Hailing from Robin Hood country, otherwise known as Nottingham, Evan Evans tour guide Claudia Phillips has spent the last 14 years exploring Europe’s great cultural capitals. After living in Madrid for 11 years, she’s back in the UK and based in London, while also leading tours across her home country. We sat down with Claudia to find out all about her favourite UK landmarks and how to get the most out of your trip to England.
What made you want to become a tour guide?
“It was my passion for history and culture that made me want to become a guide. I enjoy sharing this passion and knowledge and I hope that my enthusiasm is contagious – I love hosting tours and looking after people from different cultures and with different backgrounds. England is incredibly rich in history, with so many interesting characters to find out about and events that have shaped the world.”
What do you find most satisfying about leading tours?
“The thing I like the most about being a guide is the instant satisfaction you have when people in the group finish their trip with a smile, saying how much they’ve learnt and what a great day out they’ve had.”
Where do you lead tours?
“With Evan Evans I lead tours to some of England’s most beloved cities and regions, such as Windsor, which is home to Windsor Castle; the prehistoric monuments of Stonehenge; the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath; the university town of Oxford and Shakespeare’s Stratford upon Avon. Not to forget the medieval Warwick Castle, the beautiful Cotswolds countryside, as well as Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover.
Do you have a favourite place to take tourists?
“It’s impossible to choose just one but one of my favourites is the Georgian and Roman town of Bath. It really is stunning.”
Tell us something we might not know about Bath.
“You may not know that at the Roman Baths, as a part of the bathing regime in Roman times, you could have your armpits plucked for you!”
What would you recommend a visitor to the UK to eat and drink while they’re here?
“They should definitely try a classic cottage pie, and also sample the local craft beer and ale. Ask the bar staff to recommend which one to get according to your taste.”
Where should people visit before leaving the country?
“Don’t leave without seeing the English countryside, as it’s some of the most beautiful in the world. The Cotswolds, for example, has characteristic English scenery and very charming villages. Take the time to enjoy a pint in an authentic neighbourhood or village pub, preferably wood-panelled or with wooden beams, and with low ceilings.”
What do you think makes Evan Evans Tours stand out?
“It’s our excellent, knowledgeable and friendly guides that make the tours stand out, as well as the organisation that goes on behind the scenes to set up each of the trips. Our coaches are brand new too, so they’re very comfortable, and our drivers are extremely experienced and professional. Taking one of our tours is the best way to fit a lot of sites into a short time. Each tour is a very full day but it’s also very rewarding.”
Join Claudia on a tour to one of England’s historic sights on a tour with Evan Evans.
Cover image: The beautiful Cotswolds countryside © Visit England / Rich Thrift
