Knaresborough Celebrates One Year of the Mayor’s Town Guides
Published: 23 June 2026
Knaresborough Celebrates One Year of the Mayor’s Town Guides
Knaresborough Town Council is marking a major milestone on 25 June 2026: one year since the graduation of the town’s volunteer ITG White Badge Town Guides and the launch of The Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Walking Tours. In just twelve months, more than 1,000 people have taken part in a free tour — a remarkable achievement that has exceeded all expectations.
Launched in autumn 2024, the initiative set out to enrich the visitor experience, strengthen local pride, and highlight the stories, places, and people that make Knaresborough unique. What began as a community idea has quickly become a cherished part of the town’s cultural life.
Recruitment and Training
The vision originated with then Mayor Councillor Margy Longhurst, who proposed training local volunteers to become qualified guides. Recruitment began with an open day at Knaresborough House in October 2024. No prior guiding experience was required - only enthusiasm, a welcoming manner, and a passion for the town. The response was strong, and a committed group of volunteers stepped forward.
To ensure high standards, the Council partnered with the Institute of Tourist Guiding (ITG) and Course Director Sarah Cowling to deliver a three‑month training programme from January to April 2025. Volunteers completed:
- 21 hours of classroom learning and site visits on Knaresborough’s history, architecture, and cultural heritage
- 18 hours of practical training, including route planning and group engagement
- Formal ITG assessments, leading to the nationally recognised White Badge accreditation
On 25 June 2025, the first cohort of nine volunteers graduated, forming the inaugural team of The Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Guides — and the regular weekly walking tours began. Town Guide Helen Sanderson reflects: “Being a Town Guide has been a true privilege. Not only have I enjoyed introducing others to the history and character of the town, but the experience has also helped me meet incredible new people and has even opened new career opportunities!”
A Year of Walking, Sharing, and Discovering
The free walking tours now run every Wednesday and Saturday at 11am from the Market Cross. Over the past year, more than 1,000 residents and visitors have joined a tour - some planned, others simply passing by and deciding to take part. The guides’ professionalism and enthusiasm have shaped tours that feel, as one participant described, “friendly and relaxed… like walking with someone who knows interesting things about the town and wants to share them in an easy way.”
Local Voices Celebrate the Impact
Local organisations have warmly welcomed the initiative:
- Councillor Helen Westmancoat, Mayor of Knaresborough 2025–2026: “The guides are a great asset to the town… What they don’t know about Knaresborough is not worth knowing!”
- Mark Hunter, Knaresborough Town Crier: “It has been a great pleasure and privilege to work with our wonderful Town Guides over the past year… We have witnessed firsthand the steady increase in popularity of the free guided tours and the positive feedback from those who take part.”
- Peter Lacey, Knaresborough Chamber: “The work of the Town Guides is an all‑around winner… introducing visitors to the less well‑frequented areas of town.”
- Liz Baxendall, Renaissance Knaresborough: “We are grateful to those who give their time freely… to uncover Knaresborough’s hidden gems for tourists and residents alike.”
- Kathy Allday, Knaresborough Museum Association: “Knaresborough Museum Association enjoys collaborating with the town guides to provide tours enhancing locals’ and visitors’ knowledge of Knaresborough's wide and varied history.”
- Ted Westwood, Cultural Venues Manager, North Yorkshire Council: “The tours provide a wonderful introduction to Knaresborough… They play an important role in connecting people with the heritage of the town and enhancing the overall visitor experience.”
Economic and Cultural Benefits
The tours are already contributing to a more vibrant local economy by:
- Increasing visitor dwell time
- Encouraging spending in local shops and hospitality venues
- Supporting tourism during quieter periods
- Strengthening Knaresborough’s reputation as a high‑quality destination
- Encouraging coach companies to visit through a Meet and Greet service
Professionally delivered, story‑rich tours help visitors connect with the town — a connection that brings people back.
Donations generously given by tour participants are added to the annual total raised for the Mayor’s chosen charities, further extending the project’s positive impact across the community.
Looking Ahead
Following a successful first year, the Town Council is exploring:
- New themed tours
- Future recruitment rounds
- Partnerships with local businesses and cultural venues
- Offering free walking tours to coach companies as part of the town’s bid for Coach Friendly Status
The Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Guides have become a meaningful investment in the town’s future - celebrating its past, strengthening its present, and supporting a vibrant, sustainable visitor economy.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Knaresborough Town Council extends its warmest thanks to the volunteer Town Guides, the ITG trainers, the Town Clerk’s office, and the many residents and visitors who have supported the tours.
Town Guide and Civic Society member Andy Grinter sums up the spirit of the project: “It’s not just about showing people around - you’re helping them get a feel for the place, understand it a bit better and take something of it with them when they leave. That’s what really gives a place its meaning.” That spirit continues to define The Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Guides and will shape their work for years to come.
Join a Tour
If you haven’t yet experienced the Mayor of Knaresborough’s free Town Walking Tour, now is the perfect time. Tours run every Wednesday and Saturday at 11:00am from the Market Cross. Everyone is welcome.