The Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Guides: A Successful New Chapter in Community-Led Tourism

In autumn 2024, Knaresborough Town Council launched a new community initiative aimed at enriching the visitor experience and showcasing the town’s unique history. The objective was to recruit and train a team of local volunteers to become qualified town guides, under the official title: The Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Guides.

This initiative was designed not only to enhance tourism but to engage residents more deeply with the town’s heritage. It offered participants the opportunity to develop new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and contribute meaningfully to the community.

 

Recruitment and Selection

The recruitment process began with an open day at Knaresborough House on 16 October 2024. Interested residents were invited to learn more about the role and expectations, including the commitment required. Applicants did not need prior experience in guiding or public speaking — enthusiasm, a welcoming manner, and a passion for Knaresborough were the key selection criteria.

 

Training Programme

The Council partnered with the Institute of Tourist Guiding (ITG) to deliver a professionally recognised training course. Over a three-month period (January to April 2025), selected participants undertook a structured programme of training combining academic and practical components:

• 21 hours of classroom-based lectures covering the history, architecture, and cultural heritage of Knaresborough, alongside guiding theory and communication skills.
• 18 hours of practical training, including walking tours, route planning, and group engagement techniques.
• Training took place on selected Wednesdays to accommodate volunteer schedules.

The course concluded with formal assessments to ITG standards. Successful candidates were awarded the White Badge, a nationally recognised accreditation for guides delivering fixed-route and single-site tours.

 

Outcomes

As of May 2025, nine volunteers have successfully completed the training and are now qualified White Badge guides. This inaugural team of The Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Guides is now delivering free public walking tours that offer visitors a professionally led, informative, and enjoyable introduction to the town.

Their qualification ensures that tours meet a high standard of delivery — blending historical accuracy with engaging storytelling — suitable for a broad range of visitors.

 

Anticipated Economic Benefits

The introduction of guided walking tours is expected to bring positive economic impact by increasing visitor dwell time, encouraging greater spending in local shops and hospitality venues, and supporting tourism during quieter periods. Professionally delivered tours enhance the overall visitor experience, helping to build Knaresborough’s reputation as a high-quality destination and contributing to a more sustainable and vibrant local economy.

 

Looking Ahead

Following the success of this pilot programme, the Town Council is exploring opportunities to build on this foundation. This includes the potential for new themed tours, future recruitment rounds, and deeper partnerships with local businesses and cultural venues.

In all, The Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Guides represent a meaningful and strategic investment in the town’s future — celebrating its past, strengthening its present, and supporting a more vibrant, sustainable visitor economy for years to come.