Free walking tours are set to begin in Knaresborough next year - and the search has begun to find a voluntary guide.
The Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Walking Tours will launch in Spring 2025, showcasing the highlights of Knaresborough to visitors and locals alike.
But over the next few weeks, Knaresborough Town Council says it needs to find “excellent ambassadors for the town” to lead the tours.
A spokesperson said:
“We are looking for individuals who love meeting people and would enjoy sharing their passion and enthusiasm for Knaresborough with visitors from all over the world.
“You don’t need any prior experience or expert knowledge, as all the guides selected for the programme will be offered a thorough training in both practical skills and the background knowledge required to present a first-class tour of the town.”
Knaresborough Town Council has teamed up with the Institute of Tourist Guides to offer an in-depth course, leading to a well-respected award – The ITG White Badge – a sign of quality and professionalism within the guiding world.
Successful applicants to the course will have 21 hours of knowledge-based lectures about all aspects of Knaresborough’s history and guiding theory plus 18 hours of practical guiding training.
The course will take place on Wednesdays from the beginning of January 2025.
And the training of new volunteers will mean free tours can be offered on a regular basis throughout the year.
The project is the initiative of Mayor of Knaresborough, Margy Longhurst.
Margy is a qualified Yorkshire Blue Badge Tourist Guide who has welcomed many visitors to Knaresborough.
The course will be led by Blue Badge Tourist Guide and ITG Guide Trainer, Sarah Cowling.
The course will encourage students to develop their own personal style of guiding, to research and develop interesting commentaries and showcase the highlights of the town.
It is also hoped to offer the free tours to coach companies to encourage them to bring their guests to explore Knaresborough and linger a little longer to explore the town's unique shops and cafes.
If you would like more information about the training course and how you can apply, see www.knaresboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk.
Alternatively, go along to Knaresborough Town Council's Recruitment Open Day at Knaresborough House on Wednesday 16th October from 1:30pm – 4pm.

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