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November 2018 £3.99
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FO N R E EC W VER KL OR Y A TH REA C DE E R *J US
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5
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The castles where ghosts come to life TOUR THE NATION’S HISTORIC CATHEDRALS A GROUP TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO BUDAPEST, SWEDEN & FRANCE
001 GTW Sep 18 Cover.indd 1
Full steam
ahead! Your pick of Britain’s best heritage railways
08/10/2018 11:23
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.
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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 October 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.
Group Travel World2Page October 2018.indd 1 FP Template.indd
ABTA No. V4744
07/09/2018 15:27 13:09 08/10/2018
Welcome
A word from the editor We all love a good ghost story, so in honour of
our ghostly line-up make for a great day out.
the fact that this issue comes out just ahead of
Spotting half a man wandering past will simply
Halloween, we thought we’d brave the UK’s
add to the experience!
most haunted castles and reveal their ghostly
In other, less haunting, news, our line-up
past (see page 26). Did you know, for
this month also includes Britain’s best heritage
example, that visitors to Dover Castle in Kent
railways – as recommended by the people
have reported seeing the lower half of a man
who’ve been there and ridden the rails (see
walking through a doorway, a crying woman on
page 18). Plus we take to the skies to explore
the stairwell and a figure in blue in the gallery?
Sweden (see page 14), the Jura Mountains
While Visit Britain lists the 800-year-old
(on page 72) and Budapest. The latter was
St Briavels Castle in Gloucestershire as
enjoyed by group travel organiser
■ 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
one of the country’s most haunted, with
extraordinaire Sylvia Saxon, who
E. helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com
otherworldly happenings and a ‘strange’
describes it as one of the best cities she’s
atmosphere – as well as the cries
ever visited – saying something from
Designer: David Hiles E: david.hiles@d15design.com
of a baby from beyond the grave – earning it a spooky reputation.
such a well-travelled lady. Find out why she loved it so much on page 96.
But whether you believe in
Thanks to: Darren Calpin, Mike Pickup, John Sansom, Sylvia Saxon, Jonathan Smith, Chris Wales and Angela Youngman ADVERTISING
such things or not, we can vouch
Advertising Manager: Julie Cousins T: 01733 293242 E: julie.cousins@grouptravelworld.com
for the fact that all the castles in
Client Manager: Paige Fraser T: 01733 293245 E: paige.fraser@grouptravelworld.com
Page 77
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
Marketing Executive: Emily Dougall T: 01733 293483 E: emily.dougall@grouptravelworld.com
Page 26
GROUP TRAVEL OFFERS
LONDON &
PARTNERS
Marketing Subscriptions Manager: Emma Parkes T: 01733 293487 E: emma.parkes@grouptravelworld.com
Trade account managers: 01733 293249 MANAGEMENT
General Operations Manager: Harley Denham T: 01733 293249 E: harley.denham@grouptravelworld.com
© 2018 GTW Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors. Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grouptravelworld and join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
ITAIN
This month’s cover shows the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands, with Loch Shiel in the background
VISIT BR
MAIN COVER IMAGE: VISIT BRITAIN/GUY RICHARDSON
Publisher: Jonathan Taylor E: jonathan@grouptravelworld.com
Group Travel World magazine is read by
leading UK and European coach operators, as well as active group travel organisers, representing more than 1,000,000 travellers.
COACH COA OACH TOURISM T
ASSOCIA ASSOCIATION
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003 GTW Nov 18 Welcome.indd 3
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08/10/2018 11:29
JONATHAN TAYLOR
18 Steam into action on a vintage train
78 Cruise the Mersey
30 Discover the UK’s must-visit cathedrals
LILY HILL PHOTOGRAPHY
114 Head to Reykjavik and beyond
ASH MILLS
PIXABAY
42 Enjoy the UK’s best zoos and safari parks
86 Explore the south west
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Contents Regulars 6 Let’s go...
Zebras crossing! See stripes at WMSP
8 15 minutes with...
Good Morning Britain star Katy Rickitt
10 News
We catch up on the world of travel
60 Industry insider
News from the Coach Tourism Association
61 Theatre news & reviews The latest from theatreland
70 Chris Wales On Tour
Chris shares the group travel world’s gossip
102 UKinbound
The Caledonian Sleeper unveils its new plans
JONATHAN TAYLOR
106 Expert Q&As
Your questions answered
14 Set sail to Sweden
110 Readers’ letters
You share your news and photos
112 Puzzle pages
Try our quizzes and puzzles every month
114 And finally...
Jet off to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik
Features 14 A Swedish adventure
We explore the ancient kingdom of Sweden
18 In full steam
Your pick of Britain’s best heritage railways
26 Britain’s most haunted Discover the UK’s ghostly castles
30 Inspired!
Centuries-old cathedrals worth exploring
34 Ten of the best...
Days out for families and schoolkids
42 Walk on the wild side
Zoos, wildlife parks and safari drive-throughs
48 A quick guide to...
Top outlet stores and shopping centres
54 The city of dreaming spires
Why now’s the best time to explore Oxford
72 The Jura’s out!
Discover the Jura mountain region of France
77 Make a splash
River cruises from the Thames to the Mersey
82 The fast & the fabulous
Race days, racing museums and special tours
86 Head south
We explore the south west of England
94 Merseyside magic
Three very good reasons to head to Liverpool
96 Budapest
A group traveller’s guide to this Hungarian delight WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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08/10/2018 11:31
WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK
Zebras crossing “Mum! Have I earned my stripes yet?” Meet Akuna and her daughter Grace, who’s the first Grévy’s zebra to be born at West Midland Safari Park in Worcestershire. The pair now roam the park’s African Plains, together with the giraffe, buffalo and ankole cattle, and groups and families can spot them on a safari drive-through. Safaris aside, the park’s Spooky Spectacular runs from now until November 4, and Christmas sees a Santa Safari arrive. There are huge discounts available for groups – find out more at wmsp.co.uk
Turn to page 42 for more animal attractions to explore
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Let’s go...
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15 minutes with...
Katy Rickitt The Good Morning Britain star, who’s married to Hollyoaks actor Adam Rickitt, often drives up to 1,000 miles a week for her TV role, and revels in not knowing where she’s going to be from one day to the next
T
RAVEL IS VERY important to me. If I didn’t like travel, I couldn’t do this job. Some jobs
their fronts missing, all I could think about were the people who’d lived there.
involve going abroad too, so I need to have
My nightmare was a trip to Virginia and coming
my passport to hand and my suitcase packed.
back with 15 reels of tape that the US security
holiday when we can just chill out. I drive so
I often have to travel at the last minute and
people insisted on putting through the scanner.
much at home that when Adam and I are on
traffic can be a problem. The M6 in Cheshire
On another trip, I had half an hour’s notice
holiday we tend to stay in just one spot. We
is often like a car park! I always drive myself, and my sound team travel separately. The programme assistant AS TOLD TO: ANGELA YOUNGMAN; MAIN PHOTO: PIXABAY
I just take a deep breath and appeal to other people’s better nature when things go wrong.
books my hotels and I’ve stayed in some
I always look forward to our summer
to get to the plane, with all my equipment, and
love going to Taormina in Italy, and I also enjoy
they insisted on searching it all. I got the plane
visiting Barcelona as it has such beautiful
with 20 seconds to spare.
architecture.
I spent a fortune on clothes when I was sent
Travel, both abroad and in Britain, really
amazing ones. I have to be up at 3am to start
to cover the Italian earthquake. I arrived with
does broaden your horizons, and you can find
a shift at 5am, so we like to find hotels where
just one dress, one T-shirt and a spare pair of
places all across the UK that are amazingly
you can go back to bed after the programme.
jeans. The shops at the airport only had high
beautiful. Driving through West Yorkshire
Edinburgh this March was memorable;
priced clothes, so I ended up spending £250
recently I was stunned by the beauty of
I went there to report on the snow and got
on a silk shirt and £280 on Converse shoes.
Mytholmroyd near Hebden Bridge. I would
stuck on the A1 in a blizzard for three hours.
That Italian trip was the most memorable
Snowdonia is always gorgeous, and Cornwall is
I’ve ever done, but also the saddest. We were
amazing – but my favourite place is Cheshire,
travelling along roads that were ruined. Driving
where I live.
along, past sheer drops, passing houses with
never have known about that spot if I hadn’t been travelling.
GTW
The Snowdonian landscape is always a hit with Katy
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A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER
Groups of all sizes are sure to experience a day to remember at the National Memorial Arboretum this December, with awe-inspiring light installations, Seasonal Swing lunches and traditional carols, as well as much more...
Festive Food and Gift Fair
Illuminated Arboretum
Free entry
NEW FOR 2018
1 & 2 December
12 – 21 December £8 per person* Booking essential
Holly Wreath Making Workshops 1 & 2 December £28 per person* Booking essential
Carols by Candlelight 22 December
Free entry Booking recommended
Seasonal Lunches with a Swing 5, 12 & 19 December NEW FOR 2018
GROUPS EXCLUSIVE:
Treat your group to a delicious three-course Christmas lunch this December, complete with welcome drink and music provided by a live swing band. This event will be held in the Arboretum's brand new events building Aspects. £29 per person
*Groups of ten or more.
Visit www.thenma.org.uk, call 01283 245 143 or email groups@thenma.org.uk for more information about our full programme of Christmas activities and to book. National Memorial Arboretum Part of The Royal British Legion
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Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AR www.thenma.org.uk
T: 01283 245 143 E: groups@thenma.org.uk Charity No. 1043992 All information correct at time of print
08/10/2018 15:27
News
A platform for success
THIS MONTH WE LOVE…
A new initiative to help attract groups to
‘welcome to the Severn Valley’ dinner
January 6, 2019. Pride of place in ‘A
Worcestershire is now in full steam. The
at the Mercure Heath Hotel.
Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess
Severn Valley Railway and the Mercure Heath
The journey starts at Kidderminster
Hotel Bewdley have joined forces to offer
Railway for a trip along the length of
tour planners from across the UK a special
the Severn Valley.
‘dream ticket’ – with Worcester coach and
manager Victoria Carman says: “We’re
wheels to this celebration of transport.
so pleased to be working with our local
Working with UK group travel specialists place from February 17-18, 2019, with
Windsor Castle from October 26 to
of Sussex’ will be THAT stunning wedding dress. See royalcollection.org.uk
Severn Valley Railway’s marketing
tour operator Elgar Coaches adding their
Steve Reed Tourism, the initiative will take
...the new exhibition running at
tourism partners to provide what will be a
The National Tramway Museum
memorable experience for the travel trade.” To reserve a place at this exclusive event
tour planners able to enjoy a tour of
call Steve Reed Tourism on 01420 560288
some of the area’s top sights, before a
or email steve@stevereedtourism.co.uk
Hit the tracks High up in the sweeping Derbyshire countryside overlooking the famous Derwent Valley is Crich Tramway Village, a period hamlet that’s also home to the National Tramway Museum (NTM). The NTM offers a discount for groups of 10 or more, see tramway.co.uk, All aboard for a new tourism initiative
WIN!
Carols by candlelight
and if you’re a fan of heritage transport, turn to page 18 where readers and members of Coach Buddy share their favourite railways.
Gather your group for a festive trip to the
the brand new ‘seasonal lunches with a swing’.
National Memorial Arboretum this December.
This three-course Christmas lunch with all the
A fantastic, personalised A4-sized
It’s hosting a number of events throughout
trimmings will see guests greeted with a welcome
illustration of your family, group or club
December that are great for groups, including the
drink before being seated in a festive dining space
members (up to six people), worth £40.
festive food and gift fair, holly wreath making and
in the Arboretum’s brand new events building,
carols by candlelight (pictured here), as well as
Aspects. Find out more at thenma.org.uk
The work of designer Graham Copestake, these fantastic illustrations make a quirky Christmas or birthday present idea. To enter, visit grouptravelworld.com/competition before December 1, 2018. PLUS!
Your family can appear on one of Graham’s new Christmas cards! Priced from £16 to find out more email graham@ stickmonkey.co.uk or visit Facebook @wearestickmonkey
NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM
for a pack of 10,
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08/10/2018 11:41
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.
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08/10/2018 15:30
News GTW EXCLUSIVE
Free for you!
Make your tours even better! The British Guild of Tourist Guides and the
as well as networking opportunities for all
Institute of Tourist Guiding – working together
types of tour guide. The event is open to tour
as Blue and Green Badge Tourist Guides – is to
operators, visitor attractions and businesses
be the headline sponsor for the National Tour
with an interest in the sector. Lyn Hughes,
Guiding Conference, which takes place on
Co-Founder of Wanderlust, is set to headline
is yours for free*
November 9 at Drapers Hall in London. The
the seminar programme with a talk about the
event offers expert advice on making tours
path that led her to establish the World Guide
*Just pay £4.99 p&p
more accessible to an international audience,
Awards. See tinyurl.com/yadpetvh
This pretty necklace
worth £9.99
This month, treat yourself to this pretty bird charm pendant, which hangs on a dainty silver chain. It’s yours for free (just pay £4.99 p&p and order before November 16, 2018)
The National Tour Guiding Conference takes place next month
Something to bray about Peter Elmont, fundraising chairman for
A life-sized donkey statue is now in situ
Buy any additional two for £14.99
on Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier, having
Weston RNLI, says: “Angus had a damaged ear
taken up permanent residence at the
and Zoe mended it and then asked if we would
seafront attraction.
like to auction him on behalf of the RNLI.
He replaces Giggles, one of 67 sculptures
AND THERE’S MORE!
“As the Grand Pier had launched the
that formed part of The Grand Appeal’s
donkey trail, we thought we’d see if they
Gromit Unleashed Trail, which ran throughout
wanted to buy Angus from us. We were
the summer. Giggles, a circus-themed statue
delighted when the Pier agreed, and the
based on Nick Park’s character Gromit, has
money they’ve spent on Angus is going
now joined the other trail sculptures to be
towards our appeal for a new permanent
auctioned off for charity. But the space he
home for the RNLI in Weston.”
occupied at the promenade end of the Grand Pier has been filled by a new set of hooves. Angus is one of 40 fibreglass donkeys who
See Angus in the ‘flesh’, and discover more about the range of activities and events at the Grand Pier all year round, at grandpier.co.uk
starred in a trail of their own throughout Weston in 2010, each decorated by talented artists from all over the south west. Bumblebee charm
£9.99
Flamingo charm
£9.99
After the trail, some of the statues were auctioned off for charity, some went to organisations that had sponsored the statues, and some were returned to the artists who had painted them – including Angus. He
Angus the donkey is Weston-superMare’s newest neigh-bour
returned to Zoe Hilton, who’d chosen a summer cricketing theme for his design.
Elephant charm
£9.99
Dolphin charm
£9.99
TO ORDER GO TO:
grouptravelworld.com/gtwshop
Visit Cambridge This famous university city is one of the UK’s best-loved destinations, and Visit Cambridge has all the information you need to arrange a day trip or short break. Find out more and plan your trip at visitcambridge.org
GTW
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TE GTW A4 Budapest 0918.qxp_. 25/09/2018 16:54 Page 1
Budapest 4 days from £379 per person Budapest is a beautiful city steeped in history and culture, situated on the banks of the River Danube. The capital of Hungary, this wonderful city has so much to offer any visitor. Discover the secrets of the Jewish Quarter, explore the Ecseri Flea Market, cruise the River Danube, sample some wine on a wine tasting tour and take advantage of the usual hop on/hop off tourist bus to see the historic castle, opera house and you could walk across the famous chain bridge which connects the Buda to the Pest. It will not take you long to realise why this city is called the Paris of the East!
Fisherman’s Bastion
Gellert Baths
Budapest Chain Bridge
We can tailor-make all tours to your group’s specification - from travel options to hotel selection, itineraries etc. Call us on 020 7251 0045 or email groups@traveleditions.co.uk to discuss your requirements. 5195
ABTA No.V3120
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Travel Editions Group Limited, 3 Young’s Buildings, London EC1V 9DB T: 020 7251 0045 E: groups@traveleditions.co.uk www.traveleditions.co.uk
10/10/2018 10:11
A Swedish adventure ALL PHOTOS: JONATHAN TAYLOR AND SARAH DAY
Jonathan Taylor heads north to the ancient kingdom of Sweden to discover its islands, treasures – and 17th century warships risen from the deep
S
WEDEN MAY NOT be the first place that
parts of Denmark, Germany and western Russia,
across Europe’s longest bridge from
comes to mind when you’re planning an
today Sweden is still the third biggest country
Copenhagen to Malmo, is a great trip but
exotic travel adventure. But if you haven’t yet
in Western Europe after France and Spain.
time-consuming). The flight to Gothenburg,
ventured north east to this old kingdom, I can
Unfortunately, and surprisingly, there are
vouch for the fact that it’s well worth the trip. A major European power in the 17th
no direct ferry links between the UK and Sweden, or even between the UK, Norway
Sweden’s second city, is only 90 minutes and the flight to Stockholm two-and-a-half hours.
century, at various times controlling all of
and Denmark. So the sensible travel option
TAKE TO THE WATER
Norway, Finland, Estonia and Latvia, as well as
is flying (driving via Holland and Denmark,
Of course, one way to get a taste of Swedish
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Sweden Take a boat trip from Stockholm city centre to explore the magnificent archipelago beyond
The city is a popular cruise destination
Stockholm is possibly Europe’s most ‘waterside’ city, built on seven main islands
Plan your Swedish trip at visitsweden.com life is on a Baltic cities cruise. There are many cruise ships visiting Stockholm throughout the
built on an island, to discover the extensive collection of Art Deco buildings that still grace the
when trading between the Hanseatic Baltic Sea capitals was at its height as you walk the narrow streets of classic old buildings. It’s not
milder months, and they offer a luxurious
city streets. I’m told it’s the best Art Deco
as over-visited and crowded as some other
and convenient way to take in the culture and
collection of buildings outside Paris.
capitals, which makes it more enjoyable.
Hanseatic trading cities. Our favourite good
JET OFF TO SEE THE SIGHTS
view the Royal Palace, which is no longer the
value choices would include Cruise & Maritime
One great option is to fly into Stockholm to
main residence of the Swedish royal family.
Voyages (cruiseandmaritime.com); Fred. Olsen
explore the city itself. In my opinion, it’s one of
And the city’s famous ABBA museum is a
(fredolsencruises.com) and P&O Cruises
the best of the European capitals as its setting
10-minute walk from the Vasamuseet. It’s
(pocruises.com).
is so beautiful. It is built on seven islands and
crammed with memorabilia that will delight
you’re never far from the water.
ABBA fans, but entrance fees are quite steep.
magnificent architecture of the connected
The other top Baltic cruise sights on your trip will be magnificent St Petersburg
Take a walking tour of Gamla Stan – the
While on Gamla Stan island you can also
in Russia and beautiful medieval Tallin, the
island that contains the original old city,
SAMPLE ISLAND LIFE
capital of Estonia. But if your cruise includes
which is virtually intact (helped by Sweden’s
A favourite of mine were the selection of boat
Riga, the Latvian capital, it really is worth
neutrality in the Second World War). You
trips available from the city centre. We took a
going to see this lovely medieval city centre,
really get a feel for how it might have been
two-and-a-half-hour trip out to the lovely WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Sweden A couple of Swedish locals
RISING FROM THE DEEP While in Stockholm, a visit to the Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) is an
virtually intact in a magnificent museum. Just after the entrance area you walk into
absolute must. Back in 1628 one of
the main museum hall at ground floor level
the Swedish King’s warship fleet made
and come face to face, as it were, with an
a bad turn during squally weather in
early 17th century warship. It is shocking
Stockholm harbour and keeled over
to see the enormous ship, full size and
just far enough for water to enter the
virtually complete as you walk in. The ship
lower gun deck portholes. Disaster
can be viewed on many levels and there is
followed, many lives were lost, and
plenty of fascinating historical information
the Vasa sunk to the bottom.
to help tell the story of the Vasa in context.
It was successfully raised in
See it for yourself and you won’t
1961, using ground-breaking
be disappointed. The Swedes have
Stockholm archipelago, which is the
salvage techniques (which helped pave
done a great job of helping the visitor
largest in Sweden, comprising of a staggering
the way for the later Mary Rose salvage
understand every aspect of the ship and,
30,000 islands, islets and rocks, to the east
in the Solent). After two decades of
in my opinion, it’s one of the world’s
of the city. It’s a playground for the Swedes
careful preservation, followed by more
most spectacular historical exhibitions,
who love the outdoors and the chance to
years of restoration, the Vasa now sits
see www.vasamuseet.se/en
GTW
enjoy waterside living. The trip was on a classic early 1900s boat with refreshments and restaurant facilities, along with a good guide speaking
Jonathan was blown away by the impressive Vasa
Swedish and English. By the way, virtually everyone in Sweden speaks English fluently, so you’ll have no problem getting around or gaining information. For accommodation, we used the Scandic Wellington Hotel. This provides four-star accommodation a short walk from the heart of Stockholm’s waterfront area. Dining in Stockholm can be very expensive, so we took the reasonably priced half-board option, which delivered a straightforward, if unexciting, buffet dinner each evening. Of course there are lots of other dining options in the city centre.
The chilly Arctic waters close to the Norwegian border
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SEE FURTHER THAN THE EYE CAN SEE
• London’s highest viewing platform • 800ft above the ground • Unwind with a glass of champagne • Stay as long as you wish Special rates for groups of 10+ plus free leader places 0844 499 7111 reservations@theviewfromtheshard.com www.theviewfromtheshard.com
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full In
steam Few can resist the charm of a vintage rail trip, and we Brits are spoilt for choice. So now it’s over to you to recommend your favourite heritage railways, so the rest of us can follow in your tracks... THE VALE OF RHEIDOL RAILWAY
“Spectacular scenery and great staff,” says Becky Hutton; while Guy Smith
The Vale of Rheidol Railway (pictured here),
adds: “Groups of 15 or more get
which runs from the coast to the Cambrian
discounts and offers.” Find out more
Mountains, is much loved by GTW readers.
at rheidolrailway.co.uk
JOHN JONES
Ceredigion
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Days out
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Days out Rui Correia recommends The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway in Cumbria, and says: “You can do both a railway and boat combo, or just take a trip on the railway. Either are fantastic.” See lakesiderailway.co.uk
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway will be hosting its Santa Steam Specials this Christmas
THE BLUEBELL RAILWAY This Sussex gem will be hosting a series of events over the next three years
KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY
THE NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY
West Yorkshire
North Yorkshire
anniversary of the closure of the original
Georgie Mills says: “Running from Oxenhope
Emma Jane says: “This railway dates back
‘Bluebell Line’ by British Railway, and the
to Keighley, stopping at four stations en route,
to the 1800s and was started by George
last train services from East Grinstead
this railway travels through Brontë country.
Stephenson himself. It’s mostly all volunteer
to Lewes. In 2019 it will celebrate the
I can personally recommend the Santa Steam
run, with friendly, helpful staff.”
formation of the Bluebell Preservation
Specials [which run on weekends from
n See
Society, while in 2020 it will mark the
December 1-23 this year]. Any kids in your
railway and its upcoming Santa Specials, which
opening of the Bluebell Railway, the first
group get a present and the adults can enjoy a
run on selected days throughout December.
ex-mainline standard gauge railway to run
festive tipple. The staff are always friendly and
www.nymr.co.uk for more on the
accommodating and the views are amazing.”
THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY
n Call
Lancashire
01535 645214 to find out
more or visit kwvr.co.uk
to mark its diamond anniversary. The line’s recently commemorated the 60th
passenger trains in the preservation era. See bluebell-railway.co.uk
Michael Andrew says: “The East Lancashire
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VISIT THE PLACE WHERE Intertracktive Intertracktive Intertracktive RAILWAYS WERE BORN Annual Membership Annual AnnualMembership Membership o
Free entry to the museum and un-ticketed
• Interactive displays and audio • Education events for a year events and o Receivechildren's event and activities updates by e-mail visual equipment activities o Free to museum un-ticketed o Free entry to the museum and un-ticketed Singleentry Membership (1the Adult or Child) and • Temporary exhibitions o £10events • Conference and event facilities for a year events for year+ 4 children) o £15 Family Membership (2aAdults • Themed family event dayso 10% off • Locomotion No.1, built by railway gifts in the museum shop event and activities updates byby e-mail Receive event and activities updates e-mail • Ken Hoole Study Centre o oReceive pioneer George Stephenson
o o£10£10 Single Membership (1 Adult oror Child) Single Membership (1 Adult Child) head of steam
o for Family Membership (2 Adults + 4+children) o£15everyone! £15 Family Membership (2 Adults 4 children) There really is something Darlington Railway Museum o o10% off gifts in in the museum shop 10% off gifts the museum shop
Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum, North Road Station, Darlington DL3 6ST. Tel: 01325 405060 Email: headofsteam@darlington.gov.uk Website: www.head-of-steam.co.uk
head headof ofsteam steam
Darlington DarlingtonRailway RailwayMuseum Museum
NARROW GAUGE RAILWAYS AT THEIR BEST ONE-WAY JOURNEY OPTIONS • ON-TRAIN CATERING AVAILABLE
An ideal way to relax and enjoy the beauty of North Wales • Comfortable Carriages • Spectacular Scenery • • Train services operate throughout the year • • Light refreshments service available on most trains • • Wide range of journey options to suit your itinerary • Please contact our experienced Group Travel staff for itinerary suggestions, helpful advice, timetables and further information
FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF groups@ffwhr.com
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01766 516024
www.festrail.co.uk
08/10/2018 15:47
Days out Railway in Bury is our favourite. They’re a very
get a free train ticket, plus food and drink.”
friendly bunch of volunteers, and there are
■ Find
some great views along the route. Also, just
out more at nvr.org.uk
Bury Transport Museum with great vehicles
THE KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY
from all through the years.”
Kent
■ See
Andrew Lambourne says: “This railway,
across the road from the main station is the
eastlancsrailway.org.uk to find out
more about the railway, which runs from
based in Tenterden, is great for groups. When
Heywood to Rawtenstall, via the newly
you arrive they open the gates so you can
opened station at Burrs County Park.
unload and load your passengers onto the platform, which makes it far easier for the
NENE VALLEY RAILWAY
not-so abled-bodied person to get from coach
Cambridgeshire
to train, and helps when the weather’s bad.”
Gary Hodge says: “Nene Valley Railway in
■ Find
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire is well worth a
out more at kesr.org.uk
look. We took 14 coaches there last year and
THE WATERCRESS LINE
the staff were great. It’s very easy to get to off
Hampshire
the A1, with lots of parking, and coach drivers
Stewart Clarke says: “The staff are really helpful; we had a ploughman’s lunch served on board, with anything from the
A northern delight
station menu for the driver.”
Running for three-and-a-half miles, the
on the railway, which runs special events
Kirklees Light Railway in West Yorkshire
throughout the year, including this month’s
runs along the track bed of the former
Wizard Weekend, from October 27-28.
■ See
Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, from the village of Clayton West via Skelmanthorpe to Shelley Woodhouse, through the foothills of the South Pennines. See kirkleeslightrailway.com
watercressline.co.uk for more
THE WHITEHEAD RAILWAY MUSEUM
See our ticket offers site grouptraveloffers .com for your Nene Valley Railway tickets
Northern Ireland
Ben Martin loves Cornwall’s Bodmin & Wenford Railway, and says: “This takes you on a 13-mile return journey from Bodmin General Station to Bodmin Parkway in the Glynn Valley, and Boscarne Junction in the Camel Valley.” See bodminrailway.co.uk
The team there will schedule an entire train for you on the mainline if the money’s right, and
Robert Justin
their trains are used in the movies.”
Macartney says: “Northern
■ The
Ireland’s Whitehead Railway
to some of the most magnificent steam
Museum is well worth a visit.
museum allows visitors to get up close
locomotives in the Railway Preservation
Gary recommends Nene Valley Railway, which travels from the village of Wansford, just off the A1, to the city centre
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l!RlAYIEIL lmACll DINI lDMIE TO A GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL
Journey on the top deck of one of our trams, from Seaton on the Jurassic Coast, through two nature reserves alongside the River Axe to Colyton
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Buy one ticket and get second half price when booked online Booked at least 2.fhrs in advance Excludes red servi ce 3Q<h November & Selected dates between I st - 24th December
OPEN WEEKENDS
24th Feb - 18th March
THE ESSENTIAL PLATFORM for coach operators, tour planners, group travel organisers, tour guides, attractions and destinations.
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ALL WEATHER
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OPEN DAILY
24th March - 28th Oct
TAKE US FOR A TEST DRIVE TODAY
27
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- 31st Dec
FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT
TRAM.CO.UK
www.coachbuddy.org.uk
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TAKE A TRIP THROUGH HISTORY
WHERE WILL YOU GO TODAY?
www.llangollen-railway.co.uk
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08/10/2018 16:27
Days out Broads appeal
The West Somerset Railway
Bure Valley Railway in the Norfolk Broads is the county’s longest narrow gauge railway, running between the market town of Aylsham and Wroxham on an 18-mile round trip through the Bure Valley countryside. Groups are welcome, with special packages including a ‘train and cruise’ deal, which combines a train journey with a cruise on the Broads. See bvrw.co.uk
Society of Ireland’s collection. Find out more at steamtrainsireland.com
WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY Somerset Dave Hogg says: “The West Somerset Railway, which runs from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, is fantastic – lovely people!” ■ Find
Cross Snowdonia in style
out more about this railway, which
runs for 20 miles through the Somerset countryside and along the coast, at west-somerset-railway.co.uk
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY Worcestershire
Off to Wales? Don’t miss the chance to travel on one of these much-loved lines...
Allison Udy says: “We love the Severn Valley
■ Travel
Railway that travels through Shropshire and
Highland Railways (see right) across
Worcestershire: easy booking and nice people
the glorious Snowdonia National
to deal with. The trains are lovely – like first
Park. The 200-year-old Ffestiniog
class carriages – and it’s a beautiful route.”
Railway takes you from the harbour in
■ The
The railway also gets Carwyn Davies’ vote,
Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town
gauge preserved line, from Bronwydd
who says: “My passengers really enjoy it.”
of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The neighbouring
near Carmarthen along a short section
■ Find
Welsh Highland Railway – the UK’s longest
(four miles) of the former Carmarthen
passes through eight stations, including
heritage railway – runs for 25 miles from
to Aberystwyth railway. The line follows
Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, at svr.co.uk
Caernarfon, past the foot of Snowdon and
the River Gwili, passing alongside the
out more about the railway, which
with Ffestiniog & Welsh
Gwili Railway operates a standard
THE MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY
on to Porthmadog. See festrail.co.uk
Gwili Falls. See gwili-railway.co.uk
■ The
■ Snowdon
Norfolk
one of Britain’s most scenic valleys
name suggests, travels to the summit of
Aidan Harman says: “I can thoroughly
– the Dee Valley – with the Berwyn
this Welsh peak, which is the highest in
recommend the Mid-Norfolk Railway in
Mountains towering above on either
England and Wales. Travel from Llanberis
Dereham, which was used recently for the
side as it follows the course of the River
and climb 1085m to the top. Find out
filming of the new BBC series Bodyguard.
Dee. See llangollen-railway.co.uk
more at snowdonrailway.co.uk
Llangollen Railway cuts through
Mountain Railway, as its
Plenty of parking and good value.” ■ Plan
your trip at mnr.org.uk
THE NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY Norfolk
THE LYNTON AND BARNSTAPLE RAILWAY
Terrie Morley says: “The North Norfolk
Devon
Railway, aka The Poppy Line, which goes from
Clare Smith says: “This is a narrow gauge railway
Holt to the seaside town of Sheringham in
that cuts through Exmoor on a two-mile round trip
Norfolk, is great. There is coach parking at both
from Woody Bay Station in Parracombe, Devon.
ends and they do themed weekends, from
All trains run to Killington Lane Halt, where you can
Thomas the Tank Engine to Second World War
either hop off to explore the local countryside, or
events. They run both steam and diesel, and
stay put and wind your way back to Woody Bay as
the line offers lovely views across the coast.”
you’re pulled up the 1 in 50 gradient hill.”
■ Find
■ See
out more at nnrailway.co.uk
lynton-rail.co.uk
Thanks to the members of Coach Buddy for their suggestions and tips. See coachbuddy.org.uk for advice and information to help you plan your next trip – and how to join Coach Buddy for free
GTW
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Exbury GARDENS
SPECTACULAR SPRING COLOUR
& Steam Railway
Explore over 20 miles of pathways and riverside walks, picturesque ponds, 12” gauge miniature steam railway and the world-famous Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camelias.
For more information visit our website at www.exbury.co.uk or call 023 8089 1203
Bala Lake Railway Llanuwchllyn, nr Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7DD
GET ALL STEAMED UP ON YOUR GROUP DAY OUT! Bring your group, society or club for a memorable day out at the Avon Valley Railway WHAT TO SEE ON YOUR VISIT See our beautifully restored Victorian station at Bitton Take a ride in a heritage carriage behind one of our steam or diesel locomotives Enjoy a combined train ride, cream tea and boat trip around Bristol Harbourside on our full day package Learn more about the history of the line in our small museum area Enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in our station buffet (open daily) Pick up a railway-themed souvenir in our gift shop (open on our operating days) Why not combine a visit with a trip to the new Aerospace Bristol museum in Filton or SS Great Britain on Bristol’s harbourside for a full day of transport heritage?
Steam or Diesel trains
operate:
to September Saturday & Sunday April of each month) rday Satu first the ept (exc PLUS: to September Selected Wednesdays May Tuesday to Thursday Sundays in October and half term holidays during school summer and
Tel: 0117 932 5538 www.avonvalleyrailway.org Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD
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Enjoy a nine-mile return journey by narrow-gauge steam train through southern Snowdonia with magnificent lake and mountain views.
discounted group rates single or return journeys gift shop and café free coach parking
Conveniently located for Llandudno, Chester, Shrewsbury and North and Mid-Wales
For rates and details call us on 01678 540666
enquiries@bala-lake-railway.co.uk
www.bala- lake-railway.co.uk
10/10/2018 14:16
Days out
Britain’s most
haunted
Strange ‘half-men’ haunting doorways, crying women in the stairwell... as Halloween approaches we brave the UK’s most ghostly castles
through a doorway, a crying woman on the stairwell and a figure in blue in the gallery.
ST BRIAVELS CASTLE Built in the early 12th century, this Gloucestershire castle acted as the judicial centre of the Forest of Dean, which was a royal hunting ground. It later became a debtors’ prison and is now a youth hostel in the heart of some fantastic walking country. It also holds the moniker of being the number one hotspot for ghost hunters! Visit english-heritage.org. uk/visit/places/st-briavels-castle/ Ghostly tales: Otherworldly happenings and a ‘strange’ atmosphere have been
LEEDS CASTLE
been noted, with sightings of a ghostly black
reported – as well as the cries of a baby
Not in Leeds of course, but nestled in the
dog and a baby princess...
from beyond the grave.
claim to have one of the richest and most
DOVER CASTLE
BAMBURGH CASTLE
varied histories, having turned from Norman
Explore the Great Tower, the underground
The Anglo-Saxons described it as
stronghold to royal seat.
hospital, the Second World War Fire Command
‘The most important place in all England’
Post and more on a trip to this iconic
and, for atmosphere, Bamburgh Castle
attractions and a huge range of events
attraction, which has helped guard the realm
is hard to beat. Reputed to be one of
year-round, including falconry displays and
for 900 years. It’s run by English Heritage,
our most photographed castles, it spans
medieval jousting. The castle offers a discount
which is good news for groups as there are
nine acres across its rocky plateau high
to groups of 15 or more, as well as tours.
discounts for groups of 11 or more. Visit
above the Northumberland coastline in an
Visit leeds-castle.com/groups
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There
Ghostly tales: There’s been a castle on this
dover-castle/
are 14 state rooms open to visitors, with
site since the 9th century, so it comes as no
Ghostly tales: Visitors have reported
the rest occupied by the Armstrong family,
surprise to find the occasional haunting has
seeing the lower half of a man walking
who have owned it since 1894.
stunning Kent countryside, Leeds Castle can
Today, there are gardens to explore, family
PHOTO: VISIT ENGLAND/VISIT KENT; WORDS: HELEN MILBANK
The hauntingly good Leeds Castle
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HOME OF THE CHIEFS OF CLAN MACLEOD FOR 800 YEARS
LOCH DUNVEGAN SEAL TRIPS
Voted ‘1 of the Best UK Days Out’ by The Sunday Times Travel Magazine OPEN: 1 APRIL - 15 OCTOBER 10AM - 5.30PM (LAST ENTRY 5PM) DUNVEGAN CASTLE, ISLE OF SKYE IV55 8WF T: +44 (0) 1470 521206 E: INFO@DUNVEGANCASTLE.COM WWW.DUNVEGANCASTLE.COM
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Days out Bamburgh Castle: home of the infamous Pink Lady
Ghostly tales: Some visitors claim they’ve
the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan
England to be built from stone. It has
been touched by unseen hands, others
MacLeod for 800 years, and visitors can
served as a fearsome fortification,
have heard strange noises and dark eerie
enjoy tours of a castle steeped in history
a royal residence and a perilous prison,
shadows have also seen. But its most
and clan legend (as well as boat trips and
but was demolished in March 1645
infamous ghost is The Pink Lady – read her
loch cruises). Visit dunvegancastle.com
during the English Civil War. Find out
story at bamburghcastle.com
Ghostly tales: Ghostly music is said to
more at nationaltrust.org.uk
haunt the rooms and towers...
/corfe-castle
DUNVEGAN CASTLE VISITNORTHUMBERLAND.COM
History, magic and myth abound in one of England’s most amazing sites, Warwick Castle – and you can save on tickets when you visit our sister site grouptraveloffers .com
Ghostly tales: The castle is home to
No visit to the Isle of Skye is complete
CORFE CASTLE
without savouring the wealth of history
In a gap in Dorset’s Purbeck Hills sits the
the 18-year-old Anglo Saxon heir to
offered by the award-winning Dunvegan
stunning ruins of Corfe Castle, an 11th
the throne, who was murdered in the
Castle & Gardens. The oldest continuously
century stronghold built by William the
grounds at the orders of his stepmother,
inhabited castle in Scotland, it’s been
Conqueror, and one of the earliest in
Queen Elfrida. GTW
many a grisly story, including that of
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PEMBROKESHIRE'S AWARD WINNING CASTLE & GARDENS 40 ACRES OF GARDENS 13th CENTURY CASTLE QUALITY GIFT SHOP SECRET OWL GARDEN ART GALLERIES RESTAURANT & DELI OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND!
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Christmas Fair 17 & 18 NOVEMBER Christmas Castle Tours 19 NOV - 21 DEC
PEMBROKESHIRESA62 4AS 01437 751326 WWW.PICTONCASTLE.CO.UK EMAIL INFO@PICTONCASTLE.CO.UK REG. CHARITY NO: 519693
Group-Advert-GTW-93x134-AW.indd 1
Walk in the footsteps of Kings & Queens 01242 602 308
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|
06/01/2017 17:29
Admire the autumn colours of the Cotswolds as you unravel 1000 years of history at Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Exclusive group rates, fascinating talks and a tempting seasonal menu available in our first ever winter opening.
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
10/10/2018 11:31
Days out
Inspired! Steeped in history, myth and legend, the UK’s centuries-old cathedrals are well worth exploring
Salisbury Cathedral has the UK’s tallest church spire
SALISBURY CATHEDRAL
today is in fact two buildings that lie at the
The spectacular Wiltshire attraction runs its
heart of the city. The ruins of the old cathedral
popular Tower Tours throughout the year,
are the remains of a medieval parish church,
offering a rare glimpse of the city as you’ve
consecrated to be the cathedral of the new
never seen it before, as you climb 332 steps
Diocese of Coventry in 1918. In a little over
through the cathedral’s secret roof spaces to
20 years, this building would be destroyed by
the base of the spire (some of the handrails
enemy air attack in the Second World War.
on the stairs date back to the 13th century).
But rather than sweeping away the ruins,
Slightly less taxing floor tours are also available
or rebuilding a replica – and inspired by the
– see salisburycathedral.org.uk for details.
message of Christ for reconciliation – the then
And did you know? The cathedral is home to
leaders of the Cathedral Community took the
the finest of the four surviving Magna Cartas,
step to build a new cathedral and preserve the
and also has the UK’s tallest church spire,
remains of the old one as a moving reminder of
which stands a hefty 123m high. Turn to page
the folly and waste of war.
92 for more on this Wiltshire gem.
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL
Peterborough Cathed ral sits on land first used as a monastery back in 65 5AD
Today, this fascinating site can be explored on a guided tour that will reveal its turbulent past (see coventrycathedral.org.uk). If
Standing as a symbol of rebirth over tragedy,
you’re feeling fit you can also climb the tower
the place we know as Coventry Cathedral
for the best views in the city.
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MIX WITH THE GLAMOUR OF THE 1930s Immerse yourself in the Art Deco era, taste the spirit of the past.
Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE
To book a visit call 020 8294 2548 or email eltham.palace@english-heritage.org.uk The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.
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ENGLISH HERITAGE, BRAND & DESIGN TEAM, THE ENGINE HOUSE, FIREFLY AVENUE, SWINDON SN2 2EH • TELEPHONE 01793 414451
GROUP VISITS
Wells Cathedral Wells, Somerset
England’s first entirely Gothic Cathedral and Vicars’ Close in the heart of medieval Wells, near to Cheddar Gorge and the cities of Bath and Bristol
Pre-booked groups benefit from:
discounted group rates • dedicated tour guide • tailored tour themes • 10% discount card for Cathedral shops and café • free place for group organiser • “meet and greet” system for coaches in Wells
01749 671663
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visits@wellscathedral.uk.net
www.wellscathedral.org.uk/visit
10/10/2018 10:25
Days out LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
become a significant landmark in the south
Tim Peake’s Soyuz space capsule (which you
Tourism is booming in Lincoln – with more
west. Groups can take advantage of a number
can still see until early November). Tours of the
than four million people visiting the city last
of tours – see the group booking section at
cathedral and its towers can be arranged, see
year, according to VisitLincoln.com. And a
wellscathedral.org.uk for all the details.
peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
major pull for many tourists is the iconic
And rest assured you’ll be in good hands.
cathedral, which has stood at the heart of
The cathedral was awarded Gold in the Large
ELY CATHEDRAL
this ancient city since the 1100s. Today,
Attraction category of the Bristol, Bath and
Sharing Cambridgeshire soil is Ely Cathedral,
visitors can take a floor, roof or tower tour
Somerset Tourism Awards 2017 and Silver in
which is more than 900 years old and
– find out more at VisitLincoln.com and
the same category for the South West
England’s third longest cathedral. Pay a small
lincolncathedral.com
Regional Tourism Excellence Awards.
admission charge and get a free guided tour
WELLS CATHEDRAL Set in the medieval heart of England’s smallest city, this Somerset treasure was the first to be built in the Gothic style, emerging between the 12th and 15th centuries to
PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL Now in its 900th year, this
Heading to Lincoln? GTW recommends a Hidden Lincoln tour, see hidden lincoln.com
Cambridgeshire gem can lay claim to being the burial place of Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII – and has spent the summer hosting
of the ground floor (best to pre-book this), while for an additional fee you can also tour one of its two magnificent towers, and visit the National Stained Glass Museum. Find out more at elycathedral.org
GTW
Below: Lincoln cathedral was once the tallest building in the world, until its spire collapsed in the 1500s
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YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE GOT WONDERFUL CHILDHOOD MEMORIES SO WHY NOT COME BACK AND MAKE SOME NEW ONES...?
SO MANY REASONS TO RETURN ... Email: visits@coventrycathedral.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)24 7652 1234 1 Hill Top, Coventry CV1 5AB FP Template.indd 33
10/10/2018 10:34
Explore HMS Warrior, Britain’s first armoured battleship
TEN best of the
1
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Make waves down in Hampshire
DAYS OUT FOR FAMILIES AND SCHOOLKIDS
January’s Burns Night special on January 25 on board HMS Warrior – and groups can choose from one of three ticket options. Opt for a fully navy day ticket for all 11 attractions; a
Take an audio tour of HMS Victory to learn about
so feared – or go even further back in time to
day attraction ticket for any one, two or three
the fall of Admiral Nelson during the Battle of
learn about the excavation of the Mary Rose and
attractions; or a Portsmouth combined ticket,
Trafalgar (and see the exact spot where he fell),
life on board Henry VIII’s favourite ship, before
which covers the Dockyard and a visit to the
step on board HMS Warrior – a warship that
taking a tour of the harbour.
nearby Spinnaker Tower. Find out more at
never fired a shot in anger, largely because it was
Get me there: Special events include next
historicdockyard.co.uk
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Days out
2 The Royal Yacht Britannia Follow in the footsteps of royalty
Continuing the all-at-sea theme,
explore the five decks, before
let’s get a taste of what it is to be
stopping for refreshments in the
royal on board the Royal Yacht
Royal Deck Tea Room, where the
Britannia, now permanently
royals would have enjoyed drinks
moored at Leith in Edinburgh.
receptions. Its groups team are
It’s sailed more than one million
on hand to help you arrange your
miles around the world, taking
trip, and discounts are available
Her Majesty The Queen and
if there are 15 or more of you.
the royal family to many exotic
Get me there: Visit
locations, and today visitors can
royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
3 The Cutty Sark
Hop aboard this nautical speed machine
Sitting like a nautical jewel in Royal Museums Greenwich’s collection is the Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving tea clipper and the fastest ship of her time. Head to the ship’s wheel on the main deck and enjoy views of the River Thames and the London skyline, before exploring the interactive exhibits. Look out for the colourful characters who’ll fill you in on some of the details of the ship’s fascinating past. And, as she’s a tea clipper, what better place to enjoy afternoon tea... Get me there: Visit rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark. And once you’ve finished there, head to the National Maritime Museum for more naval stories, see rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum
Hill 4 Blists Victorian Town
Party like it’s the 1800s
One of Shropshire’s 10 Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Blists Hill Victorian Town is a chance to immerse yourself in all things Victorian era. Walk through the town, chat to the locals as they go about their daily life and explore Canal Street, which is lined with a parade of shops. Groups and families can mail letters and postcards in the Post Office, choose their favourites from a range of Victorian treats in the Sweet Shop and finish with a pint in the New Inn. Get me there: See www.ironbridge.org.uk for more on this and the other nine sites, including Coalport China Museum and the Jackfield Tile Museum. WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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HOTEL-BAR-RESTAURANT
Oaklands Hall Hotel 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.
Prices From
£8.25 per child &
£10.85 lt per adu
• Special packages and group discounts • Heritage tour and afternoon tea • Self-service restaurant • Excellent disabled facilities • Free coach parking • Free preview visit
Book now on 0844 880 7667* Find out more at cadburyworld.co.uk Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR
*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
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10/01/2018 10:02
10/10/2018 11:39
Days out
5 Beamish: The Living Museum of the North Where history comes to life
Discovering what life was like for ordinary people in the North East in the 19th and 20th centuries is the premise behind Beamish, a fabulous outdoor museum in County Durham. Start in the 1820s with a visit to Pockerly Old Hall to find out more about Georgian cooking and crafts, then discover how miners lived in the 1900s by exploring the terrace of miners’ cottages. Next, head to wartime Britain and discover how the evacuees and the Land Girls are doing on the 1940s farm (plans are in the pipeline for a 1950s town and upland farm too). New elements are added all the time, and it’s currently in the midst of a multi-million revamp. Get me there: Groups of 15 or more get discounts and special offers, see beamish.org.uk
Join us for a GTW fam trip This autumn sees us head to Kenwood House in Hampstead, a glorious English Heritage-run attraction, for a Group Travel World fam trip. As this issue went to press, the date was still to be confirmed. To find out more and register interest visit grouptravelworld.com/ fam-trips
Leave no brick unturned... With more than 55 rides, attractions and shows, there’s something for everyone at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, from the group-friendly Atlantis submarine ride, where you can all ride together in a sub and explore an underwater world, to the many lands – including LEGO NINJAGO World. Find out more at legoland.co.uk, and turn to page 100 for our special review.
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6 New Lanark
Enjoy a Clyde-side treat
One of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and less than an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, New Lanark is a living and working 18th century mill village by the Falls of Clyde. It hosts regular events and exhibitions, as well as woodland walks in the nearby wildlife reserve, with lots on the menu for groups and families, including... n Exhibitions n Time
held in the 18th century mills
travel on the Annie
McLeod Experience Ride n Historic n Robert n The nA
working textile machinery
Owen’s house and school
luxury New Lanark Mill Hotel
village store, café, outdoor
play and picnic areas Get me there: Visit newlanark.org
Devil’s porridge... Delve further into Scottish history at the
tells the story of how the local area – and
series, who while visiting the factory
Devil’s Porridge Museum in Eastriggs,
HM Factory Gretna – flourished into a hub
as a war correspondent witnessed the
Dumfries and Galloway (find out more at
of wartime activity.
munitions girls mixing the guncotton by
devilsporridge.org.uk). Awarded the full five stars by Visit Scotland, this fantastically named attraction
If, like us, you were wondering about
hand. He commented on the girls kneading
the name, it’s inspired by Sir Arthur Conan
the explosive mixture, ‘into a sort of
Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes
Devil’s Porridge’ – and the name stuck.
7 Jorvik Viking Centre Time for a quick pillage?
The GTW award-winning Jorvik Viking Centre invites visitors to hop aboard its high-tech ride experience and be transported back to the year AD960. Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking King in Jorvik, has been expelled and the city is transforming itself. The gallery experiences have been completely updated, with new display cases allowing you to get up close to the precious Viking artefacts. You’ll have the chance to dig deeper into the Viking story of York using the latest in cutting-edge technology. Plus, the centre’s Viking hosts will be on hand to help bring the period to life. Get me there: Find out more at jorvikvikingcentre .co.uk/groups 38 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Days out London Bridge Experience 8 The & London Tombs
Not for the faint-hearted...
Hailed as the UK’s scariest attraction, and voted
London Bridge was like throughout the ages as
‘Best Guided Tour’, this fun theatrical experience
you come face to face with Queen Boudica’s
brings together history and horror.
Iceni tribe and join them as they take on the
There’s been murder, intrigue, collapse and
Roman army. You’ll also experience medieval life
fire at London Bridge since it was first built in
in the city, and be forced to walk the streets that
A taste of Abbey life
53AD, and it has many a tale to tell. Become
were terrorised by Jack the Ripper. While a visit
part of its gruesome history and travel back
to the London Tombs beneath London Bridge
in time with notorious English characters,
will see you descend into the bowels of hell.
uncovering the dark secrets that lie beneath the
Get me there: Groups of 15 or more
Just off the M1 in Bedfordshire, Woburn
world’s most haunted bridge.
get a discount, plan your visit at
Abbey & Gardens has everything – a
You will see, hear and even smell what
thelondonbridgeexperience.com
glorious stately home to wander around, wonderful art collections, beautiful gardens and the minor addition of a world-famous safari park just next door, and the famous Bletchley Park not too far away (you can enjoy multi attraction packages and discounts).
9 The Eden Project
All things bright and beautiful
If you’re planning a tour around the south
lots of interactive learning for the young ones
west it would be a crime to miss out on a day
and beautiful displays and attractions for the
and incentives for groups of over 12
trip to the world-famous Eden Project near
adults. You can also opt for a talk and tour.
and a dedicated groups co-ordinator
St Austell. There are discounted rates and
Get me there: Call the groups team on
to help steer you to the right package.
catering packages for groups, winter reductions
01726 811903 or visit edenproject.com
Email lisa.weaver@woburn.co.uk
and plenty of driver/organiser incentives.
– and turn to page 86 for more ideas
or visit woburnabbey.co.uk
The gardens have continued to mature over
and inspiration to fill your next trip to the
the years and it’s a day out for any age with
south west.
Woburn has group discounts, packages
10 Grimsthorpe Castle Where history comes to life
While there’s been a ‘castle’ at Grimsthorpe for around 800 years, today it’s more of a large country pile than a traditional turreted affair, having been in the Willoughby de Eresby family for 500 years. With an impressive history (the castle was granted by Henry VIII to William, Baron Willoughby de Eresby when he married Maria de Salinas, lady-in-waiting to Katherine of Aragon, in 1516), its oldest part, King John’s Tower, was built in the early 13th century. And if you detect a hint of Blenheim Palace about its design, that’s because the house was the final masterpiece of Blenheim’s architect Sir John Vanbrugh. Open to families and groups from March until the end of September, you can take a guided tour of the castle and its state rooms, explore the gardens and walk or bike ride through the parkland trails, which can take you on a route of up to 10 miles as you explore
Get me there: Based near Bourne in
And you can now buy your discounted
thousands of acres that are home to buzzards,
south Lincolnshire, plan your visit – and take
tickets to the castle through our sister
red kites, swans, geese, ducks and deer.
a virtual tour – at grimsthorpe.co.uk
site grouptraveloffers.com
GTW
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Days out Make 2019 the year you explore LEGOLAND on a special mini break
Bring it on! Traditionally the time when theme parks rev into action, we explore what Easter 2019 holds in store for thrill seekers are open all year, but Easter’s when things get
LEGOLAND WINDSOR RESORT
at the night sky. Ideal for families and groups,
really exciting at the park. Plan your trip at
There’s a party going on at LEGOLAND
special offers include a second day free in the
dreamland.co.uk
Windsor Resort next Easter, with the launch of
theme park, early access to selected rides and
its Haunted House Monster Party. And you can
attractions, a free nine-hole round of golf, and
FANTASY ISLAND
now book a 2019 short break to this much-
evening entertainment. Take a virtual tour of
If good old-fashioned thrill rides are what your
loved attraction, staying in one of its resort
the pods and find out more at altontowers.
group’s after, Fantasy Island in Skegness ticks
hotels. Special deals and packages include two
com/short-breaks/stargazing-pods/
all the right boxes. Right by the seaside, on
days for the price of one at the park, with an
Lincolnshire’s east coast, it offers a mix of the
overnight stay, breakfast and more. Find out
DREAMLAND MARGATE
more at legolandholidays.co.uk
When one of the country’s original theme
Volcano, which whisks you up 180-plus feet
parks re-opened a couple of years ago, it
in the air, then drops you at speeds of up to
breathed new life into Kent’s entertainment
50mph), and more family friendly log flumes,
New for 2019 are Alton Towers’ Stargazing
scene. And now Dreamland Margate is back
dodgem rides, bouncy castles and the like. All
Pods, which offer the ultimate in glamping at
and better than ever, with its rides, eateries,
the details are on the website, together with
this Staffordshire theme park and resort. Just
petting zoo and year-round special events.
details of its popular on-site market, eateries
a stone’s throw from the park, set around a
Park admission’s just £5, with one ride or
and bars. Its main season launches with a
village green, each pod sleeps four and comes
a drink included. If you want to go on more
series of Easter celebrations – find out more at
complete with a telescope so you can gaze
rides, simply buy a wristband. Certain areas
fantasyisland.co.uk
ALTON TOWERS
extreme (think scary roller-coasters and The
GTW
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08/10/2018 12:08
STEP INTO THE
TM & © 2018 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. Wizarding World TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
GREAT HALL
BOOK NOW VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A F U L L L I S T O F A P P R OV E D T I C K E T S E L L E R S W B S T U D I OTO U R . CO . U K / T R AV E L - PA R T N E R S
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Days out
Walk on the
Project Polar Bear – the only place in the UK where visitors can see these bears
wild side
As plans for a multi-million pound expansion are announced, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is set to become one of the county’s wildest days out. Angela Youngman finds out more...
T
living in a reserve built to reflect the habitat of the summer Arctic tundra. Their enclosure covers more than 10 acres and features a rolling terrain complete with caves and lakes – the largest of which covers 6,500 square metres. It’s one of the largest polar bear reserves worldwide. Visitors can walk through many of the enclosures, and groups can book rangerled guided tours. Also available are early morning experiences, where you can help to feed the animals, then watch them being released into their outdoor areas.
EVEN BIGGER AND BETTER Over the next few years, the Yorkshire
HE UNVEILING OF a £50 million
live in environments suited to their natural
Wildlife Park is set to expand significantly,
expansion plan for the Yorkshire Wildlife
habitat, with considerable emphasis on the
with the aim of making it a world-class tourist
Park near Doncaster marks the latest stage
provision of enrichment facilities for the
destination. CEO John Minion says: “We
in the development of this increasingly
animals. Other areas are devoted to specific
are very excited about this next stage of our
popular venue, which attracted considerable
habitats, such as South America and Africa.
life, and this is a game changer for Yorkshire
attention recently when it rescued a
Conservation, rescue and rehabilitation
Wildlife Park and the surrounding area.”
family of brown bears from appalling living
have long been at the forefront of the
conditions at a Japanese zoo. Since their
park’s ethos. Soon after its foundation in
development of reserves and the
arrival, visitors have been flocking to see the
2009, staff rescued a pride of lions living
introduction of new species to continue its
bears as they settle into their new home.
in squalid conditions in Romania, and the
conservation and welfare work. An additional
resultant lion enclosure is impressive,
150 acres of adjacent land will be converted
on endangered species, and currently houses
with lions able to swim and walk between
to house more animals, and a wide range
over 400 animals from around 80 species.
two large enclosures, or simply keep
of supporting visitor facilities, such as
Among the animals are Amur leopards, tigers,
out of sight if they want privacy.
restaurants, shops and a destination hotel,
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park focuses mainly
rhinos, lemurs and giant otters, all of which
Another key attraction at the park is
Its expansion plans allow for the
will be created, as well as a new visitor hub.
Find out more at yorkshirewildlife park.com
Give us a hug! Meet polar bears Pixel and Victor at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
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08/10/2018 12:12
SAVE UP TO
£150 off brochure prices
PLUS
FREE PLACES
*
Amazing savings for groups of 10 or more†
discover MORE WITH FRIENDS
With more than 100 years’ experience providing sociable walking and activity holidays we’re the perfect choice for exploring the UK, Europe and the World. Knowledgeable leaders, delicious food and a choice of 18 UK country houses in areas of outstanding natural beauty give you an unforgettable holiday. For those travelling further afield we carefully select our partner hotels to ensure you have the best base for your holiday, providing an authentic taste of your chosen destination. ORDER YOUR BROCHURE TODAY
hfholidays.co.uk/groups 0345 470 7557
*Terms apply. Savings off 7 night holidays, if group numbers drop below 10 your price may change. Details correct at the time of going to print (12.17). Non-member associate fee of £10pp may apply. Offers and discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, are subject to availability and can be withdrawn at anytime. Visit our website for full terms & conditions. † European and Worldwide groups savings start at 8 or more.
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Days out
Georgie serves up breakfast
Hungry for more
As soon as your back’s turned...
GTW’s Helen Milbank and her family enjoy a breakfast date with a twist at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire
F
ANCY COMING TO Twycross to
include the fantastic new Chimpanzee
feed the lemurs their breakfast,
Eden. The latter has been purpose built
came the call? Heck, yes...
to replicate the natural environment
One of five Animal Experiences you can
of these much-loved animals and allow
enjoyed, cost £65 for up to four people; and
enjoy (choose from breakfasting with lemurs,
visitors to watch them play and interact.
you can save 10% when you pre-book normal
feeding the penguins, a giraffe encounter,
Special animal experiences, like the one we
admission tickets at twycrosszoo.org
getting up close to a family of otters, or meeting the meerkats), when you ‘Walk with the lemurs’ you get to slip past the usual security fencing, meet with one of the zoo’s keepers, and come face to face with a conspiracy of lemurs. Yes, that really is a term. My daughter Georgie got to open their night quarters to let them out, pop their food on a table and ask loads of questions about these fantastic creatures. We spent the best part of an hour chatting about their characters and quirks, learning what they eat and what they love doing (endlessly marking their territory is a major hobby, so it seems). We’d never been to Twycross before and it was a great way to kick off our first visit. We loved the rest of the zoo too, which looks fairly small at first and then spirals out into a network of paths, through enclosures that
Let us out!
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Days out
ways to… 6
Get your wildlife fix this autumn
1
SERVE UP DINNER Take a walk on the wild side at Colchester
Zoo (pictured above), where you’ll come
3
MAKE IT SNAPPY Hailed as Britain’s only crocodile zoo,
5
BRAY ALOT Set on the spectacular Jurassic Coast,
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is home to more than 500 donkeys, mules and hinnies (the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey, in case you were wondering). Founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE, it’s an international charity whose mission is to
Oxfordshire’s Crocodiles of the World
transform the lives of donkeys, mules and
face-to-face with 260 species. As you make
offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these
people worldwide. Entry’s free and it’s open
your way around the 60 acres of parkland, you
prehistoric creatures. Go as a group of 20
all year round. See thedonkeysanctuary
can quiz the keepers on the animals under
or more and enjoy talks, feeding displays
.org.uk/visit-us/sidmouth
their care. There’s also the chance to join in the
and more – with 10% off the standard
free daily public feeding sessions with the
admission price. Parking’s free and you
giraffes. Visit colchester-zoo.com
can dine in the croc café. Plan your visit at
2
MONKEY ABOUT At the heart of primate rescue and
rehabilitation in the UK is Monkey World Ape
crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk
4
HEAD OFF ON SAFARI Explore the grounds of Wiltshire’s
6
GO WILD With its drive-through safari, packs of big
cats and herds of giraffe, zebras, elephants, bongos and more, Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire has been keeping animal lovers entertained since the early 1970s. From its
Longleat Safari Park, get up close to
daily talks and demonstrations to its work with
primates, you can explore the grounds and
exotic creatures, then wind up your windows
the European Endangered Species Program,
gain an insight into the attraction’s fascinating
to admire the big cats, wolves and monkeys
Woburn strives to educate visitors and plays a
work and the stories behind the arrival of
of the safari drive-through. Boat trips and
key role in a number of conservation projects.
some of its lodgers. Visit monkeyworld.org
more are also on offer, see longleat.co.uk
Visit woburnsafari.co.uk
Rescue Centre in Dorset. With more than 250
GTW
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Extend your visit with a tour of the magnificent Winchester Cathedral from just £6 per person. Contact us | visits@winchester-cathedral.org.uk | 01962 857 225 www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Proud winners of Market Innovation of the Year Award 2017 Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB Tel: 01253 887651
The Forge Market T
he Forge Market is one of Glasgow’s many hidden treasures servicing the city for the last 23 years and is Scotland’s largest indoor market. This atmospheric, family friendly market is located in the east-end of Glasgow, near Parkhead Cross and within easy walking distance of Duke Street and London Road. It is open Thursday to Sunday, 10.00am – 5.00pm with FREE car parking, ATM and Wi-Fi and is also serviced by extensive public transport. The Forge Market features 180 stalls all under one roof offering a wide variety of quality goods, services and repairs; from high street fashion, home improvements, furnishings, electrical goods, toys, beauty, grooming, mobility, health and well-being, hobbies,
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celebrations, gifts, fresh food and produce, home baking, newsagents, confectionaries, pet care, cobbler, clothing alterations, memorials, lottery kiosk, amusement arcade and much much more! Take a break and relax in one of our many eating establishments serving
food and drink, catering for all tastes. So whether you are Christmas shopping or thinking of starting or expanding your business the Forge Market is the place to be. For further information find us on our Web and Facebook
pages for up-to-date details on Christmas opening times, offers and events.
10/10/2018 10:36
A quick guide to... The UK’s top outlet stores and shopping centres
THE MILL OUTLET & GARDEN CENTRE Batley, West Yorkshire What’s there: Expect four huge floors of fashion, furniture, homewares and gifts, all with up to 70% off the usual retail prices, as well as four restaurants. It offers a huge range of discounts if you’re going in a group of 30 or more. And with three national museums on its doorstep – including the National Coalmining Museum in Wakefield – plus the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Holmfirth (best known for being Last of the Summer Wine country), it’s easy to turn your shopping trip into a lengthier break.
PIXABAY
Contact: themillbatley.com
The Mill Outlet & Garden Centre has Last of the Summer Wine country on its doorstep, namely Holmfirth in West Yorkshire
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Shopping LABELS
time pretending to be vets and firefighters
Herefordshire
while you shop.
What’s there: Based in Ross-on-Wye,
Contact: uk.westfield.com/london
this mixes designer labels with the great
and uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity
outdoors, thanks to its very own farm that’s
for its sister location.
just a short drive from the main centre. Here, farm shop is produced.
SPRINGFIELDS OUTLET SHOPPING & FESTIVAL GARDENS
Contact: labelsshopping.co.uk
Lincolnshire
much of the produce for Labels’ café and
WESTFIELD
Westfield has centres in West London and Stratford City
What’s there: Over 50 big name brands, including Radley, M&S, Gap and Game. From
West London
Easter, you can catch a waxi – or water taxi
What’s there: Top brands and plenty of
– from Springfields to the centre of Spalding.
eateries, plus the chance to drop any kids
And new this year is Springfields’ Adventure Land,
in your party off at Kidzania (kidzania.co.uk)
with its tree top village, Dino Golf and more.
if they’re old enough. They can have a great
Contact: springfieldsshopping.co.uk
Here at GTW HQ, we’re big fans of local shopping centre Serpentine Green in Peterborough (home to the UK’s biggest Tesco store, as well as a new M&S foodhall, Costa, Next and more). See serpentine-green.com
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08/10/2018 12:18
Shopping Flex those credit cards! Bicester is fantastic for the label conscious
Hatfield’s outlet centre The Galleria in Hertfordshire is just minutes from historic Hatfield House, so it’s easy to mix retail therapy with a history lesson. See thegalleria.co.uk and hatfield-house.co.uk
BOUNDARY MILL STORES
■ Turn
Grantham, Colne, Newcastle, Sheffield and Walsall
visit if you’re heading to the county.
What’s there: Up to seventy per cent off clothing and homeware, free parking and
to page 54 for more places to
McARTHURGLEN DESIGNER OUTLETS
FESTIVAL PARK Gwent What’s there: This is the place to go for bargain designer brands, and there’s plenty of entertainment for families, too, from the largest free children’s play area
shopping with a broader itinerary, ie the
Ashford, Bridgend, Cheshire Oaks, the East Midlands, Swindon and York
Grantham store’s offer of a shopping trip
What’s there: Fantastic discounts on
(and after all, owl designs are on trend
followed by a visit to nearby Belton House.
clothing and homeware.
at the moment...!)
Each store has its own special benefits
Contact: mcarthurglen.com
Contact: festivalshopping.co.uk
STERLING MILLS OUTLET SHOPPING VILLAGE
BLUEWATER
Tillicoultry
What’s there: This just-south-of-London
tea rooms galore, plus the chance to mix
package for groups of 20 or more. Contact: boundarymill.co.uk
BICESTER VILLAGE Oxfordshire
in south Wales, to an owl sanctuary
Kent
What’s there: Splendid views over the
shopping centre is set in 50 acres of
What’s there: It’s home to more than 160
glorious Clackmannanshire countryside,
landscaped parkland, so you can explore
boutique stores and the world’s best loved
plus all your favourite brands at a fraction
the lakes, footpaths and cycle routes
designer labels, from Burberry to Jimmy Choo.
of the usual price.
once you’ve hit the shops.
Contact: bicestervillage.com
Contact: sterlingmills.com
Contact: bluewater.co.uk
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Labels Shopping home | women | men kids | seafood restaurant
Free lunch available for coach drivers
Labels Shopping, Ross On Wye, Herefordshire, M50/J4, Sat Nav: HR9 7QQ
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08/10/2018 15:37
Shopping
Travel essentials Our pick of the clothing and accessories you need this season
The Voyager Pack from Alchemy Super Blends, with four sachets of Alchemy’s best-loved elixirs, Beauty, Energy, Morning and Sport, alchemysuperblends.com
£20
Swim shorts with fin design from Love Brand & Co, lovebrand.com
£9.99
£110 Luxury kimono from Rosie on Fire, in a range of colours and sizes, rosieonfire.com
from
£70
Arden Cove anti-theft, waterproof travel purse from Indiegogo, indiegogo.com
Flamingo pendant and silver chain, grouptravelworld.com/gtwshop (turn to page 12 to see the full range and take advantage of our special offers)
from
£44
£99
Aethic Sôvée sunscreen with SPF 25 and 40, hailed as the UK’s only eco-compatible sunscreen, aethic.com
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The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 Mill Store
The Ultimate Shopping Destination Home To Hundreds Of Famous Name Brands At Discount Prices
UP TO
70% OFF RRP
Driver Incentives - Group Benefits - Inclusive Tours Special Events - Meet & Greet - Free Coach Parking Open 7 Days A Week - Discount Vouchers
Colne
Newcastle & Sheffield
Sheffield & Walsall
To book your visit call 01282 856200 or email coaches@boundarymill.co.uk Visit our website for store opening hours and further details. Brands, styles, departments and catering facilities may differ from store to store. Grantham is a fashion only store.
Colne Grantham Newcastle Sheffield Walsall FP Template.indd 53
08/10/2018 15:37
Oxford
The city of dreaming spires Why now’s the best time to explore Oxford’s ancient streets...
R
ECOGNISE THIS GLORIOUS dome
well as the 15th century Divinity School,
shaped building? It’s the Radcliffe
Convocation House, Chancellor’s Court,
Camera (camera meaning ‘room’ in Latin),
Duke Humfrey’s medieval library and the
which was built in 1749 to house the
Gladstone Link. All for just £15! Tours take
Radcliffe Science Library.
place every Wednesday and Saturday
It’s only open to the public as part of a tour
at 9.15am, and Sunday at 11.15am and 1.15pm. Find out more at www.
90-minute experience for the opportunity
bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson/
to see inside the Radcliffe Camera, as
visit/tours/info
PHOTO: PIXABAY; WORDS: HELEN MILBANK
of the Bodleian Library. So sign up for this
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EXPERIENCE THE
MAJESTY OF WINDSOR GREAT PARK
Explore 1000 years of history on a guided Royal Heritage Tour of Windsor Great Park with your Groups visit to The Savill Garden. You will be able to disembark your coach at the top of the Long Walk for that iconic picture moment.
ely Exclusiv for Groups
www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/groups
CE757 GTO Readers Day ad_AW.indd 1
24/07/2018 13:06
Living Li i the h nation’s i ’ history hi since i 1348
◆ Cemetery
◆ Groups welcome
◆ Monastery
◆ Free museum
◆ Royal refuge
◆ Daily guided tours
◆ Mansion
◆ Gift Shop
◆ Great charity
◆ Thackeray’s Coffee House Visit the Charterhouse and steep yourself in six centuries of history “A tranquil oasis in the heart of London” “Everything a real gem”
The Charterhouse, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AN www.thecharterhouse.org
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Telephone: 020 3818 8873
Email: tours@thecharterhouse.org
10/10/2018 11:35
Oxford HEAD BACK TO UNI It’s one of the leading universities in the world, as well as the oldest – evidence suggests
Where else do university buildings look this stunning?
scholars have been flocking here since the 11th century. But today you can explore the University of Oxford’s stunning colleges on a guided tour (no A-levels necessary). From All Souls College to Magdalen, you’ll find all the information you need at ox.ac.uk/visitors/
TAKE A PUNT It’s hailed as a quintessential English delight, though if you’ve ever tried it you might disagree... Punting is synonymous with the city of Oxford, which sits at the conjunction of PIXABAY
two rivers: the Cherwell and the Thames (which is known as Isis within the city’s boundaries).
IF A NIGHT OF DECADENCE IS ON THE CARDS... Head to Malmaison Oxford, a chic
A number of companies offer the chance to try
Debtors’ Tower, Prison D-Wing and mound
your punting luck through the summer months.
of the 11th century motte-and-bailey castle
Visit cherwellboathouse.co.uk/punting
are also there to explore.
or oxfordpunting.co.uk
GET AWAY
boutique hotel housed in a part of Oxford
DO 1,000 YEARS OF TIME
Castle that was – until surprisingly
Oxford Castle and Prison (see below) offers
or the chance to shop, the Holiday Inn
recently (1996 to be precise) – a prison.
visitors a guided tour through centuries of
Oxford has two great value holiday packages
Who’d have thought such gloom could
crime. Groups of 15 or more get a discount,
available, including its Bicester Village
become such glamour? GTW’s editor
as well as special offers and benefits (see
Package, starting from £109 per room, and
Helen is a massive fan of this hotel after
oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk).
its Blenheim Package, starting from £140
she spotted it being used as a set in
And while you’re there, get set to climb
Whether you’re looking for a cultural escape
per room. Each package includes a room for
an episode of Morse! Find out more at
the Saxon St George’s Tower – one of the
two with bed and breakfast and access to the
malmaison.com/locations/oxford/
oldest buildings in Oxford – for 360° views
selected venue, with discounts available for
over the city, then head deep underground
those shopping at Bicester Village. Find out
into the 900-year-old crypt. The 18th century
more at tinyurl.com/ybffq46u
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 ISSUE OUT MID-NOVEMBER
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 shot of the Red Arrows was taken at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Its line-up of 2019 air shows includes Daks Over Normandy, from June 2-5. Tickets will be on sale from February, see daksovernormandy.com
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Industry insider COACH TOURISM
ASSOCIATION
For more on the Anderson Travel experience, visit www.andersontravel.co.uk
London’s finest STEVE LEE
L
Steve Lee, General Manager of Anderson Travel, on early starts, industry challenges and his ‘unsexy’ role at the CTA...
AST YEAR I celebrated 25 years working
coach tour operators in that on one of our
in the coach tourism industry, first joining
tours we can carry a very wide range of both
for money. As a CTA board member I took
Anderson Travel when the company had just
age groups and nationalities. This is largely a
the rather ‘unsexy’ role of Finance Director
six coaches operating on private hire in and
function of operating from central London.
around seven years ago – an unpaid role
around London. It now boasts a fleet of over
A typical working day for me begins at 6 or
CTA membership truly is excellent value
that allows me to put something back in to
40 vehicles – all under four years old and fully
7am and starts by watching the location of
ULEZ compliant, with an extensive tour and
our tours as they pick up on our GPS tracking
day trip programme.
system, to watch out for any problems or
a variety of industry professionals, both young
delays. A late coach, whatever the cause,
and not so young, can share their views and
means a flood of calls to the office!
expertise to help the CTA continue to grow,
For the past five years I’ve headed up our day excursion and short breaks program in addition to managing the group sales. The industry continues to throw up new challenges
THE MANY CTA BENEFITS
– the ULEZ being the latest ‘big thing’.
Membership of the CTA has provided us
the industry. The dynamic of the board works well, as
support members and promote coach tourism in general. The CTA continues to evolve and I’m sure it
with invaluable networking opportunities
will continue to thrive under the chairmanship
particularly cut-throat, so we very much need
and allowed us to forge some excellent
of John Wales (no relation to the ubiquitous
to keep our eye on the ball at all times.
partnerships with industry suppliers.
Chris Wales!), and I very much hope to remain
The day trip market from London is
Anderson Travel was one of the first to
A particular highlight is the annual
part of helping the CTA on that journey for
embrace the internet, and our online sales
conference every February/March, which
for day trips and weekend breaks account for
allows for both interesting industry insights
years to come.
around 90% of our turnover. We’re slightly
from the guest speakers coupled with the
■ See
unusual when compared with many traditional
invaluable workshop.
on their day trips and tours.
www.andersontravel.co.uk for more GTW
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GREASED LIGHTNIN’
You’re the one that I want... Following its sell-out run at Leicester’s Curve, the first new production in 25 years of iconic musical Grease will tour the UK and Ireland in 2019, choreographed by Arlene Phillips and starring (on certain nights at least) Peter Andre. The tour will open at Leeds Grand Theatre from June 19 to July 20, before heading to: ■ Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion
from July 23-27 ■ The Sunderland Empire
from July 30 to August 3 ■ Birmingham Hippodrome
The 1978 film adaptation of Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time and celebrated its 40th anniversary this year
Peter Andre will appear in certain performances during the tour – see the website for details
from August 13-24 ■ King’s Theatre,
Glasgow
from August 27-31 ■ Curve,
Leicester from
September 3-14 ■ Bord Gáis Energy Theatre,
Dublin from September 17-28 ■ New Theatre,
Oxford
from October 1-5 ■ Churchill Theatre,
Bromley from October 8-12 Find out more at greasethemusicalontour.com
Feeling Blue?
A Siberian treat
Former Blue band mate and Hollyoaks star
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia
Duncan James has joined the West End cast of
returns to our shores next year for a
Chicago at the Phoenix Theatre, starring as Billy
23-venue tour, which runs from January
Flynn – a role he originally played in 2008. He
2 to March 16, featuring performances
joins Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart, Josefina
of six of the world’s most popular
Gabrielle as Velma Kelly, Mazz Murray as Mama
ballets: Swan Lake, Snow Maiden,
Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart in the
La Fille mal gardée, Giselle, The
show, which is now booking until January.
Nutcracker and Cinderella.
Since it opened in New York in 1996,
Artistic Director, Sergei Bobrov says:
Chicago has played in 36 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch,
annual UK tour. With a full company
German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese,
of dancers, as well as highly skilled
Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese
musicians performing some classic
and Korean. It has grossed over $1.5 billion
scores, it’s very special to have the
worldwide, with an estimated 31 million
power of a symphony orchestra bringing
people around the world having seen it.
the choreography to life on stage.” Find out more at raymondgubbay.co.uk
SIMON TURTLE
“We very much look forward to our
Duncan James has joined the West End cast of Chicago
For tickets, call the box office on 0844 871 7629 or see chicagothemusical .com/new-york/london/
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Theatre news Zog hits the stage The world premiere stage adaptation of Zog, based on the book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, will premiere at Rose Theatre Kingston from February 14-23, 2019 prior to a UK tour. Large in size, and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. He tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three. Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet... a duel with a knight, Sir Gadabout the Great. “I’m tremendously excited that Zog will be taking flight around the UK in this first ever stage production,” says Julia. “I know it will be such a thrill to see the world of Zog being brought to life on stage.” Find out more at ZogLive.com
Dreaming of a White Christmas?
The circus is coming to town
More Curve-related news comes in the
the Manchester Theatre Award for
shape of its upcoming production of
Best Actor in a Visiting Production
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Artistic
for his efforts. Four-time Olivier
This Christmas will see the European premiere of
director Nikolai Foster has announced
Award-nominated Emma Williams,
Circus 1903 at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall
the casting for the theatre’s classic
who recently appeared in Curve’s
(from December 19 to January 5, 2019), featuring
winter musical – and among those
world-premiere of An Officer and a
the award-winning puppeteers from War Horse.
returning to tread the boards in Leicester
Gentleman – the Musical, will play one
Larger-than-life puppet elephants join a huge cast who’ll
are Danny Mac and Emma Williams.
half of the all-singing, all-dancing sister
be performing unique, jaw-dropping acts from all four
duo, Betty Haynes.
corners of the globe as the audience is taken back to
Danny, whose character Bob Wallace delivers the musical’s iconic song,
For more information and to buy
the golden age of the circus.
played the role of Joe Gillis in Curve’s
tickets, call 0116 242 3595 or see
See southbankcentre.co.uk/venues/
production of Sunset Boulevard, winning
curveonline.co.uk
royal-festival-hall
GTW
JOHAN PERSSON
For group rate tickets to a range of West End shows, see GTW’s offers site grouptraveloffers.com or call Harley in the office on 01733 293249.
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House party! Thanks to a radical £50 million revamp, Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House is now even more of a spectacle than it was before
T
world-class theatre for both The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera (with a quarter of the seats priced at £25 or less). Right from the start, the project’s number one aim was to physically embody the ROH’s core values of creativity, excellence and inclusivity. And, as the three-year project
HIS HAS BEEN an exciting period of
of the Royal Opera House (ROH) at its
drew to a close last month, visitors could
change in the history of the Royal Opera
Covent Garden home, improving access for
enjoy the new entrances and extended foyers,
House, after its £50 million Open Up building
visitors and offering new facilities, catering
as well as the café, shop, restaurant and
project launched in spring 2016.
and retail options; while bringing the Linbury
improved bar areas, together with a
Theatre – the West End’s newest and
programme of ticketed and free daytime
most intimate theatre – to the fore as a
events, activities and festivals.
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Theatre news
Now, for the first time, the Royal Opera House is open from 10am every day, whether or not you have a ticket. Find out more at roh.org.uk TAKE A TOUR ■ Join
in the footsteps of your favourite
a backstage tour and you’ll get an
opera singer or ballet dancer as you enter
DID YOU KNOW?
exciting overview of the huge backstage
the building via the world famous stage door.
The Royal Opera House is home to
areas. Depending on the day you may get
■ There
The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and
to see a costume or lighting workshop, or
velvet gilt and glamour tour’.
the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House,
members of the Royal Ballet Company in
■ All
and covers an area of 2.5 acres!
the dance studios.
displays of theatrical memorabilia, costumes,
■A
is also an auditorium-only ‘Visit the
three tours are in addition to fascinating
‘Legends and landmarks tour’ takes you
playbills, models and posters from the Opera
back in time to discover more about the Royal
House Collections. You can pre-book morning
Opera House and the legends of London’s
coffee or a light lunch at special group rates at
10am each morning for visitors. Each tour
Theatreland. You’ll hear stories about the
restaurants@roh.org.uk
is a unique experience and more details
people and the performances that have taken
■ The
can be found at roh.org.uk/tours or
place in and around Covent Garden, and follow
theatre, but is open seven days a week from
Royal Opera House is a fully working
call 0207 304 4002
GTW
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
064-065 GTW Nov 18 Theatre - ROH.indd 65
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08/10/2018 12:35
Hit show Kinky Boots is playing at the Adelphi Theatre
Theatre LONDON
MATT CROCKET
YOUR TRIP TO THE WEST END STARTS HERE – VISIT OUR SITE GROUPTRAVELOFFERS.COM FOR THE BEST TICKET PRICES ALADDIN Prince Edward Theatre
Booking to: April 2019 Times: Weds & Sat Part One
Thurs & Sat 15:00
Booking to: February 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: February 2019
THE BOOK OF MORMON Prince of Wales Theatre
KINKY BOOTS
New London Theatre Booking to: January 2019
Weds & Sat 14:30
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL
Weds & Sat 14:30
Shaftesbury Theatre
Booking to: December 2018
Booking to: March 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: December 2018
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: January 2019
THRILLER LIVE
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Lyric Theatre
Thurs & Sat: 15:00
Booking to: April 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: February 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: January 2019
Booking to: March 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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★★★★★
‘IT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD, IT’S MAGIC, AND IT’S A HIT’ THE TIMES
GROUP BOOKINGS NOW AVAILABLE Valid for Wednesday (both parts) and Thursday/Friday performances.
To book please call
0330 333 4817 or email groups@nimaxtheatres.com PALACE THEATRE, LONDON TM & © HPTP. Harry Potter
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™
WBEI
08/10/2018 15:38
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
VULCAN 7
For cut-price tickets to a range of West End theatre shows, call Harley in the GTW office on 01733 293249
Theatre Royal Bath: October 15-20 Richmond Theatre: October 22-27 Malvern Festival Theatre: October 29 to November 3 King’s Theatre Edinburgh: November 5-10
SHREK THE MUSICAL Leeds Grand Theatre: December 18 - January 6, 2019
MISS SAIGON
Oxford New Theatre: October 30 - November 3 Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre: November 6-10 Grand Opera House: November 13-24 2019 Salford The Lowry: January 16-26 Swansea Grand Theatre: January 29 - February 2 Dartford Orchard Theatre: February 5-9
Sunderland Empire: October 24 - November 17
Ipswich Regent Theatre: February 12-16
THE BAND
Woking New Victoria: February 19-23
His Majesty’s Theatre: Until October 13
Wolverhampton Grand: February 26 - March 2
Sheffield Lyceum Theatre: October 16-20
Milton Keynes Theatre: March 5-9
Wimbledon Theatre: October 23-27
Southampton Mayflower Theatre: March 12-16
SIMON TURTLE
Bradford Alhambra: Until October 20
DR DOLITTLE
April 23 to May 4
Churchill Theatre Bromley: November 9-24
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: J uly 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:
Milton Keynes Theatre: October 8-19 Birmingham Hippodrome: October 22 to November 2
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
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GREAT GROUP SAVINGS ON FANTASTIC SHOWS 6 DEC – 13 JAN
8 DEC – 12 JAN
WHITE CHRISTMAS MADE AT CURVE IN ASSOCIATION WITH JAMIE WILSON
IRVING BERLINʼS
BASED UPON THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES FILM
WRITTEN FOR THE SCREEN BY NORMAN KRASNA, NORMAN PANAMA AND MELVIN FRANK
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY IRVING BERLIN BOOK BY DAVID IVES AND PAUL BLAKE ORIGINAL STAGE PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY WALTER BOBBIE PRESENTED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH R&H THEATRICALS EUROPE DIRECTED BY SCENIC DESIGN BY
NIKOLAI FOSTER CHOREOGRAPHEDBY STEPHEN MEAR
VOCAL AND DANCE ORIGINAL RE-ORCHESTRATIONS BY LARRY BLANK ARRANGEMENTS BY BRUCE POMAHAC BY JASON CARR MICHAEL TAYLOR LIGHTING DESIGNBY MARK HENDERSON SOUND DESIGNBY TOM MARSHALL ORCHESTRATIONS
7 – 16 FEB
28 JUN – 13 JUL A CURVE AND BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME CO-PRODUCTION
CURVE, JONATHAN CHURCH PRODUCTIONS AND REGENT’S PARK THEATRE LTD PRESENT
DIRECTOR TINUKE CRAIG
BASED UPON THE NOVEL WRITTEN BY ALICE WALKER AND THE WARNER BROS./AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT MOTION PICTURE BOOK BY MARSHA NORMAN MUSIC & LYRICS BY BRENDA RUSSELL, ALLEE WILLIS & STEPHEN BRAY THE COLOR PURPLE was produced on Broadway at the Broadway Theater by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman and Quincy Jones. The world premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE was produced by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Chris Wales In our new series, industry legend Chris Wales shares the group travel world’s latest news
B
ONJOUR! YOU GUESSED it, I’m just
operation in December 1942, or seen the
back from France. The highlight of my
film, allow me to give you the lowdown.
trip was a visit to Saint-Genès-de-Blaye
The plan was to disembark 12 Royal
on the Gironde estuary, where there’s
Marines and their two-man collapsible
a memorial to the Second World War
canvas canoes (codenamed Cockles) from a
Operation Frankton – better known as
submarine in the Gironde estuary and paddle,
the tribute to the Cockleshell Heroes.
by night, the 60 miles up river to Bordeaux
Here’s a picture of me standing beside this impressive monument. And if you haven’t
ABOUT CHRIS 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
Chris (before th e grey!) with actor David Lodge
docks and stick limpet mines on German merchant ships, then destroy their canoes and
heard of this historic Royal Marines
make their escape to Spain. Yup, easy peasy. Truth was the 12 marines
Chris by the tribute to the Cockleshell Heroes
who volunteered knew it was virtually a suicide mission. From the start things didn’t go well. One canoe was damaged getting out of the submarine, leaving 10 men on the mission. Another canoe was damaged by heavy seas with the two marines lost. The bad weather
plant limpet mines on five German merchant
continued, causing another canoe to
vessels, paddle back upriver to hide their
capsize, meaning the two marines
Cockles on the banks of Saint-Genès-de-
had to cling on to a remaining canoe.
Blaye, and start to make their way to Spain.
Eventually they had to swim to shore. Three Cockleshells left. Nearing the Bordeaux docks,
The Germans were taken completely by surprise and one ship was sunk and four severely damaged, which not only destroyed
another canoe was damaged, with
valuable cargo but also hindered U-boat
the crew having to swim ashore. The
movement in and out of Bordeaux harbour.
remaining four marines managed to
Two of the escaping marines were captured, but amazingly Major Herbert Hasler and his crewmate Bill Sparks managed,
A wonderful alpine secret chateau...
with the help of the French Resistance,
Promise you won’t tell anyone, but while in France I stayed
the other two died of hypothermia.
to make it to Spain and eventually to England. The six captured marines were executed by a German firing squad and Now, one of the reasons why I love this
at the Château des Comtes de Challes in Chambery in the heart of the Savoy. It’s now an elegant family-run hotel that
story, and wanted to visit the Operation
welcomes groups. The food and hospitality is fit for a count,
Frankton Memorial, is that after the war
and a marvellous bonus is a wine tasting experience in the
ended Bill Sparks went back to his job on
extensive wine cellars that all guests can experience.
Eastern National Buses on Canvey Island, in my beloved Essex, and became a local
Your groups can experience this wonderful chateau with amazing alpine views by booking a package – Lake Annercy and the French Alps – through Norman Allen Travel Group (see group-travel.com).
Chris with owner Florian Treves and his sales manager Christelle
celebrity. But the main reason is that I once met actor David Lodge, who played one of the Cockleshell Heroes in the film. Yes, that really is me with black hair!
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Proudly sponsored by
Don’t forget the ’Spoons! I enjoyed a visit to The Regal in Cambridge, an ex-cinema and what was Wetherspoons’ largest pub. I think that honour now goes to the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate – high on my must-visit list. By the way, while in Cambridge I bumped into Emma and Becky from Visit Cambridge and Beyond and had a pic taken in front of a coffee wagon. I didn’t have one, obviously...
Eye, eye! Hands up if you’ve done the London Eye? A blinking eye-watering experience. I did it recently as a guest of Adele Godden from Hospitality Line. Here’s a shot taken in one of the pods with Debbie from Hospitality Line, eye candy me, Emily from Merlin Entertainments, who operate the Eye, and Philippie and Natalie from JAC Travel. See hospitalityline.co.uk for some Eye-catching packages.
Swiss roles...
I recently joined some group travel organisers at the Switzerland Travel Centre in London’s Covent Garden to hear about the latest travel news from the land of the yodellers; in particular about their famous rail journeys. The Glacier Express, linking St Moritz with Zermatt, takes seven-and-a-half hours, travels across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels and is one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Sadly I haven’t been on it, but I have been on ‘The Chocolate Train’ – not a locomotive made of chocolate, obviously – that runs from Montreux to the Cailler-Nestle chocolate factory in Broc. See switzerlandtravelcentre. co.uk for all train journeys.
Chris’ DFDS route of the month Enjoy a 2-for-1 Amsterdam mini cruise! Sail to Amsterdam on a 2-for-1 mini cruise from DFDS, with prices from only £45pp return. The ideal combination of city escape and relaxing cruise, the trip includes two nights onboard, plus up to five hours in the Dutch capital. Once you arrive, return coach transfers will take you to and from the city centre, where you’ll have up to five hours to enjoy all the beauty and heritage of the stunning Dutch capital. Book by
DFDS offers a number of routes to the Continent from UK ports, including Dover and
November 5 for selected departures until December 28.
Newcastle, with huge savings for groups. Find out more at www.dfdsseaways.co.uk GTW
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The
Jura’s out!
The Opertino bell foundry
The Jura mountain region, which nudges into France, may be best known for its hiking and skiing, but Mike Pickup finds some surprises here too... Photos: Mike Pickup
T
An unusual product of the area is absinth.
HERE’S MORE TO the spectacular Jura
map, so let me explain. Saugeais is a micro-
mountains in France than lovely scenery,
nation of 5,000 inhabitants. I was cordially
The Armand Guy distillery in Pontarlier was
food and wine. While that’s enough to make
greeted by its President, Georgette Bertin-
founded in 1890 and is still operated by the
a great holiday, there’s also a treasure trove of
Pourchet, whose nation even has its own flag
Guy family. I was told about the history and
traditions to explore and I was keen to learn
and national anthem, and my wife and I were
production of absinth, shown round the small
more on a recent trip.
given a personal visa.
distillery and then offered samples of this
Grateful for the efficient meet and greet
Smoked meats and fish are a local speciality,
unusual drink; certainly something to remember,
parking at Heathrow organised by Holiday
and close to the border is Gilley and the Tuyé
Extras, I was soon on my short flight to Geneva.
(smoke house) du Papy Gaby. I craned my neck
but don’t drive afterwards!
Veronique met our small group and we headed
inside the 18 metre high chimney that smokes
WITH BELLS ON...
off to the mountains.
fish, ham, beef and the famous Morteau
Many local dairy farms support the production
First stop was the République du Saugeais.
sausages. I also tried some of the produce
of a wide range of cheeses. Built into a hillside,
Now you may have difficulty finding this on the
– and they certainly packed in the flavour.
Fort Saint-Antoine is in Granges Narboz.
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France
Wine at Lingot Martin
The Armand Guy distillery in Pontarlier
All hail the President of the République du Saugeais
Smoked meats and fish are a local speciality
The fort is no longer used for military
to high temperatures. After cooling, the moulds
wheels of Compte cheese. So vast is the
are opened, the sand removed and the new
installation that cheeses are turned and moved
bells emerge, ready to be polished.
by robot machines. Another popular local cheese is Bleu de
A REAL SPECTACLE
Gex. Like the other traditions I experienced
The busy town of Morez, hemmed in by
here, production methods date back hundreds
steep mountains was, from 1860 to the
of years, including those at the fromagerie in
early 1900s, the centre for the production
Chézery-Forens, where guests are welcome and
of spectacles. The industry was founded
samples readily available to taste.
out of necessity when one Pierre-Hyacinthe
In this part of France cows have bells and the nearby Labergement-Sainte-Marie is home
Mike gets his visa sorted...
which turns black with the constant exposure
purposes but instead for maturing 100,000
Cazeau broke the frame of his glasses. At the time these were imported from
to the Opertino bell foundry, one of the few
England but Cazeau, a local nail maker, used
remaining in France. It too welcomes visitors.
his skills to create a new frame and thus the
I watched, somewhat apprehensively, as a
industry was born. The eyewear museum
container of metal was heated until it was liquid
contains a prestigious collection of historic
and then poured into moulds. The shape of
glasses – truly an amazing spectacle...
the bells is determined by the mould and sand,
Nearby St Claude is famous for the WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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A world of insights revealed 5,000 exhibitors ready to inspire and help grow your business Register now london.wtm.com
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France
manufacture of pipes. Initially made of different
so to strengthen them rubies, the hardest
explained at the Lingot Martin cellar in Poncin,
types of wood it was discovered that briar was
stone after diamonds, are used at key points to
where we were again made very welcome.
by far the best material. I visited both the pipe
increase durability, creating the requirement for
museum, confusingly twinned with diamonds,
the jewels. Thus the manufacture of watches
a major local industry, although due to
as well as a pipe-maker who demonstrated
and jewellery went hand in hand and I was
commercial pressures it has now ceased.
how a simple lump of wood is shaped, drilled,
fascinated to see how jewels are shaped and
assembled with a vulcanised rubber mouth-
polished using traditional methods.
piece and polished to create the product we are all familiar with today. Watch-making is another industry associated
A SPARKLING FINISH Of course many regions of France are famous
The production of silk material was also
However, the factory set up by Claude Bonnet is now a museum and I saw the original weaving machines, material samples and even live silk worms and moths; a truly fascinating experience.
with the Jura. During the long snowy winters,
for wines, but the sparkling wines from Cerdon
farmers were unable to work on the land. So
Bugey are made using the rare traditional
to occupy their time and generate another
ancestral method. The fermentation is stopped
GET ME THERE:
income, they turned to watch-making. Indeed,
by cooling when the alcohol content reaches
n For
nearby Switzerland owes some of its watch-
6.5%. The wine is then bottled, capped and
montagnes-du-jura.fr/en
making heredity to this area of France. In the
stored at 10°C, which gets the fermentation
n Holiday
16th century, Geneva gave refuge to French
going again. Later, the wine is removed and
greet and other services at all major UK
Protestants fleeing persecution, and they took
filtered, the bottles washed to remove any
airports. To book, call 0800 1313 777
their watch-making skills with them.
sediment, then re-bottled to produce delicious,
or visit HolidayExtras.com GTW
Side by side with watch-making is lapidary. Metal watch mechanisms are prone to wear,
more on the area go to Extras offers trusted meet and
often pink, sparkling wine with light bubbles. I was able to see the process and have it all WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Festivals, markets games, oh, my! With 2,000 years of history within easy reach, St Albans is the perfect place for a festive shopping trip
T
From the sublime to the side-splitting, don’t miss the hilarious, fun-packed family pantomime, Cinderella, at The Alban Arena. Starring Rachel Stevens (S Club 7), children’s favourite, Ben Faulks (cbeebies’ Mr Bloom) and local legend, Bob Golding. www.albanarena.co.uk/events/cinderella
On Wednesdays and Saturdays the centre of St Albans is alive with the bustle and calls of up to 150 traders in the venerable old Market. With a history that reaches back even further than the granting of its Charter in 1553, it has long defined this charming and characterful city. Nowadays you’ll find stalls selling everything from fish to fruit, foam to fascinators. A special extension of the Market is in place for the week leading to Christmas, so you can find gifts for everybody on your list on the Market every day from Sunday 16 December right up to Christmas Eve.
For more fantastic family fun, visit the Meraki Christmas Festival on the Events Meadow in Verulamium Park. For the first time this year, the St Albans Christmas Market is being hosted within a spectacular festival. So not only will you be able to shop for unique hand-made goods from picturesque wooden chalets, you’ll also be able to enjoy all the fun of the fair. This part of Verulamium Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with rides, a spectacular virtual reality Santa’s grotto experience, Christmas movies, skating, an ice bar and much, much more. Check out www.merakifestival.com for more information.
St Albans Cathedral – dedicated to Britain’s first saint, Alban – is a wonderful place to take some time for reflection. Enjoy a festive group visit with special Christmas themed tours and the wonderful Carols on the Hour on Saturday 15th December. www.stalbanscathedral.org
Resplendent at the heart of the City in its newly restored glory is the St Albans Museum + Gallery. Its festive exhibition references a popular family pursuit for Christmas gettogethers. Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered celebrates the joy, excitement and occasional frustration
he main shopping street in St Albans – St Peter’s Street – is transformed for the festive season. Trees wrapped in thousands of fairy lights provide a magical ambience to showcase some gorgeous shop window displays. Do look out for the special displays in shops participating in the daily advent calendar reveal.
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of playing board games. This exhibition, originally displayed at the V&A’s Museum of Childhood, includes some of the most iconic, enthralling and visually striking games from the V&A’s outstanding national collection of board games. Alongside current family favourites such as Cluedo and Trivial Pursuit, and traditional games like chess, the exhibition will look at historical board games including The Game of the Goose and other beautifully designed games from the 18th and 19th centuries. Displayed at St Albans Museum + Gallery from November 2018 – to March 2019. www. stalbansmuseums.org.uk Don’t forget to drop into Verulamium Museum on your visit to St Albans this winter. With specially commissioned Christmas gifts in the museum shop, the rotunda and colonnade decked in Christmas lights and carol singers in the galleries, there’s so much on offer to help you get in the festive spirit For more information on what’s going on in St Albans at Christmas, go to www.enjoystalbans.com/ Christmas
08/10/2018 15:54
River trips
Splash THAMES CRUISES
BATEAUX LONDON CRUISES
From a quick hop across the Thames to an evening cruise on the Mersey, there’s never been a better time to take to the river
simply hop on board for a sightseeing tour.
hire an entire boat, or buy single tickets. See
Great value (with prices from £10 for a
thamesribexperience.com
hop-on, hop-off 24-hour Riverpass ticket),
Famous for their lunches, dinners and
boats leave from Westminster Pier, London
MBNA THAMES CLIPPERS
afternoon tea packages on the water,
Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier.
You’ll have seen their distinctive red, white
Bateaux London Cruises take you past the
See citycruises.com
and blue boats criss-crossing the Thames,
Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral,
and MBNA Thames Clippers run a busy
the Tower of London and other major
THAMES RIB EXPERIENCE
landmarks while you tuck into the delicious
Hailed as the ultimate boat experience,
Power Station to London Bridge. Groups of
fare, accompanied by live music. See
choose from a number of high-speed chases
10 or more get a discount (see the website
bateauxlondon.com
along the Thames, from the 20-minute Rib
for details) and hop-on hop-off day tickets
Blast at the O2 to the 75-minute Thames
are great value at around £16.
CITY CRUISES
Barrier Experience. Or make like Bond and
service, ferrying tourists from Battersea
See thamesclippers.com – and turn to
Opt for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea
jet down the Thames on a speedy transfer
page 80, where we meet the company’s
as you travel the river with City Cruises, or
(think water taxi on steroids). Groups can
CEO and co-founder, Sean Collins.
PHOTO: LONDON & PARTNERS; WORDS: HELEN MILBANK
Make a
Take your pick of Thames river trips – the water’s teaming with cruise options WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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River trips MAKE FOR THE MERSEY Mersey Ferries has announced the 2019
In search of adventure? Riviera Travel has launched its new ‘For Solo Travellers’ river cruise collection, see rivieratravel.co.uk/ single-holidays
dates for its summer evening cruises. Tickets for the two-hour cruise cost £12 per person for groups of 20 or more, and Friday and Saturday dates are on sale now from May to September, leaving from Seacombe (Wirral) at 7.30pm and Pier Head (Liverpool) at 7.40pm. See merseyferries.co.uk
SET SAIL IN THE SOUTH WEST Plymouth Boat Trips offers cruises for groups and coach parties keen to explore Devon and Cornwall in style. Discover Plymouth Sound, the River Tamar, the historic Royal Naval Dockyard and the breathtaking south west coast on a variety of sight-seeing cruises (some even throw in a Devonshire cream tea). Expect discounts for groups of over 20. Find out more at plymouthboattrips.co.uk
CRUISE FOR A CREAM TEA Sabrina Boat’s ‘farm shop cream tea and cruise’ deal sails from Victoria Quay in Shrewsbury. For just £10 each you can enjoy cream tea at Shrewsbury’s Battlefield 1403
Sabrina Boat sails from Shrewsbury
farm shop (named after the battle between Henry ‘Harry Hotspur’ Percy and Henry IV 600 years ago), as well as a 45-minute
A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
cruise. See sabrinaboat.co.uk – and visit
This year, one of Devon’s top group
grouptraveloffers.com for discounted tickets.
attractions, the family-run Stuart Line
all year round, showcasing the award-
Cruises, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
winning River Exe and the gateway to
CHESTERBOAT
Today, a huge range of cruises set sail
Back in 1968 the company’s first
the Jurassic coastline. Take your pick
With its sightseeing and themed cruises, party
trip set sail from Exmouth seafront, and
from one-hour to full day excursions,
nights and chartered trips for groups, cruise
during the past 50 years it’s grown to
with group discounts available, visit
the River Dee with ChesterBoat and see
become a part of the local seascape.
stuartlinecruises.co.uk
Chester like never before. Find out more at chesterboat.co.uk
Join Mersey Ferries for an evening on the water next year
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A warm welcome on ChesterBoat Sail with ChesterBoat on our half-hour or two-hour leisure cruises. Relax on the river, hear about the history of Chester, see the sights and watch for wildlife whilst enjoying a drink from the bar.
The Thames Barrier On the River Thames, view one of London’s iconic structures from our grounds
10% DISCOUNT
+ ONE PASSENGER GOES FREE
WITH GROUPS OF 20 OR MORE
E enquiries@chesterboat.co.uk
T 01244 325394
chesterboat.co.uk
Visit our exhibition and Café. Groups can pre book a group talk or an educational package with our guides. Call or visit us online for more details and opening times 0208 305 4188 www.gov.uk/the-thames-barrier
SAVE UP TO £1,650 PER COUPLE
PLUS CHOOSE FROM
Boutique river cruising ideal for groups Set sail on an Emerald Waterways European river cruise in 2019 and uncover a world of natural beauty, historic splendour and ancient culture. Join us on-board our state-of-the-art Star-Ships for an awe-inspiring journey along Europe’s most iconic waterways. Enjoy a wealth of tantalising inclusions on every cruise, including delicious and diverse dining, a unique selection of unforgettable onshore experiences and stylish accommodation - not forgetting our fantastic additional benefits for group departures. Bookings of ten or more will enjoy an extra £100 per person discount, free travel for every 10th guest, exclusive onshore excursions and a private on-board area for use by your group. Speak to our dedicated group experts and start planning your next adventure with Emerald Waterways.
A FREE PREMIUM DRINKS PACKAGE
Exclusive Group Inclusions
OR
Every 10th guest goes FREE An additional £100 per person discount Tailor-made shore excursions Private on-board meeting area Dedicated experienced team
€200 PER CABIN TO SPEND ON-BOARD
Additional Inclusions Return flights from a choice of up to 15 UK airports
AND DON’T FORGET ALL TIPS ARE TAKEN CARE OF SAVING YOU UP TO £440 PER COUPLE
Stylish on-board accommodation All on-board meals Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Extra-special EmeraldPLUS & EmeraldACTIVE experiences Complimentary Wi-Fi on-board Complimentary on-board bicycles† All port charges/taxes/transfer costs
Call FREE on 0808 274 6952 | Visit emeraldwaterways.co.uk
Emerald Waterways Best Value For Money, River Cruise
Terms and conditions: All of our holidays are subject to availability. Group offers are valid on European river cruises only for groups of 10 or more. The 10th guest will travel free of charge in the lowest cabin category booked only. There will be additional charges for pre/post cruise accommodation, additional excursions, private on-board events and cabin upgrades. The free travel for the 10th guest is valid for a guest sharing a twin cabin with another full paying guest (excluding ES Single Stateroom). Group benefits will be confirmed upon receipt of full payment once confirmed the minimum number of guests travelling. †Bicycles are not available on the Emerald Radiance on the River Douro. *Savings of up to £1,650 per couple includes £125 per person Early Payment Discount only valid when payment is made in full by the 31st October 2018. Free Premium Drinks Package excludes champagne, wine by the bottle and cabin mini bar. €200 per cabin on-board credit will be deducted from your final bill upon departure. Offer not available on our Southeast Asia, Russia, Dalmatian Coast or Egypt holidays. Offer valid until 31st October 2018. We reserve the right to amend or withdraw our offers at any time. For full booking conditions please refer to our 2019 European river cruise brochure or visit emeraldwaterways.co.uk. E&OE
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River trips
“The Thames is in my blood” As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary, we chat to Sean Collins, CEO and co-founder of MBNA Thames Clippers
Roamer ticket which allows multiple hop-on, hop-off opportunities all day. The speed and efficiency of the Thames Clippers service can allow these visitors to visit a broader itinerary. Sean Collins
The offer is available for a minimum of 20 passengers per
coach, or 15 passengers per minibus. Free parking is available all day with pre-booked River Roamer tickets, and for up to six hours with pre-booked single tickets.
GTW: Congratulations on celebrating
in the morning and a G&T on board for
MBNA Thames Clippers’ 20th anniversary.
your trip home. What’s not to like?
We also offer vessels of all sizes for charter, from a plush private trip on our 12-seater Orion Clipper, to our biggest
How did it all start? Sean: I guess the Thames is in my blood.
GTW: What can you offer group travellers
catamaran – set to join the fleet in the new
I was the third generation of my family to be
in the way of special deals and services?
year, with a capacity of 222 passengers.
a waterman – that’s someone who’s licenced
Sean: We’re looking to partner with short-
to carry fare-paying passengers on the river.
break specialists by offering our ‘Park and
GTW: Anything you’d like to share from
Aged 16, I was apprenticed to the Company of
Glide’ service as part of their ticket price. The
your life on the Thames?
Watermen and Lightermen, which is an ancient
offer gives passengers the chance to explore
Sean: Perhaps a little known fact about me is
guild dating right back to 1514, so obtained
London on board our boats, while at the same
that I am one of 24 ‘Watermen of the Queen’,
my boatmaster’s licence in the most old-
time allowing coach operators to park for free
which means I am officially on Her Majesty’s
fashioned way possible.
at The O2 and avoid the central London traffic,
staff. It’s an ancient honorary title. Traditionally
thus improving the environmental impact.
we were the people who manned the barges
I had a great time working on the river as a captain on all sorts of passenger boats
Park and Glide passengers can be dropped
to transport the king or queen up and down
and tugs, but I always had a desire to set
at any of the key London piers for their
the river between the royal palaces. We get a
up my own business. Starting a river bus
journeys on the river. Operators can choose
scarlet jacket, breeches, stockings and some
service seemed the obvious choice, since
single or return tickets, or for ultimate
there wasn’t anything like it when I
flexibility offer guests the River
buckled shoes, and still perform at certain state occasions.
GTW
began. My vision was to build the business gradually, one step at a time, to ensure viability. GTW: As London becomes ever more gridlocked, are more people turning to you
Plan your trip at thamesclippers .com
for their daily commute? Sean: The growth of MBNA Thames Clippers seems to suggest they are. We now operate six routes and will carry 4.2 million passengers this year. Of course, lots of people travelling with us do it because they are visiting the city and want to see the sights in a different way, but we certainly consider ourselves to be a part of London’s public transport mix just like the tube and buses. We carry thousands of commuters every day and, like the river is to our capital, they are the lifeblood of our business. Historically our business has prided itself on punctuality, and with good management and a strong vision there is no reason why the river cannot continue to operate in this way, whereas the roads do have a finite capacity. Plus you can get coffee
40 million people have sailed the Thames with MBNA Thames Clippers
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Festive Welcome Aboard Events Step aboard Columbus, Magellan or Marco Polo at London Tilbury & Bristol Avonmouth for a fabulous show and delicious five course lunch, or dinner and show plus the option to stay overnight with breakfast the following morning. Includes welcome cocktails and ½ bottle of wine per person with the meal.
Lunch & Show
£49pp
Dinner & Show
£79pp
Dinner, Show & Overnight*
£99pp
Upgrade Options - Standard ocean view £10pp supp. - Superior ocean view £30pp supp. - De luxe ocean view £50pp supp. - Single cabin prices on request. Special Group Offer! - Book a group of 10 adults and the 11th is FREE!
Friday 7th December 2018 Saturday 8th December 2018 Friday 14th December 2018 Saturday 15th December 2018 Thursday 20th December 2018
Columbus - 20th December
Marco Polo - 8th, 14th & 15th December ∆
Magellan - 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th December
0844 998 9272 Email: groups@cruiseandmaritime.com Visit: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Terms & Conditions apply. Subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice. *Based on twin inner cabin occupancy. ∆Marco Polo in London Tilbury 8/12 or Bristol Avonmouth 14-15/12. Please note that wheelchairs are not suitable for use on board and we regret that wheelchair assistance will not be available at the port for our onboard events. Groups may not be seated together, maximum table size is 8. Onboard events are non-refundable and non-transferable. Calls will cost 5p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. Operated by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945 4630
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Days out
fast & the fabulous The
Visit the home of racing on a behind the scenes tour of Newmarket
N
EXT MONTH SEES the 2018 race
of next year’s QIPCO Guineas Festival
Marco Botti, Ed Dunlop and Luca Camani.
season draw to a close at Newmarket,
at newmarket.thejockeyclub.co.uk
n Discover
with its Final Meeting from November
Discover Newmarket is the official
how the sport began, and how it’s
shaped the world, at the newest attraction
2-3. But it won’t be long before the first
tour guide of this Suffolk town, and
to the town – the National Heritage Centre
classic races of 2019 are under starter’s
its exclusive tours take you behind the
for Horseracing and Sporting Art at Palace
orders – see the website for details
MARK ATKINS
Racing at Newmarket’s Adnams July Course
Learn more about the work of charity Retraining of Racecourses
scenes of the headquarters of
House. Spanning five acres in the heart of
Thoroughbred breeding, racing
Newmarket, it sits in the remaining elements of
and training in the UK:
King Charles II’s sporting palaces and stables,
n Get
and is home to The National Horseracing
up close to some of the
newest additions to the world of
Museum, the Fred Packard Galleries of
racing and discover how champion
British Sporting Art and the flagship yard for
horses are bred at the National
charity Retraining of Racecourses (RoR).
Stud, the only commercial stud
n See
farm open to the public in the UK.
track, with Race Day Tours that take you
n Go
to Newmarket’s two racecourses, the
behind the scenes at a top
the champions in action on the
trainer’s yard, and learn what
Rowley Mile and the Adnams July Course.
it takes to create champions
n For
from trainers such as John
tour packages call 0344 748 9200 or
Gosden, Sir Mark Prescott,
see discovernewmarket.co.uk
more on Discover Newmarket’s
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Discover Newmarket Go Behind the Scenes Packages from£11 per person
Discover Newmarket offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at racing's headquarters to learn about the fascinating history, heritage and culture of the town. From fun family days out at top attractions to meeting champion trainers, breeders and racehorses in person! Book your tour today �- tripadvisor
email admin@discovernewmarket.co.uk
�@DiscoverNkt
f/discovernewmarket
call 0344 748 9200
;; @discovernkt
visit www.discovernewmarket.co.uk
Discover 19 fantastic days of horseracing and entertainment from May to October Immerse yourself in the splendour of Goodwood – the most beautiful racecourse in the world Take advantage of great ticket prices, with groups of 5 to 9 receiving 10% discount and 10+ receiving 20% discount, inclusive of tickets to the world-famous Qatar Goodwood Festival from July 30 – August 3.
Contact Customer Sales on 01243 755055
goodwood.com/grouptravel
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Days out
Place your bets Our pick of Britain’s best race days
April, Ayr Racecourse plays host to both
GTW
jump and flat races, with ticket discounts
A RACE DAY TRIBUTE
available for groups. Next year’s Grand
To mark the centenary of the Armistice,
National Festival runs from April 12-13,
Cheltenham Racecourse will be holding
see ayr-racecourse.co.uk
a tribute to both horses and soliders on
GOODWOOD RACECOURSE Goodwood Racecourse hosts 19 days of
Sunday November 18 – the final day of its November Meeting. Uniformed Glosters will lead a parade
racing throughout the year, between May
from the railway station to the
and October, including the world-renowned
racecourse, and a mounted contingent of
Qatar Goodwood Festival – or Glorious
the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars will
Goodwood – which is one of the highlights
lead an act of remembrance in the parade
Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire has fixtures
of the international flat racing season (next
ring, with biplanes circling the skies and
throughout the winter season, its jump race
year it runs from July 30 to August 3). Find
vehicles and equipment from the
season including December’s Ladbrokes
out more about its 2019 race fixtures at
battlefield on display.
Trophy Day, as well as afternoon meets.
goodwood.com/sports/horseracing
NEWBURY RACECOURSE
Groups of 10 or more (up to 40 people) get a
ASCOT RACECOURSE
groups of 40 or more get 20% off. A special
Best known for its Royal Ascot
‘bumper package’ gives you entry, a Tote bet
meeting in June, Ascot Racecourse in
and food – see the website for all the details
Berkshire offers all-year-round racing,
at newburyracecourse.co.uk
including its Christmas Raceday
AYR RACECOURSE Home to the Coral Scottish Grand National in
from December 21-22. For more information on all the packages available see ascot.co.uk, or call the
ALAN CROWHURST/GETTY IMAGES
15% discount on the usual ticket prices, while
Find out more at cheltenham.co.uk or call 0344 579 3003.
groups team on 01344 878536.
PIXABAY
Home to the legendary Grand National, Aintree is a giant among jump courses. Next year’s National will be held on April 6, see aintree. thejockeyclub.co.uk
Newbury Racecourse has meets throughout the year
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Corfe Castle: a battle-scarred survivor that dates back 1,000 years
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The south west
South Head
Windswept ruins and ancient castles mix with lively coastal resorts in the much-loved south western counties
I
N A GAP in Dorset’s Purbeck Hills sits the stunning ruins of Corfe Castle (pictured here), an 11th century stronghold
built by William the Conqueror, and one of the earliest in England to be built from stone. Over the past 1,000 years it has served as a fearsome fortification, a royal residence and a perilous prison, but was demolished in March 1645 during the English Civil War. Now run by the National Trust, visitors can explore its history and the lives of some of the characters who’ve called this site home. There’s a tea room, shop and visitor centre, as well as special events throughout the year. Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle – and explore the Purbeck limestone-clad village of Corfe while you’re there, as well as the nearby Swanage Railway, which has a station at the castle (swanagerailway.co.uk).
THE STUFF OF LEGEND Head further west, and the atmospheric ruins of Tintagel Castle need little introduction, linked as they have been for centuries with the legend of King Arthur as they perch on a rocky headland overlooking the Atlantic. Visitors can explore the gaunt remains of the castle, now PHOTO: PIXABAY; WORDS: HELEN MILBANK
divided in two by a deep rocky chasm, and wander through the remains of houses built between the 5th and 7th centuries AD out on the rocky headland. But most exciting of all are plans for a spectacular new footbridge, which will span the gap between the castle’s mainland and island to help improve access to the site. At a height of around 55 metres above sea level, the footbridge has been designed to recreate the historic route into the castle, and work starts this month. As a result, the castle is now closed, with the new bridge due to open in spring 2019. Groups receive a discount at all English
Turn to page 26 for more castles to visit
Heritage properties. Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk/tintagel
DONKEY’S YEARS AWAY For a taste of the region’s maritime past head to the historic fishing village of Clovelly in north Devon. Once owned by the Queen of
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The south west
VISIT BRITAIN
The streets of Clovelly are lined with donkeys – there’s not a car in sight
the only mode of transport. A visit to Clovelly
GET AWAY
Court Gardens is included in your admission
If you’re heading for the English Riviera, the
ticket, with the money going towards
elegant Redcliffe Hotel in Paignton is the ideal
Torquay, made up of four hotels, interlinked
preserving this private estate. Guided tours are
base for a Devon excursion. With plenty of
on a single site and offering year-round leisure
available, and you can even use the village as
coach parking, a free driver place and a large
and entertainment. Choose from the TLH
a base to visit the island of Lundy for the day
number of single rooms, the team are on
Toorak, TLH Carlton, TLH Victoria and TLH
and snorkel with the seals.
hand to help you plan your group trip, and the
Derwent hotels, all of which are three-star.
68-room hotel’s in an ideal spot for visiting
Self-catering apartments are also available.
Everything you need to know is on the village’s website – see clovelly.co.uk
Find out more at redcliffehotel.co.uk
Exeter, Plymouth, Dartmouth and Dartmoor.
Also in Devon is the TLH Leisure Resort
Themed events, including dance, bowling and festive breaks, are available and TLH Leisure Resort is centrally located just 400 metres from the sea front and a short walk from the harbour and town centre, see tlh.co.uk Over in Somerset, a warm welcome is guaranteed for groups at the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster. It organises activity breaks for budding gardeners, walkers, artists, bridge lovers and more (plan your stay at www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk).
EXPLORE EXETER’S PAST If you want streets lined with shops and bars as opposed to donkeys, head to the historic city of Exeter, at the heart of which stands The family-run Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster
Exeter Cathedral. One of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in England, guided tours are on offer to groups in a
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VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET 15th - 25th November 2018
O p en A ir Ice Rink
Enjoy over 150 seasonal stalls and artisan producers, Victorian characters, festive attractions and magical ice rink at Gloucester Quays 2018 Victorian Christmas Market. Book your visit between Monday - Friday and receive all these great additional extras: • Meet & greet service • Free secure coach parking • Transport to and from the coach parking* • Meal vouchers* *for coach drivers and group booking organisers
BOOK NOW groups@gloucesterquays.co.uk
If you book your visit for a Saturday or Sunday, you will receive: • Meet & greet service • Free secure coach parking BOOK NOW groups@gloucesterquays.co.uk
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The south west variety of languages. And if it’s the city’s wider history you want to explore, join a Red Coat guided walking tour, visiting the mysterious catacomb, the historic quayside and the fascinating Tuckers’ Hall (the medieval guild of cloth workers, in case you were wondering). The city’s award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery is another must-see. Housed in a beautiful Victorian building and home to 16 galleries that reveal Devon and Exeter’s global connections, there’s a year-round programme of exhibitions, displays and talks to bring the diverse collections to life. Plus don’t miss the 14th century Medieval Underground Passages, St Nicholas Priory – A Tudor Home, and the Custom House Visitor Centre, which charts Exeter’s maritime past. There’s also a picturesque canal to stroll by. The city makes a great base to explore the surrounding area, with the glorious Devon coast, the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks and the rolling countryside of mid-Devon all within easy reach. Find out more on the
LILY HILL PHOTOGRAPHY
group-visits
GTW
Exeter canal dates back to the 1500s
PIXABAY
website visitexeter.com/things-to-do/
Exeter makes a great base if you want to explore the length and breadth of the Devon coastline
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A
IVERSA
RY
NN
ISES NE CRU STUART LI
ONE OF DEVON'S TOP ATTRACTIONS
FOR OVER 50 YEARS
Inspiring days out for groups at RHS Gardens
Save up to 50% on repeat visits*
Sailing along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and on the calm waters of the award winning River Exe - our cruises are the perfect addition to any group itinerary in the South West. River Cruises
Coastal Cruises
Special Events
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
01395 222144
www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk
Welcome to a
DIFFERENT WORLD ◆ Film of the history of the village ◆ Charles Kingsley and Fisherman’s Cottage museums ◆ Craft workshops and other shops ◆ Meet the famous Clovelly donkeys ◆ Working harbour and Lifeboat Station ◆ Two old inns serving delicious local food, ales and cider ◆ Clovelly Court Gardens ◆ Boat trips and glorious cliff-top walks ◆ Guided tours by arrangement
BIG DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS!
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For further information, including special events see:
www.clovelly.co.uk or call 01237 431781
10/10/2018 11:41
Wiltshire’s wow factor
Salisbury Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic building
As it recovers from the shock of this year’s events, Angela Youngman discovers Salisbury to be a city of stunning architecture, history and heritage
S
TONEHENGE MAY BE renowned worldwide,
and a special exhibition area within the Chapter
CLOSER TO THE ACTION
but until the bizarre events of earlier this
House enables visitors to see the manuscript
Surrounding the cathedral is an equally
year, far fewer people knew of the nearby city
and discover its history and legacy, as well as
impressive Cathedral Close – the largest in
of Salisbury. Allegations of Russian involvement
admiring a spectacular stone frieze, which tells
the UK, covering 80 acres. It makes a pleasant
in the poisoning of a former spy and his
stories from the Old Testament.
place to stroll and relax, with attractive
daughter here caused global ripples of curiosity,
Architecturally, Salisbury Cathedral is stunning.
riverside walks within easy reach. Several
with parts of the city off limits for weeks while
A magnificent Gothic building, it incorporates
major attractions are located within the close,
decontamination took place.
the world’s oldest working mechanical clock,
including the National Trust’s Mompesson
and its spire is the tallest in the UK.
House, complete with its impressive plaster
But, having recovered from the shock of global fame, Salisbury is again concentrating on promoting its attractions. “Tourism businesses are reporting that visitor
A major programme of events and exhibitions are held each year, including concerts, art displays, flower and literary festivals. While the
work, walled garden and tea room, see nationaltrust.org.uk/mompesson-house Nearby Salisbury Museum contains a superb
figures are starting to improve,” says Florence
cathedral possesses a permanent collection
collection of artefacts relating to Stonehenge
Wallace from Visit Wiltshire. “Salisbury is a
of contemporary art too, including works by
and the prehistoric communities living in the
fantastic place to visit, and we feature it as
Elisabeth Frink and Barbara Hepworth.
area. Among the most notable items are a jade
a key destination, targeting domestic and
A wide range of guided tours can be
axehead, and the remains of the 4,000-year-
arranged for groups visiting the cathedral
old Amesbury Archer. Elsewhere within the
Attracting around five-and-a-half-million
(see salisburycathedral.org.uk). Groups can
museum, displays relating to Anglo-Saxon,
visitors every year, Salisbury certainly has a lot
also be taken on a tour of the Cathedral Works
Medieval and modern periods show the
to offer. Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of
Yard to discover the heritage skills used by
development of Salisbury over the centuries,
the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta,
masons to conserve the building.
see salisburymuseum.org.uk
international visitors to the county.”
Stonehenge is just nine miles from Salisbury
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Days out of Salisbury’s best-loved attractions
3 1
The Great Dorset Steam Festival
Visitor numbers to the Salisbury area increase dramatically during
the August bank holiday, due to the
presence of the Great Dorset Steam Festival at Tarrent Hinton. This year, around a quarter of a million visitors enjoyed the five-day event, which has been running for 50 years and is now PIXABAY
the largest gathering of steam traction engines and vehicles in the world.
In 2019, the festival will be held from Thursday August 22 to Monday August 26, and tickets will be available
Plan your visit at visitwiltshire .co.uk
at gdsf.co.uk from early
an Iron Age hill fort plus the remains of a
the visitor experience, and
medieval royal castle and cathedral. Disputes
you can choose between
between church and state resulted in a
a 20-minute walk to the
next year.
2
has successfully improved
monument, or take one of the
Stonehenge, which is just nine
shuttle buses that run every few minutes, see www.english-heritage.
miles from Salisbury, is a prehistoric
monument of standing stones that’s been
org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge
3
described as one of the wonders of the world. The opening of a new visitor centre
decision in 1220 to move the cathedral to its existing site, and with the removal of the cathedral close to the river, townsfolk followed suit. Walking round the ramparts and the outer parts of the hill fort offers
Old Sarum lies on the outskirts of the
superb views, see www.english-heritage.
city. An English Heritage site, it comprises
org.uk/visit/places/old-sarum
GTW
SPRING HOLIDAYS
For Groups £1 BAR & THEMED BREAKS from £149 Per Person CABARET WEEKENDS from £99 Per Person
Get up to
FOUR FR PLACESEE
& NO SIN SUPPLEM GLE ENTS Quo
Contact the Alfa Groups Team:
01257 248045
te SPRING
groups@alfatravel.co.uk
Terms and conditions: Free place on your 21st, 31st, 41st and 48th passenger. Price is based on groups of 40 or more. Exclusivity of coach available on Group Holidays of 30 passengers of more. Single/Room with a View supplements may apply. Alfa Travel reserve the right to remove this offer at any time.
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North west
Merseyside magic
Three very good reasons to explore Liverpool this autumn and beyond...
A
NEW VISITOR ATTRACTION opens inside Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building in spring
2019. Royal Liver Building 360 brings guided public tours to the 15th floor of Liverpool’s most iconic landmark for the very first time. The experience begins in a new lower ground
To register interest, go to rlb360.com – tickets will be available from January 2019.
T
T
ATE LIVERPOOL is free to visit, though exhibitions and events run throughout
the year where a charge is applicable. You
HIS YEAR MARKS the 49th wedding
can also opt for an exhibition or building
anniversary of John Lennon and
history talk at an additional cost. Visit
Yoko Ono, and right now the Museum of
tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool
floor visitor centre, before continuing to the
Liverpool is showing a new, ground-breaking
10th and 15th floors of the 321ft building,
exhibition that explores the personal and
■ Travel to Liverpool is a free new app
where guests can enjoy spectacular 360°
creative chemistry of this iconic couple.
to help you make the most of your
views across the city. Operated by Heritage
Double Fantasy – John & Yoko runs until
stay in the city. Download it from app
Great Britain, the tour will also take guests
April 22, 2019, and is free to enter. See
stores for free maps, public transport
inside the building’s famous clock tower.
liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/doublefantasy
information and what’s on guides.
VISIT BRITAIN
GTW
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O U T D O O R S E T TO U R
WA L K D O W N T H E FA M O U S COBBLES 2019 D AT E S On Sale Now!
C A L L O U R G RO U P S T E A M O N 0 1 9 0 4 2 6 1 2 6 2
coronationstreettour.co.uk Coronation St™ & © ITV Studios Ltd 2018. Licensed by ITV Broadcasting Limited. All rights reserved.
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MIKE PICKUP
Hungary’s capital city proved a hit with Sylvia Saxon and her group – who loved its culture, castles and cuisine
W
E LOVED OUR short break to Budapest earlier this year – and for
many of us it was a first. Our British Airways flight left on time, which was a minor miracle seeing as we left amid some of the worst winter conditions this year. I knew a couple who decided to travel separately and ‘do their own thing’ and sadly didn’t make it (their low cost airline took off the following day). However, luck stayed with us as we
ABOUT OUR EXPERT SYLVIA SAXON
Group travel organiser extraordinaire Sylvia Saxon is an expert when it comes to keeping everyone happy on days trips and foreign jaunts. She runs The New Meridian – find out more at www.newmeridian.org.uk
were upgraded from our original hotel to
THE SPICE OF LIFE What makes Budapest an enchanting spot for a city break is the variety it offers. On any given day you’re likely to encounter Art Nouveau mansions or a Neo Gothic church topped with vivid red roof tiles and pastel medieval houses. You’ll stroll Parisian-style boulevards and quaint cobbled alleys, relax in lush parks or paved squares, browse bustling markets or shopping malls, enjoy coffee and cake in a local café or a beer in a lively bar.
its sister, which just happened to be a very
Even during the communist period,
centrally located five-star. Not that the first
and before that the river formed a barrier
Hungary always leaned towards the West. It’s
one – The Continental – wasn’t great; on
separating the communities on each side.
a cosmopolitan capital but, despite this, an
my first visit I had loved it, but owing to
The characters of Buda (to the west of
aura of history and hard times past is evident
a complete refurbishment in some of the
the river) and Pest (to the east) remain very
in the occasional bullet hole from 1956
bedrooms, and a furniture delay, we were
different to this day. Buda holds the palace
and a flaking 19th century town house.
swapped a few days earlier as a precaution.
and medieval castle district, before giving way to the leafy hills. Pest is the financial and
HIT THE ROAD
tale of two cities. The famous Chain Bridge
commercial heart, home to the parliament
Budapest’s public transport system, run by
– the first permanent structure to span
building, the business district and the main
BKV (Budapest Transport Company), is fast,
the Danube – wasn’t opened until 1849,
concentration of shops, restaurants and bars.
inexpensive, reliable and comprehensive.
For much of its history, Budapest was a
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Budapest Budapest’s parliament building
Let it float your boat Landlocked it may be, but Hungary has water in abundance. The earth’s crust is relatively thin in this region, and natural thermal water emerges through springs and drilled boreholes. There’s a rich bathing tradition: the Romans soaked in Budapest almost 2,000 years ago, and the capital has around 50 baths – more than any other world capital.
HUNGARY FOR THE FACTS? Sylvia’s top tips for dining in the city... ■ Hungarians
are immensely proud of
their cuisine, and the places to head to buy fresh produce are the indoor and outdoor markets. The most atmospheric are the market halls, several of which date back to the last century – the most famous being the Great (or Central) Market Hall (Nagycsarnok) facing the southern end of Vaci utca. Food specialties include sausages, salamis and paprika, which is added to many dishes. ■ The
most common word for restaurant
is ‘etterem,’ although you might also come across ‘vendeglo’ and ‘casarda’; the latter specialising in traditional food. ■ As
well as Hungarian, many world
cuisines are represented. Chinese buffetstyle restaurants are popular for quick The Danube cuts through the city – the 19th century Chain Bridge conn ecting the hilly Buda district with flat Pest
and inexpensive meals; it’s also worth looking out for the tourist menus offered between certain hours of the day. ■ Coffee
and cake are ubiquitous in
Budapest, and there are some grand cafés. Since the re-establishment of self-rule, interest in coffee has risen even higher, and a few old haunts that managed to survive have been revived and restored.
travel around, providing an informal sightseeing tour of the city. The most important lines are 4 and 6, which loop around the centre of Pest and Buda. It was intriguing to me, riding around Budapest on a tram. MIKE PICKUP
Memories of an old Bond film perhaps! In the past, whenever I’ve visited a place with my group, I don’t often return in a hurry – but with Budapest I’m already planning It consists of metro, HEV trains, trams, buses
chair lift and on the boats, and ID cards and
my return. My huge thanks to Travel Editions
and trolleybuses. EU citizens who are over 65
passports suffice as proof of age/citizenship.
(traveleditions.co.uk) and everyone who
Trams are a pleasant, comfortable way to
helped make this trip so very successful.
travel free, apart from on the funicular, the
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Eltham Palace was reinvented as an Art Deco treasure in the early 1900s
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GTW fam trip Explore 19 acres of gardens
Emma (far right) enjoys a tour with Eltham’s head gardener Jane Cordingley (fourth from left)
Groups can explore the Art Deco features
GTW’s Emma (left) and Harley
Fit for a king
Plan your trip at www.english-heritage. org.uk/visit/places/ eltham-palaceand-gardens
GTW’s Emma Parkes and Harley Denham enjoyed the Art Deco decadence of London’s Eltham Palace on a recent fam trip...
W
of Rayon (man-made silk). They decided to build an
Art Deco mansion and restore the Great Hall and its 19 acres. Their glamour shone through the palace’s interior, and the symmetry reflected their need for perfection. Their pet lemur, called Mah-Jongg, lived at the palace too – a fact that had us all smiling. Spoiler alert: he had his own ladder to reach the lower floor! Today, groups can step inside a reconstruction of Virginia’s walk-in wardrobe
ITH ITS CUTTING edge 1930s
started to crumble, having fallen out of favour
to see period dresses, hats and accessories,
design, the glorious Eltham Palace in
with the royal court – kings and queens of the
and try on some vintage-inspired replicas. There is so much more to learn about
Greenwich combines Art Deco features with all
era preferring instead the lavish Greenwich
the trimmings of a former medieval palace.
Palace. Soon all that remained was the Great
Eltham, but we’ll leave the rest of the story
Hall, which became a popular place for artists,
to unfold when you visit this hidden gem
this English Heritage-run mansion has evolved
such as Turner and Constable, to sketch the
– a historical site that has lived on through the
through the centuries, beginning life as a royal
livestock that grazed the grounds.
centuries and still manages to wow its visitors.
As we learned on a fantastic guided tour,
palace. Edward IV hosted lavish parties and
The palace’s era of rescue and rebirth came
Our tour guides on the day were not only
festivals here, and it was also where Henry VIII
in the early 1900s, with the arrival of the
full of enthusiasm, but a fount of knowledge
spent much of his childhood.
Courtaulds. Stephen and Virginia were a wealthy
about the house and its glorious gardens.
couple who were responsible for the creation
If you get chance, go...
However, by the 18th century the place had
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ANASTAS STYLES/SHUTTERSTOCK
Plan your day at legoland.co.uk – and save more than a third off the price of tickets at grouptraveloffers.com
Miniland’s Big Ben and the London Eye
Building bridges
Jayden loved the LEGO Ninjago zone
GTW’s Paige Fraser headed to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort with her son Jayden. Their verdict? When can we go again?! “Get there early is my first bit of advice as there’s so much to do,” says Paige. “We arrived just as the park opened at 10am, which was
The drizzle doesn’t dampen spirits for Paige (right), son Jayden and friends Maxime (left) and Fiona
A massive LEGO dinosa ur proves no match for Jay den
well worth it. Believe me: there’s a lot to cover! “The park has rides for all ages, from small rollercoasters such as the Dragon’s Apprentice to the LEGO Ninjago 4D interactive ride, which was Jayden’s favourite. “We loved the mini city of food restaurants, with various styles of food to choose from. And if the weather isn’t the best there’s indoor entertainment and games too. “The new theme land – Miniland – was really interesting as it included four countries and more than 55 LEGO model landmark replicas, which you can build yourself. All in all it’s a really fun family day out, and you definitely won’t run out of things to do. We can’t wait to go again.” 100 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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GTW news Emma grabs her mum Linda for moral support
You’re making me run how far?!
Run, Parkes! An Ewok guard comes as standard
Emma’s haul
Last month saw GTW’s Emma run the Kew
Palm House and Princess of Wales
Gardens 10k to raise money for MIND. “It
Conservatory. Thank you to everyone who
was the best organised run I’ve ever been to,
donated – my next charity event will see
and the race went surprisingly fast as I took
myself, and my children Heidi and Ruby,
in the sites of the fantastic Gardens. My
rambling to raise money for Children in Need
favourite site as I ran was Kew Palace, and
with Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison,
Mum had a wonderful day taking in Kew’s
so we may end up on TV!
GTW
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UKinbound news
Expect style and comfort in the new, improved carriages
Great Scot!
A revolutionary transformation is just around the corner for the iconic Caledonian Sleeper
F
OR 150 YEARS the
new trains will debut a number
providing the perfect environment
Caledonian Sleeper has been
of features never before seen on
to unwind and immerse yourself
offering a stress-free alternative
UK railways. It’s all thanks to an
in the stunning scenery.
to air travel between London and
investment of over £140m, part
Scotland. Rather than run the
funded by a £60m capital grant
commitment to using fresh local
airport gauntlet, travellers can
from Scottish Ministers.
and sustainable produce for their
board the train and relax, reaching
The new fleet will feature four
Caledonian Sleeper’s
catering service has earned them
their destination refreshed and
new accommodation types to suit
a VisitScotland Taste Our Best
ready to go.
all travellers’ needs.
Award. With tweed-clad hosts
Operated by Serco, the
Most notably, Caledonian
on hand to serve a variety of hot
Sleeper will undergo a major
Sleeper will offer en-suite facilities
and cold dishes, including haggis,
transformation and be fully
in their Club and Caledonian
neeps and tatties, a venison
deployed on all routes by
Double rooms, meaning guests
charcuterie or Scottish
Spring 2019, when a fleet of
can start the day with the popular
cheeseboard, you’ll feel you’ve
Sleeper breakfast and a hot
arrived in Scotland the moment
shower in their room.
you step on board the train.
GET THE BEST DEAL
Those looking for something
UKinbound is the only travel trade association to focus solely on the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector. Representing a diverse membership of over 390 businesses, it engages with Government and the media to highlight the importance of inbound tourism to the economy, and help its members to grow their businesses. Visit www.ukinbound.org or email info@ukinbound.org for more information, and follow UKinbound on Twitter: @UKinbound
to travel with the introduction of our new fleet.
extra special will be well
HIT THE TRACKS
Caledonian Sleeper
catered for in the Caledonian
Operating six days a week,
choice for operators looking to
have recently launched
Double rooms, featuring double
the trains will initially be
add a unique experience for their
a new offering for the
mattresses handcrafted in
introduced on the Lowlander
clients, whilst still offering the
travel trade, including:
Scotland by Royal Warrant
route between Glasgow/
most convenient and best value
■ Room-only
holders Glencraft. Families and
Edinburgh and London. The
means of travel between London
and seasonal set rates
groups can take advantage of
Highlander route, serving
and Scotland.
■A
the convenient interconnecting
Inverness, Fort William and
Classic rooms.
Aberdeen, will follow shortly after.
pricing
dedicated booking
resource and flexible booking system ■ For
more information email
group@sleeper.scot
“Caledonian Sleeper is a smart
“Our service combines the tradition and romanticism of
Ryan Flaherty, Managing
rail travel with a modern twist,
conceived in partnership with
Director at Serco Caledonian
receiving interest from across
Edinburgh designer Ian Smith,
Sleepers, says: “For three years
the globe from those seeking a
combining traditional Scottish
we have been working hard to
special experience to add to their
interiors with modern touches,
bring a touch of magic back
holiday itinerary.”
The sophisticated Club Car was
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 HOTEL
Quy Mill Hotel & Spa Combine a Christmas shopping trip in the historic city of Cambridge with a stay at the plush Quy Mill Hotel & Spa at nearby Stow-cum-Quy. This former watermill is the only hotel in Cambridgeshire to be awarded the AA’s coveted Silver Star award – and it’s a big hit with the Group Travel World team, with Harley Denham now a regular.
See our sister site grouptraveloffers. com to book your stay at Quy Mill Hotel & Spa
BEST GROUP TRAVEL PROVIDER
GTW’s fam trip to Eltham proved what a fantastic place for groups it is
Eurostar Nominated by GTW’s Harley Denham, who enjoyed its new St Pancras to Amsterdam route last month, is Eurostar. The new London to Amsterdam route takes just over four-and-a-half hours, and travelling by Eurostar can be a particularly good option for
BEST GROUP ATTRACTION
Eltham Palace Nominated by GTW’s Emma Parkes
mix of regal and eclectic – combined
(who’s pictured far right), a recent Group
with tours of the house and
Travel World fam trip to Eltham Palace in
gardens, as well as fantastic places to
Greenwich, London proved what a great
eat – makes this site unbeatable.
attraction it is for groups. Originally a
■ Find
royal palace, which later became an Art
org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-
Deco mansion in the early 1900s, its
and-gardens
out more at english-heritage.
To nominate a hotel, attraction, restaurant or holiday company for our 2018 awards, email helen.milbank@ grouptravelworld.com
groups as they offer discounts and help with luggage. ■ Call
0344 822
4800, email groups@eurostar .com or see eurostar.com to find out more.
GTW
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
103 GTW Nov 18 GTW awards.indd 103
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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
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Your travel questions answered by experts GROUP TRAVEL
PIXABAY
New Orleans: home to Mardi Gras – and vampires!
Take me to the dark side Q Having watched a Netflix series on
Green cruising
PIXABAY
CRUISE HOLIDAYS
by a huge 561% over the past two years.
dark tourism [Dark Tourist, presented by
■ Considered the most disastrous nuclear power
David Farrier], I’m hooked! Where are the
plant accident in history, Chernobyl has become
top spots to visit?
an unlikely tourist destination in recent years, as
Jo Brown, West Yorkshire
travellers risk being exposed to lethal levels of
A Research by the experts at
radiation in a bid to get a glimpse of the derelict
kiwi.com has revealed: You’re right!
1986. Kiwi.com has seen an unprecedented
We Brits are indeed ditching beaches for
1057% surge in enquiries to the uranium-rich
town, which has been left untouched since
Q Is it possible to see the world by sea,
battlefields. And we’ve compiled a list of
settlement, as intrigue in the disaster site grows.
top dark tourist destinations, including
■ Of
without leaving a hefty carbon footprint?
these weird and wonderful spots:
flocked to in search of the darker side of life,
Susannah Engelkamp, Gwent
■ New
Benin in West Africa, the birth place of Voodoo,
A Gavin Murray of Exclusive Expeditions
for party-loving tourists, but the city was
has proven a popular destination for tourists
recently revealed as home to a real-life vampire
looking to experience rituals involving hippos’
(exclusiveexpeditions.co.uk) says: More
community, prompting bloodthirsty travellers
feet and severed cat heads, with enquiries
than a decade ago, cruising was deemed to
to flock here, with flight searches increasing
up by 188%.
Orleans has always been a hotspot
the more unusual destinations Brits have
have a larger average carbon footprint per passenger than flying. However, the recent expansion of the cruise industry has seen it set its sights firmly on going leaner and greener. It goes without saying that the behemoth
The ultimate detox
Q Taking a ‘digital detox’ seems all the
ships that transport the majority of cruisers are
rage. Any ideas on how to achieve it?
responsible for considerable carbon emissions,
Lily MacGregor, Surrey
so a greener alternative is a significantly
A The experts at Flogas
smaller ship. And the emergence of expedition cruises – those that explore the narrower and
(flogas.co.uk) say: A digital detox is essentially a period where you cut yourself off
vessels – offer ways to see and do things that
from technology – no texting, emailing or
are impossible by almost any other means.
social media use – with the aim to lower stress
The Brecon Beacons offers a chance to get away from it all
A handful of cruise lines are making
levels and take up ‘real world’ activities. This
significant changes in order to make their
has given rise to the digital detox holiday or
where-to-stay/white-house-hotel/
holidays greener and more efficient. Switching
tech-free tourism.
■ The
from disposable and plastic products to
If this is your first tech-free break, search
gazing – it’s also free of TVs. See herm.com/ Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales:
many glamping sites here embrace mindfulness
biodegradables and reusables, the use
for a place that specialises in digital detox
and nature, see breconbeacons.org
of biodiesels and the installation of solar
holidays to make it easier. Many hotels in the
■ Saddell:
panels on the ships are among the measures
UK are off-grid, using an LPG supplier instead
secluded cottages and lodges to rent, see
being adopted by cruise lines in an effort to
of a mains grid connection to provide energy
landmarktrust.org.uk/Search-and-
make the method of travel better for the
to their customers and helping them detach
Book/landmark-groups/saddell/
environment. Lindblad Expeditions, Royal
from busy city life. Here are our top picks:
■ Northumberland
Caribbean International and Holland America
■ Herm
can rent a tipi or yurt in tranquil woodlands,
Line are among the lines taking such steps.
House Hotel encourages yoga and star-
in the Channel Isles: The White
PIXABAY
less accessible waterways of the world in small
a small Scottish village with
National Park: here you
see northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk
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VISIT ENGLAND/VISIT YORK
Q&A
GROUP TRAVEL
When in York... Q Any ideas for group-friendly things
York Minster took more than 250 years
THE YORK DUNGEON
to do during a weekend in York?
to complete, and hour-long guided tours
Discover 2,000 years of York’s horrible history
Liz Martin, via email
give groups a taste of its 2,000-year history.
as costumed actors, special effects, stages
A GTW editor Helen Milbank says:
These are included in the admission price
and scenes create a 75-minute walk-through
of £11 (£10 if you book online), with
spectacle. There are discounts for groups of 10
Visit York has put together a number of
a tour of the tower and the Minster £16
or more. Visit thedungeons.com/york/en/
group-friendly itineraries on its website
(or £15 in advance). Find out more at
visityork.org, and offers a guide to the best
yorkminster.org
hotels for groups, as well as pubs, bars and
PLUS, DON’T MISS: ■ The
National Railway Museum,
restaurants, with an easy to use online search
JORVIK VIKING CENTRE
engine. And while the list of things to do in the
Here, groups can head back in time to Viking
■ York
city is endless, here are three of our favourites
age York, exploring the crowded streets of
yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
here at GTW HQ:
old Jorvik (the Viking name for York) and
■ Clifford’s Tower, www.english-heritage.org.
discovering the sights – and smells – of
uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/
the city as it stood 1,000 years ago. Visit
■ York’s
jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk
yorkschocolatestory.com
YORK MINSTER Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral,
nrm.org.uk Castle Museum.
Chocolate Story,
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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08/10/2018 16:11
Q&A
Proudly sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society
Camelias in bloom on Battleston Hill at RHS Garden Wisley
MEET OUR EXPERT Melissa Hackney is Groups
Sales & Marketing Manager at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Q Do you offer guided walks for groups
at the gardens in spring? Amy Locke, Horsham
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 could involve Q&As or focus on a particular aspect of the garden. Spring is a great time to visit with all the
Q Can you give me some tips for growing
camellias – and also tell me the best place to see them in bloom?
A Yes! We have a range of guided walks for
spring colour that starts to appear, and there
groups, which can be booked at any time of
as the Spring Plant Fairs and Craft Fairs. The
year. Our group garden tours are led by one of
nearest gardens for you would be Wisley,
camellias tend to grow best in shelter or light
our knowledgeable volunteer friends at all our
where the Spring Plant Fair runs from March
shade, although if they’re watered carefully
gardens, or you can book a more specialist tour
22-24, and the Spring Craft Fair from May 2-6.
they can survive in sunny positions. As they
with an expert gardener with a seasonal focus
Hyde Hall has a Spring Plant Fair from April
are ericaceous, they prefer an acid soil, but if
at Hyde Hall, Harlow Carr or Rosemoor, which
27-28, and a Spring Craft Fair from May 3-6.
your garden doesn’t have the right conditions,
are also events on at most of the gardens, such
Tony O’Regan, London
A Given that they’re woodland plants,
you can always grow them in a container. We recommend pruning after flowering,
Q When does your new garden in
four hectare Walled Kitchen Garden – one of
and you need to be quite careful with
Manchester open to groups?
the largest in the country – and also the
your watering as too much or too little
Jenny Cave, Nottingham
tree-lined garden approach.
(depending on the time of year) can damage
The good news for groups is that if you have
the buds. With some of the more sensitive
A We’re very excited about the opening of
a group of keen gardeners who would like to
cultivars, you may need to cover them
RHS Garden Bridgewater – set for summer
see this project during development and learn
with horticultural fleece if it’s frosty.
2020. Based at Worsley New Hall in Salford,
from the team working on it, we have just
it comprises 154 acres, and its creation is the
announced special pre-tours for a select
is Battleston Hill at RHS Garden Wisley
largest gardening project in Europe. It’s the first
number of groups. This will include a small
(as shown in the main image here). From
garden that the RHS has opened in some
exhibition and a guided walk around the garden
March to June – but looking its best in April
17 years and it will deliver benefits to the
and costs from £5pp for a minimum of 10.
and May – Battleston Hill has an incredibly
local community as it grows into a world class
Visits will be available on Mondays and select
vibrant range of colours. The soil there is acid,
garden. First steps include the restoration of the
weekdays on request, and capacity is limited.
so along with the camellias there are also
For group bookings email groups@rhs.org.uk
rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas.
As for seeing them, my favourite spot
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. Find out more on the website rhs.org.uk/groups or email groups@rhs.org.uk
GTW
of the An artist’s impression Garden design for the Kitchen water at RHS Garden Bridge
106-108 GTW Nov 18 Q&As.indd 108
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Discover the Re-Imagining
Special Group Rates
JORVIK Viking Centre is owned by York Archaeological Trust, a registered in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (No. SCO42846)
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Over to you
We want to hear from you!
Write, Facebook, Tweet or email helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com
STAR LETTER
On the rails T
HE LLANELLI & Mynydd Mawr Railway at
Workingmen’s Club, with members
Cynheidre hosted a visit by 25 members
coming from Swansea, Port Talbot,
of the Neath Great Western Retired Staff
the valleys and surrounding area. The
Club last month (see photo right).
club’s ethos is that anyone can join,
The group arrived by coach at the railway’s
whether they’re retired rail staff or not,
base at the former Cynheidre Colliery site,
and the emphasis is on enjoyment,
and enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of
with slide shows, talks and presentations,
Railway is now closed until December,
the workshop and heritage centre, before
as well as trips to heritage railways.
when its popular Santa Special trains
being treated to Brake Van rides behind
David Mee, via email
return from December 8-9. In addition to
resident Sentinel Diesel No. 10222. The Neath Great Western Retired Staff Club meet every Wednesday afternoon in Neath
the train ride, all kids get a gift from Santa. A WORD FROM THE ED: I’m reliably
See llanellirailway.co.uk – and turn to
informed the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr
page 18 for more heritage railways to visit.
Did you spot... ...our deliberate mistake* *By deliberate, we mean our editor Helen’s mistake, of course. This glorious image is in fact of the Isle of Skye, not the Isle of Man, as stated. Blame human PIXABAY
(editor) error. Sorry guys!
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Your shout Seaside Donkey Price: £12 Contact: seasidedonkey.co.uk
MINI BOOK REVIEW
GTW’s Helen says: When Wales announced it had opened a new coastal path, Hannah (a proud Welsh native) decided to explore every last inch, Chico the headstrong donkey in
tow. And by every last inch we mean all thousand-or-so-miles, all 410 stiles and all 783 kissing gates, each one unnavigable by donkey. Seaside Donkey is a funny, refreshingly unsentimental and often alarming story about mismatched companions, and the power of being bold and living simply. Chico’s
charming presence serves to break down barriers, sometimes literally, and it turns out that being tethered to a donkey yields a surprising wealth of unsolicited wisdom, sometimes painful and always profound. In short, this is a fantastic read. In fact, I loved it so much I bought the DVD too.
Making waves If you enjoyed our feature on river cruises on page 77, here are yet more suggestions for fabulous boat trips, as voted for by the members of Coach Buddy (join for free at coachbuddy.org.uk): ■ Gary
Baggott says: “I’d highly recommend
Broads Tours, based in Wroxham, Norfolk. They go the extra mile to look after your group, no matter what disability they have.” See broadstours.co.uk ■ Paul
Herrington says: “Princess River Cruises
on the Trent in Nottingham are well worth a look.” See princessrivercruises.co.uk ■ David
McKenna says: “Try a trip on
Tiverton Canal’s horse-drawn barge on
morning on the Bure Valley Railway.”
mobility scooters you have in your party. Plus
the banks of the Grand Western Canal
Find out more at bvrw.co.uk
you can buy afternoon tea on board. You get
in Devon.” See tivertoncanal.co.uk
■ Maggie
a choice of direction, up or down river, and
■ Lee
on the Thames are at Windsor. They have a
French Brothers is a lovely boat company
place where you can leave the coach and any
to go with.” See frenchbrothers.co.uk
Dabbs says: “We did the Norfolk
Broads tour, tied in with a ride in the
Hamilton says: “The best boats
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 Subscription query? Emma Parkes is here to help. Call her on 01733 293487 Need attraction & show tickets? Call Harley on 01733 293249
We’ve hit the rocks! Afro-Caribbean artist Roland Burt tours festivals and events with his work – and here he is pebble
Visit www.grouptravelworld.com follow Facebook.com/ grouptravelworld and see us on Twitter @GTWMagazine GTW
painting, with his copy of GTW in tow! See more of his work at grouptravelworld.com/gtwshop WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Puzzle time
Test your grey matter – answers on page 113
Try our quizzes and brain teasers every month
PICTURE QUIZ
PIXABAY
This stunning strip of land is known as La Coupée – but which two regions does it connect?
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 – and spooky – castles:
DUNVEGAN TINTAGEL KENILWORTH GLAMIS DOVER BOLSOVER WARWICK LEEDS WINDSOR
X S N A G E V N U D C T U Y T H T I E K S I E R D O V E R I L N K C I W R A W U G T B O L S O V E R E A S D E E L R T D I G L A M I S F X P Q E E I G R O E G W X L W I N D S O R I K E N I L W O R T H
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 December 1, 2018 or head online to grouptravelworld.com/competition. Last issue’s winner was Steve Capper from Devon.
112 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Puzzles
Crossword ACROSS
1 Superior of a monastery (5) 4 Type of gum (6) 9 Waterproof fabric (7) 10 Chocolate ingredient (5) 11 Yellowish citrus fruit (5) 12 Mysterious (7) 13 French national holiday (8,3) 17 Begin (4,3) 19 Brother of Moses (5) 20 Precipitous (5) 21 Blow up (7) 22 Go back (6) 23 Intestine (5)
DOWN
1 Ancient Greek sun god (6) 2 Eating disturbance (7) 3 Kidnapped (5) 5 Adapt for new use (7) 6 Cured pig meat (5) 7 Insane (5) 8 Unentitled (11) 14 Cavalry soldier (7) 15 Flight personnel (7) 16 Imaginary (6) 17 Intense light beam (5) 18 Proficient (5) 19 Unscripted (2,3)
QUICK QUIZ 2
Q The Belgian city of Bruges
Q Stunning Melk Abbey
to which port?
famous river?
3
4
is linked by the Baudouin Canal
in Austria sits on which
MARK ATKINS
PETER ATKINSON
1
Q Can you identify this famous Welsh castle?
Q Penelope Wilton starred in
Downton Abbey. Where was the series filmed?
hiding among the seals at Blakeney Point in Norfolk. 1. Zeebrugge; 2. The Danube; 3. Cardiff Castle; 4. Highclere Castle. Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harvey? In issue 189 (our October issue), Harvey was on page 84, Unreal, 17 Laser, 18 Adept, 19 Ad lib. Picture quiz: La CoupĂŠe connects Greater Sark to Little Sark in the Channel Islands. Quick quiz: 21 Enlarge, 22 Return, 23 Bowel. (Down) 1 Apollo, 2 Bulimia, 3 Taken, 5 Recycle, 6 Bacon, 7 Crazy, 8 Unqualified, 14 Trooper, 15 Aircrew, 16 Crossword solution: (Across) 1 Abbot, 4 Arabic, 9 Oilskin, 10 Cocoa, 11 Lemon, 12 Uncanny, 13 Bastille Day, 17 Lead off, 19 Aaron, 20 Steep,
Answers
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And finally...
WE FIND OUT WHAT THERE IS TO DO IN A SHORT SPACE OF TIME IN...
Reykjavik
O
■ The
famous Icelandic horses – tough,
hairy beasts who run in a unique tolt and dominate the country’s equine scene (Icelandic law prevents horses from being
NCE DEEMED A cultural and
dominate the landscape, and what capital
geographical backwater (even
on the Continent can claim to have icefields,
animals are not allowed to return).
by Scandinavians), Iceland and its
glaciers and volcanic thermal spas and
■ The
beguilingly attractive capital has rocketed
pools effectively within its ‘suburbs’?
but the name given to the volcanic crater
up city break league tables like a malevolent volcano in recent years.
However, night-time is when Reykjavik
imported into the country, and exported Road to ‘Hell’. Not the Chris Rea song,
near Askja, where you’ll overlook the newly
gets the chance to showcase its true capital
formed lava field of the 2014-2015 eruption.
qualities. Nights out here are anything but
■ Vatnajokull:
Well, while the wider availability of low-
provincial and Icelanders rightfully boast
outside Norway and familiar to Game of
cost flights has undoubtedly played a
that their fair city can ‘do’ nights out just as
Thrones fans as ‘Beyond the Wall’.
role, it is arguably Reykjavik’s distinctness
well as its big boy counterparts to the east.
So what’s the reasoning behind this?
that has turned heads most. Simply put,
The one big bonus Reykjavik has
people looking for something different
though is that, unlike London, Paris, et
in a city break have recognised that
all, it frequently plays host to the most
Reykjavik offers a travel experience few
fantastic night time show on Earth,
other continental cities can match.
the spectacular Northern Lights.
For instance, the city’s modest population
The largest glacier in Europe GTW
Who turned out the lights?
Watching the hypnotic multi-coloured
of just 300,000 makes it feel much more
shards of light dance and sway for your
intimate and safe than most European
pleasure is a treat you and your travel
capitals. The city’s dramatic setting, and its
buddies will never forget. Check in with the
proximity to so much sublime natural beauty
handy forecast at NorthernLightsIceland.com
is a key factor too. The sea and mountains
to get a heads-up on all things aurora.
PHOTOS: PIXABAY
WORDS: DARREN CALPIN
OUR PICK OF ICELAND’S TOP 3 MUST-SEES:
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ROYAL OPERA HOUSE TOURS BACKSTAGE TOUR Visit Backstage at one of the world’s leading theatres COVENT GARDEN LEGENDS AND LANDMARKS TOUR Step back into history and discover about the Royal Opera House and the legends of London’s Theatre Land in and around Covent Garden PRODUCTION PARK TOUR Discover the fascinating world of the craftspeople who create stunning costumes, scenery and sets VELVET, GILT AND GLAMOUR TOUR Enjoy a 45 minute tour of the auditorium BOOK TODAY Group rates available +44(0)20 7304 4002 Group catering quotes restaurants@roh.org.uk roh.org.uk/tours
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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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