Knaresborough Town Council celebrates 12 months of the Mayor’s Town Guides who have impressed everyone
The Knaresborough Mayor’s Town Guides have been hailed as a “great asset to the town” after their first year of operation in the visitor economy.
Knaresborough Town Council is marking this major milestone on Thursday, June 25 – 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 12 months, more than 1,000 people have taken part in a free tour - a remarkable achievement that has exceeded all expectations.
Councillor Helen Westmancoat, Mayor of Knaresborough 2025–2026 said: “The guides are a great asset to the town.
”What they don’t know about Knaresborough is not worth knowing!”
The idea 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.
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 for volunteers.
The results have surprised even the scheme’s biggest supporters.
Mark Hunter, Knaresborough Town Crier: “It has been a great pleasure and privilege to work with our wonderful Town Guides.
"We have witnessed the steady increase in popularity of the free guided tours and the positive feedback from those who take part.”
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.
One of the Town Guides, Helen Sanderson, said: “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.”
Town Guide and Knaresborough Civic Society member Andy Grinter summed up the spirit of the project,
“It’s not just about showing people around Knaresborough,” he said, “you’re helping them get a feel for the place for when they’ve left.”