A British History of The Guidebook
Dr Peter Robinson
- Region:
- Anywhere
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £150 plus travel expenses at 50p/mile for a journey of more than 10 miles.
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 11th July 2026
Whether tucked into the pocket of a Victorian gentleman, resting in the glovebox of a family saloon, or carried in the rucksack of a modern backpacker, guidebooks have shaped the way we travel for over two hundred years. More than simple directories of places to visit, they have influenced our expectations, directed our journeys and even determined what we consider worthy of seeing.
This fascinating illustrated talk explores the remarkable history of the guidebook and the changing ways in which it has interpreted Britain for visitors. From the earliest county descriptions and eighteenth-century travel accounts to the famous Murray, Baedeker and Michelin guides, guidebooks have not only reflected changing fashions but actively created them.
Drawing upon original publications, historic illustrations and Peter's own experience writing guidebooks, this talk examines how tourism information has evolved and why guidebooks remain such valuable historical documents. Along the way we discover how destinations competed for attention, why some places became famous while others were forgotten, and how technology continues to transform the way we explore the world.
Packed with fascinating illustrations and forgotten stories, this talk reveals that guidebooks tell us just as much about the people who wrote them - and the societies they lived in - as they do about the places they describe.
In-person talks include a small exhibition of historic guidebooks.
Views: 10 | Enquiries: 0About Dr Peter Robinson
Peter is Head of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Leeds Beckett University. Peter’s expertise covers visitor attractions, transport operations, heritage, visitor experience, tourism landscapes, urban and rural regeneration and placemaking, business development and Cold War tourism. In 2021 Peter was Awarded the Victor Middleton Prize for Education and Scholarship by the Association for Tourism in Higher Education (ATHE).
He is also an award-winning author and has published both academic books and peer-reviewed journals, as well as books covering a range of transport, tourism and landscape histories. He is also a features writer for a number of publications and has appeared on several television and radio programmes discussing the travel and tourism industry. Peter has been involved with policy work with DCMS, the Department for Education, the Department for Transport and VisitBritain. Peter owns a consultancy business that delivers work for organisations across multiple industry sectors worldwide. He has owned businesses in photography, travel, ICT, waste management, and publishing, and owns a toy and collectables retailer - Midland Models.
Peter is a Fellow of the Tourism Management Institute and the Yorkshire and Humber representative, a Fellow of the Tourism Society, a Fellow of the Institute of Travel and Tourism, and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He is Co-Chair of The Association for Tourism in Higher Education (ATHE), a Director of The Institute of Travel and Tourism and he represents ATHE on the Tourism Society Board. He is Chair of the Tourism Consultants Network and is also part of the ABTA Working Group on skills and qualifications. Peter is regularly invited to speak at conferences about education policy, placemaking and heritage management. He is Chair and Founding Director of The Cold War network, Chair of The Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust and a Trustee for the 131st Derby Scouts.
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