Guided Tour

Guided Tour

What is it? 

A guided tour is the practice of an individual leading a group of people around a point of interest and giving them information about it, which can cover topics such as religious significance, cultural history and how it relates to other locations and events in history. 

What does it involve?

Attending a guided tour basically just involves paying attention! All the work is done for you in finding out the facts and presenting them in an interesting manner; the role of the participant just calls for a level of interest in your surroundings and an eagerness to learn!

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Tour guides can be extremely educational - physically interacting with the place while learning about its history will provide a different kind of academic experience to the classroom by giving the students something more tangible to focus on.

What equipment do we need?

You shouldn't need any equipment for a guided tour, but check beforehand to make sure; some tours involve their participants even further by getting them to write down their own thoughts, or make drawings - so you may need to ensure students have something to write on!

Who is it suitable for?

Guided Tours are suitable for pretty much anybody if you pick the right one - smaller children will find it harder to focus on more complex subjects and will need more visual aids, but if they are engaged correctly they will have a great time! Likewise, teenage students will get bored if the subject isn't engaging enough, so make sure to choose the tour appropriate for the age and interests of the group. 

Costs?

Around £20 or less per person, but it can vary greatly depending on the location of the tour - for example, a minibus tour around a park will cost more than a short walk around a country manor! Make sure to shop around to get an idea of the prices in your area. 

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

A guided tour should be suitable for all ages, but students with condtions such has ADHD may have trouble focusing for an extended period of time - make sure to be aware of the specific needs of your group. 

How do we include?

Many guided tours have disabled access for those with limited physical movement, but it would be wise to doublecheck beforehand. Those who are deaf and blind can also be included in guided tours but may need more specialist staff - again, you will need to check with the specific establishments. 

Doing it abroad?

There are points of public interest all around the world, so wherever you can find something well known chances are there will be a guided tour available! Foreign tours may be conducted in another language though, so make sure to confirm the specifications of the tour before booking it. 

Main website: 

This website gives a good overview of places where you can go for a tour guide, but you're best looking at the specific areas around you to find out details!

 

See the list below for venues and providers who deliver this activity:

Exeter Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
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The Castle of Exeter stands atop the highest part of the city, within the north-east angle of the city walls. From the reddish colour of the volcanic rock on which it stood, it became known locally as Rougemont Castle.

When Richard III. visited it in 1483, he commended it highly, both for its strength and beauty of situation; but on being told it was called Rougemont, he is said to have mistook the name for Richmond and became uneasy, saying that the end of his days approached; a prophecy having declared that he would not long survive the sight of Richmond.

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Tintagel Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, visitors can enjoy dramatic sea views from the castle ruins on the headland and island. Steeped in myths and mystery, this is a spectacular place which has inspired artists and writers throughout history who have associated it with the legend of King Arthur and the story of Tristan and Isolde (Yseult).

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Bowes Museum

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
0

The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the Museum has a wonderful story to tell.

It holds nationally and internationally important collections including paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, and silver objets d'art.

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Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Castle Fraser is an atmospheric baronial castle dating back to the 15th century and was the ancestral home of the Fraser family. School trips can be arranged over the phone at any time of the year. If the tour is arranged out of season there will be a small fee to cover the cost of staff.

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Kingston Lacy

Elegant country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Explore Kingston Lacy, a lavish family home built to resemble an Italian Palace.

There’s plenty to see, from grand, beautifully detailed carvings, to intimate family souvenirs and even strange curiosities such as an ‘I owe you’ note from a king.

An art lover’s dream, take a look at rooms teeming with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel. In the Egyptian Room you can discover the largest private collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK.

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Mr Straw's House

Ordinary house, extraordinary home
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Step back in time to the 1920s and discover how a grocer's family lived in a Midlands market town through their furnishings and household objects.

The modest semi-detached house at number 7, Blyth Grove has remained virtually unchanged since the Straws moved here in 1923. For over 60 years they threw little away and chose to live without many of the modern comforts we take for granted today.

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Lanhydrock

Magnificent late Victorian country house with gardens and wooded estate
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Lanhydrock is the perfect country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home.

This winter take a stroll around the extensive gardens and enjoy the year-round colour. There are beautiful herbaceous borders, a fabulous formal parterre and colourful higher gardens. 

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Hartlebury Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Whether you are looking for a trip down memory lane, a chance to learn something new, a peaceful stroll through nature or a nice cup of tea and a cake, Hartlebury Castle has it all. Hosting exciting events throughout the year a great day out for all the family.

Discover social history, toys through time, travel and transport (including a fantastic display of Gypsy caravans) and the intriguing story of Worcestershire's past.

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Kensington Palace

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Be charmed by a stylish royal residence with a foothold in history.

From the King's Gallery, designed by Wiliam Kent, to George II's state apartments to the Queen's state apartments, once used by Mary II for relaxation opulence abounds at Kensington Palace.

The Palace was also home to Queen Victoria and, of course, Princess Diana.

The beautiful gardens are also well worth a visit.

A Palace Steeped in History

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Swansea Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Inextricably linked with the most powerful and ambitious men and women of the medieval period, the castle's history reads like a medieval who's who, full of murder, marriages of convenience, double crossing and devious alliances.

Swansea's medieval fortress has withstood siege, rebellion and the Blitz - a true survivor at the heart of the city. Come along with us to discover the castle's hidden stories.

History

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Latest News

British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland

hotel corridor

A viral video shows a black girl being assaulted by a white woman in a corridor.

Police in Iceland are investigating after a British schoolgirl was slapped and chased by a tour guide in a hotel corridor.

The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.

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