Heritage Presentations with David Appleyard

Illustrated talks for U3A, WI, Rotary, Probus, local history societies, libraries and community groups.

Helping people understand places, rather than simply visit them.

History shared through story and place

These illustrated heritage presentations are a natural extension of David's work as a professional Blue Badge Tourist Guide across North Wales, Chester and Liverpool. They draw on careful research, years of guiding and the questions that visitors ask when they want to understand a place more deeply.

Each talk combines photographs, maps and historical images with storytelling and interpretation. The style is relaxed and conversational rather than academic, and questions are always encouraged.

Presentations usually last 45-60 minutes plus questions. They are available throughout the year and are particularly well suited to winter programmes, society meetings and community events.

David Appleyard speaking to visitors at Conwy Castle
David Appleyard, professional Blue Badge Tourist Guide

"Professional, organised, knowledgeable and a real pleasure to work with."

James Garnett, Zing Tours and fellow guide

Planning a speaker programme?

Download the complete NW Tours Heritage Presentations brochure for a printable overview of featured talks, additional presentation ideas and booking information.

Ideal for programme secretaries, group organisers and society committees.

Download brochure

North Wales

Why North Wales Is As It Is

How landscape, history and people shaped a remarkable region.

Why do castles and slate quarries appear where they do in a landscape carved by glaciers?

What you'll discover

  • Glaciers shaped today's mountains and valleys.
  • Castles and slate industries grew where they did.
  • Landscape and language still influence Welsh identity.

Why it matters: It connects scenery, castles and communities, showing why North Wales looks and feels as it does today.

Suitable audiences
U3A, WI, Probus, Rotary and local history societies

Typical duration
45-60 minutes plus questions

Chester

Hidden Chester

The hidden stories behind Britain's best-preserved historic city.

How can a city nearly two thousand years old still hide stories in plain sight?

What you'll discover

  • The clues that reveal nearly two thousand years of history.
  • Forgotten streets, overlooked buildings and unexpected details.
  • How Roman, medieval and Victorian Chester still shape the city.

Why it matters: Small details show how familiar streets changed and why Chester's layered history still matters.

Suitable audiences
U3A, WI, Probus, Rotary, civic and local history societies

Typical duration
45-60 minutes plus questions

Guiding and heritage

A Day in the Life of a Blue Badge Tourist Guide

Behind the scenes of Britain's highest guiding qualification.

What does it take to qualify and guide visitors from around the world?

What you'll discover

  • What Blue Badge training involves.
  • How guides research, prepare and adapt.
  • The moments that make every group different.

Why it matters: It reveals the study, judgement and human connection behind an enjoyable guided experience.

Suitable audiences
U3A, WI, Probus, Rotary, travel clubs and civic societies

Typical duration
45-60 minutes plus questions

Liverpool

Liverpool - Gateway to the World

How one city helped shape the modern world through trade, migration, music and innovation.

How did Liverpool influence almost every corner of the world?

What you'll discover

  • Why Liverpool became a great port.
  • How trade and migration shaped its character.
  • How music, war and regeneration changed the city.

Why it matters: Liverpool's story reveals Britain's connections with trade, migration, conflict and cultural exchange.

Suitable audiences
U3A, WI, Probus, Rotary, civic and local history societies

Typical duration
45-60 minutes plus questions

Presentation Programme

Alongside the flagship presentations, a growing programme explores more focused stories from North Wales, Chester, Liverpool and the world of professional guiding.

North Wales

Landscape, culture and identity

  • Welsh LovespoonsWouldn't you rather have a diamond?
  • Great OrmeThe Vikings' sea serpent and a headland shaped by nature and people.
  • Slate LandscapeIndustry in the mountains and the communities it transformed.
  • Castles of North WalesPrinces, power and conquest across a contested landscape.

Chester

Hidden streets, architecture and layered history

  • Roman ChesterWhy the fortress was not yet a city.
  • Chester WorkhouseVictorian poverty, welfare and reform.
  • Civil War ChesterFear, famine and fighting inside the city walls.
  • The Chester RowsBritain's most remarkable historic shopping streets.

Liverpool

Maritime stories, music, war and world connections

  • Beyond the BeatlesForming the Fab Four and the city around them.
  • Liverpool at WarThe city's wartime story and links to wider conflicts.
  • Two CathedralsDivision, unity and two defining city landmarks.
  • Liverpool WaterfrontShips, trade and empire on the River Mersey.

Guiding & Heritage

Behind the scenes of professional interpretation

  • How History Becomes a TourBalancing entertainment, information and interpretation.
  • Creating a Guided ExperienceHow research, route, timing and storytelling come together.

Enquire about a presentation

Whether you are planning a single evening, a winter programme or a future season of talks, I'd be delighted to discuss which presentations would best suit your group.