About Your Guide
Welcome! Let me show you around
As a Blue Badge qualified tour guide since 1999, I have expert knowledge of South East England and take great pride in helping others to discover its cultural heritage.
A skilled public speaker, I comment knowledgeably and with humour and enthusiasm on the surrounding towns, villages and countryside. I can reveal the story behind a multitude of properties, including those run by the National Trust, English Heritage and stately homes and gardens in private ownership.
I have had the privilege of sharing my world with a diverse array of individuals and groups, from foreign language students and study groups, to esteemed organisations such as The Women’s Institute, Probus, U3A, Rotary Clubs, and many more.
Whether you’re planning a general tour, looking for particular expertise, or need help organising a trip, I always consider the requirements and abilities of each group and take great care to ensure a great experience.
You will be entertained and learn a lot!
Why go with Frances
Detailed and comprehensive training
As a Blue Badge guide, I carry out meticulous research and preparation of material, guaranteeing a wealth of historical and cultural insights.
A seasoned and confident speaker
I pride myself on developing excellent rapport with an audience, transforming a tour into a fun and memorable shared experience. Think light-hearted but educational!
Excellent value for money
A genuine love for what I do means I want to share my world with people at an accessible price.
Commitment to excellence
I go above and beyond to give my clients the best experience possible!
“What a gem we found with Frances Farrer-Brown! She has helped extensively with planning entire holidays and provided tours packed full of information, which she delivers with great enthusiasm.”
Having struggled to organise interesting holidays with a full programme of tours in unfamiliar places, we decided to get some help by tracking down an experienced professional. Frances has a caring attitude towards our elderly clients, some of whom are quite frail, taking them on panoramic coach tours and visits to places full of exciting things to see without being physically demanding. It’s obvious she has a great love of the area which she so enjoys showing to everyone and her passengers thoroughly enjoy her company, her knowledge and her great sense of fun.
- D. Brighton, Go Travel Cultural Breaks
Growing up in South East England
I was born and brought up on a mixed farm in Oxfordshire, so rural affairs and the countryside have always been an abiding interest. I have a wide range of interests and expertise around literature, history, the performing arts, stately homes, churches and cathedrals, as well as most sports, and I am an expert on pub names and their origins!
A qualified nurse, I have been married to David, a retired GP, for over 45 years. We met while training at St Thomas’ Hospital in London and have two children and five grandchildren.
Together, we have run a very successful bed and breakfast business for many years and still do to this day from the family home in West Sussex - I have given talks on this topic, from what it’s like sharing a home with total strangers to the lowdown on tourist board inspectors!
I am a member of the British Guild of Tourist Guides and Institute of Tourist Guiding. Both organisations have strict codes of professional standards and conduct.
The Blue Badge is the British national standard guiding qualification and an internationally recognised benchmark of excellence, respected by tour operators, private group organisers and individuals.
For the safety and reassurance of my clients, I carry full public liability insurance under the Guild of Registered Tourist Guides.