TESS PIKE

I am hosting six virtual tours of the Western Lake District and Coast. Each individual tour costs £5 (10% discount available if you are a member of the Western Lake District and Coast association). The cost of all virtual tours is refundable if you subsequently apply for, or have already applied for, a place on the 2021-22 Cumbria Blue Badge Guide training course. If you wish to book all 6, there is a special price of £25.

In the central Lakes the hidden gems are often little visited corners of a tourist honeypot, but this evening I'm going to transport you in your mind's eye to a much larger hidden gem that for many years has hidden its light under a bushel - the Lake District coast. I'm going to guide you from Ulverston to Aspatria through a rich landscape with fine beaches, magnificent views and a compelling story.

This evening's virtual tour will transport you from Whitehaven's magnificent harbour, from which 80% of Ireland's coal was once shipped, up into the broad streets of the 17th century New Town, described in the late 1700s as "one of the handsomest in the North of England...as populous as it is elegant"

Join me for a virtual tour of Egremont, Cleator Moor and the maze of settlements on the edge of the western fells.

This evening's virtual tour will lead you from the rugged coastline of St Bees through the river valleys and into the heart of the western Lakes

When I think of Millom, poet Norman Nicholson springs to mind, and I remember a wonderful day I once spent there with fellow Blue Badge Guides. We explored Millom Castle, marvelled at the beautiful stained glass windows in ancient Holy Trinity Church, and finished our day at Millom Discovery Centre. The town really is a hidden gem that's so full of history - join me on a virtual tour of discovery.

Join me for a virtual whizz along the western frontier of the Roman Empire, from the forts defending the empire from attack from the Irish Sea to the port at Ravenglass, located at the natural harbour formed by the confluence of the rivers Esk, Irt and Mite, and then inland to the fort at Hardknott

25 years ago I accidentally fell into a career that I absolutely love! Before I trained as a tourist guide, I was shy, certainly not a public speaker, and I was labouring under the misconception that I was best suited to a desk job. How wrong could I be... All these years later I am still passionate about showing visitors and locals around Cumbria and the north of England. Sometimes it's a challenge, but mostly it's just incredibly rewarding. Join me for an insight into the life of a guide!

11th November marked the centenary of the laying to rest in Westminster Abbey of the Unknown Warrior, selected by a man called Louis John Wyatt, who rests at peace in Kirkby Lonsdale, together with men from the town who returned home, but died from their injuries. This is their story, which I will tell in the form of a virtual tour of the town and churchyard. Proceeds to SSAFA and Royal British Legion To join my virtual tour, please book a place and you will automatically receive a Zoom link.

11th November marks the centenary of the laying to rest in Westminster Abbey of the Unknown Warrior, selected by a man called Louis John Wyatt, who rests at peace in Kirkby Lonsdale, together with men from the town who returned home, but died from their injuries. This is their story, which I will tell in the form of a virtual tour of Kirkby Lonsdale's churchyard and Ruskin's View. To join my virtual tour on Zoom, please book a place to receive a link.