I came in terrified of public speaking and convinced I'd forget everything the moment someone looked at me. The practice sessions helped more than I expected. By month six, I was actually enjoying the feedback process. Now I lead weekend walks for a local heritage organisation and genuinely look forward to it.
Your Journey to Becoming a Confident Tour Guide Starts Here
Real stories, practical skills, and the support you need to turn your passion for history and culture into a fulfilling career by mid-2026.
Learning That Actually Prepares You
We don't just throw information at you and hope it sticks. Our approach builds your confidence through real scenarios you'll face in the field.
Built Around Real Experiences
I've spent years watching new guides struggle with things no one warned them about. The awkward silences when someone asks an unexpected question. The anxiety of managing a group that wants to split off in different directions.
That's why everything here is based on those moments. You'll practice handling interruptions, dealing with difficult questions, and keeping your composure when things don't go according to plan. Because they rarely do.
The stories and techniques come from guides who've been doing this for decades across different settings. Historical walks, museum tours, heritage sites. What you learn applies wherever you end up working.
What Makes a Great Guide
Storytelling That Connects
Facts are easy to find online. What people remember is how you made history feel relevant to their lives. We'll help you find your natural voice and use it effectively.
Group Management Skills
Every group has its own personality. Some are chatty, some are quiet, some have that one person who dominates every conversation. You'll learn to read the room and adjust accordingly.
Handling the Unexpected
Weather changes, venues close unexpectedly, someone feels unwell. The ability to adapt while keeping everyone engaged separates adequate guides from exceptional ones.
How the Training Works
We start with fundamentals and gradually build complexity. Early sessions focus on research techniques and content development. You'll learn how to find reliable sources and shape information into engaging narratives.
Mid-program, you'll practice delivery in controlled settings with constructive feedback. The final phase involves supervised field experience where you'll lead actual tours under mentorship.
Sessions happen twice weekly over eight months, starting September 2026. This pacing gives you time to absorb material and practice between meetings.
What You'll Develop
- Research methods for historical accuracy and compelling details
- Voice projection and speaking techniques for outdoor environments
- Route planning that accounts for accessibility and timing
- Customer service approaches for diverse audience needs
- Safety awareness and emergency response protocols
- Business basics if you plan to work independently
Your Path Through the Program
1
Foundations (Months 1-2)
Understanding what makes tours effective. Research techniques, story structure, audience psychology. You'll analyse successful tours and identify what works and why.
2
Content Development (Months 3-4)
Creating your own tour content with mentor guidance. Focus on one location you're passionate about and develop a complete narrative with supporting research.
3
Delivery Practice (Months 5-6)
Presenting to small groups in safe environments. Recording sessions, reviewing performance, refining your approach based on specific feedback.
4
Field Experience (Months 7-8)
Leading actual tours with mentor observation. Handling real groups, managing logistics, building confidence through supported practice.
Program Investment
Two options depending on how you prefer to learn and what level of support works best for your situation.
Group Training
£1,850
Full 8-month program
- Twice-weekly group sessions
- Access to all training materials
- Peer feedback and collaboration
- Supervised field practice
- Course completion certificate
Individual Mentorship
£3,200
Full 8-month program
- One-on-one guidance throughout
- Flexible scheduling options
- Personalised feedback on your work
- Extended field practice time
- Direct mentor communication
Voices from Past Participants
Ready to Start Your Training?
Applications for the September 2026 intake open in March. Learn what's involved and whether this path suits where you are right now.
The Reality of This Work
This isn't a fast path to anything. Most graduates start with volunteer work or part-time gigs while building their reputation. It takes time to develop your style and find your niche.
But if you genuinely love sharing stories and helping people see familiar places in new ways, that slow build feels worthwhile. The work itself becomes the reward, which is good because the pay varies considerably depending on context.
We're honest about these realities because you deserve to know what you're getting into. Some participants decide this isn't for them after a few months, and that's completely fine.
Read What to ConsiderQuestions About the Program?
We're based at 149 London Rd, Waterlooville PO8 8JF if you'd like to visit in person. Otherwise, reach out by email or phone and we'll arrange a time to talk through your specific situation.
Send Us a Message