£9 .99 * P& P
12
TP AY
EE
SE EP AG E
December 2018 £3.99
FR
FO N R E EC W VER KL OR Y A TH REA C DE E R *J US
Celebrating the best days out and holidays for families and groups
CHEAP TICKETS ALERT: Don’t book yours until you’ve scanned this!
5
friends + you = the best family & group rates!
Discover the UK’s finest historic houses & palaces VISIT THE LANDMARK V&A DUNDEE
RE-LIVE THE FAMOUS DUNKIRK SPIRIT PLUS
JET OFF TO ITALY, CYPRUS & DENMARK
001 GTW Dec 18 Cover hm.indd 1
Beat the
chill
The gardens that come alive in winter 13/11/2018 16:27
WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE ON YOUR NEXT GROUP ADVENTURE? EUROPEAN & WORLDWIDE ESCORTED TOURS FOR GROUPS 2018/2019 Riviera Travel offers a wide selection of European and worldwide escorted tours, plus luxury four and five-star river cruises, exciting journeys by rail and once in a lifetime tall ship adventures – something to suit everyone’s taste and budget, whether travelling as a group or as an individual.
from only
£299PP *
EAR N 5%
CO M M I S S I ON FOR YO U R GROUP
To request a brochure, please call: 01283 742322 Visit: www.rivieragroups.co.uk For group enquiries: groups@rivieratravel.co.uk Please mention Group Travel World November 2018 when you book. Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton on Trent, Staffs, DE14 1SP. ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected. Prices are based on two people sharing a twin room. Additional entrance costs may apply. *Some elements are not commissionable, including upgrades, insurance premiums and some supplements plus bookings made through a third party – ask for full details. †Supplements applicable for certain regional stations. A commission invoice will be requested from the group leader in the month following that of the departure.
FP Template.indd 2
ABTA No. V4744
14/11/2018 20:18
Welcome
A word from the editor When I was a kid I dreaded winter, largely
flicked through the next 100 pages you’ll
because Dad was tight with the heating.
be itching to embrace the colder months.
But now two things have swayed my
Remember to look out for our mascot
thinking: 1. I can control my own
Harvey, who’s hidden somewhere in this
thermostat, keeping the house sub-tropical
issue, for your chance to win a M&S
(guests arrive in shorts in mid-December);
voucher – find out more on page 94.
and 2. I get sent about 30 press releases
And finally, I’d like to do a big shout out
a day reminding me of what there is to do
for the lovely folk at Cruise & Maritime
in this great country of ours between the
Voyages – namely Rebecca and Paul – who
clocks going back and then forward again.
brightened the start of my winter when
We’ve shoehorned a number of
they whisked me off for a cruise to
■ See grouptraveloffers.com for cut-price attraction tickets 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
said press releases into this issue to
Amsterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp.
E. helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com
cement the ‘winter is fun’ vibe. From
Full write up to come soon, but in the
gardens that glow (see page 28)
meantime, check out their winter-time
Designer: David Hiles E: david.hiles@d15design.com
to fantastic multi-million pound, largely indoor, museums (the
offers at cruiseandmaritime.com. Until next month!
RAF Museum London’s had a
Thanks to: Darren Calpin, Sue Parslow, John Sansom, Jonathan Smith, Chris Wales and Angela Youngman ADVERTISING
revamp, and very impressive it
Advertising Manager: Julie Cousins T: 01733 293242 E: julie.cousins@grouptravelworld.com
is too, see page 22), having
Client Manager: Paige Fraser T: 01733 293245 E: paige.fraser@grouptravelworld.com
Page 18
Sales Executive: Karen Newton T: 01733 293489 E: karen.newton@grouptravelworld.com Sales Executive: Abi Paige T: 01733 293481 E: abi.paige@grouptravelworld.com SUBSCRIPTIONS/MARKETING
OW HUFTON CR
Marketing Subscriptions Manager: Emma Parkes T: 01733 293487 E: emma.parkes@grouptravelworld.com Marketing Executive: Emily Dougall T: 01733 293483 E: emily.dougall@grouptravelworld.com
Page 28
GROUP TRAVEL OFFERS
Trade account managers: 01733 293249 MANAGEMENT
General Operations Manager: Harley Denham T: 01733 293249 E: harley.denham@grouptravelworld.com Publisher: Jonathan Taylor E: jonathan@grouptravelworld.com
This issue we’re celebrating the gardens that come alive at this time of year – see page 28
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
PIXABA Y
MAIN COVER IMAGE: PIXABAY
© 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.
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
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
003 GTW Dec 18 Welcome hm.indd 3
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13/11/2018 16:29
HUFTON CROW
38 The best spots for afternoon tea
SHAWN PEARCE
22 Visit the new-look Royal Air Force Museum London
24 Discover Bury St Edmunds
34 Historic houses and palaces
18 Explore the all-new V&A Dundee 4 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
004-005 GTW Dec 18 Contents hm.indd 4
13/11/2018 16:31
ds
Contents Regulars 6 Let’s go...
The mist rises over RHS Garden Wisley
8 15 minutes with... TV presenter Ben Hillman
10 News
We catch up on the world of travel
62 Theatre news & reviews The latest from theatreland
70 Chris on Tour
Chris Wales heads to Amsterdam with DFDS
86 UKinbound
Discover Wiltshire’s new Great West Way
90 Expert Q&As
Your questions answered
94 Readers’ letters
You share your news and photos
28 See Kew Gardens light up this winter
96 Puzzle pages
Try our quizzes and puzzles every month
98 And finally... Jet off to Rome
Features 14 That's the spirit
Northern France: a region full of wartime history
18 A Scottish icon
Plan your trip to the new V&A Dundee
22 We have lift off
RAF Hendon’s multi-million pound revamp
24 The plot thickens
A new wartime attraction in Bury St Edmunds
28 Get up and glow
The gardens worthy of a winter-time visit, plus historic houses to explore
38 Tea with a splash
Quirky spots for afternoon tea
42 Going Dutch
Ferry deals, plus the GTW team’s mini cruise
52 A Somerset delight
Three very good reasons to head to Bath
54 Guarding the realm
Kent’s castles and stately homes
56 Can you keep a secret? Iconic UK attractions to explore
73 The north’s stars
Planning a trip to the north east? Read this first
74 Paradise found
From beaches to bowling, Cyprus has it all
78 A voyage into the past
Discover the ancient châteaux of the River Loire
82 A Danish adventure
Why Copenhagen makes for a great city break
14 Experience the Dunkirk spirit 2018-style
84 A feast of delights
The Lemon Festival of Menton in the Riviera WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
004-005 GTW Dec 18 Contents hm.indd 5
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13/11/2018 16:31
RHS GARDEN WISLEY
As the mist rises... This stunning view across the Seven Acres Lake at RHS Garden Wisley was taken by photographer Jason Ingram. Open throughout the year, this Surrey gem is a must for groups, with guided tours on offer and special events including next spring’s Plant Fair, from March 22-24, and Wisley’s Spring Craft Fair from May 2-6. To find out
RHS
more about group bookings email groups@rhs.org.uk or visit rhs.org.uk
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Let’s go...
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15 minutes with...
Ben Hillman As a presenter of popular TV show A Place in the Sun, travelling is all part of a day’s work for Ben. But his heart belongs on England’s south coast
S
KILLS IN RENOVATION and upcycling led interior designer Ben Hillman into
“Luckily I’ve never suffered cancelled
brought a large family house. It’s a lovely environment. Two streets behind us are the
an unexpected career as a TV presenter.
flights or having to sleep in an airport
Sussex downs, and in the other direction
Having worked on The Renovation Game and
lounge – my travel problems have come in
a river walk, which can take you into town.
60 Minute Makeover, he’s now one of the
the UK. My wife and I got stuck on the M25
Then there’s the sea nearby too. Within 10
presenters on Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun,
for hours in the snow once en route to the
minutes everything is on our doorstep.
helping people find homes overseas.
west country. I phoned ahead to say we were
“We went back to Brighton recently
running late and were told ‘it doesn’t snow in
and did the tourist thing, visiting all the
Ben. “Not just Europe but to Central America,
Bath because of our location’. We finally got
attractions and seeing the sights. The
Australia, Croatia and the Azores. The
there... and it was snowing!
Pavilion is definitely the most iconic building,
“It’s taken me all over the world,” says
production team’s in charge of all the details WORDS: ANGELA YOUNGMAN; MAIN PHOTO: PIXABAY
was in the 1950s.
“I truly believe that the UK is one of the
but what I actually enjoyed most was the
and they make all the travel arrangements.
most beautiful places in the world, from
Brighton sewer tour (see southernwater.
It’s just pot luck as to where we’re sent.
Suffolk to the Lake District to Cornwall
co.uk/brighton-sewer-tours).
On set, I spend about four days viewing
there’s a wealth of places to discover. I really
properties and taking a short look at the
enjoy exploring places, and just happening
Victorian engineering and are still in use,
locality. It’s a real whistle stop tour.
upon them, which is probably why I can never
having just been modernised a little. They
remember all the places we’ve been.
are a great testament to the skill of the
“My favourite area so far has been Majorca. It’s so easy to get there, and so diverse.
“I was born and brought up in Brighton,
“The sewers are a massive feat of
engineers. You finish the tour by popping up
There’s a busy capital city, mountains,
lived for seven years in London, and then
through a manhole in the street in the middle
beaches and rural markets. Croatia is
came back to Brighton. We’ve just moved
of Brighton, which does surprise people
beautiful too. It’s a bit like the Mediterranean
to a house in Shoreham by the Sea as we’ve
passing by!” GTW
Ben’s a fan of Brighton – and its sewers!
8 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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TE GTW A4 Cyprus 1118.qxp_. 01/11/2018 16:45 Page 1
Cyprus Pioneer Beach Hotel
5 days from £599 per person
Cyprus is a wonderful destination for a short winter break - with a lovely southern climate, no crowds and a wealth of sightseeing opportunities that reflect the country’s turbulent history at a crossroad in the Mediterranean. In winter it represents superb value for money. Based at the four-star Pioneer Beach Hotel set in lavish gardens right next to the beach, with dinner bed and breakfast included and a full day excursion to Omodos, Kourion and Aphrodite’s Rock.
Pioneer Beach Hotel
Paphos
Rock of Aphrodite, Paphos
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
FP Template.indd 9
Travel Editions Group Limited, 3 Young’s Buildings, London EC1V 9DB T: 020 7251 0045 E: groups@traveleditions.co.uk www.traveleditions.co.uk
14/11/2018 20:19
News
Karen Tiley of CPT UK presents the award to Megan Pollexfen of Discover Newmarket and Jane Evans of The National Stud
An odds-on favourite The National Stud in Newmarket is on to a
at Discover Newmarket. “Our educational tours
A monastic treat
winner after it was awarded Coach Friendly
are delivered by industry expert guides, and
Fancy a traditional music hall experience
Status last month by The Confederation of
we look forward to welcoming more groups.”
– in the unique surroundings of a
Passenger Transport UK (CPT UK). The only commercial stud farm in the UK
Visitors arriving by coach can learn the history and heritage of the site and how it feeds
19th century monastery? Greatdays Travel Group’s ‘Music Hall at
offering tours to the public through Discover
into Newmarket’s horseracing history on a
the Monastery’ recreates the tradition of
Newmarket, this 500-acre attraction is now
90-minute tour, as well as the legacy of stallions
music hall within the walls of the restored
officially coach friendly – its top-notch parking,
who’ve stood here, including Mill Reef. Tours are
Gorton Monastery in Manchester, a former
meet and greet service and driver incentives
available between 10am and 2pm, seven days
Franciscan friary. This Gothic masterpiece
among the many benefits for groups arriving
a week, and prices start from £10 per person.
(dubbed as Manchester’s Taj Mahal) closed
by coach. “We’re delighted to have received this
To make a group booking, call the team on 0344 748 9200 and choose option 2, email
for worship in 1989, and re-opened in 2007 after a £6m restoration project.
award as recognition of The National Stud’s
admin@discovernewmarket.co.uk or visit
efforts to welcome visitors for what is a unique
discovernewmarket.co.uk/places/
programme of entertainment lunches.
experience,” says Megan Pollexfen, Manager
national-stud-tour/
Groups arrive at 10.30am for coffee,
The event is the latest in Greatdays’
biscuits and inspirational tales of the rebirth of the monastery, told by one of the team responsible for the restoration.
Racing at Goodwood
Then it’s straight into the first half of the music hall, with songs made famous
And talking of racing, Goodwood
Festival, which runs from July 30 to
by the likes of Max Miller, Gracie Fields and
Racecourse in Sussex is all set to welcome
August 3, 2019. But special Parade
George Formby. After a three-course lunch
groups by the coachload for its 2019
Ring DJ nights and family days are also
in the Great Nave it’s time for part two.
season, which promises 19 days of
on the agenda, with special rates for
Guests are invited to dress in traditional
world-class action between May and
groups on race days – namely 20% off
music hall style with prizes on offer for the
October – set against panoramic views
ticket prices for groups of 10 or more in
best dressed – and all this for just £35.
of the South Downs, Chichester plains
the Gordon and Lennox Enclosures (with
and the Isle of Wight.
coach drivers admitted free).
This iconic venue is famous for its flagship event, the Qatar Goodwood
Find out more at goodwood.com/ sports/horseracing/
The lunches are held on selected dates through summer 2019. To find out more call 0161 928 3242 or visit greatdays.co.uk/ tour/music-hall-manchester-greatdays
THIS MONTH WE LOVE… ...the hordes of fantastic beasts who live at Chester Zoo (see chesterzoo.org). GTW’s ed Helen visited this month and fell in love with the zoo’s new babies – including gorgeous rhino calf Hazina, who’s our cover star next month!
10 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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13/11/2018 16:38
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 11
Torquay
Bournemouth
Eastbourne
@daishs4groups Llandudno
Newquay
Weymouth 15/11/2018 21:31
News The 2019 Birmingham International Tattoo Experience the pomp and pageantry of the
The massed bands will be joined by exciting
Birmingham International Tattoo. Britain’s
displays, culminating in a spectacular grand
biggest indoor international tattoo (a type of
finale featuring more than 1,000 performers.
military show), with more than 1,200 performers,
The show takes place on November 23 at
will return to Arena Birmingham on November
6pm and November 24 at 2pm, at the Arena
23-24, 2019, bringing together international
Birmingham. Adult tickets cost from £20 to
military and other marching bands in a
£30, with concessions for seniors and children
three-hour spectacle for all the family.
available, and special discounts for groups of 10
The Tattoo will bring together international
GTW EXCLUSIVE
Free for you! This pretty necklace
worth £9.99
is yours for free* *Just pay £4.99 p&p
or more. To find out more, call the box office on
marching bands with lots of pomp and
0844 338 8222 (groups 0800 358 0058),
pageantry thrown in for good measure.
or see www.birminghamtattoo.co.uk
Puy du Fou’s award-winning Le Mystère de La Pérouse
This month, treat yourself to this pretty dolphin charm pendant, which hangs on a dainty silver chain. It’s yours for free (just pay £4.99 p&p and order before December 14, 2018)
Buy any additional two for £14.99
AND THERE’S MORE!
Bumblebee charm
Flamingo charm
Elephant charm
Bird charm
£9.99
£9.99
A French expedition Puy du Fou – France’s second largest
Le Mystère de La Pérouse takes visitors on
attraction – has clinched two international
a worldwide voyage, departing from France in
awards for its latest production, Le Mystère
1785 under the leadership of Monsieur de La
de La Pérouse.
Pérouse. Using the ship’s log entries received
The immersive walk-through attraction
by King Louis XVI, Puy du Fou has enabled its
was crowned Top New European Attraction
visitors to become explorers for a day as they
in the Parksmania Awards, and Live
climb on board ‘La Boussole’, one of the two
Entertainment of the Year in the Park World
ships involved in the expedition. Find out more
Excellence Awards.
at www.puydufou.com/en GTW
£9.99
£9.99
TO ORDER GO TO:
grouptravelworld.com/gtwshop
12 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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13/11/2018 16:38
PRINT_2234 - Party at Sea.pdf
1
13/08/2018
13:42
Newcastle - Amsterdam
Party at Sea Give your party a unique twist with our Party at Sea package. Spend 2 nights onboard our overnight crossing from Newcastle-Amsterdam, with a range of fantastic perks to make your event one to remember. Once you arrive in Amsterdam you’ll have up to 5 hours to explore the vibrant city centre, with return coach transfers included. All of this is available from just £99pp. For groups of 10+. Includes:
C
M
Y
• • • •
Welcome drink upon arrival Buffet breakfast both mornings Buffet dinner & drink on both evenings Option to upgrade to Celebrate at Sea menu • Cabin upgrade for host*
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
dfds.co.uk/party Price is subject to availability & based on 4 sharing sea view cabin. T&Cs apply. *Subject to availability.
FP Template.indd 13
15/11/2018 21:32
The French coastal town of Dunkirk is synonymous with the war years
That’s the spirit…
The popularity of the recent film ‘Dunkirk’ has generated renewed interest in northern France. Stuart Render reports on a region that resonates with wartime history
T
the events that took place during May and June 1940, when the retreating British Expeditionary Force found itself cut off and at the mercy of the rapidly advancing German forces, have left an indelible mark. For a visitor wanting to find out more, a good starting point is the Dunkirk War Museum. Located in the original bunker headquarters used by the French and Allied forces during the Battle of Dunkirk, the museum houses a fascinating collection of weapons, uniforms, models, photos and maps of military operations. A
O AN OLDER generation the very mention
of more than 338,000 British soldiers from
of the phrase ‘Dunkirk spirit’ is likely to
the Dunkirk beaches during the Second
12-minute video, in English, sets the scene.
evoke wartime memories, the meaning relating
World War. And, in 2017, the release of a
OPERATION DYNAMO
to the importance of standing fast and pulling
Hollywood feature film brought the story of
‘Operation Dynamo’ was the largest
together at times of adversity. The phrase
the evacuation to a new, younger audience.
evacuation effort in military history. Crucial
came to be used following the evacuation
In the French coastal town of Dunkirk,
to the success of the mission was the fleet of
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France
The Dunkirk War Museum is located in the original bunker headquarters used by the French and Allied forces during the Battle of Dunkirk
The ‘little ships’ of Operation Dynamo are remembered
The memorial at La Plaine au Bois
‘little ships’, the 700 or so privately-owned
out to sea. Only a very few of the little ships
A tour of the many underground tunnels and
pleasure boats, fishing boats and other
carried soldiers all the way back to England.
outside areas reveals the scars of the battle of
vessels that had been requisitioned by the
Moored in the centre of Dunkirk’s modern
1940 and the German occupation. There are
British government to head across the English
marina complex, close to the town centre, is
several permanent exhibitions that complete
Channel and rescue the stranded soldiers.
the British paddle steamer ‘Princess Elizabeth’.
the story. Be warned though, there are many
Dating from 1927 she was one of the fleet
steps and relatively steep inclines to negotiate.
The Dunkirk War Museum corrects one of the popular myths of Operation Dynamo,
of little ships and is reported to have saved
Some 19 kilometres south of Dunkirk, just
explaining that the majority of the little ships
1,673 soldiers, making the perilous journey
outside the village of Esquelbecq, is La Plaine
were piloted by members of the Royal Navy
four times. Today, she’s a floating restaurant
au Bois, the site of a massacre of 80 British
and not, as is often believed, by their owners.
offering groups an unusual dining opportunity.
soldiers that took place on 28 May 1940. The
Only a small handful of fishing boats, vessels
story is truly horrific. The soldiers, attempting
that were used to being at sea, and one or
THE SCARS OF BATTLE
two other vessels, were piloted in this way.
Six kilometres along the coast from Dunkirk,
found themselves up against members of the
in the village of Leffrinckoucke, is the Fort
Regiment SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler, the
because of the shallow waters near to the
des Dunes. The buildings of this 19th century
Führer’s personal bodyguards. After a heroic
beach, the little ships were primarily used
fortification, completed in 1880 to protect
struggle the British soldiers had to surrender.
to transfer soldiers from the beach to the
Dunkirk and its port from any attack from the
They were taken prisoner and imprisoned in a
larger Royal Navy ships anchored further
east, are built under the coastal sand dunes.
small barn, expecting to be treated according
Visitors to the museum also learn that
to hold back the advancing German army,
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France
The cameras roll as recent movie Dunkirk is filmed Deborah was so-called because she was part of ‘D’ Company
to the Geneva Convention. However, the Germans, unable to tolerate the resistance shown by the British, assassinated them. Today, a reconstruction of the barn acts as a memorial, with the whole interior covered with memorial poppies, wreaths and messages.
GET ME THERE Ferry operator DFDS offers sailings from Dover to Dunkirk, the journey taking around 90 minutes (see dfdsseaways.co.uk). Dunkirk is an attractive option for either an overnight stop-off on the route east or south, or as a base from which to spend longer exploring the region. Further inland, the historic city of
A tank called Deborah
Lille, the ‘capital’ of the region, offers
Situated near the junction of the A2 and
of the Cambrai Tank 1917 centre. This
magnificent architecture, excellent shopping,
A26 autoroutes at Cambrai, and a short
remarkable visitor attraction opened in
memorable walking tours and a range of
distance from the main A1 to Paris, is
March this year in the village of Flesquieres,
quality accommodation to suit all budgets.
something rather special, a unique part
just south of the town of Cambrai. Visitors
2019 sees ‘Eldorado’, a city-wide festival
of wartime history – and she goes by the
are shown a film that sets the scene,
delivered by ‘Lille 3000’, an organisation
name of Deborah...
before descending six metres to discover
set up in the aftermath of Lille’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2004.
On 20 November 1917, nearly 500
‘Deborah’, displayed in a concrete bunker.
British tanks engaged with the German
The purpose-built building, the exterior
forces in the Battle of Cambrai. In 1998
designed to look like a tank, adjoins the
For more information on the region visit:
one of the tanks was unearthed from the
Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery where the
■ www.dunkerque-tourisme.fr
battleground. Today, Deborah, the name
tank’s crew are buried. If you’re in the area,
■ www.amazing-cambrai.com
originally given to the tank because she
try and find time to go and visit Deborah.
■ www.lilletourism.com
was part of ‘D’ Company, is the centrepiece
It’s an experience unlike any other!
GTW
■ www.northernfrance-tourism.com
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Group Travel World - DT Entertainment Lunches - FP Nov 2018_Layout 1 26/10/2018 11:47 Page 1
NEW
Entertainment Lunches FOR GR O U P S A N D I N D I V I D U A L S
EXCL
USIV E TO GREA T D AY S
Music Hall at The Monastery 2019
from
£ 3 5 .00 per person
10.30am Doors open. 10.45am Coffee and biscuits in the Great Nave. 11.00am Welcome talk – The Monastery’s Journey From Ruin to Restoration. 11.30am First half of the show. 12.30pm Three course set lunch. 2.00pm Best dressed guest and charity raffle. Then it’s on with the show! 3.00pm Farewell and Carriages.
Manchester - Monday 20th May
Includes: • Arrival tea/coffee and biscuits • Welcome talk on the Monastery • 3 course lunch with tea/coffee (set menu) • 2 hours variety show FOR INDIVIDUALS PLEASE BOOK ONLINE
www.greatdaysholidays.co.uk
Individual bookings made by phone will incur an additional fee of £5 per person. Bookings made on-line do not incur any additional fees.
Mamma Mia Summer Show Party 2019 11.00am Arrive for coffee and biscuits. 11.30am Mamma Mia - here we go again! The entertainment begins followed by a topical quiz. 12.30pm A three course set lunch will be served. 2.00pm from
£27.50 per person
3.00pm
Best dressed competition and raffle draw, then on with the show. Farewell and Carriages.
Yorkshire - Tues 4th, Wed 5th June
Chester - Wed 12th June
Lancashire - Wed 18th September
Cheshire - Tue 24th, Wed 25th September
Essex - Tue 18th, Wed 19th June; Wed 4th, Thu 5th September
Kent - Fri 28th June; Thu 12th, Fri 13th September
Includes: • Welcome tea/coffee and biscuits • 90 minutes of premium entertainment • 3 course lunch with tea/coffee (set menu)
Celebrating The Carpenters 2019 11.00am Arrive for coffee and biscuits.
from
£27.50
Chester - Thursday 13th June
Lancashire - Tuesday 17th September
11.30am First half of the show.
Kent - Thursday 27th June
12.30pm A three course set lunch will be served.
Includes:
2.00pm
Raffle draw, then on with the show!
3.00pm
Farewell and Carriages.
• Welcome tea/coffee and biscuits • 90 minutes of premium entertainment • 3 course lunch with tea/coffee (set menu)
per person
Join us for The Christmas Beatles Show Party Lunch 2019 S E E W E B S I T E F O R DAT E S A N D P R I C E S F O R G R O U P S O F 1 0 O R M O R E P L E A S E C O N TA C T O U R S A L E S T E A M
T: 0161 928 3242
| E: sales@greatdays.co.uk | www.greatdays.co.uk
Prices exclude coach hire. Dates subject to availability and can change without prior notice.
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A
Scottish icon
V&A Dundee opened its doors with a flourish last month, and groups can now plan their trip to this inspirational destination in 2019
Words: Sue Parslow Photos: V&A Dundee/©HuftonCrow
T
HIS STRIKING BUILDING, which cost £80.11 million to build, is
Scotland’s first design museum, and promises to put this UNESCO City of Design firmly on the world map. Beautiful, light-filled interiors, designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, offer a stylish, modern backdrop to examples of Scotland’s outstanding design achievements, celebrating its cultural heritage. And at the heart of the museum, the Scottish Design Galleries feature 300 exhibits drawn from the V&A’s
A billion pound deal V&A Dundee’s construction and fit-out took three-and-a-half years to complete, and it stands at the centre of the £1 billion transformation of the Dundee waterfront, once part of the city’s docklands.
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Days out collections, as well as from museums and
Kengo comments that he has greatly
private collections across Scotland and the
admired Rennie Mackintosh’s designs since
world. At the centre of these galleries is the
he was a student: “I hope the museum
magnificent Charles Rennie Mackintosh
can change the city and become its centre
Oak Room, which has been meticulously
of gravity. I am delighted and proud that
restored, conserved and reconstructed
this is my first building in the UK and that
having been lost to view for nearly 50 years.
people will visit it from around the world.”
A LIVING ROOM FOR THE CITY
complemented by new commissions and
Architect of V&A Dundee, Kengo Kuma, who
installations, including ‘This, looped’, a
has described his interiors as a ‘living room
visual exhibit by Glasgow-based artist and
for the city,’ says: “I’m truly in love with the
former Turner prize nominee Ciara Phillips.
Scottish landscape and nature. I was inspired
V&A say major exhibitions will be
Plan your trip at vam. ac.uk/dundee
Dundee City Council Leader, Councillor
by the cliffs of north-eastern Scotland – it’s as
John Alexander, adds: “V&A Dundee is the
if the earth and water had a long conversation
perfect illustration of how the city is forging a
and finally created this stunning shape.”
new path and being transformed
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma was inspired by Scottish landscapes to create his design WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Days out
V&A Dundee is Scotland’s first design museum
for every resident, worker and visitor. We are not a city
WHILE IN DUNDEE... ■ V&A
Dundee shares the
waterfront with two nautical
which limits its ambitions and there is much more to come Kids. Head to City Square and nearby Bash Street to take a selfie with larger-
from our creative and dynamic city.”
museums: RRS Discovery, Captain
than-life characters you’ll find here.
GROUP AND SCHOOL VISITS
Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship,
■ Events
V&A Dundee is free to enter and open daily from 10am
and 19th century warship, HM
Caird Hall and next year the city can
to 5pm. From 2019, it will offer group bookings for talks
Frigate Unicorn. Elsewhere, Verdant
look forward to a sparkling selection of
and guided tours of the building and galleries. Discounts
Works museum celebrates the
entertainment, from the Bolshoi Ballet
on paid-for tickets for exhibitions will be available for
city’s jute-manufacturing heritage,
in January, to a Musical Tribute to Elton
groups of 10 or more. BSL and touch tours for visually
and The McManus, Dundee’s Art
John in March.
impaired and deaf visitors can be arranged.
Gallery & Museum, displays art and
■ Accommodation
archaeological finds.
plentiful, from hotels, including
years pupils to the end of secondary school, beginning
■ Lovable
and concerts are staged in the
options are
A schools programme has been created for early
short-stay apartments, to budget-
in January, and a range of free guided tours for school
strips in The Beano and The Dandy
friendly hostels.
groups are also available.
were born and raised in Dundee,
■ Dundee
including Dennis the Menace,
in Scotland, enjoying an average of
is the first to explore the design and cultural impact
Desperate Dan and the Bash Street
1,523 hours of sunshine every year.
of the ocean liner on an international scale. It runs
rogues of well-loved comic
is one of the sunniest cities
A new exhibition, Ocean Liners: Speed and Style,
until February 24, 2019. For more information, email bookings@vandadundee.org
GTW
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HOTEL-BAR-RESTAURANT
Barton Street, Laceby
01472 872248 3 star hotel based on the outskirts of Grimsby and the Lincolnshire Wolds. Great base for exploring the fabulous county of Lincolnshire. Great rates to be had. For information about the hotel oaklandshallhotel.co.uk. Call for bookings on 01472 872248.
Guildford, Surrey GU3 1DQ
Watts
Gallery
Artists’ Village
NEW EXHIBITIONS Christina Rossetti: Vision & Verse 13 November ‘18 - 17 March ‘19 Moonscapes 2 April ‘19 - 23 June ’19 Group entry from £9.50pp
Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village wattsgallery.org.uk | 01483 813589 ad .indd 2
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15/11/2018 21:49
Days out
We have
New exhibits tell the story of the RAF
lift off
The attraction is free to enter and open year-round
A multi-million pound redevelopment has transformed the Royal Air Force Museum London. It’s now a living, breathing attraction that allows the history of the RAF to take flight Words: Angela Youngman
T
HE ROYAL AIR FORCE Museum London, known as RAF Hendon, is regarded as one
Plan your visit at rafmuseum. org.uk/london
the WAAF and was involved with the French
EVEN BIGGER AND BETTER
Resistance in Paris.
The founding of the RAF
Inayat Khan, an Indian princess who joined
100 years ago was the first
of the UK’s finest museums, and its location is
ROYALTY AND DARING ESCAPES
extremely relevant, having played a part in the
All of the exhibitions are designed to be family
been created, and displays relating to those
history of flight from, well, its take off.
friendly and immersive, drawing on the lives of
early days include memorabilia such as the
RAF personnel as well as the latest technology.
lucky kitten, which accompanied one of the
Grahame-White Factory – tells the story of
There are hands-on activities, and visitors can
pilots on every mission, and a violin created
the development of flight, and its multi-million
digitally design their own aircraft and put it
from whatever materials were available by an
pound revamp has brought it firmly into the
through its paces in a virtual test flight. More
RAF technician in his spare time back in 1918.
21st century. “Our new exhibitions not only
than 500 previously unseen exhibits and
explore the RAF’s extraordinary history and
displays have also been added; among them
learning centre and improved landscaping,
people, but also give visitors the opportunity
the Sea King helicopter flown by Prince William.
which draws on the heritage of the London
to look ahead into the cutting-edge future of
There is a fascinating section on capture and
the service,” says the museum’s CEO Maggie
escape from enemy held territory, with objects
hangers now face onto pleasant green lawns,
Appleton. A new 4D experience ride has
including a concealed radio in a water canteen,
ideal for picnics, and outdoor concerts and
been launched, allowing visitors to experience
a 1940s wooden camera made by a prisoner
films are planned for these spaces. A new
what it’s like to fly in formation with the Red
of war, and heated clothing used in the 1940s.
visitor centre has been added too, providing
Arrows, sit in the cockpit of an iconic Spitfire,
While the display of prisoner of war clothing
improved catering and shop facilities.
join a team of recruits for an intense air
and items relating to the experience of RAF
fighter training flight and more. And three new
pilots during the Gulf War makes a dramatic
GET ME THERE
exhibitions have been unveiled – RAF Stories:
contrast. One of the more unexpected
Admission to the museum is free, although
The first 100 years; RAF: First to the Future,
artefacts is a flying dog jacket, a tiny item of
there is a small charge for some activities, like
and The RAF in an Age of Uncertainty.
clothing made for a much-loved officer’s dog
the 4D theatre and group tours. Discounted
during the Second World War, which was later
catering packages are available, and coach
used to dress a teddy bear.
parking is free for pre-booked tours.
Today, the museum’s home – London’s
Among the many stories to be discovered in these new exhibition spaces is that of Noor
time an official standalone air force had ever
Accompanying the new displays are a new
Aerodrome and RAF Hendon. The display
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THE IBCC PROVIDES A WORLD-CLASS FACILITY ACKNOWLEDGING THE EFFORTS, SACRIFICES AND COMMITMENT OF THE MEN AND WOMEN, FROM 62 DIFFERENT NATIONS, WHO CAME TOGETHER IN BOMBER COMMAND DURING WWII. • Hear the stories of the people who were there
• Can you complete the slang challenge?
• Discover what it was like to be on a bombing operation with our immersive experience
• Travel the world with the nations who served in Bomber Command
• Be a member of an operational Aircrew with our interactive aircraft table
• What did children do during the war?
• Find out about the role of women in WWII
• Build a plane puzzle – how quickly can you complete the challenge?
ACCESS TO THE PEACE GARDENS AND MEMORIAL IS FREE OF CHARGE FOR EXHIBITION ADMISSION CHARGES AND EVENTS VISIT WWW.INTERNATIONALBCC.CO.UK
OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK - 9.30AM TO 5PM CLOSED MONDAYS EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS | LAST EXHIBITION ENTRY 4PM
01522 514755 | INFO@INTERNATIONALBCC.CO.UK INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, CANWICK HILL, LINCOLN, LN4 2RF
Britain’s finest hour – your finest day out
Have I got some stories to tell you!
Relive this country’s finest hour with a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial. Our interactive Scramble Experience brings to life the skills, bravery and sacrifices of ‘the Few’ in 1940, while the clifftop site inspires reflection and remembrance. Film footage and audio clips allow the Few to tell their stories as only they can. Look for well-known names on the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall, admire the replica Hurricane and Spitfire, shoot down enemy aircraft from a mock-up Hurricane cockpit in The Scramble Experience and enjoy a coffee and unrivalled views of the Channel from our first floor café.
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few” Winston Churchill
VISIT THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL ON KENT’S FAMOUS WHITE CLIFFS AT CAPEL-LE-FERNE, NEAR FOLKESTONE, KENT CT18 7JJ. For more information, please call 01303 249 292 or visit www.battleofbritainmemorial.org
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The Battle Of Britain Memorial Trust CIO. Registered Charity No 1169005.
15/11/2018 21:40
Days out
The plot thickens
See artefacts from the 1940s
Angela Youngman explores a new wartime attraction in the heart of historic Bury St Edmunds that was key to the outcome of World War Two
A
POPULAR VENUE WITH medieval
to the continent resulted in the area being
pilgrims, and later popularised by Dickens
closely involved in air force activity, including
in The Pickwick Papers, Bury St Edmunds in
plane monitoring during the First World War.
Suffolk is an ever-popular tourist destination.
When the onset of the Second World War
up in telephone exchanges, and reverted to
But its newest attraction is the revamped
became increasingly likely, the area became
phone use immediately after the war. The
Guildhall, which has just re-opened its doors.
a focus for the Royal Observer Corps.
fact that this room was in a civic building, and
As well as being the oldest civic building in
In 1938, Francis Bright, a former Mayor
remained in use during much of the Cold War
continuous use within the UK, the Guildhall’s
of Bury St Edmunds, who had served in
monitoring nuclear movements, led to its
World War Two Royal Observer Corps Control
the Observer Corps, was instrumental in
unique survival. As the Guildhall had become
Centre is the only surviving room of its kind
deciding that a room in the Guildhall should
a Grade One Listed Building, the style of the
worldwide. It’s unique, and played a vital
become the new area control room.
rooms could not be changed, and when the
role in determining the course of the war. East Anglia’s flat landscape and closeness
Looking back, this was a significant decision. Most other control rooms were set
Royal Observer Corps left in the 1960s, the room was left relatively untouched.
SHAUN PEARCE
Bury St Edmunds’ Abbey Gardens are a short walk from the Guildhall
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Experience the Pageantry & Spectacle Massed International Marching Bands Massed Pipes & Drums Massed Parade of Standard Bearers Exciting Displays & Thrilling Performances Three hours of spectacle for all the family FEATURING OVER 1,000 PERFORMERS IN THE SPECTACULAR GRAND FINALE
Tickets on sale December 2018 Groups can reserve tickets and pay later
formerly the Barclaycard Arena
Saturday 23rd November 2019 at 6pm Sunday 24th November 2019 at 2pm at the Arena Birmingham
Box Office 0844-33-88-222*
*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge
Special discounts available for groups of 10+ by calling
Group bookings: 0800-358-0058
Tickets are priced at £20 to £30 with reduced prices for children & senior citizens. Special group discounts are also available for those purchasing 10 tickets or more at one time, please ask for details.
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15/11/2018 21:34
Days out
The Guildhall’s World War Two Royal Observer Corps Control Centre is the only surviving room of its kind worldwide
WARTIME TRACKERS
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
The restoration of the Guildhall provided the perfect opportunity to open this facility to the public as a tourist attraction. Today, visitors can see the Second World War blast wall that guarded the entrance, and discover what life was like for members of the Corps working here. Displays highlight the important role played by the ROC, and this control room, in dealing not just with enemy action, but identifying allied plane movements and downed planes. At busy times,
SHAUN PEARCE
plotters could have been tracking hundreds of planes within a matter of minutes. The experience begins as you walk through a gas-proof door, past a teleprinter. A purpose
Bury’s top spots
built gallery overlooks a control table, with a
As the Guildhall is only a few minutes’
premises, see greeneking.co.uk/our-
map of East Anglia divided into sections. Above
walk from the centre of Bury St Edmunds,
beers/brewery-tours-beer-cafe
the map is archive news footage, films and
it’s easy to combine a visit with other
■ The
the stories of those who served here, which
attractions, including:
has become a huge attraction every year,
helps to bring this unique room alive. Guided
■ St
with stalls covering the marketplace, Abbey
tours led by re-enactors can be arranged.
Gardens (pictured here), which contain
Gardens and many prominent buildings as
Other guided tours explaining the history and
the ruins of the medieval monastic
well as the main streets. This year’s fayre
architecture of the Guildhall are also available.
settlement, see stedscathedral.org
takes place from November 22-25, see
Edmundsbury Cathedral and Abbey
Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre
burystedmundschristmasfayre.co.uk
AND ANOTHER THING...
which include a rooftop experience.
■ Ickworth
The Guildhall is still owned by a local
These 90-minute tours cover all aspects
National Trust, is only a short distance
charity dating back to medieval times,
of the brewery operation across several
from Bury St Edmunds. This 18th
which became the effective civic rulers of
buildings, before climbing open staircases
century Italian style building contains
Bury St Edmunds in the 16th century.
to the roof. A further 30-minute
major collections of Georgian silver,
Each year, its major medieval benefactor is
tasting allows ale lovers to try up to
Regency furniture and paintings, see
remembered with a Cake & Ale ceremony,
four different beers brewed on the
nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth
a ceremony that has been undertaken
■ Tours
of the Greene King Brewery,
House, owned by the
continuously for over 600 years.
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Ragley Hall Park & Gardens, Warwickshire, B49 5NJ events@ragley.co.uk 01789 762090 www.ragley.co.uk
ely visit
Oliver Cromwell’s House This former house of the Lord Protector is open all year and offers a variety of packages to groups including guided tours with costumed guides as well as refreshment and meeting room provision. All tours can be tailor made to your groups requirements. We are also able to offer combination tours with other attractions such as Ely Cathedral as well as a variety of themed walking tours. We can plan your day for you as we can offer tail made programmes for your group. Coaches are able to drop off right in the heart of the city centre with free coach parking.
For more information please contact the Tourist Information Centre (housed at Oliver Cromwell’s House) on 01353 662062. www.visitely.org.uk @visitely
Family home of the Marquess & Marchioness of Hertford. Group Tours available all year round with optional Cream Teas, Lunches and Head Ga Gardener talks.
SAVE UP TO
£150 off brochure prices
PLUS
FREE PLACES
*
Amazing savings for groups of 10 or more†
discove
MORE WITH FRIEND
*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 prin used in conjunction with any other offer, are subject to availability and can be withdrawn at anytime. Visit our website for full terms & conditio
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15/11/2018 21:52
Gardens The Glow illuminations at RHS Garden Wisley
Get up and Glow Think winter is a no-no for a garden visit? Think again...
charge for the illuminations, free parking and
collection of owls in Wales), a courtyard
free entry for RHS members,” says Melissa
restaurant, shop and deli and more. Set in
Hackney, Groups Marketing Manager for RHS
the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, plan
Gardens. “And our special offer means that
your visit at pictoncastle.co.uk
if groups have already visited an RHS Garden this year, they’ll get 50% off a second visit.” For more on the festive events on offer call
ELTHAM PALACE & GARDENS A masterpiece of 1930s design, mixing
020 7821 3170, email groups@rhs.org.
medieval and Art Deco architecture, Eltham
uk or visit rhs.org.uk/groups – and turn to
Palace in south east London sits on the site of
page 92 for our special RHS Q&A section.
a medieval royal palace.
BATSFORD ARBORETUM
Christmas is the message, as the attraction’s
Home to the country’s largest private
been freshly revamped for groups. Previously
If you’ve been before, come again over
collection of trees and shrubs, Batsford
E
Arboretum and Garden Centre in MoretonNJOY THE FESTIVE season with the
in-Marsh, Gloucestershire welcomes groups
RHS this year on a visit to one of its
of all ages, with discounts for 20 or more
four gardens: Wisley in Surrey, Rosemoor in
people, free coach parking, a meet and greet
Devon, Hyde Hall in Essex and Harlow Carr
service and guided tours on offer. It’s open
in Harrogate.
every day bar Christmas Day itself. See
All four are playing host to a series of special events, including the magical Glow
batsarb.co.uk
illuminations at Wisley, Rosemoor and
PICTON CASTLE & GARDENS
Harlow Carr (pictured above), as well as the
This winter, glorious Picton Castle in
Winter Garden at Hyde Hall.
Pembrokeshire plays host to Santa’s
Special group catering packages are
Eltham Palace: a royal palace turned Art Deco treasure
Magical Family Christmas every weekend
available at all four locations, with festive
throughout December, as well as a Victorian
lunches, afternoon teas, mulled wine and
Christmas Fair from November 17-18. And
mince pies, as well as the opportunity for
festive events aside, the attraction’s gardens
some Christmas shopping. “Our winter
are open year-round, there’s a not-so
events are great value, with no additional
Secret Owl Garden (home to the largest
28 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Woolbeding Gardens
Vibrant, evolving and ever-changing 2019 group bookings now open on 01730 716304 www.nationaltrust.org/woolbeding-gardens
Open Thursdays and Fridays, 25 April to 27 September ÂŁ8.10pp for groups of 15 or more Woolbeding Gardens, Midhurst, West Sussex The National Trust is a regisrered charity no. 205846. National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Group Travel World 2019.indd 1
Inspiring days out for groups at RHS Gardens
25/10/2018 13:44
Save up to 50% on repeat visits*
Start planning your group visit today
www.rhs.org.uk/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
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15/11/2018 21:58
Gardens GTW’s Emma (far right) took a fam trip to Eltham earlier this autumn
unseen rooms are now open, including the
and gardens are available for a small
luxury wartime bunker designed by the
additional charge.
palace’s millionaire creators, textile magnates Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. Outside, 19 acres of beautiful moated
Call 020 8294 2548 to find out more or see www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham
gardens contain a mix of rare elements
CLIVEDEN
of 1930s garden design and the remains
December is a magical time to visit this
of the medieval palace. Highlights include a
historic country pile, with its Angel Academy
sunken rose garden, terraced beds, herbaceous
Christmas Trail, gift shop and winter walks all
borders, an extensive Westmorland limestone
waiting to be explored.
rockery and water features. Advanced booking is required, and pre-booked guided tours of both the palace
The woodland grounds are dog-friendly (ideal for a stroll when you’ve overdone the mince pies), the shop stocks everything
from gifts to Christmas trees, and everyone who completes the Angel Academy Christmas trail mission earns a set of angel wings. What’s not to love? Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
Enjoy the glow at Kew Gardens this winter as an after-dark festive trail of lights illuminates the world-famous attraction from November 22 to January 5 thanks to a million twinkling lights and thousands of laser beams. Tickets are on sale now – see christmas atkew.seetickets.com
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OPEN DAILY
FIND US ON
EASTER TO OCTOBER
Dedicated Groups Co-ordinator • Tea room • Gift shop • Group rates Guided tours • NEW Humphry Repton Exhibition and Tours
01525 290333 lisa.weaver@woburn.co.uk www.woburnabbey.co.uk J3644 WA Coach Tours UK ad 190x133_Dec17.indd 2
15/11/2017 13:25
DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW
every time you visit
Groups go further at Eden
For bookings and enquiries: groups@edenproject.com | 01726 811903
edenproject.com
The Eden Project connects us with each other and the living world. Reg. charity no. 1093070 (The Eden Trust).
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15/11/2018 21:42
Gardens Woburn Abbey
STOWE GARDENS
Woburn’s Humphry Repton exhibition will
■ Note
Created by Lord Cobham in the grounds of
remain for the 2019 season, exploring the
Woburn Abbey and Gardens will remain closed
his family home, with the help of landscape
close relationship between Repton and one of
until Easter 2021, due to a huge refurbishment
designers – including of course the ever-
his greatest clients, The Duke if Bedford. Tours
project, but the team at Woburn hope to
popular Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown – Stowe
are available for groups, with the gardens open
still hold the annual Garden Show during this
Gardens in Buckinghamshire is a living legacy of
daily from early April until September 2019.
closure period. Keep an eye on the website for
Georgian England.
Find out more at woburnabbey.co.uk
updates on the project.
for your diaries: after September 2019,
The 250 acres are filled with winding paths, lakes, bridges, temples and follies, and were created as an earthly paradise.
IT’S SHOW TIME Looking forward to next summer,
■ Garden
really get to know the attraction’s history, and
Woburn has just revealed the dates
(12 or more people) cost £11.50,
see the website for details of the year-round
for its annual Garden Show, which
with concessions £9.50
special events. Groups of 15 or more get a
is back for its 10th year from
■ Regular
discount and are welcome all year round, see
June 22-23, 2019.
are £16.25, with concessions £15.25
Take one of the free introductory tours to
nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe
WOBURN ABBEY & GARDENS
Hailed as ‘The gardener’s garden show’ it offers a range of specialist plant nurseries,
■A
Show-only group tickets
entry, non-group rates on the day
joint Garden Show/house and gardens
group ticket costs £16 for adults and
garden trade stands. Live entertainment,
£14.50 for concessions
This wonderful Bedfordshire country house
demos, tours and talks headlined by BBC
■ Joint
is 15 years into a 25-year plan of garden
Gardeners’ Question Time panellist Pippa
Bletchley Park can also be arranged
restoration, which includes recreating the
Greenwood and BBC TV presenter and
■ See
designs of Humphry Repton – the 18th century
garden designer Adam Frost.
woburnabbey.co.uk GTW
visits with Woburn Safari Park or
the website for full details at
designer recognised as being the first person to invent and use the title ‘landscape gardener’. 32 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Living wonder
Contact us for special group rates kew.org/groups 020 8332 5648
Brimming with horticulture, science and royal heritage
PENCARROW Pencarrow, the much-loved home of the Molesworth-St Aubyn family for nearly 500 years, is set in 50 acres if Grade II* woodland and garden where dogs and children are most welcome. The Georgian house boasts an impressive library with secret door, elegant but ‘lived in’ reception rooms, period bedrooms and collections of family prams, dolls, oriental porcelain, fascinating antique furniture and portraits. In the gardens there are superb conifers that tower over
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azaleas, magnolias and camellias, with many varieties of rhododendron adding to the blaze of spring colour; blue hydrangeas line the mile long carriage drive throughout the summer. Discover the ancient Celtic cross, Iron Age hill fort, Victorian lake and icehouse, grotto, restful Italian gardens with fountain and enormous rock garden. Visit the Peacock café and enjoy the delights of a homemade cream tea or a light lunch and then browse in the Pencarrow shop for that perfect gift.
House, Café, Shop open from 31st March 2019 to 3rd October 2019 Open Sundays to Thursdays (closed Fridays & Saturdays) Gardens open from 1st October every day until 31st October Adults Registered Disabled Under 16’s FREE
£11.50 £9.75
House & Gardens House & Gardens
Adults Registered Disabled Under 16’s FREE
£6.50 £4.75
Gardens only Gardens only
15/11/2018 23:16
DERBYSHIRE
Chatsworth House A jewel in Derbyshire’s picturesque crown, Chatsworth House is to groups what the county’s hills are to ramblers. Hour-long guided tours are available through the summer season, from March to October, for under £5 per person, and longer house tours and garden walking tours are also PHOTO: VISIT BRITAIN
available (see the website for details). If you can’t wait that long to see all this 16th century mansion has to offer, enjoy Christmas at Chatsworth from now until early January. Group afternoon teas and lunches are also on the menu. Plan your visit at chatsworth.org
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Days out
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Enjoy Afternoon Tea for groups At the Five Arrows Hotel on the Waddesdon Estate, a new catering venue at Waddesdon Manor open all year round. For more information email groups@waddesdon.org.uk or telephone 01296 653209
Group tours available year round Call our Bookings Team on 020 7219 4114
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Days out Kensington Palace
FIVE best of the
Historic houses to explore
1
House as well as the fair, can be bought from thecraftshows.co.uk – for more on a visit to Stonor itself see stonor.com
4
MELLERSTAIN HOUSE & GARDENS
Hailed as one of the great houses of Scotland, Mellerstain is happy to open its door to groups outside of its official opening times
KENSINGTON PALACE
fires glow and Santa heads to his Grotto.
for a guided tour of this historic gem (email
Explore this stylish royal residence in
And once the big man’s worked his magic,
enquiries@mellerstain.com for details). Set
London’s Kensington Gardens, with admission
Hever’s Winter Walks run from December
in the Scottish Borders, the mansion house is
free for members of Historic Royal Palaces,
27 to New Year’s Day.
possibly the only remaining complete building
£19.50 for non-members at peak times (£16 off-peak) and reductions for groups of 15 or more. See paintings from the Royal Collection in the King’s Gallery, learn more about Queen Victoria’s long and extraordinary life in her own words at Victoria Revealed, the Queen Victoria
Find out more about this Kent attraction
designed by neoclassical architect Robert
at hevercastle.co.uk/visit/groups
Adam. Find out more at mellerstain.com
3
5
STONOR HOUSE & PARK Home to the Stonor family for 850 years,
this Oxfordshire country house and deer park
WADDESDON MANOR Built for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild
in the 1870s to display his collections and
exhibition, and visit The White Garden. Plan
is playing host to the popular Country Homes
entertain fashionable guests, Waddesdon
your visit at hrp.org.uk
& Interiors Christmas boutique-style shopping
Manor in Buckinghamshire will once again
event from November 22-25.
become a party place when it opens its
2
HEVER CASTLE
Located in the grounds of the park in stylish
doors for its annual Christmas Fair from now
marquees, expect more than 100 stands, as
until December 16 (the fair will run every
Hever’s Christmas at the Castle event runs on
well as country-themed demos. Combined
Wednesday to Sunday during this time). Find
selected dates from November 24, as the log
tickets, which include access to Stonor
out more at waddesdon.org.uk GTW
Guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit,
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Tea with a
splash
We explore the UK’s quirkier spots for afternoon tea...
F
AMOUS FOR THEIR lazy afternoon tea packages on the water, Bateaux
superior, premier and children’s afternoon
Verdi restaurant has been voted among the top
tea packages. See bateauxlondon.com
10 places to enjoy afternoon tea in the capital,
Afternoon tea’s also on the menu when you travel the Thames with City
see royalalberthall.co.uk Opened in 1911 to commemorate the
Cruises, its boats leaving daily at 3.30pm
coronation of King George V, The Georgian
from Tower Pier, piled high with clotted
Restaurant in Harrods is still the epitome
cream and jam, see citycruises.com
of elegant dining with its Champagne Afternoon Tea, visit harrods.com
London Cruises take you past the Houses
A CAPITAL IDEA
of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower
Moving on to dry land, unsurprisingly London
1840s), try St James’s Hotel and Club,
of London and other major landmarks while
has its fair share of tea-and-cake hot spots,
which offers Victorian era afternoon tea,
you tuck into sandwiches and pastries, live
and while opera and scones may seem an odd
designed by executive chef William Drabble
music playing the background. Choose from
combination, the Royal Albert Hall’s elegant
of in-house Michelin star restaurant Seven
And for a Forties-style tea (as in the
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Dining out Enjoy tea and cakes as you cruise the Thames with Bateaux London Cruises
Val (right) and Jenny the birthday girl
“It’s as though you’re on the Orient Express” For GTW reader Val Milbank from
Fen Drayton near Cambridge. Hailed as a
Huntingdon, a friend’s 70th birthday
chance to travel back to the golden age of
offered the chance to enjoy afternoon tea
luxury rail travel, it’s a tea room styled in the
with a vintage twist at Carriages, based in
fashion of a 1920s rail station. Traditional afternoon tea’s served in Pullman-style carriages, every Tuesday to Saturday in two sittings (12.30pm and 3.30pm). Prices start at just £8 for a cream tea, and it was a finalist in Cambridge News Media’s Food & Drink Awards. “It’s an amazing place – just like a real 1920s railway station,” says Val. “Even though the carriages are static, they’re cleverly designed to move very slightly underfoot to give the feel that the train is moving. The food is delicious and all the staff are really friendly and very smartly dressed. It really is as though
Carriages is set in a replica 1920s railway station
you’re on the Orient Express. I loved it!” Find out more by visiting the website carriagesofcambridge.co.uk
Park Place, visit stjameshotelandclub.com Finally, there’s so much to see and do at Kew Gardens, London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site, including afternoon tea served in The Botanical, in the heart of the Gardens, with stunning views of the Palm House and lake. Find out more at kew.org
MAKE TRACKS A number of heritage railways offer afternoon tea with a twist, as you explore the most beautiful spots in the UK while sipping from a china cup in a vintage carriage. Here’s just a Enjoy afternoon tea in The Botanical, followed by a stroll around Kew Gardens
taste of what’s on offer: ■ The
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam
Railway in North Yorkshire is proud of WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Dining out
SEE WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
its popular afternoon tea trips, held on
Think Cadbury World is all about the Dairy Milk? Heck no. The team at this famous Bournville-based attraction has now given the afternoon tea experience a chocolatey twist – and all for just £21.95 including admission. See cadbury world.co.uk
selected dates through the year, see embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk
We have Woburn Abbey to thank for
■ The
the afternoon tea (or rather the lady of
Shropshire and Worcestershire, hosts
Shakespeare Family Homes in Stratford-upon-
the house in the 1840s, Duchess Anna
afternoon tea experiences on selected
Avon? You could take a seat with a stunning
Maria), as it was here that filling up on
dates through the year, see svr.co.uk
view of Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Henley
tea, sandwiches and cake between lunch
■ Cambridgeshire’s
Street, or step into the doctor’s house at Hall’s
and dinner became de rigeur. Today, at
runs a Fenman Afternoon Tea Service on
Croft and dine in the very house Shakespeare’s
the Duchess’ Tea Room in the abbey’s
board The Fenman steam hauled train from
daughter Susanna and her physician husband
grounds, the tradition continues, see
Wansford to Peterborough, see nvr.org.uk
John Hall once lived. Or why not enjoy a day at
woburnabbey.co.uk
Severn Valley Railway, which crosses
Nene Valley Railway
TO TEA OR NOT TO TEA... How about a Shakespearian-style afternoon
tea to remember in the historic setting of The
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, where Shakespeare courted his future wife? Find out more at shakespeare.org.uk GTW
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THIRLESTANE CASTLE LAUDER SCOTTISH BORDERS ●
Registered Charity No. SC011491
Metrodeco is an award winning quirky vintage tearoom and is an ideal venue for group outings with a private space for larger bookings. We specialise in Cream Tea and Afternoon Tea and offer discounts for week day bookings. Coach parking is nearby. Our friendly staff are keen to give you an experience to remember.
FASCINATING AND INDIVIDUALLY TAILORED TOURS 40 mins from Edinburgh & 20 mins from Melrose Tea Room & Gift Shop, Woodland & Riverside Walks Bespoke Catering Packages, Ample Coach Parking
For more information and to book Call 01273677243 ~ Email events@metro-deco.com
T: 01578 722430 E: enquiries@thirlestanecastle.co.uk
WWW.THIRLESTANECASTLE.CO.UK
Hit the tracks Enjoy a cream tea on board the fantastic Dean Forest Railway in Gloucestershire
T
he Dean Forest
day, allowing you to
including Dean
Railway is
join the train earlier
Forest Railway
located in the idyllic
in the day and spend
souvenirs, railway
Forest of Dean in
time in the forest.
books and other
Gloucestershire,
A vintage treat Head to Brighton’s Metrodeco, the quirky retro-style tearoom that welcomes groups for afternoon tea
M
The train departs
railwayana, as well
a short distance
from Norchard
as plenty for the
from Gloucester,
Station, home to
non-enthusiast.
Cardiff and Bristol.
an award-winning
The café is
Services operate
museum, shop and
open all day on
on Wednesdays,
café. The museum is
every running day,
Saturdays and
filled with historical
with a variety of
Sundays during
artefacts from the
refreshments, light
the running season
railway’s past as well
bites and meals;
(most of March
as a fully functioning
why not enjoy an
until November).
telephone exchange,
early lunch before
which actually runs
your cream tea?
etrodeco is an
private space for
week day bookings,
award-winning
larger bookings.
with coach parking
teas are served on
all of the railway’s
vintage tearoom in
The team specialise
nearby. Call 01273
board the steam
internal phones!
the heart of Brighton.
in cream teas and
677243 for details
train on its afternoon
It’s the ideal spot for
afternoon teas, and
or email events@
departures, but
for a great range
deanforestrailway.
group outings, with a
offer discounts for
metro-deco.com
tickets are valid all
of unique gifts,
co.uk
QP Template.indd 41
Delicious cream
Visit the shop
Find out more and book your tickets at www.
15/11/2018 21:56
The GTW team sailed from Newcastle to Amsterdam with DFDS
For more on DFDS’ routes, special offers and mini cruises, see dfds.co.uk/party
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Ferry travel
Going Dutch
You’re in for a Dutch treat when you head to Amsterdam on a luxury mini cruise with DFDS, as Julie Cousins and Karen Newton discovered
F
Julie (centre) and Karen (in red) with their fellow DFDS sea mates
“Once in Amsterdam, our canal cruise was fantastic (we travelled with Lovers Canal Cruises). It was a chance to see a little of the city without the hassle of battling the traffic.
OR GROUP TRAVEL WORLD’s
the luxury cabins (which, I’m reliably told,
Julie Cousins and Karen Newton, a Dutch
are always the first to go because they’re
new 5D experience hailed as the ultimate
mini cruise with DFDS proved quite an
such a great rate). They were cosy and
flying experience. It’s a tour of Holland
eye-opener. Luxury cabins? Check! Cruise
comfortable with a spacious bathroom.
like no other. ‘Fly’ over the bulb fields
ship-quality food? Check! A great value way to explore Amsterdam? Yes to that too... “I was a bit sceptical about ferry travel
“The food is as good, if not better, in the
(you can even smell the tulips!) and sea,
à la carte restaurant than on some cruise ships
feeling the spray in your hair and face, as
I’ve been on, and the food in the buffet was
you learn the history of the country.”
as I’d had a poor experience in the past:
varied and tasty. I went back a few times to try
poor facilities in the cabin, poor food, noisy
different things – all in the name of research!
neighbours, etc, but step on board a DFDS
“Next up was a visit to This is Holland, a
“The evening entertainment was
A two-night DFDS mini cruise allows plenty of free time to explore the many and varied sights of Amsterdam – and sample a few
cruise ferry and you’re in for a real treat,”
good, with great quality bands, and
beers. See the website for details of all the
says Julie. “I was pleasantly surprised by
I loved the quizzes and bingo.
offers and get set to hit the waves in style.
PARTY AT SEA
or soft drink per person, plus a
Gather your friends for a unique party
three-course menu in the North Sea
experience at sea with DFDS. Only available
Bistro. Also on board is the stylish
for groups of 10 or more, its Party at Sea
Columbus Club, as well as bars, live
package includes two nights on board a
entertainment and a cinema. When you arrive in Amsterdam, an
DFDS cruise ferry in a sea view cabin, up to five hours exploring Amsterdam, and
included coach transfer will take you
selected food and drink.
into the city, where you’ll have up to five
As soon as you board the ship, you’ll
hours to explore before heading back
be given a welcome drink, while en route
wine or soft drink with your evening meal.
you’ll be treated to a self-service breakfast
There’s also the option to upgrade to
to the UK on the overnight sailing.
and dinner in the Explorer’s Kitchen
the ‘Celebrate at Sea’ à la carte menu,
can be made through the dedicated
restaurant, which includes a glass of beer,
which comes with a glass of beer, wine
groups team, see dfds.co.uk/party
Prices start from £99pp and bookings
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Ferry travel
FIVE best of the
Ferry crossings and deals for families and groups
whole host of special offers (see the website for details). As well as France, Holland and Belgium, P&O ferries sail to Northern and Southern Ireland, with crossings from Liverpool to Dublin and Cairnryan in Scotland to Larne, with Belfast less than an hour away once you dock. Find out more about what
1
P&O Ferries can offer at poferries.com
BRITTANY FERRIES
from Portsmouth, from December 28 to
Sailing from the south coast – namely
January 1, 2019, with prices from just £135.
Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth – to France
Find out more about this and other group
and Spain, Brittany Ferries offers groups and
friendly deals at brittany-ferries.co.uk
families a smooth sailing to the Continent, whether their group is planning a day trip or ‘cruise and stay’ hotel break. The company also runs mini cruises, including its New Year’s cruise to Honfleur
2
P&O FERRIES Also helping you explore the Continental
3
SHANNON FERRY Staying with thoughts of Irish travel,
Shannon Ferry is your port of call if you fancy taking a group to the stunning west coast of Southern Ireland. Its vehicle ferries will take groups on a memorable 20-minute journey
vibe, with routes including Dover to Calais
across the Shannon Estuary, linking the iconic
and Hull to Rotterdam, P&O Ferries boasts a
tourist destinations of the Banner County
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Enjoy group discounts to
JERSEY GUERNSEY and
Travel by sea on our high-speed service and arrive in Guernsey in just 3 hours, Jersey in 4½. With regular seasonal departures sailing from the stunning harbour at Poole and across to the Channel Islands you can be sure of some fantastic views from our outdoor viewing deck. Back inside enjoy comfortable allocated seating and Duty-Free shopping saving up to 40% off UK prices on wines, spirits, perfumes, gadgets and gifts. And don’t forget to visit our Casquets Bistro and Island Bar for a great selection of snacks, delicious main meals, cold drinks and hot beverages. Welcome aboard!
To book, call 01202 207 242 or email group.travel@condorferries.co.uk
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P17197 Coach Monthly A4 May 18
15/11/2018 21:33
Ferry travel Sail to the Channel Isles with Condor
WightLink travels between Lymington and the historic harbour town of Yarmouth; Portsmouth and the village of Fishbourne; and Portsmouth and Ryde Pier Head. Look online for the latest offers, see wightlink.co.uk
Guernsey, Jersey, St Malo, Cherbourg, western France, Poole and Portsmouth. Plan your island-hopping group trip by visiting condorferries.com
5
NORTHLINK FERRIES Taking you on a voyage of discovery to the
Orkney and Shetland islands, NorthLink Ferries
of Clare to the Kingdom of Kerry. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the estuary’s dolphins, which often swim
4
CONDOR FERRIES Channel Island specialist Condor Ferries
runs up to three sailings a day from Scrabster (near Thurso) to Stromness in Orkney, as well as nightly sailings from Aberdeen to Lerwick in
launched its state of the art ferry the Condor
Shetland – with four of these sailings going via
alongside the ferries during the summer
Liberation a couple of years ago, which
Orkney’s capital, Kirkwall.
months. Find out more and plan your trip
joins the Condor fleet of fast cat ferries,
at shannonferries.com
taking groups to, from and between
Visit the website northlinkferries.co.uk for full timetable and fare details.
GTW
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The magic of the Rhône Valley & the Camargue Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures from medieval wonders of UNESCO sites to wild horses in the Camargue
HIGHLIGHTS : • All excursions included • Delicious regional specialities and unlimited drinks included • Stylish appointed cabins with panoramic windows • 42 years’ experience • Exceptional value
COMPLIMENTARY GOURMET DINNER AT PAUL BOCUSE’S EXCLUSIVE MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT for reservations made before 10 of December 2018 (Valid on 7-day Cruise LMY_PP/LMY_INVPP) th
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CroisiEurope Best River Line Itineraries
0208 3281 281 - resuk@croisieurope.com
www.croisieurope.co.uk
1 hour trips
Adults £10 Children £5
2 hour trips
Adults £16 Children £5
We have been established over 65 years running trips from New Quay, we are the sole multi-passenger boat on the west coast of Wales, inspected and licenced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Our skippers are all fully qualified Boatmasters, we carry all the required life-saving apparatus. Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation is where our trips take you. Over 300 bottlenose dolphins are known to be using Cardigan Bay, around 200 in any year, with numbers increasing
throughout the summer. Bottlenose dolphins use Cardigan Bay for all essential activities including feeding, socialising and nurture of their young, it is common for our dolphins to be spotted with newborn calves. All trips have an interesting, educational and enjoyable speech given by an experienced skipper or a marine zoologist (depending on the trip). We are now taking booking for the 2019 season which starts April 1st.
W newquayboattrips.co.uk E info@newquayboattrips.co.uk T 01545 560 800 / 01545 560 375 (evenings)
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Days out
Below: Pictured at the recent awards are (l-r) Tim Baynes from Gift of Grouse, Hugh MacLeod from Dunvegan Castle and George McNeill and David Johnstone from Scottish Land & Estates
Plan your trip at dunvegan castle.com
Great Scot
One of the best-loved Hebridean attractions, Dunvegan Castle has clinched a major tourism award
D
UNVEGAN CASTLE & Gardens – a
“I would like to dedicate this award to my
of Skye – has won Scottish Land & Estates’
in order to hold fast in the modern world,
GTW’s publisher Jonathan Taylor adds...
Helping it Happen Tourism Award 2018.
Dunvegan had to adapt from being a medieval
“A highlight of a recent trip to Skye
The award comes at the end of another
fortress designed to keep people out to a
was an afternoon at Dunvegan Castle.
successful season for the estate, a Highland
place focused on welcoming people in. Since
Hugh MacLeod is the 30th Chief of the
fortress that has seen a rolling programme
those early make or break days in the 1960s,
MacLeod Clan and lives with his family in
of major capital investment in recent years,
our dedicated team have extended a warm
what is Scotland’s longest continuously
totalling £3.6 million since 2008. This has
Highland welcome to millions of visitors,
inhabited castle.
enhanced the visitor experience, an effort
which has had the beneficial ripple effect of
recognised by Visit Scotland’s 5* quality
underpinning many Skye businesses that rely
and the improvement from then to now
assurance award.
on the crucial visitor spend that generates.
in what is on view and how it is presented
“This award will help us to hold fast to
is astounding. This is a gem of a castle in a
world-class heritage attraction on the Isle
The estate’s director Hugh MacLeod says:
late father who had the vision to see that
“I last visited Dunvegan in the 1990s
“I’m delighted to accept this tourism award on
our goal of preserving, developing and sharing
beautiful location with a first class garden,
behalf of the fantastic MacLeod Estate team
the unique heritage of Dunvegan Castle
fascinating exhibits and good food at the
who work so hard behind the scenes to give
and the MacLeod Estate for future generations
MacLeod Tables Café.”
visitors our trademark warm Highland welcome.
to enjoy.”
GTW
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Free for you
3 to collect! We have three fantastic Red Arrows posters for you to collect, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force
ALL PHOTOS: JONATHAN SMITH
THIS ISSUE
LAST ISSUE
IN OUR OCTOBER ISSUE
Frame it! Upgrade to a framed, A4-sized high quality print of one, two or all three of our collectible posters for just £4.99 each. Call Emma on 01733 293487 to pay by credit or debit card or order online at grouptravelworld .com/gtwshop
TURN OVER FOR THIS ISSUE’S POSTER WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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grouptravelworld.com & grouptraveloffers.com
This stunning shot was taken at the Imperial War Museum Duxford. For the latest on its 2019 air shows, see iwm.org.uk/visits/iwmduxford/airshows
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Bath
A
Somerset
delight
Bath’s famous Royal Crescent dates back to the 1700s
For advice and information to help you plan your trip see visitbath.co.uk
1
It’s home to Thermae Bath Spa, with its
rises from the Great Bath surrounded by
famous rooftop pool (pictured here), as
ancient pavements and colonnades, shadowed
well as a Roman steam room, relaxation room,
by Bath Abbey. Saver tickets can be bought for
saunas and more. Its Thermae Welcome, which
three attractions – the Roman Baths, Fashion
consists of a two-hour spa session, costs £35
Museum and Victoria Art Gallery – and special
Mon-Fri and £38 Sat-Sun. For groups of 8-12,
group packages combine a visit to the Roman
a 10% discount is available from Monday to
Baths and the Thermae Bath Spa. Find out
Thursday, and the stand-alone Cross Bath is
more at romanbaths.co.uk
available for the exclusive use of groups of
3
up to 12. The spa’s open every day, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, see thermaebathspa.com
2
It’s just an hour’s drive from Cheddar Gorge and Caves in the Mendip Hills,
which is one of the UK’s most spectacular natural landmarks (and home to Cheddar
It’s perhaps best known for its Roman
Man – a 9,000-year-old skeleton who now
Baths, which are one of the best
lurks in the show caves). Find out more at
preserved Roman remains in the world. Steam
cheddargorge.co.uk GTW
MAIN IMAGE: PIXABAY
3
very good reasons to head to Bath this winter...
Thermae Bath Spa’s rooftop pool
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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.
Ross Labels M50/J4
labelshopping.co.uk 01989 769 000
womens | men | children | home café | free meal for coach driver
With over 200 brands there’s something for everyone at Herefordshire’s Hidden Gem.
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Guarding
realm the
From England’s largest castle to historic country houses, Kent is ripe for the exploring
O
NE DAY, TWO castles... groups can first discover the story of Dover Castle during both world wars, then make
the short hop by coach to nearby Walmer Castle & Gardens – the much-loved haunt of the Queen Mother Both coach-friendly castles offer plenty of parking, free entry for group organisers and coach drivers, and the English Heritage group discount of 15 per cent off the normal admission price for groups of 11 or more. Highlights for visitors to Dover Castle (which is England’s largest castle) include the Secret Wartime Tunnels, which housed the nerve-centre of operations for Winston Churchill and Vice Admiral Ramsay as they masterminded the evacuation of 338,000 British and French troops from Dunkirk during Operation Dynamo in 1940. While just a few miles along the coast, Walmer Castle is best known for being the former residence of the Queen Mother – and the grounds surrounding the pretty seaside castle include a garden created to mark her 95th birthday.
GET ME THERE Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for more on these fascinating castles – plus other Kent gems, including Deal Castle and St Augustine’s Abbey. And while you’re in the Kent region, here are three great places to visit: ■ Historic
Penshurst Place & Gardens, see penshurstplace.com
■ Dreamland ■ Chartwell,
Margate, see dreamland.co.uk
the former home of Winston Churchill, see
nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell ■ Find
out more about all the county has to offer at
visitkent.co.uk GTW
Dover Castle has been defending our shores since the 11th century
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Visit Kent
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Days out
Bletchley Park: home of code-breakers since the 1940s
Can you keep
a secret? H
From wartime code-breakers to royal palaces, you can explore by the coachload at these iconic UK attractions
OME TO THE famous British code-
operational Bombe machine used to break
WINDSOR CASTLE
breaking operation during the Second
Enigma, and a gallery of the life of Alan Turing.
With a rich history stretching back 1,000
World War, Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire
Plus you can enjoy afternoon tea at the
years, when fire broke out at this regal
played a major role in determining the
attraction on selected weekend dates until the
residence in 1992 it made headline news
outcome of the war, a story you’ll know all too
end of the year (see the website for details).
around the world. Groups can learn more
well if you watched Benedict Cumberbatch’s hit film The Imitation Game. The museum’s exhibits include Hitler’s ‘unbreakable’ cipher machine, a fully
Group discounts are available for pre-
about this devastating event, and the skilled
booked groups of 12 or more, plus there’s free
work carried out to restore the castle to its
entry for the group organiser and coach driver,
former glory, on a special tour, which runs until
see bletchleypark.org.uk
December. Expect refreshments and an
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Days out expert talk, before a tour of the areas transformed by the award-winning castle restoration work.
GTW’s Helen (left) and Julie with Lesley Terrell from HRP (right)
Restoring Windsor: The Castle after the Fire runs until December 20, 2018 on selected dates, and is open to groups of 15 or more. The castle’s also home to the exhibition A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex until January 6, 2019. Find out more at royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle
HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES
The GTW team say...
An independent charity that looks after the
Treat yourself to afternoon tea in
Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace,
the Pavillion at Kensington Palace.
the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace,
Find out more at hrp.org.uk/
Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle, the aim
kensington-palace – and turn to
of Historic Royal Palaces is to help everyone
page 38 for more inspiration for your
explore the story of how monarchs and people
next tea and scone-filled foray.
have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. To find out more, visit
Discover how the castle was lovingly restored after that fateful night in 1992
www.hrp.org.uk – and get set to explore the
■ Kensington Palace:
likes of these...
in Kensington Gardens.
■ Banqueting House:
the only remaining part
of the Palace of Whitehall. ■ Kew Palace:
a royal family retreat, set in the
famous Kew Gardens in Richmond.
a stylish royal residence
Admission is free to any of the attractions for HRP members, £19.50 for non-members and there are reductions for groups of 15 or more.
GTW
HRP looks after Kensington Palace: home of many a royal
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Discover northern England’s dramatic history with a group visit to Newcastle’s imposing Norman fortress. Dedicated Groups Coordinator Guided tours available upon request
www.newcastlecastle.co.uk T: 0191 230 6300 E: info@newcastlecastle.co.uk
GROUP EXPERIENCES Bespoke packages for a minimum of 40 persons.
Options include: Be greeted by a knight on horseback and/or medieval foot soldiers A guided tour led by costumed guides Demos of medieval food and music Try on armour, handle weapons and watch knights do battle
GROUP RATES Discounted rates available for groups of over 10 persons. (Must be booked in advance)
Cream Tea & Steam Train Ride Enjoy a traditional cream tea as you travel through the scenic Forest of Dean on our heritage steam train. Available on all of our standard running days (most Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays March-November) pre-booking required.
Add a little sparkle with a miniature prosecco (20cl) for only £5! Open gift vouchers are also available to order on our website - the perfect Christmas present for someone special.
www.deanforestrailway.co.uk 01594 845840
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Thrilling group white water rafting experiences in Snowdonia National Park NWWC, Frongoch, Bala, LL23 7NU T: 01678 521083 E: info@nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk W: www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk
15/11/2018 22:01
Days out
Make a splash Enjoy a Welsh mountain adventure as you hit the rapids at the National White Water Centre
S
Find out more at nationalwhitewater centre.co.uk or call 01678 521083
EE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK like never before as you hurtle through the
surf on a white water rafting experience... The folk at the National White Water Centre in Gwynedd are experts at teaching families and groups how to hurtle through the rapids safely. Based on the banks of the River Tryweryn in Frongoch (close to the town of Bala, which is handy for a post-drenching coffee), the centre’s open for a large chunk of the year – largely between March and October – and you can opt for a rafting taster session or go full-on rapid-style adventure. The centre also makes for a fantastic team-building venue. Have your meeting or get-together in one of the river-view rooms, then hit the water to up the thrills. All the details are on the website. To give you an idea of prices, an hour-long rafting taster session costs £37 per person. Bring it on!
GTW
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THIS WINTER, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE...
©WLPL
WickedTheMusical.co.uk • #WickedUK APOLLO VICTORIA THEATRE
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•
SW1V 1LG 06/11/2018 13:19 13:48 15/11/2018 22:06 10/10/2018
Mark Williams stars as Dr Dolittle
CALL THE DOCTOR
He talks to the animals… Singer and actress Adèle Anderson (pictured left) is set to join Mark Williams in the UK and Ireland tour of Doctor Dolittle, which launches this month at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. She’ll play Lady Bellowes/ Poison Arrow at the first six venues of the tour – Bromley, Salford, Oxford, Wolverhampton, Adèle Anderson
Newcastle and Hull – joining fellow cast members
Brian Capron and Vicky Entwistle. This new production marks the 50th anniversary celebrations of the original film starring Rex Harrison, and features the same songs, including the Academy SIMON TURTLE
Award-winning Talk To The Animals. For tour dates see doctordolittlemusical.com and turn to page 67.
Caroline, Or Change
What a party! Tickets for Mamma Mia! The
This month sees hit musical Caroline, Or
Party are now on sale – a new
Change come to London’s Playhouse Theatre,
immersive theatrical and dining
from November 20 to February 9, 2019
experience set in a specially
– the cast led by Olivier Award-winning actress
adapted venue within London’s
Sharon D Clarke.
The O2, which will double as a
Set in Louisiana in the 1960s, revolution is in the air, though not so much for Caroline,
taverna on the island of Skopelos. The party starts in September
a poorly paid maid toiling in the sweltering
2019, with music and lyrics by
basement of the Gellman household. It’s
Benny Andersson and Björn
a fantastical, magical place amid the piles
Ulvaeus. The story’s been
of laundry and singing washing machines,
adapted for the UK by writer,
especially for eight-year-old Noah Gellman who
comedian and broadcaster
sneaks downstairs to see her whenever he can.
Sandi Toksvig, told through dialogue
island paradise, sitting around tables in
Yet a simple gesture to leave more money in
and ABBA songs.
the taverna’s courtyard complete with a
Caroline’s pocket is about to test who and how far the winds of change can ever really reach... Find out more about the show at carolineorchange.co.uk
Led by Steve Tompkins of architects Haworth Tompkins, work has begun on
fountain, olive trees and bougainvillea. The show’s currently booking until
transforming one of the venues within
November 2019. Find out more at
The O2, where guests will feel as though
mammamiatheparty.co.uk or call
they’re right in the heart of a Greek
0844 844 9545.
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Theatre news Escape through time An evening of dance and drama,
with theatre-goers encouraged to
The Time Travellers’ Ball takes its audience
dress glamorously in a decade of
on a musical journey through the
their choice.
decades, from 1920s flappers and
The show’s co-producer Emma
1950s jive queens to the groovy disco
Brünjes says: “We’ve created the show
divas of the 1970s.
specifically to open our new London
The story’s told through the story
venue, The Buzz. Be prepared to laugh,
of young lovers Edward and Norma
cry and dance!” The fun kicks off this
(assistants to one Charlie Chaplin),
month (November 28) and runs until
and this 90-minute immersive
February 17, 2019.
CRAIG SUGDEN
experience invites audiences to be
To find out more call 020 3929 0082
part of the party as the cocktails flow,
JEAN LOUIS FERNANDEZ
Until the Lions
or visit thebuzz.london
Award-winning choreographer and dancer Akram Khan’s acclaimed Until the Lions will return to the venue where it received its
The ghost of Christmas past Stratford’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre is
world premiere – London’s Roundhouse
playing host to A Christmas Carol from
– for six performances in January 2019,
December 4 to January 20, 2019.
with Khan dancing the role of Bheeshma
To find out more call 01789 403493
for the final time.
or visit rsc.org.uk
Created for the uniquely atmospheric 360° setting of the Roundhouse three is taken from poet Karthika Naïr’s book
A recipe for success
Until The Lions: Echoes from the
Playing at London’s Adelphi Theatre from
Mahabharata, an original reworking of
February 2019, Waitress serves up the
the ancient Sanskrit epic.
first all-female lead creative team on a
years ago, the inspiration for the piece
The show runs from January 11-17,
West End musical.
call 0300 6789 222 for tickets or see
Tickets are on sale now for the show, which tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker
roundhouse.org.uk
in a small town, who dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage. A baking contest in a
All About Eve
nearby county may offer her a chance at a new
the world premiere of Ivo
Christmas at the Royal Festival Hall
van Hove’s stage production
Christmas comes early to London’s
7753 or see waitressthemusical.co.uk
of the 1950 film All About
Royal Festival Hall with an array of
Eve, starring The X-Files’
seasonal concerts in the countdown to
Tickets are now on sale for
Gillian Anderson (pictured
the festive period, including:
here) at London’s Noël
■ Christmas
Coward Theatre. The show runs
with King’s College
For dates, times and tickets call 020 7087
Magic Mike Live!
Choir on December 13
Tickets are now on sale for Magic Mike Live in London, based on the hit film and co-directed
Christmas Classics, featuring
the Band of the Coldstream
May, 2019, call
Guards, on December 14
0844 482 5140
■ Christmas
EvePlay.com
strength to rebuild her life...
■ Grand
from February to
or see AllAbout
life. But first, Jenna must find the courage and
at the Movies on
by its star, Channing Tatum. Starting this month, The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino will be transformed into
December 16, with a concert of
an intimate, 325-seat performance space
favourite scores such as Love Actually,
for the over-18s only, who’ll enter Magic
Harry Potter, Elf, It’s A Wonderful
Mike’s mythical club to see a 360° dance
Life and ‘White Christmas
and acrobatic spectacular. Think sexy dance
For tickets, call 020 3879 9555 PEROU
or see southbankcentre.co.uk
routines intertwined with one-of-a-kind acts. The show’s booking until October 2019, see magicmikelondon.co.uk
GTW
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The
ultimate tribute
Thriller Live is booking at the Lyric Theatre until September – and the show’s also on tour across the UK, with dates into summer 2019. For full tour dates see thrillerlive.com, and for group rate tickets see group traveloffers.com
GTW’s Emma Parkes celebrates the King of Pop at the record-breaking Thriller Live in the West End
I
T WAS AN evening that took me
We sang, danced and were blown
back to 1997, when I was a spring
away by the quality of the performance.
chicken of 24 (please don’t do the
There’s a reason why this hit show
maths) rocking my socks off to Michael
is now in its 10th year in the West
Jackson at Don Valley Stadium in
End. It is, quite simply, amazing.
Sheffield with 52,000 other MJ fans. Fast forward 21 years, and the West
GET ME THERE
End theatre production of Thriller Live
The Lyric is the oldest surviving theatre
is a fitting tribute to the King of Pop,
on Shaftesbury Avenue, having opened
celebrating his career, talent and fame.
in 1888, and is close to the buzz of
This spectacular high energy production
Leicester Square and Chinatown.
at the Lyric Theatre has a hugely talented
The nearest tube is Piccadilly Circus,
cast of both singers and dancers, who
and I enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the
emulate Michael in every way, from
theatre’s original 1930s American
his Jackson 5 days through to his live
Airlines Bar, which was lined with
concerts tours, Bad, HIStory and Thriller.
black and white photography of
The show takes the audience on a journey through Michael’s 45-year
famous travellers. Thriller Live is on every evening from
musical career, and if there’s an MJ song
Tuesday to Friday at 7.30pm, 8pm on
you love, you’ll hear it, whether your
Saturdays, with a Saturday afternoon
favourite’s his earlier upbeat numbers
matinee at 4pm. There are two shows
– ABC perhaps? – or Smooth Criminal.
on Sunday at 3.30pm and 7.30pm.
GTW’S EDITOR HELEN ADDS... “Great songs, a hugely talented cast and dancing to rival anything you’d see on Strictly Come Dancing... I didn’t even realise what a fan of Michael Jackson’s music I was until I heard again all those iconic tunes I’d grown up with. “The two-hour show treats you to a feel-good blast. Imagine the best covers band you’ve ever seen, backed by the best dancers, with fantastic live music. It’s so good I’ve already been twice and I’d go again in a heartbeat.”
GTW
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Hit show Kinky Boots is playing at the Adelphi Theatre until January
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: July 2019 Times: Weds & Sat Part One
Thurs & Sat 15:00
Booking to: June 2019
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: October 2019
THE BOOK OF MORMON Prince of Wales Theatre
KINKY BOOTS
New London Theatre Booking to: October 2019
Weds & Sat 14:30
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL
Weds & Sat 14:30
Shaftesbury Theatre
Booking to: November 2019
Booking to: June 2019
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: January 2019
Criterion Theatre
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
SCHOOL OF ROCK
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30,
Queen’s Theatre
Booking to: January 2019
19:30; Weds & Sat 14:30hrs,
Adelphi Theatre
LES MISÉRABLES
Theatre Royal
Times: Tues 19:00; Weds-Sat
Booking to: December 2018
THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY
42ND STREET
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30, Thurs & Sat 14:30; Sun 15:00
Booking to: April 2019
THRILLER LIVE
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Lyric Theatre
Thurs & Sat: 15:00
Booking to: September 2019
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: March 2019
Apollo Victoria
Lyceum Theatre
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Booking to: May 2019
Booking to: January 2019
Booking to: June 2019
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: April 2019
Booking to: July 2019
Booking to: September 2019
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... Dr Dolittle goes on tour this autumn, starring Mark Williams
For group rate tickets to a range of West End theatre shows, call Harley in the GTW office on 01733 293249
SIMON TURTLE
THE MIRROR CRACK’D 2019 Salisbury Playhouse: February 15 to March 9
Cambridge Arts Theatre: March 19-23
Dublin Gaiety Theatre: March 12-16
New Theatre Cardiff: March 26 to April 6
MATILDA’S ON TOUR DR DOLITTLE
April 23 to May 4
Churchill Theatre Bromley: Until November 24
Festival Theatre Edinburgh: May 14-25
The Lowry Salford: December 11 to January 5, 2019
Alhambra Theatre Bradford: May 28 to June 8
2019 Oxford New Theatre: January 15-26
Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre: June 11-22
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre: January 29 to February 9
The Marlowe Canterbury: July 9-20 Glasgow King’s Theatre: July 23 to August 3
Newcastle Theatre Royal: February 12-23
Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff: August 6-17
Hull New Theatre: February 26 to March 9
Mayflower Theatre Southampton: August 20-31
His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen: March 12-23
Blackpool Winter Gardens: September 3-14
Royal & Derngate Northampton: March 26 to April 6
New Wimbledon Theatre London: September 17-28
Nottingham Theatre Royal: April 9-20 Sheffield Lyceum Theatre:
Matilda The Musical – the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company – is currently on its first UK and Ireland tour, which is running alongside the ongoing West End production. Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical has now been seen by over seven million people worldwide. The show’s first UK and Ireland tour began in March 2018. Upcoming cities include Cardiff (4 Dec to 12 Jan, 2019), Plymouth (15 Jan to 16 Feb), Bradford (19 Feb to 23 Mar), Edinburgh (2 to 27 April), Bristol (7 May to 8 June), Southampton (11 June to 6 July) and Norwich (16 July to 17 Aug).
SHREK THE MUSICAL Leeds Grand Theatre: December 18 - January 6, 2019
THE BAND Theatre Royal Haymarket: December 1 to January 12, 2019
Milton Keynes Theatre: October 8-19
2019 Salford The Lowry: January 16-26
Birmingham Hippodrome: October 22 to November 2
Swansea Grand Theatre: January 29 - February 2
Dartford Orchard Theatre: February 5-9 Ipswich Regent Theatre: February 12-16 Woking New Victoria: February 19-23 Wolverhampton Grand: February 26 - March 2 Milton Keynes Theatre: March 5-9 Southampton Mayflower Theatre: March 12-16 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Excursions 2019
Get your tickets now! Register now for your tickets to Excursions 2019 at London’s Alexandra Palace
O
NLINE REGISTRATION IS now open
■ The
for ExcursionsTM 2019, one of the
marking the 60th birthday of the
UK’s premier one-day domestic group travel
British Motor Museum will be
iconic British car, the mini with a two-
shows. Now in its 43rd year, Excursions
day show August 3-4, 2019.
continues to meet the evolving needs of
■ The
the group travel market and is a must-
will mark the 500th anniversary of Leonardo
attend event for tour operators, group
da Vinci’s death with one of the largest
travel organisers and itinerary planners.
exhibitions of the Renaissance master’s work
Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Excursions brings together GTOs and
in over 65 years. Leonardo da Vinci: A Life
group-friendly destinations, attractions and
in Drawing will display over 200 drawings
accommodation providers from across the UK
from May 24 to October 13, 2019.
and overseas, all on one day, under one roof.
■ Visitors
The renowned and unique location-based
discover special group benefits at the
layout enables GTOs to work with individual
newly re-opened D-Day Museum following
areas usually closed to the public. Lunch will
destinations to form strategic partnerships
its £5 million revamp. Located on the
be served on board a luxury vessel as you
and build exciting, fresh itineraries.
Southsea waterfront in Portsmouth, it is
cruise down the river with MBNA Thames
the only museum in the UK dedicated to
Clippers. The afternoon’s exploration takes
the allied invasion of June 6, 1944.
guests on a journey through space and time
Excursions 2019 will showcase new exhibitors, new themed areas and new tours, events and exhibitions. From theatre trips to
to Excursions 2019 can
taste of the exciting days out and itineraries
NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD FAM TRIP
that will be showcased at the event:
Excursions is also now taking bookings for
■ Discover
its new and exciting ‘Natural Wonders of
river cruises and stately homes, here’s just a
more about the series of special
with an informative tour of the Royal Museums Greenwich, Royal Observatory & Planetarium. On Saturday morning guests will be taken to Alexandra Palace for Excursions. The fam trip concludes on Saturday
events, activities and launches that will run
the World’ familiarisation trip from January
afternoon with a private tour of the World’s
throughout 2019 to celebrate the 900th
25-26, 2019. Guests will delve into the deep
Greatest Glasshouse at the Royal Botanic
anniversary of Leeds Castle in Kent, known to
with a behind the scenes tour at Sea Life,
Gardens, Kew. To book a place, call the
millions as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’.
London including privileged access to working
Excursions team on 02380 625516.
GTW
Register online at www.excursionsshow.com to book your free coach transfer and secure your place at the 2019 show, which takes place on January 26 at Alexandra Palace
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w www.excursionsshow.com
Excursions Show
DISCOVER NEW IDEAS FOR GROUP VISITS
DISCUSS YOUR INDIVIDUAL GROUP NEEDS
PLAN AND CREATE YOUR ITINERARY
FFFFFFFF FFFFFF
FREE TRANSPORT Alexandra Palace, London, N22 7AY • Saturday 26 January 2019 • 10:30am - 4pm
Organised by
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Official Media Partner
15/11/2018 21:37
Chris Wales In our new series, industry legend Chris Wales shares the group travel world’s latest news
I
WAS FORAGING IN London’s Covent Garden
opened. He was keen, smart and very
the other day and bumped into two of the
ambitious. Over the years I followed their
biggest beasts of the travel jungle: John Wales,
careers with great interest and, like many
founder and big cheese at Encore Tickets,
professional footballers, I fell down the
and Brendan Jones, Portfolio MD at Travelopia,
divisions while they rose to the Premier
the world’s largest collection of specialist
League. They bought me a drink in a fancy
travel brands.
Covent Garden wine bar and, before they
I had to remind them who I was and how our career paths crossed many years ago. John was an office boy at Thoresen Car Ferries
from me. By the way, award-winning The Lion King has been playing at The Lyceum for nearly
I was a big cheese at their London head
20 years. It opened in October 1999, has
office. I believe I may have said hello to him
racked up over 7,500 performances and, in
once, not sure!
2014, became the top-earning title in box
Le Shuttle (Eurotunnel) before the tunnel
Founder of the Coach Tourism Association, Chris has been involved in all aspects of the group travel industry and is known by many as ‘Mr Wetherspoons’ due to his penchant for the occasional well-priced pint. He’ll be representing GTW magazine at industry events across the UK. If you’d like to invite Chris to an event or attraction you can reach him on chris@chriswalespr.co.uk
left, were kind enough to buy a Big Issue
in Southampton back in the 1980s, while
I recruited Brendan as one of my reps at
ABOUT CHRIS
office history, surpassing the record previously held by The Phantom of the Opera.
DFDS’ Graham (left), Radoslava, Mark, also from DFDS, and Chris
Not going Dutch One thing we did not do on a recent DFDS fam trip was go Dutch. Graham and Mark of DFDS were so generous I felt guilty enough to buy a round at the Old Sailor bar in Amsterdam’s Red Light district. Seen here outside the bar is Graham from DFDS, Radoslava from Skills Holidays, Mark from DFDS and an old sailor. You couldn’t dream up a more appropriate photo of Amsterdam: canal, bicycle and an erotic museum... I’ve been to Amsterdam many times, and without doubt it’s the best walking capital city in Europe. There’s a bit of road development near the Damrak at the moment, but the Central Station’s new improvements look great, so 10 out of 10 Amsterdam. DFDS run a fantastic excursion from Newcastle; two overnights on their elegant ships with entertainment and a coach trip into Amsterdam. This John (left), Chris and Brendan
package is great for groups and is a brilliant taster of the Netherlands.
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Proudly sponsored by
Sparkling ’Spoons
Paula (left), Chris, Cathy and Hayley
I visited a travel trade show at the NEC recently and must confess I was taken hostage in the Wetherspoon’s Atrium pub. I did manage to spend most of the day there, and there was some great company so be had. Here’s me with Paula from Accor Hotels (left), Cathy from Away Resorts and Hayley from RBH. One wag asked where my medallion was!
Where’s the Imp? Hands up if you have been to historic Lincoln. Although sporting a Norman castle and magnificent Gothic cathedral, Lincoln is probably more famous for its Christmas Market. Started in 1982 with 11 stalls it now boasts over 200 and welcomes 250,000 visitors over four days (this year it runs from Thursday 6 December to Sunday 9 December). It is one of the largest Christmas Markets in Europe so no wonder hundreds of coach operators visit from all over the UK. I recently met Claire McDowall from the City Council, who run the market, who explained to me the operational challenges. If you have taken a coach to the market you will be aware of the set down, parking and pick up procedure, which is like a military operation. In fact one of the coach parks is on a RAF base. My one and only visit to the market was one of the fastest fam trips I’ve ever been on. On reflection it may have been a bit ambitious to experience the market, castle and cathedral in two hours... Here’s a picture of Claire and Abby Bryan from North Lincolnshire tourism office. As if you didn’t know, Lincolnshire is a huge county and although the area surrounding Lincoln is well known and popular with tourists – the amazing International Bomber Command Centre opened this year just outside the city – other parts of the county need to be explored.
Chris’ DFDS route of the month Dover to Dunkirk
DFDS’ short, convenient sailings from Dover to Dunkirk are the perfect way to start a trip to Europe. Dunkirk is less than 25 miles north of our Calais port so, like Calais, it provides easy access to destinations in France, Germany, Holland and Belgium, as well as further afield. No matter where you’re heading, it all starts with a ferry crossing from
DFDS offers a number of routes to the Continent from UK ports, including Dover and
DFDS. Find out more at www.dfds.co.uk/coaches
Newcastle, with huge savings for groups. Find out more at www.dfdsseaways.co.uk GTW
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Days out
The
north’s stars Planning a trip to the north east of England? Read this first...
W
HEN IT COMES to all matters
an unbeatable atmosphere.
north-eastern, who better
See beamish.org.uk
to ask for tips on where to visit than group travel expert and proud Geordie
NEWCASTLE QUAYSIDE
Steve Reed, who runs Steve Reed
Enjoy a stunning vista across
Tourism (stevereedtourism.co.uk).
Tyneside’s iconic bridges and
Having organised countless trips
take in the Baltic [Art Gallery]
to the region, here are his favourite
for the best views around. See
places to go:
newcastlegateshead.com/
CROOK HALL & GARDENS
explore/quayside and baltic.art
On the banks of the River Wear
ARBEIA ROMAN FORT
in ancient Durham City, this offers
Commanding the entrance to the
an amazing experience for groups
famous River Tyne in delightful South
of all types. Combine it with a visit
Shields – combine it with a visit to the
to Durham Indoor Market – the
pretty seaside resort of South Shields
heart of this historic city. See
to see the big ships sailing past. See
crookhallgardens.co.uk and
arbeiaromanfort.org.uk
durhammarkets.co.uk
BEAMISH
KIELDER WATER Northumberland’s crown jewel, this
Hailed as The Living Museum of the
offers relaxing boat trips for groups
North, this fantastic open-air museum
and stunning views of the wonderful
near Chester Le Street is just brilliant.
countryside. Visit Hadrian’s Wall en
It’s got everything for groups: trams,
route. See visitkielder.com and
old fashioned shops, brass bands and
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Don’t miss...
Crook Hall & Gardens
A visit to Durham Cathedral’s
What’s been revealed are some of
Open Treasure project, which cost
the most intact surviving medieval
a cool £10m. It’s transformed the
monastic buildings in England.
way we can explore the previously
Visit durhamcathedral.co.uk
hidden spaces within its Cloister.
to book a tour.
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PIXABAY
Paradise found From crashing surf to bowling festivals, Cyprus has it all...
G
ROUP TRAVEL ORGANISER Sylvia
with families and groups looking to escape
Saxon, founder and chairman of
the gloomy UK skies.
New Meridian (newmeridian.org.uk) sums
“On my last visit, enjoying the Cypriot
it up well when she describes Cyprus as
sunshine surrounded by friends – despite
‘the island in the sun’. With an average
it being November – I was thinking how
320-plus days of sunshine a year, and warm
lucky I am to do this job,” says Sylvia.
temperatures year-round, this holiday hotspot
“It was dull and miserable at home and
in the eastern Mediterranean is hugely popular
a heady 21 degrees in Paphos.
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Cyprus
Find out more about the island at visitcyprus.com
Aphrodite’s Rock, a sea stack that sits between Paphos and Limassol, is said to be the birthplace of the ancient Greek goddess
Sylvia (right) raises a glass to the ‘island in the sun’
“We were in Cyprus thanks to a chance
friendly – most we met spoke good English.
meeting with David Townend, Business
A frequent, reasonably priced bus service is
Development Manager of Constantinou Bros
also available.
Hotels. We had a nice chat and it didn’t
“Cyprus is an island that will challenge
take much to convince me that this would
you with its complex history, dazzle you
be a fantastic destination for a New Meridian
with its breathtaking landscapes and honestly
fam trip.
delight you with memories that will last
“Twenty of us travelled with Jet2 from Stansted to Paphos, where we stayed at the Pioneer Beach (pioneer-cbh.com). “A fantastic beachside resort, it offers a
a very long time.”
WHEN IN CYPRUS... ■ Take
a car or coach trip up to the Troodos
wealth of amenities in a genuinely friendly and
mountain range, which stretches across the
hospitable atmosphere. The food is delicious;
central and western side of the island (hiring
the wine and local beer is excellent, and the
a car is easy, as Cypriots drive on the left).
staff very attentive.
The range’s highest peak is Mount Olympus at
“There are walking trails everywhere just waiting to be explored, and the people are so
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Dancing sun I N
T H E
with Potters Abroad
Tailored Holidays with a touch of magic… Let Potters Abroad fly you away to the sun soaked Island of Cyprus to enjoy a Dance Holiday suitable for all dance levels. Staying at the 4* Superior Athena Beach Hotel and hosted by fully qualified teachers and choreographers Richard and Lynn Miller, our Dance break includes Fun & Easy Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Dancing. All daytime and evening dance activities will take place in the beautiful ballroom overlooking the Ocean at the Athena Royal Hotel next door. So whether you are just taking your first steps into dance or are an accomplished dancer, Potters Abroad are thrilled to returning to Cyprus in February 2019 for this popular and exclusive break!
Potters Abroad Dancing Holidays include: • Daytime • Seven nights accommodation • Transfers to and from the airport • Half Board • Exclusive free-to-enter daytime and evening Dance Programme organised by Richard & Lynn Miller • Daytime and evening Entertainment provided by the Hotel • The friendly service of a Potters Representative
Exceptional Value
Bowls Festival Holidays with Potters Abroad
Tailored Holidays with a touch of magic… Suitable for Individuals and Groups, let Potters Abroad fly you away to sunnier climes to enjoy a Bowls Festival Holiday to Cyprus.. Staying at the 4* Superior Athena Beach Hotel, Potters offer a dedicated week every March and November where entertainment is flown over from the UK just for you as well as a Bowls Tournament with great prizes available. Hosted by a member of the Potter Family, together with a dedicated Team and your own Representative during your stay, you are sure to experience an extra special holiday.
Potters Abroad Festival Holidays include:
• Daytime flights to Paphos • Transfers to and from the Hotel • Half Board at the Athena Beach Hotel • Exclusive Bowls Tournament • Five evenings of Live exclusive Potters Entertainment • Friendly service from start to finish of your holiday
For full details and your FREE Brochure call 0333 3207 480 or visit www.pottersabroad.com Potters Resort • Coast Road • Hopton-on-Sea • Norfolk • NR31 9BX
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Cyprus coaching can be arranged too. Find out more
with cafés and restaurants offering fantastic
Bowls Festivals, staying at the Athena Beach
mountain views. In winter you can ski
Hotel in Paphos, which is widely regarded
at pottersabroad.com
on its slopes.
as the best bowling hotel on the island,
■ And
■ Head
to Paphos, a place which crams
talking of the Athena Beach Hotel, it’s
having hosted the Atlantic and European
part of the popular Constantinou Bros chain,
a remarkable set of attractions into one
Championships, as well as various test
which also includes the Athena Royal, the
small city. It boasts archaeological sites,
matches. With dates throughout the year,
Pioneer Beach, as we’ve mentioned previously,
a beach resort, a port with fishing boat trips,
breaks are aimed at bowlers of all levels, and
and the Asimina Suites Hotels. Find out more
ancient monuments and an interesting
at cbh-cyprus.com
(nice and flat) coastal walk to appreciate this bands at the ready! Head to Europe’s
biggest themed waterpark – Waterworld
Enjoy typical Cypriot villages
PIXABAY
Mediterranean jewel. ■ Arm
– based in Ayia Napa. Find out more at waterworldwaterpark.com ■ Visit
Omodos, one of the most popular
villages on the tourist trail. The main attraction of this scenic village is the rambling, atmospheric Timios Stavros Monastery, which dominates the cobbled square. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs, which range from local wines and food to embroidery and lace. ■ Join
Potters Abroad for a week-long
PIXABAY
Troodos is the largest mountain range on the island
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CroisiEurope’s paddle steamer, the MS Loire Princesse
A voyage into the past Angela Youngman discovers the ancient châteaux of the River Loire on a cruise with CroisiEurope
R
ENOWNED FOR THEIR beauty, the
magnificent châteaux, from the defensive
châteaux of the Loire Valley are among
castles of the medieval period to the
the cruise in Nantes or Paris, so as to have
the most visited attractions in France,
fairytale turreted affairs of the 17th and
an extra day’s excursion. Having stayed
and what better way to see them than on
18th centuries. Guided tours were provided
overnight at the Villa Montparnasse in Paris,
a luxury cruise on board CroisiEurope’s
for each, together with some free time
a two hour drive towards Nantes led to
paddle steamer, the MS Loire Princesse.
to explore, and throughout the five-day
the 16th century Châteaux de Chambord,
cruise there were optional excursions.
built by the Francis I. It’s particularly notable
We took a watery tour of a number of
Passengers have the option of joining
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Cruise holidays Passengers have the option of one of two guided tours of Nantes
Château de Chenonceau
The 16th century Châteaux de Chambord
On board... MS Loire Princesse can cater for
for its superb double spiral staircase,
a choice of guided walks – a tour of Nantes
which rises through three floors.
around its castle and medieval streets,
A further two-hour drive led to Château
or a tour of the hidden courtyards and
96 passengers, with a sun deck,
de Chenonceau for lunch before exploring
18th century architecture of L’île Feydeau,
30 double cabins on the upper deck
this romantic attraction, which is partly
culminating in a visit to Les Machines de I’île.
(each with a small balcony), and a
built on an arched bridge spanning the River
This is an amazing steampunk wonderland,
further 18 on the main deck. All cabins
Cher. Once owned by Diane de Poitiers and
complete with a three-storey carousel and
are well fitted out, and entertainment
Catherine de’ Medici, this is, unsurprisingly,
various giant mechanical creatures. The Great
is provided in the lounge each evening,
one of the most photographed châteaux
Elephant has become the symbol of Nantes,
from entertaining folk groups to a
in France given its romantic architecture.
accommodating up to 50 people on its back
staff cabaret.
Interestingly, its location also provided a useful
as it steadily parades around the site. More
highway for the Resistance during the Second
mechanical attractions are planned, with a
standard of food, with guests allotted
World War, since one bank was in German-
massive Heron Tree – with other life size
to specific tables, usually French or
occupied France, and the other in Vichy.
creatures among its branches – due to be
The restaurant offers a high
English speaking. Vegetarian meals can be provided on request.
EXPLORING NANTES Finally in Nantes, the following day involved
installed in a nearby quarry by 2020. On subsequent days, there were excursions available to the medieval town of Clisson, a WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Cruise holidays Les Machines de I’île’s Great Elephant
GET ME THERE Angela enjoyed CroisiEurope’s Châteaux of the Loire cruise. The company offer discounts for groups of 20 or more and can help arrange pre- and post-cruise meeting services. From November through to March, groups of 80-plus can privately charter ships within the Croisi fleet. Call 020 8328 1281 or see www.croisieurope.co.uk
The MS Loire Princesse moored against the banks of Nantes
visit to a winery and a tour of the Château
passengers can opt for a guided visit to the
resulting in an evening stay at Paimboeuf
d’Angers. One full day excursion is included
shipyards and the museum. Leaving the
before returning to Nantes overnight.
for all passengers – this involves a guided
museum was certainly unusual – you have to
tour of the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
exit via a lifeboat being dropped down over
afternoon took us down to Ancenis,
and Ussé (linked to Charles Perrault and
the side of a ship!
which sits 34km away.
the story of Sleeping Beauty), as well as
The cruising element of the journey
A further cruise on the Monday
During the early summer, the MS
involved journeys upstream and downstream
Loire Princesse includes a further trip to
from Nantes. On the Saturday, the
Bouchemaine. This is not always possible
MS Loire Princesse travelled to Saint
due to the level of water in the River Loire,
Although the châteaux are a key feature
Nazaire, and was due to return on the
and by October (when I went) reaching
of the cruise, other attractions in the area
Sunday morning. However, bad weather
Ancenis requires very careful navigation
are available. For example, in Saint Nazaire
meant the timetable had to be changed,
through the relatively shallow waters.
the symbolic love gardens of Villandry.
A DRAMATIC EXIT
GTW
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Unique River Cruises in France With CroisiEurope you’ll cruise France’s rivers on board your own French restaurant. The Loire, Seine, Saône and Rhône valleys await your visit, as do the beautiful rivers Garonne and Dordogne.
HIGHLIGHTS: HONFLEUR
• Stylish appointed cabins with panoramic windows
ROUEN
• Delicious regional specialities and unlimited drinks included
STRASBOURG PARIS
• 42 years’ experience
SAÔNE
• Fascinating excursions bringing history and culture to life • Exceptional value
SEINE
SAINT-NAZAIRE
ANCENIS
RHINE
BASEL
ANGERS
LOIRE
NANTES
CHALONSUR-SAÔNE MACON
FRANCE LYON
VIENNE PAUILLAC
TAIN L'HERMITAGE
DORDOGNE RHÔNE
BORDEAUX
SAINT-EMILION
VIVIERS AVIGNON
Sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
GARONNE ARLES Martigues
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS 0208 3281 281 • resuk@croisieurope.com • www.croisieurope.co.uk
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The Absalon Hotel dates back to the 1930s
A
Danish adventure
Copenhagen’s swish Absalon Hotel proves the ideal base for a city break, as GTW’s Vanessa Hardy and her husband Mark discover
L
GET ME THERE ■ With
a flight time of just 1 hour
30 minutes, and served by five airlines from the UK, Copenhagen is easy to reach. Try ryanair.com, easyjet.com and britishairways.com
OCATED IN THE heart of Vesterbro in
pickled herring on the menu (not exactly to my
■ The
central Copenhagen, the Absalon Hotel
taste but I gave it a try!). And Velorbis bikes
year-round – a highlight for many the
was founded 80 years ago by the grandparents
can be hired from the hotel, with the chance to
annual Copenhagen Jazz Festival, which
of the current MD, Karen Nedergaard.
book a guided tour or go it alone. We did the
has turned Copenhagen into Europe’s
latter: cue a fantastic waterfront bike ride,
jazz capital. Jazz events take place across
swish, modern looking reception? What a
taking in the famous Little Mermaid statue and
the city: on the streets, in concert halls,
place! It’s very welcoming, cosy and relaxing.
a trek to the top of Our Saviour’s church spire.
clubs and at the Absalon Hotel, which
The hotel’s easy to find, just a two-minute
Given a revamp in 2015, the Absalon Hotel
Our first impression as we entered the
city’s a huge pull for visitors
hosts a number of concerts, all with
walk from the station, and sits next to the
is now home to 161 suites and bedrooms. It’s
free admission. Next year’s festival
famous Tivoli Gardens, which we can definitely
a fantastic place to stay, the staff are friendly
will run from July 5 to 14. Find out more
vouch for. If you get chance, go, especially at
and helpful, and the hotel’s CONCEPT24
at jazz.dk/en/cphjazz/frontpage/
night when it looks magical. Breakfast was a
package adds to the experience. This allows you
treat, with everything from Danish pastries to
to depart late at no extra cost (if you book this
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Tried & tested Stylish, modern rooms start at around £130 per night
Below: Vanessa takes to her bike to explore the city’s waterfront
JONAS BUHR
The swish reception area
Plan your stay at absalonhotel.dk/en
Restaurant Uformel’s rather impressive wine rack
Anyone for a Danish?
service in advance), so you can keep your room for 24 hours, no matter what time you arrived.
Copenhagen is at the heart of the Danish
■ Tivoli Food Hall: Tivoli Gardens amusement
phenomena known as ‘new Nordic dining,’
park is one of the most visited attractions
which is committed to organic, sustainable
in Copenhagen, and it’s also home to a 850
and local products. Nowhere showcases
square metre food hall next to Copenhagen
this better than the city’s food markets
Central Station and the Absalon Hotel.
– and here are our pick of the best:
■ Torvehallerne: It’s not a supermarket
■ The Bridge Street Kitchen: situated
– it’s a super market. Here you’ll find more
in the Greenlandic Trade Square, just across
than 60 stands selling everything from fresh
the Inderhavsbroen (bridge) by Nyhavn,
fish and meat to gourmet chocolate.
this features some of the most popular
■ WestMarket in Vesterbro: this is the
street food in Copenhagen, including
go-to place for all street food lovers,
Grød’s Porridge, the world’s first porridge bar
selling everything from fresh veggies to
(yes, this really is a thing!).
gin and tonics.
The stylish, cosy atmosphere is matched by
and apple sorbet, the fare and the wine were
DINING OUT IN STYLE I have to give a big shout out to the team at the fantastic Uformel restaurant, just a short
a world-class menu. From the starters (delicate,
like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. The staff
walk from the hotel, see uformel.dk.
delicious cheese straws) to the steak tartare
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A feast of delights
Marian headed to Nice for sun, sea – and Lemon Festivals
Marian Durbidge organises day trips and holidays, taking in the arts. Here, she reports on her club’s trip to the Lemon Festival of Menton in the French Riviera
W
HEN I TOOK a group to Nice to
We were back in time for dinner and a
see the Menton Lemon Festival
wonderful seat for the Carnival Parade of
earlier this year, luckily I also took the lovely weather from England with me.
Lights, with its floats and giant figurines.
Since its start in the 1930s as a fruit show,
EXPLORING NICE
this festival now attracts an international
The next day came a trip to Nice, and a look
audience, drawing thousands and thousands
round the shops and lovely colourful market
of people to a joyful fruity gathering.
of fruit, vegetables, flowers and local produce.
Staying at a lovely hotel in the middle of
We got talking to some locals who were
Nice, within walking distance of the sea, shops,
making up delicious rolls to sell at the flower
restaurants and festival areas, we visited
festival later on, so we ordered from them
Menton and its orange and lemon displays on
and sat on the front watching some brave
a beautiful sunny morning; they were superb
children paddling.
and must have taken ages to build. A Scottish band with bagpipes suddenly appeared in the street in full regalia, and
The flower festival was fabulous again, and so much work had gone into the displays. The dancing girls and boys kept us amused as
as the theme this year was Bollywood it was all very colourful, with elephants, mystical dancers, palaces and performers. Later, we visited the cathedral, which overlooked the harbour,
Marian’s trip was organised by the experts at Simply Groups. Find out more about the holidays they offer at simplygroups.co.uk
and listened to the taped choir for a quiet contemplation. But then the sun went down, and the rain and cold wind made us hurry back to the coach!
OFF TO MONTE CARLO The following day we travelled to Monaco and
the floats took their time coming down the streets. We had lovely seats on a raised platform overlooking everything. The floats go around the course two times and on the second round they take
the floats apart and throw the flowers into the crowd. I came back to the hotel with mimosa, orchids and roses... Our last night in Nice offered a chance to experience the local cuisine: mussels and chips, with wine, of course! The following day we visited Villa Ephrussi
Monte Carlo, where a hop-on-and-off bus was
de Rothschild, a fabulous chateaux built on
the best way to see the views. We arrived in
the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat promontory, with
time to see the changing of the guard at the
amazing gardens and views. At the end of
Palace and visit the Basilica, as well as the
our tour we stayed for lunch in a beautiful
fantastic aquarium on the front.
room overlooking the bay – a great end to a
Monte Carlo is full of cranes, just like London at the moment. As there’s no land to build on
lovely tour. Many thanks to Shauna at Simply Groups for arranging this holiday for us.
GTW
the buildings are going upwards. We toured the bends and twists. It must be overwhelming
ABOUT OUR WRITER
in May when the race comes to town.
Marian runs the Herts Theatre Club
The beautiful bay with the luxury yachts and enormous boats is amazing. And the casino, which is a must to see even from the outside, belies the wealth within.
in Harpenden, find out more at www.htclub.co.uk
PHOTO: PIXABAY
whole town, following the famous racetrack’s
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France
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UKinbound news
The new Great West Way touring route has now been launched, led by destination management organisation VisitWiltshire...
T
HE GREAT WEST WAY is perfect for
wholesalers to offer one-to-one assistance in
FIND OUT MORE:
curious travellers who want to delve
helping them develop new Great West Way
■ Visit
themed itineraries.
www.GreatWestWay.co.uk/TravelTrade
deeper and uncover the real essence of England. Visitors can discover the route in
“In exchange for packaging and selling these
www.GreatWestWay.co.uk and
flowallace@greatwestway.co.uk
for how to become an Official Tour
depth with a range of themed itineraries and
programmes, we will provide them with access
trails, suitable to explore by car, coach, rail,
to the brand marque, narrative and images,
Operator
cycling, walking and waterways. It offers a
as well as over 175+ tourism businesses and
■A
variety of unique English experiences not
destinations in our Ambassador Network. They
Bus Pass, ‘Rough Guide to the Great West
found in any other part of the country (find
will also be able to attend educational visits to
Way’ and Great West Way Travel Magazine
out more at greatwestway.co.uk).
experience the products for themselves.
will be available in early 2019
Following the route of one of the first Great
“We are looking forward to sharing our
new GWR Great West Way Rail and
■ To
arrange a press visit, email
Roads commissioned by the Kings of England
brand new Travel Trade Directory, which
flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk, call
from London to Bristol, this Discover England
has been specifically designed to highlight
01722 341309 or 07436 588860.
Fund Project aims to create one of the world’s
bookable trade product including suggested
premier touring routes.
itineraries, destinations along and nearby
Florence Wallace, Head of Travel Trade at
GREATWESTWAY.CO.UK
Leading the Way
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 nearly 400 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
the route, travelling, staying, eating, drinking,
VisitWiltshire, said: “We are keen to work
attractions and activities on the route and
in partnership with tour operators and
so much more.”
GTW
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GTW Awards
Drum roll please… Our GTW Awards celebrate the places that go the extra mile to make groups feel welcome, so meet this month’s winners BEST GROUP TRAVEL PROVIDER
All aboard DFDS Nominated by GTW’s Julie Cousins and
away. Already an award-winner (DFDS
Karen Newton, who enjoyed a mini cruise
has been crowned Europe’s Leading Ferry
to Amsterdam last month, is the hugely
Operator and the World’s Leading Ferry
group-friendly DFDS. With its regular
Operator numerous times), see the website
crossings to France and Holland from a
for details of its sailings and offers.
number of UK ports, as well as mini cruises
■ Find out more at dfdsseaways.co.uk or
and cruise and stay breaks, the team at
call 0871 522 9933 – and turn to page 42
DFDS are experts in helping groups sail
for more on Karen and Julie’s DFDS cruise.
To nominate a hotel, attraction, restaurant or holiday company for our awards, email helen.milbank@ grouptravelworld.com
BEST GROUP CRUISE
Fred. Olsen Nominated by GTW’s Helen Milbank, who boarded the Braemar
BEST ATTRACTION
Its fleet of four ships take holidaymakers all over the world, with
The Royal Opera House
destinations as diverse as the Baltic and South America.
Nominated by GTW’s Julie Cousins, who was treated to a private guided
■ To
tour of this newly revamped attraction, it’s been an exciting few months
for a mini cruise to France (her first ever cruise) is Fred. Olsen.
see all of Fred. Olsen’s holidays, and for a copy of its group
travel brochure, visit www.fredolsencruises.com, email
for London’s Royal Opera House. Its £50 million Open Up building project,
group.sales@fredolsen.co.uk or call the group sales team
which launched in spring 2016, came to fruition this autumn, improving
on 01473 746169.
access for visitors and offering new facilities, catering and retail options. ■ Find
out more at roh.org.uk WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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GET THE NEXT 2 ISSUES FOR FREE 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, celebrity interviews and more. Plus we can help you save money thanks to our new and exclusive ticketing site grouptraveloffers.com
Subscribe in 3 easy steps Call Emma Parkes on 01733 293487 Email emma.parkes@grouptravelworld.com Visit www.grouptravelworld.com/subscribe
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FRE E TRIA L
Call 01733 293487 TERMS & CONDITIONS: This offer closes December 31st 2018. You will not receive a renewal reminder and recurring payments will continue to be taken unless you tell us ot erwise. ou will be bille a s after t e rst a of our trial w ic will become recurring pa ment ever ear. osts from mobiles per minute are appro imatel p to p. osts var epen ing on t e geograp ical location in t e . o subscribe our of ces open from . am . pm on ri or go online at www.grouptravelworld.com/subscribe. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
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14/09/2018 15:50 10/09/2018 10:35:24
Leeds Castle celebrates its 900th birthday next year
Your travel questions answered by experts GROUP TRAVEL VISIT ENGLAND/VISIT KENT
Going underground Q This winter, I’d like to take my group
on an underground tour. Any ideas? Emma Kelly, Bedfordshire
A Travel writer Naomi MacKay says:
GROUP TRAVEL
Regal attractions
While many caves and tunnels had practical uses in days gone by, the caves at West Wycombe in Buckinghamshire are famous for far more nefarious reasons. The Hell-Fire Caves
Q Any ideas for a group trip with
it today dates largely from the early 19th
were the meeting place for the notorious Hell
a regal twist?
Fire Club, a group of men who enjoyed wine,
Millie Daveson, Norfolk
by then owner Fiennes Wykeham-Martin.
A The team at Trip Historic
■ Windsor Castle
(triphistoric.com) say: Britain’s royal homes
oldest occupied castle as well as one of
can be organised (Sukie and Paul Whitehead
are steeped in centuries of intrigue and riches
the most beautiful. Highlights include the
are the resident ghosts, in case you were
– the stories of which remain with us to this
14th century St George’s Chapel, the State
wondering) as well as regular tours. These
day. Among some of the most fascinating for
Apartments and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
take you through deep, winding passages that
groups and families to visit are:
■ Buckingham Palace
extend more than
■ Leeds Castle
women and strange ceremonies, founded by Sir Francis Dashwood in the mid-18th century.
PIXABAY
Today, underground candlelight ghost tours
a quarter of a mile
– built in 1119 as a Norman
century when it was remodelled almost entirely – built by William the
Conqueror in the 1070s, it’s the world’s
– originally built in
1703 as a private home, this has been the
stronghold (next year sees it celebrate its
London residence of the reigning monarch
900th birthday), this Kent castle is one
since 1837 when Queen Victoria ascended to
past various chambers
of Britain’s most picturesque. Richard I
the throne. In the summer months, the State
to the Banqueting Hall
transformed it into a royal palace in the late
Rooms are open to the public and visitors can
and over the River
13th century and in 1519 it was developed
see some of the finest 17th, 18th and 19th
again, this time by Henry VIII for his first wife
century English and French furniture in existence
Catherine of Aragon. Leeds Castle as you see
and the treasures of the Royal Collections.
underground, and lead
Styx. Find out more at hellfirecaves.co.uk
Take a candlelit tour of The Hell-Fire Caves
GROUP TRAVEL
Room for debate
Q Any ideas for a quirky London tour?
Big Ben has fallen silent due to restoration work: it will chime again in 2021
Poppy McCatry, via email
A GTW’s editor Helen Milbank says: No visit to London is complete without a
tour of one of the city’s most iconic sights, the Houses of Parliament. It welcomes groups VISIT BRITAIN
throughout the year on Saturdays and selected week days during parliamentary recesses, with a range of ticketed audio, guided and occasional themed tours available, some
For most tours, special rates are available
usually released on the first working day
with the option to add afternoon tea by
for groups of 10 or more. These need
of the month. Find out more (and take a
the River Thames.
to be booked in advance, and tickets are
virtual tour) at www.parliament.uk
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Q&A
PIXABAY
An expedition cruise can take you to the far-flung corners of the world, from the Amazon to the Arctic
CRUISE HOLIDAYS
Trek through the Amazon, anyone? Q I enjoy cruising but would love a real
small boats. The more diminutive vessels
PUSHING YOUR LIMITS
adventure on my next holiday. Help!
that take passengers on adventure cruises
Expedition cruises are not for the faint-hearted,
Becky Hutton, Manchester
are about the only way non-locals can visit
making them the perfect match for those who
A Gavin Murray of Exclusive Expeditions
such destinations.
prefer to get up and go, rather than lounge
(exclusiveexpeditions.co.uk) says: In an
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
effort to attract younger generations more
When it comes to exposure to local culture and
Arctic circle and witnessing the aurora borealis
intent on adventure than relaxation to the world
grass roots experiences during travel, there is
(Northern Lights) first hand, or roaming
of cruising, the industry has been branching
nothing to rival the experiences on offer with
the tropical jungles of the world, adventure
out in recent years to include less traditional
adventure cruises. Trekking through the Amazon
cruises offer ample opportunity to push your
offerings, making the adventure or expedition
rainforest, or drifting down the narrow channels
limits and comfort zones, and try out an entirely
cruise among the top choices for those intent
of the Chobe river while wild giraffe and
new environment.
on an exciting, unconventional holiday.
hippo roam mere feet away, are typical of the
There are lots of amazing destinations that are all but inaccessible to vehicles other than
around for a fortnight when they go abroad. Whether it’s sailing the icy waters of the
Not only are you making memories, but
experiences on offer – and not a queue or
you’re expanding your horizons and proving
ticket booth in sight.
to yourself what you are capable of. WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Q&A
Proudly sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society The famous rock garden at RHS Garden Wisley, which hosts fantastic ‘winter walks’
MEET OUR EXPERT Melissa Hackney is Groups
Sales & Marketing Manager at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
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 I want to introduce some winter colour
plantings according to the seasons. Some of my
to my garden – do you have any tips?
favourites for winter are Hellebores – with their
for next year. Do you have details of all your
Miriam Gorb, London
white flowers from December to March; or
events yet?
A You could use flowers, scent, berries,
Hamamelis (which you might know better as
Linda Archer, Canterbury
coloured stems or dramatic evergreen foliage.
December to March. You can also get some lovely
Plants with fragrance are best appreciated when
winter climbers, including various Clematis.
planted by doorways or entrances in regular
witch hazel), with fragrant flowers between
Our website is a good source of more ideas.
Q Our group is planning our programme
A Our 2019 calendar is now firmed up, and
as well as information online, we also have a
dedicated Groups Guide, which we’d be happy
winter use. And since some aren’t particularly
For ‘real life’ inspiration, all our gardens have
to send out. To get your copy, just email us at
attractive during the summer months, you may
fabulous displays of winter colour, and we run
groups@rhs.org.uk.
find it useful to plant in containers and change
‘winter walks’ to showcase what’s looking good.
As always, we’ve ensured there are activities throughout the year, so you can be sure that
Q Our allotment group arranged a trip to
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show last year, which we loved. Can you suggest a different
whatever time of year you visit, there’s plenty of experts will be on-hand to provide help
to see. Highlights early in the year include spring
and inspiration.
plant and craft fairs, rose festivals and
More details can be found on our website,
weekends in early summer, and Flower Shows
one for next year, ideally in summer?
and groups tickets are available via See Tickets
at each of our gardens. Further into the year,
Ken Young, Loughborough
– see groups@seetickets.com
there are great ‘Taste of Autumn’ events and our
A My pick would be RHS Chatsworth Flower
ever-popular ‘Glow’ events in the winter.
Show, set in the magnificent Chatsworth House
Garden, if you visit a second time between
in Derbyshire from 5-9 June 2019. As well as
October 2019 and January 2020, the second
the superb show gardens and art installations,
visit is free. We look forward to welcoming you!
Don’t forget, if you book a visit to one RHS
it’s packed with innovative take-home ideas. Plus there’s the opportunity to talk with leading experts in the Floral Marquee and Plant Village. Alternatively, RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in Cheshire, from 17-21 July 2019, will give you some great tips for your allotments. Adding to its vibrant floral displays, ‘Show’ and ‘Back to Back’ gardens, as well as have-a-go workshops, 2019 will also see the return of the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition. There’s also
Experience the ultimate gardening day out with the RHS at its four gardens – RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey; RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire; RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex and RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon. See rhs.org.uk/groups or email groups@rhs.org.uk
GTW
a new Discover & Grow Marquee, where a host
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Over to you
We want to hear from you!
Write, Facebook, Tweet or email helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com
Pandas away!
Sasha enjoys the sand and surf
Here’s my daughter Ilaria on a recent trip to Sundown Adventureland near Lincoln – a theme park for the under-10s. For school trips and families I can’t praise this park enough. Split into various themed areas, there’s a new Angry Birds park, pirate boat trips, tractors to ride on and an indoor play area, plus cafés and picnic areas. We went mid-week and weren’t queuing for ages (never a good thing with a toddler in tow). Ilaria loved the story book houses, especially Goldilocks as that’s her favourite night-time read at the minute. It’s great for anyone with toddlers and small children, but be aware that off-peak, Sasha at Bude
some rides only run at certain times. Sarah Ward, via email A WORD FROM THE ED: My daughter Georgie would second that as we’ve been taking her to Sundown ever since she was tiny. My top tip is to round off your trip with a visit to Damon’s – a ribs restaurant on the outskirts of Lincoln. Find out more
STAR LETTER
Making a splash If going away with your group means your
(nearest the caravan park), but further up and
dog (or dogs) come too, I can recommend
closer to Bude town you’ll have to keep your
Cornwall’s John Fowler Holiday Park. This
dog away from the surf between Easter Sunday
caravan and camping park in Widemouth Bay
and the end of September. It’s also worth noting
is a great base. Set in 50 acres, off a quiet
that the Atlantic coastline is rough and the cliffs
country road just four miles or so from the
very steep in places, so if, like Sasha here, your
seaside town of Bude, the park’s part of the
dog likes to run off and pay scant regard to their
John Fowler chain, which has five further
safety, keep them on a lead when it gets hairy!
holiday parks in Cornwall, as well as three in
Eddie Sleight, Lincolnshire
at sundownadventureland.co.uk and damons.co.uk/lincoln/
Devon and two in Somerset. Dogs are welcome in many of the static
A WORD FROM THE ED: We agree Eddie,
vans up for rent, and our favourite’s in a great
you’re right in the heart of some fantastic
spot in a quiet corner of the park, right on the
walking country when you holiday at
edge of one of the camping fields, which leads
Widemouth Bay, and for inspiration and
on to a great walk through some woods. Leave the park, trot down a quiet country
information try the following sites: ■ www.visitbude.info/blog/
lane and take one of the first footpaths you
dog-friendly-bude
see signposted and it will lead you straight to
■ www.southwestcoastpath.
the beach. Dogs are welcome all year round on
org.uk/walksdb/34
the southern section of Widemouth Bay beach
■ www.pinns.co.uk/cornwall/bude.html
Ilaria gets a bear hug
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Your shout
Ruby (left) and Emma
A Countryfile Ramble Here’s GTW’s Emma Parkes and her daughter Ruby, who helped raise money for charity
An Art Deco treat
last month when they headed to Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire for BBC Countryfile’s
A recent Group Travel World fam trip to
enjoyable day and everyone was so helpful
Eltham Palace in Greenwich (see above)
and friendly. The palace was wonderful and
There’s still time to organise your
proved a hit with group travel organisers.
the gardens were beautiful too. I’m looking
own ramble – all for a good cause. Find
forward to telling the members of Wilmara
out how at tinyurl.com/y9ovu7rr
GTW reader Pauline North, Chairlady of the Wilmara Active Retirement Association, had
all about our visit and encouraging them that
this to say after the visit: “Just a short note to
it’s a must to go and see.”
thank you for inviting me on a guided tour of Eltham Palace and its gardens. It was a very
three-mile Ramble for BBC Children in Need.
Tessa Hemsley adds: “This gem is so hidden away and lots of people don’t know about it!”
What a mug!
Spot the celeb! It’s Countryfile’s Ellie Harrison
Here’s GTW’s roving reporter Chris Wales continuing his mission to find comedy signs during a recent trip to the Isle d’Oléron off the west coast of France. If you spot a better one email a pic to helen.milbank@ grouptravelworld.com
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 Email: helen.milbank@ grouptravelworld.com Advertising query? Call Julie Cousins on 01733 293242
MINI BOOK REVIEW
DK Eyewitness Travel Guides
Subscription query? Emma Parkes is here to help. Call her on 01733 293487
Price: from £12.99 Contact: dk.com
This year marks the 25th birthday of the
Amsterdam, Berlin, Ireland, Italy, London,
ever-popular DK Eyewitness Travel Guides,
New York City, Paris, Prague, Rome
an anniversary marked by the launch of
and Washington.
10 new-look books, with fresh photography
■ Do
throughout and even bigger, better maps.
product you’d like to shout about? Email Helen
The redesigned books include guides to
with the details at the usual address.
you have a favourite book, DVD or travel
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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Puzzle time
Test your grey matter – answers on page 97
Try our quizzes and brain teasers every month
PICTURE QUIZ
The Mourne Mountains in County Down are a huge hit with visitors to Northern Ireland. But which fantasy drama series was filmed here?
You can now enjoy our puzzles online too! See the new & improved grouptravelworld .com
W RD
SEARCH
Can you find the following words in the grid? All are popular animal attractions:
WOBURN LONGLEAT CHESTER ZOO WHIPSNADE MARWELL WMSP LONDON ZOO TWYCROSS SEA LIFE
OO Z N O D OE I L L I Z G EO R G RMA XWE E DAN S P T WM S P O S E A L I F E MA RWE H T A E L G C WO B U R
N M I L I Y E L N N
O L T C XW E C Y L Y C HWR E R O O T S L U S O LW C Y D
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 before January 1, 2019 or visit grouptravel world.com/competition. Last issue’s winner was Sue Povey from West Sussex.
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Puzzles
Crossword
ACROSS
7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 21 22 23
Ape (7) Decree (5) Harass (5) Intoxicating liquor (7) As before (5) Appears (7) Common sight in Saudi Arabia (3,4) Run away (5) Hearing distance (7) Strode (5) Farewell (5) Rooms (7)
DOWN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12 13 14 15 17 19 20 21
Previous to birth (8) Bump off (4) The Pope (4) Instructors (8) Desire (4) Fashions (6) Stately (5) Repair (8) Snake-like fish (3) Enormous (8) Musical dramas (6) Oceanic ins and outs (5) Sudden assault (4) Underground (4) Seed containers (4)
QUICK QUIZ 2
3
4
HELEN PUGH
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
1
Q The Royal Yacht Britannia
Q Admiral Nelson’s jacket
can be seen at the National
School of Falconry in Bedfordshire.
17th century mansion run by
HM The Queen. In which city
Maritime Museum. In which UK
They’re known for rotating their
English Heritage. But which
is it now moored?
county was he born?
heads through how many degrees?
county does it lie in?
was the holiday home of
Q This owl lives at the English
Q Audley End House is a
Where’s Harvey? In our November issue, Harvey was on page 88, hanging out with the donkeys of Clovelly in Devon. 17 Tides, 19 Raid, 20 Tube, 21 Pods. Picture quiz: Game of Thrones. Quick quiz: 1. Edinburgh; 2. Norfolk; 3. 270 degrees; 4. Essex. 22 Adieu, 23 Bedsits. (Down) 1 Prenatal, 2 Slay, 3 Papa, 4 Teachers, 5 Wish, 6 Styles, 7 Grand, 12 Overhaul, 13 Eel, 14 Galactic, 15 Operas, Crossword solution: (Across) 7 Gorilla, 8 Edict, 9 Annoy, 10 Alcohol, 11 Ditto, 13 Emerges, 15 Oil well, 16 Split, 18 Earshot, 21 Paced,
Answers
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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And finally
JET OFF FOR A WEEKEND IN...
Rome W
WHEN IN ROME... ■ Visit
the Pantheon, a former temple (now church) that dates back
to ancient Rome. It’s a heady mix of granite Corinthian columns, coloured marble and bronze doors: its centrepiece a concrete dome, with an oculus – or circular opening – in the middle, where
HEN IT COMES to history, art and culture, no city in Europe
the light streams in. Find out more at rome.info/pantheon/
can hold a candle to the imperial grandeur of Rome. With
■ See
the Trevi Fountain, which stands nearly 30 metres
nearly three millennia of history tucked under its toga, the Eternal City
high, making it the largest Baroque fountain in the city.
is effectively one big outdoor museum, bursting at the seams with
Situated, unsurprisingly, in the Trevi district, find out
imposing classical monuments and sublime renaissance architecture
more at rome.net/trevi-fountain – and join the many
created by the likes of Michelangelo and Caravaggio. Of course, no trip to Rome is complete without visiting the iconic
millions who’ve thrown a penny into the water. ■ Explore
the Galleria Borghes, an art gallery housed in the
Colosseum and the impossibly ornate Vatican City. It may be worth
former Villa Borghese Pinciana, which is hosting the first Italian
giving the interior tours of St Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel a miss
exhibition dedicated to Picasso’s sculptures from this month until
though, unless you want to spend many hours waiting in the inevitable,
February 2019, see galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it
GTW
slow-moving queues. Instead use the time to catch a glimpse of everyday Roman life by exploring Trastevere’s narrow, winding streets and café-lined piazzas. WORDS: DARREN CALPIN, PHOTOS: PIXABAY
Try to squeeze in a jaunt up to Gianicolo Hill if you can. The views across the city from here are bellissimo. One of the best things about visiting Rome as an ensemble is that it allows you to live out any La Dolce Vita fantasies you may have. While you may not get the chance to dance in the Trevi Fountain, you can drive around the city in a sports car like Marcello Mastroianni and his hedonistic pals if you club together and splash some (serious)
The Pantheon
cash on a suitably snazzy hire car. Specialist hire companies like europeluxurycars.com can help. Ciao bella! 98 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Koala Creek COMING SPRING 2019
More than 450 years of history. Over 1,000 incredible animals. Immerse yourself in the astonishing kingdom of Longleat. The UK’s original safari park.
Groups of 12+ save up to 30% and get exclusive perks groups@longleat.co.uk • 01985 844328 • longleat.co.uk/groups
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From Princess to Empress Amuse your groups at the 200th birthday celebrations of Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace New exhibitions opening 24 May 2019 Victoria: A royal childhood Victoria: Woman and crown +44 (0)20 3166 6311 groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade
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