MEET Our BLUE BADGE tourist Guides
OUR GUIDES
MEET OUR FRIENDLY BLUE BADGE TOURIST GUIDES
Our amazing North East England Blue Badge Guides can’t wait to meet you.
We can’t wait to see you stand on the very edge of the Roman Empire at Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site and hear you say how impressed you are by what you see.
We want you to watch the fleeting performance of the mechanical Silver Swan at The Bowes Museum and see your reaction to this elegant and remarkable automaton.
We will show you where you can buy old fashioned confectionery at Beamish Museum the taste of which will take you right back to your childhood days.
And we will take you to special, atmospheric locations such as the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Jarrow and Durham where many centuries ago our Northern Saints once lived whilst doing their bit to shape early Christianity.
All members of North East England Tourist Guides (NEETG) are accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding as professional Blue Badge Guides and have a great passion for, and extensive knowledge of, the region.
Browse below to learn more about individual guides and to find the Blue Badge Guide best suited to your needs. Or contact us for further help and information.
Alan Appleton
I am an experienced Tourist Guide, a proud Geordie, and delight in sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm of this wonderful region with visitors.
I have a good sense of humour, and try to make every tour both enjoyable and interesting.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Newcastle Gateshead Green Badge Tourist Guide
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hadrian’s Wall and the Romans, Northumberland Castles & Coast, Stately Homes & Gardens, Holy island & Bamburgh, Alnwick Castle & Garden, North Pennines, Newcastle Gateshead, Durham City & Cathedral, Railway Heritage
- +44 (0)7957 578 731
- +44(0)191 236 6103
Ken Bradshaw
I have lived in Durham for nearly 30 years and am passionate about the region.
I have worked on environmental projects and consequently have a deep insight into landscapes particularly of the Limestone Plateau.
I bring a certain joie de vivre to all my work and it would be my pleasure to show you not only the highlights but also the hidden secrets of this beautiful and historic region.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Durham Cathedral & city, East Durham Limestone Plateau, Landscapes & Countryside, Gardens, Transport
- +44 (0)7591 468 066
- +44 (0)191 384 4195
David Waite
A Blue Badge Guide in the North-East of England, Cumbria – The Lake District, Heart of England and South-West England, I have more than 20 years’ experience as a friendly Guide and Driver/Guide in city, town & country, on coaches, by car and on foot.
I specialise in private tailor make driver guide tours (for up to 7 passengers), city walking tours, dset on guided coach tours to:
- Hadrian’s Wall
- Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland
- Seals and birdlife – coastal villages and seascapes
- North Pennines – scenery and industrial archeology
- Teesdale, Durham Dales and UNESCO Geopark
- Lindisfarne – Holy Island and the Northern Saints
- Castles & historic houses – Alnwick, Bamburgh
- Stunning gardens – Belsay, Wallington, Howick Hall
- Cathedrals, churches, priories – Durham, Escomb, Lindisfarne
- TV and film – Vera, Indianna Jones, 28 Years Later, Harry Potter, Downton Abbey
- Railway Heritage – Stockton & Darlington and Tanfield Railways
- Literary tours – Ann Cleeves, L J Ross, David Almond, Stephanie Butland
- Family history tours – find your roots – walk in your ancestors’ footsteps
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Cumbria – The Lake District, Heart of England, South West England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Windsor & Eton Endorsement, ITG accredited trainer
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hadrian’s Wall, Cathedral Cities of Newcastle & Durham, Castles (e.g. Alnwick, Auckland, Barnard Castle or Bamburgh), 2023 Tall Ships Race in Hartlepool, Railway Heritage
- +44 (0)7788 581 539
Laura Rhodes
I qualififed as a North East Blue Badge guide in 2008, later expanding my ‘patch’ across Yorkshire and, most recently, all of Scotland as a professional guide.
I’ve worked extensively as a guide and tour manager, leading everything from university alumni groups to special interest journeys focused on gardens, history, and culture. I like to create a relaxed, engaging atmosphere—blending storytelling, local knowledge, and a genuine interest in the people I travel with.
My style is warm, professional, and approachable.
Whether guiding through a historic site, sharing the stories behind the landscapes, or helping you find your footing in a new place, I look forward to creating a memorable experience with you.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Scotland, Yorkshire
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: York Minster
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hadrian’s Wall (walking), gardens, country houses
- +44 (0)7758 077 818
- +44 (0)191 284 7318
Alex Jacobs
I’m a bilingual in English & German and fully in love with our fabulous region! Join me and truly immerse yourself in all things Geordie!
One of the best parts of my job is the look on people’s faces when they experience places such as Newcastle for the first time.
Let me show you North East England and some of the best hidden gems in Britain – puffins on the Farne Islands, Northumberland coast, Alnwick, Roman heritage and some of our great towns & cities…
Get in touch and we can plan your next tour together.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: York Minster
LANGUAGES: English, German
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Urban regeneration (incl. NewcastleGateshead, Tyneside Coastal Towns or Sunderland), Durham City & Region, Northumberland Coast, Castles & Landscapes, Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Heritage, Special Interest Groups & FIT, cruise excursions & itineraries
- +44 (0)7813 787 009
- +44 (0)191 500 9571
Jan Williams
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Cumbria
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Art and architecture; historic houses and gardens; Roman heritage including Hadrian’s Wall; Early Christianity including Durham Cathedral/The Northern Saints Trails; Land of the Prince Bishops including Bishop Auckland; Industrial heritage & regeneration; NewcastleGateshead past and present
- +44 (0)7751 881 989
- +44 (0)1434 634 911
Martin Stait
I have successfully completed the Institute of Tourist Guiding North East England Blue Badge Examinations in August 2021 and am now qualified to take tours throughout the North East of England.
This includes site tours of Durham Cathedral, the Laing art gallery, Great North Museum Hancock and Shipley Art Gallery and walking tours of Newcastle upon Tyne, Berwick upon Tweed and Barnard Castle.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Heritage, Engineering, Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham Cathedral, Great North Museum Hancock
- +44 (0)7368 520 536
- +44 (0)191 264 4857
Graeme Logan
Graeme Logan became a Regional Blue Badge Guide in 1989 and has a wealth of experience.
He will bring your tour to life with a sense of humour and an insight into the way of life, history and special features of North East England.
He may also treat you to his own rendering of “The Blaydon Races” or “Keel Row”, and is not unknown to illustrate his tours with a verse or two of poetry!
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Durham City and Durham Cathedral
- +44 (0)7712 117 044
- +44 (0)1207 506 772
Ruth Robson
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Cumbria
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: History & Heritage including Castles & Coast, Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Forts, Durham City & the Durham World Heritage Site including Durham Cathedral, Christian Heritage & The Northern Saints, Film & TV locations, Border Reivers, Northumberland National Park , Northumberland Coast & North Pennines National Landscapes
- +44 (0)7986 475 815
- ruth@ruthrobson.com
Amanda Hepburn
Born and bred on Tyneside so a very friendly Geordie. Proud and passionate about my native North East of England. I enjoy surprising visitors with the history and stories of the people of this region.
City and town walks from the borders to the Tees. Coach tours throughout the region.
Let’s talk, plan and explore together.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Newcastle City Guide
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Castles and coastline, cathedrals, museums, Hadrian’s wall and forts, town & city walking tours
- +44 (0)7967 802 622
Tom Keating
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Cumbria
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: ITG Trainer
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Romans & Hadrian’s Wall, Castles & Stately homes, Christian Heritage, Cathedrals & Churches, Newcastle upon Tyne
- +44 (0)7974 327 374
- +44 (0)191 488 5115
Geoff Cook
A Geography graduate of Oxford University with a particular interest in landscape, history and industrial heritage.
Tailor-made study tours and walking tours are a speciality. I am also a qualified guide for Cumbria – The Lake District – and have acted as a tour manager for extended coach tours throughout Britain.
I am a past Mayor of Kendal and also former chairman of Cumbria County Council.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Cumbria
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: General interest, Churches & cathedrals, Geography & Geology, History & Pre-history, Industrial & Transport Heritage
- +44 (0)7875 662 124
- +44 (0)1539 740 133
Anna Unger
As a graduate of Art History and Archaeology, I’m passionate about showing off our amazing cultural heritage.
I specialise in walking, cycling and coach tours of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teeside in both English and German.
If you are looking to immerse yourself on your travels to our glorious region, there is so much we can explore together. I may be German by birth but I’m definitely Geordie by choice and I look forward to showing you around my home turf!
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English, German
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Newcastle Gateshead, Durham City and Cathedral, Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland Coast and Castles, Stately Homes & Gardens, Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Garden, North Pennines, Vera film locations tour
- +44 (0)7540 529 374
Manuela Fraenkel
Ex-souvenir/crafts wholesaler, many years’ trade fair experience.
Ex-resident Germany/Latin America & continuing interest. Strong connections Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Italy. Wide-ranging general interests.
Unflagging enthusiasm & attention to detail.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Scotland
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English, German, Italian, Spanish
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Agriculture, Britain Today, Castles, Palaces & Gardens, Folklore & Traditions, Translations, Business visits
- +44 (0)7990 521 781
- +44 (0)131 229 6236
Tess Pike
Passionate about the north of England, I am experienced in showing visitors from across the world its highlights and hidden gems.
I enjoy leading:
– driving tours by coach or private hired vehicle (exec minicoach/Mercedes V class)
– walking tours through our picturesque villages, bustling towns and vibrant cities
– countryside and coastal walks
I’m very happy to put together personalized itineraries and make suggestions to help you enjoy a perfect visit.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Cumbria, Liverpool City Region, Yorkshire
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: ITG Trainer
LANGUAGES: English, German
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland National Park, cities and towns (e.g. Newcastle, Durham, Hexham, Alnwick, Barnard Castle), Cathedrals, churches and monastic ruins, stately homes and gardens, museums and galleries
- +44 (0)7778 145 156
- +44 (0)1524 272 530
Heather McFall
I offer a friendly, professional, organised tour service and deliver this with enthusiasm and fun. Catering to the business and leisure sectors, and to all group sizes.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Yorkshire
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Gardening tours (incl. private by-appointment-only gardens), Industrial Heritage, Christian heritage, Northumberland castles/coast, Border Reivers, Northumberland National Park (incl. Wild Northumberland/Dark Skies locations), inward investment tours of North East England
- +44 (0)7748 378 140
Nicky Godfrey-Evans
As an experienced guide specialising in driver guided and walking tours, I would love to share my knowledge and love of Northern England with you.
My Land Rover Discovery (1-6 people) enables visitors to see over the many walls and hedgerows.
I love taking people on and off the beaten track, sharing the stories and secrets of each distinctive area through its landscape, archaeology, people (past and present), houses and gardens, villages and market towns.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Cumbria, London, Yorkshire
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: York Minster
LANGUAGES: English, French, Spanish
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Landscape, countryside and the environment; Prehistorical sites, churches and monastic ruins; Houses and gardens; Northumberland Coast; Durham World Heritage Site
- +44 (0)7949 149 75
Frances Smiles
Coming soon.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: tbc
- tbc
- tbc
Walter Wilcox
Coming soon.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: tbc
- +44 (0)7791 154 967
- +44 (0)191 296 5486
OUR SERVICES
Discover how we can enhance your visit to North East England. We offer a wide range of services such as professional tour planning, guided walks, coach tours, multi-lingual tourist guide services and more…