The Blue Badge is Britain's national standard guiding qualification and internationally recognised bench mark of excellence. It is recognised by quality tour operators and travel companies, its professional status being acknowledged and respected by official bodies and throughout the industry.

As well as acquiring knowledge, Blue Badge Guides are trained in the selection and presentation of material. This has been so successful that English trainers have trained guides all over the world, and the Blue Badge is recognised internationally.

Blue Badge Guides are selected, trained and examined by the official British tourist boards. The training is detailed and comprehensive, the examinations rigorous and registration an achievement.

Blue badge Facts.

1. The Blue Badge is the qualification of the UK's professional, registered tourist guides.
2. The first Blue Badges were awarded to tourist guides who were trained for the Festival of Britain in 1951.
3. There are now around 2,000 Blue Badge guides in England and Wales, just over half of whom are London-based.
4. Blue Badge training  normally lasts eighteen months with eight rigorous written and practical examinations.Blue Badge guides are the only guides (other than in-house people) authorised to guide in...

• The Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• St Paul's Cathedral
• Windsor Castle
• Kensington Palace
• Oxford and Cambridge Colleges
• Shakespeare Birthplace