Laura Rhodes
Regional Qualification(s):
North East, Yorkshire
Language(s):
English
Phone Number(s):
07758-077818, 0191-2847318
Website:
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 Yorkshire and Lincolnshire- so I am a true Northerner!
There has been a lot of interest in the North East in the past year or so- Barnard Castle has always been one of my favourite places, come and find out what all the fuss is about.
An 2022 sees 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 for the region with visitors, individuals or groups, including recently specialist groups from the US 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 have since qualified as a Blue Badge guide in both Yorkshire and North East England- I'm happy to travel in both regions. I've also enjoyed working as a tour manager throughout both England and Scotland and am now STGA qualified for Edinburgh and Fife and will complete the full Scottish Blue Badge in early 2022. 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 year has brought all sorts of challenges, and I've been busy developing 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 virtual tours I can offer, or to book me for an in-person tour.
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 |
Special Interests:
| Religion | Northumbria was known as the 'Cradle of Christianity' |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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- |
| Agriculture |
Endorsements:
York Minster, Virtual Tours
Additional Qualifications:
Foundation Degree - Travel and Tourism Management,
Driver Guide:
No
