Discover The Royal Parks with a Blue Badge Guided Walk

A series of themed walks will be launched on 1 April 2008 in partnership between The Royal Parks and London's Blue Badge Tourist Guides.

Mark Camley, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said: "This is a great way of encouraging both domestic and international visitors and curious Londoners to discover the fascinating stories, history and heritage behind these unique parks."

Tuesdays
The Royal Ladies of Kensington
From Queen Mary II to Princess Diana, hear the fascinating stories of the influential ladies who made this their home. Discover how Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park have been transformed over the centuries as you enjoy a stroll along its delightful paths with a professional guide.

See London's most remarkable memorial and find out what activities you can enjoy in Kensington Gardens and adjoining Hyde Park.

Meet at the South Gates Kensington Palace, in front of the King William statue (up from Kensington High Street) Walks start at 2pm, price £6 (cash only) payable to the London Blue Badge Guide. Maximum 25 people.

Thursdays
Behind the Guard Change - Parks and Palaces
A must for anyone who wants to discover the best way of seeing the famous Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palaces! Your professional guide will show you all the best places to revisit and enjoy the ceremony. Find out how to identify the various regiments. Hear the stories behind the royal palaces and the monarchy as we enjoy a walk through St James's Park and Green Park.

Please note, you will not see the Changing of the Guard on this walk but we do finish with the Punishment Parade at Horse Guards!

For the complete Guards experience, visit the Guards Museum before the walk and the Household Cavalry Museum after the walk!

Meet Guards Museum, Birdcage walk. Walks start at 2pm, price £6 (cash only), payable to the London Blue Badge Guide. Maximum 25 people.

Sundays
Peter Pan - In Search of the Lost Boys
A real treat for all ages! Discover the extraordinary world of Peter Pan on this enchanting walk through Kensington Gardens following in the footsteps of the characters that inspired this children's classic. Hear the stories of three families - two real and one imaginary. Who was the real "boy who never grew up"? Enjoy London's most popular statue and find out what happened to the real "lost boys".

Meet outside Lancaster Gate tube station. Walks start at 2pm, price £6, children 3-12 £2 (cash only), payable to the London Blue Badge Guide. Maximum 25 people.

Media contacts:

The Royal Parks: Katy Murray on 020 7298 2128 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Blue Badge Guides: Fiona Attrell on 0798 6623 596 or fiona.attrell@btinternet.com

Notes to Editors

• Blue Badge Guides are accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding after rigorous training and examination. The Blue Badge is the highest guiding qualification in Britain. Entertaining, informative and up to date, Blue Badge Guides make a good experience great!
• These walks will be running throughout the spring and summer 2008.
• For private tours of The Royal Parks and throughout London, please contact The Guild of Registered Tourist Guides on 020 7403 1115 or guild@blue-badge.org.uk
• The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.
• The Royal Parks Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
• Complimentary places on these walks are available for press by arrangement - please contact Gavin Webb, Blue Badge Guide on 0794 1809 534 or guild@blue-badge.org.uk.
• For more information on London's Blue Badge Guides please visit www.blue-badge-guides.com
• For more information on The Royal Parks please visit www.royalparks.org.uk