AB VIS BE IT R Y IE FO VA R UL JU X ST
26
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Britain’s
best royal palaces THE UK’S TOP CATHEDRALS & ABBEYS EXPLORE THE NATION’S HERITAGE RAILWAYS DJ MIKE READ: ‘CRUISING’S THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE’
001 GTW May 18 Cover.indd 1
Island escapes:
Amazing places to explore by ferry 10/05/2018 19:33
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Welcome
A word from the editor “I join in everything when I’m on a cruise – I’m
for the exploring, as are the glorious Channel
there for all the deck activities. The furthest
Isles, and as we reveal the best ways to reach
I’ve been is Pearl Harbour. We sailed back to
them it’s time to big up the island escapes
San Francisco and I just had to be awake to
that are just a few hours’ ferry ride away.
watch on deck as we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge at six o’clock in the morning...” This is what DJ Mike Read told us when we
In other news, I’m also excited to announce that we’ve joined forces with Coach Buddy this month. A new and essential online resource, it
interviewed him (see p8). And I know exactly
lists everything from group-friendly attractions
how he feels, having enjoyed my maiden
to where to park at said attractions – and
voyage just last year and been thoroughly
where to stop for a coffee en route. And all
converted to the idea of holidaying at sea.
that information’s yours for free when
Mike’s sailed to the fjords, to Russia’s
you register at www.coachbuddy.org.uk.
St Petersburg, to the west coast of
(Find out more about the service and
America... I’ve made it as far as
what it can offer you in our new Q&A
France so far, but the bug’s there! And if you prefer a shorter hop,
section on page 102.) Until next month...
■ See grouptraveloffers.com for cut-price attraction tickets ■ Plus visit our new jobs site traveljobsworld.com Group Travel World Magazine, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard: 01733 293487 Web: www.grouptravelworld.com – and www.grouptraveloffers.com for attraction tickets ISSN: 2048-3392 EDITORIAL
Editor: Helen Milbank
E. helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com Designer: David Hiles E: david.hiles@d15design.com Contributors: Sam Bradley, Colin Fawcus, Jemma Keegan, Cindy Ng, Naomi MacKay, Sue Parslow, John Sansom and Angela Youngman
we explore the world of ferry travel too this issue (see p56). Britain’s wonderful isles are there
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General Operations Manager: Harley Denham T: 01733 293249 E: harley.denham@grouptravelworld.com Publisher: Jonathan Taylor E: jonathan@grouptravelworld.com © 2018 GTW Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors. Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grouptravelworld and join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
This month’s cover star is Bouley Bay on the north coast of Jersey
Group Travel World magazine is read by
leading UK and European coach operators, as well as active group travel organisers, representing more than 1,000,000 travellers.
COACH COA OACH TOURISM T
ASSOCIA ASSOCIATION
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YASMINE GAUDIN
VISIT ENGLAND
56 Explore the Channel Isles by ferry
14 Discover the magic of Nendaz in Switzerland 4 WWW.GROUPTRAVELOFFERS.COM
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Contents Regulars 6 Let’s go...
Start saving now!
8 15 minutes with...
DJ and TV presenter Mike Read
10 News
The latest from the world of travel
60 Theatre news & reviews The latest from theatreland JOHN JONES
Get tickets for Newmarket’s Palace House from just £6.35 – see grouptravel offers.com
Portugal’s Douro River
42 Go full steam on the UK’s heritage railways
96 Industry insider
News from the Coach Tourism Association
98 UKinbound
Discover the hidden gems of North Devon
102 Expert Q&As
Your travel questions answered
110 Readers’ letters
You share your news and photos
112 Puzzle pages
Try our quizzes and puzzles every month
114 And finally...
We meet actress and West End star Carol Harrison
Features 92 Discover Leicester’s very regal history
14 Family planning
Why Nendaz is the perfect family ski destination
20 The best of British
We celebrate 100-plus years of the WI
22 A royal retreat
Explore Britain’s best royal palaces
26 Saintly thoughts
An ecclesiastical tour of abbeys and cathedrals
33 Flying the flag
The UK’s top WI group-friendly attractions
38 Come on up
Attractions with a rather splendid view
VISIT ENGLAND
42 Make tracks
38 Experience the best views
98 Enjoy the hidden gems of North Devon
Discover the nation’s heritage railways
48 The great escape
Explore Wales by steam with HF Holidays
52 Back to the future
How cruise ships are enjoying a digital makeover
56 Make waves
Ferry travel to the isles – and the Continent
68 Six of the best...
Days out for families. Bring out your inner child!
72 Go wild
Aquariums, zoos and safari parks
80 An odds-on favourite
Visit Newmarket, hit the rails in Norfolk and more
89 Sun, sea (and mummies!)
Take to the coast for a history lesson with a twist
8 Why DJ Mike Read is hooked on cruise holidays
92 Fit for a king
Discover Leicestershire’s regal past WWW.GROUPTRAVELOFFERS.COM
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PORTUGAL
Douro River
Right now, as we Brits start to indulge ourselves with thoughts of summer, hands up who’s tempted by this rather fetching scene here... Emerald Waterways’ Emerald Radiance glides through Portugal’s
As luck would have it, Emerald Waterways has just launched its 2019 European river cruises brochure to help you do just that, which includes two new Danube River trips that take in Vienna,
Douro River, which, roughly translated, means ‘river of gold’
Budapest and more. And, as an added bonus, prices of all the
as it cuts through the Douro Valley – a Unesco World Heritage
company’s European river cruises have been frozen, so you can
Site and one of the oldest wine making regions in the world.
holiday next year like it’s 2018 – and save £1,000 per couple.
The Douro crosses the north of the country, meandering 200 miles
To give you an idea of how deep to dig into the old piggy
from the Atlantic to the Spanish frontier, and whether you’re a lover of
bank, prices start from £1,245 per person for the eight-
the region’s famous wines and ports, or more of a G&T-er, exploring
day Secrets of Douro trip, departing in November 2019.
this wonderful part of the world by water makes it all the more special.
Find out more at www.emeraldwaterways.co.uk
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Let’s go...
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15 minutes with...
Mike Read The DJ, song writer, author, historian and TV presenter has been a household name for more than 35 years. But when the time comes to relax you’ll find him exploring the world on a cruise ship
I
ENJOY CRUISES: the standard of food is
were in Stockholm I went to look for the
fantastic, the entertainment is brilliant and
1912 Olympic stadium, and in Athens, while
you don’t have to keep unpacking and packing
everyone else was going to the Parthenon,
every few days. Each day is something new,
I told the taxi driver to take me to the 1896
whether you’re at sea or visiting a new place.
Olympic stadium – then wait while I did a lap!
I join in everything when I’m on a cruise. I’m
I have travelled all over the UK too. In
there for shuffleboard, deck activities... and
fact I love the UK, it has such a phenomenal
I like talking to people. People are fascinating.
history. Recently I did a 125-mile walk for
I’ve done Norway two or three times now.
the Parkinson’s Disease charity, from the
The fjords are amazing – I was staggered at
source of the Thames to Windsor, and there
the enormity of them and my mouth was just
was so much history to take in en route.
hanging open. I’ve stood at the northern-
At Cricklade there’s the story of George
most point of Europe, where there’s just one
Colton, who was born there in 1828.
hour of daylight, and it was lovely. I also went
He went to America and inspired one of
on a cruise to St Petersburg. The buildings
Elvis Presley’s songs, Love Me Tender.
are amazing, especially the Winter Palace.
The worst of my travel problems turned
Cruise back to the 80s This month, holidaymakers can meet Mike as he takes to the water on board Cruiseco’s Back to the 80’s Cruise from Southampton. He’s appearing as part of his Mike Read – In Conversation series. Find out more at backtothe80scruise.co.uk/2018
The furthest I’ve been is Pearl Harbour.
out not be a problem at all. I was on a skiing
We sailed back from there to San Francisco
trip and dropped my passport at a friend’s.
and I just had to be awake and go and watch
It wasn’t until I got to Dover that I realised
on deck as we sailed under the Golden
what had happened. The captain allowed
I went to Lech in Austria and back with a
Gate Bridge at six o’clock in the morning.
me onto the boat, phoned my friend who
sheaf of copies that I gave out every time
sent through a fax, and ran off 12 copies.
anyone asked for my passport.
I like going to unusual places. When we
GTW
From fjords to palaces, Mike’s explored them all by sea
8 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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TE GTW A4 Budapest 0518.qxp_. 04/05/2018 14:11 Page 1
Budapest 4 days from £379 per person Budapest is a beautiful city steeped in history and culture, situated on the banks of the River Danube. The capital of Hungary, this wonderful city has so much to offer any visitor. Discover the secrets of the Jewish Quarter, explore the Ecseri Flea Market, cruise the River Danube, sample some wine on a wine tasting tour and take advantage of the usual hop on/hop off tourist bus to see the historic castle, opera house and you could walk across the famous chain bridge which connects the Buda to the Pest. It will not take you long to realise why this city is called the Paris of the East!
Budapest Chain Bridge
Gellert Baths
Fisherman’s Bastion
We can tailor-make all tours to your group’s specification - from travel options to hotel selection, itineraries etc. Call us on 020 7251 0045 or email groups@traveleditions.co.uk to discuss your requirements. 5195
ABTA No.V3120
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Travel Editions Group Limited, 3 Young’s Buildings, London EC1V 9DB T: 020 7251 0045 E: groups@traveleditions.co.uk www.traveleditions.co.uk
10/05/2018 11:17
News The Bevin Boys have been framed...
Explore 1,000 years of history at Combermere
The Mining Art Gallery at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland will be home to a temporary exhibition – The Bevin Boys: War’s Forgotten Workforce – until September 30, 2018. Focusing on art by four former Bevin Boys, Ted Holloway, Tom McGuinness, David McClure and John Tipton, the exhibition commemorates 75 years since the Bevin Boys scheme began. It also marks the 10year anniversary of the Bevin Boys’ formal acknowledgment by the UK government. To find out more call 01388 743750.
HEAVENS ABOVE
Tour 1,000 years of history
Turn to page 26 for more abbeys to explore
Combermere Abbey, a medieval and Gothic
has been remodelled in a Gothic and
country home that’s steeped in a thousand
Jacobean style, making it a living timeline. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday
Your chance to win!
monastery in 1133, before Sir George
(£7 for adults and £4 for under 16s). They
We have two pairs of tickets to the
Cotton was gifted the estate following
must be pre-booked through the estate
Gaydon Military Show up for grabs.
Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries
office, call 01948 662880. Group tours for
Held on Sunday September 30 at the
in 1536 and a Tudor manor house
20-30 people are available on weekdays,
British Motor Museum in Warwickshire,
was added to the original building.
year-round, by prior arrangement, priced at
get set to enjoy displays of armoured
£12 each. See combermereabbey.co.uk
vehicles, Jeeps and more, as well as
years of history, has launched its 2018 tours. The abbey was built as a Cistercian
Throughout the centuries, the house
Individual tours run until July 5 on
exhibits from World War Two through to the Cold War. To find out more about
Gardens galore
the show call 01926 641188 – and to enter go to grouptravelworld.com
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has launched its Groups Visitors Guide for
PLUS! We’ve got five family passes to
2018-19, packed with ideas for visits to any
Twycross Zoo to give away – see p74.
one of the four RHS gardens around the country, from the iconic RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey to the idyllic RHS Garden Rosemoor events, from rose weekends to craft fairs, with
Art at the cathedral
special tailor-made packages available to suit
A major exhibition of sculptures by artist
each group’s interests and a host of special
Helaine Blumenfeld will take place at the
RHS guided tours (including horticultural
magnificent 900-year-old Ely Cathedral from
experience and behind the scenes tours).
July 13 to October 28. The 17 monumental
in Devon. All offer a year-round calendar of
Book two or more visits to an RHS garden
bronze and marble sculptures, which represent
within 2018, and your repeat visit between October 2018 and January 2019 is half price. Find out more at rhs.org.uk/groups
hope, healing and renewal, will dominate Wisteria at RHS Garden Wisley
the Cambridgeshire site. Find out more at www.elycathedral.org
10 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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The Savill Garden
Connect with decades of royal history and admire the abundant variety of rare flowers and plants. The Savill Garden and Windsor Great Park is a perfect group day out. Open all year round. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/groups
CE750 Groups Ad resize AW2.indd 1
18/04/2018 16:49
Guildford, Surrey GU3 1DQ
Discover
Watts
Gallery
Artists’ Village NEW EXHIBITIONS James Henry Pullen Inmate - Inventor - Genius 19 June - 28 October ‘18 Christina Rossetti 13 November ‘18 - 17 March ‘19
Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village Call and book today | 01483 813589
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Gro entr ups y £9.5 from 0pp
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L
IKE MANY OTHERS her age, our fouryear-old daughter is infatuated with the
movie Frozen. Our one-year-old hasn’t yet fallen under the magic spell of princesses Elsa and Anna, but no doubt this will
YASMINE GAUDIN
Family planning
Sam Bradley reveals why Nendaz is the perfect spot for a family skiing holiday
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Switzerland happen all too soon. So, after enduring
apparently this is a crucial skill for surviving
happily learnt some of the skiing basics:
much begging and pleading, it came to be
winter in Arendelle. Our instructor, Marc,
there’s a difference between spaghetti skis
that we found ourselves planning – with no
took us up in the gondola to Tracouet, a
(needed to go fast) and pizza skis (needed
small dose of trepidation – a family holiday
beautiful ski area perched in the mountains,
to stop). The aim is to ski around the fluffy
to explore a snowy winter wonderland.
overlooking the valley below. The area,
animal cushions (not into them), and it’s
which is a lake in summer, is well set up for
generally easier to ski in a forward-facing
in Switzerland, or Arendelle, according to
an onslaught of enthusiastic young skiers as
direction (rather than backwards).
our daughter, and despite most people’s
it’s equipped with a magic carpet, a training
warnings against travelling with young
ski track with plenty of friendly animal
FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD
children, we boldly set forth to create
checkpoints and, most importantly, no
With the hard work out the way, the next day
our own Frozen-themed holiday.
shortage of patient and smiling instructors.
was dedicated to sightseeing. Standing on the
Our chosen destination was Nendaz
First on the agenda were ski lessons, as
For the rest of the morning our daughter
lookout point at the top of Mont Fort, with
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Switzerland
snow-capped mountains in all directions
were on holiday (in direct contrast to the
as far as the eye can see, was certainly a
predictions of our fear-mongering friends). The town is small and compactly built so
moment to remember.
GET ME THERE: ■ Flying
with youngsters can be tricky,
everything is a short stroll away, and the locals
but thankfully Nendaz is only a two-hour
is angelically quiet, mesmerisingly beautiful
are friendly and helpful if you do manage to
flight to Geneva, followed by a two-
and bitterly cold. To those of us hailing from
get lost. Best of all, there’s a park in the town
hour drive by rental car to the town.
warmer climates this is an entirely new and
centre that has a playground and a gentle
■ Once
spectacular world, and we soaked up the
slope with a magic carpet conveyor belt,
you need to go is nice and easy as
stunning scenery with reckless abandon. It
with free access every day. This works well
the free shuttle buses run regularly
wasn’t long before our camera had run out
for parents who aren’t sure whether their
and cover most of the region.
of storage from all the photo-taking. “Daddy,
children will enjoy skiing, as it may save the
■ The
this is exactly where Elsa would build her
need to buy lift passes. Much to our delight
the ski lifts and gondolas, including
ice palace,” our daughter commented in an
this was an instant success, and our daughter
the route up to Mont Fort.
approving voice, before scurrying indoors to
spent many happy hours on skis and sleds,
■ Visit
consume copious amounts of hot chocolate.
slipping, sliding and tumbling down the slope
www.hotelmontfort.ch
At an altitude of 3300 metres everything
in the town, getting where
ski passes provide access to all
www.nendaz.ch and
and making friends with the other children.
Nendaz prides itself on being a family-
It wasn’t long before they were all happily
friendly destination, and even with small children in tow we were soon relaxing into
building Olaf the snowman – another one of
its charms and feeling as though we really
our daughter’s aims for the holiday successfully
British food, while the pub on the bottom floor
ticked off. There were even some comfortable
is always a lively place to catch up with friends
benches at the bottom of the slope so it
or watch some sport.
wasn’t long before we were stretched out,
We decided to spend our final morning
catching some winter sunshine and indulging
at the Hotel Nendaz Spa, the perfect way to
in a few beers with the other parents.
ease away any ski-weary muscle pain. The
DID SOMEONE SAY SPA?
ETIENNE BORNE
Why ski when you can slide?
FLORIAN BOUVET
Ski school, Nendaz-style
children’s area has a shallow, heated pool, as well as slides, toys and fountains for the
Accommodation options in Nendaz are
older children. It might not have fitted the
plentiful. We stayed in the Hotel Mont Fort,
Frozen theme exactly, but it was definitely
a comfortable three-star hotel situated close
a popular way to end a holiday, as we
to the town centre as well as the ski lifts.
discovered from the cries of protest as we
The restaurant serves delicious Swiss meals
reluctantly piled into the car and began our
(fondues and dried meats etc) as well as
journey home. Thank you Nendaz.
GTW
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Group Travel World - London & Llandudno Winter FP May 2018_Layout 1 01/05/2018 14:49 Page 1
Tower Bridge
Llandudno
NO M IN IMU M NUMBERS
£2 BAR
EACH NIGHT
MEAL, DRINK & ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDED
GREAT VALUE BREAK WITH ENTERTAINMENT
London Christmas Showboat
Llandudno Winter Warmer
2nd & 9th D E C E M B E R 2018 8th D E C E M B E R 2019
15th F E B R UARY, 8th M AR C H 2019
2 DAYS
F R O M £119
3 DAY S
PER PERSON
What better way to enjoy night-time London? No crowds, great views, and a full three course dinner. Watch the sights of London glide past the panoramic windows. Good food, great entertainment and fabulous views. That’s the London Showboat River Thames Christmas. The best night out on the river. The evening on our chartered showboat includes reserved seating, a welcome cocktail on boarding, dinner with a half bottle of wine per person, followed by a DJ and dancing. There is a licenced bar available throughout the evening.
FROM £84
PER PERSON
This Bargain Winter Break offers a splendid seaside stay including a three course dinner each evening followed by nightly entertainment and bingo, Sunday lunch, and a £2 bar on Friday and Saturday evening. From your hotel there are possible excursions to Anglesey, Beaumaris, Llanfair PG Woollen Mill, and chance to spend free time in Llandudno. SUGGESTED ITINERARY BY COACH Day 1
Travel to Llandudno. On arrival we will enjoy a three course meal, followed by entertainment and bingo. A £2 bar will be running throughout the evening.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY BY COACH Day 1
London and Showboat Christmas Party Cruise. Arrive in London in the afternoon and check in to your hotel before joining other groups at Tower Pier for an evening on the river, enjoying a welcome drink as you start the four hour cruise down the Thames. There is a three course festive dinner with a half bottle of wine per person. After dinner the party continues with a DJ and dancing.
Day 2
Scenic drive of Anglesey and Beaumaris. Today we drive out over the Britannia Bridge to Anglesey for a scenic drive. We stop at Beaumaris, a captivating seaside town. On the way back to the hotel we also call in at Llanfair PG and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill. This evening we will enjoy dinner at the hotel, followed by entertainment and bingo. The £2 bar will be running throughout the evening.
Day 2
London and return home. After breakfast, you have some free time to explore the sites of the Capital. There may be time to visit the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or alternatively the Christmas stalls which stretch along the South bank of the Thames.
Day 3
Llandudno, Sunday Lunch and return home. This morning there is free time to wander the promenade and pier of this charming Victorian town. Before we leave the hotel, we will tuck into a two course Sunday lunch.
P R I C E I N C LU D E S:
P R I C E I N C LU D E S:
• 1 night bed and breakfast at the Guoman Tower Hotel (other hotels available on request)
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast including a 3 course dinner every night and 2 course Sunday lunch at The Four Oaks Hotel, Llandudno
• 4 hour river cruise with three course dinner, drinks, DJ and dancing
• £2 bar on Friday and Saturday night (house products) • Trips to Angelsey, Beaumaris and Llanfair PG Woollen Mill
To book or for more information please contact our Sales Team
T: 0161 928 3242
|
E: sales@greatdays.co.uk
|
www.greatdays.co.uk
Follow us on
@GreatdaysTravel
All prices are per person and are based on a minimum 25 full fare paying passengers sharing a double or twin room with a free place for the group leader. Prices do not include coach hire or travel insurance. Dates are subject to availability. Smaller groups can be quoted for on request. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only. Greatdays Holidays Ltd are a member of ABTA (YO380) which means you have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
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Enjoy a historic rt of Dorset day out in the hea
Athelhampton
House & Gardens
Inspiring days out for groups at RHS Gardens
Save up to 50% on repeat visits*
Start planning your group visit today
www.rhs.org.uk/groups
•Tudor Manor House with antique furnishings & Art Gallery •Grade Grade 1 listed Formal gardens with famous yew pyramids •New Kitchen garden restoration •Outstanding visitor facilities •Gift shop & Plant sales •Refreshment stops welcome without admission •Open all year for booked groups
020 7821 3170
*Terms and Conditions; 50% off is applicable on the standard groups admission price only, based on groups of 10 or more guests. Applicable only to repeat visits to RHS Gardens Harlow Carr, Rosemoor, Wisley and Hyde Hall between the 1st October 2018 and the 31st January 2019. See website for full terms and conditions. www.rhs.org.uk/groups RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
Easily found, just off the A35 between Dorchester & Poole Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7LG
www.athelhampton.co.uk 01305 848363
ORDER, ORDER
Come and take a fresh look
020 7219 4114
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10/05/2018 13:15
Celebrating 100-plus years! As the Women’s Institute shrugs off its jam and Jerusalem image, we celebrate everything that’s great about this British institution
Our 50-page section includes: 20 A brief history of the WI – plus what’s new for members in 2018 22 The royal palaces worthy of a group visit 26 Britain’s much-loved cathedrals and abbeys 33 Group-friendly attractions 38 Where to catch some of the best views in the UK 42 Let the train take the strain on a heritage railway 48 See the steam railways of North Wales with HF Holidays 52 Enjoy a high-tech cruise 56 Explore the British Isles and further afield by ferry 60 Theatre news, reviews and what’s on listings
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THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S INSTITUTES
The first WI meeting in 1915
The best of British
To celebrate 100-plus years of the WI we explore its history – and what it means to be a member today
DID YOU KNOW? ■ The
Queen has been a member
of the WI since 1943 ■ There
are around 6,300 WI groups
throughout the UK, and each is an independent charity with its own president, secretary and treasurer
F
■ Groups
ROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, uniting local
across the country organising local events to
women and encouraging them to get behind
meet 11 times a year, and
group sizes range from eight to 300-plus.
look into how the issue affects people in their
Any female over the age of 18 can join
the war effort at a tiny get-together in Wales
communities and nationally. This followed the
■ The
back in 1915, the Women’s Institute is now
NFWI’s support of a private members bill,
Institutes (NFWI) acts as an overall
the largest voluntary women’s organisation
which called for the provision of free meals
clearing house for information, and
in the UK, with almost 220,000 members.
and activities for children in the school holidays
organises national campaigns. It has
making it one of the largest social, educational
to tackle the problem of holiday hunger.
its own residential centre, Denman in
and campaigning networks in the country.
National Federation of Women’s
“People across the UK are going hungry and
Oxfordshire, which offers courses on
struggling to buy the good nutritious food they
everything from astronomy to music
to revitalise rural communities and encourage
need,” said Lynne Stubbings, Chair of the NFWI,
appreciation. The NFWI holds an
women to become more involved in producing
before the launch event. “I know that the WI
annual meeting, which brings together
food during the First World War. Since then the
has the power to make positive change. From
representatives from WIs all over the
organisation’s aims have broadened, but its long
standing up for dairy farmers to ensure they
country to review the work of the
history of campaigning on food issues continues.
receive a fair price for their milk, to pushing the
organisation and vote on the resolutions
Earlier this year the NFWI (National Federation
Government to launch a national pollinator
that form the backbone of its campaigns
of Women’s Institutes) launched a national
strategy to protect the health of our bees,
debate on food poverty, with WI members
WI members know how to get things done.”
More than a century ago its remit was simple:
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The WI ARTS AND CRAFTS
From guided tours of the RHS gardens to craft workshops, the WI unites women
Campaigning aside, the WI is synonymous with a number of arts and crafts activities, with members able to develop everything from their cooking and crafting skills to gardening and flower arranging. Typical of many such WI-ers is Iris Boughton, who joined her local group in Cambridgeshire more than 20 years ago. “I’d retired from a busy career teaching in the local primary school, my husband had just passed away, and I wanted to get to know more people in the village,” says Iris. “That was in the mid-1990s and over the years I’ve made some good friends. I’m a former president and served on the committee for many years, helping to plan a series of events and talks for other members. “In our group ages range from women
Become a member
in their mid-20s to their mid-80s (like me!)
Joining your local WI is easy, just visit
NFWI. As each group is different, the
and it’s great to see younger members
www.thewi.org.uk and use the postcode
team at the WI recommend sitting in on
joining. We try to organise a mix of practical,
search tool to find the contact details
a meeting or two before you join to see
historical and crafting talks and projects,
of a group near you.
if it’s really for you. There’s no obligation
as well as trips out – we’ve been
As a member you’re entitled to sign up
to Fakenham Market in Norfolk and
for the WI membership magazine, WI Life
Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.
(which comes out eight times a year), as
“We always welcome new members,
to join when you visit, but you may be asked to pay a small visitor’s fee. The 2018 membership subscription is
well as regular newsletters and mailings
£30.75 if you join before June 30
and they can come and sit in on a couple
to keep you up-to-date with all the news
(as you pay pro rata for the year – a full
of meetings before they become a
and events from your federation and the
year’s membership is currently £41).
GTW
fully paid up member if they like.”
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Southport Advertorial.indd 21
11/05/2018 11:44
A
ROYAL RETREAT
In a year full of royal celebrations, Jemma Keegan reveals how everyone from WI groups to families can be king or queen for a day at one of the UK’s palaces
all his six wives here. Surrounded by gorgeous gardens and its famous maze, Hampton Court Palace is as fascinating outside as in. IN
2018 ENJOY...
VISIT ENGLAND/HRP
This sits alongside the Tower of London as
some of the greatest palaces ever built’. Described as a 500-year-old royal pleasure
face to face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm the
battlements, besiege the towers and explore the secret grotto. And don’t miss the Great Vine, the largest grapevine in the world, and 250 years old!
PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE London isn’t the only capital city to boast stunning royal buildings, and for those visiting Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a great destination, being both the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and the historic home of Scottish royalty, including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. IN
2018 HAMPTON COURT PALACE
The Magic Garden – come
ENJOY...
Canaletto and the Art of Venice. The Royal Collection owns the world’s finest group of
works by Venice’s most famous view-painter,
jewels in the crown of the Historic Royal Palaces
palace, Hampton Court certainly delivers. What
Canaletto. This exhibition (open between
charity, which maintains six of our most notable
was once a country house was transformed into
May 11 to October 21) presents a spectacular
UK palaces. Visitors to their attractions are
a magnificent palace in the early 16th century,
selection of 18th century Venetian art.
promised they will learn ‘The story of how
when it attracted the attention of the notorious
monarchs and people have shaped society, in
monarch Henry VIII, who eventually brought
And don’t miss The Queen’s Chambers, which as well as looking like a set from
Hampton Court – aka the ‘500-year-old royal pleasure palace’
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Days out Harry Potter, with its stunning hanging wall tapestries, contains the embroidery
The Royal Mint Experience
Mary, Queen of Scots created during her
Enjoy a guided factory tour of the
struck to become coins. From a viewing
captivity under her cousin, Elizabeth I.
fascinating Royal Mint and unlock 1,100
area, you’ll look into the striking hall where
years of history. The 90-minute tours cost
thousands of coins are produced, 24 hours
£13 per person, with discounts for families
a day. You will then be given the option
When you’re next in London, drop in on
and special rates, priority, timed entry and
to strike your own coin to take home as a
Kensington Palace, a real life royal residence.
free coach parking for groups of 15 or more.
memento or have a picture surrounded by
It has been in the British royal family since the
Call 0333 241 2223 to find out more or
chests of coins (additional charges apply).
17th century, at which point it was redesigned
email groups@royalmint.com
KENSINGTON PALACE
by Sir Christopher Wren into the stylish home
The Royal Mint Experience is just
Led by your host you’ll enter one of the
four miles from Junction 34 of the
that’s still in use today. Kensington Palace
manufacturing areas to discover how blank
M4, north-west of Cardiff. Find out
will probably forever be connected with
pieces of metal are made before being
more at www.royalmint.com
Diana, Princess of Wales, but this was also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. Visitors will get a real
HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE
Down, and is not officially a castle, having
sense of all its past inhabitants as they
From one Celtic palace to another, and the
started life as a 18th century Georgian
stroll through the State Rooms within this
recently acquired Hillsborough Castle in
mansion. It boasts 96 acres of beautiful
stylish royal residence.
Northern Ireland joins the more established
gardens developed from the 1760s
tourist destinations in Historic Royal Palaces’
onwards, consisting of ornamental grounds,
Victoria Revealed, an
portfolio. It is undergoing major refurbishment
woodland, waterways, and lawns.
intimate account of Victoria’s
and transformation with a view to being open
fascinating life, inspired by
to the public from July 2018.
IN
2018 ENJOY...
her own written diaries. And with regards
Like Holyroodhouse, Hillsborough is a
IN
2018 ENJOY...
The first ever public tours of the castle, promising elegant
to what not to miss, it’s a toss-up between
working royal palace and the official residence
State Rooms, a majestic Throne
William III’s striking bright red silk underclothes,
of the royal family when they are in Northern
Room, and the Downshire Gallery’s portrait
exhibited in the Royal Ceremonial Dress
Ireland. However, it also serves as a political
photography, chronicling the faces of ‘queens
Collection archives, and the panoply of
homestead as it’s the residence of the
to choir boys, politicians to pot washers’.
exquisite garments exhibited within ‘Diana:
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
her fashion story’, chronicling Diana’s style.
Hillsborough is located in north-west County
And don’t miss the bench outside the Doric temple overlooking Lady Alice’s
Celebrating 100-plus years of the
WI
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Days out
VISIT BRITAIN
Kensington Palace has been in the British royal family since the 1600s
Pond, one of Mo Mowlam’s favourite places
and transforming it into a royal palace, fit for
for contemplation as she worked on the
himself and his queen of the moment, Anne
Start saving now!
landmark Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Boleyn. After it was destroyed in a fire, the
Group Travel World magazine readers
present building was designed by Inigo Jones
can enjoy exclusive discounts when
and completed in 1622.
visiting the UK’s top historic properties.
BANQUETING HOUSE Back to the capital for our final visit: to the Banqueting House on Whitehall. Described as ‘The grandest... of the architectural genre of banqueting house,’ the building is the last surviving section of the former Palace of
See grouptraveloffers.com for details IN
2018 ENJOY...
The house re-opened following extensive conservation work
or call Harley in the GTW office on 01733 293249.
last month, and visitors will want to experience the plethora
Whitehall. The original palace building was
of entertaining spaces, including James I’s
in-situ ceiling painting by this notable Flemish
home to the Archbishops of York, but in a
undercroft drinking den and the banqueting
artist. The huge oil painting is believed to have
manner becoming predictable (see Hampton
hall, the venue for the royals’ improvised
been commissioned by Charles I in 1629-30,
Court Palace on p22), this venue also caught
court performances (or masques).
and is purported to have been one of his
the eye of the inimitable Henry VIII, who set about seizing and enlarging the bishops’ pad
Seaside hideaway Osborne, the seaside hideaway of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on the Isle of Wight, is a must for any royal themed tour. Its homely feel gives visitors an insight into one of British monarchy’s most
And don’t miss the chance to marvel at Rubens’ ceiling masterpiece, the last remaining
last sights before he lost his head at the venue.
GTW
Explore the fascinating history of one of the country’s most notorious prisons at the Tower of London. Find out more at hrp.org.uk
famous royal love affairs, in the place they loved best. The grand state apartments, private rooms and atmospheric servants’ quarters are still filled with original furnishings, priceless artworks and the personal mementos of the royal couple and their nine children. Groups receive a discount at all English Heritage properties. For a free groups visits guide call 0117 975 1349, and find out more at www. english-heritage.org.uk/osborne
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Experience
UNLOCK
1,100 years of history An incredible journey through , years of coronations, battles, political upheavals and technological advances – all commemorated in painstaking detail by skilful artists and craftspeople. Go behind the scenes at one of the UK’s oldest manufacturers and feast your eyes on thousands of coins as they are being made and unlock the history of The Royal Mint. • Guided Factory Experience • Interactive Exhibition • Preferential group rates • Free entry for tour leader and coach driver • Free familiarisation visit
• Open days a week • Free Parking • Café • Gift Shop
royalmint.com/experience To find out more and make a booking telephone 0333 241 2223 The Royal Mint Experience is approximately miles from Junction of the M and just miles from Cardiff. www.Facebook.com/TheRoyalMintExperience 4.9 4.9 www.tripadvisor.co.uk 4.5 4.5 www.Twitter.com/RoyalMintExp
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Days out Start saving! Visit Rievaulx Abbey for just £5. See grouptraveloffers. com or call Harley for tickets on 01733 293249
North Yorkshire’s Rievaulx Abbey
Saintly thoughts Helen Milbank explores the UK’s abbeys and cathedrals on an ecclesiastical tour
P
AND ANOTHER THING...
The 900-year-old Rievaulx Abbey is one of the largest and most complete monastic
remains anywhere in Britain – part of the abbey church still stands to roof height and the buildings where the Cistercian monks lived and worked can still be seen.
HEAVENS ABOVE! REVIOUSLY UNSEEN ARCHITECTURAL
Whitby Abbey. Sitting high on the clifftop
A whopping £10 million’s been invested in
stone features, excavated by First
above the town, the abbey – founded by King
Durham Cathedral’s Open Treasure project,
World War veterans at Rievaulx Abbey
Oswy of Northumbria in 657 – is now best
which has transformed the way we can explore
in North Yorkshire in the 1920s, are
known for the fact that Bram Stoker chose its
its previously hidden spaces within the Cloister.
now on display in the abbey’s recently
dramatic backdrop and Gothic splendour as
What’s been revealed are some of the most
revamped on-site museum.
the fictional landing place for Count Dracula.
intact surviving medieval monastic buildings
A 14th century statue, thought to
In the award-winning visitor centre a gallery
in England, from the 14th century Monks’
represent St James the Great (patron saint
digs into the site’s 13 centuries of history, with
Dormitory to the Great Kitchen (one of only
of pilgrims, no less), and a monk’s scourge
archaeological artefacts, interactive displays
two surviving monastic kitchens in the UK and
(tipped with wire balls and used for self-
of personalities from its past and digital
now the permanent home of the Treasures of
penance, in case you were wondering)
reconstructions of the abbey through time.
St Cuthbert, some of the most precious Anglo-
are among the quirky objects on display,
Find out more about both monastic
Saxon artefacts in the world).
and you can also enjoy the new and
attractions at www.english-heritage.org.uk
Impressive as it is, Open Treasure isn’t all
updated reception area, shop and café.
(including details of the many discounts and
this World Heritage Site has to offer. A special
The abbey’s owned by English Heritage,
special deals on offer if you’re heading to
Tudor exhibition runs until early June, special
which also cares for North Yorkshire’s famous
any English Heritage property as a group).
services run throughout the year... in fact it’s
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CLIMB THE TOWER 181 STEPS TO THE BEST VIEWS OVER COVENTRY
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK* Most people are familiar with the events of November 14th 1940, but there is way more to us than just the Ruins. Take the chance to find out more. Email: visits@coventrycathedral.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)24 7652 1234 Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB *
May depend on weather or bell-ringing sessions. Please check prior to making a special trip. The Cathedral Tower Climb costs an additional £4. Not suitable for children under the age of 8.
WWW.COVENTRYCATHEDRAL.ORG.UK
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Days out fair to say we just can’t do it service in print.
TO BE A PILGRIM
Read more at www.durhamcathedral.co.uk,
Canterbury Cathedral’s well and truly
Buckfast Abbey
get a date in the diary and go check out this
earned its World Heritage Site status,
Nestled in a tranquil haven on the edge
fascinating attraction for yourself. Pre-booked
having been immortalised by Geoffrey
of Dartmoor, Buckfast Abbey is the only
groups of 12 or more can explore from just
Chaucer in his famous Canterbury Tales
English medieval monastery to have
£5 each, with special packages on offer that
about a group of pilgrims on their way
been restored and used again for its
give access to Open Treasure and more.
to the Shrine of St Thomas Becket.
original purpose. Celebrating its 1,000-
The cathedral is one of the most-visited
AND ANOTHER THING...
year anniversary, the original Abbey
You may not know that
sites in Britain, and group tours (free-flow,
was founded in 1018. After it fell into
Durham Cathedral was
guided, behind the scenes, you name it...)
disrepair following the dissolution of
originally built, almost 1000
can be arranged. Find out more at
the monasteries in 1539, it was rebuilt
www.canterbury-cathedral.org
centuries later on the original foundations
years ago, to house the shrine of St Cuthbert.
by just a handful of monks.
Award-winning service
AND ANOTHER THING...
Ever wondered why
Located in south Devon, just off the
Canterbury became
A38 between Exeter and Plymouth, the
one of the world’s most
Abbey Church and grounds are free to
Somerset offers tours for pre-booked
important pilgrimage centres in Europe?
enter, with free parking. Enjoy lunch or
groups of 10 or more, where you’ll be
It’s all due to the murder of its most famous
afternoon tea at The Grange Restaurant,
led by an experienced guide through
Archbishop, Thomas Becket, in 1170.
and stay at the group-friendly Northgate
hundreds of years of history.
When, after a long-lasting dispute,
House Hotel, set in the abbey’s
Book in advance and prices start
King Henry II exclaimed “Who will rid me
grounds. Visit www.buckfast.org.uk
from just £6.60 each for a general
of this turbulent priest?” four knights set
guided tour, plus you get 10% off in
off for Canterbury and murdered Thomas
the café and shops. For details of all
in his own cathedral. When, shortly after
LONDON’S HIGH POINT
the group benefits on offer head online
the murder, miracles were said to take
The iconic dome of St Paul’s Cathedral is one
at www.wellscathedral.org.uk
place, Canterbury became Europe’s
of London’s most famous landmarks. Standing
pilgrimage centre extraordinaire.
at the highest point in the City of London,
The award-winning Wells Cathedral in
Durham Cathedral is a World Heritage Site
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OPEN DAILY
FIND US ON
EASTER TO OCTOBER
Group rates • Guided tours Dedicated Groups Co-ordinator • Tea room • Gift shop
01525 290333 lisa.weaver@woburn.co.uk www.woburnabbey.co.uk J3262 WA Group Travel World 190x134_Jan17.indd 1
GROUP VISITS
24/01/2017 14:50
Wells Cathedral Wells, Somerset
England’s first entirely Gothic Cathedral and Vicars’ Close in the heart of medieval Wells, near to Cheddar Gorge and the cities of Bath and Bristol
Pre-booked groups benefit from:
discounted group rates • dedicated tour guide • tailored tour themes • 10% discount card for Cathedral shops and café • free place for group organiser • “meet and greet” system for coaches in Wells
01749 671663
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visits@wellscathedral.uk.net
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10/05/2018 11:53
WOBURN ABBEY
Days out
it’s been used for many state occasions, including the Queen’s 2012 Diamond
Woburn Abbey & Gardens
Jubilee. But you may not fully appreciate just
Step inside Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire
views on public display, together with
how tour-able this fascinating building is.
and immerse yourself in centuries of
a treasury of silver, porcelain and
British history, explore 28 wonderful
fine English and French furniture.
From guided tours of the cathedral floor and crypt to the Triforium Tour, which takes
acres of award-winning gardens and enjoy
in gravity-defying views from above the
a drive through the extensive deer park.
Great West Doors, tours for groups of all
Home of the Duke and Duchess of
The 28 acres of Woburn Abbey Gardens are also exceptional. Enjoy elegant horticultural designs, woodland
sizes are not only fascinating but great value
Bedford, Woburn Abbey (pictured above)
glades, ponds and architectural features:
too (group guided tours cost from just
was gifted to the family by Henry VIII in
much of which were the inspiration
£5 on top of the usual admission price of
his will of 1547.
of Humphrey Repton (more on this
£18 – or £16 if you buy online). See the website for details at www.stpauls.co.uk
Today, visitors can explore nearly 500 years of one family’s history, including
in our special feature next issue). To create the ideal visit for your group,
political reform and royal visits. Plus, you
contact Woburn’s award-winning
As we’ve already
can discover an art collection, including
groups co-ordinator, Lisa Weaver, on
mentioned, royal jubilees
an unrivalled group of 16th and 17th
01525 292101 or email lisa.weaver@
are celebrated at St Paul’s,
century portraits, works by Reynolds
woburn.co.uk. Find out more about
but this tradition goes back a long way.
and Van Dyck and the largest private
the attraction and its upcoming events
Back to 1897, to be precise, with the
collection of Canaletto’s Venetian
at www.woburnabbey.co.uk GTW
AND ANOTHER THING...
VISIT ENGLAND/VISIT KENT
diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria.
The glorious Canterbury Cathedral
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Fonmon Castle & Gardens - South Wales 800 years of history and stunning Georgian interiors - just 25 minutes from Cardiff and M4 Open year round for pre-booked tour groups: ● Exclusive group castle tours with experienced tour guide ● Delicious home cooked teas served in the beautiful Rococo library ● Visitors free to wander and explore the delightful gardens ● Ample free on-site parking, drivers receive complimentary refreshments ● 2018 Offers: Organiser goes free
Untitled-1 1
Llancaiach Fawr Enjoy Afternoon Enjoy Afternoon Tea Tea for groups for groups
16/04/2018 09:03
At the the Five At Five Arrows Arrows Hotel Hotel on onthe the Waddesdon Estate, a new catering Waddesdon Estate, a new catering venue at venue at Waddesdon Waddesdon Manor Manoropen open all year round. all year round. For more information For more information email groups@waddesdon.org.uk email groups@waddesdon.org.uk or telephone 01296 653209 or telephone 01296 653209
Y lle perffaith ar gyfer… The perfect place for … Hanes yn dod yn fyw
History brought vividly to life
l Teithiau Ysbryd l Cinio a swper l Te Hufen
l Ghost tours l Lunches and dinners l Cream teas
01443 412248 • www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk HP Template.indd 31
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Banbury Photography
10/05/2018 12:17
23/02/2017 09:05
PEMBROKESHIRE’S AWARD WINNING
CASTLE & GARDENS
40 ACRES OF GARDENS 13th CENTURY CASTLE QUALITY GIFT SHOP ART GALLERIES THE SECRET OWL GARDEN LAWNMOWER MUSEUM RESTAURANT & DELI
SPECIAL CASTLE TOURS FOR GROUPS including Our Fairytale Castle Decorated for a Victorian Xmas
OPEN ALL YEAR 9.00am - 5.00pm EVENTS INCLUDE Spring, Summer and Christmas Fairs
HAVERFORDWEST | PEMBROKESHIRE | SA62 4AS 01437 751326 | WWW.PICTONCASTLE.CO.UK EMAIL INFO@PICTONCASTLE.CO.UK | REG. CHARITY NO: 519693
CALL THE MIDWIFE OFFICIAL LOCATION TOUR Includes it to a day vis IC OR T THE HIS D R A DOCKY M A CHATH aterial Featuring mtest series... from the la
60 Minu te Tour
Props, costumes and sets...
thedockyard.co.uk
DRAMA MADE IN
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CM 0.
RG 23
Days out Durham County Federation of WIs celebrated its centenary at Beamish in 2017
Flying the flag 5
of the best attractions WI groups and families alike will love
1
One of the oldest surviving amusement parks in the UK, Dreamland Margate has launched a series of Dreamland Variety shows on July 27, August 10 and August 24. Find out more at dreamland.co.uk
BEAMISH MUSEUM
County Federation of Women’s Institutes.
groups can enjoy a fantastic festive feast
It’s a GTW Award-winner this month
The weekend was packed with activities and
(both are available Monday to Friday in
(see page 99), and Beamish Museum in
demonstrations and culminated in a grand
term time). Parties of 15 or more get a
County Durham has long been a favourite
parade of WI members and their banners.
discount, and there’s free admission for coach
day out with groups of all ages and interests. In summer 2017, hundreds of WI members
To add a little something special to a visit, Beamish offers two packages exclusively
drivers and group travel organisers. There’s ample free on-site coach parking too. Find out more at www.beamish.org.uk/
from around the region
for groups. From April to October, Dainty
came together at the
Bites is a lunchtime or afternoon buffet,
plan-your-visit/group-visits, email
museum to celebrate the
served in a private room overlooking the
ashleighstewart@beamish.org.uk or call
centenary of the Durham
1900s Town. In November and December,
0191 370 4026. WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
033-036 GTW May 18 WI.indd 33
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Days out
2
PICTON CASTLE Set within the Pembrokeshire Coast
with fairy doors and an adventure playground. Picton is also home to The Secret Owl
National Park, this 13th century castle
Garden and Visitor Centre, which houses
is surrounded by a spectacular 40-acre
Wales’ largest collection of owls (you can
RHS Partner Garden.
see them throughout the day as they fly
A tour of the castle, with its elegantly
free among the trees). It also boasts two art
decorated rooms and fine works of art,
galleries, a vintage lawnmower museum, a
reveals its rich history, and the stunning
gift shop, plants for sale and Maria’s@Picton
gardens contain rare trees and plant
– a hugely popular courtyard restaurant
collections from around the world.
and deli, which provided a three course lunch
Shady woodlands, an exotic jungle garden and colourful walled garden packed with medicinal herbs and Mediterranean flowers, thrive alongside living willow dens, family trails
for Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of
Darlington’s Head of Steam Museum is located on the 1825 route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which was the world’s first steam-powered passenger railway. Find out more at www.darlington.gov. uk/leisure-and-culture/ head-of-steam/
Edinburgh when they visited Picton in 2014. Open all year round, find out more at www.pictoncastle.co.uk
3
THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM
To celebrate its 400th birthday The Historic Dockyard Chatham has launched its new Call The Midwife location tours. In association with the creators of the show, Neal Street Productions, the official tours feature new material from the latest series (which was filmed at the Kent attraction), as well as props, costumes and sets from the show. Other special events this year include the Salute to the ’40s from September 16-17, and Christmas Magic at the Dockyard over the festive season. Group discounts apply for parties of 15-plus. To find out more about this unique attraction, which is the most complete dockyard of its age, visit www.thedockyard.co.uk, email groupsales@
Glorious Picton Castle
chdt.org.uk or call 01634 823815.
Hop on board Edinburgh’s Royal Yacht
4
THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
Western Isles. And this month the ship
on their choice of wedding cake), and
This year marks the 20th anniversary
is celebrating the royal wedding with its
a Negroni cocktail. The Negroni is the
of The Royal Yacht Britannia opening its
Harry and Meghan-inspired high tea.
bride-to-be’s favourite cocktail, made
doors to the public – and it’s now one
During the weekend of the royal wedding,
with gin, Vermouth Rosso and Campari,
of Edinburgh’s leading attractions.
Britannia’s Royal Deck Tea Room will
garnished with a swirl of orange peel.
Growing up, Prince Harry and the Royal
be serving a special menu featuring the
For more on this, and all the attraction
Family spent their summer holidays on
royal couple’s favourite dishes, including
has to offer over the summer months, visit
board Britannia, sailing around Scotland’s
a lemon and elderflower cake (based
www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
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Step into the Drama!
No matter how the Yorkshire weather is behaving, your group will learn about the characters they love, and the stories that have gripped a nation at The Emmerdale Studio Experience. Located at the former ITV studio on Burley Road, Leeds. This fun and informative indoor attraction showcases the entire ‘lights, camera, action’ process of producing an explosive episode Emmerdale. Shining a light on the nation’s favourite soap, your group will get an exclusive glimpse into how the gripping story lines and spectacular stunts are created. Plus the friendly tour guide will spill some behind the scenes secrets. Your group will interact with iconic replica sets and have the opportunity to take plenty of photos along the way! Then following their 90 minute tour, your group members can take their memories home with a souvenir photograph and purchase exclusive merchandise in the lovely gift shop. Of course stepping into the drama can be thirsty work, so before and after the tour, your group can enjoy a brew and tasty Yorkshire fare in the warm and friendly café. For groups looking for unique venue hire, with its themed event space and meeting room, The Emmerdale Studio Experience can also host exclusive group activities and seminars. With tailored workshops available on request.
FANTASTIC BENEFITS FOR GROUP BOOKINGS OF 15 PEOPLE OR MORE! ● ●
● ●
Discounted admission prices * The coach drop-off point is directly in front of The Emmerdale Studio Experience Free admission and refreshment voucher for your coach drivers Provisional bookings can be held until 2 weeks prior to your visit
* Group discounts may be restricted over certain periods
Also available for group bookings, Emmerdale The Village Tour If your group loves Emmerdale and the rolling Yorkshire countryside, on selected weekend dates they can follow in the footsteps of the show’s best loved stars. Emmerdale the Village Tour is a 90 minute fully guided walking tour, which will allow your group to see the show’s exterior sets including The Woolpack, the church and the village hall. Plus there will be plenty of time to take pictures, enjoy refreshments and purchase souvenirs. Please note, the Emmerdale village set is located within a restricted area of the beautiful Harewood Estate. Therefore guests are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, as some aspects of the 90 minute walking tour include uneven surfaces and hilly areas.
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To find out more about these amazing tours, call the group bookings line on
01904 261262
Monday to Friday or email groups@continuumattractions.co.uk
10/05/2018 11:25
Days out Become a director for the day
THE SAVILL GARDEN Recognised as one of the finest woodland gardens in the country, The Savill Garden is a hidden gem in the heart of Windsor Great Park. New for 2018 is the Windsor Great Park Royal Heritage Tour and The Savill Garden. This limited availability tour can be taken either before or after your visit to The Savill Garden, being escorted by one of The Crown Estate’s dedicated team on board your own coach through the historic royal estate. Available until the end of September, the hour-long tour explains how Windsor Great Park
5
THE EMMERDALE STUDIO EXPERIENCE
Based at the former ITV studios in
secrets behind some of the stunts and special effects used on the show. Visitors can get hands-on too, learning
works in the modern day, as well as
Burley Road, Leeds where interior scenes
how to light a set, film a scene and
its long history. See the 2018 Group
for the soap were filmed until 2011, here’s
edit the footage. An outside walking
Visitors Guide to find out more at www.
your chance to see Emmerdale like never
tour of the working village set is also
windsorgreatpark.co.uk/groups
before on a fully guided tour. Explore the
available. Find out more at www.
sets, props and costumes, and learn the
emmerdalestudioexperience.co.uk
Win a family pass to Colchester Zoo! Colchester Zoo in Essex is home to over 260 species from around the world, set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes. During your visit you can enjoy many different habitats – from the humid home of the Komodo Dragons to the zoo’s very own African plain, Kingdom of the Wild, which is home to white rhino, giraffes and zebras. We have one family pass to give away (for two adults and two children). To enter, visit grouptravelworld.com/competition, before the closing date July 1, 2018. ■ Turn
to page 72 for more animal
attractions to visit.
GTW
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FREE Information Pack For Coach Operators & Group Organisers FREE Coach Drivers Lunch Voucher Situated Just Off Junction 2 Of The M66 Coach Drop Off/Pick Up Point adjacent to the market Disabled facilities FREE dedicated Coach Parking
Awarded Best UK Market Attraction of 2015 by NABMA 2014 National Coach Tourism Awards Winner
Visit us any Wednesday, Friday or Saturday for a great day out Bury Market Management: Tel: 0161 253 6520 Web: www.burymarket.com Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk : @BuryMarket SatNav BL9 0BJ
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FR 2h
RS U ed TO end ED omm ID rec U e G ll tim EEr dwe
OPEN: 1 APRIL - 15 OCTOBER 10AM - 5.30PM (LAST ENTRY 5PM) DUNVEGAN CASTLE, ISLE OF SKYE IV55 8WF T: +44 (0) 1470 521206 E: INFO@DUNVEGANCASTLE.COM WWW.DUNVEGANCASTLE.COM
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10/05/2018 12:27
VISIT ENGLAND
Come on up
Get set to enjoy blue skies and the best views in Britain
Dover Castle
the Royal Navy directed
For more than nine centuries this iconic
shipping in and out
Kent landmark has commanded the gateway
of the port.
to the realm from the white cliffs – and today visitors can enjoy stunning views out to sea over the port of Dover. The mighty fortress has played a pivotal
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2018? ■ Early
Planning a visit to an English Heritage attraction? For discounted tickets see GTW magazine’s sister site grouptraveloffers .com
access tours
Dunkirk in 1940. They also secretly housed 700 servicemen and women who manned telephone exchanges, plotted the progress of ships and aircraft, and operated on wounded troops
part in English history, and its vital cliff edge
(exclusively for groups) have now
vantage point was crucially important during
been introduced deep inside the Secret
hospital where casualties were treated).
its role in the two world wars.
Wartime Tunnels. Operation Dynamo Tunnel
■ For
Tours take you inside the famous cliffs, which
private guided tours of King Henry II’s 12th
period in the newly recreated First World
housed the nerve centre of operations for
century palace, the Great Tower, which stands
War Fire Command Post, which controlled
Winston Churchill and Vice Admiral Ramsay as
at the heart of Dover Castle.
the guns around the harbour, and the
they masterminded the evacuation of
■ Find
Port War Signal Station above, where
338,000 British and French troops from
org.uk/dovercastle
You can get a sense of this wartime
(you can see the underground the first time ever, groups can also enjoy
out more at www.english-heritage.
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Days out Celebrating 100-plus years of the
WI
Visit the castle for fantastic views over the white cliffs of Dover
AND ANOTHER THING...
Powerful King Henry, whose
across the town of Battle. Here they can
massive kingdom stretched
visualise the extent of the battlefield where,
We’re here to help...
across Europe, built the Great
just over 950 years ago, Saxon soldiers
Group Travel World magazine’s
Tower at Dover Castle to entertain and impress
fought against the army of William Duke of
new and revamped Directory
international pilgrims as they travelled to the
Normandy to save the crown of England.
lists all the information you need
shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2018? ■A
new exhibition, with archaeological
finds on display for the first time,
to plan your next group trip to a range of attractions across the UK, from Kirklees Light Railway to Bamburgh Castle. Visit our new-look website at
explains the abbey’s story as a monastic
directory.grouptravelworld.com
A recently opened rooftop viewing area
community in the centuries after England’s
– and call Karen on 01733 293489
at the medieval abbey gatehouse at 1066
most famous battle.
if you’d like your attraction to appear
Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
■ Find
on the site. It’s great value!
in East Sussex allows visitors to look out
org.uk/battleabbey
out more at www.english-heritage.
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Days out The British Airways i360 stands 162m high, offering 360° views of Brighton’s seafront. Groups of 15 or more get a discount – see britishairways i360.com
Up, up and away Western Europe’s tallest building at 800ft (244m), The Shard has redefined London’s skyline. Experience 360° views over the city for up to 40 miles on a clear day, after beginning your journey in the
attraction’s high-speed lifts that zoom from level one to 68 in just 60 seconds. Fully interactive digital telescopes and multimedia guides enable you to experience the city like never before, and there are restaurants and bars serving everything from afternoon tea to champers. See www.the-shard.com or www.theviewfromtheshard.com
On a high... Portsmouth’s Emirates Spinnaker Tower
climb even higher into the 110m Sky
is hailed as the UK’s best viewing tower,
Garden... the choice is yours. Book in advance to save 10% on the
Buy a ticket (valid all day) and come and go
normal admission price, and save even
as you please, enjoy afternoon tea in the
more if there are 15 or more of you.
Café in the Clouds (best to pre-book),
See www.spinnakertower.co.uk
VISIT ENGLAND
its deck an impressive 100 metres up.
Kenilworth Castle
Special viewing platforms offer fantastic views of Kenilworth Castle
In July 1575, Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester, the favourite courtier of Queen Elizabeth I, entertained her at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire – building a towering gatehouse to welcome her, and creating a lavish garden for her pleasure. Today, a series of viewing platforms within the ruined four-storey tower, known as Leicester’s Building, offer groups the same heady panoramas enjoyed by the queen
VISIT ENGLAND
when she visited that year.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2018? ■ Dudley’s
flamboyance comes to life
in the recreated Elizabethan garden, which features a terrace, fountain, obelisks
“We love...”
and an aviary. Eve Procter says: “The Blackpool
■ Groups
can explore the Elizabethan
The GTW team and readers share some
■ Reader
of their favourite views:
Tower Eye at the top of the tower has
Gatehouse, which houses an exhibition
■ Editor
a glass walkway called the SkyWalk. It’s
telling the royal love story, as well as an
Castle’s new medieval wall walk is a third of
amazing – and I don’t even like heights.”
exhibition celebrating motoring pioneer
a mile long and overlooks the city and the
See www.theblackpooltower.com
John Davenport Siddeley.
surrounding countryside. I was blown away
■ Reader
■ The
when I first went up there – the views are
view’s from the top of Primrose
revealing the nine centuries of Kenilworth’s
fantastic and even though a section was
Hill in London. It’s worth the climb
history and a tearoom. Pre-booked guided
closed when I went due to ice it was still
to see the city’s landmarks in the
tours are available at an additional cost.
amazing.” See www.lincolncastle.com
distance, including The Shard.”
■ See
Helen Milbank says: “Lincoln
Gill Shaw says: “My favourite
Tudor Stables house an exhibition
www.english-heritage.org.uk/
kenilworth
GTW
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SEE FURTHER THAN THE EYE CAN SEE
• London’s highest viewing platform • 800ft above the ground • Unwind with a glass of champagne • Stay as long as you wish Special rates for groups of 10+ plus free leader places 0844 499 7111 reservations@theviewfromtheshard.com www.theviewfromtheshard.com
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Make tracks Heritage railways criss-cross the UK, offering everything from vintage days out to cream teas and gin festivals...
Fort William and Mallaig and pass the deepest freshwater loch, Loch Morar, and the deepest seawater loch, Loch Nevis. You’ll also cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films), which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. Nearby is Glen Coe, which was used in the films for the set of Hagrid’s hut and is the home of the bridge leading to Hogwarts’ entrance. The 84-mile round trip will also take you past beaches used
Words: Naomi MacKay
in the films Highlander and Local Hero.
THE NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY
staying in the Grosmon Station House or the
A star of the world-famous Harry Potter films,
watch the trains arriving at the station from
THE MID NORFOLK RAILWAY
this railway’s Goathland station played the
your window. Families of up to four can stay in
Gin has seen a huge upturn in popularity over
part of Hogsmeade Station in the first
the Goathland Camping Coach at Hogsmeade/
the past few years, so it’s little surprise the
Harry Potter film. The railway is also a star
Goathland station itself. See www.nymr.co.uk
Mid Norfolk Railway’s Gin Train Experience has
of the small screen, having just appeared in
Lewisham Camping Coach, where you can
the three-part documentary The Yorkshire
WEST COAST RAILWAYS
Steam Railway: All Aboard in celebration
Continuing the Harry Potter theme, while
of its 50th anniversary year.
you can see the Hogwarts Express at
See www.westcoastrailways.co.uk
proved hugely popular. It started off with one carriage on a train and tickets sold so well the whole train has been sold out five times over! There’ll be another Gin Train Experience
Hertfordshire’s Warner Bros. Studio Tour,
in October on the railway, which operates
can visit the 1930s themed station at
there’s only one way to climb aboard the
from Dereham along the 11-mile line
Pickering, and take a train to Whitby.
real train. The Jacobite is the actual train used
to the market town of Wymondham,
in the Harry Potter films, and if you head to
just outside Norwich. Or get a bit of the
Western Scotland you can board the train at
Blitz spirit as you travel back in time for
Perfect for groups of 20 or more, you
Groups of five or less can really immerse themselves in the railway experience, either
Celebrating 100-plus years of the
Whether you’re a WI group, Harry Potter fan – or both! – the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has something to offer
WI
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Days out Goathland station played the part of Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film
a 1940s weekend from August 4-5.
closure of the original ‘Bluebell Line’ by British
Groups can book a whole day package
Railway, and the last train services from East
GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS
– boarding at Wymondham and lunchng at
Grinstead to Lewes. In 2019 it will celebrate
Experience the heritage railways of the
Dereham Station – before heading on for an
the formation of the Bluebell Preservation
Isle of Man on an escorted group tour
afternoon at Greenhall Farm and Workhouse
Society, while in 2020 it will mark the opening
with Great Rail Journeys – see
a museum of rural life, or Gooderstone
of the Bluebell Railway, the first ex-mainline
www.greatrail.com. GTW’s Darren Calpin
water gardens. See www.mnr.org.uk
standard gauge railway to run passenger trains
travelled to the Isle of Man for a five-day
in the preservation era.
trip with GRJ Independent, see
THE BLUEBELL RAILWAY
Options for groups include cream tea
This Sussex gem will be hosting a series of
or ploughman’s lunch, or how about
events over the next three years to mark
combining a train journey with a trip to one
its diamond anniversary. The line’s recently
of two nearby gardens – either Sheffield
commemorated the 60th anniversary of the
Park Gardens, a landscape shaped by
greatrail.com/grj-independent – read his review in our next issue.
Capability Brown, or Borde Hill Garden, Fancy a tipple? Enjoy the Mid Norfolk Railway’s Gin Train Experience
renowned for its rare trees and shrubs. For something scarier, book over the Halloween period to experience an immersive steam journey to a historic location with a dark secret. While at the station make sure you speak to some of the frightful characters so you can piece together the story. Some characters are not very welcoming so choose wisely. (Not for the under 12s!) See www.bluebell-railway.co.uk
THE MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY This year the Isle of Man celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Manx Electric Railway. During the Manx Heritage Transport Festival (from July 25-29) you can experience sideWWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Days out by-side travel on two of the oldest tram cars in
Awdry ‘s Thomas the Tank Engine. It still runs
enjoy free access to see heritage stock being
the world still in operation, as well as a vintage
five of its original steam locomotives built
restored in the carriage and wagon workshop.
bus tour. While in August, visitors will be
between 1874 and 1926, and has 30 liveried
See www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk
taken back to wartime, with special suppers,
coaches, running from February to November.
as everyone dresses up in 1940s style. See
up the Island’s only mountain, offering
THE RAVENGLASS AND ESKDALE RAILWAY
manxelectricrailway.co.uk
panoramic views where you can catch
Known locally as ‘La’al Ratty’ (little railway),
a glimpse of the seven kingdoms on a
this runs from Ravenglass, the only coastal
clear day – England, Ireland, Scotland,
village in the Lake District National Park, to
Wales, the Isle of Man, heaven and the
Dalegarth. Four steam locomotives make
sea. See www.visitisleofman.com
the seven-mile journey past the Scafell
a trip on an evacuee train and fun and games
THE ISLE OF MAN & SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAYS One of the longest narrow gauge heritage lines in operation in the UK, the Isle of Man Railway was said to have inspired the Rev Wilbert
The Vale of Rheidol Railway runs from February until the end of November, cutting through the spectacular scenery between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge (turn to page 48 to see what we mean!). Plan your trip at www. rheidolrailway.co.uk
The Snaefell Mountain Railway ventures
THE ISLE OF WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY
Range, Ravenglass Estuary and the fells of Eskdale Valley. Nearby attractions include a microbrewery and working corn mill at Boot,
Take an hour or so to explore the history of
a fort at Hardknott, Roman bathhouse at
another island railway at the £1.2m Train
Ravenglass and Muncaster Castle, built in the
Story Discovery Centre at the Isle of Wight
13th century. Guided tours of the railway’s
Steam Railway, which opened four years ago.
museum are also available. See ravenglass-
Groups can dine in the refreshment rooms, and
railway.co.uk
The Snaefell Mountain Railway ventures up the Isle of Man’s only mountain
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'One of the greatest train journeys in the world...' • Range of long or short trips available • Clean, comfortable carriages • On-Train Refreshments • Stunning Scenery
FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF groups@ffwhr.com
01766 516024
www.festrail.co.uk
TAKE A TRIP THROUGH HISTORY
WHERE WILL YOU GO TODAY?
www.llangollen-railway.co.uk
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Days out
“It’s had a chequered past!” This year marks the 40th anniversary of Gwili Railway’s re-opening. Its business administrator, Jeremy John, reveals what’s in store as celebrations begin GTW: Tell us about the railway’s history...
work on reviving the railway. It was all done
our heritage collection, which includes a
Jeremy: It opened in 1860 as part of
by volunteers. British Rail had bulldozed
travelling Post Office, and the last steam
the Carmarthen to Cardigan Railway.
the lot, so they had to re-do everything
train that was built in Wales, in 1890.
It was another way to get to Cardigan
– there were lots of Victorian bridges and
– lots of people were emigrating and
architecture that had been destroyed.
Liverpool had the stranglehold on that,
We’re using this anniversary to look
so there were plenty of people who were
back on the early pioneers. It’s a wonderful
looking to exploit deep-sea ports.
opportunity to celebrate them while
The railway’s had a chequered past. As
Before or after your trip, stop off at the café, which has been created from a pair of converted Victorian carriages, built in the mid-1890s.
many are still alive. If you look back on the
GTW: What else is there to do in the area?
with many early railways, it put out very
photos from that time they all look like
Jeremy: There’s a lovely museum in
grand prospectuses (largely because there
the Beatles with long hair! Celebrations
Carmarthen, which is nearby. Housed in
was no Advertising Authority to keep them
have already included a special lunch and
the Old Bishop’s palace, it’s free of charge
in check!). It opened in September, soon ran
a steam gala over the Easter weekend.
and so is the National Wool Museum. We have a lot to do with them because the
out of money and closed again in December, before more money was found to open
GTW: Any tips for group organisers?
again. At the time this wasn’t at all unusual.
Jeremy: Check the website first of all. During
When Dr Beeching compiled his report that
the summer we’re open nearly every day, but
woollen mills relied on the railways.
resulted in cuts in the railways in the 1960s,
it’s best to check. We have all sorts of events
AND ANOTHER THING…
the Carmarthen to Abergavenny journey
on, such as classic bike shows, and our cream
Jeremy is on hand to give a talk about the
took 3.5 hours and had 24 stops. This of
teas on a Thursday are really popular.
course was when the first Mini was introduced and car ownership was more affordable. This signaled the end of the line until 1972 when a group of volunteers bought about nine miles of track bed and began
Plan your trip to this Welsh gem at gwilirailway.co.uk
railway and the social history for coach
We cater especially for coach
parties. He’s a mine of information, and
parties. On a trip the group
can explain how the railways are linked
can travel from Bronwydd
to the start of the Labour Party, and why
Arms Station to Danycoed
Welsh coal was so important during the
Halt then back down
Boer War. There’s also a little museum in
to Abergwili Junction,
the signal box, which dates back to 1895.
returning to Bronwydd Arms. You can view
The Gwili Railway, seen here celebrating last year’s opening of its Carmarthen extension, welcomes groups and families
46 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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VISIT THE PLACE WHERE Intertracktive Intertracktive Intertracktive RAILWAYS WERE BORN Annual Membership Annual AnnualMembership Membership o
Free entry to the museum and un-ticketed
• Interactive displays and audio • Education events for a year events and o Receivechildren's event and activities updates by e-mail visual equipment activities o oFree entry to museum un-ticketed Free entry to the museum and un-ticketed Single Membership (1the Adult or Child) and • Temporary exhibitions o £10events • Conference and event facilities for a year events for year+ 4 children) o £15 Family Membership (2aAdults • Themed family event dayso 10% off • Locomotion No.1, built by railway gifts in the museum shop event and activities updates byby e-mail Receive event and activities updates e-mail • Ken Hoole Study Centre o oReceive pioneer George Stephenson
o o£10£10 Single Membership (1 Adult oror Child) Single Membership (1 Adult Child) head of steam
o for Family Membership (2 Adults + 4+children) o£15everyone! £15 Family Membership (2 Adults 4 children) There really is something Darlington Railway Museum o o10% off gifts in in the museum shop 10% off gifts the museum shop
Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum, North Road Station, Darlington DL3 6ST. Tel: 01325 405060 Email: headofsteam@darlington.gov.uk Website: www.head-of-steam.co.uk
head headof ofsteam steam
Darlington DarlingtonRailway RailwayMuseum Museum
CALLING GROUP ORGANISERS! Dedicated Groups Team Free Places (1 in 30 & 2 in 40)
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Christmas Markets
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omegabreaks.com justgoholidays.com
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Call our experienced friendly groups team today for more information, or just for a chat Omega Holidays and Just Go! Holidays are part of the JG Travel Group. All holidays are subject to our terms and conditions which can be viewed at either www.justgoholidays.com or www.omegabreaks.com. All holidays offered are subject to availability and prices to fluctuation. Errors & omissions excepted. All prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single supplements apply.
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The Vale of Rheidol Railway runs from the coast to the Cambrian Mountains
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Snowdonia
The great
escape
Jonathan Taylor re-lives the golden age of steam on a trip to North Wales with HF Holidays
I
’M A BIG fan of Snowdonia and the beautiful
THE ULTIMATE ALL-INCLUSIVE
wild mountain walking it provides. So when
The week was based on visiting a full range
my partner Sarah and I had the chance
of North Wales steam and funicular railways.
to take a trip with HF Holidays to their
We’re not full-scale rail enthusiasts, but are old
Dolserau Hotel near Dolgellau (formerly in
enough to have fond memories of the steam
old Merionethshire, now part of Gwynedd)
railway era. However, those memories are
we cleared some diary space and booked in
tarnished by the Beeching rail line cuts of the
for three nights and days of what is normally
1960s and the removal of steam engines from
a seven-day holiday. It was a package of full
the mainline rail network, managed and run at
board accommodation and day trips on a
the time under state control by British Rail.
selection of the local heritage steam railways.
So many lovely branch lines wandering
With the sat-nav set to avoid motorways
through wonderful scenery were lost
and take the smaller roads – annoying these
as a result of those cuts because they
days how you often have to force sat-navs
were considered uneconomic. Luckily,
to find routes on minor roads – we gave
many (especially in North Wales) have
ourselves most of a day to meander up to
been brought back to life by determined,
Dolgellau from Wiltshire. The sunny spring
dedicated volunteers, supported
weather made the journey a real pleasure,
by generous public donations.
with fantastic scenery all the way up the
It’s true to say that you’re spoilt for
Wye Valley. An extremely good lunch stop
choice when it comes to enjoying the triple
at the Crown Inn just outside Abergavenny,
hits of British engineering, romantic steam
in Pantygelli, set us up for the magnificent
railways and stunning mountain landscape.
drive up through the heart of Wales.
Our week included 11 rail journeys and,
Arrival at Dolserau was a good
apart from some special private access
experience – we were ushered straight in
viewings and trips, we noticed people of
for a complimentary cream tea and taken
all ages enjoying stream-driven days out.
to our room in the Coach House. Our
The HF holiday was fully inclusive of all
holiday leader, Sandy, gave a short talk
coach travel to, from and between rail trips, as
before our three-course dinner so that
were all the tickets. So all we had to do was
everything was clear for the days ahead.
sit back and enjoy the holiday. It’s impossible to pick out highlights as each rail trip was so different – but if steam railways interest
HF Holidays’ Dolserau Hotel
you, this holiday is highly recommended.
FULL STEAM AHEAD To give a flavour of the holiday, here are my notes from one of the days. We set off from Dolserau in a coach supplied by Lloyds Coaches and driven by an obviously experienced driver through the mountains at the southern end of the Snowdonia National SARAH DAY
JOHN JONES
Park. An hour later we arrived at Aberystwyth, which, as you probably know, is a fine university town on the mid-Wales coast. WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Snowdonia
HF Holidays is the UK’s only
SARAH DAY
The HF experience
Fantastic views of the North Wales countryside are guaranteed
member-owned co-operative 12 miles from Aberystwyth up to Devil’s
organisation providing outdoor activity
(the longest electric funicular in the UK)
Bridge with several stops along the way. At
holidays for all age groups. It owns and
to make the most of the views from the
Devil’s Bridge there are a range of attractions,
manages many properties that also
top and visit the Victorian camera obscura,
including the gorge and waterfalls as the
accept non-members. Membership starts
restored in 1988.
Afon Mynach River reaches the edge of its
at a £100 one-off fee, which entitles
Back at sea level we walked along the
hanging valley and its waters plunge down
the member to 100 interest-bearing
seafront to the mid-point outcrop, which is
to the Afon Rheidol River valley 300 feet
shares and various benefits. Go to their
occupied by the ruins of Aberystwyth Castle.
below. The whole ride up and down the Vale
website at www.hfholidays.co.uk/
We had a lovely packed lunch (that was
of Rheidol is truly stunning for scenery and
our-community/membership for full
provided) sitting in the castle grounds in the
wildlife, and takes one hour in each direction.
details. HF has 38,000 members, is well
We all took the ride up the funicular railway
sun, looking out to sea, and then meandered
FANTASTIC SERVICE
through the town and back to the coach.
organised, and sends full details of the holiday in advance.
The second stop of the day was to enjoy
Each of the other days on the Steam Railways
the steam railway from Aberystwyth up the
of North Wales HF Holiday had a well thought
Vale of Rheidol. This was the last British
through variety of trips and activities – all
helpful General Manager at Dolserau told us
Rail-owned steam line that was snapped
helped by Sandy’s knowledgeable leadership
that it consistently gets the highest ratings
up when BR sold it in 1989 and had no
(she’s a retired geologist).
for accommodation from HF members,
interruption to its service. It runs for just under
As for Dolserau itself, built in 1860, it has fine Victorian features, 24 spacious rooms
Aberystwyth’s funicular railway
but it will continue to be upgraded. Most of the group we joined were long-
and is set in its own grounds just outside
term HF Holidays members and were happily
Dolgellau with views of the surrounding
booked up well ahead with similar holidays
Snowdonia National Park. It’s two miles from
throughout the year, so HF are definitely
the foot of Cadair Idris, the most southerly
providing value for money and enjoyable,
peak of Snowdonia (2,930 feet high).
friendly experience at their properties.
Under HF Holidays’ ownership some
Dolserau is set up to cater for groups
SARAH DAY
improvements have been made, and further
and adjusts meal times to suit varying
work is planned to bring all the rooms up
itinerary needs. Our lasting memories
to full 21st century standard. However,
are of a well-located, comfortable base
everyone we spoke to was more than happy
and a well-chosen, varied and well-led
with their accommodation and the quality of
collection of wonderful days enjoying
the food in the restaurant. I would rate the
walking, history, geology and nostalgia on
hotel at a three-star standard. Gemma, the
the steam railways of North Wales.
GTW
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Living wonder Brimming with horticulture, science and royal heritage
Contact us for special group rates kew.org/groups 020 8332 5648
SAVE UP TO
£150 off brochure prices
PLUS
FREE PLACES
*
Amazing savings for groups of 10 or more†
discover MORE WITH FRIENDS
With more than 100 years’ experience providing sociable walking and activity holidays we’re the perfect choice for exploring the UK, Europe and the World. Knowledgeable leaders, delicious food and a choice of 18 UK country houses in areas of outstanding natural beauty give you an unforgettable holiday. For those travelling further afield we carefully select our partner hotels to ensure you have the best base for your holiday, providing an authentic taste of your chosen destination. ORDER YOUR BROCHURE TODAY
hfholidays.co.uk/groups 0345 470 7557
*Terms apply. Savings off 7 night holidays, if group numbers drop below 10 your price may change. Details correct at the time of going to print (12.17). Non-member associate fee of £10pp may apply. Offers and discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, are subject to availability and can be withdrawn at anytime. Visit our website for full terms & conditions. † European and Worldwide groups savings start at 8 or more.
HP Template.indd 51
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Back to the future Right now, the cruise industry is receiving a digital makeover, and expert Debbie Stevens of The Cruise Line is here to explain how this will affect our future holidays WI-FI-BY-THE-SEA
time. Now, it’s gradually found its way onto
As with many fixtures of hospitality, from
cruise ships. However, it may as well not be
hotels to buses and trains, the offer of free
there unless it’s high-speed, free and widely
wi-fi has been top of the list for a long
accessible, which is why faster wi-fi in every
MEET OUR EXPERT DEBBIE STEVENS
oversees the sales team and assists with co-ordinating The Cruise Line’s marketing strategy. She’s had more than 20 years’ travel experience with various responsibilities, and has sailed with the Windstar, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Hapag-Lloyd among others. For more information on The Cruise Line see www.cruiseline.co.uk
52 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Cruise holidays
Today’s cruise ships are becoming ever-more high tech
place imaginable is a high priority for cruise
arrangements to be made more efficiently
meaning your wallet needn’t leave your cabin,
lines. The average traveller brings on board a
and securely. This ‘tokenisation’ is leading the
it helps to reduce the clutter of any day bags
multitude of smart devices, and there’s huge
way as the figurehead of the cruise industry’s
you carry around with you.
demand for content streaming on the go.
technological overhaul.
A TOKEN EFFORT
TOUCHSCREEN SELF-SERVICE
Cabin keys, boarding passes and other travel
Don’t be fooled by the term ‘self-service’ on
behind in the smart revolution. The ‘smart’
documents are currently being phased out
cruise liners – it detracts nothing from the
prefix basically lets people know that they are
in favour of more convenient digital tokens,
luxury service you’ll receive on board. However,
dealing with a phone, or a kitchen, or even a
or ‘medallion keys’, which are loaded with
it keeps up the technological format that
ship, that is technologically advanced and able
customers’ details and can be used to place
guests now demand, and offers freedom and
to perform an array of mind-blowing functions.
orders, schedule excursions and manage tips,
convenience. Touchscreen self-service points
The most tech-savvy modern travellers will be
all in real time. They also act as room keys.
are becoming widespread for everything from
looking for a smartship experience that raises
They take a huge amount of hassle out of
ordering poolside cocktails to photo souvenirs,
the bar, and the cruise industry is scurrying
everyday life on a cruise ship, and allow for
and with the likes of the medallion keys
to make it happen.
THE RISE OF ‘SMARTSHIPS’ Cruise ships are determined not to be left
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Come and discover Wiltshire’s hidden treasure www.corsham.gov.uk/visit
History, heritage, arts and crafts, great places to eat and drink and lots of independent shops – plus Poldark was filmed here too.
IMAGE CREDIT: MAMMOTH MEDIA
Just 8 miles from Bath on the A4, 4 miles from the M4 (J17), or 3 miles from Chippenham Station.
Christmas Lunch with a difference Cast off and wind down with a Blue Funnel festively themed lunch cruise Cruising along Southampton’s scenic waterways relaxwith great company and a superb Christmas meal while enjoying fabulous views of the Port and cruise ships when in dock.
Price from
£22.95pp Available througho ut Novemb er & Decemb er.
Commentary will be offered on points of interest while pleasant background music will be played for the duration of the cruise.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL OUR CRUISES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR CALL
02380 223278
HP Template.indd 54
www.bluefunnel.co.uk
10/05/2018 11:56
Cruise holidays
As ‘wellness’ cruises grow in popularity, we explore the holidays that offer sun, sea and spa treatments
Travel the world and arrive fit, relaxed and glowing on a wellness cruise
PIXABAY
And relax...
with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. For those who prefer the sauna to the weights room, MSC Cruises also offers an ‘Aurea Experience’, which incorporates a massage, special tanning shower, a private wellness consultation and free access to the ship’s
A
MAWATERWAYS HAS LAUNCHED
FEEL REVIVED
its brand new Wellness Programme,
Thermal Area throughout the cruise.
MSC Cruises offers an onboard ‘wellness
UNWIND IN STYLE
which combines the leisurely pace river
experience’, which was launched last year and
The wellness continues even as you hit the
cruising is renowned for with an onboard
developed in partnership with Technogym.
pillow with Princess Cruises. The line has
‘wellness host’, as well as a variety of
This offers holidaymakers the chance to have
partnered with sleep expert Dr Michael Breus
exercise classes, including yoga, and a
their health and fitness assessed and a fitness
and design expert Candice Olson to develop a
series of inspiring onboard talks centred on
program devised to suit them.
new Princess Luxury Bed, which will be found
healthy eating and relaxation techniques.
ALL AT SEA Azamara Cruise ships each boast a ‘destination
Special active shore excursions can also be arranged, and the ships are fitted out
in every stateroom across the fleet from 2019. Developed by the manufacturer of some of the world’s most comfortable hotel beds, these will incorporate a plush two-
spa’, incorporating spa-themed cabins and a
With thanks...
range of pampering treatments, facials and
...to the team at Planet Cruise for their
medium firm mattress, individually wrapped
acupuncture sessions, all administered by
help with this feature. Find out more about
coils for less partner disturbance, and luxurious
some of the finest therapists at sea. Qualified
their holidays on board all of the cruise
Jacquard-woven cotton linens. This, combined
personal trainers can also be found on board,
lines featured here at www.planetcruise.com
with the gentle rocking of the ship, aims to
alongside state-of-the-art sports equipment
or call 0808 278 8504.
ensure holidaymakers can wake up each
and a choice of healthy menus.
inch thick pillow top, a nine-inch single sided
morning revitalised for the day ahead.
GTW
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Ferry travel Sail from Portsmouth (seen here), Poole and Plymouth to France and Spain with Brittany Ferries
Make waves
By foot, by car or by bike, ferry travel’s easy, convenient and quick. Here’s our guide to the most popular routes – and why they’re great news for groups and families TO THE CONTINENT Brittany Ferries sail from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth to France and Spain, with
isn’t the Continent but anyway...). Expect smart lounges, bars, duty-paid shopping, a commission-free bureau de change
direct ferry travel and mini cruises on offer.
as well as coffee shops and restaurants.
There are discounted rates for groups, with
See www.poferries.com/en/groups
For more on DFDS turn to our special interview on page 96
savings on fares as well as meals. Look out too for offers on mini two-night cruises. See www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/group-travel
Stena Line operates services to Holland and Ireland, and has a day trip and hotel booking service too. As an added bonus you
P&O Ferries has a huge choice of routes,
can arrive at one port and leave from another.
and offers the most frequent tourist service
Plus groups travelling by car or motorbike
to the Continent, sailing to Belgium, France,
(a minimum of five) get a discount.
the Netherlands (and Ireland, which we know
See www.stenaline.co.uk
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GATEWAY TO EUROPE Take a group on any of our daily, overnight sailings between Newcastle and IJmuiden, near Amsterdam, for a convenient starting point for a trip to Europe. DFDS offer great-value deals for groups. • Mini Cruise - 1 in 10 go free FROM
•
£32pp Travel with your coach & no charge for your coach or driver FROM
•
£20pp* Meal packages FROM
£27pp**
pp
NEWCASTLE-AMSTERDAM DFDS.CO.UK/GROUPS Prices subject to availability. T&Cs & credit card charges apply. *Min 20 persons. **Inc 1 buffet breakfast & 1 buffet dinner.
FP Template.indd 57 2175 - Group Ad.indd 1
10/05/2018 11:26 20/12/2017 09:15
Ferry travel on certain sailings to and from the island. See www.wightlink.co.uk
TO THE SCOTTISH ISLES Northlink ferries sail to the Scottish Islands with a range of services for groups. Sailings can be combined in a package deal – options include a mini cruise to Shetland and Orkney, with guided tours of key landmarks as well as a visit to Highland Park, the UK’s most northerly distillery. See www.northlinkferries.co.uk CalMac ferries sail to a number of destinations across the west coast of VISIT ENGLAND
Scotland. A dedicated travel trade department will help you plan and book group tours if there’s more than 12 of you, and there are a range of hospitality options. See
SAIL THE MERSEY
www.calmac.co.uk/on-board/groups
Take a trip on the famous ferry ’cross the
an insight into life on board a genuine
Mersey, with a 50-minute River Explorer
Second World War German U-boat at
Cruise offering views of Liverpool’s skyline.
Woodside Ferry Terminal. Alternatively,
Irish Ferries provide services between the
The trip has the bonus of free entry into
head off on a 35-mile Manchester Ship
UK and Ireland, and run the only fast ferry on
the U-boat Story, where groups can gain
Canal Cruise. See merseyferries.co.uk
the Irish Sea. There are special arrangements
TO IRELAND
for groups travelling by coach, especially on the line’s flagship Ulysses. These include group meals, as well as support from trained staff for DFDS has 30 ferry routes into countries
the UK (Poole) to Guernsey, Jersey and
older and less mobile passengers. Irish Ferries offer discounts for groups
including France, Belgium, Germany,
France, with an up-to 20 per cent discount
Scandinavia, Lithuania and Poland. Groups of
on all services for 10 or more people on foot.
on ferry travel and accommodation in
10 or more can enjoy an exclusive ‘Party at
See www.condorferries.co.uk
Ireland, with prices from £15 per person (one way). See www.IrishFerries.com
Sea’ package, with two nights on board and up to five hours exploring Amsterdam. See www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/party
For a closer isle, explore all the magnificent Isle of Wight has to offer thanks to
Shannon Ferries link Kerry with County
Wightlink, which operates eight ferries on
Clare in Ireland, operating two roll-on,
three routes across the Solent from Hampshire
roll-off ferries 364 days a year, taking
to the Isle of Wight. Discounts are available for
travellers and their vehicles on a 20-minute
Isles-style, just a few hours after leaving port
groups of 10 or more foot passengers, and 15
journey across the Shannon estuary. See
on the south coast? Condor Ferries connects
or more cars can benefit from discounted rates
www.shannonferries.com
TO THE CHANNEL ISLES Fancy an afternoon on the beach, Channel
GTW
VISIT BRITAIN
Explore the glorious Channel Isles by ferry – here’s Mont Orgueil Castle in Jersey
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Entertainment
Your dedicated, responsive and friendly team for all your West End Theatre bookings. Call the award-winning team now!
Freephone 0800 049 8309 reservations@groupsdirect.co.uk www.groupsdirect.co.uk 057_GTW_Mar17_Theatre_Cover.indd 57 FP Template.indd 51 051_GTW_JULY'17.indd 51 FP FP Template.indd Template.indd 59 19
23/02/2017 09:10 02/11/2017 12:11 30/06/2017 17:33 11/05/2018 06/02/2018 11:40 09:28
Author Riaz Khan
Gilbert and Sullivan Festival returns For 25 years the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival has attracted a worldwide audience to its annual ‘jamboree’, and this silver anniversary year is no exception. Almost 100 Canadian performers and supporters are flying from British Columbia to Harrogate with a performance of The Gondoliers, and America’s oldest G&S Society, the Savoy Company from Philadelphia, are returning to Harrogate with a performance of Iolanthe. The festival opens in the Royal Hall, Harrogate on August 8 until August 27. For more information call the box office on 01422 323252 or see www.gsfestivals.org
Catch Dusty on tour Further casting has been announced for Dusty, the new musical celebrating the life of Dusty Springfield, which has its world premiere at Theatre Royal Bath in June before dates at The Lyceum in Sheffield, Newcastle Theatre Royal and The Lowry in Salford.
WORLD PREMIERE
Joining Katherine Kingsley in the title
Back to the
role will be actor, comedian and presenter Rufus Hound as her manager Billings and
’80s
Roberta Taylor as her mother Kay. Visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk, www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk, www.theatreroyal.co.uk and www.thelowry.com for full tour dates. Katherine Kingsley as Dusty
an Asian Football Casual is coming to Leicester this autumn. Set to run from September 26 to
DOMINIC NICHOLLS
The Made at Curve production of Memoirs of
October 6, the production has been adapted for the stage by Curve associate artist Dougal Irvine from the 2012 book by Riaz Khan. Set in the 1980s, Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual tells Riaz’s colourful account of growing up as the son of strict Pakistani parents in the multi-cultural city of Leicester. He finds refuge from the pressures at home
price of belonging to a subculture of violence. “In our 10th birthday year, we’re delighted
to stay true to his cultural roots when he
to be producing this incredible new play,
becomes involved in the football ‘casual’
which places our city and heritage centre
culture, and joins Leicester’s infamous firm
stage,” say Curve’s Chief Executive Chris
of football hooligans, the ‘Baby Squad’.
Stafford and Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster.
Decked out in the latest designer gear
“Leicester is renowned for its wonderful
and ready for a brawl with the rival firm on
multi-culturalism and of course, its record-
match day, Riaz and his friends unwittingly
breaking football team. Riaz’s story offers
create a multi-cultural gang advocating racial
a spirited and unique insight into a niche
tolerance, where the only labels that matter
slice of Leicester life in the 1980s.”
are on the clothes. But as the years go by, and
Buy tickets at www.curveonline.co.uk,
the casualties of football firms around the
in person at Curve’s ticket office or by calling
country mount, Riaz soon discovers the true
0116 242 3595.
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07/05/2018 21:34
Theatre news All in the imagination
Art on the beach
Here today, gone tomorrow. Everything in this world – its people and animals, its landscape, even the rocks themselves, are impermanent things. Sometimes the changes are slow, taking millennia, and sometimes things move quickly. But everything, everywhere is moving and changing, all the time... This notion of transience is the key theme of a new work by artists Mandy Dike and Ben Rigby, who are collectively known as And Now: Wayfaring, which NICK READ
comes to the Norfolk and Norwich Festival from May 21 to 26. This outdoor event combines installation with live performance and music – but
with, not against, the environment; and a use
FIND OUT MORE...
is a very different sort of experience
of elements, such as fire effects and acoustic
The Norfolk & Norwich Festival takes place
to the usual outdoor arts show.
music, to create gentle animations of the
on the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea, from
space rather than overwhelming the natural
May 21 to 26. From Monday to Friday,
out electronic music, no firework finalé,
environment. In Wayfaring, the audience
And Now: will be working on the beach
no big theatrical sets that have to be
plays an active part in the show – walking,
during daylight hours to set up the installation.
brought on-site in large trucks. Instead,
looking, listening, singing, and moving in
The live performance event takes place on
there will be structures made from the
gentle choreographies from one part of the
Friday and Saturday from 8pm to 10pm. See
wood and other materials that are available
site to another, as a part of a group that
nnfestival.org.uk/whats-on/wayfaring/
on site, the artist and performers working
takes on some of a sense of a pilgrimage.
– As told to Dorothy Max Prior
You’ll find no large PA system booming
A play within a play
The Jungle comes to the Playhouse Theatre next month
The Original Theatre Company and York Theatre Royal will present the first ever revival of Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art this summer, starring Matthew Kelly (pictured here). The tour begins on August 30 at York Theatre Royal, with the play exploring friendship, rivalry and heartache, as well as the joy, pain and emotional cost of creativity. It’s centered on a fictional meeting between poet W H Auden and composer Benjamin Britten,
DAVID SANDISON
and Bennett wrote it as a play within a play. For full tour dates see www.originaltheatre.com
It’s a Jungle out there Following a sold-out run at the Young Vic,
views over the performance space, which will extend out over the stalls. The Jungle tells stories of loss, fear,
The Jungle will come to the Playhouse
community and hope – of the Calais camp’s
Theatre from June 16. The theatre will
creation, and its eventual destruction. The
undergo a transformation for the play, as
majority of the original cast will transfer
the auditorium stalls are reconfigured to
with the production, including actors from
house Miriam Buether’s set design as seen at
refugee backgrounds. Official charity
the Young Vic, where audiences were invited
partner, Help Refugees, will be supported
to sit at the benches and tables of the Afghan
by the production, with fundraising taking
café in the Calais camp. The Dress Circle
place at the venue throughout its run.
will be renamed Cliffs of Dover and allow
See www.nationaltheatre.org.uk WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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A satirical rip-roarer, Book of Mormon takes a wry look at American life and religion
Just have
faith! From the makers of South Park comes Book of Mormon – a play that’s irreverent but hilarious, says GTW’s Jemma Keegan
two young American, Mormon missionaries who travel to Uganda to spread the word about the Mormon religion. One bright and ambitious, his sidekick is somewhat less devout, but both are hilariously naïve. Once they arrive in Uganda, hilarity ensues
B
as they meet the many characters within OOK OF MORMON is a satirical rip-
I jumped at the chance to see the musical
roarer of a musical from the creative,
for the second time, after a group of friends
missionaries: a sweet, but ineffectual group
comedy minds behind the TV programme
invited me along on a 40th birthday trip. I
of young men who have singularly failed
South Park and the score for cutting-edge
had spent my first viewing, with my sister-
to convert a single villager to their faith.
musical Avenue Q. It has been running in the
in-law, crying with laughter, so welcomed
West End since 2013, having stormed its
the opportunity to enjoy the jokes and the
TRIUMPH AGAINST ADVERSITY
Broadway debut in 2011, and has since won
fantastically catchy music for a second time.
Satirising Mormonism, the religion of the
nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Book of Mormon is the simple story of
the local community and the other team
Latter-day Saint movement, founded in New
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Theatre review
The musical is very uplifting and concludes in a way which, in fact, celebrates all that is good about organised religion
JOHAN PERSSON
See the show at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre, just off Piccadilly Circus, see www.bookofmormon london.com
As can be gleaned by the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has advertised its actual Book of Mormon within the musical’s programme, stating:
York in the 1820s, the musical is irreverent
musical tunes, leading some critics to
“You’ve seen the play, now read the book!”
and, at times, ribald. Described by one of
suggest Book of Mormon is actually
the musical is ultimately very uplifting, and
its creators Trey Parker as “Unconventional
a satire on musicals themselves.
concludes in a way which, in fact, celebrates
material for a musical”, it nonetheless works,
I defy anyone to watch the show and not
partnering catchy show tunes with a classic
come out humming along to a favourite tune,
all that is good about organised religion.
musical tale of triumph against adversity.
which is ultimately the purpose of a musical
surprise tickets for your pious or zealous
The score is upbeat and quite rocky,
While I would advise caution in buying
I always think. Most of my friends who have
friend, I’d strongly recommend this musical
with its ‘You and Me (but Mostly Me)’,
seen it have downloaded the soundtrack
to anyone who is happy to take a wry
‘Spooky Mormon Hell Dream’ and ‘Turn
straight away, and just make sure not to
look at American life and religion, and
it Off’, reminiscent of other classic
listen to it when their children are about!
come out laughing uproariously.
GTW
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Hit show Kinky Boots is playing at the Adelphi Theatre
Theatre LONDON
MATT CROCKET
YOUR TRIP TO THE WEST END STARTS HERE – VISIT OUR SITE GROUPTRAVELOFFERS.COM FOR THE BEST TICKET PRICES ALADDIN Prince Edward Theatre
Booking to: November 2018 Times: Weds & Sat Part One
Thurs & Sat 15:00
Booking to: July 2018
14.00 & Part Two 19:30; Thurs
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Part One 19:30; Fri Part Two
MATILDA – THE MUSICAL
Thurs & Sat 14:30
19:30; Sun Part One 13.00,
Cambridge Theatre
Part Two 18:30
Booking to: February 2019
THE BOOK OF MORMON Prince of Wales Theatre
KINKY BOOTS
New London Theatre Booking to: January 2019
Weds & Sat 14:30
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL
Weds & Sat 14:30
Shaftesbury Theatre
Booking to: July 2018
Booking to: October 2018
Times: Tues-Sat 19:30; Sat
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
14:30; Sun 15.00 & 19.00
Weds & Sat 14:30
DREAMGIRLS
THE LION KING
Weds & Sat 14:30
Sun 15:00
Booking to: September 2018
Criterion Theatre
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
SCHOOL OF ROCK
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30,
Queen’s Theatre
Booking to: December 2018
19:30; Weds & Sat 14:30hrs,
Adelphi Theatre
LES MISÉRABLES
Theatre Royal
Times: Tues 19:00; Weds-Sat
Booking to: July 2018
THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY
42ND STREET
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30, Thurs & Sat 14:30; Sun 15:00
Booking to: January 2019
THRILLER LIVE
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Lyric Theatre
Thurs & Sat: 15:00
Booking to: September 2018
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Times: Tues-Fri 19:30; Sat 16:00 & 20.00; Sun 15:30 & 19:30
Her Majesty’s Theatre
WICKED
Booking to: July 2018
Apollo Victoria
Lyceum Theatre
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Booking to: May 2019
Booking to: July 2018
Booking to: July 2018
Thurs & Sat 14:30
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Times: Tues-Sat 19:30,
Weds & Sat 14:30
Weds, Sat & Sun 14:30
HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD (parts 1 & 2)
MAMMA MIA!
Palace Theatre
Savoy Theatre
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
Weds & Sat 14:30
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Duchess Theatre
Fortune Theatre
Novello Theatre
Booking to: September 2018
Booking to: January 2019
Booking to: October 2018
Times: Tue-Sat 19:30; Sat
Times: Mon-Sat 20:00;
Times: Mon-Sat 19:45;
14:30; Sun 15:00 & 19:00
Tues & Thurs 15:00; Sat 16.00
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Touring theatre THE UK’S BEST MUSICALS AND SHOWS HAVE HIT THE ROAD. CATCH THEM ON TOUR HERE... For cut-price tickets to theatre shows see grouptraveloffers. com
Hairspray is on tour
HAIRSPRAY Canterbury Marlowe Theatre: May 8-12 Southend Cliffs Pavilion: May 14-19
Liverpool Empire: June 12-24 Canterbury Marlowe Theatre: July 11-22
Wycombe Swan: May 21-26
Milton Keynes Theatre: July 25 - August 5
Cheltenham Everyman Theatre: May 29 - June 3
Bristol Hippodrome: August 8-19
Stoke Regent Theatre: June 12-16 Oxford New Theatre: June 18-23 Theatre Royal Newcastle: June 25-30
Llandudno Venue Cymru: August 21 - September 2 Leeds Grand Theatre: December 18 - January 6, 2019
THE BAND
Glasgow King’s Theatre: June 26 - July 7
Norwich Theatre Royal: August 15 - September 15
Edinburgh Playhouse: July 10 - July 14
A MIDSUMMER’S NIGHT’S DREAM
MISS SAIGON
Nuffield Southampton Theatres: May 1-5
Manchester Palace Theatre: Until May 12
Exeter Northcott Theatre: May 8-12 Oxford Playhouse: May 15-19
Bristol Hippodrome: May 16 - June 23
Cast Doncaster : May 22-26 Cambridge Arts Theatre: June 5-9
Plymouth Theatre Royal: July 4 - August 4
Shrek on tour
This month sees the cast of Shrek the Musical continue their
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Birmingham Hippodrome: May 1-12
Stoke Regent Theatre: May 2-13
Plymouth Theatre Royal: May 15-26
Gardens, before heading
Blackpool Winter Gardens: May 15-27
Northampton Royal & Derngate: May 29 - June 9
Theatre (see left for
Woking New Victoria Theatre: May 30 - June 10
Nottingham Theatre Royal: June 12-23
full details see www.
UK tour, with performances at the Regent Theatre in Stoke and Blackpool Winter to Woking’s New Victoria dates). The tour runs until the end of the year – for shrekthemusical.co.uk
The cast of Shrek
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GREAT YARMOUTH Perfect for short breaks & day visits
Contact us today on 01493 846 346 or visit great-yarmouth.co.uk
Where the sea meets the broads, Norfolk’s premier seaside resort will keep your group entertained, with excellent group rates at seafront and countryside attractions.
Enjoy
Shopping
Heritage
Food
Seaside
From theme parks to the model village, bowling alley, racing, bingo, casinos, zoos and a Sea Life Centre, great group rates are available all over the borough.
The busy market place is surrounded with all the usual high street chains as well as lots of different independent shops unique to Great Yarmouth.
Discover maritime history at the awardwinning Time & Tide, English heritage’s Row Houses, the National Trust’s Elizabethan House, and the Nelson Museum.
Sea air makes you hungry and food always tastes better on the coast. Locally caught smoked kippers, cream teas, and local seafood are always on the menu.
The Greater Yarmouth coastline has fifteen miles of clean, wide, soft, sandy beach, perfect for sea views and settling down in a deckchair to enjoy the Norfolk sunshine.
The Perfect touring base for Norfolk and Suffolk. Great Yarmouth is the ideal touring base for your coach holiday. Norwich, North Norfolk, the Broads and Suffolk all within easy driving distance.
North Norfolk Follow the coast road to north Norfolk for stunning views stately homes, big skies and big beaches, a myriad of quiet country lanes, traditional market towns and countryside villages.
Norwich Just 45 minutes drive, this medieval city has a Norman castle and two cathedrals, excellent shopping and great al fresco dining, perfect for day trips inland from the coast.
The Broads Just inland from Great Yarmouth, charter a paddle steamer, pleasure craft or doubledecker passenger boat and discover the Broads National Park.
Suffolk Coast For fantastic country houses, maritime museums, charming seaside towns and the southern Broads, travel down winding country lanes south into Suffolk.
Great Yarmouth
Visit great-yarmouth.co.uk/ group-travel or contact us via telephone 01493 846346
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DAYS OUT FOR FAMILIES
SIXbest of the
Bring out your inner child and spend the summer fighting, exploring and escaping
1 Fighting talk
Arrows at the ready at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre The site of one of the country’s most famous battles, which resulted in Henry Tudor winning the English crown from Richard III, visitors to this Leicestershire attraction can meet costumed characters and see real life artefacts as they interpret one of the biggest events in our history – the Wars of the Roses. RAGLEY HALL
Its sister site is the 1620s House & Garden at Donington Le Heath, where you can learn more about the gunpowder plot. See www.bosworth
Ragley Hall, Park & Gardens
battlefield.org.uk and www.doningtonleheath. org.uk – and turn to page 92 for more
M A G A Z I N E
WINNER
House tours, head gardener talks and afternoon tea are all on offer for families visiting this 300-year-old Grade I listed mansion in Warwickshire. Throughout the year it’s home to country fairs and special events. See www.ragley.co.uk
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Days out
2 Life is grand
Learn, see, play and eat at Penshurst Place & Gardens
Travel through history, tour the medieval house
away from the M25 in Kent, and as well as the
and gardens, enjoy the adventure playground
historical home (the Baron’s Hall looks much as it
and dine in the grounds... Kent’s grand attraction
did back in the 14th century) families can enjoy
has lots to keep families entertained. The house,
the toy museum, woodland trail and summertime
and its Elizabethan gardens, are just 10 minutes
maize maze. See www.penshurstplace.com
VISIT BRITAIN
Start saving now!
3 Bard times
Party like it’s the 1600s at Shakespeare’s Globe
For the best ticket deals to family-friendly museums, attractions and top London shows, click on www.grouptravel offers.com Take the study of our greatest playwright out of the classroom and bring it to life with a visit to a production at Shakespeare’s Globe on London’s South Bank. It’s a chance to see the performance as the original audiences might have experienced it, and you can continue the literary theme with a trip on Golden Tours’ Shakespeare’s London bus tour. Explore London life around Shakespearean times with the help of live character guides in full costume, who combine stories of the bard
VISIT BRITAIN/BRITAIN ON VIEW
and tales of the time alongside the sights, sounds and smells of the city. Learn about the treachery of the infamous gunpowder plot or feel the realistic lumps and bumps of a plague victim’s skin (maybe after lunch...). See www.shakespearesglobe.com and www.goldentours.com WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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GTW
Days out
4 Brick by brick
Get creative at Legoland Windsor Resort
Perfect for Lego-loving children, Legoland
set in 150 acres of parkland, make it a
Windsor Resort in Berkshire has Lego-themed
child’s paradise. They can fly through the
rides, models, building workshops, swimming
treetops to escape fearsome dragons,
pools and even a hotel (though this is made
ride the rapids with a Viking fleet or join
with conventional bricks). More than 55
Lego divers on an underwater adventure.
interactive rides, live shows and attractions,
See www.legoland.co.uk
5 Park life
Enjoy the rides, the railway and the park at Wicksteed With coach parking for up to 30 coaches, Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire is well geared up for large groups and families. The historic park has seen huge investment in recent years, with a host of new attractions, including a £3m lake restoration project. It’s also launched one of the UK’s tallest and longest zip wires – Rush – which has a top speed of 40mph and is as high as a six-storey building. The park has also announced its new line up of daytime shows. Twist and Shout,
The GR8 escape
Sing As We Go and the Christmas Variety Spectacular, which bring West End quality
GTW’s Sarah Ward tests her detective skills at GR8escape in York
entertainment to the heart of the park’s 147 acres. See www.wicksteedpark.org
There’s nothing quite like an escape room to make you realise how brainless you are – but oh, what a lot of fun! At GR8escape in York we were greeted by Jay-Jay Luckman, who talked us through the New York room we were
the hour would have turned into half a day!
about to enter and explained that we
Saying that, we missed out on completing
had to find a stolen diamond Bugsy
all the tasks in the room by just five minutes.
Bronxton had taken and hidden.
Annoyed doesn’t even come close to how
As the door shut and locked behind us we had an hour to complete each task (each one reveals a code to open a lock or
we felt – but it was great fun, and I’d strongly recommend an escape room to anyone. Teams of between two and six can play
6 Into the deep
Bring history’s more gruesome elements to life
a sign that symbolises where to head next).
(teams of six pay from £78), and the
Thankfully the rooms are equipped with a
minimum age is 10. Find out more about
TV screen where you’re given hints and tips
York’s first live escape room by calling 07897
The UK’s nationwide network of Dungeons
along the way. If it wasn’t for the TV, I think
122834 or visit www.gr8escapeyork.co.uk
take the art of story-telling to another level, and make for an entertaining group trip full of black humour and spooky tales. Based in
Bamburgh Castle
3 family must-sees...
London, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Warwick Castle
It’s one of the UK’s best-known and best-loved
■ The
special effects and a cast of actors to create
castles, and Northumberland’s Bamburgh
www.edenproject.com
a unique, walk-through experience visitors
Castle opens all year round to groups keen
■ The
can see, hear, touch, smell and feel, as each
to explore its ancient rooms, museum and
www.hop-skip-jump.com
location’s real life past is re-enacted.
grounds. See www.bamburghcastle.com
■ Beaulieu,
See www.thedungeons.com
Eden Project, Cornwall, World of Beatrix Potter, Cumbria, Hampshire, www.beaulieu.co.uk
and York, each Dungeon tour uses high-tech
GTW
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Prices From
£8.25 per child &
£10.85 lt per adu
• Special packages and group discounts • Heritage tour and afternoon tea • Self-service restaurant • Excellent disabled facilities • Free coach parking • Free preview visit
Book now on 0844 880 7667* Find out more at cadburyworld.co.uk Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR
*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
New Lanark Mills World Heritage Site
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Discover Scotland’s Hidden Past
New Lanark Mills World Heritage Site is a unique 18th century mill village sitting alongside the picturesque River Clyde less than one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Visitors can see recreated millworkers’ houses, historic working machinery and the nearby ‘Falls of Clyde’ waterfalls. On-site facilities include a Mill Café & Shops, Hotel and Hostel.
Contact Lynne Cooper, our Travel Trade Manager to discuss your group’s visit. 01555 667220 | lynne.cooper@newlanark.org | www.newlanark.org
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Days out Find out more at www.sealife.co.uk/ birmingham – and save a third off tickets at grouptraveloffers .com
Jellyfish Invaders reveals the secret life of these prehistoric marvels
The jellyfish are coming! Naomi MacKay enjoys the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham’s new Jellyfish Invaders exhibit
V
DIP BEHIND THE SCENES To find out more about the jellyfish life cycle, including the aquarium’s breeding programme, go on a behind the scenes tour, where you’ll discover another fascinating sea creature – the sea horse (13 different types are bred at the centre). Sharks and rays are also fascinating to
ISIT NATIONAL SEA Life Centre
watch, and there’s a large open tank where
Birmingham’s brand new Jellyfish Invaders
you can see them, as well as listen to a fascinating talk.
exhibit and you’re met with the kind of music
Fans of Mr Popper’s Penguins will be as
you get on relaxing music CDs, complete
excited as we were to see Gentoo penguins
with colour-change lights and moving images
in the flesh. Head to the underwater viewing
projected on the walls... All in all it makes for a mesmerising display as the jellyfish float, pulse and glide around their tanks.
Experience the UK’s only 360° tropical ocean tunnel
tanks to get some of the best views as these loveable birds dip, dive and glide beneath the water. Plus you can meet
“Jellyfish are older than dinosaurs, as it’s believed they first swam in our oceans
Rudd, who’s curator at the aquarium.
the inhabitants of the rock pool – led
some 500 million years ago,” says Jonny
“With more than 350 different species,
by a guide, we had a chance to stroke
there’s an awful lot to uncover.”
a starfish and tickle sea anemones.
There are five species on show, from the
But the highlight for us was undoubtedly
TO MAKE A DAY OF IT...
upside down jellyfish to the sea nettles from
the walk-through tunnel. It’s the UK’s only
Combine your visit with a trip to
the Indo Pacific, to the graceful moon jellyfish
360° tropical ocean tunnel and gives visitors
Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham,
that can be found in our own waters.
the chance to get up close and personal
an indoor playground for kids aged 3-10,
“Jellies are superbly adapted to plug the
with some giants of the underwater world,
or get a combined ticket to Warwick
gaps when other species decline, which is
including Molokai the giant green sea turtle
Castle. See grouptraveloffers.com
one reason why there have been such huge
and the bizarre-looking bowmouth guitar
for discounted tickets.
swarms appearing in recent years,” explains
shark. Groups of around 50 can even book a
Jonny. “Some scientists believe jellyfish are
sleepover in the tunnel – imagine waking up
even poised to take over the oceans one day.”
face to face with a shark in the morning!
GTW
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Castle Hill Gardens
INCREASE YOUR GROUP BOOKINGS AND VISITORS!
SOARING IMPOSING
Effective Fam Visits • Stunning historic 50 acre gardens • Refreshments and talks in the West Wing • Special group rates • Easy access from A361 Filleigh, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 ORQ 01598 760336 gardens@castlehill-devon.com www.castlehilldevon.co.uk
Showcase your venue to our readers and receive bookings on the day! PRINT ADVERTISING
ONLINE ADVERTISING
Ancient Castle, Contact the Group Travel World team today Stately Home & Gardens
01733 293 487
for more details, call 01903 882173 or visit www.arundelcastle.org
grouptravelworld.com/media
VISIT THE UK’S ONLY CROCODILE ZOO www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk Open daily 10am-5pm TALKS, FEEDS, ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AND MUCH MORE... Telephone: 01993 846353 Keeper Experiences - School Trips - Birthday Parties
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Burford Road, Brize Norton, Oxfordshire OX18 3NX
28/01/2016 11/05/2018 17:11 10:45
Days out
Stick your
NECK out... One of the gorgeous giraffes at Twycross Zoo – see below for how to win tickets to the attraction
Explore your wild side at the UK’s best zoos and safari parks
S
ET IN THE heart of England, Twycross
disease in gorillas, orang utans, chimpanzees
animatronics stalking the park all summer.
Zoo in Leicestershire is a conservation
and bonobos. This year sees the launch of
■ Pop-Up
charity that’s home to 500 animals from
Chimpanzee Eden, a state-of-art chimpanzee
January 6, 2019, with more than 100 hand-
more than 150 different species. As the
enclosure. The £3.5m facility will, for the first
painted pandas set to descend on the estate.
only place in the UK where visitors can see
time, see the zoo’s 18 chimpanzees living
Get me there: Find out more at
all four types of great apes, Twycross has
together in an immersive jungle-like habitat.
www.longleat.co.uk
one of the largest primate collections in
Get me there: Twycross Zoo is open to the
Europe and is leading the research into heart
public from 10am to 5pm, 364 days
MARWELL ZOO
a year. Call 0844 474 1777 or visit
Marwell Zoo in Hampshire is home to hundreds
www.twycrosszoo.org
of animals in its 140-acre park – and for little
See Twycross’ leopards
WIN!
LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK
Pandas, from this month until
monkeys who visit there are five adventure playgrounds to play in, between daily talks and
Longleat was the first stately home to open
animal feeds. There’s also a free road train to
its doors to the public back in 1949. Its
help you explore. Groups of 12 or more get
drive-through safari park wowed crowds
discounts in the shop, free coach parking,
when it opened back in 1966, and today
free driver entry and more.
the Wiltshire estate continues its pioneering
Get me there: Visit the website at
approach with a host of group-friendly
www.marwell.org.uk/zoo
events for 2018, including:
We’ve teamed up with Twycross Zoo to
■ The
give five readers the chance to win a family
Festival, from June 23-24.
pass. To enter, visit grouptravelworld.com/
■ The
competition before July 1, 2018.
exhibition, from
WOBURN SAFARI PARK
Longleat Food & Drink
With its drive-through safari, packs of big cats
Predators
now until September 3, 2018 – think killer
and herds of giraffe, zebras, elephants, bongos M A G A Z I N E
WINNER
and more, Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire has been keeping animal lovers entertained since the early 1970s.
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wmsp.co.uk
A NEW AGE IS HERE west Midland SAfari Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 1LF FP Template.indd 75
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Days out But whether your group are keen to
pay just £11 when you go as a group of 10
eat their sandwiches under the watchful
or more. Better yet, if you’re a student, revel
eye of a Barbary Macaque – the monkeys
in the discount of only £9.50 per person.
are notorious for clinging on to coach
With more than 250 primates, you can
and car windows – or come face to face
explore the grounds and gain an insight into
with an African lion, the park’s now as
the attraction’s fascinating work and the
famous for its conservation and breeding
stories behind the arrival of some of
projects as it is for its exotic residents.
its furry lodgers.
From its daily talks and demonstrations to its work with the European Endangered Species Program, Woburn strives to educate
Get me there: Visit www.monkeyworld.org
CROCODILES OF THE WORLD
visitors and plays a key role in a number of
Crocodiles. Lots of them.
conservation projects – working alongside
In Oxfordshire...
the world’s best-known zoos to help fund and contribute to scientific research. Get me there: Email contact groups@
M A G A Z I N E
WINNER
woburnsafari.co.uk, call 01525 290407 or visit www.woburnsafari.co.uk/
MONKEY WORLD At the heart of primate rescue and rehabilitation is Monkey World in Dorset. With reduced group rates,
Home to some of the world’s most endangered species, head to Worcestershire’s West Midland Safari Park and group admission
GTW award-winner,
gives you access to a four-mile, coach-friendly
Crocodiles of the World is
safari drive through, a lengthy discovery
the UK’s only crocodile zoo. Hugely popular with families, keeper experiences, special
It’s one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world, and Hull’s The Deep offers discounts for pre-booked parties of 10 or more. Visit www.thedeep.co.uk
WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK
We kid you not! Another
groups and school trips, it offers
group-visits
Watch your wiper blades on Woburn’s safari drive-through!
trail, the park’s Land of the Living Dinosaurs attraction, the African Village and Lemur Woods. And if that isn’t enough, you can pull up a chair for a range of daily shows and
animal encounters,
encounters. With up to 50% discount for
talks and more.
groups of 10 or more, you can add more
Get me there:
people up until the last minute at no extra cost.
Visit www.crocodiles
Get me there: Find out more at
oftheworld.co.uk
www.wmsp.co.uk
GTW
Woburn Safari Park has four Amur tigers
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GROUP TRAVEL
OFFERS London Eye
Starting from
£21.69
www.grouptraveloffers. com/product/london-eye
National Heritage Centre
Starting from
£6.35
www.grouptraveloffers. com/product/nhrm
RHS Flower Shows
Starting from
£11.50
www.grouptraveloffers.com/ product/rhs-flower-shows
GREAT FOR COACHES Surya Hotels
Starting from
£69
www.grouptraveloffers.com/ product-category/hotels
Warwick Castle
Starting from
£15
www.grouptraveloffers.com/ product/warwick-castle
Sea Life Centres
Starting from
£7.50
www.grouptraveloffers.com/ product/sea-life
If you would like to book any of these attractions please call Harley Denham on 01733 293 249 Visit www.grouptraveloffers.com to view our full range of offers! GTO FP Advert.indd 77
11/05/2018 12:22
GTW news VISIT BRITAIN
Get involved Steve Reed Tourism is inviting tour planners to explore some great tourist attractions for themselves at a series of free* hosted buyer events throughout 2018. Dates include: ■ June 25
– visit Gilbert White and the
Oates Collection. See the beautiful, and newly unveiled, facilities at this exciting attraction for groups that’s right in the heart of Hampshire. The visit includes several local attractions too. ■ September 23-25
– Southport
Hosted Buyer Showcase. ■ October 22 –
the Group Buyer Forum
(North and Midlands), in association with Group Travel World magazine, will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Join Steve and the GTW team at this fantastic attraction. ■ October 27-29
– Guildford and
Surrey Showcase at the Holiday Inn Guildford. * Terms and conditions apply – call Steve Reed Tourism for more on these and the other hosted buyer events on 01420 560288 or visit
Brooklands
here we come!
Groups of 15 or more get a discount at Brooklands – see www. brooklandsmuseum. com
The famous Brooklands Museum in Surrey was the host of Steve Reed Tourism’s recent Group Buyer Forum South, in association with Group Travel World magazine Brooklands Museum – the birthplace of British
a very good turnout of what we would
motorsport and aviation, and now the home
describe as quality group buyers,” says
of Concorde – was the setting for Steve Reed
Steve. “It was great to see so many
Tourism’s recent Group Buyer Forum South, in
tourism businesses, from all over the
association with Group Travel World magazine.
UK, talking group bookings with GTOs
The Surrey attraction, which is also home
www.stevereedtourism.co.uk
Steve (far left), with visitors to the event
and coach and tour operators.
to Mercedes-Benz World (pictured above),
“We’re very grateful for the support of
is hugely popular with groups and families,
the various tourism businesses who helped
and has been named as a finalist in the
make this group booking event a success
Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018 awards
– and particular thanks go to Brooklands
– winners will be announced in July.
Museum for providing a great venue, Surya
Steve’s Group Travel Forums put real buyers
Hotels for hosting some of the buyers,
directly in touch with sellers. “Despite the fact
and to French Brothers of Windsor for
the weather forecast was terrible, we still had
putting on one of their top cruises.”
GTW
The team from Bletchley Park were at the event – here’s Steve trying to crack the Enigma machine!
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Yarn Market Hotel Dunster
Exmoor National Park, TA24 6SF Tel: +44 (0) 1643 821425 E: hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk W: www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
Things to see and do:* * * * * * * * * *
Medieval village location in Exmoor National Park Dunster Castle & Gardens Famous landscaped gardens Restored steam railways The beautiful coastline of Exmoor National Park Exmoor villages and country inns full of character Exmoor ponies and wildlife Delightful moorland scenery South West Coast Path walk Pretty fishing villages and small harbours
We can provide:* * * * * *
28 ensuite rooms 2 restaurants and function room Assistance with group itineraries Special facilities for walkers, boot and drying room, map loan, walking routes and assistance with transport Cycle shed Packed lunches
See a video of Exmoor at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDhxiYqj-1o
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Bring your groups to London’s oldest botanic garden and unlock our remarkable stories and plant collection Reduced ticket price for groups of ten or more
Award winning cafĂŠ and garden shop open: Monday - Friday, Sundays 11am-6pm Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS groups@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 020 7352 5646 chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Group Travel 2.indd 1
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Days out
Plan your visit at www. palacehouse newmarket. co.uk
An odds-on favourite
Recognise this horse? He’s Kingsgate Native, winner of the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot – and he’s just one of the stars you’ll meet at Newmarket’s National Heritage Centre
H
AILED AS THE historic home of
century to the present day, with artwork by
horseracing, The National Heritage
George Stubbs among the treasures on show.
Centre at Palace House Newmarket has it all: royal ties, world-class
DON’T MISS...
horses, priceless art and history.
■ Daily
behind the scenes demonstrations in
Based at Charles II’s sporting palace
the Rothschild Yard every day at 11.30am
and stables, this five-acre site in the heart
and 2.30pm, where you can meet former
of Newmarket in Suffolk is a museum,
racehorses and find out how they’re retrained.
art and exhibition gallery, stables, restaurant
■ Temporary
and shop – all under the one roof.
the website for details.
Former racehorse Kingsgate Native, pictured here, is just one of the racing heroes who
■ The
The Rothschild Yard
exhibitions – visit
racehorse simulator in the King’s Yard
Galleries, where you can experience the thrill
take part in daily demonstrations in the Peter
of riding a race and dress up as a jockey.
O’Sullevan Arena at the Rothschild Yard.
■ The
Tack Room restaurant and bakery.
And visitors can also explore the National
■ The
chance to arrange a welcome talk
Horseracing Museum, which charts the history
or guided tour – again see the website
of the sport from its origins to the global
for details. Group organisers get free
industry it is today, as well as the Fred Packard
admission, there’s free coach parking as well
Galleries. Here, you’ll discover the finest
as a range of other benefits, and general
gallery of British sporting art from the 17th
admission is £12 (£11 for groups).
The King’s Yard
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S3191L Group Travel World ad 134x93 v11.qxp_Layout 1 10/04/2018 15:38 Pa
Discover
West Norfolk & Cambridgeshire from 3 Distinctive Hotels www.abacushotels.co.uk
Peterborough
King’s Lynn
Old Hunstanton
MEAL STOPS
Groups:
We can create a menu to suit your requirements.
10UP TO 50
We can offer different meal stop options from a carvery to a plated meal or simply fish and chips.
Sandringham
Sandringham House – with gracious permission of HM The Queen
Norfolk Lavender
WE CATER FOR GROUPS OF
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
www.nvr.org.uk
PE8 6
Steam the Nene Valley between rural idyll and historic city
l
1/2 mile from A1
l
1 mile from A47 junction
l
8 miles north of Peterborough
l
Group rates
l
Drop-off area... Ample parking
l
Shop, Museum and Café
Combine with the Georgian beauty of Stamford, Burghley House or historic Oundle (8 miles away). Or Peterborough Cathedral and Queensgate Shopping experiences (8 miles away).
01780 784444
NENE VALLEY RAILWAY Wansford Station, Old Great North Road, Stibbington, Peterborough PE8 6LR
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Charity 262617
10/05/2018 12:54
Days out 900th birthday celebrations
Peterborough cathedral is 900 years old this year
The Group Travel World team were out in force last month, running a 900 metre race against city mascot Peter Burrows to celebrate Peterborough Cathedral’s 900th birthday this year – and help raise money for local charities in the process. Pictured here are GTW’s Harley Denham (bottom left), Emily Dougall (bottom right), Peter Burrows, Amy Procel from GTW’s sister magazine Coach & Bus Week, Helen Milbank, Emma Parkes and Carole Hughes (far right) from charity Anna’s Hope.
GTW gets a new subscriber!
On the rails
Giving day-trippers to the Norfolk Broads a
Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall where you
fresh look at the gorgeous scenery, the Bure
can simply hop off and explore by foot –
Valley Railway speeds along the tracks on
then hop back on and continue
its nine-mile run from Wroxham to Aylsham
your journey by train
through the Bure Valley. You can take the
(just wave the driver
full 18-mile round trip hit or opt to stop off
down to stop!). Find
along the way. Along the line are wayside
out more at www.
halts serving the Broadland villages of
bvrw.co.uk
GTW
Turn to page 42 for more heritage railways to enjoy
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So Much morE
than Just a Food festival HE CH T WAT D CUP L WOR OUR IN LIVE ONE! FANZ
BR The ing Wh Fam ole ily!
S IRSHOW
A
AT WWW
MAY-OCT
2018
TH SHUTTLEWOR O W S
L EWO .SHUT T
RTH.OR
G/AIRS
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&
CELEBRITY CHEF DEMOS | 150+ EXHIBITORS | ARTISAN FOOD | STREET FOOD | LOCAL CHEF DEMOS | 3 NIGHTS CAMPING | FUNFAIR | BARS | KIDS SPORTS | COOKERY CLASSES | ON SITE PARKING
D
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FRIENDL OG
SAT 23RD & SUN 24th JUNE 2018
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@ the east of england arena
www.cambridgeshirefoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
Exceptional Value Inclusive Short Breaks at Potters Resort THE NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR GROUPS OR CLUBS Our dedicated Group Sales Team will be delighted to hear from you and talk you through the excellent benefits available. Enjoy great savings and free places for your club or group on a wide variety of Weekends with Friends, Adult Breaks or Family Breaks. The Group Team offer a professional service with promotional support and tailor made paperwork to ensure a smooth and easy booking process.
Full Board; 4 Meals a Day • Comfortable Accommodation • Exceptional LIVE Entertainment every evening A host of inclusive Sport & Leisure facilities • A full programme of Activities to enjoy
For full details and your FREE 2018 BROCHURE call 0333 3207 474 or visit www.pottersholidays.com POTTERS RESORT • COAST ROAD • HOPTON-ON-SEA • NORFOLK • NR31 9BX
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Days out
’Ello, ello, ello... Victorian policemen, fancy china fit for a queen, world-changing metals... discover the delights of Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge Museums
A policeman at Blists Hill Victorian Town
two festive weekends, from December 8-9 and 15-16. Experience a magical Victorian festive season – and take advantage of the special £9.50 per person rate for pre-booked parties of 15 or more. There is either free coach parking or a
A
drop off facility at each museum; group WORLD HERITAGE SITE that’s home
International Garden Photographer of the Year
leaders and coach drivers get in free when
to 10 award-winning attractions,
exhibition can be seen at the Fusion Gallery,
accompanying a group, and coach drivers
next to Jackfield Tile Museum, between
receive a free refreshment voucher. Discounts
Ironbridge Gorge Museums is one of Shropshire’s best-loved attractions.
now and September 17, 2018. Later in the year, groups
At the heart of the Industrial
can enjoy the true taste of
Revolution, in Victorian times Ironbridge and the materials the area produced were of global importance. Today, you can travel back to the age of steam and
For more on all of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums visit www. ironbridge.org.uk
Christmas at Blists Hill’s
are available for groups of 15-plus. Call the group visits officer Ben Walker to find out more on 01952 435 900 or email visits@ironbridge.org.uk
experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Victorian era at Blists Hill Victorian Town; discover how Coalbrookdale changed the world at the Museum of Iron; explore the artistry and craft behind the tiles that decorated Victorian Britain at Jackfield Tile Museum, and browse the beautiful collections at Coalport China Museum. Throughout the year, groups can enjoy special events and exhibitions at the museums. Showcasing the world’s best botanical photography, for instance, the stunning
Travel back to the Victorian era at Blists Hill
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West End shows & packages at great value prices for groups
CHICAGO Groups from
.00 5 £3
DREAMGIRLS Groups from
.50 9 £2
WICKED Groups from
.00 5 £2
STRICTLY BALLROOM Groups from
.50 9 £3
DISNEY’S G THE LION KIN m o fr s p u ro G
.50 9 £2
Book online: www.groupline.com Email: GTW@groupline.com Call: 020 7420 9700 FP Template.indd 85
10/05/2018 11:28
May’s Stone Vitrail Medium
~ Sterling Silver & Swarovski Elements ~
Necklayce onl
£12.95 Get the set for
£19.95 INSPIRED BY THE WINCHESTER BIBLE
5 – 9 SEPTEMBER 2018
The Birthstone 18mm Vitrail Medium Double Heart Pendant is supplied on 925 Sterling Silver Fittings and a Silver Chain.
Call 01733 293487
Contact us for tickets us for tickets CallContact 01962 857275 Callbox.office@winchester-cathedral.org.uk 01962 857275 Email Email box.office@winchester-cathedral.org.uk Visit winchester-cathedral.org.uk
www.grouptravelworld.com/gtwshop
IRONBRIDGE.ORG.UK
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WHERE WILL YOUR GROUP VISIT TAKE YOU?
Visit winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Marcio Cabral/IGPOTY
INTERNATIONAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 3 MAY - 17 SEPT 2018
TO: FROM:
OLD FAVOURITES! At Blists Hill Victorian Town
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NEW EXHIBITIONS!
At Jackfield Tile Museum
10 AWARD WINNING ATTRACTIONS IN A WORLD HERITAGE SITE Call the Group Visits Officer on 01952 435900 for group discounts and to book visits@ironbridge.org.uk
11/05/2018 10:46
Days out
Flower power 5
1
of the best attractions in Shropshire
4
WENLOCK EDGE Wenlock Edge is an 18-mile limestone
escarpment that runs from Craven Arms to Ironbridge. The National Trust owns eight miles of this stretch, which is home to a mix of flower-rich limestone grasslands, ancient woodland and internationally important geological sites, making the area an important Site of Special Scientific Interest. Along Wenlock Edge you’ll see evidence
SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW
the pretty Shropshire town of Bridgnorth
of its old industrial use, with quarries and lime
It’s one of the county’s leading floral
to Kidderminster, crossing the Shropshire/
kilns dotting the route. There is a myriad of
events, and this year’s Shrewsbury Flower
Worcstershire border as it follows the course
footpaths and bridleways that can easily be
Show is set to be bigger, better and brighter
of the River Severn. See www.svr.co.uk
accessed from the two car parks on Wenlock
than ever. Every year the show is home to top exhibitors, floral displays and show gardens, as well as country displays and entertainment, from falconry displays to show jumping. Held in the town’s Quarry Park, it’s
3
RAF MUSEUM COSFORD Celebrating Shropshire’s aviation history,
RAF Museum Cosford welcomes groups, with a year-round programme of events
Edge and at Wilderhope Manor. Check out www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wenlock-edge
5
STOKESAY CASTLE It dates back to the 13th century,
and today Stokesay Castle – with its
been running for more than 130 years,
and guided tours on offer, as well as special
making it the longest running horticultural
catering packages and more. And the best bit?
stunning views over the Shropshire Hills
event to be held in the same location (it’s
It’s free to enter (and to park a coach)!
– is one of the finest and best-preserved
even in the Guinness Book of Records).
Based in Shifnal, attractions at
fortified medieval manor houses in England.
Tickets cost from £23 in advance. See
the museum include a collection of
Discover the great hall, unchanged for over
shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk
aircraft and weapons, flight simulators,
700 years, spot characters carved in the
exhibitions, displays and more.
timbers of the 17th century gatehouse,
2
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY
Find out more and plan your
and climb to the top of the tower for
The Severn Valley Railway takes
group or family’s visit at www.
breathtaking views. Find out more at
day-trippers on a 16-mile journey from
rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place from August 10-11. See shrewsburyflower show.org.uk
PIXABAY
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Southport GroupTravelWorld_A4_Sept17.qxp_GGT 04/09/2017 13:36 Page 1
HAVE YOU TRIED THE
‘SOUTHPORT WELCOME’
Princess Diana Gardens
Wayfarers Shopping Arcade
Southport Flower Show
With a coach host meet and greet, designated drop-off points, discount voucher booklets, secure parking at only £5 per day, driver facilities and more...
you’ll love the Southport Welcome Fantastic shops, events, countryside and places to eat
Southport is the ideal place to bring your group If you’d like to find out more about Southport... Email: Steve.Christian@sefton.gov.uk Visit: www.visitsouthport.com
Winner UK Coach Friendly Destination 2017
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Days out
Sun, sea (and Egyptian mummies) Take to the coast for a history lesson with a twist
T
people who were tried and sentenced in the court, and use the interactive displays to find out what happened to them. Over 200 years of justice, injustice, crime, and punishments are brought to life through the stories of people executed for arson, transported for asking for fair pay, and sentenced to hard labour for stealing clothes or food. Shire Hall first opened in 1797, serving as the County Hall for Dorset, and was a
HREE TOP MUSEUMS in the historic
LAW AND ORDER
Devon town of Torbay have joined forces in
The historic town of Dorchester is now home
than two centuries. Today, its centrepiece
a bid to attract groups and families. The Torbay
to a major new attraction – Shire Hall Historic
is the historic cells and courtroom, which
Growing Museums Partnership, funded by Arts
Courthouse Museum.
appear today almost as they did in Georgian
Council England, includes Torre Abbey, Torquay Museum and Brixham Heritage Museum.
The attraction explores the history of law and order in the Dorset town: did you
centre of law, order and government for more
times. Find out more at shirehalldorset.org And another thing... Shire Hall has
Working with consultant Julia Pearce of
know, for instance, that it’s the place where
connections to one of Dorset’s most
South West Group Travel, the partnership has
the Tolpuddle Martyrs were brought to trial,
famous sons, Thomas Hardy. The novelist
announced new, great value rates for groups,
which sparked the Trade Union movement?
and poet served as a magistrate, sitting
tour operators and language schools (for
Visitors can walk in the footsteps of
in court on almost 40 occasions.
details email julia@southwestgrouptravel.com). Visitors can enjoy: ■ Torquay
Museum – one of Devon’s oldest
Dorchester’s Shire Hall
museums, with the only Egyptian mummy in Devon, an old Devonshire farmhouse and Britain’s only dedicated Agatha Christie gallery. ■ Brixham
Heritage Museum – this free
to enter museum (though donations are requested) tells the history of the town from prehistoric times. ■ Torre
Abbey – one of Torquay’s
most historic buildings, it dates back to 1196, when it was founded by monks. Following a restoration project the abbey is now a hive of events and festivals. The view over Torbay’s Broadsands beach
VISIT ENGLAND
From coast to city, the Future Global Opportunities for UK Tourism conference will offer visitors a fresh insight into the tourism industry. On June 28 at the ACC Liverpool, visit bit.ly/ UKTourismConference
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Days out MARITIME HISTORY REPEATS
and repairing the 33-metre long Teesside-
The replica of one of the most famous ships
built ship and relocating it next year from
in the history of maritime exploration is being
its current berth at Stockton-on-Tees to
prepared for a new voyage along the North
Whitby, where the original Endeavour was
Yorkshire Moors coast to Whitby.
built in 1764. “To have secured one of
Last year, a partnership led by Whitby businessman Andrew Fiddler bought HM Bark Endeavour, one of only two full-scale
attractions is fantastic,” says Andrew. “Now we have to carefully refurbish
replicas in the world of the ship commanded
the ship so that once again HM Bark
by explorer Captain James Cook for his voyage
Endeavour can tell the story of life at sea
to Australia and New Zealand. Andrew now
in the 18th century.” Find out more at
plans to spend nearly £750,000 refurbishing
www.northyorkmoors.org.uk
GTW
VISIT ENGLAND/RICH J JONES
Whitby will be the new home of a replica of one of the world’s most famous ships
the most distinctive and historic maritime
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Advertisement feature
Beautiful South T
ree-lined Lord Street is Southport’s jewel in the crown for those of you looking for some retail therapy. Its’ Victorian wrought iron and glass canopies make shopping a real pleasure - even when the weather isn’t kind. Tearooms, bars and restaurants intermingle with independent shops selling clothes, gifts, jewellery and much, much more. So there is plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy a coffee or glass of wine and watch the world go by. And don’t miss Wayfarers Arcade, a glass domed shopping arcade with independent shops and cafes. For those of you interested in antiques, then Royal Arcade is a must – over 50 stalls selling collectibles antiques and bric-a-brac. But there’s much more to Southport,
Add to this beautiful parks and gardens, theatres, beaches and more restaurants than you can shake a ‘French stick’ at - and there’s something for everyone. And with Southport being so flat and the coach drop-off points being in the heart of the town, everything is easily accessible for visitors of all ages.
there’s a great events programme including The Southport Food & Drink Festival, Air Show, Flower Show & The British Musical Fireworks Championship. Or why not take a stroll (or if you’re not feeling energetic, the road train) along the UK’s second longest Pier and enjoy the fabulous views from the end?
+44(0) 151 934 2319
#SouthportTime
visitsouthport.com
Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate
Ramsgate Tunnels
Find out why your group would love it here…
Ramsgate Royal Harbour
Discover Kent T
he seaside resorts
The area is rich in
indoor safari,
history and heritage.
alongside a historic
Broadstairs and
Charles Dickens loved
house, garden and
Ramsgate, on the
Broadstairs, describing
café – all at Quex
north-east Kent coast,
it as ‘the freshest
Park, Birchington.
have been a favourite
place’. And groups
with holiday makers
can take a ride
15 sandy beaches
for years. Just 75
through the decades
and bays, many
miles from London,
at Dreamland – an
award-winning.
each resort has its
iconic amusement
Head online to
own charm, delivering
park that’s part of
www.visitthanet.
great value, quality
Margate’s heritage.
co.uk/groups
of Margate,
attractions and
Not to be expected
Plus, there are
for more ideas and
facilities for the
at the coast is the
to view a copy of the
groups market.
chance to take an
special groups guide.
Credit Zoologischer Garten Paris II © Candida Höfer, Köln; VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2018
Animals & Us, Turner Contemporary 25 May - 30 September
Spitfire and Hurricane Museum – legendary fighter aircraft
• Broadstairs – Charles Dickens’ favourite seaside holiday resort • Dreamland – a great British seaside experience • Pugin and St Augustine Visitor Centre – celebrate England’s first missionary and discover more about remarkable Pugin architecture • Quex Park – historic house, internationally important museum, extensive gardens, farmers market and more • Ramsgate Tunnels – underground home for over Look out for 1000 people during WWII free admission, • Spitfire and Hurricane Museum – see these onsite coach iconic fighters up close parking and onsite catering • Turner Contemporary – art by the sea GROUP BROCHURE AVAILA BLE
For group visit ideas and information go to
www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups or call 01843 577577 @VisitThanet
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Broadstairs Food Festival 10th anniversary (Autumn)
/VisitThanet
@VisitThanet
11/05/2018 11:36
For more on the King Richard III Visitor Centre visit www.kriii.com
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Days out The Throne Room at the King Richard III Visitor Centre
Just 12 miles from Leicester, Loughborough is the starting point for a ride on the Great Central Railway – the UK’s only double track, main line, steam hauled heritage railway.
The National Space Centre
A birds of prey display at Bosworth Battlefield
Fit for a king
Pork pies, a royal burial and outer space provide the ingredients for a group tour with a difference. Stuart Render reports from Leicestershire...
O
spot where the king’s remains were found, uses great storytelling, beautiful design and 21st century technology to tell the fascinating and moving story of the king’s life and death. It also reveals the remarkable archaeological detective story of the search for his remains. A new annex to the old school building has been built over the exact spot where the remains were found, offering a solemn site of remembrance and the opportunity to look down into the actual grave. A lighting effect
N THE EVENING of Tuesday,
While Richard’s menu choice is unknown,
shows where the king’s bones lay for so many
there’s no doubt at all that 532 years later,
years. It’s nicely done. The typical dwell time
the fateful Battle of Bosworth Field, King
his life, death and re-burial are generating
at the visitor centre is around 90 minutes and
Richard III, the last of the Plantagenet kings,
significant interest in Leicestershire among tour
there are discounts for groups of 15 or more.
sat down to dinner at the Blue Boar Inn
planners and group travel organisers looking
in Leicester. On the table in front of him,
for new ideas for day trips and short breaks.
20 August 1485, two days before
Walk across the road to Leicester Cathedral and you can see King Richard’s tomb.
The county has experienced a huge surge
Groups of 10 or more need to pre-book
in interest since the remains of the king were
and there’s a small charge that includes a
Leicestershire, and the market town of Melton
discovered in a council car park in Leicester
presentation by one of the cathedral guides.
Mowbray, today laying claim to being the home
city centre in September 2012. In March
of the pork pie, it might just be true. After all,
2015, his remains were re-buried in Leicester
FIGHTING TALK
history tells us that the first recorded recipe for
Cathedral. Today, the King Richard III Visitor
Around 14 miles to the west of Leicester is the
a pork pie was noted in 1390 in the kitchen
Centre, located in a former school building
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. It does
of King Richard II, some 95 years earlier.
opposite the cathedral, and right next to the
what it says on the tin, telling the dramatic
taking pride of place, was a pork pie. Well, maybe. It’s a nice story, and with
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Days out Leicester’s Curve Theatre
story of the Battle of Bosworth Field that took
OUT OF THIS WORLD
place on 22 August 1485. With interactive,
If you thought Curve was a bit quirky, on
GET ME THERE:
hands-on displays and a range of activities,
the edge of the city centre is another visitor
For more information about group visits
including guided walks, you can find out about
attraction that really is both unique and
to Leicester and Leicestershire, go to
medieval warfare, and how King Richard III
very different.
www.goleicestershire.com/groups
fought for his crown and lost his life, and Henry
The National Space Centre, developed
Tudor became king. Link the centre with a visit
through a partnership between the University
to the King Richard III Visitor Centre and you
of Leicester’s Space Research Centre,
have an unusual and compelling story of this
is a surprisingly impressive attraction. The
and ‘ChocFest’ in November attract many
fascinating piece of English history. There are
centrepiece is a 42-metre high rocket tower.
thousands of people. The town is also
discounts for groups of 10 or more and the
There are six interactive galleries, the UK’s
famous for its Christmas Tree Festival that
typical dwell time is around two hours.
largest 360˚ planetarium, a 3D SIM ride
sees more than 1,300 decorated trees inside
described as ‘world unique’, and several
St Mary’s Church. It’s quite a sight, and only
genuine space rockets including Soyuz and
costs £2 to get in.
WHERE OLD MEETS NEW Back in Leicester and a walk around the city
Gemini. There’s even a bit of moon rock.
centre, either free-flow or with a registered
Unsurprisingly the place is very popular with
Cheeseboard is a delightful little shop offering
Blue Badge Tourist Guide gives an opportunity
school groups, so visiting in the afternoon is
a choice of more than 150 different cheeses,
to compare the very old with the very modern.
advised. The dwell time, to see everything, is
including the local speciality, Stilton.
The medieval Guildhall, with its timber-framed
around three hours, or longer if you’re going
Great Hall, was built around 1390. A short
to have something to eat in the onsite café.
walk away is Curve, the city’s spectacular
In nearby Windsor Street, the Melton
However, mention Melton and its pork pies that are likely to spring to mind. Dickinson & Morris has been making pork pies at
state-of-the-art theatre. Opened in 2008,
WHO ATE ALL THE PIES?
Curve is a theatre within a theatre. The unique
Many groups stay in one of Leicester’s four-
Street since 1851. Groups can pre-book a
design means there’s no traditional backstage
star hotels, using the location to spend a day
demonstration of ‘hand raising’ a pork pie.
area. Actors move between their dressing
exploring the city, and then traveling the 17
It costs just £1 per person. It’s a fascinating
rooms and the stage by crossing the public
miles or so to the market town of Melton
experience, and even harder to leave without
areas. Curve has attracted critical acclaim for
Mowbray. In recent years, the town has gained
buying one of the many different products
many of its shows giving an opportunity to see
the title of the UK’s ‘Rural Capital of Food’.
on display. You get the feeling that King
West End quality at provincial prices.
The Melton Mowbray Food Festival in October,
Richard III would have approved!
Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe in Nottingham
GTW
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Visit Leicestershire’s award-winning
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park
• Award-winning exhibition • Exciting events programme • Guided and self-led walks • Licensed restaurant • Family activity h e B a r n R e s ta u r a n t Pre-booking room
aurant
A great family day out !
BOSWORTH
MEDIEVAL festival
required for coach group visits - quote GTW18 when enquiring/booking
18 & 1
9 August 201
8
www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk /BosworthBattlefield
@bosworthlcc
/BosworthBattlefield
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD Tel: 01455 290429 email: bosworth@leics.gov.uk
DISCOVER THE CONTROVERSIAL STORY OF ENGLAND’S LOST KING AT KING RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE
NEW GROUP TALK FOR 2018 The Princes in the Tower KING RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE An ideal destination for groups, Leicester’s award-winning attraction offers: • Preferential group rates and dedicated booking office • Catering packages, talks and guided tours available • Free entry for tour leader and coach driver • Free familiarisation visit
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.KRIII.COM OR CALL 0116 229 4132
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Industry insider DFDS now operates 54 daily departures on the Dover Strait
COACH TOURISM
ASSOCIATION
Join the CTA and reap the benefits – find out more at www.coachtourism association.co.uk
Sea the light COLIN FAWCUS OF DFDS
I
We chat to Colin Fawcus, CTA board member and National Sales Manager at DFDS
HOPE THAT BY the time you read this we are
Channel, with DFDS now operating a total of
More recently, Brexit continues to present us
in the early stages of a good summer season,
54 departures daily on the Dover Strait.
with challenges and the weakened pound.
industry as a whole. I say that because it’s
FACING LIFE’S CHALLENGES
years the resilience shown by the UK travel
been an eventful time for us recently, with the
In my time at DFDS I’ve seen many changes,
trade has constantly amazed me, and I’m very
seemingly everlasting Brexit effect, various
both in the company and the industry as a
proud to work in such a brilliant industry with
external factors influencing continental traffic
whole, and we’ve worked through some very
so many dynamic people.
and the weakening pound, as well as coping
challenging times.
both for ourselves here at DFDS and for the
with the ‘Beast from the east!’
When I joined the company from a
I have to say however that throughout the
SHAPING THE FUTURE
Despite all this, last year we saw good
telecommunications background back in 1999,
As National Sales Manager at DFDS I head up
growth on coaches on our Newcastle to
DFDS were in the midst of working through the
our team of sales and account managers, as
Amsterdam service, and the investment
challenges the abolition of duty free brought
well as the groups reservations department.
we carried out with the complete refit on
us. This was followed by the foot and mouth
It’s been great to see how the company has
both our North Sea vessels was well received
crisis in 2000, then 9/11, the London
evolved over time to embrace digital
by our passengers.
bombings and the ash cloud crisis – I still
technologies and the opportunities these
remember the makeshift mattresses on the
provide for us and our customers
Our Dover to Calais route continued to grow and we are proud to offer the most daily
floor in our on-board cinemas as we helped to
Having recently taken up a position on the
rotations on the English Channel. 2017 also
repatriate holiday passengers grounded by the
CTA board, I’m very much looking forward to
saw us cement our presence on the English
ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano eruption!
being able to use my experience to contribute and help shape the future of the CTA from a sea carrier’s perspective.
JOHN WALES, who’s the new Chairman of the Coach Tourism Association
(pictured here), was invited onto a seminar panel at the recent British Tourism & Travel Show at the NEC. John commented: “I was delighted to be able to represent the coach tourism industry in general – and the CTA in particular. With my expertise in selling London theatre and attraction tickets I was able to highlight to the audience the future threats and opportunities facing coach operators taking their coaches to central London.”
The CTA is here to support and offer some great social and network opportunities, as well as being an excellent source of industry information. It was great to see the interest on our stand at the recent BTTS show at the NEC because events like this really brings us all together, and I’m looking forward to being involved in determining the direction of the association.
GTW
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07/05/2018 22:13
N O W 19 O 20 LE N SA
Great for Groups
Why not join the hundreds of groups that travel with us every year and discover all the benefits of Daish’s Holidays for yourself. FREE
places for groups over 20 people
A choice of 7 fantastic seaside locations spread across 8 hotels
Dedicated groups team to support you from booking to arrival
Great value half board breaks including nightly entertainment
Award winning customer service
Fleet of 22 luxury coaches to provide comfortable travel
Get in touch with us Today!
Call 01202 638 841 or visit daishs.com facebook.com/daishsholidaysforgroups Isle of Wight FP Template.indd 97
Torquay
Bournemouth
Eastbourne
@daishs4groups Llandudno
Newquay
Weymouth 10/05/2018 11:29
UKinbound news RHS Garden Rosemoor
Devon’s finest Melissa Hackney of RHS Gardens reports on a recent fam trip exploring north Devon’s hidden gems
A
S THE ‘BEAST from the
an exclusive ‘Hidden Gems of
hidden gem with a wonderful
east’ reached out into the
North Devon’ fam trip hosted by
combination of formal gardens,
furthest corners of the country
the Royal Horticultural Society,
a cottage garden and wooded
this March, a group of tour
Brend Hotels and Clovelly.
area. Here they were treated to
operators from key operators –
On arrival into Tiverton station,
a tour of the garden after lunch
including Saga, JacTravel, Hotels
the group were whisked off to
and More, E-voyages and Interopa
the idyllic RHS Garden Rosemoor,
in the new Garden Room.
– beat a path to the beautiful
the RHS’s only garden in the
luxurious Saunton Sands Hotel.
countryside of north Devon on
south west of England and a real
This fabulous four-star art deco
Dinner that evening was at the
hotel sits right on the South ‘Hidden Gems of North Devon was hosted by the RHS, Brend Hotels and Clovelly
West Coastal Path, overlooking the beautiful Saunton Sands beach. With its amazing location, as well as AA Rosette standard cooking, two heated pools, gym
UKinbound is the only travel trade association to focus solely on the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector. Representing a diverse membership of over 390 businesses, it engages with Government and the media to highlight the importance of inbound tourism to the economy, and help its members to grow their businesses. Visit www.ukinbound.org or email info@ukinbound.org for more information, and follow UKinbound on Twitter: @UKinbound
and spa facilities, it was a real treat. Dinner was hosted by Kelly
Make a date at RHS Garden Rosemoor and enjoy: ■ Discounted ■ Group ■ Free
organisers go free, plus the driver gets a free meal voucher
coach parking with easy drop off and pick up
■ Cream ■ For
entry for groups of 10 or more
teas from £6.50 and picnics in the garden from £12
more group information see www.rhs.org.uk/groups
and Peter Brend, and the group
streets leading down to its tiny
were able to hear all about the
harbour, with wonderful views
latest news from a group of
over the Bristol Channel. Lunch
leading north Devon tourism
in the Red Lion Hotel was a great
organisations and businesses.
way to say goodbye in the cosy
The following morning saw a
surroundings of this welcoming
visit to the lovely seaside village
18th century inn. Birthplace
of Clovelly. Spring sunshine broke
to Salvatian Ho – the sailor in
through as Jana from Clovelly
the celebrated Westward Ho!
guided the group through this
Novel – this pub sits alongside
fascinating living village, with its
Clovelly’s picturesque harbour,
idyllic white cottages and cobbled
serving traditional pub grub.
GTW
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09/05/2018 18:53
GTW Awards
On winning form
Explore Woburn Abbey and Gardens
Our GTW Awards celebrate the attractions that go the extra mile to make groups feel welcome. Meet this month’s winners – as voted for by members of the WI across the UK... BEST ATTRACTION
Cruise the Thames with French Brothers
Woburn Abbey & Gardens “We always get a very warm welcome at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire,” says WI member June Mansfield. “Lisa Weaver is their groups coordinator and she’s really friendly and helpful. We were lucky with the weather when we went last year and the gardens were stunning. We’re hoping to go back for the special Repton celebration this summer.” (For more on Woburn’s Humphry Repton exhibition see our special feature next issue.) ■ Find
out more at www.woburnabbey.co.uk
Step back in time at Beamish BEST ATTRACTION
BEST ATTRACTION
French Brothers Riverboats
To nominate a hotel, attraction, restaurant or holiday company for our 2018 awards, email helen.milbank@ grouptravelworld. com
Beamish Museum At the awardwinning Beamish Museum in County Durham visitors can experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the past and take
“My group have sailed along the River Thames
able bodied
at Windsor a few times. It’s so easy – you can
it’s not far to
leave the coach at one of the places along the
go and explore
friendly costumed folk waiting to share stories
riverside and go into Windsor on the boat,
Windsor itself, with
of life in the North East in the 1820s, 1900s
sailing with French Brothers. The driver can
lots of good shopping and places to eat.
and 1940s.
then go back on the boat to collect the coach
“French Brothers can do afternoon tea
a tram ride back in time. And what makes Beamish extra special are the
“Last summer, hundreds of WI members
and arrange a time to pick up passengers in
if requested, and a light lunch, tea and
from around the region came together at
Windsor,” says Maggie Hamilton of Sutton
coffee is also available on request.
the museum to celebrate the centenary
Courtenay WI. “There’s a very nice pub across the road
“For a group booking you get a discount
of the Durham County Federation of
and a running commentary all about
Women’s Institutes,” says Joan Swynar.
as you get off the boat to go for lunch, or
the river. My group love it there.”
“Fantastic fun and a great attraction.”
a fish and chip shop close by. For the more
■ See
■ Find
www.frenchbrothers.co.uk
out more at www.beamish.org.uk WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
099 GTW May 18 GTW awards.indd 99
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07/05/2018 22:16
GET THE NEXT 3 ISSUES FOR JUST £3 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD EDITOR
Helen Milbank “Every month Group Travel World magazine brings you inspirational travel features, days out ideas, and expert advice to help you plan your next trip, as well as regular competitions, crosswords and puzzles, the latest news, celebrity interviews and more. Plus we can help you save money thanks to our new and exclusive ticket offers site, grouptraveloffers. com. We’d love you to join the Group Travel World community – and at just £3 for 3 issues (plus free delivery to your door every month) you’d be mad not to join us!”
Subscribe in 3 easy steps Call Emma Parkes on 01733 293487 Email emma.parkes@grouptravelworld.com Visit www.grouptravelworld.com/subscribe GTW Subscriptions DPS 3 for £3.indd 100
11/05/2018 12:58
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TERMS & CONDITIONS: This offer closes July 30th 2018. You will not receive a renewal reminder and recurring payments will continue to be taken unless you tell us other ise. tandard prices are £ for issues. To subscribe our of ces open from .3 am .3 pm on ri) or o online at . rouptravel orld.com subscribe. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Pay £3 up front, then in 90 days £25 will be taken and billing becomes annual.
GTW Subscriptions DPS 3 for £3.indd 101
11/05/2018 12:58
Coach Buddy offers information on all attractions, from gardens to stately homes
Your travel questions answered by experts VISIT ENGLAND
Plan your trip to the capital GROUP TRAVEL
Attracting the masses QI run a garden centre and café and
Help and support
VISIT ENGLAND
GROUP TRAVEL
want to attract more coaches and groups. Any advice?
name, address, website, telephone number, email contact and a brief description. Attractions can also include coach-specific
Georgie Mills, Essex
information on their listing, as well as details
A Tony Henthorn, founder of
of any incentives offered to coach drivers. your entry to add in photographs, video links,
If you wish, you can choose to upgrade
QCan you tell me more about the new
Coach Buddy (coachbuddy.org.uk), says: A basic entry in the attractions
an extended description, audio commentary
Coach Buddy scheme. Is it aimed at group
section of Coach Buddy – a website that
and access to the site’s new calendar function.
organisers as well as coach drivers?
offers information to help group organisers
■ To find out more about the Coach Buddy
June Cliveson, Cambridgeshire
and coach operators plan trips – is free
service, visit coachbuddy.org.uk or email
A Tony Henthorn, founder of
of charge and includes each attraction’s
tony.henthorn@coachbuddy.org.uk
Coach Buddy (coachbuddy.org.uk), says: In a word, yes, it’s very much aimed at group organisers looking for help and support when sorting day trips and holidays. In a nutshell,
Taking flight
QAre the rumours true that Doncaster
Coach Buddy officially launched at World
Sheffield Airport is to have a long-haul route?
Travel Market in November last year and now
Joan Thomson, South Yorkshire
has close to 8,500 subscribers - including
A Stephen Davis, CMO at global
coach operators, tour operators, group travel organisers, coach drivers and tour guides.
travel agency Kiwi.com, says: Yes! News of a new long-haul route at Doncaster
600 UK towns and cities. Some of the most
Sheffield Airport, and the building of a
popular tourist destinations contain audio
brand new railway station to facilitate the
commentaries, and all destinations detail
airport, has been welcomed by the travel
information about coach drop-off and pick-up
industry in a bid to decentralise flights to
locations, as well as coach parking.
and from the UK from London.
Each destination listing allows you to find
The project, dubbed ‘Aerotropolis’, is
PIXABAY
The website contains details of more than
Any regional airport that has international
nearby attractions, as well as coach operators
set to generate £3.2bn for the local economy,
arrivals will benefit hugely from an increase
based in the area.
with airport passenger numbers set to
in business.
In conjunction with Transport for London,
increase to 4.7 million per year by 2037.
Just think about Americans travelling to
Coach Buddy also details all coach parking and
This will have a profound impact on
Edinburgh, or Chinese visitors to Manchester.
drop off locations in the capital. The site lists
local tourism in the North of England,
The result is millions of additional spend on
information for around 140 London tourism
with local businesses set to flourish from
hospitality, leisure and retail.
attractions, too. The service is free – simply
the inbound tourism this will bring.
visit coachbuddy.org.uk to register with your
The growth of regional airports around
At Kiwi.com, we constantly welcome the arrival of new air routes and airline operators
email address or visit the Facebook page
the UK is essential, not only for the growth of
flying to new destinations, as it offers the
www.facebook.com/groups/CoachBuddy
British tourism, but also tourism worldwide.
customer more choice and freedom.
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09/05/2018 19:01
Your Q&As Iceland is ripe for exploring
PIXABAY
GROUP TRAVEL
Land of fire and ice QWe want to explore Iceland off
population just over 100,000), but it’s
4. The Westfjords
the beaten track. Any ideas for a real
absolutely full of history and amazing
The most remote and isolated part of Iceland,
adventure holiday?
architecture, not to mention vibrant downtown
with deserted and twisty roads along the
Lily Macgregor, Lanarkshire
bars and restaurants. Visit Höf i House,
fjords. Isolated and spooky – visit the
A Travel writer Naomi MacKay says:
where Ronald Reagan met Mikhail Gorbachev
witchcraft museum to learn more.
As well as the thrill of seeing the Northern
Hallgrímskirkja church, designed in 1937
5. Bjargtangar
Lights, Iceland offers all kinds of extreme
and completed 50 years later, and The Pearl
The westernmost point in Iceland, and also
adventures. Don a pair of crampons and ice
– a glass dome supported by six tanks,
Europe. The nearest landmass due south
climb on the Solheimajokull glacier with
each containing a hefty 4,000,000 litres
is the Antarctic.
incredible views across sinkholes, ice ridges
of hot water.
to end the Cold War, the immense
and crevasses. Or go snowmobiling on the
6. The Snaefellsjokull glacier
Langjokull glacier or heli-skiing in the freshest
2. The Road to ‘Hell’
Made famous by Jules Verne in Journey to
of powder with vertical drops of up to 5000ft
Not the Chris Rea song, but the name given
the Centre of the Earth.
in the Arctic mountains. These experiences
to the volcanic crater near Askja, where
can all be arranged by the folk at Wix Squared,
you’ll overlook the newly formed lava field
7. The local cuisine
see wixsquared.com/destinations/Iceland
of the 2014-2015 eruption.
Try fermented shark or smoked puffin, washed down with a shot of Brennivin
And while you’re there, here’s Group Travel 3. Vatnajokull
– Icelandic schnapps flavoured with caraway,
The largest glacier in Europe outside Norway,
in case you were wondering. And finally,
1. Reykjavik
this will be familiar to Game of Thrones fans
of course, don’t forget to take a dip in the
Iceland’s capital may be small (with a
as ‘Beyond the Wall’.
geothermally heated pools.
World’s pick of the must-see sights:
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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09/05/2018 19:01
Your Q&As
Melissa Hackney is Groups
Sales & Marketing Manager at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
RHS
MEET OUR EXPERT
Proudly sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society
RHS Gardens and groups: the latest tips and practical advice from the RHS. Got a gardening question you’d like answered? Email groups@rhs.org.uk
Q Our group has just started a gardening
Q I’ve just been to RHS Garden Wisley
club. Do you have any seasonal fruit and
and am feeling inspired! What jobs should
vegetable tips? Julie Minors, Norfolk
I be doing around my own garden? Eve Parr
A May is a great time to sow French beans,
A As the bulbs come to an end, you can
runner beans, squash, cucumbers and pumpkin seeds directly into prepared beds outside. It’s
now lift and divide overcrowded clumps of
If you’ve got fruit trees, now is the time to
daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs.
also a good time to sow brassicas, such as
pull off suckers appearing around their bases,
Now is also a good time to start sowing and
cauliflowers, for harvesting next winter.
and also liquid feed fruit trees growing in pots
planting out bedding, and you can take
every two weeks with a balanced feed every
softwood cuttings too. It’s also time to get
such as kohl rabi (like a large white above-
fortnight. For soft fruit, you should deblossom
back into the lawn mowing regime – ideally
ground turnip), scorzonera or salsify? And
any strawberry runners planted since September
weekly – as your lawn will be loving the
there’s no time like May for planning ahead for
and check your blueberries, cranberries and
warmer temperatures this month brings.
Christmas dinner – brussels sprouts for next
lingonberries are getting enough water. If you
winter should now be ready for transplanting
have caged or cloched fruit flowers make sure
after early or mid-spring sowing.
bees can access them to ensure pollination.
Q What’s looking good in the RHS
garden flower theme. Or enjoy the Garden
Why not try sowing some unusual vegetables
Gardens this month? Sue Evans, Surrey
Sculpture Trail from June 23 to July 31, when
A May and June are great months to visit any
you can enjoy sculptures from The Surrey
with wonderful colour throughout the gardens.
Rosemoor in North Devon is consistently voted
out with the RHS at its four gardens
as one of the top 10 places to see them, with
– RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey; RHS
opening its fabulous new hillside restaurant in
the two idyllic rose gardens incorporating over
Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire;
May with incredible views over the surrounding
2,000 plants and 200 varieties. The RHS
RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex and
countryside. Why not book a visit during
Rosemoor Rose Festival runs from June
RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon.
the Rose Weekend, from June 9-10, when
16 to July 22. A celebration of Britain’s best-
See rhs.org.uk/groups or email
you can enjoy demonstrations, talks, walks
loved flower, there will be guided walks and
groups@rhs.org.uk
and shopping opportunities around the rose
talks, plus tips and advice on rose growing.
of the four RHS gardens around the country, RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex will be
Sculpture Society throughout the garden. If it’s roses you’re keen on, RHS Garden
Experience the ultimate gardening day
GTW
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09/05/2018 19:01
Budapest
Explore Hungary’s capital for yourself on a short break with Travel Editions Group Travel
The Paris of the East
Sylvia Saxon is an expert when it comes to taking groups to the far-flung reaches of the world, and a recent trip to Budapest was a voyage of discovery
S
ylvia Saxon is the founder and chairman
Hilly Buda: on the opposite bank of the
times). Full of tourists during the day,
of New Meridian, an association for
Danube, this is the smaller of the two parts
after dark it becomes a sophisticated
professional group travel organisers that
of the city with the imposing Royal Palace
destination with enticing restaurants.
prides itself on being for ‘active group
dominating the skyline overlooking the river.
organisers who travel’ (find out more and
You can take the pathway up the hill from
Planning a visit?
contact her at sylvia.saxon@btinternet.com).
the Chain Bridge, around 15 minutes’
Travel Editions Group Travel offers
walk, or take the bus, the Várbusz, or
a four-day trip to Budapest from just
and members of her group chance to
the funicular. Today the castle is home
£379 per person.
explore Hungary’s capital – see next issue
to the Hungarian National Gallery and
for a full report on her trip, and read on for
the Budapest History Museum.
A recent trip to Budapest gave Sylvia
PHOTO: PIXABAY
our top three places to visit in the city:
Discover the secrets of the Jewish Quarter, explore the Ecseri flea market, cruise the River Danube, sample some wine on a
Matthias Church: just a short distance
wine tasting tour and take advantage of the
The Chain Bridge: Numerous bridges cross
away from Hilly Buda is the Matthias Church.
usual hop on/hop off tourist bus to see the
the Danube, the most famous of which
It’s well worth a visit, as is the famous
historic castle and opera house. Walk across
is the Chain Bridge. It was designed by the
Fisherman’s Bastion (the latter is a great
the famous Chain Bridge, and discover why
English architect and engineer William Tierney
viewpoint from which to photograph the
this city is called the ‘Paris of the East’.
Clark and is a larger version of the one
river and city, especially the Parliament
crossing the Thames in Marlow. Nearby on the
building, although you may have to jostle
fantastic short break to the city at
Pest side is the lovely Parliament building.
your way through the crowds at peak
www.traveleditions.co.uk
Find out more about Travel Editions’ GTW
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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11/05/2018 14:56
A great Dane! As Sue Parslow discovers, the award-winning Andersen Hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the buzzing city of Copenhagen
A
touch is the half-knitted scarf for guests to complete, to be given to a homeless person. Newly redecorated in vibrant colours, the hotel has a warm, trendy vibe. Armchairs with low hanging lightshades that offer an intimate feel to the seating area, where you can sit and watch the Danes go cycling by, muffled up against the cold. Copenhagen is a cycling city with cycle lanes on every street, so if you fancy joining them the hotel offers free bike hire. There’s a small bar stocked with a variety
SENSE OF FUN combined with attention to detail sets this boutique
“Core values like caring, honesty and
of spirits operating on an honesty box basis.
excellent service to our guests are still
Guests gather for wine hour at 5pm daily,
hotel apart. The first thing I noticed were
the bearing of all employees at Andersen
enjoying generous glassfuls of red, white and
three human-sized teddy bears playing
Boutique Hotel,” says general manager
rose organic wines. Throughout the day you can
chess in the lobby – irresistible for a selfie!
Karen Niedergaard. The hotel has been in
help yourself to quality tea (including a choice
her family for three generations, and a nice
of fruit and herbal blends) and Nespresso
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07/05/2018 22:20
ANDERSEN HOTEL, COPENHAGEN
Tried & tested Warm, trendy vibes come as standard
Group discounts are available, find out more at www. andersen-hotel. dk
Knit one, help one!
ANDERSEN HOTEL, COPENHAGEN
coffee; and while a lift will take you up to each
ANDERSEN HOTEL, COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen’s Andersen Boutique Hotel
The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre
The hotel’s a short walk from the central
of the five floors, if you choose to walk there
Our top picks...
railway station (and 15 minutes from the
are rewards at each half-landing in the form of
3 things to see in Copenhagen:
airport), in the opposite direction from the
toffees, Danish biscuits and cartons of water.
CENTRAL PERKS Breakfast at The Andersen is a buffet affair with plenty of choice and good quality, organic, food and drink. Tall flasks of coffee are brought to the table, and there’s loose tea and tea bags in
1 2 3
Tivoli Gardens (see our review
bustling city centre. It’s on a quiet, one-way
of the gardens in a future issue)
street, part residential, part hotels, and sits at a
The Little Mermaid bronze
crossroads facing its sister hotel The Absalon.
sculpture in the harbour
Around the corner is the trendy Meatpacking
Amalienborg Palace – the home
District – a good location for those who like
of the Danish royal family
their beer and interesting places to eat.
My room, a junior suite, had a luxury feel
The city centre is an easy 10-minute walk, and the route takes you past the famous
a range of flavours to make your own brew. but the helpful reception staff will point
Tivoli Gardens to Radhus Pladsen and on to
to it, complete with a sofa to fall into after
you in the right direction for whatever
the picturesque Nyhavn harbour. The hotel
a day’s sight-seeing. The coffee machine
you want. There’s plenty of choice within
has 69 rooms and operates the Concept24
facilitates a wake up hit, but if you prefer
a very short distance. A word to the
scheme, allowing late check-out free of charge.
tea you need to head down to the lobby.
wise though: Copenhagen is expensive
Bed and breakfast is priced from 1145 DKK
when it comes to eating and drinking!
(around £130) per room, per night.
The hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant,
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07/05/2018 22:20
Brits behaving
BADLY... Did you know that chewing gum is banned in Singapore? And there’s a smoking ban on some Thai beaches? As figures show more and more Brits are flouting cultural laws and customs when they travel abroad, it’s time we all wised up says Stephen Davis, CMO at Kiwi.com STEPHEN DAVIS
W
HEN WE BOOK a trip we look at the
of arrests in Dubai, and recent episodes of
you go, read expert travel guides as the locals
hotel, the flights, the local transport, the
inappropriate dancing in Cambodia, it would
normally provide dos and don’ts, and visit the
food, the activities on offer, and so on and so
appear we Brits need to do more homework
UK Government website to check foreign travel
forth. But it’s becoming more and more apparent
before we step foot on the plane.
advice in relation to local laws and customs.
the different cultural customs and laws of a
DO YOUR RESEARCH
strict local laws and customs regarding alcohol,
particular country before they holiday there.
When heading abroad the first, very basic,
public touching and dress, which, if abused, result in
step is to take time to research the place you’re
harsh penalties. We’ve seen plenty of examples
arrested abroad, with more than 2,500 Britons
visiting. It will almost certainly have different
of tourists getting themselves in trouble for
locked up in prisons overseas, according to
cultures or customs to home which, if not
failing to address these. Such countries are
the Foreign Commonwealth Office, due to
observed, could land you in hot water. Google
incredibly hospitable and show respect for British
their inappropriate actions. With the news
the activities you plan to take part in before
tourists, but the respect has to be reciprocated.
that fewer British tourists are taking note of
We’ve seen a rise in the number of Brits
The United Arab Emirates, for example, have
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07/05/2018 22:21
Travel advice It’s illegal to wear stilettos when you’re visiting a historic site in Greece
KEY DOS AND DON’TS
Thailand:
Key British hotspots around the world,
■ It
including Dubai and south east Asia, have
smoking ban on beaches in certain tourist
Kiwi.com is an online travel agency, which
very strict rules and customs. Here is a list
areas, including Koh Samui, Pattaya and Phuket.
uses groundbreaking ‘Virtual Interlining’
of some you may not be aware of...
You could face a 100,000 baht fine, or up to
technology that allows customers to
a year in prison. Please speak to local guides
combine flights from different airlines
regarding where you can smoke in public.
onto a single itinerary, and strives to
Dubai: ■ Alcoholic
was recently announced that there is a
drinks are served in licensed
ONLINE SUPPORT
provide exceptional customer service.
hotels and clubs, but it is a punishable
Cambodia:
offence to drink, or to be under the
■ Cambodian
influence of alcohol, in public.
official code of conduct for visitors to Angkor
■ Women
authorities have issued an
should dress modestly in public
Wat and other religious sites, including a
Greece:
areas like shopping malls. Swimming attire
dress code. You shouldn’t wear skirts or
■ It is illegal to wear stilettos around Greece’s
should be worn only on beaches or at
shorts above the knee or tops that reveal
historic sites, as they can cause damage
swimming pools. Cross-dressing is illegal.
bare shoulders. Please dress moderately.
and often threaten preservation efforts.
upon, and you can be arrested
Singapore:
Capri and Gran Canaria:
for kissing in public.
■ Chewing
■ It
■ Photography
leave it at home. Importation of chewing
holiday destination, because the locals love
buildings and military installations isn’t
gum is illegal and improper disposal of
piece and quiet. Similar in Gran Canaria, it
allowed. You could also be detained
gum will result in a hefty fine of up to
is illegal to drive in flip-flops and, if caught,
for two months for plane spotting.
$1000 for first time offenders.
you’ll face a fine from the police.
■ Public
displays of affection are frowned
of certain government
gum is banned in Singapore, so
is illegal to wear flip-flops in this popular
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
108-109 GTW May 18 Brits behaving badly.indd 109
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Over to you
We want to hear from you!
STAR LETTER
Taking flight
JONATHAN SMITH
Write, Facebook, Tweet or email helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com
I loved Jonathan Smith’s aviation photography in issue 184. Fantastic pics! They definitely whetted my appetite for July’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. We went last year and it’s my favourite show – though I also have to give a shout out to Cambridgeshire’s Little Gransden Air & Car Show. It’s on a much smaller scale than the Air Tattoo, but great fun for families. Steve Lamb, Essex A WORD FROM THE ED: I second that: I went to Little Gransden Air Show a couple of years ago and it was fantastic, despite the fact the weather let us down at the end and we had to run for cover. If you haven’t seen two vintage aircraft popping balloons with their wings you haven’t lived! This year’s show is on August 26. Find out more at littlegransdenairshow.co.uk
An Italian display team at the Royal International Air Tattoo
Tanked up Great to see Deborah the tank in issue 184 of Group Travel World – a reproduction of the original Mk IV tank that was knocked out of action at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. I loved the Channel 4 TV series that featured her being rebuilt by biker Guy Martin, and it was great to ‘meet’ her in person at the Norfolk Tank Museum (see norfolktankmuseum.co.uk). The museum’s annual Armourfest event is a must for people, like me, who are big fans of military vehicles. This summer’s event runs from August 11-12 and it’s only a tenner to get in. I reckon it would definitely make a great feature in your magazine. Clive Wells, Suffolk 110 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
110-111 GTW May 18 Readers' letters.indd 110
09/05/2018 19:15
Your shout MINI TRIED & TESTED
Forever Living Aloe Nourishing Serum Price: £35
having suffered with ache when
Contact: foreverliving.com
I was younger. I’ve found using
Tested by: GTW’s general
the serum after washing every
manager Harley Denham
morning has thoroughly
Great for: The manufacturers
improved my skin. I also
say this lightweight serum
use it on the tips of my hair
preserves and replenishes your
after washing, which gives
skin’s moisture to help maintain
my hair a great smooth feel.
a youthful complexion.
Being completely natural it’s
Effortless to apply, it will absorb
definitely something I’ll carry
quickly but leave a softness
on buying.
that lasts all day. Contains aloe,
■ Got
white tea and mimosa bark
beauty product you’d like
extracts.
to shout about? Email the
a favourite travel or
Verdict: Never before have I
details to helen.milbank@
experienced such smooth skin,
grouptravelworld.com
DVD REVIEW
Trans-Mongolian Railway VOL 1
‘Scenes from a window on the Trans-Mongolian Railway Vo 1’ is the latest Blu-ray release from Triad Travelogues
We love...
...This shot of Millie the Labrador in her shades
– and it’s exactly that: running footage, set to relaxing
at Fineshade Woods in Northamptonshire.
music, of the view you’d get if you were actually sat
She’s owned by Georgie (seen here) and
on board. If you’re planning a trip on the railway it’s a
GTW’s ed Helen. And talking of handsome
fantastic preview, plus there’s bonus footage of the film-
mutts, have you found our mascot Harvey
maker’s journey (his baby daughter’s first big trip).
yet? If you’re new to the find Harvey game see
■ Priced
page 112 – and email Helen when you spot
at around £21, see triadtravelogues.com
him to be entered in our regular prize draw.
Fancy a carrot?
Keep in touch... We want to hear from you! Write to: Group Travel World magazine, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
Meet my new best friend, Jammie Dodger! He’s one of the stars at Misty Meadows Alpacas in Maxey, on the Lincolnshire/ Cambridgeshire border (find out more at mistymeadowsalpacas.co.uk). Mum and I signed up for their ‘walking with alpacas
Email: helen.milbank@ grouptravelworld.com
experience’ and it was fantastic. I walked Eccles, then got mobbed by Jammie for my carrots – Eccles wasn’t fussed about
Advertising query? Call Julie Cousins on 01733 293242
them! It was great fun and walks take place on selected dates throughout the year for
Subscription query? Emma Parkes is here to help. Call her on 01733 293487
£20 each. They offer corporate days too. Nikki Brett, Lincolnshire
Something to bray about I enjoyed reading your ‘Charity begins at home’
I had a pony I kept just a mile or so from the
feature in issue 184. There was a mention of
sanctuary. We’d often be hacking out to the
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, which
sound of braying in the distance. He’d prick his
has been a favourite charity of mine since I
ears and I’d wonder what they were shouting!
was a kid. We used to live near Sidmouth and
Zara Elson, Somerset
Need attraction & show tickets? Call Harley on 01733 293249 Visit www.grouptravelworld.com follow Facebook.com/ grouptravelworld and see us on Twitter @GTWMagazine GTW
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110-111 GTW May 18 Readers' letters.indd 111
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Puzzle time
Test your grey matter – answers on page 113
Try our quizzes and brain teasers every month
PICTURE QUIZ
Woburn Abbey has been in the Bedford family for centuries. But can you name the famous gardener who landscaped its gardens 200 years ago?
You can now enjoy our puzzles online too! See the new & improved grouptravelworld. com
W RD
SEARCH Find the words below in the grid – all are well-known abbeys and cathedrals...
BUCKFAST WOBURN BATTLE WHITBY RIEVAULX BOLTON DURHAM ST PAUL’S
Y R B U OX L I T O OX N E E L A T
U B M A C K F A S D WO S L U A D D U E CWH I I G RO T T A B R I E V
H S B P N T E X A
R T U T U B G Y U
U D X Z R N S C J Q Y E XW E G L X
Where’s Harvey? Find where the lovely Harvey’s hidden in this issue and you could win a prize. To enter, email helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com or visit grouptravelworld.com/competition before July 1, 2018.
112 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
112-113 GTW May 18 Puzzles.indd 112
09/05/2018 18:22
Puzzles
Crossword ACROSS 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 19 20 21 22
2nd smallest continent (6) Microphone inventor (6) Probability (4) Fragile (8) Join (5) Couple (7) Long established (3-4) Mature (5) Yes (3,5) Profane expression (4) Reduce (6) Vestige (6)
DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 13 15 17 18
Painful abdominal complaint (8,5) Maiden Castle county (6) Is inclined (5) Colours developing in Autumn (7) Performing animal show (6) Reflection (13) Conceive (7) Shove (6) Gadget (6) Hiding place (5)
FILM & TV QUIZ 2
3
4
MATT MARTIN
1
Q Matthew Kelly is now a stage actor. But which TV talent show
who lives at Nene Valley Railway
Q Can you name this engine,
Q Footloose is now a stage
is he best known for?
in Cambridgeshire?
film first released?
show, but in which year was the
Q This is the unlikely burial site
of which king?
Picture quiz answer: Humphry Repton Film & TV quiz: 1. Stars in their Eyes 2. Thomas the Tank Engine 3. 1984 4. King Richard III Where’s Harvey? In issue 184, Harvey was on page 17, sitting in the middle of Oxford city centre 22 Shadow. (Down) 1 Duodenal ulcer, 2 Dorset, 3 Tends, 4 Yellows, 5 Circus, 6 Contemplation, 13 Imagine, 15 Thrust, 17 Doodad, 18 Stash.
Crossword solution: (Across) 7 Europe, 8 Edison, 9 Odds, 10 Delicate, 11 Unite, 12 Twosome, 14 Old-time, 16 Adult, 19 All right, 20 Oath, 21 Lessen,
Answers
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112-113 GTW May 18 Puzzles.indd 113
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09/05/2018 18:22
And finally...
Carol loves to escape the world of theatre and jet off
Take to the skies CAROL HARRISON
T
For actress, producer and director Carol Harrison, travel is the perfect way to unwind after a hectic run in the West End “There are theatre digs you can go to, but
RAVELLING’S ALWAYS BEEN an essential
first show, but I really loved that town. I
part of Carol’s career as an actor, which
had my first job in Belfast and it was very
I like my space and tend to stay in hotels. I’ve
exciting to go back with the show.
seen more Premier Inns than Lenny Henry and
has included roles in EastEnders, London’s
“When you are on tour you’re sometimes
Burning and Kavanagh QC. “I seem to have
have stayed in some strange hotels. There was
been to every town in the UK at some point,”
too tired to go anywhere. But it was lovely
one where the landlady wouldn’t give me a
she says. “I like seeing different parts of Britain
in Belfast as we spent time looking around
key to get in late at night. She said she would
and how they’ve changed over the years.
the Titanic exhibition, and then in York we
wait up. I did point out that I didn’t know what time I would get back and
“I’m currently producer, director and a member of the cast of hit show All Or Nothing, which has been on tour and is now playing MAIN PHOTO: PIXABAY. AS TOLD TO: ANGELA YOUNGMAN
in the West End until June. I often
As soon as I get on a plane and it takes off I feel like a kid again
that I might want to go for a drink afterwards. When I did get back, I found her standing in her rollers asking ‘what time do you call this!’ “I really enjoy travelling. I’ve
travel in a Jeep with my son and we’ve had groups of scooters coming out
managed to go round York Minister. I put
visited Australia and the US, Cuba, Egypt and
to greet us while on tour. Cardiff was very
things on my wish list to do if we get the
most of Europe. When you work so hard
memorable with 60 scooters accompanying
chance, like going to Betty’s in Harrogate.
you enjoy a holiday – as soon as I get on a
our tour van in – we stopped all the traffic!
“All travel broadens the mind. You can
plane and it takes off I feel like a kid again.”
get a bit cocooned in the south and it is nice
And another thing... Carol is currently touring
in Glasgow, which is such a vibrant town.
to see how others respond to the show.
with her musical All Or Nothing – The Mod
We also went to Belfast recently – and
Every audience is different. We got up to
Musical, which has just transferred to the
encountered a hurricane. Some of the cast
Dundee once and they were so grateful
Ambassadors Theatre in London. Find out
couldn’t get there so we had to cancel the
we had brought the show so far up.
more at www.allornothingmusical.com
“The show went down fantastically well
GTW
114 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
114 GTW May 18 And finally.indd 114
07/05/2018 22:27
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