Victoria Barwell
Regional Qualification(s):
South West
Language(s):
English
Phone Number(s):
07712608369
Contact guide
Introduction:
Born in Bristol, I have lived and worked in the World Heritage City of Bath for nearly thirty years as a museum curator at two of its foremost museums and galleries. This has given me a real understanding of the history, art and architecture of Bath and beyond, as well as plenty of experience of welcoming visitors from around the world.
As a Blue Badge Guide for South West England I use my museum background to provide guided walks and tours which explore the heritage and culture of this beautiful region, revealing some of the hidden gems as well as the famous sites.
The West Country has not one but four UNESCO World Heritage sites; the prehistoric landscapes of Stonehenge and Avebury, the ‘Jurassic coast’ of Dorset and East Devon, the evocative mining landscapes of Cornwall and West Devon, as well as the City of Bath.
In addition, there are wonderful museums and art galleries, historic houses and gardens, sweeping Crescents and peaceful country villages. Every object tells a story and there are plenty of stories to discover about the people and events which shaped this region and which I love to share with visitors.
Personal Interests:
| Georgian Bath |
| Museums and Art Galleries |
| British Art and Architecture |
| Historic Houses and the English Landscape Garden |
| Decorative Arts and Antiques |
| The History of English Food and Cooking |
| Jane Austen |
Special Interests:
| Walking Tours | Bath, Bristol, Wells, Glastonbury, Castle Combe, Lacock. |
| Churches & Cathedrals | Bath Abbey, Wells Cathedral and the Liberty, Salisbury Cathedral and the Cathedral Close, Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe. |
| Art/Paintings & Sculpture | Thomas Gainsborough in 18th century Bath, explore the quiet streets and corners painted by Walter Sickert, Cornwall’s rich artistic heritage at Newlyn and St Ives. Or visit the stylish new galleries of contemporary art opening in stunning rural settings across Somerset and Wiltshire. |
| Architecture | John Wood and the creation of Georgian Bath, the Gothic glories of medieval Wells. |
| Museums | Specialist knowledge of museums across the South West. |
| Antiques | A stroll around the antique shops, vintage outlets and markets of Bath or Frome. |
| History & Prehistory | From Stonehenge and Avebury to the outstanding archaeological collections of Devizes and Salisbury, battlefields, castles, country houses and coaching inns. |
| Stately Homes & Country Houses | A wealth of magnificent Country Houses - hear about the great families who created them, and the hidden stories of the servants who worked ‘below stairs’. |
| Literature | Jane Austen’s Bath and Thomas Hardy’s Wessex. |
| Industrial Heritage | The engineering genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel in Bristol. |
| Food & Drink | Restaurants and coffee shops, farmers markets and regional food from Cheddar Cheese to Bath Chaps. The history of food and cooking and the artisan producers keeping local traditions alive. |
| Lecture Subjects | I am an experienced lecturer for local history societies and special interest groups. |
Driver Guide:
No
