South East England for Groups

South East England

A Guide For Groups

Groups Welcome

Aer a difficult couple of years, it is always a great pleasure to be able to support the group travel and trade community. Coach and tour operators, associations and independent group organisers play a vital role in bringing millions of visitors to South East attractions and hotels and at Tourism South East we are committed to the support, development and growth of the group travel and trade industry. rough activities such as mailings, familiarisation trips and e newsletters we support the industry as it strives to revive and once again thrive

Tourism South East is the umbrella Destination Marketing Organisation dedicated to supporting the tourism and hospitality industry across South East England e South East is the largest region for tourism outside London At Tourism South East we offer membership packages, marketing activities, research and training solutions to tourism businesses and destinations within the region.

In addition to its regional role, it plays a national role in the delivery of the

Excursions exhibition, the leading one day group travel show and has done for over 47 years. As the longest running group travel show we continue to offer an unrivalled opportunity for attractions, destinations, tourism businesses and venues to connect and network with group travel organisers, tour and coach operators and itinerary buyers.

Tourism South East recognises that groups are a significant economic contributor for many businesses, bring in regular income, advanced bookings and making a huge contribution to the economy with day trip and over night stays.

Coach travel will play a significant role in our sustainable futures as one of the cleanest forms of transport For ever coach carrying 50 passengers, it takes the place of more than 20 cars, eeing up space in car parks

e following information contained within this supplement will provide you, the reader, with a host of group iendly options to start planning your next visits and stays

Our aim is to simply ensure we promote South East England as the perfect destination for group travel and provide plenty of inspiration, and signpost to partners involved in our activities.

Fran Downton CEO Tourism South East

Picture credits

Front cover, pag e 3, 4, and 5

Tourism South East

Sales Emma Middleton Tel: 0121 445 6961 Production: Laura Collins Design: Alexina Whittaker

e S outh E a st

The South East is an ideal destination for a day trip, short break or holiday Stretching from Kent in the east, to Dorset in the west, and up to Oxfordshire and Bucking hamshire in the north, South East Eng land wraps around London offering easy access to the capital with its g reat transport links.

ere is so much to offer : coast, countr yside, culture and a wealth of internationally renowned e vents Discover its 400 miles of stunning coastline, rich histor y and heritag e and acres of natural beaut y. Explore the wine capital of the UK with the chance to wander throug h the vines, enjoy a tour and tasting experience. Dive into a place with royal, literar y and film connections aplent y, vibrant cities, bustling towns, and quaint villag es, all awaiting to be explored

Whether you choose to discover the Royal connections in Windsor, dive into the top secret world of code breaking at

Bletchle y Park , Bucking hamshire, heading out on a winter walk across the beautif ul Surre y Hills or discover a taste of medie val Eng land in Sandwich Kent, a whole host of possibilities await

Experience Sussex vine yards, Oxfordshire culture, Hampshire countr yside or visit the South East's ver y own island the Isle of Wig ht. It's easy to g et to South East Eng land for an autumn g et-away, a Christmas experience, or start planning your Spring and Summer prog rammes Looking for a weekend break away f ull of histor y and charm then Winchester, Portsmouth or Rye is a must for you.

Winchester, once the ancient capital of the UK and home to the iconic Winchester Cathedral. Portsmouth, the UK ' s only island cit y known for its rich naval histor y and Portsmouth Guildhall

Rye in Sussex with its cobbled streets lined with medie val, half-timbered houses and the beautif ul Rye Harbour Discover y centre.

For destinations with g reat shopping then head to Southampton and dive into West Quay or escape to the cosmopolitan cit y of Brig hton, Sussex , home to the international renowned Brig hton Festival and wander it's cobbled 'Lanes' just a short walk from the sea . Why not tr y a trip on the new Elizabeth L ine (direct from Nov) and pay a stop into Reading , a g reat shopping destination, situated on the river ames, f ull of histor y, heritag e and culture, you may be surprised by what you find

If a coastal retreat or day out is on the cards, then head to Kent and discover the stunning White Cliffs of Dover or the beautif ul sandy beaches of anet. Tr y Eastbourne and its promenades or Bournemouth with its award-winning blue flag beaches on the Dorset coast Choose from cliff tops walks in the bracing winter air, strolls out along the V ictorian piers or enjoy the e ver-chang ing outlook over sandy beaches and beautif ul seas.

Acount y with unique connections to the British Royal Family, where you will find the River ames meandering along its northern edg e and beautif ul parks and g ardens ablaze with colour. Enjoy an aernoon tea cruise, sig htseeing along the ames with French Brothers at Windsor combined with a visit to e Savill Garden, or ames Rivercruise at

Reading

B e rkshire

.

As well as Windsor being the favourite weekend home of the Royal Family, Berkshire is the birthplace of the Duchess of Cambridg e, Kate Middleton, raised in the quaint villag e of Buckleberr y where her parents ’ home is still located today V isit Maidenhead Heritag e Centre and learn all about the histor y of Maidenhead, the stor y of the Air Transport

Auxiliar y and fly in a Spitfire simulator Reading is home to the 900 year old Reading Abbe y ruins and the Reading Festival V isit the Museum of Eng lish Rural L ife, Eng land’s most extensive museum dedicated to farming , food, cra, rural life and countr yside issues. Combine a walking tour of the Abbe y Quarter (where Jane Austen went to school ) with a talk and tours for g roups at

Reading Museum. Berkshire is home to many other picturesque towns and villag es such as Newbur y, Hung erford, Ascot and Cookham

Spotlight on...

French Brothers

French Brothers have been operating fantastic boat trips on the River ames for over 30 years Based at Runnymede and Windsor, the y have become one of

the larg est passeng er boat firms in the UK e y now boast an impressive fleet of 17 boats with capacities of up to 150 passeng ers.

Specialising in trips for g roups, French Brothers have produced a comprehensive brochure offering a hug e rang e of options All or these trips are advertised inclusive of g enerous discounted g roup rates

Being based at Windsor and Runnymede, French Brothers operate trips rang ing from Marlow to Hampton Court. ese are broken down into convenient stag es offering trips of bet ween 1½ and 4 hours. One of the most popular trips for g roups is

the Luxur y Aernoon tea cruise, offering a mar vellous hig h tea as you cruise the beautif ul reaches of the Upper ames.

With such a diverse rang e of trip options, it is posible to combine a river trip with French Brothers with many other local attractions, in fact French Brothers have teamed up with Savill Garden and Bekonscot Model V illag e for which combined tickets can be purchased www.frenchbrothers.co.uk

Buckinghamshire

Known for its beautif ul countr yside and historic houses, the count y of Bucking hamshire is sure to provide you with inspiration for what to do on days out. e south of Bucking hamshire is home to the towns of Hig h Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Marlow and Amersham. Go north and you will travel throug h Aylesbur y Vale with its enchanting villag es, market towns and

mag nificent countr y houses ; don’t miss Waddesdon Manor, a French Renaissance-st yle château built in the 1870’s, set in 5000 acres of parkland

e Chiltern Hills are ripe for explorative days out with miles of footpaths rambling throug h beechwood forests. Explore the Chiltern Open Air Museum or be enchanted by Bekonscot Model V illag e.

Dorset

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole offer some of the UK’s most beautiful coastline, with nearly 15 miles of glorious beaches, including 12 blue flag award winning beaches.

Dorset is also home to the world’s largest natural harbour in Poole, which includes world famous Sandbanks and the beautiful Brownsea Island, the largest island in Poole harbour, known for its red

squirrels, wildlife and scouting. Poole is also home to a bustling quayside and a beautiful historic old town. Take to the water and start your exploration of the Jurassic Coast from Poole. Stretching from Old Harry’s Rock near Swanage, to Exmouth in Devon and covering 95 miles, this is England’s only natural world heritage site. Christchurch is sandwiched between the New Forest National Park

on one side and the bustling resort of Bournemouth on the other. Discover coastal nature reserves and heritage attractions.

Spotlight on

One Destination, Three Coastal Towns

With blue flag beaches and grade II listed Victorian gardens in Bournemouth. Europe’s largest natural harbour and bustling quayside in Poole and the

pretty, historical town of Christchurch they offer three diverse resorts for groups. With world-class free events all year round, 2023 highlights include: •For a whole host of tasty treats, entertainment and food demonstrations, there is Christchurch Food Festival and Poole Seafood Festival popping up throughout the summer. •September sees the UK’s biggest Air FestivalBournemouth Air Festival

\Pajor Pawel shutterstock

• During November and December there is Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland, a mag ical trail featuring over 100 trees and illuminations

• Poole’s Christmas Maritime L ig ht Festival, celebrating Poole’s rich nautical heritag e, featuring dazzling lig hts weaving throug h the centre along the Hig h Street and down to Poole Quay

Packed with arts, culture and plent y of chances to g et out and active, there are some fantastic places for g roups to visit including Hig hcliffe Castle in Christchurch a Beautif ul Grade 1 listed building overlooking Christchurch Bay with woodland walks down to the beach.

The Russell- Cotes ArtGaller y & Museum is a fascinating historic house with a reg ular prog ramme of exhibitions throug hout the year Swanag e R ailway offers a rela xing step back in time throug h the Purbecks on an historic steam train For e vening entertainment then BH L ive has a

wonderf ul variet y of pantomimes, plays and live music to round off a perfect day in resort

Bournemouth , Christchurch and Poole Tourism –www.coast withthemost.co.uk bcptourism@bcpcouncil. gov.uk

We welcome groups

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole offer year-round city-style, countryside and coastal experiences like no other. A gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and New Forest

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Tourism –www.coastwiththemost .co.uk bcptourism@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Hampshire

There are so many top thing s to do in Hampshire, a count y famous for the home of Downton Abbe y at Hig hclere Castle, and the iconic Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth A count y where Bombay Gin is made and where Jane Austen lived, wrote and is now laid to rest Hampshire is a count y f ull of hidden g ems and new discoveries, with its clear chalk streams, thatched cottag es and cosy pubs, historic building s, fascinating interactive museums, bustling market towns and three cities. Visit the New Forest National Park , which stretches across 140,000 acres of ancient woodland and unspoilt g rassland and don’t miss Beaulieu ; the National Motor Museum, Palace House, the Montag u family home since 1538 and the ruins of Beaulieu Abbe y where medie val monks lived over 800 years ag o. Ride the Monorail for informative commentar y and sweeping views of the park , or something a little more down-to -earth, there’s our open top veteran bus Portsmouth, the UK ' s only

island cit y with its rich maritime histor y, awardwinning attractions, historic fortifications and busy year round e vents calendar Southampton, this South coast port cit y with links to the infamous Titanic and famous Mayflower Home to the internationally renowned Boat Show with a larg e shopping and cultural centre, one of contenders for Cit y of Culture 2025 Winchester, once the ancient capital cit y of the UK with its cobbled streets, historic Winchester Cathedral, links with Jane Austen and King Alfred the Great, one of Eng land's smallest cities making it ideal to explore on foot.

Find out more about the count y ' s towns and villag es including Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent, with its 24 miles of waterfront and Basing stoke the larg est town in Hampshire East Hampshire includes the famous villag e of Chawton, home of Jane Austen and her brother Edward, and the ancient market town of Petersfield formally an important coaching stop bet ween Portsmouth and London.

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Winchester Cathedral’s

Christmas Market

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is recog nised as one of the best in Europe Taking place this year from 18th November – 22nd December, the festive market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location, and handpicked hig h-qualit y exhibitors

The wooden chalets situated within the Cathedral’s historic Inner Close are inspired by those seen at traditional German Christmas markets. Each year the selection of stalls showcase the orig inal works of talented craftspeople and artists offering unique, custom pieces, such as knitted wool throws to org anic essential oil reed diff users.

Thoug h, the market isn’t only for buying g ifts. Celebrate the season by meeting friends and family for a g lass of mulled wine or mug of hot chocolate, and a spiced mince pie. Whilst enjoying your culinar y delig hts listen to the cheerf ul sound of local

choirs sing ing Christmas carols as well as other live performances on the communit y stag e

There are popular times for coming to the market, visitors should consider arriving earlier or later in the day for a less crowded experience There is no timed entr y or tickets to the Christmas Market so queuing may be necessar y You can exit the market and re-enter the market at any time Plan ahead and pre-book your tickets to one of the many special ser vices, www.winchestercathedral.org.uk/worship or christmas.winchestercathedral.org.uk/ Winchester Christmas Market Winchester Cathedral, Inner Close, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LS

The D -Day Stor y Make sure you include this 'unmissable' museum as part of your g roup ' s visit An essential part of any visit to Portsmouth and any World War Two themed itinerar y. e DDay Stor y starts with a visit to the impressive 59m Landing Cra Tank 7074 which is situated outside the museum. For months the ship carried troops, supplies and up to ten tanks across the channel Sound effects, recreated crew quarters, and Sherman and Churchill tanks bring the experience of being on board to life Your visit will then continue inside the museum. e D -Day Stor y uses objects, interactives

and video to tell the stor y of D -Day from the preparation and build up, to the landing s and the Battle of Normandy. e Leg ac y Galler y includes film clips of veterans talking about their experiences which g ives visitors f urther insig ht into what took place. e stunning 83m O verlord Embroider y offers a fantastic finale to your visit e O verlord Embroider y tells the stor y in 34 extraordinar y handstitched panels e D -Day Stor y caters for g roups of all sizes and interests ; whether your visit is for educational purposes or as part of a day trip to Portsmouth, www.theddaystor y.com

When you take a Blue Funnel Cruise you can sit back and absorb the passing views from an entirely different perspective Sailing from Town Quay, see and experience the splendour of Southampton and the Solent from the rela xed comfort of one of the modern, all weather, sig htseeing boats, with open sun decks and spacious saloons

On board, the f ully trained uniformed staff are always there to ensure personal attention & that your cruise runs smoothly, while the office staff can advise and help arrang e your trip and any special requests in advance of the day. Whate ver the occasion, Blue Funnel have a rang e of vessels for private hire or public charter. Carr ying up to 340 passeng ers and catering for up to 200, rang ing from tast y basket meals up to 4 course silver ser vice dining . All boats have heated saloons with f ull facilities enabling them to run all year round.

Meals and cruises can be tailored to specific requirements

The y offer a variet y of public scheduled cruises throug hout the year, rang ing from the 1 hour Harbour Tour with f ull commentar y up to all day cruises such as Day to Isle of Wig ht including time ashore for shopping & complimentar y cream tea on the return journe y

www.bluef unnel.co.uk

The Universit y of Por tsmouth offers an unrivalled choice of over 2,000 qualit y modern en-suite rooms spread across different locations across the cit y, bet ween June and September each year.

Rees Hall stands out as the preferred location for g roup stays. Located on Southsea seafront it is just a short walk to Old Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays and the Historic Dockyard. It is also a g reat location as a base for a few days while you explore the wider area .

cruises

across Southsea Common to The Solent and the Isle of Wig ht Other facilities include t wo g uest loung es, court yard g arden and a refector y A heart y

means we create bespoke stays based on your needs, with a rang e of rooms and catering options, a dedicated e vent manag er and special g roup rates.

Rees Hall consists of over 230 comfortable sing le and double en-suite rooms with many looking out

breakfast is included and for g roups we can offer a rang e of additional catering options such as packed lunches, dinners and our ver y popular BB Qs on sunny e vening s

Putting our customers first

Perhaps this is why we have been pre viously awarded ‘Best UK Universit y Accommodation for Groups’

For more information , please talk to the friendly team on 023 9284 4884

Beaulieu

Is an award-winning day out, with plent y for the whole family to enjoy, tog ether. In the National Motor Museum, discover

books from more than 1.7 million items in the museum ’ s collections.

If you ’ re a small or big kid, let your imag ination run wild in enchanting adventure play area L ittle

is a must-see for e ver y family visit.

Discover life upstairs and downstairs in the ancestral Montag u home of Palace House and learn the cook’s recipes and secrets in the Victorian Kitchen. Then in the Secret Army Exhibition, explore Beaulieu’s past as the finishing school for secret ag ents, before walking in the footsteps of monks at 13th centur y Beaulieu Abbe y. A ticket to the show includes all that Beaulieu has to offer, including the National Motor Museum, L ittle Beaulieu, World of

Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House, Secret Army Exhibition, 13th centur y Beaulieu Abbe y and the stunning g rounds and g ardens Beaulieu, where mar vellous days out are enjoyed tog ether, is the perfect place to share a family day out Visit www beaulieu co uk for more information and to book your tickets now www.beaulieu.co.uk/ groups

Bombay Sapphire

Discover the exquisite world of Bombay Sapphire and visit the world’s most sustainable g in distiller y, nestled in the beautif ul Hampshire countr yside. Uncover the secrets of Bombay Sapphire g in with their tours, tasting s and cocktail masterclasses. www.bombaysapphire. com/

The Stor y of Motoring in 50 Objects. Celebrating the 50th anniversar y of the National Motor Museum, the new exhibition g athers tog ether the most historically important vehicles, motoring artefacts, film footag e, imag es, documents and

Beaulieu. Accessible in all weathers, parents can enjoy a hot drink or tast y snack in the familyfriendly outdoor seating area while kids wear themselves out Newly refreshed with new themes and the latest cars from the show, World of Top Gear

Isle Of Wight

Enjoy a voyage of discovery on the Isle of Wight. It's just a short hop and a skip across the Solent and you’ll be amazed at what’s waiting on the other side. Make it a trip to remember by crossing on a Hovercraft with Hover Travel or coaches can cross with Red Funnel or Wightlink. High downs and soaring cliffs, long sandy beaches fringed by farms and forestland, fishing villages and bustling resorts. Throughout history, Blackgang Chine is the oldest amusement park in the United Kingdom, having opened in 1843. You might be surprised to find lions and tigers on the island, yet you can see them and lots of other animals looking quite at home in the Monkey Haven. And for gardeners, no Isle of Wight short break is complete without a trip to Ventnor Botanic Gardens, where plants thrive in the wonderful island micro-climate or to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s family home. Take a trip on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway or visit the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm.

Spotlight on...

Say Yes to your very own 2023 Island adventure

Discover an Island rich in history, where dinosaurs used to roam, and where Queen Victoria had her holiday home.

It offers a great selection of family attractions and historic landmarks – many welcome group visits.

With great value accommodation for groups, couples and families, and welcoming pubs and restaurants with locally sourced food and drink – what more could you want?

With over fifty percent of the Island designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – there are miles upon miles of stunning coastline and beaches to explore, hidden coves and pretty walking trails, unspoiled landscape, clear waters and thriving wildlife. The landscape is in fact so special that it has even been acknowledged one of the very few places in the UK to be accredited as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Isle of Wight is located just off the south coast of England and is less

than 25 miles from east to west at its widest point and only about 13 miles long. Good transport links and frequent ferry crossings make this the ideal destination for visitors looking for a holiday or short break within the British Isles. So, what are you waiting for? Say Yes to adventure, exploration, and an extraordinary trip. Say Yes to the Isle of Wight.

www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

Ventnor Botanic Garden is an ideal coach party destination, with ample parking available for large vehicles. Come rain or shine, Ventnor Botanic Garden is a great place to visit!

When the sun is shining visitors can walk the Gardens at their leisure and enjoy the colourful flowers in bloom. Visitors can sit back and soak up the sun whilst enjoying lunch, a refreshing drink or even an ice cream.

In inclement weather, visitors can spend time looking at the regular displays and art exhibitions taking place, or

they can peruse their extensive gift shop. Warm up in either the Café with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or step into The Temperate House; this hot and humid glass house is a living representation of nature’s fight back against the ravages of man and industry. Complete with waterfall and large pond that grows Giant Waterlilies in the summer months, the Temperate House will transport visitors to a rain forest paradise on even the coldest of days.

Known as Britain’s Hottest Garden with average temperatures 5 degrees warmer than Mainland England – Where else can you stroll through Australia, the Mediterranean and South Africa – all in one day! www.botanic.co.uk

Ke nt

Famous for the dramatic white cliffs of Dover, stunning Eng lish landscape, bustling seaside resorts, award-winning heritag e coastline, historic castles and towering cathedrals Long known as ' The Garden of Eng land', the count y of Kent is home to lush g reen countr yside scattered with g lorious g ardens and vine yards producing tast y Eng lish wine A walkers and c yclist's paradise, with a wealth of national trails and c ycle routes that criss cross their way throug h

the Kent countr yside Rich in histor y and heritag e, it is f ull of stories from a time, long since passed, home to world renowned Canterbur y Cathedral

Explore the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, the infamous Dover Castle, or join an exhilarating trip to view the White Cliffs from the water and see seals in their natural environment Don't miss the chance to make a stop along the way in the coastal villag e of St Marg aret ' s at Cliffe, where Ian Fleming once lived

before heading on to Sandwich the best preser ved medie val villag e in Eng land

Explore historic Maidstone, with its eclectic mix of unique stores and hig h street favourites, and the River Medway at its heart, linking Rochester and the Thames Estuar y The Isle of Thanet is a peninsular at the most easterly point of Kent, comprising of Marg ate, R amsg ate and Broadstairs, it reg ularly boasts the most blue flag beaches in the UK Home to the famous Marg ate

Caves, the iconic Dreamland amusement park , the only 'Royal' harbour in the countr y, with a thriving arts and culture, food and drink scene, its the perfect place to discover your retro vibe Plan a castle tour with plent y to choose from : Deal Castle, Dover Castle, He ver Castle & Gardens, Leeds Castle and Walmer Castle and Gardens

St Augustine’s – The Church of “God’s Architect ” – Augustus Pugin

Aug ustus Pug in is most famous for desig ning Big Ben and the g othic elements of the Palace of Westminster. His fame has g rown in recent years with media coverag e of the renovation of parliament and with T V prog rams, exhibitions and books. He was described by Georg e Gilbert Scott -architect of St Pancras – as “the Greatest Architectural Genius of our Ag e ” His influence can be seen in almost e ver y Eng lish church where his emphasis on beautif ul stained g lass, statues, tiles and metalwork broug ht colour and beaut y back into fashion

St Aug ustine’s in R amsg ate was the only church Pug in built with his own mone y, enabling him to build without compromise. The result is spectacular, a treasure trove of his g reatest desig ns. It is also a place of g reat historical sig nificance, both because Pug in is buried there and

because of its dedication to St Aug ustine – who landed nearby to convert the Eng lish to Christianit y in 597.

After a £1 million g rant from the Heritag e Lotter y f und in 2016, St Aug ustine’s is back to its best with a visitor centre, shop, toilets and disabled access as well as reg ular tours by expert g uides. There is free coach parking nearby and a bus stop rig ht outside R amsg ate makes an enjoyable day out with award winning fish and chips, Italian ice cream and some lovely cafes along the Royal harbourside The sandy beaches are also a favourite

To book or for more information , contact the Visitor Centre Manager, Andrew Kelly at augustineshrine@ rcaos.org.uk .

Discover Dover, Deal and Sandwich

With unforg ettable landscapes, rich heritag e and fantastic hospitalit y, all within easy reach of London and mainland

Europe, White Cliffs Countr y is home to the characterf ul towns of Deal, Dover and Sandwich, prett y villag es and more than 20 miles of spectacular coastline Bring your g roups to explore their seaside walks, breathtaking views, world-class attractions, quirky museums, cosy pubs, top -notch restaurants and lovely places to stay The iconic White Cliffs and historic seaside Dover are world-famous. The lovely maritime town of Deal is unspoilt with amazing histor y, quaint houses and pubs. The beautif ul town of Sandwich is one of the most well-preser ved medie val towns in Britain and home of the humble sandwich!

Nationally and internationally sig nificant, the y have over 100 visitor attractions, 57 conser vation areas, 48 ancient monuments, 30 walking routes, 9 c ycle trails and hundreds of beautif ul open spaces

This is just a snapshot of wonderf ul White Cliffs Countr y Their team can provide you with advice and support and de velop bespoke itineraries to match the interests and needs of your g roup. The y look for ward to welcoming you!

Find out more: Dover Visitor Information Centre T 01304 201066 E vic@dover.gov.uk www.whitecliffscountr y. org.uk

2023 is Eng land’s Year of the Coast and the perfect time to discover their amazing walking , sailing , c ycling , g olf and sig htseeing , as well as exhilarating RIB rides, wakeboarding and wildlife watching .

R oyal Engineering Museum

Situated in an amazing Grade 2 listed building in the heart of Medway, the Royal Eng ineers Museum has ample coach parking , and plent y to see The museum is packed with an eclectic assortment of objects drawn

from the sappers ’ international adventures over their 300-year histor y. Take in this internationally sig nificant collection with items such as the unique Waterloo map (used by the Duke of Welling ton to plan the Battle), Chard’s re volver from the Battle of Rorke’s Dri, an awe-inspiring V2 rocket, and one of the larg est sections of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany.

e stor y of the Corps of Royal Eng ineers is one of skill, courag e, and inspired initiative under fire, as well as behind-the-lines eng ineering endeavour Follow this stor y yourself as the g alleries g uide you throug h the early days of the corps, from their earliest roots in the middle-ag es, throug h to formalisation, onto Gibraltar, Waterloo, the V ictorian campaig ns, and into the conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries Find out how the Eng ineers g rew from militar y architects and specialists in sieg e cra to using pioneering combat eng ineering techniquesfrom diving , sur ve ying and flying to photog raphy and the world’s first usable g uided torpedo.

With free parking , a wealth of bridg e-laying armoured vehicles, dressing -up boxes and outdoor play areas for children, a café, with exceptional coffee at the heart of the collection, and with museum tickets valid

for a full 12 months, including our e vents like Wartime Christmas.

www.re-museum.co.uk

Follow the trail throug hout the g rounds with special varieties to look out for and new areas planted

Enjoy a memorable day out, whate ver the weather, on the Kent & East Sussex R ailway

Climb aboard a heritag e

Gardens for groups in 2023

Discover centuries of histor y at He ver Castle in Kent, the childhood home of Anne Bole yn Explore mag nificent award-winning g ardens set in 150 acres of g lorious g rounds - a breathtaking display in any season.

Snowdrop Walk: From 8th Febr uar y

V isitors can take part in a self-g uided tour of the g rounds to see a mix of sing le and double snowdrops from beside the outer moat, meandering along Sunday Walk and driing into

Church Walk. Dazzling Daffodils : 13 – 19 th March Be dazzled by the brig ht sig ht of thousands of daffodils and find out more about the cheer y spring bloom at this e vent.

Tulip Celebrations : 17 th – 23rd April

Hever in Bloom: 19 th –23 rd June

Experience the quintessential Eng lish Rose Garden at the heig ht of its summer beaut y Many of the Castle rooms will be filled with stunning floral arrang ements created by there florist and g arden team

Garden tours : Groups can also enjoy an hour long tour of the g ardens with one of the He ver Castle g ardening team. Garden Tours must be booked in advance and are only available on weekdays. Visit hevercastle.co.uk/groups, Email groups@hevercastle.co.uk or call 01732 861701.Visit hevercastle.co.uk/groups, Email groups@hevercastle.co.uk or call 01732 861701.

Kent & East Sussex R ailway

steam or diesel train, then sit back in comfort to travel throug h 10½ miles of unspoilt Wealden countr yside from Tenterden Town station, finishing in sig ht of the mag nificent Bodiam castle.

Refreshments can be booked in advance, including tea or coffee with a fresh pastr y, cream tea or Ploug hman’s Lunch ; you can e ven add some sparkle with a bottle of local wine

Groups of 15 or more can enjoy fare discounts, and coach parking is available for pre-booked parties All facilities have been carefully desig ned with disabled, elderly and less mobile visitors in mind And of course, whene ver you visit, you’ll be assured of a warm welcome from the K&ESR’s helpful volunteer staff whose aim is to make your day as enjoyable as possible.

K&ESR reg ularly holds

special visitor e vents. In September this includes Cinema Nig hts on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd September, showing Box Office hits Westside Stor y and Rocket Man, then on Sunday 25th September, enjoy live jazz on the station concourse

To discuss a booking call 01580 765155 (9.00am5.00pm weekdays) For station, train and event information, email: enquir y@kesr.org.uk or visit www.kesr.org.uk

Tenterden Town Station, Station R oad, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE

The Kentish Lady River Boat

Is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent’s premier excursions, bet ween Spring and Autumn we provide a unique experience of the Upper River Medway, from 1HR trips at weekends and selected school holidays to 3HR lunch/supper cruises for g roups and individuals during the week

With modern facilities,

wheelchair access and a fully licensed bar the family run Kentish Lady is also the perfect setting for a private charter, catering for wedding receptions, parties and special e vents

ONE HOUR CRUISES

These run at weekends and selected school holidays, boarding at either Maidstone Centre (Archbishops’ Palace) or our mooring at Alling ton Lock, here you can find the Museum Kent L ife and the Malta Inn Beefeater pub/restaurant.

T HREE HOUR CRUISES

These run Mondays & Wednesday to Friday,the

Take a peaceful cruise along the medway

cruise includes fish & chips or picnic box lunch with a complimentar y tea/coffee/water Departing from Maidstone, we travel upriver throug h Farleig h Lock and be yond, a perfect trip for g roups/coach parties and individuals

ALLINGTON CA ST LE

Tuesday Afternoons – Boat Trip with unique and exclusive access to one of

Kent’s hidden g emsAlling ton Castle

PRIVAT E CHART ER Bespoke packag es for wedding receptions,

Ox ford

The cultural capital of Oxfordshire is Oxford, e Cit y of Dreaming Spires and there are plent y of tourist attractions to enjoy on days out With its hone y-coloured stone architecture, noble lawns and prestig ious colleg es, the unchang ing beaut y of this cit y will always dominate the count y. With countless cit y locations being used as the backdrop for tele vision and film sets from Morse to Harr y Potter, you may g et a feeling of déjà vu Outside of Oxford there’s

plent y of historic market towns to visit. Plan a tour of Abing don, Faring don, Henle y and Walling ford. Abing don is recog nised for special architectural merit with some thirt yfour 17th centur y building s while t went yt wo are e ven older. Book a g uided tour of Abing don Abbe y Building s. Faring don is known for it’s 100  Folly Tower, the last major Folly to be built in Eng land. e Old Town Hall surrounded by Georg ian- fronted building s dates to the 17th Centur y Henle y on ames, aka Causton, has

appeared in numerous episodes of Midsomer Murders Book a Midsomer Walking Tour and combine with an aernoon tea cruise along the ames with Hobbs of

Henle y Or visit the River & Rowing Museum exploring the River ames, the international sport of Rowing and the town of Henle y. Dame Ag atha Christie, the

famous crime novelist, short stor y writer and play wrig ht, lived in Walling ford for over 40 years and the town is the orig inal location of Causton in Midsomer Murders. V isit the Aston Martin Heritag e Trust. ere are some wonderf ul g ardens including King ston Bag puize House & Garden, Waterperr y Gardens and not to be missed Blenheim Palace

Spotlight on...

Cogges Manor Farm

Discover a hidden g em in the Cotswolds e stunning Cog g es Manor Farm in Witne y, Oxfordshire, is steeped in 1,000 years of histor y and offers people a unique g limpse into past rural life in the Cotswolds With the backdrop of a beautif ul 13th centur y

Manor House, Cog g es is a well preser ved collection of Cotswold stone farm building s and the site has been occupied since before the Domesday Book .

Hear stories from the past as you explore the Manor House. Enjoy the peace of this 17 acre site with enchanting walled g arden, apple orchard and naturally beautif ul g rounds Children particularly love seeing the animals, climbing in the woodland adventure play area and discovering wildlife in the meadows with a Cog g es tracker pack . Hung r y tummies can be ref uelled in the rustic Cog g es Kitchen café or there’s a desig nated picnic area Cog g es will be known to many as a popular location for T V and the big screen, most famously as Downton Abbe y ’ s Yew

Cogges Manor Farm

A hidden gem in the Cotswolds

Downton

Tree Farm and in Arthur & Georg e and Colette. An optional tour g uide can be pre-booked for g roups to lead you

throug h the chang es and adaptations made at Cog g es to sur vive over the centuries. Visit cogges. org.uk to find out more

As seen in

Surre y

urre y is oen referred to as the g arden of London, just 16 miles from the capital and f ull of rolling g reen countr yside, beautif ul walking and c ycling trails and the stunning Surre y HillsOutstanding Area of Natural Beaut y. e most wooded count y in Eng land, the count y is a creative, rela xing escape destination steeped in histor y, with historic market towns and an excellent rang e of attractions and places to g o Garden visits are a plent y including Painshill Park Trust, RHS Wisle y, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and e Sculpture Park , Farnham.

Explore the market towns : Godalming , ancient market town situated on the picturesque River We y, Farnham, Georg ian town and first UK World Cra Town, Haslemere, with its timbered and tile hung houses and cottag es. Or stop off at Guildford and visit Guildford Cathedral. Other places to visit are e L ig htbox ( Woking ), Silent Pool Distillers (near Guildford ) or the British Wildlife Centre (L ing field ). Why not book an e vent : Sandown Antiques Home and Interiors Fair or Sunbur y Antiques Market at Kempton Park R acecourse.

Sussex is filled with the beautif ul South Downs National Park , the Hig h Weald and Chichester Harbour, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beaut y (ANOB). The whole of Sussex's countr yside is a joy to behold, rich with eleg ant stately homes, fair y-tale castles, colourf ul g ardens and cultural connections including Charleston, where the Bloomsbur y artists and intellectuals intert wined their lives and

Bluebell R ailway

Is your group looking for a day out with a difference ?

Imag ine travelling throug h 11 miles of g lorious Sussex scener y behind a steam eng ine. Bluebell R ailway offers that and so much more for yor g roup

Bluebell R ailway was one of the first preser ved heritag e lines in the countr y, resulting in one of the finest collections of vintag e steam locomotives and carriag es – many of which were preser ved straig ht out of ser vice from British R ailways.

loves. The count y links coast and countr yside, East Sussex and West Sussex smoothly tog ether. West Sussex is waiting to be discovered, from the picturesque coastline, to rolling hills and beautif ul countr yside, to bustling towns and t wo cathedrals : Chichester and Arundel The historic cathedral cit y of Chichester combines the remains of Roman

streets, walls and g ateways with the Pallant House Galler y (British art from 1900) and the Chichester

The Bluebell R ailway commenced train ser vices in Aug ust 1960 and now runs steam trains bet ween Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, stopping at Horsted Ke ynes and King scote.

During your visit, learn about the histor y and science of the industrial ag e, experience the thrill of g etting up close to a working steam locomotive and luxuriate in the comfort and st yle of a byg one era . Groups can enjoy g etting handson in our interactive exhibitions.

Meet railway staff in period clothing , see

Festival Theatre. Nearby is Goodwood and Fishbourne Roman Palace and Tang mere Militar y Aviation Museum. Visit Arundel with its thousands of years of histor y, Arundel Castle, independent shops, art g alleries and restaurants Enjoy the seaside town of Worthing Explore East Sussex starting with Brig hton offering a bohemian, artistic , eccentric atmosphere that can ' t be found any where else in the

orig inal working sig nal boxes, and step back in time as you board our vintag e carriag es. Our four stations are preser ved in different periods of histor y including Victorian, 1930s and 1950s. In addition, the y run various e vents throug hout the year including visiting eng ines, www.bluebellrailway.com

UK . Full of eleg ant Reg enc y architecture, museums and g alleries, a g littering nig htlife and a rich arts and theatre scene and British Air ways i360 Viewing Tower.

Eastbourne has a palmlined promenade, art-deco inspired Bandstand, iconic Victorian Pier and coastal landmarks at Beachy Head and along the Heritag e Coastline to the worldfamous Se ven Sisters 1066 Battle of Hasting s includes the Abbe y and Battlefield and is the start of your journe y around 1066 Countr y – Hasting s, Rye and Bexhill Visit the castles : Bodiam, Herstmonceaux , Camber, Pe vense y, Hasting s and Rye, all with a different stor y to tell

Wealden covers Crowboroug h, one of the hig hest points in Sussex Heathfield is an attractive market town standing on a ridg eway. Discover Hertsmonceux , one of the oldest sig nificant brick building s still standing in Eng land and The Obser vator y Science Centre. The Pe vense y area is famous for its bay, castle and links with Ang loSa xon histor y. Across Sussex there’s a wealth of g ardens and Arundel Wetland Centre

to discover : Bates Green Garden, Borde Hill Garden, Hig h Beeches Woodland and Water Garden, Michelham Prior y House & Gardens, Paradise Park , Parham House and Gardens, Pashle y Manor Gardens, Sussex Prairie Garden, Wakehurst and West Dean Gardens. And finally, sample some of the vine yards of Sussex : Albourne, Bolne y, Ridg e view and Wiston Estate

Spotlight on... Brighton i30 Viewing Tower

g lass viewing pod to enjoy 360° views of the sea , the sky, the South Downs, and the buzz of the cit y below.

Brig hton i360 is a popular attraction for g roups of all sizes and ag es visiting Brig hton. The i360 pod can accommodate up to 175 people with plent y of room to move around and explore the spectacular views. Whilst on board, visitors can enjoy a g reat selection of drinks and nibbles from the South Coast ’ s hig hest bar, the Nyetimber Sky Bar

bites, seaside classics, coffees and cocktails at West Beach restaurant

Glide up g ently to 138 metres hig h in the spacious

Back on the g round, you can browse the beachside g ift shop, find out how the i360 was built in the free exhibition, and tuck into a delicious selection of lig ht

Groups of six or more people receive 15% off tickets Special g roup rates are also available for Brig hton i360 ticket + meal packag es including coffee and cake, lunch, cream tea or afternoon tea .

Brig hton i360 is located rig ht on Brig hton beach, with a coach drop -off bay opposite the attraction at the south-side of Reg enc y Square. It is a f ully accessible visitor attraction Call 03337 720 360 option 6

B righton’s best views

Groups of 6 + save 15%

Glid e u p g ently to 1 3 8 m etres h igh in the spaciou s glas s viewin g p o d to enjoy 3 60° views of th e sea , th e s ky, th e So uth D owns, an d b uzz of th e city b elow Specia l group rates a lso available fo r ticket + m ea l p ackages.

E xcursions 2023

Pre-registration now open for fast-tracked , free show entr y plus the NEW meeting planner

Pre-reg istration is now open for free show entr y to Excursions™ 2023; the mustattend group travel show for

tour and coach operators, GTOs, itinerar y planners and hobby groups. e 49th annual show returns to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 28th Januar y 2023 to provide ideas, inspiration, special offers and booking opportunities for anyone

org anising days out or short breaks for groups V isitors are encourag ed to pre-reg ister early for fasttracked, free entr y to the popular group travel show and to secure their place on one of the coach transfers ; taking g uests directly to Twickenham Stadium from 55 pick-up locations for just £5pp. Pre-reg istered visitors will also receive priorit y booking for the behind-theropes tour of Twickenham Stadium and those who prereg ister before the 1st December 2022 will benefit from a 10% discount on food

and drink at the show. In addition, in Januar y 2023 pre-reg istered visitors will be invited to schedule meeting s with exhibitors at the show by using Excursions’ NEW online planning tool. e user-friendly meeting scheduler will enable visitors to really ma ximise their time at the show and ensure the y discover and connect with the exhibitors that pique their interest

To pre-register for free show entr y and all its additional benefits please visit www.excursionsshow.com

Spotlight on...

The Cit y of Colchester

Colchester is Britain’s First Cit y and one of East Ang lia’s finest historic destinations packed with over 2,000 years of histor y Today ’ s modern cit y provides a plethora of treasures to discover both in the centre and surrounding areas. Start your visit in the cit y centre and discover period architecture and historic sites around e ver y corner. Pop into the V isitor Information Centre for maps and g uidance and then let your g roup explore under their own steam or book a g uided

walking tour, a wonderf ul way to uncover hidden g ems.

For the histor y lovers build in time to visit the Roman Walls, St Botolph’s Prior y and of course Colchester Castle Built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, which was later destroyed by Queen Boudica , it's now a modern museum f ull of ancient treasures from Colchester ’ s past. (Receive a 50% discount for e ver yone in your g roup when using their new incentive scheme.)

If modern art is your thing include a visit to Firstsite, Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021 Even here Colchester ’ s histor y pops

up in the form of a Roman mosaic re-laid where it was found, in the floor of this 21st Centur y architectural mar vel, and like many of the cit y centre attractions its free to visit.

Along side these you’ll find a bustling and lively cit y centre with plent y of big named retailers, independent boutiques and a variet y of places to eat and drink . Combine with a trip to nearby popular g roup destinations like Constable Countr y, famous jam makers Wilkins and Sons at Tiptree, Beth Chatto Gardens or Layer Marne y Tower Reg ister for their Incentive Packag e including FREE reser ved

coach parking , refreshment vouchers worth £10 plus FREE entr y to historic Colchester Castle for drivers and couriers plus more. Reg ister at www.visitcolchester.com/ groups

Markshall Estate

Is a hidden g em in Essex . Home to trees from across the world, there are formal g ardens and miles of leaf y woodland walks.

Markshall Estate was le as a g i to the nation by its last owner, omas Phillips Price. e Charitable Trust was established in November 1971 with a mission to protect the landscape and ensure its beautif ul terrain can be enjoyed by f uture g enerations. O ver the charities first 50 years the Arboretum has de veloped hug ely with the establishment of the g eog raphic zones and the reopening of the Walled Garden.

Markshall Estate’s

g eog raphic zones allow visitors to walk throug h a world of trees, discover wildlife and explore natural play areas. At the V isitor Centre, visitors can browse a beautif ul selection of plants in the Plant Centre and enjoy a tast y treat from the Orchard Kitchen, with pre-bookable options available to g roups e Estate also has a busy e vents prog ramme which includes trails, exhibitions, theatre and more.

www.markshall.org.uk

Discover more than 2 0 0acres of formal gardens, trees from across the world and miles of leafy woodland walks. Stop at the natural play areas and spot wildlife in the stunning landscape before enjoying a tasty treat from the Orchard Kitchen and taking home some inspiration from the Plant Centre. The perfect day out for everyone! www.markshall.org.uk Registered Charity: 2 6 7 0 0

Tourism S outh E ast Destination Partne rs

Visit Brighton

Treat your g roups to one of Britain's most iconic cities in the heart of Sussex Surrounded by coast and countr yside make Brig hton your g roups base and explore the area . Howe ver, your g roup wont fail to be wowed by what’s on Brig hton’s doorstep With a blend of modern culture, eleg ant Reg enc y architecture, museums and g alleries, g reat shopping , st ylish cafés, bars and restaurants, arts and theatre and all the fun of the seaside The Brig hton atmosphere can ' t be found any where else in the UK .

Visit Brighton - www.visitbrighton.com Tel: 01273 290337

Visit E astbourne

Plan your next g roup visit to Eng land’s sunniest destination, Eastbourne ! This coastal destination can ’ t fail to impress with its iconic Victorian Pier and eleg ant art-deco bandstand From vibrant live e vents, colourful art and culture and endless blue skies, there is something for all g roup tastes. Explore further, with the stunning South Downs National Park straig ht on the door step and the breath-taking beaut y of the coastal landmark, Beachy Head and the world-famous Se ven Sisters

Visit Eastbourne - www.visiteastbourne.com

Eastbourne Visitor Centre, Welcome Building , Compton Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex , BN21 4BP Tel: 01323 415415

1066 Countr y

Steeped in histor y, 1066 Countr y is an exciting melting pot of food, wine, histor y, nature and the arts for your g roup to delve into On the Sussex coast, the ancient settlements and rich landscapes of 1066 Countr y offers g roups preser ved Medie val, Tudor and Georg ian building s, cobbled streets and quirky shops The famous historic site on which the Battle of Hasting s was foug ht is just the tip of the historical iceberg , with many impressive castles, forts, g ardens, and unspoilt scener y waiting to be explored

1066 Countr y- WWW.VISIT1066COUNTRY.COM

STATION APPROACH, HASTINGS, E AST SUSSEX , TN34 1BA TEL: 0303 003 8265

Visit Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wig ht is just a short hop across the Solent, your g roup will be amazed by what’s waiting on the island ! With hig h downs and soaring cliffs, long sandy beaches fring ed by farms and forestland, fishing villag es and bustling resorts. Famously known as the home of yachting , the Cowes Week reg atta tops the sailing calendar e ver y Aug ust ; take your g roup out on the water and you will g et a ver y different view of the stunning coastline Whether your g roup is looking for historic castles, g lorious g ardens, animal mag ic, steam railways or prehistoric landscapes, the Isle of Wig ht is a voyag e of discover y for your g roup

Visit Isle of Wight - www.visitisleof wight.co.uk info@visit wight.org

Visit Hampshire

Hampshire offers so many top thing s to do for groups, with over 100 attractions open for visits. The county is famous as the home of Downton Abbey at Hig hclere Castle, the iconic Spinnaker Tower and the Mar y Rose and HMS Victor y Bombay Sapphire’s g in distiller y and the home of Jane Austen can also be visited Groups can discover the county ’ s beautiful countr yside and plentiful attractions in the New Forest and South Downs National Parks including Beaulieu, Exbur y Gardens, Watercress Line Steam R ailway and Mar well Zoo Portsmouth, Winchester and Southampton are all vibrant cities with museums and g alleries, cathedrals, ancient heritag e sites and city walls that beg to be discovered throug h g uided tours Market towns such as Alresford, Stockbridg e and Romsey are great stop -off locations for browsing independent boutiques, enjoying locally roasted coffee and cake, and exploring charming historic streets and Hampshire’s famous cr ystal clear chalk streams The county is also blessed with plenty of traditional pubs and inns that can offer a rang e of local sourced menus for groups

Visit Hampshire - www visit-hampshire co uk Tourism, Economic Development, Hampshire Count y Council, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UJ

i s i t I s l e o f W g h t

Visit Portsmouth

Portsmouth, the Great Waterfront Cit y, is packed with great attractions, amazing waterfront shopping , spectacular events, and great places to eat, drink and stay - and, as the UK ' s only Island Cit y, Portsmouth also has miles of waterfront and open spaces to explore Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard includes Henr y VIII ’ s Tudor Mar y Rose, Admiral Lord Nelson’s HMS V ictor y, the V ictorian HMS Warrior and much more e Spinnaker Tower soars 170 metres into the sky and offers breath-taking views Find a designer barg ain or grab a bite to eat at Gunwharf Quays waterfront outlet shopping then head into Southsea and discover e D -Day Stor y museum.

vis@por tsmouthcc.gov.uk

Hard Interchange Information Point 023 9282 6722

Disco ve r Gosport

Just across the harbour from Portsmouth, Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent is a fascinating places to visit and thing s to do for all g roups. 24 miles of waterfront, safe panoramic beaches, impressive naval heritag e, plent y of watersports plus scenic countr yside walks and historic trails

www.discovergospor t.co.uk Gospor t Tourist Information Centre. Tel. 023 9252 2944

Email tourism@gospor t.gov.uk

Visit S outhampton

e Southampton Cit y boasts a wealth of exciting experiences that are within a relatively small radius, making it perfect for g roup travel. e Cit y offers your g roups time for serious shopping , a look at classic and cutting edg e art and the chance to take in a show, or the fascinating and trag ic stor y of the Titanic at the SeaCit y Museum. As well as the heritag e, culture and leisure pursuits found within the cit y centre, Southampton is also ideally located to ser ve as a base from which to visit other popular destinations f urther afield

Visit Southampton - visitsouthampton.co.uk

Visit Windsor

The Royal Boroug h of Windsor and Maidenhead has a rich mix of histor y, culture, heritag e, and fun for all groups With unrivalled royal heritag e, superb food and drink and a wide rang e of qualit y accommodation Windsor's historic town centre is dominated by the stunning Windsor Castle Built in the ag e of William the Conqueror, and the oldest castle in continuous occupation in the world. Of course, there's plent y more thing s to do in Windsor, offering vast green spaces, excellent restaurants, traditional pubs and bars you can see why Windsor and Maidenhead is perfect for a group visit !

Visit Windsor also has a great interactive Travel Trade Guide and Themed Itineraries to help design group tours. Visit Windsor - www.windsor.gov.uk/travel-trade

White Cliffs Countr y

As Kents ancient landscapes and g entle hills roll into sleepy villag es and bustling seaside resorts and to historic castles and towering cathedrals, there’s no shortag e of thing s for your group to do Lonely Planet listed Kent's Heritag e Coast as one of the world's best reg ions to visit and we ' re sure all groups will agree The Kent Downs offer g lorious views of rural countr yside with grazing animals and wild rabbits roaming the chalky hills and the count y ’ s coastline is a beautiful place to visit all year round Dover, Deal and Sandwich in White Cliffs Countr y, are active, adventurous, and authentic Eng lish towns Combining living histor y and museums with a full Calendar of events. The areas fascinating heritag e, beautiful countr yside, and fantastic coastal views ensures something for all for groups to explore !

White Cliffs Countr y, Visitor Information Centre, Market Square, Dover, Kent CT16 1PH Phone: +44 (0) 1304 201066 Email: vic@dover.gov.uk www.whitecliffscountr y.org.uk

West Susse x

From coast to countr yside this quintessential Eng lish count y is packed full of great places to see, visit and stay. From an ancient walled cit y to medieval Arundel and its stately castle, sparkling vine yards, wildlife and nature centres, museums, art g alleries and much, much more there’s plent y g oing on in West Sussex If it is a seaside town your group seeks then Worthing is a great destination for shopping , eating and entertainment. Get outside and explore our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beaut y including the world-famous g ardens and vine yards in Mid-Sussex Discover the vast array of thing s to do in this beautiful location and start planning your groups next adventure !

Email: info@experiencewestsussex com www.experiencewestsussex .com

Visit Ar undel

Charming , st ylish and f ull of histor y, this picturesque market town is probably most famous for t wo stunning landmarks - Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral. infor@ar undel.org.uk 01903 885866 www.sussexbythesea .com/#ARUNDEL

Gospor t TIC

Across the harbour from Portsmouth, Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent offer 24 miles of waterfront, safe panoramic beaches, impressive naval heritag e, plent y of watersports plus scenic countr yside walks and historic trails. tourism@gospor t.gov.uk 02392 522944 www.discovergospor t.co.uk

Maidstone Borough Council

e town centre boasts fantastic shopping , fabulous food and drink craed from local produce. e stunning countr yside includes Leeds Castle, set in 500 acres of Kentish parkland, Leeds Castle. info@visitmaidstone.com 01622 602748 www.visitmaidstone.com

Winchester Cit y Council

is historic cathedral cit y, is one of the oldest settlements in Britain and the ancient capital of the King dom of Eng land. Today, Winchester is a fascinating mix of leg end, my th, histor y, and heritag e. tourism@winchester.gov.uk 01962 840500 www.visit winchester.co.uk/contact/visitor-information/group -travel/

Wor thing Borough Council

Perfectly located to explore the award-winning beaches and seafront Discover local histor y, stunning art works, unique collections and a tranquil sculpture g arden at the Worthing Museum and Art Galler y contact@timefor wor thing.uk 01903 221201 www.timefor wor thing.uk

R eading

A surprising destination : Michelin Star restaurants ; over 800 listed building s and monuments ; boutique hotels ; diverse museums, ruins of Reading Abbe y ; t wo national trails and t wo g reat rivers. alex .brannen@reading.gov.uk 07860 779166 visitreading.com/traveltrade

West Sussex

Picturesque coastline, rolling hills and beautif ul countr yside, bustling towns and a cathedral cit y e landscape is has inspired artists such as J M W Turner, John Constable and William Blake info@experiencewestsussex .com www.experiencewestsussex .com

Thanet Visitor Information Centre

e Isle of anet, the seaside resorts of Marg ate, Broadstairs and R amsg ate is rich in histor y and heritag e and g reat names : Charles Dickens, Aug ustus Pug in, and JMW Turner visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk 01843 577577 www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups

Visit Bournemouth

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole offer year-round cit y-st yle, countr yside and coastal experiences like no other. Award-winning beaches, coastal nature reser ves, vibrant towns and quaysides awash with histor y and culture. tourism.information@bcpcouncil.gov.uk 01202 123800 www.bournemouth.co.uk/ visitor-information/bournemouth-loves-groups

Basingstoke & Deane

With a rich histor y, there’s a g reat shopping experience with plent y to explore. It’s surrounded by characterf ul rural villag es and famous places, including the home of Bombay Sapphire. hello@lovebasingstoke.co.uk 01256 844844 www.lovebasingstoke.co.uk

Wealden District Council

Rolling downland and idyllic countr yside offer endless walking and c ycling with opportunities to experience local produce and savour the wine of Sussex vine yards. Tourism@wealden.gov.uk www.explorewealden.co.uk

Mid Sussex District Council

V isit g ardens f ull of exotic and unusual plants. Explore historic houses. From 15th centur y timber-beamed cottag es, Jacobean Almshouses to traditional windmills, murals and ancient churches. Travel by steam train. tourism@midsussex .gov.uk 01444 477012 www.midsussex .gov.uk/tourism

East Hampshire District Council

Enjoy walking , c ycling and heritag e sites such as Jane Austen’s House in the beautif ul South Downs National Park countr yside Enjoy countr y parks and historic houses www.easthants.gov.uk/visit- east-hampshire

Havant Borough Council

On the coast bet ween Chichester and Portsmouth. Award-winning Staunton Countr y Park includes a hug e g reenhouse with exotic plants and a maze. www.havant.gov.uk/visiting-borough

Waverley

Nestling in the south-west corner of Surre y with historic market towns and rural villag es surrounded by the Surre y Hills Farnham is a World Cra Town, Godalming and Haslemere have fascinating museums www.visitsurrey.com/waverley

Visit Southern Ox fordshire e unspoilt landscape of the Chiltern Hills, River ames, Berkshire Downs and the Ridg eway provides the backdrop for rambling , museums, steam railways and the Uffing ton White Horse queries@wallingford town council.gov.uk data .southoxon.gov.uk/tourism/