In the latest of our blogs introducing the team at Janet Redler Travel, we’d like you to meet Nick Bardsley, our Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer. Nick is one of the four Directors of Janet Redler Travel and he undertakes much of the 'back office' responsibilities of running a family business.

In 2011, when Jan and I set up our partnership business (Janet Redler Travel and Tourism), Jan had been in the trade already for 30 years so I had a great deal to learn. I enjoyed travel but knew very little about how it was managed. Very quickly I realised how enjoyable it could be helping travellers to realise their dreams - and how much we had in the UK to offer our visitors. There is always something new, unexpected, often exciting, which we can include in a future vacation itinerary. And we meet such great people who travel with Janet Redler Travel, or who provide hotel accommodation, transportation, lovely places to eat or visits for our guests.

Nick and Perry!

We have so many favourites, all great to experience, but if I’m forced to chose I would head to the North East of England where there is wild and remote countryside, one of Britain’s very finest cathedrals in Durham and the fabulous coast line of County Durham and Northumberland. At low tide you can take the Pilgrim’s Way three miles across the sand to Holy Island (Lindisfarne), then head towards the many lengths of Hadrian's Roman Wall, accessible locally, or spectacular Bamburgh Castle which features prominently in Game of Thrones.

There is no shortage of great places to stay locally - one of our favourites is the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland on the border of Northumberland and County Durham. So many of our travellers, once they have experienced a few nights here, insist on a return visit, entranced by its fascinating history (dating back to 1165), much of which survives in a great hotel which nonetheless offers fabulous modern cuisine and a welcome from its hospitality team which is nearly unbeatable.

I was an academic historian at Oxford University, many years ago, but I have never lost my passion for the study of the legacy we have been left here in the UK. It’s not just the countless castles, churches, cathedrals, palaces and beautiful country houses. We have a fabulous industrial heritage - early coal mines, canals, mills and the very first railway in the world (200 years old in 2025). I’m constantly delighted to discover new places, events and experiences. As a historian you soon learn how little you know and how much there is still to discover! So devising an itinerary for a group of industrial archaeologists from the USA is the greatest of pleasures.

Outside work I’m fascinated by the political/constitutional history of the United Kingdom, but also of the countries from which our travellers depart. I will never tire of studying the relatively short but turbulent history of our cousins in the USA.

A first time visitor to the UK will of course want to include the obvious highlights in her/his itinerary - as would a first time visitor to any travel destination - so the best advice has to be to plan multiple trips. You will soon want to concentrate on visits that are special to you - seeing great places, staying at hotels that you love and including experiences that are perhaps unique to our country. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed!

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of the United Kingdom, Ireland or Europe, please do contact us today. The team at Janet Redler Travel would be delighted to deliver your dream vacation!