12 minute read
South West Supplement
from GTT Issue 3
by Beau Media
e South West Supplement
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GET ALL STEAMED UP ON YOUR GROUP DAY OUT!
Bring your group, society or club for a memorable day out at the Avon Valley Railway
WHAT TO SEE ON YOUR VISIT
See our beautifully restored Victorian station at Bitton
Take a ride in a heritage carriage behind one of our steam or diesel locomotives
Enjoy a combined train ride, cream tea and boat trip around Bristol Harbourside on our full day package
Learn more about the history of the line in our small museum area
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in our station buffet (open daily)
Pick up a railway-themed souvenir in our gift shop (open on our operating days)
Why not combine a visit with a trip to the new Aerospace Bristol museum in Filton or SS Great Britain on Bristol’s harbourside for a full day of transport heritage?
Steam or D i esel tra i ns operate:
Sat ur day & S un day A pr il t o Se pt ember (excep t t he fir st Sat ur day of eac h mont h) PL US: Se lect ed Wedn esday s M ay t o Se pt ember Su nd ays in Oc t ober and Tuesday t o T hu r sday du r ing sch ool s ummer an d h alf t er m holidays
Tel: 0117 932 5538 www.avonvalleyrailway.org Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD
South West
Sand, sea, surfing, St Ives, sophisticated art galleries, buckets and spades, Bodmin, pasties, pies and Padstow, if ever there was a great group getaway surely this must be it.
Avon Valley Railway
The Avon Valley Railway is bringing back the sounds and smells of steam to Bristol and Bath. Closed under the Beeching Axe of the 1960’s the line was preserved by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. Today, 40 years on, three miles of track has been relaid, locomotives and carriages restored, and the sound of steam can once again be heard along the Avon Valley.
They are an ideal location for a half day out and can offer a steam train ride with a delicious cream tea served onboard too. They run trains weekends April to September plus selected Wednesdays May to September and Tues to Thur in school and summer holidays. It was their 150th anniversary in 2019 so why not bring your group and find out more about their history?
Groups can also combine them with a visit to the Aerospace Bristol museum in Filton or SS Great Britain on Bristol’s harbourside for a full day of transport heritage. They’re easy to find, half-way between Bristol and Bath and just 20 minutes from the M4.
Marwood Hill Gardens
This magical and very special 20 acre private garden with three lakes is set in a valley tucked away in North Devon only 4 miles from Barnstaple, the gardens are a wonderful haven in which to relax and enjoy the impressive collections of plants, shrubs and trees and experience the views and peaceful atmosphere. The garden has featured on many garden programmes over the years and is enjoyed by visitors of all ages looking for inspiration, relaxation or just a great day out.
For full details please visit
www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk
Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon's glorious Axe Valley.
GROUP BOOKINGS Seaton Tramway is a great day out for all age groups, and even more, fun when you're travelling with a likeminded group! They have open toppers and enclosed saloons, giving a comfortable ride. Whatever the weather groups will enjoy a leisurely trip on the Tramway.
The Garden Room at Colyton Station is a great place to enjoy the Tramstop Cafe delights, this seperate dining and/or meeting area for groups can seat up to 80 people.
The average seating capacity is around 35 per tram, but several trams can operate together for large groups. There is no extra charge for this - you simply pay the agreed rate per person.
For a full list of experiences and events please visit www.tram.co.uk
Cornwall Plus
Accommodation is set within a residential village which is nestled amongst tranquil historical gardens, an 18th century manor house and host of onsite campus facilities. There are over 1500 double and twin en-suite bedrooms, and 40 plus contemporary meeting and event spaces, tiered lecture theatres, AV, exhibition areas, meeting rooms, breakout spaces and a large four court Sports Hall and studios for hire.
The business and technology conference ‘Agile on the Beach’ returned for their sixth year in July. This 2 day conference took advantage of their modern, high end facilities in their AMATA studios. Over 40 UK and International speakers and 300 business delegates stayed in their university accommodation over four nights.
The team also welcomed the University of Exeter Research and Medical annual 3 day conference with 120 delegates, who relaxed in the evening with a BBQ, bar and social networking opportunities. The Penryn Campus is situated between the vibrant port of Falmouth and historic town of Penryn and is an ideal base to explore the spectacular county of Cornwall.
Your group will benefit from their links with local tourist attractions and activity providers; each guest will receive their Cornwall Plus Saver Card with discounted entry to attractions across the county. Cornwall Plus can make your meeting, event, or group gathering unique and tailored to you. Do get in touch if you’d like to find out more and you’d like a quote. Cornwall Plus Team, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9AJ
Email: booking@fxplus.ac.uk www.cornwall-plus.co.uk
Explore together, remember always…
Bringing a group to the Mount? Let us help you make it a day to remember.
Marvel at the terraced gardens clinging to the cliffs, wonder at the priory church at the Mount’s summit which dates back to 1135 or gaze out across rows of cannons to where Napoleonic ships lay at anchor.
Whether you’re fascinated by ley lines, interested in subtropical flora and fauna,
need to bring the Civil War to life for your students, or have any other specialist interests, they’ll tailor your visit to fit. They can create itineraries based on your needs and requirements, or can bring in specialist guides who’ll be able to answer your questions – so you can get more from your island experience.
Group discounts and benefits include:
Priority coach parking in dedicated bays Preferential admission rates for pre-booked groups of 15 or more (£9.50 per adult for the castle or £15.00 for combined castle and garden entrance) Pre-booked lunches or afternoon teas at the Island Café or The Sail Loft on the island, or on the mainland at the Godolphin Arms Experienced guides available for special guided tours (April-June and September-October, for an additional charge)
Depending on requirements, they may be able to offer a specific language tour. Free admission for coach drivers Reduced price guide books on pre-order Please visit
www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk
Fursdon House & Gardens Fursdon is one of Devon’s oldest family homes where the Fursdon family has lived for more than 755 years. In 2019, Oliver and Emily, took over stewardship of the estate as the 24th generation of Fursdons to live here. They welcome visitors to take part in guided house tours, with portraits, costumes, a small family museum and stories of ghosts and dragons offering a fascinating glimpse into their family’s life over the last seven centuries.
Outside, the restored grounds and garden feature both walled and open areas. A mix of naturalistic and contemporary planting offers colour and interest throughout the seasons, set against rolling mid-Devon landscape. available at the Coach Hall tea room, with a small playground for little ones nearby. Private group tours for 20 or more can be organised by prior arrangement with excellent catered options.
A restored wisteria-clad cottage offering peaceful holiday accommodation is also available on the estate.
The Garden and Tea Room are open 2-5pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays from Easter Monday to the end of September. House tours take place at 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Bank Holidays and Wednesday and Thursday afternoons through June, July and August. Fursdon House, Cadbury, Exeter, EX5 5JS E: admin@fursdon.co.uk, T: 01392 860 860
www.fursdon.co.uk
Visit Exeter
Discover what everyone’s talking about…Visit Exeter There is something just a little bit special about Exeter and it really does have something for everyone.
Recently voted one of the top ten cities for a city break by the Independent, this beautiful city in the heart of Devon is perfectly positioned, with visitors never far away from all manner of picturesque locations. Beaches, moors and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are all at your fingertips.
If you’re in to ancient history, they’ve got it covered –2,000 years of it, in fact! Fancy yourself as a bit of a culinary connoisseur? In Exeter they have the finest food and drink on offer. Like to treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy? They have a vibrant mix of high-street nationals and local independents. A diverse cultural scene also reflects Exeter’s strong identity as a small city with lots of character. You only need to take a glance at their what’s on calendar to see the sheer variety of events on offer, from food and drink festivals, to large-scale music events and world-class sporting fixtures.
THE PERFECT TRIP FOR 2020
Get your 2020 calendar started off the right way with a Stuart Line cruise!
FREE coach parking & FREE ticket for the driver!
Small Attraction of the Year 2018 Voted Devon's BEST Small Attraction for 2018
Based in Exmouth, Devon 15min off the M5
Exeter is whatever you want it to be – the very best hybrid of city and countryside that you are likely to find.
Discover more at www.visitexeter.com
Stuart Line Cruise
Stunning scenery, luscious green landscapes and magnificent coastlines; these are what make memorable holidays in Devon and what better way to experience this than from the entirely unique perspective of the water?
Stuart Line Cruise are a family-run business, sailing for over 50 years. They offer the widest range of cruises that Devon has to offer and last year were voted 'Best Small Attraction in Devon'. Their trips sail year-round, consistently offering great value, high quality excursions that you can trust.
Their boats are modern and exceptionally wellmaintained, featuring indoor heated lower decks with large windows for great viewing whatever the weather and outside upper decks with comfortable seating and cosy blankets. Offering bespoke cruises tailored to your schedule, they can also put together joint packages with other top attractions in Devon, at discounted rates.
For more information visit www.stuartlinecrusies.co.uk , give them a call on 01395 222144 or email
info@stuartlinecruises.co.uk
Daish’s
Daish’s was founded in 1979 when the company’s founder and now Chairman, Jeanne Wilson, purchased her first hotel – Daish’s Hotel in Shanklin on the everpopular Isle of Wight. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength and now boasts ten hotels in some of the most popular UK holiday destinations, along with a fleet of 26 luxury coaches that operate around the UK. Daish’s now also welcome over 550 groups a year, ranging from large families of 20 people to whole hotel groups of 140+ who book the whole hotel. Many of their groups travel time and time again, often more than once a year and Paul Harper, the groups Sales and Marketing Director puts it down to their great customer service experience ‘We’re famed for our award winning customer service and the delivery of our core values of clean comfortable accommodation, live nightly entertainment, good food and great entertainment. This is what Daish’s was founded on 40 years and its just as important now, as it was back then’.
The groups most recent acquisions include a seafront hotel in Blackpool, just a short walk for the Tower and their new boutique hotel ‘The County Hotel’ located in Kendal, the gateway to the iconic Lake District. For more details, contact Daish’s Groups holidays on 01202 638841, or visit
www.daishs.com
Hestercombe Gardens
gardens, near Taunton. Spanning three centuries of garden design, Hestercombe Gardens offer a unique combination and varied experience of the Georgian Landscape Garden (designed 1750s), the Victorian Shrubbery and the Edwardian Formal Gardens (early 1900s).
Groups & Tours
Hestercombe welcome groups and tours of any size and can tailor your experience in a number of different ways to suit your requirements.
Gardens
Included are 50 acres of beautiful gardens from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries to walk through and enjoy; a contemporary art gallery with a series of changing exhibitions; a second-hand book shop, gift shop and plant centre.
You are more than welcome to spend your time here at your leisure, exploring the gardens at your own pace. However, if you’d prefer more structure to your visit, they can work with you to provide a bespoke experience for your group.
www.hestercombe.com/your -visit/groups/
