Tipping tour guide

I have not taken a tour of any kind since 1732… but I do have a thought about tipping. And that is: yes. A tip is always appreciated. (Oh - and we tipped for the tour of Canterbury Cathdral that we took back then.)

When we tip in London (for anything) reactions range from, “Are you certain?” to “Thanks!” But no one has ever refused, or been offended in the slightest.

I know this gets into “annoying American living in London and driving up expectations for tips” territory, but the thing is, most folks in the UK are not making a whole lot of money. I would imagine an independent tour guide is in it for the love, not the dosh, but wouldn’t turn down a nice tip.

I would tip a tour guide in England. I wouldn’t say it would be absolutely expected, and I’ve never taken a tour here, but it’s usual to tip a tour leader and coach driver if you take an organised holiday or day trip, for example.

I have not taken a tour of any kind since 1732…

So where is the Fountain of Youth?

I would say don’t tip at all, or if you do, tip very very modestly.

For example, I took an absolutely wonderful, pricey, all day private tour of the Yorkshire Dales with a local guide. He really went above and beyond, so I wanted to tip him. I knew he was celebrating a special occasion dinner with his wife that evening. So I gave him (just) a 10 pound note and said have a couple of pints on me at dinner, or something to that effect. He was absolutely gobsmacked and couldn’t stop thanking me. The tip was clearly unexpected.

We have some day trips booked to Windsor and Oxford (not private tours) we have budgeted to tip the driver and guide £15 each but we will see if others tip before we do. We are happy to tip but if its not "normal" in England then maybe we should not.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the advice!