UK & Ireland

I love leading walking tours in London. I qualified as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide (BBTG) in 2002. Just in time for 9/11, mad cow and foot and mouth. Cut to Basil Fawlty flailing his fist at heaven ‘Thank you, God!’ But since then it’s been fine.

It’s a fun life if you’re into history and people and London, and like being Mr Helpful. The Blue Badge Course is a two year affair with oral and written exams at the end of it all. These days they really like you to have at least a second language. 

(I can just about speak English.)

Getting the knowledge!

The course gives you an in-depth introduction to Britain and its culture, with particular emphasis on London and the South East, because that’s where this country’s tourism is focussed. It’s a bit like a University degree, with added people handling and performance.

Once over the exam hurdle you are let loose on Her Majesty’s public. Because this is often a second career, we BBTGs can number in our ranks lawyers, cops, teachers, actors, soldiers and sailors, priests, or like me, from marketing.

The London repertoire

I now have built a repertoire of walking tours. I particular love the way that London can let you pick from its richness, and put together a 90 minute strolling entertainment about a particular life. Since 2002 I have found out how to do this with Oscar Wilde, the Pankhursts, Elizabeth David, Nell Gwynne, William Shakespeare, Margaret Thatcher, John Lennon and Ian Fleming.

Getting everyone involved.

The other thing about walking tours is that you are at the mercy of London. You are on the streets, you are with a group of similarly-interested people whom you hope will interact. I always offer after my introduction, “I do heckling!’ inviting participation. Walking tours work best when everyone is involved.

How it all started

We live in Hammersmith and my wife Judy early on in my guiding life spotted in the local paper that our borough had a Tourism Development Officer. That eventually lead in 2008 to Hammersmith and Fulham Council winning an award at the Visit London Awards for ‘Best Borough Initiative’, for the walking tours developed by myself and other local Blue Badgers.

So I am entitled to put the moniker ‘Award Winning’ on my website!

Olympics mania!

And now in 2011 London has the Olympics looming. These days half my income is somehow 2012 related. London, perceived by the world as a ‘mature’ destination (meaning most people have been here at least once), will have a chance to re-sell itself to the one third of the planet who will tune in to the London Games. So, the Olympic window will showcase Hyde Park for the triathalon, Horseguards for the beach volleyball, Hampton Court for the road cycling, the Tower of London for the Marathon. Tourism in London is about to go mental.

I’m loving it.

Simon Rodway

To Take a Walk with Simon:

http://www.silvercanetours.com/

Simon has written The Eternal Flame about the Olmpics:

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