One of visitlondon.com's Top Tips for London talks about guided tours tailored to one's wishes - with one of "London's qualified guides of the Guild of Registered Tourist-Guides, known as Blue Badge Guides, who take visitors on a general tour of London or tailor the tour around a specific area or theme. Go to www.blue-badge-guides.com for for more info"

I have never used a Blue Guide Tour - has anyone who can comment on whether the guide lived up the billing - i understand to become a 'blue guide' you must pass a rather rigorous test of subject knowledge?

Note that Blue Badge Guides operate throughout the U.K. as well as London

We took a prearranged bus tour several years ago with a BBG, including Stonehenge, Salisbury, and Bath - and he was outstanding!

I've never used one (was contemplating becoming one when I lived in the UK) - but I do know 2 personally and probably 15 or more people who have used Blue Badge guides. Not every one is equally suited to the job, even if they have the knowledge. But the feedback/info I've gleaned over the years is generally they are about the best out there.

I haven't had them for a personal guide, but in 2002 I participated in a school program that had several blue badge guides conduct the tours and they were good. They know a great deal and are nice.

One of the guides told a story of killing time before a tour at the V&A was to start so she wondered toward Harrods. She saw a man coming from there with a shopping bag and he looked familiar. She assumed he had been on one of her tours and when they met she asked if he was enjoying London. He said yes. She asked what he bought and he showed her the shirts. They chatted a little, then parted.

It was after the tour that she remembered where she had seen the man. She had asked Sean Connery what he had bought at Harrods!!! He probably spent the rest of the day wondering where he had met that red-haired lady before!

Thanks for posting this!

Funny story GBbabe!

Does anyone have an idea of how much these guides charge for a tour within London?

BBG are not cheap but if you wish to see specific sights and want expert info then it's worth the price. I can't remember exactly but mayber 150 to 200 pounds per day. That's with a guide with a car. I think if you get a guide without a car it's far cheaper.

The current "suggested" rate (they're independent agents, and their fees are individually negotiated) is £175-£200 a day for English-speaking tours. Any disbursements are in addition.

A full set of suggested rates is at www.blue-badge-guides.com/Fees.html

Thanks very much to you both!