My name is Phil (only my mother calls me Philip). I live in Bradford on Avon, one of England's finest historical towns, close to the extraordinary cities of Bath and Bristol and the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Stonehenge and Avebury. My background is in education which brought me to this area over 40 years ago. I now very much see myself, and my family, as belonging to the "West Country". I have grown to really appreciate the distinctive character of the South West region and its history, landscapes, architecture, culture and beauty. This stimulated me into becoming a qualified Blue Badge Guide for the South West of England, which covers Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

I also have a BA (Hons) in History. Historians, it is said, tend to be Parachutists or Truffle Hunters, but guides and indeed teachers need to be both. They should have a strong overview of the ebbs and flows of recent and past events (as if from a parachute) whilst also being able to hone in on the interesting hidden gems (or truffles) that the locality or site reveals. Every object or person tells a story but is also part of a story.

I am equally at home in the cities of the region like Brunel's Bristol, medieval Salisbury or atmospheric Wells; the towns and villages like pre-industrial Bradford on Avon or mystical Glastonbury and film set Lacock; or the countryside of Salisbury Plain, East Dorset, and the Southern Cotswolds. I have developed a fascination with the World Heritage City of Bath; even as a near resident and regular walking tour guide, it still inspires and surprises.

My career as a teacher, educator, writer, leader, and sports coach has given me the ability to engage with all types of groups and individuals, whilst at the same time being able to personalize or tailor my guiding. I have great experience in planning and leading residential visits here in the UK and abroad. My guiding style is good-humored but not superficial; engaging but not overbearing; I have the detail on the hidden gems and the famous sites but will share as appropriate!
My strength is breadth and flexibility. . . and good looks.

I am a fully qualified Blue Badge Tour Guide for the South West of England.

I am not a driver guide but I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver.

Join me on an exploration of my home town. Situated just a stone's throw from nearby busy Bath, Bradford on Avon is a film set town; a Saxon town; a woollen town; a rubber town; a "snuffy" town. It has a wealth of fascinating buildings which span the last 1000 years, all built from the local "Bath" stone. It also has evidence of substantial Iron Age and Roman settlement. Much of this precious heritage survives but the story of how and why is the basis of English history. . . and this fascinating and beautiful walk.

Explore: Bradford's 500 year industrial heritage; the woollen cloth trade with its Weavers Cottages, Victorian factories and Georgian Clothiers houses; the Rubber industry; the canal and the railway.

Visit: the atmospheric Saxon church; the magnificent medieval Tithe Barn; the iconic Town Bridge; the Iron Duke; the Shambles; and a Blind House.

Hear stories: of the Horton family, the nuns of Shaftesbury, a Hermit, Alex Moulton and his bicycles and the bones of Edward the Martyr.

Bradford on Avon a Hidden Gem: Half Day Walking Tour

Glastonbury, the Abbey, the Tor and the surrounding countryside did not just inspire William Blake to write Jerusalem. It's History, Heritage, Myths, Legends and Spirituality have inspired and enthralled generations of pilgrims and visitors, and festival goers…Pagan and Christian alike.

This is the Avalon of King Arthur; the sacred Christian landscape of Joseph of Arimathea; the Holy Grail.

Glastonbury Tor has been a visual and spiritual magnet for centuries. Take a Walk up to see the stunning view of the Land of the Summer People and its mystical geology. Hear the stories of fairy realms, the hanging of a famous Abbot, the Chalice Well, and Avalon.

Tour of the site of Glastonbury Abbey, with its unique place in English history. Hear about its direct connection with the life of Christ; as the earliest Christian church in W Europe; as the richest monastery in England; and of course the burial place of King Arthur.

Wander through quirky, historic Glastonbury, the town which grew up alongside the Abbey.

Tour guide in Bristol and Bath England Phil A.

English

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