Tony is more than just a tour guide—he's a lifelong traveller, history enthusiast, and passionate ambassador for Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Born and raised in this historic city, Tony has spent his life exploring the world but always returned to his beloved Cardiff. With a background as a primary school teacher and deputy headteacher, Tony brings an educator's touch to his tours, combining storytelling with deep local knowledge. For him, guiding travelers through Cardiff is about making connections, sharing insights, and leaving visitors with memories they’ll cherish forever.
What Do You Love Most About Cardiff?
I was born in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, so I’m a proud Cardiffian, as well as Welsh, British, and European.
Cardiff is a delightful and mostly pretty city, often a pleasant surprise for visitors. It’s the flattest city centre in Britain, making it easy to walk, cycle, and even navigate with wheelchairs. There’s a slight incline up to our Civic Centre, considered the finest in the world, which gives Cardiff the nickname “The Washington DC of Europe.” Local band Catatonia even used it as the cover for their album Mulder & Scully.
How Did You Discover Lokafy?
I was a primary school teacher, and as a deputy headteacher, I often assisted other teachers on class visits to places like Cardiff, Caerphilly, Caerleon, Penarth, Bath, and even Greenwich during the Millennium. I built up quite a repertoire of tours for schoolchildren.
When I took early retirement, my colleagues encouraged me to use my tour-guiding skills back in Cardiff after travelling the world. However, I didn’t know how to start until Olga, a Spanish Lokafyer, said I’d be an asset to Lokafy. She recommended me, and here I am!
Memorable Experiences with Travellers
Oh, there have been so many! One of the most emotional moments was with a middle-aged daughter who secretly booked a Lokafy tour for her parents’ 80th birthdays. They hadn’t been back to Cardiff in 35 years, and their granddaughter was studying at university here. They remembered the shopping arcades and the castle, but when I took them to a “secret church” hidden inside a department store, the grandmother pointed to her feet and said, “In 1959, we were the last couple to be married here, in this church, before it closed.” It was an incredibly moving moment.
This August and September (2024) have been particularly busy, despite the poor summer weather in Britain this year. Interestingly, I only had one tour on a wet day, and my guests—who were from California—were thrilled to experience some cool rain!
I’ve also had great fun hosting Doctor Who and Torchwood fans’ tours, showing them filming locations and giving them a little Doctor Who souvenir.
In recent years, many Americans and Australians have come to Cardiff because of their family connections to Wales. Surnames like Jones, Davies, Williams, Hughes, and Griffiths are common among my guests. This year, I’ve also had more Canadians and Indians on my tours than ever before!
How Has Lokafy Changed Your Perspective on Travel and Culture?
I’ve actually travelled to 121 countries and a thousand cities, taught English to international students in Cardiff, lived in Australia and Poland, and voluntarily teach English online to students in Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and China. I can say “Welcome” in 20 languages, and I’ve been to many of my guests’ countries myself, so I can easily relate to most of them.
I think I help my guests change their perspective on travel, especially to a lesser-known city like Cardiff. Many fall in love with the unexpected charm, often wishing they’d stayed five nights instead of one, or had more time than just a day trip from London.
Welcome in Welsh is “Croeso” (pronounced “Kroy-so”).
What Makes a Tour Truly Exceptional?
It’s all about chemistry. When you really click with the tourists, making good eye contact and getting them to open up, the tour becomes more personal and meaningful. They smile, share stories about their lives, and show a genuine interest in what you’re sharing. It becomes a mutual exchange of experiences.
Tips for Traveling Like a Local
Don’t put up barriers—fit in with the local culture. Share knowledge, absorb information, and do your homework before you go. Learn a few words in the local language, and be aware of practicalities like water, food, and weather conditions. Flexibility is key, and booking a local walking guide always enhances the experience.
When You’re Not Working for Lokafy...
I volunteer to teach English to international students, asylum seekers, and refugees. I’m a huge Doctor Who fan and enjoy watching the filming in and around Cardiff. I’m also an avid photographer and love collecting fridge magnets. In fact, I have the largest collection outside the USA, and I’ve visited all 50 states!
Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered during a tour and how you handled it?
Once, a Russian mother living in London booked a Doctor Who themed tour for her daughter’s 16th birthday. The teenagers weren’t really into it and were quite moody, but instead of focusing on the sights, I engaged them in conversation about their favourite Doctor Who episodes. By the end, they had opened up, and the next day I received a glowing 5-star review!
What hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path spots do you love to share with travellers?
I have my favourite secret, unexpected spots and local stories that I share with my guests. But I can’t reveal them here—it would spoil the eye-opening surprises!
Can you describe your favourite neighbourhood and why you love it?
Llandaff, the oldest part of Cardiff, is steeped in history. It was a separate city before 1922 and has a huge cathedral. I recommend it for longer tours or suggest visitors take a bus if they have a second or third day in the city.
Do you have any favourite local traditions or events that you recommend to visitors?
St David’s Day on 1st March is a must. I also recommend attending the Eisteddfod, a week-long arts and music festival, and listening to the Welsh Triple Harp. Be sure to try Welsh cakes, bara brith, and cawl broth, and browse the collection of wooden lovespoons—Cardiff has the largest and the smallest in the world!
Final Thoughts for Travellers Visiting Cardiff
Travellers, please add Cardiff, Tenby, St David’s, Conwy, Caernarfon, and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdonia) in Wales 🏴 to your travel plans. Most tourists only think of England and Scotland, but Wales offers something truly unique. It’s the friendliest of our four nations and the biggest surprise—once you visit, you’ll want to return again and again.
Tony is a storyteller at heart, and his passion for Cardiff shines through in every tour he leads. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning after decades away, Tony's tours offer an insider's perspective that brings Cardiff's history, culture, and hidden gems to life.
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