Claire M. Bostel

My company is Duchy Travel By Design; we are based in the delightful spa town of Harrogate. With a wealth of experience, within all sectors of the tourism industry, I can offer you coach sight-seeing, walking tours, special interest themed tours, guided visits to museums and galleries, speaker presentations for after lunch or dinner, programme and event planning, hospitality desk guide services for conferences and incentives, and tours by private car.

I came to Yorkshire in the 1990s as Director of the ‘Alumni College of Yorkshire’, with responsibility for directing and guiding a large scale tour operation welcoming guests, affiliated to North American colleges and universities, for a week long in depth study of Yorkshire. Today I work closely with private clients to create memorable tour experiences for our visitors, with particular reference to group travel.

Guiding is a passionate joy for me. This will become very evident as we share time together and it is reflected in my testimonials below. My commentary range is very varied – the history, the culture, the personalities and the quirky eccentricities of Yorkshire – extending to music, prose and poetry – a happy mix to inform and entertain with quiet moments, too, for you to absorb and to make your personal interpretation and reflections. This helps you to capture and understand the landscape and cultural heritage of the region that we are exploring together so that you can take home with you indelible memories to smile at as you recall them; memories for sharing with family and friends and perhaps just yourself in quiet or testing moments. The richness of our Yorkshire inheritance makes these experiences, shared together, truly life enhancing. It is my privilege to enjoy your company and I believe that my skills, experience and professional expertise will give you a day to remember.

ALL my tours are bespoke – designed to suit your interests, needs and abilities.

Are you looking for a special interest element? As a keen supporter of rural tradition I am proud to hold certificates in the skills of shepherding and the art of dry-stone walling. As a dedicated foodie my gourmet tours celebrate Yorkshire’s finest produce; as a practitioner, my therapeutic spa and walking weekends have real restorative powers; my literary and history and heritage tours offer opportunities to meet key speakers and give exclusive access to artefacts….…..

Let my testimonials speak for themselves.
“Finding Claire was a masterstroke! Claire gets 100% for a totally comprehensive, friendly, intimate, fully prepared presentation throughout the whole of our visit. I wish all guided tours were up to that quality.” Worshipful Company of Actuaries

“Outstanding guide service. My groups rave about your time with them.” Seniors Canada

“Thank you for the wonderful tours, high professional level and very intelligent and warm personal attitude! You shared your knowledge and your experience in such a generous way!” North Caucasus University

“Your enthusiasm and dedication is infectious – a top class tour.” Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society

“The best guide we’ve ever had.” Alumni USA