Frequently Asked Questions
&
Terms and Conditions
Why book with a Green Badge Guide?
Green Badge Tour Guide – is the gold standard qualifications for tour guiding in the UK. The badge is only awarded after extensive training and a set of rigorous examinations have been passed. Your guide will not only be knowledgeable and entertaining, but also professional and reliable.
What are the costs?
Tour Guide Fees for group size 1 – 19, all groups are private
- £150 per group – 90 minutes to 2 hour tour
- £190 per group – 3 hour tour
- £260 per group – Half Day Tour (4 hours)
- £380 per group – Full Day Tour (7 hours)
My fees are in line with the British Guild of Tour Guides.
Additional costs may include:
- £2.50 per person, entrance fee into the Divinity School, the oldest room of the Bodleian Library.
- £2 – £10 per person entrance fee into a college, price varies according to which college we visit.
- £4 per person, entrance fee into the Sheldonian Theatre, where student Graduation Ceremonies take place.
How do I book a tour?
Please get in touch by using the ‘Book Here’ button and by filling in your details.
How do I pay for a tour?
- Once the tour details and costs are agreed, you will receive an invoice.
- Full payment is due 2 weeks in advance of the tour.
- If the tour is booked at short notice, payment will be due immediately.
- Payment by Bank Transfer – Bank details will be given along with the invoice.
- The client will cover all charges for payments by bank transfer.
- Once payment is received, your tour and guide will be confirmed.
Can I visit inside a college?
Mostly the answer is yes.
However, it will depend on which colleges are open on the day and the time of day of the tour. Colleges are not guaranteed to be open and may close at short notice. This is due to the colleges being places of work and study. They may close due to events such as Open Days, Graduation Days or Private events, etc.
How long is the tour?
Recommended time for a tour is 90 minutes to 2 hours. However, it can be shorter or longer if you would like.
I also offer half day (4 hours) and full day (7 hours) tours.
What languages are the tours available in?
Tours are primarily in English.
French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking guides can be provided if sufficient prior notice is given at an extra fee.
Please contact me for a quotation.
Is a Wireless tour guide system available?
Yes, a Wireless tour guide system is available for up to 19 people.
Realistically they are not needed for groups smaller than 10 but are available should you wish.
What if my group is larger than 19 people?
This is not a problem at all, I will provide extra qualified guides.
You will need to pay the group rate per guide.
Can I do this tour as an individual person?
Yes, you are more than welcome, however the group rate would still apply.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but please remember that this is a walking tour, so bear that in mind if they are very young.
Please let me know ahead of time the ages and interests of any children, so that I can include some information that will hold their attention and be age appropriate.
Please note that following the British Guild of Tour Guides guidance, all young people under the age of 18 years must always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
We are committed to providing an inclusive experience. If you or any guest in your party has specific accessibility needs, please let me know ahead of time so I can make the necessary arrangements.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
If for any reason you need to cancel your tour, I will do my very best to accommodate you on an alternative date.
- 4 days (96 hours) or less prior to commencement of engagement – 100% of fee.
- 5 – 10 days prior to commencement of engagement – 50% of fee.
- Similarly, when an extended engagement tour is cancelled with less than one month’s notice, the guide is entitled to claim 50% of the daily touring rate if alternative work on the same dates is not offered.
- My cancellation policies are in line with the British Guild of Tour Guides
- https://britainsbestguides.org/guide-fees/
What happens if I am late for my tour?
We understand that sometimes things happen out of your control, and we will do our very best to accommodate you.
However, the guides will be booked for the time and duration of your tour only, so it will be up to the guide if they are able to finish your tour later than arranged. This is because they may well have another tour booked directly after yours and therefore cannot remain later than agreed. This may result in shortening the length of your tour.
Please ensure that you have the guide’s phone number (which I will provide you with before the tour), to let them know as soon as possible if you are running late.
No refunds will be given if you miss the tour, as the guide’s booked time will need to be paid for, even if the tour does not go ahead.
Can I bring my dog on this tour?
Unfortunately, due to safety, pet dogs are not permitted on Tours and Tales tours.
However, if you rely upon the aid of a registered Assistance Dog, please let me know in advance, so that I can make any necessary arrangements.
Where is the start and finish point of the tour?
This will depend on your tour requirements and will be determined ahead of the tour.
Can I customise my tour?
Absolutely! Please let me know your requirements and I will customise your tour to suit.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours run in all weather conditions. So please dress accordingly.
Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
Yes
Are you DBS checked?
Yes
