Our Story

The journey from passion to profession

From Local Guides to UK Travel Experts

GhignCardi Travel was founded in 2005 by Emma and James Hadley, two passionate travelers with deep roots in British history and culture. What began as informal tours for friends and family around their native Lake District grew into a comprehensive travel agency covering the entire United Kingdom.

The name "GhignCardi" combines the Cumbrian dialect word "ghign" (meaning to smile or laugh) with "cardi," a nod to the Welsh county of Ceredigion—representing our commitment to showcasing both the popular and lesser-known regions of the UK.

Over the years, we've expanded our offerings while maintaining our founding principles: authentic experiences, expert guidance, and sustainable tourism practices. Today, we're proud to employ over 30 dedicated travel specialists and guides, each bringing their unique expertise and passion to our tours.

Our Mission & Values

What drives us every day

Our Mission

To reveal the authentic heart of the United Kingdom through immersive, educational, and sustainable travel experiences that create lasting connections between travelers, communities, and landscapes.

Authenticity

We believe in showcasing the real Britain, moving beyond stereotypes to share genuine cultural experiences and meaningful local interactions.

Excellence

We strive for the highest quality in every aspect of our tours, from knowledgeable guides to carefully selected accommodations and thoughtfully crafted itineraries.

Sustainability

We're committed to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the UK through responsible tourism practices that benefit local communities.

Education

We believe travel should be informative as well as enjoyable, enriching our guests with deeper understanding of British history, culture, and natural environments.

Meet Our Team

The faces behind your unforgettable UK experiences

Emma Hadley

Co-Founder & CEO

A Cumbria native with a background in history and hospitality management, Emma's vision and passion for British heritage drive our company's direction.

James Hadley

Co-Founder & Operations Director

With expertise in outdoor leadership and logistics, James ensures our tours run smoothly while maintaining our commitment to sustainable practices.

Sarah Collins

Head of Tour Development

A cultural anthropologist and travel writer, Sarah crafts our innovative itineraries, constantly researching to discover authentic experiences across the UK.

Robert MacKenzie

Lead Guide, Scotland

Born in the Highlands, Robert brings Scottish history and folklore to life with his engaging storytelling and extensive knowledge of his homeland.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Preserving the UK's beauty for future generations

At GhignCardi Travel, we recognize our responsibility to protect the landscapes and communities that make the UK so special. Our sustainability initiatives include:

  • Carbon Offsetting: We calculate and offset the carbon footprint of all our tours through verified UK woodland restoration projects.
  • Local Partnerships: We work exclusively with locally-owned accommodations, restaurants, and service providers to ensure tourism benefits host communities.
  • Waste Reduction: We've eliminated single-use plastics from our operations and provide guests with reusable water bottles and tote bags.
  • Conservation Support: A portion of every booking supports conservation organizations working to protect the UK's natural environments and heritage sites.
  • Education: We incorporate environmental awareness into our tours, helping guests understand the ecological importance of the areas they visit.

In 2022, we were proud to receive certification from the Green Tourism Business Scheme at the Gold level, recognizing our ongoing commitment to sustainable travel practices.