About us
We are a group of fully qualified tourist guides dedicated to sharing Southampton's rich history, serving residents and visitors to the city and its surrounds.
The Southampton Tourist Guides Association has both Blue, Green, and White Badges awarded by the ITG.
Southampton Tourist Guides offer public and private walks, and 'meet and greet' services at Southampton Cruise Terminals. We can provide services in a range of languages.
We are the only training organisation for City guides, with qualifications awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding. We look forward to sharing with you our knowledge and stories of all elements of Southampton's rich history.
Our Patron
We are supported by the Lord Mayor of Southampton.
Our current patron is
Councillor David Shields, who became the 802nd Mayor and 3rd Lord Mayor of Southampton on Wednesday 15th May 2024 following his year as Sheriff of the City.
THE STAR HOTEL
The Star Hotel was first mentioned in the Court Leet in the early 1600s, but it was an Inn long before that. The high archway and an old signage outside saying '10 hours to London' remind you that this used to be a popular Coaching Inn in the 1700s. During the Spa period and the reign of Queen Victoria, the queen herself and other royalty stayed here.
The present owner Gaie Sully has been a longstanding supporter of Southampton Tourist Guides Association to help promote the old Southampton.