Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides in VisitEngland shortlist

Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides, which offers everything from daily tours of the ancient Abbey to ghost tours showcasing the darker side of the town, is one of 10 VisitEngland Tourism Superstar 2024 finalists.

Adrian Tindall, chair of Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides, said: "We are absolutely thrilled by this.

Bury guides pictured in 2020. Left to right: Terry O'Donoghue, Adrian Tindall, Peta Levantis, Lynn Whitehead (Image: Newsquest)

"We were nominated by the good people from Bury St Edmunds and Beyond who we've worked closely with over the last few years.

"We were very honoured to even be nominated, let alone shortlisted. It is fantastic news not just for us but for the whole town."

Mr Tindall said the variety of architecture, some of which dates back to the Norman period, is a big draw for tourists to the town and something they are keen to showcase during their tours. 

Martyn Taylor, one of the tour guides, pictured in 2020 (Image: Newsquest)

The group, in collaboration with Bury St Edmunds Guildhall, have also created a new guided walk about Bury St Edmunds in the Second World War to coincide with the upcoming release of Apple TV+ drama Masters of the Air. 

Mr Tindall said: "There is so much history attached to Bury St Edmunds - in the Middle Ages it was famous not just in England but throughout Europe, which just puts it in a different league if you like. 

"We are very lucky that so much of the town has been preserved and we can share it.

"When people come to Bury St Edmunds we sort of see ourselves as ambassadors for the town." 

The ten finalists include Field Sport UK in Leicestershire and Emily Williamson of Pub Tours Ltd in the Peak District.

The public will be able to vote for their favourite on VisitEngland’s website from mid-February.