The Association of West Country Tourist Guides

AWCTG

Welcome to The Association of Westcountry Tourist Guides

Established in 1974 and about to celebrate our 50th anniversary on April 1st 2024, The Association of Westcountry Tourist Guides aims to promote tourist guiding services of the highest standard across the South West of England - Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Whether you are looking for a guided walk, a themed tour, a visit to a museum or gallery, conference or incentive travel, coach sight-seeing, tour by private car, boat, train or even helicopter we can assist!

Our South West England qualified tourist guides operate as individuals, having their own guiding style, special interests and sense of humour. Sustainable business for tourist guides operating in South West England is encouraged alongside development of the tourism industry.

Blue Badge Tourist Guides are affiliated to the Institute of Tourist Guiding - ITG - which assures quality of service. To help you choose a suitable tourist guide for your needs members are listed on pages against the qualification they hold. For peace of mind all our members are covered by public liability insurance.


Newsletters and a professional development programme offer AWCTG members the opportunity to sharpen knowledge through lectures and outings in the off season months so that we have the latest views on the locality and remain up to date on what is available for visitors.

The AWCTG is affiliated to the British Guild of Tourist Guides and subscribes to the Institute of Tourist Guiding’s (ITG) standards across the tourist guiding sector.

AWCTG guides are here to help - to use their knowledge and experience of SW England to make your visit enjoyable by giving you a ‘feel’ for our region. When planning a visit to South West England AWCTG members can assist with:-

  • Coach Tours
  • Town & City Tours
  • Countryside, Town & Coastal Walks
  • Heritage Sites & Galleries
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Foreign Language Tours
  • Cultural & Sporting Events
  • Conferences & Corporate Events
  • Driver Guiding for small groups
  • Shore excursions for Cruise ship passengers
  • Personalised Tours for Families & Individuals
  • Illustrated Talks & Lectures
  • Itinerary Planning and Advice - Routes, Attractions & Meal Stops
  • Tour Management
Advice on training opportunities in the region is available from the Association but we are not a training provider. Likewise the AWCTG is not a booking agency so our listed guides should be contacted directly. The AWCTG membership year runs from 1st October to 30th September.