Just bring your enthusiasm!

Looking for a new challenge, hungry to learn new skills and inquisitive about local heritage hidden in plain sight  - all close to home ?

Deirdre O’Brien, long term Lambeth Resident, explains why training to be a tour guide is the tops!

“Could I do that?” I asked myself, after I read the Brixton Bugle  article by a recent graduate, describing how the Lambeth Tour Guide Training Course had changed his life. 

As someone who blushes when forced to speak in public, and has  trouble telling left from right – would I ever be able to keep a group safe and interested? 

Well – yes, I could: after completing my application and a short interview I found myself at Morley College, last September meeting my fellow intake of aspirant guides and our course tutors. Months later,  I can say I fully agree - this course has been an absolute game changer.  I’ve lived in Lambeth for over twenty years, but I was only scraping the surface of my neighbourhood – I now see my surroundings through new eyes.

And this is all due to the course. The lectures, which range from architecture and art to history and cover a whole Lambeth lexicon, are fascinating – there is so much in our corner of London of historical and cultural value worth sharing. 

Of course, the sharing! My first experience of delivering a Stop on a Walk seemed daunting -  “Can I really speak without notes for four minutes ?” 

I can – and it gets easier the more you do it! 

I believe the training and practice brings its own benefits too – enhanced confidence which translates to other aspects of life,  both personal and professional. You don’t need to be an historian, a public speaker or even a natural show off – you just need enthusiasm.

The tutors have an astonishing breadth of knowledge and their gentle and expert feedback really helps you to play to your strengths. Those strangers in the classroom from last autumn, of all ages and backgrounds, are now trusted companions and collaborators.

A word about the workload as you will need to be available for Thursday evening lectures and training commitments every other Saturday morning in term time. The work can feel hard, but the rewards are well worth it.  

At time of writing, I have yet to be unleashed on the public - but I can’t wait – and I can’t think of a better grounding than this course. Really, it has been a joy. At the heart of it, lies a love of learning, respect for culture and community with a desire to pass on knowledge, and what could be better than any of that? There are places available for this September, so why not apply?

Turns out I could do that – and so could you. Applications are now open for the September 2025 intake, for more information and the application form click here - see you in Lambeth! 

~ Deirdre O’Brien