Interview with Liz
Liz set out to work in tourism after she watched travelers experience a bad tour and thought: "We can do better than this." She has naturally evolved from working with the English Tourist Board, to guiding local tours, to leading large multi-day itineraries. When she's not guiding, she spends her time in rural England and enjoys live theater, fitness, and beautiful hikes that include stopping for tea and cake.
What was the bad tour that sparked your career?
I remember it vividly. The United Kingdom is filled with incredible sights and history, and I'm proud of it all. I watched an international tour group sit through — I'll say it — a bad tour, which did not make me proud. Their reactions said it all: They described it as "Poor, uninteresting, and scripted." So, I set about to do better than that, with a goal of bringing those vivid UK sights to life and teaching our deep, complex history in an engaging way.
What were you doing before you became a full-time guide?
I've almost always worked in people-related jobs. Mostly it's been tourism: I worked with the English Tourist Board early on, then shifted to local guiding, and eventually began leading larger tours throughout the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. But, when my children were younger, I also worked in education as a business manager. It gave me flexibility and a whole new skill set, but I always felt the pull of travel and history.
What do you like most about being a guide?
It's always a privilege to be part of someone's travel memories. I've shared in "bucket list" trips, helped connect travelers with family histories, and witnessed memory-making moments of all kinds. Some of the world's most beautiful and historically significant places become my "office," and I get to experience them with my travelers, who quickly become my new friends. That never gets old.
What sets Rick Steves' Europe tours apart?
It's the tour members for me. We attract open-minded travelers who want to understand a place — not just see it. The tours are designed around immersion, and the tour members are all-in on this. A great traveler doesn't just collect photos, they connect with the place and the people around them — and I see this constantly with my Rick Steves tour members. It also helps that the tours are kept to smaller sizes, which allows for those real connections to happen. There's more conversation, more flexibility…more shared laughter.
What's your favorite stop on tour?
Impossible question. Every stop on each of our various UK tours is my favorite in its own way.
Can you narrow it down to three?
I feel like I'm being asked to choose between my children. But yes, OK, three. First would be Bath, which is the first stop on our Best of England tour. Bath is my hometown, and I love it because I get to "show it off" a little. Second, I must say I also like the Lake District and its stunning scenery, wildlife, and many connections to Beatrix Potter. And third…Dartmoor, in Devon — on the Best of South England tour. I love bringing the Bronze Age megalithic monuments to life, surrounded by wild ponies, inquisitive sheep, and the constant hope that Poldark will ride by.
Can you share some special memories from your tours?
Yes, I have so many. I once had a marriage proposal on tour — that was of course special. So was waving to Queen Elizabeth II with my tour members. But also, every time I visit a WWII airfield and help tour members connect with the legacy of a lost generation, I find it special…same with climbing the roof of Canterbury Cathedral and chatting with stonemasons who are carving sculptures that only God and the pigeons will see. But one memory does stand out quite vividly: I recall being with my group near Hadrian's Wall, when an excavation was happening. Right in front of our eyes, a fully intact Roman sword was uncovered — meaning we were among the first to see this artifact in nearly 2,000 years. Yes, that was outstanding…that was special.
Is it true royalty runs in your blood?
Oh yes. My family tree has been traced back to 1530, where my ancestors were members of Henry VIII's court. So, I come from royalty. Well, technically, friends of royalty, I guess. But it still turns heads! And we still have connections today, as my brother serves in the Royal Household at Windsor Castle.
Here's what Liz won't tell you…but her tour members will:
"Liz simply made this trip incredible. She is knowledgeable, organized, considerate, mindful of our needs, very thorough, and simply added so much information and guidance to enhance our experience. Well done."
—Mark, Best of England tour