Windsor Welcome guides are friendly and knowledgeable

Walks, talks and tours by Royal Windsor Blue Badge Guides

Visit Windsor Castle with Windsor Welcome guides

                            Introduction to ‘Windsor Welcome’


Some 25 years ago Hilary Thompson founded an association of newly qualified professional Blue Badge Guides to offer our visitors the very best in guided walks, talks and tours by coach in and around Windsor. In partnership with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and featured annually in the prestigious Windsor Festival our friendly guides continue to welcome you to Windsor.

               Remember – ‘History comes alive with a Blue Badge Guide’

All the Windsor Welcome Guides have a wealth of experience in guided walks and local knowledge. We will make your visit an experience to remember.

We lead walks in Royal Windsor and offer walking tours throughout Southern England including the beautiful Thames Valley. We also conduct coach tours and also give lively, informative talks on a wide variety of subjects.

We are pleased to tailor-make walks, coach tours or organise a special package to suit your individual requirements.

Qualifications
  • Our Blue Badge guides are all professionally qualified to the exacting standards of the Institute of Tourist Guiding.
     
  • We are all members of the “Guild of Registered Tourist Guides” or the "Association of Professional Tourist Guides".
     
  • Appointed guides to the Windsor Festival.
Our Guides


Barbara
Having grown up in Eton, I have a long-standing and detailed knowledge of the area.  After gaining an Honours Degree in History and a Diploma in Education, I taught at a local girls’ grammar school before qualifying as a Blue Badge Guide in 1988.  In 2001 I gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Certificate. 

Since 1990, in my role as Site Liaison Representative for the Guild of Registered Tourist Guides, I have developed close links with those who live and work at the Castle where I am responsible for guide training.  In addition to guided tours I give talks and lectures with Powerpoint on a wide range of subjects, including the following: Windsor - A Castle Restored, Eton College and Town, The Queen – Her Life, Role and Work.




 


Charles
Charles is a former Guardsman - Grenadier Guards - with extensive knowledge of military history and ceremonial. In addition to a Territorial Commission, he was a Guild Steward of St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. 

He has 23 years guiding experience of both Castle and town.  He is a retired teacher of art, design and technology.


Hilary
From Royalty to Rogues, High Society to Haunted Huntsmen, Knights of the Garter to Ladies of the Night, come with me for an unforgettable tour around Windsor Castle or a spooky ghost tour round quaint old Windsor and Eton.

Enjoy a visit to charming Henley, home of the Henley Royal Regatta, to mysterious Neolithic Avebury Stone Circle or perhaps a nature walk along the beautiful Thames Path. Walks, talks and expert advice available from a friendly, experienced Blue Badge Guide who will make your visit truly memorable.


Leslie
Leslie has been a Blue Badge Guide since 1981 and was Mastermind Champion in 1981 (subjects; St. George's Chapel and Burial Grounds of London). He was International Mastermind in 1982 (subject; Windsor Castle) and lecturer on these and other subjects and is a retired teacher.

He was born and brought up in Windsor and is very familiar with the town and surrounding area, especially the Great Park, where he lived for many years. Leslie has done specialist tours for the Windsor Festival.


 

Richard
I am enthusiastic in sharing my knowledge of Britain and Windsor with people of all ages. As a United Kingdom and Ireland tour manager, I regularly show American adults and students the highlights of many towns and cities including, amongst others, Canterbury, Central London, Oxford, Salisbury and Stonehenge, Windsor and Winchester. My Blue Badge qualification covers the whole of Southern England with a special endorsement for Windsor, Windsor Castle, St George's Chapel and Eton.
As a qualified architect and town planner, I am particularly knowledgeable about the design of old and new buildings and the character and style of towns and cities, on which I am frequently asked to give talks to interest groups as well as on travel and tourism and related subjects.
I am also an experienced country walks leader in Surrey, the Thames Valley and the Chiltern Hills.



Rudolph
Rudolph has been a Windsor and Eton Blue Badge Guide since 1979.  He has been a Continental Tour Manager for 10 years and is a Member of the GB Golden Keys. He leads walking tours and also offers horse-racing day trips and pub tours.

In addition, he speaks Catalan, French and Spanish.


 


Silla

I have been a guide in both London and Windsor for a number of years and enjoy adapting any walking or sightseeing tour to your particular needs.

I am happy to do panoramic coach tours and walking tours in the Windsor and Eton area as well as most of the major cities in England.

 

French speaking Guide by arrangement German speaking Guide by arrangement Italian speaking Guide by arrangement

Spanish speaking Guide by arrangement