By Sofia Patel
A Wortley-born tour operator is celebrating winning the Yorkshire Specialist Tour Company of the Year award for the fourth time.
Founded in 2018 by Mike Hampshire, Tours of Leeds operates guided and audio tours of the city to residents and tourists alike.
“I started out as Leeds Beer Tours, focusing on Leeds’ incredible culture and heritage around pubs and breweries, before last year I branched out into other aspects of Leeds’ heritage and renamed to Tours of Leeds” said Mike.
“My Leeds Heritage Pub Tour is still the most popular tour though and I have welcomed guests from all over the place, from Armley to Australia, Calverley to Canada – everywhere!
“I’m a Leeds lad and my tour business is independently run, so being recognised in this way is really rewarding.”
Mr Hampshire isn’t resting on his laurels and has big plans for 2025.
“I’m working on something special that I’m hoping to launch soon, which will take a look at the birth of Leeds as we know it today, taking guests on a journey that begins with the Anglo Saxons, to the Vikings, Normans and beyond,” added Mike.
The Yorkshire Specialist Tour Company of the Year Award is presented by Prestige Awards.
Tours of Leeds operates guided and audio tours of Leeds throughout the year, including the Leeds Heritage Pub Tour which explores over 300 years of the city’s pub and brewing history, with drinks included as part of the tour. Stops include The Tetley, which is currently operated by Kirkstall Brewery.
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