My name is Julia Cottrell, and I founded Shepherd Tours because I love The Hague. I want to be the person who helps you, your employees, guests, and families find their footing in this new city.
I’ve been giving tours in an official capacity since 2017. My first tours were as a student ambassador at University College Roosevelt in Middelburg, Netherlands. I gave tours of the campus, student residents, and the city for three years until I graduated in 2020.
I dreamed of a job where I could move around all day and teach people fun facts, but didn’t know how to find one or even what to look for! So instead, I moved to London in 2023 and completed a Master’s in Medical Anthropology and Mental Health at the School of Oriental and Asian Studies (SOAS) instead.
In 2025 I was approached by the owner of Totally Tailored, who offered me the opportunity to try out for the role of tour guide. Once I got the job, I left the world of office work, walked into tour guiding, and never went back.
I’ve led tours for individuals, families, groups, companies, schools, universities, and cruise groups in both London and The Hague. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with you next!
Sustainability
In a world that continues to grow, sustainable values are equally as important in big, established cities as in small rural areas.
We prioritise using public transport, bikes, and of course, our feet!
I find it important to talk about the good and the bad about an area on a tour - it’s important to give a full overview of the topics at hand.
I also find it important to showcase the best of the independent section of the city. All the groups we work with and showcase on my tours are independent shop owners or business owners, often immigrants, who prioritise the best of the best for their clients.
Finally, every time a tour is booked, a tree is planted through treesforall.com
