Travel / Tourism
Bristol Greeters launches volunteer-run tours around the city
A not-for-profit volunteer scheme that is partnered with the Global Greeters Network has launched in Bristol. Bristol Greeters offers free guided tours to tourists who are new to Bristol, returning visitors or even people born here but who want to see a different side of the city they know well. Bristol is full of hidden treasures, and Bristol Greeters aims to reveal its many hidden corners and lesser-known trails.
“We’re so delighted to have set this project up,” founder William Shellard says. “Essentially it’s a worldwide community of volunteers who offer ‘greets’ to new people in their city.
“Bristol receives thousands of international visitors every year and our small but growing team introduce people to the city according to their interests – making each visitor’s outing unique, genuine, free of charge, and, of course, friendly. We wish to share what we love about Bristol.”
is needed now More than ever
William Shellard, founder of Bristol Greeters (left), on his first ‘Greet’ with a Dutch tourist
William was introduced to the Greeters Network by a friend who had taken a tour with a local on holiday in Serbia. “It made me thought we need something like this in Bristol, so I approached the Greeters Network and they approved us as an official ‘Greet’ location. There’s so many places off the beaten track in Bristol and by just meeting up with a local, we can show some of them to visitors. It’s perfect for people travelling alone to meet up with a friendly local or even for us ‘Greeters’ to meet people from all around the world.”
William’s aim is for visitors to Bristol to get the most out of the city, with personal recommendations of where to eat and what to see during their stay here, but also to create longer-lasting networks for the volunteers who meet the tourists. “It’s a really enriching opportunity for the volunteers to meet people from all around the world and share their passion for Bristol,” he says. “Some ‘Greets’ can end up being friends for life.”
Tours tend to last between 2-4 hours and can be tailored around your needs and interests. They are free and offered to everyone. However, with thousands of international tourists visiting Bristol ever year, Bristol Greeters needs more volunteers to help show their much-loved city to those who visit. The Bristol Greeters team are currently looking for volunteers who can spare a few hours and might want to meet new people and discover more about Bristol along the way.
To find out more, visit www.bristolgreeters.co.uk
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