Meet the team

Paul Sherborne walks

Paul Birbeck

Since 2013, Paul has worked as a holiday guide across southern & south west England and led small private adult groups walking holidays to Devon, Dorset, Somerset & beyond. He became a South West Region Blue Badge Guide in 2018.

His previous career included secondary school teaching in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire; Geography & Environmental Education Advisor for Somerset, Headteacher in Kuwait, Windsor and Somerset, School Inspector and a School Management consultant.

He is very knowledgeable and familiar with the social, economic & political history, geography & geology that create the distinctive character of the West Country.

A confident and relaxed guide who has a reputation for making things interesting for clients. “His enthusiasm was passed onto the group and we all felt that not only had we walked along this incredible coastline, but we also had learnt so much about it. A top rate leader. Good local knowledge and friendly.” HF guest feedback

“Thank you for such a brilliant tour around the town of Sherborne. Everyone had a great day and I have received many notes from attendees commenting on the quality and detail provided. They also found both guides highly personable and very knowledgeable and passionate about the town.” – Tour Manager, Historic Houses Association. 

Julia Morris

Julia first qualified as a Blue Badge Guide working in Dorset and the South West and now works across southern England leading private tours for families and groups. Previously she worked as a Museum learning manager and living history teacher specialising in the interpretation of history through food, culture, and an understanding of the wonderful landscape of southern England.

Sherborne has long been a favourite place to guide; a small market town with a fascinating history and great variety of stories to tell. She takes great pleasure in uncovering what will inspire and intrigue visitors and discovering themes that bring our surroundings to life in a new or unexpected light.

Cindy at Sherborne Abbey

Cindy Chant

Cindy founded Sherborne Walks in 2015 and earned a reputation as an enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable Blue Badge guide, promoting Sherborne in her own inimitable style. She has over 50 years of accumulated knowledge from living in the area and a passionate interest in its heritage and has devoted herself to the history of this ancient and beautiful town. Be warned – Sir Walter Raleigh is her true love!

Owing to health issues, Cindy no longer offers walks or guided tours.

Our Accreditations & Partners

Highly Rated on Trip Advisor

  • star rating  Sherborne is so full of history. Paul brought it all to life. Sherborne Walks is a must do in Sherborne. My son and I thoroughly loved it.

    avatar thumb Eileen S
    27 September 2023
  • star rating  Paul, our guide, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
    He had plenty of visual aids to support the historical facts he shared with us.
    You could ask questions at any... read more

    Dorsetgirl2014
    30 July 2023
  • star rating  Great tour in Cornwall - Paul Birbeck was our guide for an HF Holidays Discovery Tour in Cornwall, based out of St. Ives. My group spent 5 days with him doing a little bit of... read more

    candyschwartz
    25 July 2023
  • star rating  Top Notch! - What a superb experience it was to be guided by Paul of Sherborne Walks through the stunning landscapes of Cornwall. We toured through many parts of Cornwall both inland and... read more

    Stephanie M
    30 May 2023
  • star rating  Hometown tourists! - We thought it would be fun to be tourists in our own town and send our staff on a tour of Sherborne. We were in two groups and were each... read more

    Jenny F
    25 April 2023
  • star rating  This was a visit toThe Shell House in Sherborne but it was so much more. Although I have lived in the town for over 30 years I had not heard... read more

    Elizabeth S
    11 April 2023
  • star rating  Thank you for a superb walk. It was so interesting and informative. I have lived in the village for 15 years (just a newcomer!) and have been on walking tours... read more

    paulbT4205BQ
    18 April 2022
  • star rating  Our guide was excellent --- informative and a pleasure to walk with. We knew nothing about Sherborne and he revealed what a wonderful town it was.

    Nlhki
    26 October 2021
  • star rating  A very interesting morning learning and seeing so much about the Sherborne Bombing. I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and look forward to taking part in other walks.

    suepC4537PQ
    20 October 2021
  • star rating  Our guide was excellent --- informative and a pleasure to walk with. We knew nothing about Sherborne and he revealed what a wonderful tow

    Nlhiestand
    1 October 2021