MEET Our BLUE BADGE tourist Guides
OUR GUIDES
MEET OUR FRIENDLY BLUE BADGE 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 confectionary 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:
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
TELEPHONE: +44(0)191 236 6103
MOBILE: +44 (0)7957 578 731
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
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)191 384 4195
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)7591 468 066
David Waite
A Blue Badge Guide in the North-East of England, Heart of England and South-West England, I have 21 years’ experience as a friendly Guide and Driver/Guide in city, town & country, on coaches, by car and on foot.
I specialise in Hadrian’s Wall, cities of Newcastle and Durham, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Aukland Castles, stunning parks and gardens, film sites, saints trails, Holy Island, the North Pennines UNESCO Geopark, and the ‘Bi-Centenary of the modern railway’.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Heart of England, South West England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Windsor & Eton Endorsement, ITG accredited trainer, ITG examiner
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
MOBILE: +44 (0)7788 581 539
Laura Rhodes
Coming soon.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Scotland, Yorkshire
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: York Minster
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hadrian’s Wall (walking), cycling tours, gardens, country houses
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)191 284 7318
MOBILE: +44 (0)7758 077 818
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
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)191 500 9571
MOBILE: +44 (0)7813 787 009
Jan Williams
Award winning, professional, friendly guiding service for group travel market, cruise shore excursions, conferences, media, individual travellers. in-depth knowledge of this region including the “paths less trod”.
It’s true: I don’t dress up in historic costume, I can’t act out a role and I can never remember the ending of jokes.
But I do focus on helping all clients explore, discover and enjoy – and I work to high customer care values.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England, Cumbria
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: York Minster
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Art, crafts & literature; castles, country houses and gardens; Roman heritage incl. Hadrian’s Wall; early Christianity (incl. Lindisfarne); Hexham Abbey. Prince Bishops of Durham & cathedral; Border Reivers; Northumberland National Park; industrial heritage & regeneration
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)1434 634 911
MOBILE: +44 (0)7751 881 989
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
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)191 264 4857
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)7368 520 536
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: tbc
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)1207 506 772
MOBILE: +44 (0)7712 117 044
Adrian Smiles
I have always had a keen interest in the history, culture and people of North East England and take a great pleasure in showcasing the region to visitors from far and wide.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: The Romans, The Vikings, The Border Reivers and the battlefields of Northern England
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)07808 517 466
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
MOBILE: +44 (0)7967 802 622
Tom Keating
Enjoy professional, friendly, relaxed visits, by coach, car or walking tours.
Visit the World Heritage Sites of Hadrian’s Wall, Durham Cathedral & Castle, and The Lake District National Park.
Discover Northumberland National Park, Castles and Coastline, Holy Island, Bamburgh, Alnwick Castle and Garden; the Durham Dales, Teesdale and Weardale and Newcastle, with City Coach tours and Tyneside’s coastline including Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and South Shields to Sunderland.
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
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)191 488 5115
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)7974 327 374
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: ITG examiner & compiler
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: General interest, Churches & cathedrals, Geography & Geology, History & Pre-history, Industrial & Transport Heritage
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)1539 740 133
MOBILE: +44 (0)7875 662 124
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
MOBILE: +44 (0)7540 529 374
Katy Maddison
I am a qualified Blue Badge Guide for North East England and passionate about all it has to offer.
Born in County Durham, I am a proud Northerner and can help bring to life our regions vibrant history, heritage and culture.
I can’t wait to share with you some of our hidden gems and of course all the best places to eat and drink.
I have worked as a lecturer for over 15 years and specialise in planning and guiding Educational Visits.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Industrial Heritage, Castles, Cathedrals, Stately Homes, Sport
TELEPHONE: n/a
MOBILE: +44 (0)7570 828 312
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
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)131 229 6236
MOBILE: +44 (0)7990 521 781
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
MOBILE: +44 (0)7748 378 140
Judith Edgoose
Coming soon.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: York Minster
LANGUAGES: English, German
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Durham Cathedral, Northumberland Coast, Hadrian’s Wall, Northumbrian Castles
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)1740 620 244
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)7899 984 464
Bob Conlon
Coming soon.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: History and Heritage, Hadrian’s Wall, Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)1661 822 033
MOBILE: +44 (0)7774 842 244
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
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)7949 149 75
Walter Wilcox
Coming soon.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: tbc
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)191 296 5486
MOBILE: +44 (0)7791 154 967
Frances Smiles
Coming soon.
BLUE BADGE GUIDE: North East England
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
LANGUAGES: English
SPECIAL INTERESTS: tbc
TELEPHONE: tbc
EMAIL: tbc
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
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)1524 272 530
EMAIL: +44 (0)7778 145 156
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…