Dave Barlow, founder of DB Tours, has spent nearly 15 years guiding visitors through Liverpool’s cultural and sporting history. After working for major attractions like LFC Stadium Tours and City Explorer, Dave launched DB Tours to offer bespoke, personalised tours tailored to his tourist’s interests. In this interview, Dave shares how his passion for Liverpool and its hidden gems has shaped his business, and why the city continues to inspire him as both a guide and ambassador.
Liverpool Noise: Can you tell us a bit about the journey of DB Tours? How did it all start, and what inspired you to create a bespoke tour service in Liverpool?
Dave: The inspiration behind DB Tours was I think the longevity I have been guiding, it’s touching on 15 years now. I still guide for LFC Stadium Tours and I also work on the Hop on Hop off City Explorer Liverpool. It got to a point were I had built up many connections, I thought I can do this for myself instead of just working for others. It was the best decision I ever made.
Liverpool Noise: Which tour is your personal favorite to guide, and why?
Dave: It’s a bit of a cliché but I love all my tours, because every one is different, it’s tailored to their interests and that’s the beauty. But, if I had to pick one it would be LFC and Merseyside Football history, that’s my bag. I work quite closely with a lot of supporter clubs around the world from the UK, Canada, U.S, Scandinavian and as far as Australia.
Liverpool Noise: What’s the most unusual or memorable request you’ve had for a bespoke tour?
Dave: To be fair, I haven’t had many usual or memorable requests. I have a good relationship with a lot of the ex LFC players, so I have been asked about meet & greets in the past. I once helped a visitor from the States acquire tickets for the match, which made them very happy.
Liverpool Noise: Liverpool is known for its deep history and culture, especially with the Beatles and football. What are some hidden gems that visitors may not know about but you make sure to include in your tours?
Dave: As you said, the city is known for its incredible history, culture/music and of course Football. We do have a few “hidden” gems, I do like to point out Queen’s Avenue just off Castle St, The Baltic, The Western Approaches has an fascinating history on WW2. Also I wouldn’t say it’s an “hidden” gem but a walk inside St George’s Hall is always worth it.
Liverpool Noise: As Liverpool continues to evolve, where do you see the role of DB Tours in the city’s tourism industry in the next 5 to 10 years?
Dave: I have been operating now on two years, as my tours and the City evolves, I want to collaborate more with City attractions, more Hotels and Air BnB’s. I do currently have decent relationships with a few. I started this journey as I one man band, I now need help due to the volume of bookings. So I do call on other City guides and transport companies, which was always the goal.
Liverpool Noise: What’s the most rewarding part of running DB Tours for you personally?
Dave: The most rewarding part is keeping good relationships with the people I have taken on tour. I still speak regularly with them on social media/WhatsApp etc. A big bonus is seeing the world, this summer I was invited out to Toronto to meet a lot of the Official Supporters Club out there. Next summer 2025 I plan to visit Norway to take part in an LFC festival.
Liverpool Noise: If you could give one piece of advice to someone visiting Liverpool for the first time, what would it be?
Dave: Difficult to give one piece of advice but I would definitely recommend to give yourself 3-5 days here on a visit. There is just so much to see and do here, it’s such a vibrant city and one I am very proud to show off to the world.
To find out more and book yourself onto a DB Tour visit dbtoursliverpool.co.uk and follow @dbtoursliverpool2022 on Instagram.
