Laura Rhodes

Regional Qualification(s):

North East, Yorkshire, Scotland

Language(s):

English

Phone Number(s):

07758-077818

Read more about me:

Contact guide

Introduction:

Hello, I'm Laura and I've lived and worked in the North East of England for twenty five years having grown up in Scotland, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire- so I am a true Northerner! I am qualified to guide in North East England, Yorkshire and the whole of Scotland and am happy to travel across all regions.

There has been a lot of interest in the North East in the past couple of years- Barnard Castle has always been one of my favourite places, come and find out what all the fuss is about.

And 2022 was a year of celebration along Hadrian's Wall, commemorating 1900 years since it was built- but not to keep the Scots out. Come and find out more!

I love to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors, individuals or groups, including specialist groups following the footsteps of the early Saints, and families wanting to discover Hadrian's Wall as well as specialist garden visitors from Australia.

I started guiding in York in the 1990s and I've also enjoyed working as a tour manager throughout both England and Scotland -now STGA qualified for the whole of Scotland, I have recently become an accredited ' Whisky Ambassador' too!

I can arrange tours from one hour guided walks to panoramic and full day coach tours to a fully managed multi-day itinerary, and I am happy to help organise travel and itineraries for large groups , or for families and small groups according to individual requirements and interests.

As an Accredited Trainer for the Welcome to Excellence programme, and previously a part- time lecturer in Travel and Tourism I have very high standards of customer care, and I'm happy to work with school and college groups of all ages. I work closely with local coach companies and can help organise travel for large groups , or for families and small groups using chauffeur driven private vehicles.

The past couple of years have brought all sorts of challenges, and I developed virtual tours via Zoom , starting with Newcastle and Hadrian's Wall and branching out now to York and other parts of the region.

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more about the bespoke tours I can offer,
I look forward to hearing from you!

Personal Interests:

Gardens off the beaten track
Hadrian's wall
Castles and Coast
York and the Minster
Hull and East Riding
Moors and Dales
Private Tours
Private tours
Lindisfarne
Durham and Cathedral
Food and Drink
Geneology
Walking tours
Edinburgh tours
Glasgow tours
Extended touring
Distillery tours
Walking Tours
Private tours

Special Interests:

Religion

Northumbria was known as the 'Cradle of Christianity'
Come and walk in the foosteps of St Aidan, St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede...

Education

As a qualified Adult Education teacher and parent to two children, I am happy to work with groups of children and young adults and will work closely with group leaders to develop relevant tours.

Food & Drink

The North East has a great food and drink tradition, not just Broon ale and stottie cakes! I try to use restaurants which use local ingredients to give a special flavour of the region. Visits to producers can be included for smaller groups.

Gardens

We have some spectacular World renowned gardens- but also many small lesser known places, off the beaten track. Let me help you discover some hidden gems....

Regional Tours

General interest and specially themed tours can be arranged- and a great variety of countryside tours to interest any group - Just ask!

Castles & Palaces

There are not many Palaces - but Northumberland has more than its fair share of Castles! Come and discover why....

Walking Tours

Short walks along Hadrian's Wall path and the surrounding forts can be arranged for smaller groups, and country or coastal walks for the more adventurous in the North east or Yorkshire moors and dales.
Town and city walks in-
Alnwick
Barnard Castle
Hexham
Morpeth
Berwick
Corbridge
Durham
Whitley Bay
Tynemouth
Newcastle
Gateshead
Harrogate
Leeds
Whitby
Leeds
Haworth
York
Edinburgh
St Andrews

Churches & Cathedrals

We have 'the best little Cathedral on planet Earth' according to Bill Bryson! A day out in Durham is a must whilst in the region, and a guided tour will help you discover the hiden history here.
York Minster is a contrasting visit- full of colourful stained glass windows with stories to tell.

Conferences & Incentives

I have experience of organising tours and group visits for conference delegates and their partners - happy to suggest activities and attractions for incentive trips too.

Regional Tours

I'm happy to arrange limousine and chauffeur transport for smaller groups and coach hire for large groups.

Lecture Subjects

I can give a pre- tour introduction to the region , or perhaps a more specialised talk on Gardens, Local Highlights, Roman Heritage or regional food and drink.

Genealogy

I previously worked in the Local History department of Newcastle Libraries so can assist with family history queries

Regional Tours

Special intertest and Film and TV tours can be arranged- All Creatures Great and Small, Vera, Get Carter, Harry Potter, Last of the Summer Wine.

Walking Tours

in town and city-
Alnwick
Barnard Castle
Hexham
Morpeth
Corbridge
Durham
Whitley Bay
Tynemouth
Newcastle
Gateshead
Harrogate
Leeds
Whitby
York
Haworth
Edinburgh
St Andrews

Agriculture

Endorsements:

York Minster, Virtual Tours

Additional Qualifications:

Foundation Degree - Travel and Tourism Management,

Driver Guide:

No