Welcome to the website of the
Association of Wessex Tourist Guides
the tourist guides for the south of England
Wessex Tourist Guides is an association of professionally qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guides working across the south of England in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We will help you to make the most of your trip to the south of England.
Steeped in History
Over a thousand years ago, before England became a united country, Wessex was a separate Kingdom with its heartland in this central southern area. Under rulers such as King Alfred the Great in the 9th century Wessex became an important centre of learning and culture. In the late 1800s the name Wessex was popularised again by Dorset author, Thomas Hardy, who set his novels here.
Explore & Discover
Wessex today is an affectionate name for a region in which you can enjoy all that is best of the English countryside and coast: pretty villages, lively towns and cities, stately homes and gardens, cathedrals and castles. There are two World Heritage sites to explore (Stonehenge/Avebury and the Jurassic Coast) and plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, walking, cycling and water sports.
Countryside & Coast
Two World Heritage sites - Stonehenge/Avebury and the Jurassic Coast. Two National Parks – the South Downs and New Forest. The cathedral cities of Salisbury and Winchester. Literary connections, rural landscapes, maritime history, picturesque towns and villages. The South of England has it all!
WELCOME FROM THE LORD DIGBY
As President of the Wessex Tourist Guides, I am delighted to provide a Welcome on this website. I hope it will encourage you to explore this beautiful corner of the south of England and to use a Blue Badge guide to enhance your visit.
My family lives on the Minterne Estate in Dorset where, in common with other Wessex attractions, we are finding many ways in which to enhance the experience for our visitors in the post Covid era.
By working differently, we are adapting to the new paradigm. We hope that you will visit our world-class attractions, such as the Jurassic coastline, Stonehenge, Portsmouth, Salisbury Cathedral and the New Forest to mention but a few.
In addition, we have many stunning gardens which offer peace, tranquility and stability in a changing world. Throughout Wessex we are proud to have outstanding regional restaurants which use delicious local produce.
To make your visit special, do use one of our professional Blue Badge Tour Guides, who will be delighted to show you both the popular, and the hidden treasures of Wessex.
Let Our Guides Show You Around
- walking, cycling, coach and car tours in cities or countryside
- visits to museums, cathedrals, castles and gardens
- private tours for individuals, families and groups of all sizes
- tours in foreign languages
