: +44 (0)1786 451953
Website: www.stga.co.uk (www.stga.co.uk/)
Email: bookings@stga.co.uk
Wales
Wales Official Tourist Guides Association (WOTGA)
All guides are officially recognised by Wales Tourist Board to guide in Wales. Members must adhere to a 'code of conduct' and will negotiate their own guide fees. They offer the professionalism to represent your organisation with clients. They know the 'hidden gems' normally found only by locals, and provide you with fun and enlightening commentaries.
Tel: +44 (0)1633 774796
Website: www.walestourguides.com (www.walestourguides.com/)
E-mail: enquiry@walestourguides.com
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Tour Guide Association (NITGA)
The Northern Ireland Tour Guide Association is the premier body for tourist guiding in Northern Ireland. This ensures you will benefit from the highest standard of quality and professionalism.
Tel: +44 (0)28 9753 3370
Website: www.bluebadgeireland.org (www.bluebadgeireland.org/)
E-mail: nitga@uk2.net