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001 GTW Sep 18 Cover.indd 1
ADVENTURER ED STAFFORD: ‘WHY THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME’
Epic Castles Awe-inspiring but easy to explore with our 14-page guide
11/09/2018 18:36
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Please mention Group Travel World September 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 September 2018.indd 1 FP Template.indd
ABTA No. V4744
13/08/2018 07:44 13:34 14/09/2018
Welcome
A word from the editor It’s getting a bit crowded at my desk this
It seems fitting to give the final word to
month as I share the ed’s chair with the
‘Mr Wetherspoons’ himself: “Just when I
magazine’s newest recruit – the industry
thought my pen had run out of ink I bumped
legend that is Chris Wales.
into GTW’s editor, who clearly took pity and
Chris will be a familiar face to many of
offered me a column in her publication,”
you already, having graced the group travel
says Chris. “Obviously I jumped at the
scene for more years than he probably cares
opportunity, so here I am – thrilled to be
to remember – most recently as the Chief
back in print in what is, in my opinion, the
Executive of the Coach Tourism Association.
best group magazine in the industry.”
As our new roving reporter, he’ll be
■ 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
Group Travel World’s ambassador at industry
Editor: Helen Milbank
events up and down the UK, reporting
E. helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com
back via his new ‘Chris on tour’ column,
Designer: David Hiles E: david.hiles@d15design.com
which starts this issue (see page 68).
Thanks to: Darren Calpin, George Cooper, Adam Jacot de Boinod, Cindy Ng, Sue Parslow, Mike Pickup, John Sansom, Chris Wales and Angela Youngman
We’re chuffed to have him on board – and if you’d like to invite Chris to an event or attraction on behalf of the magazine (and see yourself in his roving reports, of course) you
ADVERTISING
can reach him on chris@chriswalespr.co.uk
Advertising Manager: Julie Cousins T: 01733 293242 E: julie.cousins@grouptravelworld.com
Page 6
Client Manager: Paige Fraser T: 01733 293245 E: paige.fraser@grouptravelworld.com 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 Subscriptions Manager: Emma Parkes T: 01733 293487 E: emma.parkes@grouptravelworld.com Marketing Executive: Emily Dougall T: 01733 293483 E: emily.dougall@grouptravelworld.com
PIXABAY
Page 26
GROUP TRAVEL OFFERS
Trade account managers: 01733 293249 MANAGEMENT
General Operations Manager: Harley Denham T: 01733 293249 E: harley.denham@grouptravelworld.com
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 HAN TA YLOR
This month’s cover star is Caernarfon Castle, now home to firebreathing dragons. Find out more on p24
© 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.
JONAT
MAIN COVER IMAGE: VISIT BRITAIN/LEE BEEL
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
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
003 GTW Sep 18 Welcome.indd 3
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WILL BURRARD-LUCAS
PIXABAY PIXABAY
84 We head to the seaside…
37 See Longleat’s big cats as never before
14 Explore Tuscany and Umbria on an Italian tour
110 Your letters, photos – and holidaying pets!
92 Discover the events planned for the Mayflower 400
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g e
Contents Regulars 6 Let’s go...
Head to the Isle of Man for views like no other
8 15 minutes with... Adventurer Ed Stafford
10 News
We catch up on the world of group travel
60 Hotel review
The LUMA Concept Hotel Hammersmith
61 Theatre news & reviews The latest from theatreland
68 Chris Wales on Tour
18 Go behind the scenes of Britain’s best-known TV shows, soap operas and films
News from industry legend Chris Wales
102 UKinbound
Stay in luxury at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
106 Expert Q&As
Your questions answered
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 Madrid on a mini-break to remember
Features 14 Saluti!
Explore the delights of Tuscany and Umbria
18 Backstage pass
Go behind the scenes on a location and film tour
24 Six of the best...
Days out for families and groups
32 School's out
The attractions school kids of all ages will love
37 A close call
See Longleat’s big cats as never before
40 A great deal
Group friendly villas, team building trips and more
44 Let's go...
A round-up of attractions ideal for groups
50 All well and good
Cruise the Rhine and come back fitter and slimmer
70 Heavens above
Take an ecclesiastical tour of the UK’s abbeys
74 Old glory
Stately homes, gardens and castles to explore
80 Dig deep
Head underground for a subterranean experience
84 Life’s a beach
Seaside spots worth a visit
88 An eastern delight
See why Cambridgeshire is ripe for the exploring
74 Visit the UK’s finest stately homes, including Bowood House in Wiltshire
92 All at sea
Events to mark the Mayflower 400
96 Eastern adventure
Vietnam by rail, from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
004-005 GTW Sep 18 Contents.indd 5
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12/09/2018 18:21
ISLE OF MAN
An island escape Words: Darren Calpin Photo: Pixabay/Frank Winkler
With some 40% of its 221 square miles uninhabited, the Isle of Man is a veritable paradise for nature lovers. Walkers, hikers and cyclists are particularly well catered for, with plenty of waymarked trails and cycling routes criss-crossing the tranquil and largely unspoilt countryside. Unsurprisingly, the night skies here are some of the clearest and brightest around. Indeed, the Isle of Man has the highest concentration of official dark sky sites in the British Isles (26), so it really is a stellar place to observe the heavens. You can even see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Being in the middle of the Irish Sea ensures the waters surrounding the island’s rugged coast have plenty to offer too. Along with kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing, the Isle of Man’s clear waters, abundant marine life and numerous shipwrecks make it a scuba diving hotspot. It’s also possible to watch basking sharks, dolphins and seals from the shore at certain times. The Calf of Man – a tiny islet off the main island’s most south westerly point – is a must-see. Blessed with Atlantic puffins, dark skies and its very own colony of seals, it’s a great spot for appreciating nature before and after the sun goes down. The hearty meals and handy floor-to-ceiling windows in the nearby Sound Café allow you to do it in comfortable style too.
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Let’s go...
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15 minutes with...
Ed Stafford The first man to walk the Amazon on foot, we meet the British adventurer and TV star who’s travelled the world – but loves coming home to the Leicestershire hills
T
RAVELLING OPENS MY mind; I never want
for years as a family and Bardsey Island was
to stop learning about the fascinating
a very special day of each holiday. I wish
and diverse planet we live on. But it has also taught me that there’s no place like
I had time to travel to more of the UK. I came out of the army as a captain and
arrested for suspected murder by one tribe
home. The rolling hills of Leicestershire
struggled to get a job in the City during a
and locked up in prison. Everyone thought
give me a sense of relaxation and ‘home’
financial recession. As a stop-gap I took
it was going to be snakes and jaguars that
that could never be replicated abroad.
a job leading a gap year expedition to the
would be my problem – but it was always
Belizean jungle for 18 to 24 year olds. It
people who posed the biggest dangers.
My favourite place in Britain is Bardsey Island. It lies off the top of the Llyn Peninsula
was the best decision I’ve ever made.
After two years of looking after my
and no-one lives there. To get there you have
Walking the length of the Amazon for
to take an old fishing boat, and you have just
two-and-a-half years was an utterly all-
Airways coming into Heathrow. I wouldn’t
a couple of hours to explore the bracken-
absorbing experience that took all my energy,
really have cared, but loads of mates had
covered, rain-drenched island before they
wit, initiative and determination to achieve.
come to see me arrive and they were waiting
take you home. We holidayed in Aberdaron
Although I look back on it fondly, it was a damp and mosquito-bitten prison sentence
Ed is a Guinness World Record holder, having become the first man to walk the Amazon – an achievement that also won him the European Adventurer of the Year award
rucksack in the Amazon, it was lost by British
ages outside with their little Union Flags. I kind of feel experienced enough to ride out
for most of the 860 days. I got held up at
little dramas like this now. After you’ve been
gun point by drugs traffickers, held up at
bombed by the Taliban in Afghanistan, losing
arrow point by indigenous tribes and even
your luggage fades into the background.
GTW
8 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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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
FP Template.indd 9
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News
ANDY ABBOTT
Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre
Get in the Christmas spirit Located in the heart of Bury St Edmunds
More than 300 stalls will line the town’s
of information including maps and offer
in Suffolk, the cathedral town’s Christmas
medieval streets, gardens and famous St
vouchers. For more on bringing a coach party
fayre runs from November 22-25 this year,
Edmundsbury Cathedral, as well as The
see burystedmundschristmasfayre.co.uk
showcasing traditional and contemporary
Athenaeum, historic Abbey Gate, medieval
arts, crafts and gifts as well as a selection
Moyse’s Hall, The Apex and the contemporary
well as other things to see and do in Bury
of food and drink from the local area and
Arc shopping centre. Pre-booked coach
St Edmunds and the surrounding area, see
around the world.
parties are welcome and will receive a pack
www.burystedmundsandbeyond.co.uk
For information on where to stay, as
THIS MONTH WE LOVE…
Painshill Park is to host the 2019 Group Buyer Forum South
...Top tipple Nelson’s Gin ‘Rhubarb & Custard’, which has been awarded Silver Outstanding certification in the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018. It’s produced by Staffordshirebased Nelson’s Gin Distillery & Gin School (nelsonsgin.co.uk).
British Youth Travel Awards now open! GTW’s General Operations Manager Harley
Network in style Steve Reed Tourism’s 2019 Group Buyer Forum South event takes place on April 29
Denham will be one of this year’s judges for the British Youth Travel Awards, which planners from around the country. “Painshill is set to provide a top
are co-ordinated by the British Educational Travel Association (BETA).
at the stunning Painshill Park near Cobham
class backdrop to what is a structured
in Surrey, famed for its award-winning
and business-like event for tourism
organisations engaged in youth, student and
landscaped gardens.
businesses and tour buyers,” says
educational travel to, from and within the
Steve. The day will include a tour of the
UK, and are open to all UK based companies,
helping GTOs, as well as coach and
site, lunch and refreshments, as well
representing individuals that are collectively
tour operators, plan their tours and
as a River Thames cruise. To find out
worth over £22.3 billion to the UK economy
excursions – will see attractions,
more call 01420 560288 or email
each year. Nominations can now be made
hotels and destinations meet with tour
steve@stevereedtourism.co.uk
– turn to page 32 to find out more or see
The event – which is geared towards
The awards celebrate and reward the
britishyouthtravelawards.com 10 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
010-012 GTW Sep 18 News.indd 10
11/09/2018 18:42
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14/09/2018 07:47
News GTW EXCLUSIVE
WIN!
Free for you!
We have 5 pairs of tickets to give away to The Festive Gift Fair
This pretty necklace
worth £9.99
is yours for free* *Just pay £4.99 p&p
One of the most popular Christmas shopping events in the UK, this year’s Festive Gift Fair heads to the Birmingham NEC from
This month, treat yourself to this pretty flamingo charm pendant, which hangs on a dainty silver chain. It’s yours for free
November 15-18. With more than 300 stands, visitors can shop for everything from festive food to quirky gifts, while they’re serenaded by festive music. If you’re not one of our lucky winners, tickets start at £9 in
■ To
advance and you can buy three and get one
competition before the closing date,
enter: go to grouptravelworld.com/
free. Find out more at festivegiftfair.co.uk
October 19, 2018.
See the collection for yourself at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge
Art on the big screen
(just pay £4.99 p&p and order before October 19, 2018)
Exhibition On Screen, the film series that brings the world’s best art to the big screen, returns for a sixth season this autumn. The series opens with Degas: Passion for Perfection, released in cinemas on November 6, which goes behind the scenes of the UK’s most extensive Degas collection at The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. Revealing EXHIBITION ON SCREEN/DAVID BICKERSTAFF
Degas’ obsessive experimentation with new techniques and study of the old masters, the film explores how he perfected his craft and ultimately became of the most influential
Buy any additional two for £14.99
artists of the 19th century. It will be shown in more than 175 cinemas nationwide, including Curzon, Everyman, Odeon and Vue cinemas.
AND THERE’S MORE!
Find out more at exhibitiononscreen.com
Going underground
Explore Sicily with Historical Trips
Bumblebee charm
Bird charm
Elephant charm
Dolphin charm
£9.99
Next month sees The Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland,
£9.99
County Durham launch a Breaking Ground – Women of the Northern Coalfields. The
PIXABAY
new temporary exhibition
to March 24, 2019), examines
Historical Trips
the often misunderstood role of
Offering expert-led tours with fascinating itineraries
19th century women in the coal
that explore the history that’s shaped us, Historical Trips
mining industry. Find out more at
has unveiled its 2019 programme – from the Mafia’s
aucklandproject.org/
stomping ground in Sicily to the ‘hero or villain?’ question
Mining-Art-Gallery
that hangs over the head of Richard III. To find out more
exhibition (from October 13
call 01722 713820 or visit historicaltrips.com
GTW
£9.99
£9.99
TO ORDER GO TO:
grouptravelworld.com/gtwshop
12 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
010-012 GTW Sep 18 News.indd 12
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Explore one of the greatest royal residences ever built Walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII and discover the magnificence of Hampton Court Palace
For agent enquiries and group bookings email groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk call 020 3166 6311 or book online at www.hrp.org.uk FP Template.indd 13
14/09/2018 08:10
Saluti!
Adam Jacot de Boinod explores the delights of Tuscany and Umbria, before the hordes arrive...
I
TOOK MYSELF OFF to Chiantishire
About our writer Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the first BBC television series QI, hosted by Stephen Fry. He wrote The Meaning Of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words From Around The World, published by Penguin Books.
First up came a stay at Castello di
the famous piazza where the two annual
Spaltenna, a beautiful boutique hotel
palio are staged, surrounded by dramatic
flurry of British tourists who take delight
beside the Romanesque parish church of
steep cobbled streets and harmonious
in the Tuscan countryside – with its light
Santa Maria, a 1040 monastery currently
Siena brown buildings. And nice and close
green vineyards, sunburnt wheat fields and
awaiting restoration. From here it was
by was my car – as it’s best to park right
long rows of trees comprising of upright
easy to take myself off to Siena, where I
by the San Domenico football stadium.
cypresses, tall poplars and parasol pines.
walked back up from the dipping ‘campo’,
While in Siena I can recommend eating
PIXABAY
earlier this summer – so called after the
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Italy at the Baggoga, named after a famous local
the Romans, and then onto Isola Maggiore,
jockey and restaurateur, and managed by his
where St Francis came to meditate in 1211.
son Francesco Fagnani: “Chefs are French, I am a cook” was the boast from the kitchens. Baggoga carries the symbol of Vetrina
FORMER POWER AND GLORY
It was quite an adventure to get to my next location: Tenuta di Murlo, where the ploughed land carved out of the sloping contours allowed my imagination to run
With regard to what one Italian liked to tell
wild – they suggested a sense of infinity I
Toscana, a government-backed scheme to
me was ‘the nature,’ in contrast with Tuscany,
have only witnessed while being dwarfed
promote the more authentic aspects of the
Umbria is more dishevelled and rustic, steeper
by the range of Africa’s savannas.
region’s locally sourced food and wine – of
in hills, narrower in valleys and with more
which Francesco offered up a white Anna
forests. All punctuated with tidy hill towns of
brand new restaurant in a square farmhouse
2013 and a red Brunello di Montalcino 2012.
pinkish grey stone, several of which I could
with a blooming garden. The fireplace and
spot at a time, crowning the peaks.
the thunder outside instantly took me to
Crossing into Umbria the motorway hugged Lake Trasimene and the fresh air and
In comparison with her Tuscan
A mile downhill I discovered Il Caldero, a
winter and the snug potential of the interior.
teal-coloured water drew me off route like a
neighbour, Umbria’s abbeys, monasteries
magnet to stumble upon a local restaurant
and castles are equally scattered, lending
LIKE AN OIL PAINTING...
before boarding a ferry at Passignano.
their medieval character over the fields
Onto Assisi, and I went to ascend the citadel
and hilltops as a constant reminder
with its clean, harmonious and monochrome
of their former power and glory.
stone. I had come to see the lovely Basilica,
I took a return journey to Tuoro, the scene of Hannibal’s famous victory over
San Gimignano in Tuscany, with its 13 medieval towers, is known as the Medieval Manhattan
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
014-016 GTW Sep 18 Tuscany.indd 15
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Italy
GET ME THERE: ■ Classic
Collection Holidays offers three
nights at Castello Del Nero Hotel & Spa PIXABAY
and three nights at Castello di Spaltenna in Tuscany from £1,849 per person. Price
Assisi’s Basilica is home to St Francis’ tomb
based on two adults sharing on a bed and breakfast basis and includes return flights from London Gatwick to Pisa and car hire
perched on her own hillside, with her crypt
A MEDIEVAL MANHATTAN
for the duration of the holiday. Call 0800
possessing St Francis’s tomb. I ate at, and
Next, I popped in on San Gimignano, with the
047 1064 or visit classic-collection.co.uk
strongly recommend, the fresh local food
13 medieval towers (out of the original 76)
■ Adam
of Il Frantoio, a short walk from the main
in full prominence, justifying its sobriquet of
heathrowexpress.com, gatwickexpress.
tourist trail with a spectacular view onto
Medieval Manhattan, and where tower once
com and holidayextras.co.uk, who offer
the fields beyond.
meant power amongst the rival households
had further support from
airport lounges at all major UK airports
Back across to Tuscany to stay, finally, at
vying for status. The shops were promoting the artist
and many international destinations –
Castel Monastero Resort and Spa. It has an
see the website or call 0800 1313 777.
inner courtyard, which is a great place to have
Aldo Ezio Conelli, whose pleasing naïve
■ For
breakfast, and resembles both a piazza and
renditions of Tuscany tempted me beyond
and places mentioned here, see Castello
an enclosure. My room looked straight out at,
my budget, as did the fabulous ice creams
di Spaltenna (spaltenna.it/en/home);
and down, a path of infinite possibilities, with
at Dondoli in Piazza della Cisterna.
Baggoga (ristorantebagoga.it);
a house at the end that seemed to open one
Tenuta di Murlo (murlo.com);
more shutter each day like an advert calendar.
Augustino, in its eponymous large, empty
With my hotel having a break on Sunday
piazza, a quiet breathing space where the
more on the hotels, restaurants
Il Caldero (www.ilcaldaro.it); Il Frantoio
I had a light lunch at the Locanda di Sant’
(ristoranteilfrantoioassisi.it);
evening I came across the nearby restaurant
buildings have layers of faded plaster to
Castel Monastero Resort and Spa
Podere Lecci e Brocchi, a family concern
reflect the wear and tear of time. Genziana,
(www.castelmonastero.com/en/home);
offering wonderful and honest local fare. They
the characterful owner, paid careful attention
Podere Lecci e Brocchi (www.
make their own olive oil and Chianti Classico
to create a lovely dish of spaghetti with pea
vinolecciebrocchi.it), and Locanda di Sant’
wine, but its overriding appeal for me were
sauce and truffle oil. It’s marvellous how
Augustino (locandasantagostino.it)
the patchwork of fields opposite, in clear
Italian cuisine knows how to make something
yellow, brown and green, like an Ivon Hitchens
so delicious out of such simple ingredients.
oil painting and almost a Howard Hodgkin.
Another string to the Tuscan bow.
16 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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FP Template.indd 17
14/09/2018 07:49
at Fancy a fictional pint The Woolpack?
Backstage
pass
PIXABAY/TIM HILL
From British telly shows to multi-million pound movies, the UK’s film and TV industry is thriving. And off the back of this, location and studio tours are now more popular, and more varied, than ever...
Head to the Yorkshire Dales, home to long-running soap Emmerdale
18 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Days out Words: Darren Calpin
I
Guided tours of the scenic farming village
however you’ll find the Rovers Return and
take around 90 minutes. During this time
Roy’s Rolls over at MediaCity, a state-of-
F YOU’RE A fan of soap operas, the north
you can get up-close-and-personal with
the-art development on the banks of the
of England is definitely the place to have
The Woolpack, Bob’s Café, and the village
Manchester Ship Canal in Salford and Trafford.
a peek behind the net curtains of two of
church, and saunter around the rows of stone
Britain’s most enduring melodramas.
cottages pretending to be a long-lost Dingle.
For many years, Emmerdale, ITV’s much-
It has to be said that, as far as TV sets go,
Along with Coronation Street and Rosamund Street, the 80-minute set tour lets you have a nosey around the new
loved portrayal of rural life in the Yorkshire
this one, with its cute stone-clad shops
Victoria Street expansions, home of
Dales, was filmed in the quaint village of
and rolling green hills, is definitely one of the
Weatherfield Police Station and Weatherfield
Esholt. However, increased popularity and
most picturesque around.
North tram stop, not to mention a curry
ever-rising visitor numbers eventually made filming scenes there impossible. In 1997, shooting was relocated to a purpose-built village set within the Harewood
Tours are available on certain weekends between March and October. Pre-book online at emmerdalestudioexperience.co.uk
house, tattoo shop and a Costa coffee! Naturally, selfie opportunities abound, and your guide will be more than happy to dish the dirt on beloved storylines and share
Estate in Leeds. Here, cast and crew can go
VISIT THE FAMOUS COBBLES
about their business without disturbance,
Manchester is, of course, home to television’s
and visitors – on weekends, at least – can get
longest running soap opera, Coronation
open its doors for 2019 on limited dates.
their fan fix without fear of getting it in the
Street. Up until 2014, the set of ‘Corrie’
Tours run between 9am and 6pm on selected
ear from an irked director!
resided within Granada Studios; these days
weekend days, once the cast and crew
behind-the-scenes secrets. Coronation Street The Tour will once again
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Days out Tour Britain’s most famous inn at MediaCity on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal
have downed scripts. Availability is strictly limited and tours (for groups of 15-50) can be booked via the dedicated groups team on 01904 261262. Find out more at coronationstreettour.co.uk
ENJOY A COASTAL DRAMA Taking a side trip to a coastal filming location can be a great way to add some variety to your next UK seaside break. Eerie, moving and utterly engrossing, Broadchurch has undoubtedly been one of most riveting additions to British television drama in recent years. While the complex
Broadchurch has made this stretch of Jurassic Coast famous
plot twists, engrossing characters and sassy exchanges between David Tennant and Olivia Coleman account for much of the show’s huge
Coast, with much of the action taking place
success, it is perhaps the dramatic coastal
in and around the small town of West Bay.
setting which lingers most powerfully in
It’s here that you’ll find familiar locales like the
tour and you’ll get to hear behind-the-scenes
viewers’ memories.
police station and newsagents, and it’s here
gossip and even visit the café where the story
you’ll see the landmark ‘Death Cliff’ loom large
was written. LL Tours run 90-minute walking
swept hills and cobalt sea vistas were all shot
over the town. You can easily take a stroll
tours year-round. Visit literarylyme.co.uk
on location along Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic
around and explore key sights by yourself.
or call 07763 974569 to book a place.
Unsurprisingly, those moody cliffs, wind-
Even better, take advantage of an organised
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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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Days out IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?
Potter fans step inside...
With no less than eight successful series under its belt to date, Doc Martin really has made ITV’s coveted ‘cosy Sunday night telly’ spot its own since it first aired back in 2004. Fans of the show love the way it combines a quaint, quintessentially British ambience with contemporary storylines. Martin Clunes’ sublime turn as the grouchy, pugnacious big-city doctor with a fear of blood (and interacting with locals) is a big hit with viewers too. But where is the damn thing filmed I hear you ask... Well, the sleepy fictional seaside village of Portwenn featured throughout the series is actually Port Isaac, a traditional
which is just as well as they’re sold via the
Great Hall, you know you’re in for a spell-
fishing village on the north Cornish coast
May Contain Nuts pasty shop on Fore Street.
binding experience. Dumbledore’s Office and
that’s so scenic it should probably come
the Forbidden Forest are here too, as are the
with an exposure warning. Truly, this
EPIC MOVIE MAGIC
charming little place, with its 18th century
With more witchcraft and wizardry than
even ride on Harry’s Nimbus 2000 broomstick
cottages squeezed along narrow alleys and
you can shake a wand at, there’s one studio
and sit on Hagrid’s flying motorcycle if you like.
winding steep hillsides, is so beautiful it’s
tour in the realm that (dark) lords it over
It is, however, the Diagon Alley set, a fantastical
worth visiting even if you’ve never seen
all the others...
arcing side street of colourful boutiques with
an episode of Doc Martin in your life. Guided tours of the show’s key locations
Set within the cavernous Warner Bros.
Hogwarts Express and Platform 93/4. You can
quirky facades and magical goods, which tends
Studios near Watford, The Making of Harry
to generate the most excitement. This is the
have a distinctly local feel. Indeed, the
Potter Studio Tour gives fans and ‘muggles’
part of the tour where kids go crazy, grown
most popular tour to date is provided by a
alike the chance to peep inside J K Rowling’s
adults come over all giddy and obsessive
charismatic local fisherman called John who,
imagination and see how the most talented
teenagers weep into their iPhones.
as well as working on the show, also sings in
movie technicians in the world managed to
an internationally-renowned sea shanty folk
bring the best-selling books to life.
band (they’ve had a Top Ten album). Tickets for
From the moment you walk through the
his 60- to 90-minute tours sell like hot cakes,
vast doors that lead into Hogwarts’ awesome
Suffice to say, you’ll need to devote the best part of a day to make the most of a tour like this. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit wbstudiotour.co.uk GTW
Cornwall’s Port Isaac: well worth a visit whether you’re a fan of the Doc or not
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GREAT GROUP DEALS AVAILABLE
29 Nov - 2 Dec | Birmingham NEC
ON SPECTACULAR EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Call our groups team now on or email or search “The Ticket Factory Groups”
*calls cost 7p per minute plus standard network charges
TT000682 - Groups Half Page Ad_178x130_August_AW.indd 1
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SIXbest of the
DAYS OUT FOR FAMILIES & GROUPS
The castle’s polygonal towers were considered a real cut above back in the 13th century
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Days out The best of British
Historic castles, floating palaces... explore the UK’s top family attractions and theme parks as our 14-page special starts here
1
Hugely popular in the 1960s and ’70s, Dreamland Margate, which dates back to the 1920s, has
Caernarfon Castle
now been lovingly redeveloped,
Now home to a family of holographic, fire breathing dragons...
with many of its original rides fully restored. Today, it’s one of Kent’s leading
A sheer brute of a fortress, Caernarfon Castle
to take control of holographic, fire breathing
attractions, with this beachfront
– which is this month’s GTW cover star – is
dragons. The castle’s open all year round.
site home to a scenic railway
unashamedly proud of its intimidating looks.
Find out more, and download its group
(the oldest rollercoaster in the
Indeed, by throwing his weight around in stone
visitors’ guide, at cadw.gov.wales/
UK, no less), fairground rides,
back in the 1200s, King Edward I created one
daysout/caernarfon-castle
eateries, a roller room, indoor
of Wales’ most impressive castles.
And while you’re visiting this formidable
children’s play zones and more,
fortress, don’t miss the opportunity to see
with a full events programme
Harlech Castle, Conwy Castle and Beaumaris
the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which
throughout the year. Entry’s from
Castle), this Gwynedd attraction is now home
is housed in two of the castle’s towers and
as little as £5 and there are rides
to a new 3D attraction that allows visitors
included in the price of a castle visit.
and events suitable for all ages.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with
See www.dreamland.co.uk
2
Hampton Court Palace
Join Henry VIII for a Christmas party like no other
All festive activities are included in the admission price from early December until the beginning of January (excluding December 24, 25 and 26), and groups of 15 or more get
PHOTOS: VISIT BRITAIN
Hampton Court Palace in Surrey is all set to
musicians and jesters bring the attraction’s
a special rate. Book in advance at hrp.org.uk/
sparkle over the festive season, as the smell of
history to life in the State Rooms...
hampton-court-palace/visit/group-visits
winter spices fills the cloisters and courtyards,
Hampton Court’s much-loved
And did you know? Hampton Court
and the Tudor State Apartments are decked
Christmas Food Fayre returns from
Palace’s famous ice rink opens from
out in their finery. Join Henry VIII’s cooks
December 7-9, and a special musical
November 23 to January 6, 2019. Book
as they prepare for a feast, while courtiers,
weekend runs from December 15-16.
your session online at hrp.org.uk WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Days out Jousting, Warwick Castle-style
Potter fans can indulge their dark side this autumn
Above: The castle’s birds of prey are trained near the peak of Pen Y Ghent in the Pennines
3
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Bring out your inner wizard
It’s the real thing...
Later this month, fans of Death Eaters, daring
GTW’s Jonathan Taylor travels back in time at Warwick Castle
duels and Hallowe’en feasts are invited to explore the Wizarding World as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry
I hadn’t been to Warwick Castle since my
point of the Pennines). We also watched a
Potter hosts a special feature dedicated to
children were young, so I was interested
jousting knights show, which was a quick, but
the Dark Arts.
to go again several years later. It’s still the
loose, canter through some Plantagenent
magnificent, imposing full-scale medieval
history. All great fun. We also walked round
the Great Hall set will be decorated with
building it’s always been – but it’s made
the various castle rooms open to the public,
more than 100 floating pumpkins, as seen in
even more dramatic by the way the entrance
with displays that are well presented and as
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
is now designed.
hands-on as possible.
As you pass from the ticket hall through
From September 28 to November 10,
Created by head prop maker Pierre
The popularity of the site means parking
Bohanna, the pumpkins are modelled on
to the castle you get a jaw-dropping view of
is some way off, and in our case it was a
those found in Hagrid’s pumpkin patch in
walls, turrets and towers. It really sets your
15-20 minute walk from car to entrance
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
imagination running and takes you back to
(something to bear in mind if your party
The Great Hall tables will also be laden
tales of kings, queens, princes, princesses
includes older members).
with a Hallowe’en feast, and visitors are
and knights in shining armour. Merlin Entertainments has developed
Overall, Merlin has kept the castle intact and so, instead of getting a trip to a made-up
invited to take part in a live duel with Death Eaters. Find out more at wbstudiotour.co.uk
the site and grounds to provide a full day of
Disney fairytale attraction, at Warwick you
family entertainment. We watched the birds
absolutely get the real thing. And if you, or
exclusive costume evenings on October 6
of prey display, with huge eagles flying all
your group, would like to go, the ticket prices
and 7 – and come dressed as their favourite
round the castle (they live and are trained
are very much lower than normal if you use
Harry Potter witch, wizard, Muggle or creature.
near the peak of Pen Y Ghent, the highest
our grouptraveloffers.com ticket site.
Tickets are available from wbstudiotour.
Potter fans can also book for one of two
co.uk/celebration-of-costume
4
Cadbury World
The next few months just got sweeter...
A West Midlands favourite, Cadbury World has announced its autumn/winter line-up, with children’s TV superstar Rastamouse making his debut at the attraction on selected days this month and into October (see the website for details), and its Halloween Spooktacular running from October 30 to November 4. From October 27 to November 4, Character Breakfasts will also be back on the menu: tuck into a breakfast treat while meeting family favourites Freddo, the Caramel Bunny and Mr Cadbury’s Parrot. Christmas Celebration Weekends run every Saturday and Sunday from November 17 to December 16 (as well as December 21-23), and all this extra entertainment is included
Breakfast at Cadbury’s...
in the ticket price – with special discounts for groups of 15 or more. See cadburyworld.co.uk/schools-and-groups
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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
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*
PEMBROKESHIRESA62 4AS 01437 751326 WWW.PICTONCASTLE.CO.UK EMAIL INFO@PICTONCASTLE.CO.UK REG. CHARITY NO: 519693
Find out more at cadburyworld.co.uk Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR
*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
New Lanark Mills World Heritage Site
06576_02 CadburyWorld_DiveInto_PressAd_2018_134x93mm.indd 1
10/01/2018 10:02
Discover Scotland’s Hidden Past
New Lanark Mills World Heritage Site is a unique 18th century mill village sitting alongside the picturesque River Clyde less than one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Visitors can see recreated millworkers’ houses, historic working machinery and the nearby ‘Falls of Clyde’ waterfalls. On-site facilities include a Mill Café & Shops, Hotel and Hostel.
Contact Lynne Cooper, our Travel Trade Manager to discuss your group’s visit. 01555 667220 | lynne.cooper@newlanark.org | www.newlanark.org
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Days out
Explore brick by brick
This month, Efteling, the fairytale
5
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Where everyone’s favourite blocks come to life
theme park in the south of Holland, will launch a new show, CARO, at its on-site theatre, featuring dancers, music and acrobats, see efteling.com. And
With more than 55 rides, attractions and shows, there’s something for everyone at this world-
Jet2CityBreaks has just announced a new
class resort, from the Atlantis submarine ride to the many lands – including LEGO City,
partnership with the theme park, giving
which includes the new LEGO NINJAGO World. This features LEGO NINJAGO The Ride: the first attraction in the UK to use 4D effects of heat, smoke and wind, alongside state of the art hand gesture technology, so you can virtually throw fire balls, shock waves, ice and lightning using nothing but your hands. This has been an exciting year for the resort, with new attractions including Miniland’s two new areas: USA and Explore the World. There are also two hotels on site, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel and the Castle Hotel. Find out more at legoland.co.uk ■ See
our special LEGOLAND review next issue – out mid-October.
6
families unlimited free access when they stay at the Efteling Hotel.
Arm bands at the ready! Head to Europe’s biggest themed waterpark – Waterworld – based in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. easyJet and Ryanair offer cheap flights to the island. Find out more at waterworldwater park.com
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Party like a royal on board this floating palace
See jet2holidays.com/ poi/amsterdam/efteling
German park life Based in Rust, in southwestern Germany, Europa-Park
is the largest of its kind in the country. Home to rollercoasters – including the new CanCan Coaster – water rides and thrill rides, the park also has daily
Step aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia
shows and vast themed areas. In fact, visitors
this Christmas and follow in the
can trek across the whole of Europe in just a
footsteps of the British royal family as
few hours as they explore the French, English,
you tour the State Apartments, as seen
Greek, Dutch and Italian-themed areas. Find
in Netflix series The Crown.
out more at europapark.de
Listen to the free audio guides, available in 30 languages, while you tour the five accessible decks and
WIN!
imagine life as one of the 220 Royal
The Web Adventure Park in York is home
Yachtsmen who served on board. See
to indoor and outdoor play centres, an
the Engine Room and Royal Sailing
animal zone, water play area, high ropes
Exhibition before heading to the Royal
course and more. It welcomes groups and
Deck Tea Room, with its waterfront
school visits – and we have a family pass
views to the Firth of Forth and Fife.
to the park to give away.
Tour Britannia on a special
The pass (for two adults and two
Christmas weekend, from December
children) can be used any time before
8-9, and enjoy a complimentary
the end of June 2019. To enter, go to
glass of mulled wine and buttery
grouptravelworld.com/competition
shortbread in the Crew’s Quarters. To book your group’s visit with Pete and Laura, call 0131 555 8800 or email groups@tryb.co.uk
before November 1, 2018. And to It’s been voted Visit Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for the past 12 years running
find out more about the park, see webadventurepark.co.uk
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Discover the wonder of Waxy O’Connor’s... Group Rates & Set Menus available Large Seating Capacity Private Dining Areas
02074780767 SALESLONDON@WAXYOCONNORS.CO.UK 14-16 RUPERT STREET, LONDON, W1D 6DD WWW.WAXYOCONNORS.CO.UK/LONDON
Santa STEAM SPECIALS
AT KEIGHLEY WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY! Enjoy a steam train ride with Father Christmas and his elves. A wonderful festive experience with magical music and decorations, presents for the children and mince pies with a drink for the grown-ups.
Book now to avoid disappointment!
kwvr.co.uk
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01535 645214 admin@kwvr.co.uk
14/09/2018 11:00
Days out
Wild times
It’s a Gruffalo, didn’t you know ...
GTW’s Ellie Calpin heads to Chessington World of Adventures, with dad Darren in tow... “
T
HERE’S A ZEBRA. There’s another – three
Wanayama Village area after the
of them!” “Look, giraffes!” My four-year-old
main park shuts. Free nightime
daughter, Ellie, is beside herself, gazing out over
entertainment and early access to
a dozen or so exotic animals on a savannah-
six of the theme park’s rides an hour
esque landscape less than 200 metres away.
before the public are allowed in are
Amazingly though, we’re not on an African safari, nor are we at a UK zoo or safari park;
also part of the deal. After a swim in the hotel’s modest
we’re sitting comfortably in a relaxed atrium
indoor pool (pre-booking required),
lounge, looking through wall-to-ceiling windows
we got to know the meerkats,
at the Safari Hotel, our home for the night at
antelope and monkeys in Wanayama
Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey.
Village and did some party dances
We’re here as a birthday treat – Ellie turns
and a family quiz back at the hotel,
five tomorrow. “Can we get closer, Daddy?” she
before finally retiring to our safari-
asks, excitedly. After a quick recce I realise we
inspired guest rooms, replete with
can. We stroll through a laid-back restaurant/
animal-themed bunk beds.
bar and then out onto a deck and viewing area
We awoke early the next
that brings the majestic yet largely ambivalent
day and, following a surprisingly
animals almost within touching distance.
unchaotic buffet breakfast (included), made
stomach-churning outing on a swaying pirate
our way into the park – an hour before it
ship, which had both Ellie and I screaming like
ambience and near absence of anyone else in
opened to Joe Public. Sadly, the weather had
five-year-olds!
this ‘hotel guests only’ area; this feels like the
turned, but Ellie, wearing her ‘I AM 5’ badge
complete opposite of what I was expecting
with pride, wasn’t bothered. Our first stop was
became busier and queues became longer. Even
from a theme park break.
the Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, a charming
so, we never waited more than 10 minutes
and entirely leisurely riverboat ride through the
for anything we went on. Sadly, Ellie wasn’t
staying at Chessington’s two hotels. In addition
‘deep dark wood’ with animatronic models,
tall enough to go on some rides, such as the
to the jaw-dropping views and free parking,
digital projections and film clips. Next came
newly-opened Tiger Rock flume ride in the Land
hotel guests also get to wander around the
turns on a couple of carousel rides and a
of the Tiger part of the park. We did however,
With the lazy evening sunshine, peaceful
This, I find out, is just one of the perks of
With the gates now open, the park suddenly
courtesy of a thick glass window, manage to get very close to three of the four endangered Amur tigers who call the sprawling enclosure home. Magical. Although Chessington isn’t as big as some other UK theme parks, it offers a lot in the way of variety, with rides, play arenas, aquariums, game stalls, shows, petting zoos, displays, talks and treasure hunts all on hand. Even with the rain (which lasted all day) we were never short of things to do. The half-hour Gruffalo Groove song-and-dance show was a big hit with Ellie (she got to meet him after), as was being able to stroke starfish in the Sealife Centre. We spent quite a bit of time in a chaotic temple arena filled with kids firing soft balls at each other from pneumatic cannons too, and ended up going on the old-fashioned dodgems a number of times as well. The day culminated with a drive on a safari truck around the same reserve we had seen from our hotel. This time, along with the giraffes and zebras, Ellie and Darren get set for a day for fun
our bumping, bouncing truck got us up-closeand-personal with two huge rhinos. “Wow!” said Ellie. The perfect end to a perfect day.
GTW
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HALLOWEEN at the Best Theme Park Worldwide! NEW 2018
GERMANY‘S LARGEST THEME PARK 18 THEMED AREAS
OVER 100 ATTRACTIONS AND SHOWS DREAMLIKE OVERNIGHT STAYS
europapark.com
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Ragley Hall Park & Gardens, Warwickshire, B49 5NJ
26.07.18 11:24
events@ragley.co.uk 01789 762090 www.ragley.co.uk
Inspiring days out for groups at RHS Gardens
Save up to 50% on repeat visits*
Start planning your group visit today
www.rhs.org.uk/groups 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
Family home of the Marquess & Marchioness of Hertford. Group Tours available all year round with optional Cream Teas, Lunches and Head Ga Gardener talks.
SAVE UP TO QP Template.indd 31
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Days out Kentwell Hall brings history to life
Kentwell Hall was a finalist in the School Travel Awards 2017/2018 in the Best Heritage Venue Category
British Youth Travel Awards
School’s out!
We explore the attractions school children of all ages will love, from historic houses and battlefields to Armada invasions
K
The British Youth Travel Awards, coordinated by the British Educational Travel Association (BETA), are designed to celebrate and reward high achievers and raise the profile of the work and individual successes of organisations engaged in youth, student and educational travel to, from and within the UK. The competition is open to all UK based stakeholders that can demonstrate excellence in their chosen field during the past year. From creating new and
ENTWELL HALL IS Suffolk’s hidden gem:
cedar tree in the UK – which depicts the Tower
innovative products and programmes
a privately owned, moated Tudor manor
of Babel – as well as an original ice house. The
for young travellers, to outstanding
house that dates back to the 1500s and has
gardens open from early February, with visitors
examples of customer service and
been lovingly restored over 40 years by its
able to enjoy the snowdrop paths before drifts
responding to the needs of these
current owners, who’ve filled it with works
of daffodils cover the grounds and moat banks.
important individuals – individuals
of art, as well as artefacts and tapestries.
For more than 40 years, Kentwell has
that are collectively worth over £22.3
produced historical recreations that are
billion to the UK economy each year.
the original Tudor kitchen with its enormous
scheduled through year. These include school
A new category for this year is Best
open fireplace to the Great Hall, with its
days home educator events and visitor
Schools Programme, aimed at attractions
stunning stain glass window. The State
open days that run for up to 10 days as
and venues that offer a dedicated
Bedroom was created for the then Duke
over 250 costumed Tudors recreate a living,
educational programme for schools.
of York, while the Chinese Room boasts
working community.
original Chinese portraits and a ‘carving
■ Get me there:
of cranes’ that once graced a temple.
and tour bookings made for 2019 pay this
October 26, 2018. Find out more at
year’s rate. Call 01787 310207 to find out
britishyouthtravelawards.com
Journey through the many rooms, from
With more than 30 acres of grounds there’s
As a special offer, all group
a surprise around every corner outside too.
more, email enquiries@kentwell.co.uk
Expect to come across the largest single carved
or see kentwell.co.uk
Nominations are now open and the closing date for entries is
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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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Days out LET BATTLE COMMENCE
Explore the site of one of England’s most famous battles
Bosworth Battlefield in Leicestershire is the site of one of England’s most famous battles – the one where Henry Tudor won the English crown from Richard III, in case you weren’t paying attention back in history class all those years ago. Visitors can meet costumed characters and see real life artefacts as they interpret one of the biggest events in our history: the Wars of the Roses. Workshops and activities are available for all ages and levels, from early years foundation stage to university students, as well as children with special needs. ■ Get me there:
Find out more at
bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
FIGHTING TALK At Penshurst Place and Gardens in Kent, the three-day living history Armada presentation, which runs each spring, attracts around 1,500 school children keen to witness the Elizabethan residents preparing the household for invasion. Kids can watch the household take up arms and join the local militia in a musket and pike
the Spanish prepared for the Armada. The
1341 and Grade 1 Elizabethan gardens, is just
drill, before hearing from the cartographer how
house, which has a medieval Barn Hall build in
10 minutes away from the M25, and visitors can also enjoy the toy museum, woodland trail,
Penshurst Place and Gardens
adventure playground and summer maize maze. ■ Get me there:
See penshurstplace.com
ANY OLD IRON? Around 70,000 students visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museums in Shropshire every year to discover more about the history of the Ironbridge area and develop their knowledge of science, technology, geography, maths and English, as well as learn new art and design-based skills. Working under the ethos of ‘to experience is to understand’, it enables student groups to take self-guided learning journeys around the museums, or enjoy hands-on workshops and activities. ■ Get me there:
For more on all the
museums see www.ironbridge.org.uk
HIT THE RAILS The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in West Yorkshire offers a trip back in time. The journey runs from Oxenhope to Keighley, and travels through Brontë countryside, offering beautiful views. It becomes all the more magical as winter falls and Santa comes to town with the railway’s Santa Steam Specials. They are the biggest event of the year for Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and run on weekends from December 1-24. Enjoy a magical steam train ride with Santa and his VISIT BRITAIN
elves as they visit all the children on the train! ■ Get me there:
Call 01535 645214
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The Thames Barrier On the River Thames, view one of London’s iconic structures from our grounds 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
VISIT THE UK’S ONLY CROCODILE ZOO www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk Open daily 10am-5pm TALKS, FEEDS, ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AND MUCH MORE... Telephone: 01993 846353 Keeper Experiences - School Trips - Birthday Parties
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Burford Road, Brize Norton, Oxfordshire OX18 3NX
14/09/2018 11:02
HILL CLOSE GARDENS A unique local attraction including 16 detached Victorian gardens with summerhouses Large Glasshouse Tearoom Guided tours £8.40pp (inc refreshments) Plant & Gift Sales Venue Hire
Stunning Views and Wonderful Wildlife.
Open weekdays NovMarch: 11-4pm South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex CO5 7DN Open every day April-Oct: 11am-5pm with tearoom Sat, Sun and Bank Hol Mon Entry:
Adult £4.50 Child (5-17) £1
T: 01926 493339 www.hillclosegardens.com Registered Charity No. 210065 Protecting Wildlife for the Future and for the People of Essex Bread and Meat Close, Warwick, CV34 6HF FP Template.indd 36
14/09/2018 13:44
Days out
A
close call… These stunning shots show Longleat’s big cats VERY close up. And we’re pleased to report that the photographer still has all his fingers
A
N AFRICAN WILDLIFE photographer,
the idea for the remote controlled camera
using a miniature off-road buggy,
during a photographic assignment in Tanzania.
is the talent behind these stunning close-
“I started thinking about how I could get
up images of some of Longleat Safari
unique ground level photographs of African
Park’s biggest, fiercest animals.
wildlife without risking my life. The first project
Will Burrard-Lucas used his own invention
resulted in ground-breaking photos of elephants
– an armoured remote controlled buggy with
and buffalo. However, I lost a camera in an
a camera mounted inside called ‘BeetleCam’
encounter with a lion and BeetleCam was
Combine a trip to the safari park with
– to get the shots, which were broadcast
almost destroyed. I developed a new version,
a stay at the newly revamped Bath
as part of BBC One’s Animal Park Summer
five years in the making, with a stronger, lighter
Arms on the Longleat estate. This smart
Special last month. “By being so low to the
protective shell and more advanced capabilities.”
country pub offers accommodation
ground and appearing non-threatening, the
See these gorgeous beasts for yourself
within easy reach of Bath, Bristol and
camera allows me to get some unusual images
on a trip to the Wiltshire park, which has
the surrounding Wiltshire countryside,
of a variety of species you can’t normally
great discounts and offers for groups of
see batharms.co.uk
approach,” says Will, who first came up with
12 or more, see longleat.co.uk/groups WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
037-038 GTW Sep 18 Wildlife.indd 37
37
11/09/2018 19:01
Days out Drive through Woburn’s Kingdom of the Carnivores
FOUR best of the
Spots for a wildlife adventure
1
WOBURN SAFARI PARK, BEDFORDSHIRE
Endangered Species Program, Woburn plays a
(and past winner of our Group Friendly
key role in a number of conservation projects,
Attraction award), this snappy little
With its drive-through safari, packs of big cats
working alongside the world’s best zoos to
outfit is the UK’s only crocodile zoo.
and herds of giraffe, zebras, elephants, bongos
help fund and contribute to scientific research.
and more, Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire
Find out more at woburnsafari.co.uk
has been keeping animal lovers entertained since the early 1970s. From its daily talks and demonstrations to its work with the European
2
FINGRINGHOE WICK NATURE RESERVE, ESSEX
displays and more – with 10% off the standard admission price. Parking’s free and you can dine in the croc café. Where else
for their long migration back to Africa,
could you hold a real life baby crocodile?
thousands of winter migrant waders begin
See crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk
you can spot flocks of Brent Geese, Barnacle Geese and even rare Pink-Footed Geese. Add stunning views over the River Colne Estuary, a
PETER MOREY
of the Cotswolds and enjoy talks, feeding
Right now, as the swallows leave our shores
to arrive in the UK, and at Fingringhoe Wick
Fingringhoe Wick was Essex Wildlife Trust’s first nature reserve, opening in 1961
Go as a group of 20 or more to this unique all-weather attraction in the heart
4
WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK, WORCESTERSHIRE
West Midland Safari Park’s Land of the
cosy tea room and a year-round programme
Living Dinosaurs brings Jurassic Park to
of events, with activities for all ages (from
the West Mids. This immersive walking trail
pumpkin carving to adult workshops on how
features 38 state-of-the-art animatronic
to ID birds), and you’re in for a feathered treat.
dinosaurs which puff their cheeks, raise their
Find out more at essexwt.org.uk/reserves/
ribs and roar through their mighty mouths,
fingringhoe-wick or call 01206 729678.
just to make you feel a tad intimidated.
2
CROCODILES OF THE WORLD, OXFORDSHIRE
A Group Travel World magazine favourite
The park’s four-mile self-drive safari, Discovery Trail exhibits, animal encounters, African Village and live shows are all included in the ticket price, see wmsp.co.uk GTW
38 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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11/09/2018 19:01
The Yorkshire Hotel by the Canal Three hour, three course dinner
Dinner Cruise
Our new dinner cruise brings together the tranquillity of the canal, the magnificent Yorkshire scenery and locally sourced food. It is just the latest initiative to enhance a stay with us and to ensure groups visiting us have an enjoyable and memorable experience. Call our group reservations team for individual quote, further testimonials and assistance with planning.
MAKE YOUR NEXT GROUP VISIT ONE TO REMEMBER ER Book between November and March and get your Dinner Cruise included in the package rate. T&C apply
“Our group of 40 had a most enjoyable and relaxing evening cruise with an excellent three course meal being served by the friendly Rendezvous staff. Together with Malcolm Weaving’s excellent commentary along the way it made for a most enjoyable evening experience.” - Darren Swann @ Swann Tours
We offer 5* service with STAFF THAT REALLY CARE! RE! 01756 700 100 vanessapalmer@rendezvous-skipton.com vanessapalmer@rendezvous-skipton.com vanessapalmer@rendezvous www.rendezvous-skipton.com www.rendezvous www.rendezvous-skipton.com
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14/09/2018 07:56
Holidays
A great deal
Holiday villas offer the flexibility to dine (or breakfast) at your leisure
For luxury and flexibility, villas are hard to beat – especially when it comes to catering for larger families and groups of friends. Here, Kelly Walker of James Villa Holidays explains how to pick the right one for you...
W
HETHER IT’S THE chance to explore abroad as a group, or celebrate a
while still being close to local amenities. Our villas sleep up to 20, but for extra
■ For
groups with a mix of tastes, Portugal’s
special anniversary with the whole family,
large groups neighbouring villas and Holiday
Silver Coast is a haven for beach lovers, with
holidaying as a large party creates amazing
Resorts are the perfect choice. These mean
golf courses and wine festivals also on the
memories. But finding accommodation with
you have all the home comforts of a villa,
menu in this area of the country. For hikers,
enough flexibility to suit everyone can be a
but can also utilise the facilities they offer,
Rota Vicentina is a network of walking trails
challenge. Step forward the villa holiday...
such as on-site supermarkets and bars.
that stretch 450km through a mix of terrains
Depending on the type of holiday you’re
If you’re already planning ahead to
from rural villages to mountain ranges.
looking for, the location of your villa is key.
2019 there are some great options
Want to be close to the hustle and bustle?
for active holidaymakers...
GET ME THERE
Choose one in the heart of the action
■ Costa
With James Villa Holidays you can choose
(something that’s also worth bearing in mind
while the nature trails are perfect for hiking.
from over 2,900 villas in more than 50
if you’re looking to use the villa as a base
■ The
destinations, with 400 villas able to cater for
for day trips out and about). For a more
especially Kefalonia, which is home to caves
large groups. From Greece, Italy and Croatia to
relaxing rural retreat go for a villa a short
and coves as well as archaeological sites
further flung destinations like Florida and the
drive out of town where your group can
including Venetian fortresses, Byzantine
Dominican Republic, call 0800 074 0311 or
enjoy all the privacy and peace they seek,
churches and the remains of a Roman villa.
visit jamesvillas.co.uk to find out more.
Blanca is known for its white beaches,
Greek islands are great for exploring,
James Villa Holidays has over 2,900 villas, with 400 able to cater for larger groups
40 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
040-048 GTW Sep 18 Group friendly.indd 40
11/09/2018 19:17
N O W 19 O 20 LE N SA
Great for Groups
Why not join the hundreds of groups that travel with us every year and discover all the benefits of Daish’s Holidays for yourself. FREE
places for groups over 20 people
A choice of 7 fantastic seaside locations spread across 8 hotels
Dedicated groups team to support you from booking to arrival
Great value half board breaks including nightly entertainment
Award winning customer service
Fleet of 22 luxury coaches to provide comfortable travel
Get in touch with us Today!
Call 01202 638 841 or visit daishs.com facebook.com/daishsholidaysforgroups Isle of Wight FP Template.indd 41
Torquay
Bournemouth
Eastbourne
@daishs4groups Llandudno
Newquay
Weymouth 14/09/2018 07:57
Holidays
A 17th century country house hotel in the Durham dales, Headlam Hall has a spa, pool, golf course to tempt families Center Parcs offers a range of team building activities, be it on the water or in the trees
and groups in search of some R&R. Find out more about this stylish retreat at headlamhall.co.uk
What’s going to work…? T
EAM WORK! And while the concept
team building activities, any clients holding
Aqua Tree Trek promotes team work, while
of ‘team building’ has long existed
a meeting or event with Center Parcs are
the adrenaline-fuelled The Drop encourages
in business, companies are increasingly
encouraged to incorporate team building
people to venture out of their comfort zone,
recognising the value of bringing employees
into their schedule to take full advantage
and the award-winning Aqua Sana Spa is
together to encourage team bonding through
of the unique surroundings.
on hand to rejuvenate and refresh teams in
activities that are genuinely motivational, fun and rewarding.
The majority of Center Parcs’ activities are based in the open air, from water sports,
Center Parcs offers something different for
aerial tree trekking, paintball and laser
the meetings and events market, with each of
combat to target archery, orienteering
its villages offering up to 400 acres of forest
and sporting games.
landscapes, which can be used for a range of events or team building activities. As well as the option of stand-alone
With a tailored approach to team building, Center Parcs operates on the ethos that there
need of some down time. Find out more at centerparcs.co.uk
GTW
Turn to page 100 for more on the ultimate in relaxing group getaways: St Jean Retreats in the south of France.
is no one-size fits all approach. For example,
42 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
040-048 GTW Sep 18 Group friendly.indd 42
11/09/2018 19:17
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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14/09/2018 07:58
Days out
Let’s go... Christmas markets? Check. World-famous London landmarks? You bet. We check out the group friendly days out worth exploring over the next few months
S
ET IN THE old Welsh market town of Caerphilly – home to one of Europe’s
Email events@caerphilly.gov.uk or call
The Famous Grouse Experience is now officially Coach Friendly
Awarded by the Confederation of
01443 866394 to find out more. And while
Passenger Transport (CPT) UK, the status
largest medieval castles – this year’s
you’re in town, check out what else is on offer
recognises and rewards tourist attractions
Christmas market will be coming to town
for groups and families, including...
that go the extra mile to provide a warm
from December 8-9. With traditional funfair
■ Caerphilly
welcome to groups arriving by coach.
rides, the smell of mulled wine in the air and
the Winding House, with exhibitions on the
more than 100 food, craft and gift stalls,
local area’s history, heritage and culture,
Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret
there’s also a farmers’ market – and it’s
see your.caerphilly.gov.uk/windinghouse
Distillery, says: “We’re delighted; receiving
all free to enter.
■ The
this recognition means we’re well placed
County Borough’s museum,
17th century manor house Llancaiach
John Laurie, General Manager at The
Fawr Manor, see your.caerphilly.gov.uk/
to encourage coach tourism into the area
llancaiachfawr
for the benefit of all local businesses.”
RAISE A GLASS
groups for many years,” adds Jeremy Tinsley,
Continuing the spirit theme – but this time
General Manager of CPT UK Scotland. “It
the alcoholic kind, rather than the festive
offers excellent facilities including a dedicated
– comes news that The Famous Grouse
parking area for coaches, which is close to the
Experience at Glenturret Distillery in Perth
distillery and well signposted. Drivers are also
and Kinross has been awarded Coach Friendly
catered for with complimentary refreshments.”
Visitor Attraction status.
Visit experience.thefamousgrouse.com
“The distillery has welcomed coach
Caerphilly’s home to one of Europe’s largest medieval castles
Meet Santa at the town’s Christmas market, from December 8-9
Live music, classic car meets, special Christmas events... head to the group-friendly 7 Hotel Diner in Halstead near Sevenoaks for a real taste of the US, see 7hoteldiner.co.uk 44 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
040-048 GTW Sep 18 Group friendly.indd 44
11/09/2018 19:17
Extend your visit with a tour of the magnificent Winchester Cathedral from just £6 per person.
Proud winners of Market Innovation of the Year Award 2017
Contact us | visits@winchester-cathedral.org.uk | 01962 857 225 www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
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,
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.
New Year Breaks New Year Dine & Thames Cruise
New Year in Bournemouth & New Forest Ring in the New Year in the traditional seaside resort of Bournemouth. From our base here, we explore neighbouring Poole with its nautical atmosphere, the county town of Dorchester and the tranquil ambience of the New Forest, England’s smallest National Park.
Your 3 day trip includes: • Return coach travel • 2 nights at a 4-star hotel in the Heathrow area with full English breakfast & 1 dinner • 3-course dinner at Brasserie Blanc with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival and half a bottle of wine per person with dinner • River Thames Cruise with complimentary glass of sparkling wine • Excursion to Windsor • Visit to the New Year’s Day Parade in London • Free time in central London
in New Year a al London, G Dinner at ur Marriott to le b also availa
All tours departing 30th December 2018 Thinking about your 2019 groups break? Call us now to discuss!
01242 265748
●
groups@jgtravelgroup.com
Call our experienced friendly groups team today for more information, or just for a chat Omega Holidays and Just Go Holidays are part of the JG Travel Group. All holidays are subject to terms and conditions which can be viewed at either www.justgoholidays.com or www.omegabreaks.com. All holidays offered are subject to availability and prices to fluctuation. Errors & Omissions excepted. All prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single supplements apply.
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14/09/2018 12:15
Days out
Step back in time D
ISCOVER 700 YEARS of history in the childhood
Viking King in Jorvik. Updated gallery experiences, precious
home of Anne Boleyn at Hever Castle & Gardens
Viking artefacts and cutting-edge technology all add to the
in Kent, from its rooms filled with tapestries, antiques, Tudor paintings and two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn, to its award-winning gardens. Groups of 15 or more get a special rate, and highlights
pillaging feel, see www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/groups And discover what life was like for the people of the North East years ago at Beamish Open Air Museum in County Durham. Start in the 1820s with a visit to Pockerly
for 2019 include Dazzling Daffodils, from March 20-24
Old Hall for a taste of Georgian cooking and crafts;
(see below), and Tulip Celebrations, from April 24-30.
discover how miners lived in the 1900s in the terrace of
Find out more at hevercastle.co.uk/groups
miners’ cottages, and head to wartime Britain to see how
For a taste of more ancient Viking history, head to York’s
the evacuees and the Land Girls fared on the 1940s farm
famous Jorvik Viking Centre, which takes visitors back to
(plans are in the pipeline for a 1950s town and upland
the year AD960 and the days of Eric Bloodaxe, the last
farm too). See beamish.org.uk
46 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Animal At
Unique
trac t ions
qu P ict ures
Shopping
e Lo
22
delighted
13
STORE LOCATIONS
16 9 23 12
• Commission on passenger sales • FREE £10 meal voucher • Discount on personal purchases • Driver information point in store • FREE membership to Simply the Best Travel Club. • Membership card with account number • Discounted shortbread
19 17
• Puro Coffee, speciality teas and soft drinks all available
• Added attractions • Tax Free Shopping such as The Scottish and Mail-it-Abroad Wool Centre, The facility. Scottish Deer Centre • Bureau de Change and weaving exhibitions. facilities at selected • Whisky & Real Ale shops Visitor Centres. offering FREE tastings, • Easy payment, we and an Artisan collection accept most major of British Gin, Vodka credit cards & Liqueurs and major currencies • Hot meals and and offer the facility snacks served of CPC (cardholder throughout the day preferred currency).
England
20
07 08
01 02 03 04 05 06
10 11
18
21
14
15
Settle - Watershed Mill & Visitor Centre (C) Matlock Bath - Masson Shopping Village (R) Wilton - Edinburgh Woollen Mill (R) Great Torrington - Edinburgh Woollen Mill Plymouth - Lee Mill (C) Trerulefoot - Kernow Mill (C)
Scotland 01
and for your passengers... • Excellent selection of quality fashions, gifts and souvenirs
Tea Rooms
24
drivers
You can be assured of a warm welcome when visiting any of our 26 visitor centres. Remember your card entitles you to many membership benefits.
ky &
his
Across Great Britain
cat ions
Food, W
Destinati ns
25 02
26
07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Callander - Kilmahog Woollen Mill Callander Trossachs Woollen Mill (C) Fort William - Ben Nevis Highland Centre (R) Edinburgh - James Pringle Shopping Warehouse (R) Edinburgh - Romanes & Paterson (R) Inveraray - Inveraray Woollen Mill (C) Inverness - Holm Mills Shopping Village (R) Jedburgh Mills - Jedburgh Woollen Mill (R) (C) Moffat - Moffat Mill (R & C) Spean Bridge - Spean Bridge Mill (C) Alexandria - Antartex Shopping Village (R) Coatbridge - Mackinnon Mills (R & C) Aberfoyle - The Scottish Wool Centre (R) Cupar - The Scottish Deer Centre (C) Melrose - The Abbey Mill (C) John O’Groats - John O’Groats Knitwear Co. (C) Oban - McCaig’s Warehouse Ullapool - West Highland Woollen Company
Wales 04
06 05
03
25 Anglesey - James Pringle Weavers (R) 26 Welshpool - The Old Station (R) (R) Restaurant (C) Coffee Shop Simply the Best Centres Sites with Whisky Shop
www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk CALL: 013873 82877 EMAIL: simplythebest@ewm.co.uk TM
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14/09/2018 09:24
Days out Up, up and away Western Europe’s tallest building at 800ft (244m), The Shard has redefined London’s skyline. Experience 360° views over the
Over to you GTW readers share their favourite attractions...
city for up to 40 miles on a clear day, after beginning your journey in the attraction’s high-speed lifts that zoom from level one to 68 in 60 seconds. See www.the-shard.com or www.theviewfromtheshard.com
■ “Cornwall’s
Eden Project is wonderful
for groups. We’ve been three times and each time there’s something new to see.” Clare Smith, Dorset ■ “Bletchley
Park in Buckinghamshire,
home to the British code-breaking operation during the Second World War, is always a favourite with our WI group. Great exhibits and a real wartime feel.” Liz Martin, North Yorkshire ■ “The
Mary Rose in Portsmouth’s Historic
Dockyard is my favourite. It’s fascinating.” Sheryle Elson, via email ■ “Wicksteed
Park in Northamptonshire
is great fun and very easy to get to. There’s lots of coach parking, freebies for the driver, and the team there are well geared up to help large groups.” Emma Dahm, Leicestershire ■ Share
your favourite family and group
friendly attractions with us via email, Twitter, Facebook or post. See page 110 for our contact details.
GTW
Love the great outdoors Walking, cycling, boating, watersports... Bewl Water in Kent has it all, mixing the great outdoors with stylish eateries ideal for hosting stag and hen parties, corporate festive dos and even weddings. Find out more at bewlwater.co.uk 48 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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11/09/2018 19:17
Take a fresh look at
SPRING HOLIDAYS
For Groups
Shop online at
Fleetwoodmarket.co.uk F leetw
£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
Meet and Greet Service with OFFERS IAL SPEC on pre-booked coach trips
/FleetwoodMarket
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.
A traditional market with over 200 stalls A shopper’s delight for gifts, clothing and household goods Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday all year round, 9am - 4.30pm, and Tram Sunday Each coach driver receives a meal & drink voucher from the market café on arrival Drivers receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win £100 in cash in a monthly draw! Free coach parking Offer available for parties of 20+ only
@FleetwoodMkt Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB Tel: 01253 887651
TAKE A TRIP THROUGH HISTORY
WHERE WILL YOU GO TODAY?
www.llangollen-railway.co.uk
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14/09/2018 11:07
All well and good…
Bikes are on hand for anyone who fancies a two-wheeled tour
Enjoy the ultimate feel-good holiday with AmaWaterways’ new wellness cruises Words and photos: Mike Pickup
A
CRUISE CAN EASILY be an excuse
test the water, so to speak, and after the usual
for too much food and too little
efficient valet parking at Heathrow I was soon
exercise. Not so with AmaWaterways.
on my way to Basel to join the ship. According
The leading river cruise company has
to travel publishers Berlitz, AmaWaterways
with an excellent shower and a large screen
added a hosted wellness programme to
has the best river cruise fleet in Europe, and
Apple computer, which also served as a TV.
its already comprehensive set of activities,
I could see why. My cabin had two balconies,
Wi-fi and fast internet access were free, as
and I was keen to see how it all works.
one ‘French’ balcony, the other with a table
were pre-dinner drinks and canapés, as well
and two chairs. The spacious cabin came
as drinks with lunch and dinner. Bubbly was
I chose a Rhine cruise on AmaSonata to 50 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Cruise holidays Cologne’s famous 13th century cathedral
Strasbourg’s Petite France area is full of medieval half-timbered houses
Amsterdam: famed for its canals, and the final picturesque stop on Mike’s AmaWaterways cruise
available for breakfast for those who fancied a
energetic hike. There are bicycles on board
Cathedral of Notre Dame, which has beautiful
buck’s fizz to set them up for the day, and the
for those preferring a two-wheeled tour.
stained glass windows.
pool had a swim-up bar. Well, it is a holiday!
A BIT OF A STRETCH...
The Wellness programme has added
One thing I like about river cruises is the use
more options with daily strengthening,
of Quiet Vox. Each cabin has two devices sitting
stretch, resistance and yoga classes
in a charging cradle. On excursions you hang
I tend to think of the Swiss as tidy, perhaps
held either on the sundeck or lounge,
one round your neck and plug in the earpiece.
over-organised, but the Basel waterfront didn’t
so there’s no excuse for embarking as a
As you walk along, perhaps some distance from
reflect that. The jumble of waterfront buildings
passenger and disembarking as freight.
the guide, you can still hear everything they say.
HOME OF THE GREAT VAT
Ludwigshaven and I chose an excursion
ranged from old narrow Dutch houses to modern rectangular apartments.
The following morning found us in
But there was no time to explore Basel,
Having visited Freiburg, its cathedral and
to nearby Heidelberg, where I visited its
as later that evening AmaSonata set sail for
bustling market square, I returned to the
castle, home to the Great Vat – capable
Germany and, early next morning, docked at
ship for dinner and a good night’s sleep
of holding nearly 50,000 gallons of wine.
Breisach. A choice of excursions is included
before arriving the next morning in the city
It’s so big there’s a dance floor on top.
at each port and I chose Freiburg. Groups
of Strasbourg. Here, I strolled along some
are small and graded by the effort they
of its many waterways and explored Petite
and I joined an evening visit to Siegfried’s
require so guests can choose the level that
France, a lovely, peaceful area full of medieval
Mechanical Music Museum, for me one of the
best suits them, from a gentle stroll to an
half-timbered houses. The tour included the
most memorable of the trip.
Later that day we sailed to lovely Rudesheim
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050-052 GTW Sep 18 Cruise feature.indd 51
51
11/09/2018 19:20
Cruise holidays This amazing collection of mechanically
SOMETHING IN THE AIR
operated musical instruments, lovingly
Early next morning AmaSonata set off again,
GET ME THERE:
restored and in great working order, drew
and by lunchtime we were in Cologne. Moored
■ AmaWaterways
much admiration from the many visitors.
a few minutes’ walk from the city centre and
Rhine cruises from £1,540
cathedral, I chose a city walking tour.
per person cruise only or from £1,799
GERMAN HOSPITALITY
offers Enchanting
Most people are familiar with Eau de
including flights and transfers. Groups
Still in Rudesheim the following morning,
Cologne, used by locals in days gone by to
are offered one complimentary berth
I took a gondola ride to visit the striking
mask unpleasant smells. Our guide told us that
for every nine full fare paying guests, up
Niederwalddenkmal, a monument overlooking
the original product is still made to a secret
a maximum of two berths – terms and
the Rhine built to celebrate the 1870s
recipe by Farina and is available in just a few
conditions apply. Call 0800 320 2335
unification of Germany.
shops around the world. The more famous
or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk
4711 brand is not the original, but is widely
■ Holiday
Bassenheiner Hof vineyard to sample local
available. Our tour finished at Cologne’s
trusted meet and greet and other
Riesling wines. The highlight of the visit
famous 13th century cathedral and its
services at all major UK airports.
was the hilarious commentary provided
square, packed with visitors on a sunny day.
To book, call 0800 1313 777
by Adolf Storgl. If you closed your eyes
AmaSonata left Cologne that evening
On my return I joined others in the
you would be convinced you were listening
as we were sitting down for dinner, en
to Ronnie Barker – and they say the
route for Amsterdam, our final destination.
Germans don’t have a sense of humour!
The following morning I woke to yet
We left Rudesheim after lunch and sailed
Extras offers
or visit HolidayExtras.com
another warm day so sat on the sundeck
the short walk back to AmaSonata and my
through the Rhine Gorge, lined with dramatic
and watched the yoga class until our
final night aboard. The next day my return
castles, to arrive late afternoon in Lahnstein.
lunchtime arrival in Holland’s capital city.
flight was not until the afternoon, so I
An after dinner excursion took me to nearby
I opted for a two-hour walking tour from
managed to enjoy a few more hours and an
Lahneck Castle, bought and renovated by
the choice of excursions. It ended at a large
early lunch in the comfortable lounge before
a Scotsman before his successors sold it to
bar where I enjoyed traditional ‘bitterbal’
heading out to Schiphol airport and the
a local family. It’s still a work in progress.
snacks with a welcome glass of lager before
50-minute flight back to Heathrow.
Lahnstein’s Lahneck Castle
52 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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PRINT_2234 - Party at Sea.pdf
1
13/08/2018
13:42
Newcastle - Amsterdam
Party at Sea Give your party a unique twist with our Party at Sea package. Spend 2 nights onboard our overnight crossing from Newcastle-Amsterdam, with a range of fantastic perks to make your event one to remember. Once you arrive in Amsterdam you’ll have up to 5 hours to explore the vibrant city centre, with return coach transfers included. All of this is available from just £99pp. For groups of 10+. Includes:
C
M
Y
• • • •
Welcome drink upon arrival Buffet breakfast both mornings Buffet dinner & drink on both evenings Option to upgrade to Celebrate at Sea menu • Cabin upgrade for host*
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
dfds.co.uk/party Price is subject to availability & based on 4 sharing sea view cabin. T&Cs apply. *Subject to availability.
FP Template.indd 53
14/09/2018 08:03
Group Leisure & Travel Show This year’s show takes place at the NEC on October 11th
More information about the show can be found at grouptravelshow.com or by phoning the visitor hotline on 0345 130 7752
Be a part of it The Group Leisure & Travel Show is set to offer great deals for groups
P
LANS FOR THE annual Group Leisure
Park to name just a handful. A full exhibitor
FREE PARKING
& Travel Show (GLT Show) are now
listing can be found at the show website
Bona-fide coach operators and GTOs
in full swing as the countdown begins
www.grouptravelshow.com, which is
registering in advance to visit the show online
towards October 11, when the NEC
updated regularly.
now can claim free parking at the NEC by going
Birmingham hosts the exhibition – attracting both GTOs and coach operators.
Organisers of Britain’s biggest event for group travel and coach tourism,
to www.grouptravelshow.com/register A selection of free quality coach
YPL Exhibitions, say visitors can look
transport is also available from various
of destinations, attractions, tour operators,
forward to a packed day, including three
destinations, and visitors should book via
theatre productions, accommodation and
different talks, which will take place in
www.grouptravelshow.com or call 01908
service providers, many offering group
the Seminar Theatre, in addition to the
613323. Discounted train travel via Virgin
deals and special offers that can only
wide range of exhibiting companies.
is also detailed on the website. Nominated
The GLT Show brings together a wide range
be attained by visiting the exhibition. The GLT Show also continues to receive
The Seminar Theatre, which visitors can
Premier Club members can claim a free light
attend free of charge, is headlined by Simon
lunch and use the exclusive lounge facilities.
strong support from a wide range of leading
Calder, the well know TV pundit and travel
Organiser Emma Cash says: “It’s going
companies and organisations who see the
editor of the Independent, who is joined by
to be a brilliant day and it is encouraging to
show as the highlight of the group travel
TV broadcaster and author Gyles Brandreth
see visitor registration up compared to last
calendar. Many new first time exhibitors
and TV gardening expert Carol Klein. All
year. Our team is really looking forward to a
will join the event in 2018, as well as loyal
of these celebrities will be offering advice
special day and I am sure it will be a profitable
repeat exhibitors who book each year
on group visits and are available for Q&A
and fun experience for our visitors.”
and see the GLT Show as their primary
following their presentations. Visitors who
way of talking to GTOs face to face.
have registered for the Group Leisure
companies, destinations or venues interested
Limited exhibiting space still remains and
Recent stand bookings for 2018 include
& Travel Show are able to simply turn
in exhibiting should contact Sharon Yandell
St Martin-in-the-Fields, Sunset Beach Club,
up on the day to access the seminars
without delay on 01908 613323, or
Dunwood Travel, Ferretti Hotels and Stockeld
which are extremely popular.
email sharon.y@yandellmedia.com
GTW
54 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
054 GTW Sep 18 GLTS.indd 54
11/09/2018 19:22
Photo credit: © Wicked
& Thursday 11th October 2018 Hall 19, NEC Birmingham
Free celebrity seminar & Q&A programme
n lei
.
P ho
Exhibitors that really understand groups
to credit: Car ol K
A huge range of exhibitors, exciting launches, new offers, exclusive deals, competitions and celebrity experts
We’ll pay for your parking if you register now* Free coach transport to the show* A complimentary bacon butty breakfast before 11am* Premier Club Lounge (for nominated guests)
Carol Klein TV gardener
Gyles Brandreth Author and broadcaster
Simon Calder
TV travel expert
REGISTER FREE ONLINE TODAY TO GET YOUR FREE PARKING*
Go online to www.grouptravelshow.com/register Visitor Hotline: 0345 130 7752 • Website: www.grouptravelshow.com
There IS a difference. *Terms & conditions apply. Please see www.grouptravelshow.com for full details. Seminar sessions and appearances subject to change. Please see www.grouptravelshow.com for full details.
FP Template.indd 55
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YOU’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 56
14/09/2018 08:04
Free for you
3 to collect! Starting this issue, 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
COMING NEXT 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
057-059 GTW Sep 18 Poster.indd 57
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11/09/2018 19:23
grouptravelworld.com & grouptraveloffers.com
057-059 GTW Sep 18 Poster.indd 58
11/09/2018 19:23
057-059 GTW Sep 18 Poster.indd 59
11/09/2018 19:23
Tried & tested
See the light
Plan your stay at lumahotel hammersmith .co.uk
GTW’s Julie Cousins samples the high-tech delights on offer at the smart LUMA Concept Hotel in London’s Hammersmith
W
night, including wi-fi and continental ‘Grab &
Go’ breakfast, and the team at LUMA will help you beyond your hotel room service. Need a table booking at a top restaurant or theatre tickets getting? It’s all part of the LUMA service. The hotel makes a great base for a London weekend away or short break, and it’s close to Theatreland, the Royal Albert Hall, the Natural
HERE’S THE TOILET? That was my
dock, water saving shower and ‘Grab & Go’
first thought as my partner Mark and
breakfast pack, which you simply pick up from
I checked in to the very swish LUMA Concept Hotel in Hammersmith. A hotel that’s so high
the reception area whenever you fancy. Check in is friendly and flexible – any time
History Museum and Madam Tussauds.
A BRIGHT IDEA The LUMA Concept Hotel London was
tech and sleekly designed, the bathroom’s
from 3pm, though you’ll be welcomed just
inspired by the grand old Osram lightbulb
disguised as a wardrobe and you have to slide
as warmly at 3am – and there are lots of
factory that once dominated the
the door open to get in!
restaurants and pubs nearby that are suitable
neighbourhood – a vast Victorian workplace.
for all budgets.
It was one of the earliest lamp factories in
The modern, minimalist feel continues with a built-in work station, complete with iPad
Prices start from just £105 per room per
Britain, dating back to 1881.
GTW
60 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
060 GTW Sep 18 Hotel review.indd 60
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Entertainment
Your dedicated, responsive and friendly team for all your West End Theatre bookings. Call the award-winning team now!
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
MICHAEL TAYLOR
LIGHTING DESIGN BY
MARK HENDERSON
NIKOLAI FOSTER CHOREOGRAPHEDBY STEPHEN MEAR
SOUND DESIGN BY
VOCAL AND DANCE ORIGINAL RE-ORCHESTRATIONS BY LARRY BLANK ARRANGEMENTS BY BRUCE POMAHAC BY JASON CARR TOM MARSHALL ORCHESTRATIONS
Freephone 0800 049 8309 reservations@groupsdirect.co.uk www.groupsdirect.co.uk 057_GTW_Mar17_Theatre_Cover.indd 57 Christmas Curve_Group Travel World_advert_aw.indd World_aw.indd 1 The Cat InAt The Hat_Group 1 FP Template.indd 51 051_GTW_JULY'17.indd 51 FP 61 FP Template.indd Template.indd 19
23/02/2017 09:10 10/08/2018 09:43 11/07/2018 08:35 02/11/2017 12:11 30/06/2017 17:33 14/09/2018 12/07/2018 22:02 14/06/2018 10:46 06/02/2018 11:05 09:28
Is there a doctor in the house? Based on the hit CBBC television series, Operation Ouch! is live on stage for the first time in the UK this Christmas, opening at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End on December 6 and running until January 6, 2019. Packed with incredible stunts, crazy experiments and amazing facts, Dr Chris and Dr Xand (identical twins, if you’re not familiar with the hit TV show) will explore the fascinating world of biology and show the audience the awesome things the body can do. The doctors will also share their favourite bits from the television show. Tickets are on sale now – find out more at operationouchliveonstage.com
The Inheritance The Young Vic production of The Inheritance by Matthew Lopez is to transfer to the West End. Directed by Olivier Award winner Stephen Daldry, it will play a limited season at the Nöel Coward Theatre from September 21 until January 5, 2019. Playing across two parts, which can be seen either in one day or across two evenings, the play explores what it’s like to be a young gay man in New York a generation after the peak of the AIDS crisis. Find out more at InheritancePlay.com or call the box office on 0844 482 5140.
Take That hit the West End Tim Firth’s new musical The Band, featuring the music of Take That, has been touring the UK since September 2017, becoming the fastest selling UK tour of all time. This December, the show will transfer to London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited run from December 1 to January 12, 2019. There are some fantastic group savings to be had – and it’s the ultimate Christmas present idea for Take That fans! Find out more at thebandmusical.com/london
Shakespeare... as never before Manchester’s HOME theatre is playing host to Jude Christian’s othellomacbeth this month, which runs from now until early October, when it transfers to the Lyric Hammersmith on October 5. An audacious, condensed staging of two of Shakespeare’s most brutal and poetic plays – exploring fear, jealousy, power and revenge – othellomacbeth is told from the point of view Othello exacting their revenge on Macbeth in a society stained with toxic masculinity. See homemcr.org and lyric.co.uk
Othellomacbeth transfers to the West End in October
MARK LEEMING
of the female characters, seeing the wronged women of
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Theatre news Like a Bat Out Of Hell... The producers of Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of
UK first for StageCon Nick Evans, Associate Director of the
For the first time ever in the UK, StageCon, a
Hell – The Musical have announced five special
London and German productions, says: “Bat
convention for theatre fans throughout the
performances when the audience will be
Out of Hell – The Musical has brought the
UK and Europe, will be held over the weekend
able to sing along with the cast to the classic
legendary music of Jim Steinman to the heart
of November 3-4 at Shoreditch Town Hall in
hits. They’ll take place on September 25,
of the West End, and it’s become clear just
London. “StageCon presents a really exciting
October 31, November 27 and December 31.
how much these songs mean to people. Our
opportunity for fans from across the UK to come
On Halloween and New Year’s Eve the
Singalong Nights will be a celebration of that; a
together to celebrate the magic of theatre,”
audiences will also have the option to come
chance for our energetic, passionate audiences
says the convention’s UK General Manager,
dressed as their favourite character from the
to be a step closer to our talented cast.” Find
James Yeoburn. “Expect a diverse programme of
show or from one of Meat Loaf’s iconic videos.
out more at BatOutOfHellMusical.com
100-plus hours of events and performances from everyone’s favourite artists, theatre makers and shows – from the West End to London’s Fringe
Get your best singing voice prepped...
and beyond.” Like New York’s successful theatre convention, BroadwayCon, the UK’s StageCon intends to establish itself as an annual event in London’s theatre calendar to promote and celebrate the wealth of talent that exists this side of the Atlantic. It will include a range of live performances, sing-a-longs, discussions, cast reunions, panels, games, exclusive previews, workshops, meet and greets and showcases. A ‘village’ of stalls selling a range of goods, merchandise and theatrical services will be housed within a back stage experience specially crafted in the basement of the venue. Find out more at stagecon.co.uk
A night of music Spend a night with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as tickets for its series of 2019 events go on sale – with news that groups of just six or more save up to 35%. SHOWS INCLUDE: ■ The Valentine’s Day Opera Gala at
Cadogan Hall, one of London’s leading concert venues, on February 14. Expect outstanding overtures, amorous arias and delectable duets from Puccini’s Madam Butterfly, Bizet’s Carmen, Verdi’s La Traviata SPECULAR
and more. ■ Let’s Face the Music on March 17 at the
Royal Albert Hall – a Sunday matinee of classic songs from The Sound of Music, Guys & Dolls, The King & I, West Side Story
Inside Out Festival
and more. ■ The Food of Love at the Royal Festival Hall
Leicester’s Curve theatre has announced
festival will be a production of award-winning
on April 16, which celebrates the life and
details of its upcoming Inside Out Festival
playwright Ché Walker’s The Frontline
works of Shakespeare in a unique theatrical
2018, which celebrates the diversity of new
(from October 17-20), performed by
event, narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart.
and emerging artists in the East Midlands.
graduates of Curve’s new actor training
■ A Film Music Gala at the Royal Albert Hall
programme New Theatre Talent, which has
on May 4, with a live choir singing songs
and public spaces will be home to an eclectic
been supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber
from The King’s Speech, Jurassic Park,
programme of the region’s hottest artistic
Foundation. See the full festival line-up at
Gladiator and Saving Private Ryan.
talents, including music sessions, panel
curveonline.co.uk/get-involved/inside-
See rpo.co.uk/whats-on GTW
events and performances. Leading the
out-festival-2018/
From October 17 to 27, Curve’s theatres
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062-063 GTW Sep 18 Theatre news.indd 63
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Hit show Kinky Boots is playing at the Adelphi Theatre
Theatre LONDON
MATT CROCKET
YOUR TRIP TO THE WEST END STARTS HERE – VISIT OUR SITE GROUPTRAVELOFFERS.COM FOR THE BEST TICKET PRICES ALADDIN Prince Edward Theatre
Booking to: 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: October 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: November 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
64 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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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
FP Template.indd 65
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Touring theatre THE UK’S BEST MUSICALS AND SHOWS HAVE HIT THE ROAD. CATCH THEM ON TOUR HERE... Dr Dolittle goes on tour this autumn, starring Mark Williams
VULCAN 7 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre: September 19-29 Cambridge Arts Theatre: October 1-6 Newcastle Theatre: October 8-13 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
For cut-price tickets to a range of West End theatre shows, call Harley in the GTW office on 01733 293249. There’s no group minimum – buy from two to 200 tickets!
Sheffield Lyceum Theatre: October 16-20 Wimbledon Theatre: October 23-27 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: anuary 16-26 Swansea Grand Theatre: January 29 - February 2 Dartford Orchard Theatre: February 5-9
Bradford Alhambra: September 19 - October 20
Ipswich Regent Theatre: February 12-16
Sunderland Empire: October 24 - November 17
Woking New Victoria: February 19-23
THE BAND
Wolverhampton Grand: February 26 - March 2
Southend Cliffs Pavilion: September 19-29
Milton Keynes Theatre: March 5-9
His Majesty’s Theatre: October 4-13
Southampton Mayflower Theatre: March 12-16
SIMON TURTLE
MISS SAIGON
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
66 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
066_GTW Sep 18 Touring Listings.indd 66
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West End shows & packages at great value prices for groups
WICKED Groups from
.00 5 2 £
CHICAGO Groups from
.00
£35
DISNEY’S G THE LION KIN m o fr s p u Gro
.50 9 2 £
CAROLINE OR CHANGE Groups from
.50 7 2 £
DREAMGIRLS Groups from
.50
£29
STRICTLY BALLROOM Groups from
.00 5 3 £
To book any of these fantastic deals and many more that we have to offer, please either call us on 020 7206 1174, visit www.groupline.com or email us at GTW@groupline.com Rates are subject to availability and change without notice. Correct at time of print. Terms & conditions and exclusions apply.
FP Template.indd 56
14/09/2018 08:05
Smith Chris with Simon Lee (left) and Steve
Chris Wales ABOUT CHRIS Founder member of the Coach Tourism Association (CTA), 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
With DFDS’ Graham Ho
pcraft
In the first of a new series, industry legend Chris Wales shares the travel world’s latest news
I
DON’T GET EXCITED very often these days,
to join the European Tourism Association, at a
especially at my age, but I must say how thrilled
Wetherspoons at Tower Hill. Lesley Terrell from
I am to be contributing my words of wisdom to
Historic Royal Palaces was supposed to join us,
Group Travel World magazine – and even more
but she stood me up – only joshing, Lesley!
excited to be working alongside the GTW team. So, where have you been recently Chris,
Speaking of Wetherspoons, I recently met my good mate Graham Hopcraft at the
I hear you ask – well, one reader anyway. Close
Shakespeare’s Head near Holborn tube station.
to home I met Steve Lee from Anderson Travel
Graham, who is now Key Account Manager
Group and Simon Smith, who has just left the
South with DFDS, agreed to pose with me
Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT)
outside the pub; we only had the one, promise.
Chris takes to
the water...
I travelled to Belgium’s Ardennes region via Dunkirk with DFDS – and this route is the most convenient way into Flanders and northern Europe. The last time I travelled on DFDS was on a fam trip organised by Nord pas de Calais to visit the Second World War Dunkirk beaches along with the Cambrai Tank 1917 museum. This new museum houses the famous First World War tank, Deborah, which was dug up years later in a field where the Battle of Cambrai took place.
68 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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11/09/2018 19:32
A visit to the new Bastogne War Museum I was travelling through Belgium’s Ardennes recently and stopped off at the new Bastogne War Museum. For some time, on the same site, there’s been an impressive memorial to all the US soldiers who fell in the Battle of the Bulge between December 16, 1944 and January 25, 1945. The battle was the last major push by the German Army, which besieged the US 101st Airborne Division in the town of Bastogne. German General Von Luttwitz sent a letter to US General McAuliffe demanding surrender. McAuliffe gave a one word response: “Nuts”. Shortly after, the US forces were relieved by General Patton.
Talent for hire! My most charming friend Theresa Walker is leaving P&O Ferries to
This story has gone down in history, and in Bastogne town square there is a bar – called Nuts. If it had been a British General I guess he would have said “Cobblers”. In this picture you can see the old Bastogne war memorial in
seek pastures new. Here is a picture of Theresa taken with Robert
the background to this huge statue outside the new museum.
Shaw from Harry Shaw of Coventry at a recent travel trade bash.
This incredible statue is based on the famous VJ Day photograph
If you know of any job opportunities that may suit Theresa’s many
taken in New York’s Times Square by Alfred Eisenstaedt of
skills please contact her on theresaw24@hotmail.co.uk
a US sailor giving a nurse an impromptu kiss.
COMING SOON!
Westminster chat
November 2018 will commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War. Watch this space as GTW is planning a special Great War Supplement, written by... me!
I met with Lucy Hillyard recently, Travel Trade Manager at Westminster Abbey – and seen here with us is Jamie Pooley who’s an Abbey Marshall. Lucy wanted to show me the Abbey’s new Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. Access is via a staircase (108 steps) or the lift in the Weston Tower, which occupies a site known as Poet’s Corner Yard. The Galleries occupy the eastern triforium, built in about 1215 during the reign of King Henry III. There are magnificent views down to the Abbey floor, 16 metres below, out to Parliament Square and the Palace of Westminster. The Galleries display over 300 objects from the Abbey’s collection, and believe me they’re well worth the small supplement for the view alone, see westminster-abbey.org WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Heavens
above Take an ecclesiastical tour of the UK’s finest abbeys...
WOBURN ABBEY & GARDENS
pictured above, much of which were inspired
Bedfordshire
by Humphrey Repton (a special exhibition
Home of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford,
explaining his influence on the gardens you
Woburn Abbey was gifted to the family by
see today runs until the end of October).
Henry VIII in his will of 1547. Today, families
To plan your visit, call Woburn’s groups
and groups can explore nearly 500 years
co-ordinator Lisa Weaver on 01525
of one family’s history, as well as Woburn’s
292101 or see woburnabbey.co.uk
world-class art collection, including works by Reynolds and Van Dyck, together with
BATTLE ABBEY
a treasury of silver, porcelain and fine English
East Sussex
and French furniture.
This year marks the 952nd anniversary
Don’t miss... Woburn’s 28 acres of gardens,
of the Battle of Hastings: an event that
Explore the new rooftop viewing platform above the Great Gatehouse of Battle Abbey
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Days out
transformed the course of English history.
BUCKFAST ABBEY
Don’t miss... Located in south Devon, just off
Battle Abbey was built on the orders of the
Devon
the A38 between Exeter and Plymouth, the
new king, William the Conqueror, at the site
Nestled in a tranquil haven on the edge of
Abbey Church and grounds are free to enter,
where the Saxon King Harold had died, in order
Dartmoor, Buckfast Abbey is the only English
with free parking. Enjoy lunch or afternoon
to atone for the bloodshed during the battle.
medieval monastery to have been restored
tea at The Grange Restaurant, and stay at the
Don’t miss... Visitors can now climb to
and used again for its original purpose.
group-friendly Northgate House Hotel, set in
the abbey’s Gatehouse roof to see the
Now celebrating its 1,000-year anniversary,
the abbey’s grounds. Visit buckfast.org.uk
extent of the battlefield from above,
the original Abbey was founded in 1018.
and a new Gatehouse exhibition reveals
After it fell into disrepair following the
WHITBY ABBEY
the abbey’s role in the country’s post-
dissolution of the monasteries in 1539,
North Yorkshire
battle future. Find out more at english-
it was rebuilt centuries later on the original
Sitting high on the clifftop above the town,
heritage.org.uk/battleabbey
foundations by just a handful of monks.
the abbey – founded by King Oswy of WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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A WARM HIGHLAND WELCOME FOR GROUPS AT SKYE’S 5* HERITAGE ATTRACTION • FIVE ACRES OF FORMAL GARDENS & WOODLAND WALKS TO EXPLORE • AWARD WINNING BOAT TRIPS TO SEE THE LOCH DUNVEGAN SEAL COLONY • HOMEMADE FRESHLY PREPARED FOOD AT MACLEOD TABLES CAFE WHICH SEATS OVER 72 • THREE FABULOUS SHOPS WITH A RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY SCOTTISH GIFTS • DEDICATED COACH PARKING
FR 2h
RS U ed TO end ED omm ID rec U e G ll tim EEr dwe
OPEN: 1 APRIL - 15 OCTOBER 10AM - 5.30PM (LAST ENTRY 5PM) DUNVEGAN CASTLE, ISLE OF SKYE IV55 8WF T: +44 (0) 1470 521206 E: INFO@DUNVEGANCASTLE.COM WWW.DUNVEGANCASTLE.COM Coach tours Dunvegan A3 2017.indd 1
OPEN DAILY
16/03/2018 12:21
FIND US ON
EASTER TO OCTOBER
Dedicated Groups Co-ordinator • Tea room • Gift shop • Group rates Guided tours • NEW Humphry Repton Exhibition and Tours
01525 290333 lisa.weaver@woburn.co.uk www.woburnabbey.co.uk J3644 WA Coach Tours UK ad 190x133_Dec17.indd 2
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Days out Sherborne’s almshouse and abbey
VISIT DORSET
SHERBORNE ABBEY Northumbria in 657 – is now best known for
– including details of the many discounts and
the fact that Bram Stoker chose its dramatic
special deals on offer if you’re heading to any
backdrop and gothic splendour as the fictional
English Heritage property as a group.
landing place for Count Dracula.
With its magnificent abbey and links to Sir Walter Raleigh (this year the town is celebrating the 400th anniversary of his death), Sherborne welcomes groups keen to explore all this ancient west Dorset town has to offer. Find out more at sherborneabbey.com and sherbornedorset.co.uk
Don’t miss... Next year’s big reveal of
GLASTONBURY ABBEY
English Heritage’s £1.6 million improvement
Somerset
project. Spring 2019 will see a newly designed
Its medieval ruins are one of Britain’s most
museum at the abbey, new landscaping,
important Christian sites. Reputedly the final
including the addition of trees to the courtyard,
resting place of King Arthur, it was, in reality,
upgrades to the visitor entrance and shop,
built in the 7th century, gutted by fire in the
Don’t miss... The chance to visit the
plus the addition of a new coffee shop.
12th century and rebuilt in the 13th before
legendary burial place of King Arthur. Find
Find out more at english-heritage.org.uk
falling into disrepair 300 years later.
out more at glastonburyabbey.com WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Old glory Britain’s stately homes and gardens are the envy of the world, and right now they’re ripe for the exploring
Book a guided tour of Bowood’s award-winning private walled garden
A HAUNTING DISCOVERY
Words: George Cooper
B
Back in the bright lights of London, Ham House OWOOD HOUSE AND Gardens in
by Brown over five years between 1763
can lay claim to being the capital’s best-kept
Wiltshire is the home of the Marquis and
and 1768, stand as one of the very finest
secret, sitting just 10 miles from the city
examples of the landscape architect’s work.
centre in Richmond-Upon-Thames and giving
Marchioness of Lansdowne and sits in grounds designed by Britain’s greatest landscape designer, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Bowood’s gardens have been awarded
a fascinating glimpse of life in 17th century
the HHA/Christie’s Garden of the Year
Britain. The Stuart house was built in 1610
A wander around the house takes in
gong, and the four-acre private walled
for Sir Thomas Vavasour, and occupied by a
the library and chapel – where Joseph
garden can be enjoyed through a pre-
succession of earls and dukes, before being
Priestley claimed to have discovered oxygen
booked tour, while the woodland gardens
handed to the National Trust in 1948.
in 1774 – the sculpture gallery and the
are open annually between April and June.
exhibition rooms, which contain 300
What’s in it for groups? Special group
years, standing as Europe’s most complete
years’ worth of artefacts and antiques.
rates are available (20-plus), with tickets
surviving example of 17th century life. It’s also
allowing access to Bowood House and
reputed to be one of the most haunted houses
Napoleon’s death mask and Queen Victoria’s
gardens, the adventure playground
in Britain. Sophie Johnson, Senior Visitor
wedding chair. The grounds, meanwhile, created
and farm, see www.bowood.org
Experience Officer, tells us: “Ham House is
A huge art and antique collection includes
It’s remained virtually unchanged in 400
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Days out
PIXABAY
Discover why Bowood has many a tale to tell
“We bring stories to life” Mandy Dobson, Garden Guide at Bowood House and Gardens, reveals why a tour of this historic attraction is a must... “Bowood House has a wonderful history
“We take our tours along the lake,
and we try to bring these stories to life on
to the hidden cascade and through the
our tours,” explains Mandy.
arboretum. There is so much history within
“The garden tours are a chance for our
the house itself and this is reflected in our
visitors to take in one of Capability Brown’s
other tours, which include our four-acre
most spectacular garden designs. We try to
private walled garden and a woodland tour.
give a real insight into his vision and how he
“Our huge array of artefacts reflects
created the landscape. It’s a fascinating story
the stories behind the house; the fourth
and a spectacular sight, with plantations,
Marquess married the daughter of
sweeping lawns and a lake. It’s only when
Napoleon’s aide-de-camp, and Joseph
you’re standing in the grounds, which Brown
Priestley, the 18th century theologist,
created essentially with just a spade and
identified oxygen while working as a librarian
no mechanical aid, that you can appreciate
here. All these stories are brought to life
what an astonishing achievement it was.
– it’s a really educational place to visit.”
the authentic experience of the 17th century,
A PALATIAL DAY OUT
and a real glimpse into what life was like in
Blenheim Palace is one of Britain’s most
palace is home to one of the most extensive
post-Cromwell Britain. We have a programme
breathtaking sights, set in more than 2,000
collections in Europe, including portraits,
of events that is constantly changing so
acres of landscaped Oxfordshire parkland
sculptures and tapestries and, for a standard
we hope no two visits are the same.”
and formal gardens.
admission, visitors can take a guided tour of
What’s in it for groups? Groups of
The palace, which sits at the edge of the
Groups are particularly well-catered for; the
the state rooms, visit the Sir Winston Churchill
15 or more get reduced entry rates, it’s
town of Woodstock, is 20 minutes from
exhibition and discover the palace’s history
free for National Trust members, and
Oxford and within striking distance of London
through an animated interactive experience.
hour-long tours can be arranged in French,
and Birmingham.
What’s in it for groups? For an additional fee,
German and Spanish on selected days.
Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough
visitors can take a tour of the guest bedrooms
Garden tours are free and available all year
and his family, Blenheim is also the
and staff areas and the ‘Duke’s Floor’ – tours
at 2pm Monday to Friday (two weeks’
birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. With
of the Marlborough family living area. There
notice is required). It’s easily accessible via
a 300-year history to explore, it’s open
are also plenty of events throughout the
the London Underground (District Line),
all year with the exception of Christmas
year. Parking is free, and catering for group
bus and on foot. See nationaltrust.
Day and offers a packed calendar of group
visits must be booked in advance. Find
org.uk/ham-house-and-garden
tours and talks, exhibitions and events.
out more at blenheimpalace.com WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Days out Blenheim Palace was the birthplace of Winston Churchill
HEAVEN IN DEVON
A CLASSIC DELIGHT
AWARD-WINNING ATTRACTION
Castle Hill Gardens, set in 18th century parkland
Lamport Hall & Gardens, nestled in the
Winner of our Group Travel World award
near Barnstaple, is known as ‘heaven in Devon’.
Northamptonshire countryside just a few miles
this issue for best Group Friendly Attraction
The house, built in 1730, has for centuries
from the motorway network, is steeped in
(see page 103), Waddesdon Manor is set in
been home to the Fortescue family, and the
history. Developed from a Tudor manor house,
a Buckinghamshire village near Aylesbury.
current custodians are the 15th generation of
it was home to the Isham family between
the family to live there. While the house itself
1560 and 1976.
Built for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s, today the grounds are open
is not open to the public, Lady Arran takes
The hall contains a wealth of outstanding
to explore until early November and the
pre-booked groups of 15-25 on personal
books and furniture, housed within stunning
house is open until the end of October.
tours around the house every year. These need
rooms, including the 18th century library. It’s
to be booked several months in advance but
set among 10 acres of gardens, which contain
behalf of the National Trust, it’s home to the
are well worth the extra planning.
rare plants and more than 80 bird species.
Rothschild Collections of paintings, sculpture
These can be explored via guided tours on the
and decorative arts, see waddesdon.org.uk
The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the splendid gardens, featuring an array of follies, temples and lakes. One item that’s
first Wednesday of every month. Tours of the hall are also available; these last
Managed by the Rothschild Foundation, on
GREAT SCOT!
available for public viewing in the house
75 minutes and can be booked on the day.
No visit to the Isle of Skye is complete without
is a George III Pier Glass (anyone wishing
Additionally, all visitors can explore the house’s
savouring the wealth of history offered by
to view it must give at least two weeks’
history via the ‘through the ages’ exhibition,
Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. The oldest
notice and enclose their passport details).
which is included in the admission ticket.
continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, it’s
What’s in it for groups? The mansion house
What’s in it for groups? The house
been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan
is a perfect venue for weddings, with room for
and gardens are open on selected days
MacLeod for 800 years. Visitors can enjoy tours
receptions of up to 300. Castle Hill also hosts
between April and October. Groups are
of a castle steeped in history and clan legend,
corporate events, including business meetings,
welcome by arrangement on Wednesday
take a boat trip on Loch Dunvegan to see the
product launches and training days, as well
and Thursday afternoons and the venue can
seal colony, charter one of its boats for a
as private birthday parties and anniversaries,
also be hired for weddings, conferences and
fishing trip or Loch cruise, and enjoy a meal at
see castlehilldevon.co.uk/gardens
other events. See lamporthall.co.uk
the cafe, see www.dunvegancastle.com WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Days out
History repeats
The castle’s te a room is set in a Geor gian coach house
GTW’s Harley Denham and Karen Newton explore what’s great for groups and families at the medieval Grimsthorpe Castle
W
HILE THERE’S BEEN a ‘castle’ at
until the end of September, you can take a
deal with your group
Grimsthorpe for around 800 years,
guided tour of the castle and its state rooms,
bookings, offering something slightly
today it’s more of a large country pile than
explore the gardens and walk or bike ride
different from the usual guided tour.
a traditional turreted affair, having been in the
through the parkland trails, which
Willoughby de Eresby family for 500 years.
can take you on a route of up
With an impressive history (the castle
to 10 miles as you explore
was granted by Henry VIII to William, Baron
thousands of acres that
Willoughby de Eresby when he married
are home to buzzards,
Maria de Salinas, lady-in-waiting to Katherine
red kites, swans, geese,
of Aragon, in 1516), its oldest part, King
ducks and deer.
John’s Tower, was built in the early 13th
Your group will be guided round the park and grounds on your
Based near Bourne in south Lincolnshire, plan your visit – and take a virtual tour – at grimsthorpe.co.uk
coach before entering the house and gardens. We can personally recommend the home-made cakes in the castle’s wonderful café.
century. And if you detect a hint of Blenheim
TAKE YOUR GROUP
Palace about its design, that’s because
Grimsthorpe Castle
the house was the final masterpiece of
welcomes groups of all sizes,
now book your group’s
Blenheim’s architect Sir John Vanbrugh.
and Ray Biggs, who’s Access
tickets through our ticket offers
Open to families and groups from March
Manager at Grimsthorpe, is on hand to
● Get a great deal on tickets! You can
site grouptraveloffers.com
GTW
Parts of the castle date back to the 1200s, when it offered a vantage point over the Great North Road
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HALL, GARDENS AND SPECIAL EVENTS A beautiful Historic Tudor House – Suffolk’s hidden gem • a labyrinth of stunning gardens • full calendar of events including historical re-creations, family hands-on events and school/home education days • spring bulbs and walks • guided tours or self-guided visits • tearoom and restaurant
for further details, visit www.kentwell.co.uk
Kentwell Hall • Long Melford • Suffolk CO10 9BA • 01787 310207
We have been welcoming visitors for more than 20 years but Grimsthorpe is still relatively unknown. It is an historic English estate, cared for by the same family for 500 years. We particularly recommend the guided park tour, taken in your coach. It sets the scene for the visit to the house.
Located 10 minutes from the A1 near Bourne, Lincolnshire. (PE10 0LZ).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION GO TO:
www.grimsthorpe.co.uk
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Days out
PIXABAY/IAN KELSALL
Explore beneath the Mendip hills at Cheddar Gorge – one of the UK’s most spectacular natural landmarks
Dig deep We head underground to explore the UK’s subterranean treats Aim high when you’re next underground at the National Slate Museum in Llanberis, see museum.wales
CHEDDAR GORGE & WOOKEY HOLE
CLEARWELL CAVES
Where: Cheddar, Somerset
Dean, Gloucestershire
Contact: cheddargorge.co.uk
Contact:
and wookey.co.uk
clearwellcaves.com
Head to Somerset to explore two famous
The hub of iron ore mining,
underground attractions – Cheddar Gorge
which was the main industry for
and Wookey Hole. At the gorge you can
the forest for thousands of years,
explore the caves, while if you’re after a
Clearwell Caves’ caverns have displays
more adrenaline-charged trip try heading out
showing how the ore and ochre has been
Churchill and Vice Admiral Ramsay as they
into the Mendip Hills with a caving guide for
mined for more than 4,500 years, much of
masterminded the evacuation of 338,000
a proper caving expedition. Wookey Hole,
that by children. Pop into the gift shop for
British and French troops from Dunkirk during
meanwhile, is surrounded by all manner of
some unusual mementos, including ochre
Operation Dynamo in 1940.
myths, legends and spooky stories. Find out
pigment from the mine.
Where: The Forest of
DOVER CASTLE Where: Dover, Kent Contact: englishheritage.org.uk/ dovercastle Head to Dover Castle’s Secret Wartime Tunnels.
Why? Because they housed the nerve-centre of operations for Winston
The adventurous can book a trip that takes
LLECHWEDD SLATE CAVERNS
other attractions including the Valley of the
you deeper into the mine workings and offers
Where: Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd
Dinosaurs, the 19th century Paper Mill and the
a chance to explore parts of the caves not
Contact: llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk
Victorian Penny Arcade.
usually open to the public.
Don’t miss the chance to explore deep
about the Witch of Wookey before exploring
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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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Days out under the mountains of Snowdonia at The
THE DUNGEONS
Winner of ‘The UK’s Scariest Attraction’
Llechwedd Slate Caverns, with two unique
Where: London, Blackpool, Edinburgh,
accolade, this is two attractions in one
tours to choose from. The Llechwedd Deep
Warwick Castle and York
– an immersive theatrical show and an
Mine Tour is an audio-visual feast of the senses
Contact: thedungeons.com
underground tour of London’s tombs, which
as it reveals the region’s past. The Quarry
Bringing history’s more gruesome elements to
sit under London Bridge Station.
Explorer is an off-road adventure taking you
life, the UK’s nationwide network of Dungeons
right into the heart of Llechwedd’s mountains.
take the art of story-telling to another level,
ZIP WORLD
and make for an entertaining group trip full of
Where: Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd
black humour and spooky tales.
Contact: zipworld.co.uk/adventure/
Each Dungeon tour uses high-tech special
bounce-below
effects and a cast of actors to create a
Head to Zip World’s Bounce Below in
unique, walk-through experience visitors
and get set to enter a network of enormous
can see, hear, touch, smell and feel, as each
caverns, once home to a working Victorian
location’s real life past is re-enacted. Did
mine and now brought back to life as the
you know, for example, that York was home
only subterranean playground of its kind.
to the traitorous plotter Guy Fawkes and
Following a massive refurbishment
the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin?
in 2016, the Bounce Below experience
THE LONDON BRIDGE EXPERIENCE
offers four new slides the height of two double decker buses and six new levels of bouncing fun, giving underground
Where: Central London
adventurers 400 additional square
Contact: thelondonbridgeexperience.com
metres to explore.
GTW
Zip World’s Bounce Below
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Days out
PIXABAY
Seals at Blakeney Point
Life’s a beach Island life has its benefits for us Brits, with 11,000 miles of coastline to explore. Here are just some of our favourite seaside spots... BLAKENEY POINT
The north Norfolk coast is home to dunes, miles of beach, famous coastal towns and rare wildlife
PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD
THE TITANIC EXPERIENCE
Head out to Blakeney Point on one of Beans
Hampshire
Winner of the title ‘World’s Leading Tourist
Boats where you’ll catch a glimpse of seals
Take an audio tour of HMS Victory to learn
Attraction’ Titanic Belfast sits beside the Titanic
and enjoy the views at this National Nature
about the fall of Admiral Nelson during the
Slipways, the Harland and Wolff Drawing
North Norfolk
Battle of Trafalgar; step on board
Reserve. Check the website for
HMS Warrior – a warship that
timings, as this depends on the tide. Trips last around an hour, leaving from Morston Quay and take you across to Blakeney Point to see the seals. One tip is to remember to bring waterproofs as the boats aren’t covered. Get me there:
Staying on the North Norfolk coast? The GTW award-winning Comfort Hotel Great Yarmouth is ideal for groups – find out more at comfortgreatyarmouth .co.uk
beansboattrips.co.uk
Belfast
Offices and Hamilton Graving Dock – where Titanic was designed, built and launched in
never fired a shot in anger –
1912. The building is shaped like the bows
and even further back in
of ships, telling the story of the Titanic from
time to learn about the
her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s
excavation of the Mary
through to her famous maiden voyage and
Rose and life on board
subsequent place in history. Although for
Henry VIII’s favourite
ethical reasons there are no artefacts from the
ship, before taking a tour
wreck itself, there are many original items from
of the harbour. Get me there: historicdockyard.co.uk
the Titanic and White Star Line era, including the SS Nomadic, Titanic’s tender. Get me there: titanicbelfast.com
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Group Travel World - Manchester - FP Sept 2018_Layout 1 20/08/2018 13:08 Page 1
NEW
F O R
G R O U P
T R A V E L
NEW
O R G A N I S E R S
Manchester Weekender
Restoration Manchester
F R I DAY 5 T H AP R I L 2019 & F R I DAY 17 T H M AY 2019
S U N DAY 14 T H AP R I L 2019 & S U N DAY 19 T H M AY 2019
3 DAYS
F R O M £169
PER PERSON
Known throughout the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester has a proud history in science, politics, music, arts and sport. Now you can discover much of that history and more on this new tour of Manchester and surrounding area. SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Salford Quays – BBC Studio Tour OR Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour. Arrive in Manchester. Head to the BBC’s new home in MediaCityUK where we go behind the scenes of shows such as Blue Peter and Mastermind. Alternatively, ‘kick-off’ your weekend with the Manchester United ‘Museum & Tour’. Arrive at your hotel with time to relax before dinner.
3 DAYS
F R O M £179
PER PERSON
S u n d ay S p e c i a l o f f e r S tay i n g at l u x u r y h o t e l h i lt o n M a n c h e S t e r d e a n S g at e On this tour we learn the fascinating restoration stories behind some of Manchester’s most historic and unique attractions, Gorton Monastery, Victoria Baths and Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. S UGGE S T E D IT INE R ARY
Sunday
Arrive in Manchester. Check into hotel and take advantage of the hotel’s leisure facilities before dinner.
Manchester. After breakfast we meet our guide at Hilton Deansgate and enjoy a coffee and pastry whilst enjoying the panoramic views from Cloud 23. From here we embark upon a three hour walking tour including MOSI, Central Library, the secret church, Manchester Cathedral and National Football Museum. There is the option to call into the Trafford Centre before heading back to our hotel dinner.
Monday
Gorton Monastery and GMP Museum. Gothic masterpiece Gorton Monastery is a former Fransican church and friary. Derelict for many years, it was saved from ruin and on our guided tour we will learn about the building dramatic history, followed by lunch. Next stop is the Police Museum, a former police station with Victorian jail cells and magistrates court dating back to 1895.
Tuesday
Stockport and the Brewery. After breakfast we visit the neighbouring town of Stockport. We visit Staircase House to discover how our ancestors lived from the 15th to 20th centuries. At Robinsons Brewery they have been brewing beer since 1838. The brewery tour ends with a tasting of their award winning ales. Return home.
Victoria Baths and Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. This morning we have a guided tour of Victoria Baths, winner of BBC Two’s first Restoration program. Next stop is Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, former home of the famous author. The house fell into dire straits before being restored. We enjoy an ‘afternoon tea’ lunch before returning home.
HILTON MANCHESTER DEANSGATE ****
NOVOTEL MANCHESTER WEST *** Situated just outside Manchester, the hotel is ideally placed for your stay, with easy access to the M60. This modern hotel has a restaurant, bar, and gym. There are 119 bedrooms, all with lift access and free coach parking.
P R I C E I N C LU D E S: • 2 nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast • BBC tour at MediaCityUK or Manchester United Museum and Tour( £10 per person supplement) • Coffee and pastries at Cloud 23, Hilton Deansgate
• Manchester walking tour • Visit to Staircase House • Tour and tasting at Robinson’s Brewery • Free place with a minimum of 25 paying passengers • ABTA protection
This central hotel features contemporary guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning city views. There is a health club, swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room.
P R I C E I N C LU D E S: • 2 nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast • Entry to Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and lunch • Guided tour of Gorton Monastery • Free place with a minimum of with soup and sandwich lunch 25 paying passengers • Entry to Police Museum • ABTA protection • Guided tour of Victoria Baths Touring on a budget? Enjoy the same attractions staying at the central Holiday Inn Express City Centre-Arena on a bed and breakfast basis for only £111 per person. Various 2019 Sunday arrival dates available.
To book or for more information please contact our Sales Team
T: 0161 928 3242 | E: sales@greatdays.co.uk
www.greatdays.co.uk
Follow us on
Coach Hire - We can arrange coach hire from your local area -please ask for details | Single supplement available on request All prices are per person and are based on a minimum 25 full fare paying passengers sharing a double or twin room with a free place for the group leader. Prices do not include coach hire or travel insurance. Dates are subject to availability. Smaller groups can be quoted for on request. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only. Greatdays Holidays Ltd are a member of ABTA (YO380) which means you have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
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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
14/09/2018 11:15
Days out See Portsmouth as never before from the top of the Tower
THE EMIRATES SPINNAKER TOWER Portsmouth Hailed as the UK’s best viewing tower, its deck an impressive 100 metres up, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower literally towers over the Solent. Buy a ticket (valid all day) and come and go as you please, enjoy afternoon tea in the Café in the Clouds, climb even higher into the 110m
The British Airways i360 stands 162m high, offering 360° views of Brighton’s seafront. Groups of 15 or more get a discount – see britishairways i360.com
Sky Garden... the choice is yours. Book in advance to save 10% on the normal admission price, and save even more if there are 15 or more of you. Get me there: spinnakertower.co.uk
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Peterborough Cathedral is celebrating its 900th birthday this year
An eastern delight
lunch. Groups of all ages are welcome (schools
Ancient cathedrals, heritage railways, stunning scenery and historic towns... discover why Cambridgeshire is ripe for the exploring
of the cathedral’s interior to its tower.
are offered a range of curriculum-related activities) and there are several options if you’re heading there in a group, from a tour And another thing... Tim Peake’s Soyuz TMA-19M space capsule is on show at the cathedral until November 5, 2018.
ORTON HALL HOTEL Where: Orton Longueville, Peterborough
PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL
Aragon: Peterborough Cathedral has been the
Find out more: abacushotels.co.uk/
Where: Minster Precincts
city’s crowning glory for 900 years and now
orton-hall-hotel-and-spa
Find out more:
welcomes visitors, who can explore this historic
A fan of Gordon’s Gin? It has its roots
peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
building on their own or on a guided tour.
in the county, as the upmarket Orton
It’s one of the finest Norman cathedrals in the
A new Visitor and Learning Centre is home
Hall Hotel in Peterborough was once
country and the burial place of two queens,
to an interactive exhibition about its history,
the seat of the notorious Marquess of
including Henry VIII’s first wife, Katharine of
and the Becket’s Tea Room is a great spot for
Huntly, George Gordon, whose family are
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East Anglia We’re loving… ...Shepreth Wildlife Park near Cambridge, winner of our Group Travel World best family-friendly attraction award this issue. See page 103 to find out more or visit sheprethwildlifepark .co.uk
Orton Hall Hotel sits on the edge of Ferry Meadows Country Park
synonymous with the Gordon’s brand. Today you can dine in the lovely oak panelled AA rosette restaurant, grab a bar snack in the traditional on-site pub, the Ramblewood Inn, and relax in the hotel’s extensive leisure facilities and Imagine Spa. And another thing... The Orton Hall Hotel is just a short walk from Ferry Meadows Country Park – a family-friendly mix of play areas, open countryside and watersports, run by Nene Park Trust, see nenepark.org.uk
PETERBOROUGH GREYHOUNDS Where: Fengate, Peterborough Contact: peterboroughgreyhounds.com Place your bets every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for a night at the races. Peterborough Greyhounds is one of the WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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East Anglia
GET ME THERE For official visitor information and help planning your trip to the region, from where to stay and eat to where to visit, click on the following sites: ■ Visit
Cambridge, visitcambridge.org
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. ■ Visit
Peterborough,
visitpeterborough.com best-known greyhound stadiums in the
children’s favourite in Reverend W Awdry’s
Discover what’s on in the city, the
UK, and entry, a whole evening’s racing
Thomas the Tank Engine books, the Nene
best places to stay, heritage attractions
and a meal at the RaceView Diner are all
Valley Railway offers miles of nostalgic
to visit and more on this site, which
yours from just £3.50 per person.
fun for steam train lovers.
has an events guide and more.
And another thing: Heading there in
Trains run every weekend and most
a big group? The RaceView Restaurant
Wednesdays, offering a steam service
■ Visit
seats more than 400; the RaceView Pizza
wherever possible. ‘Rover’ tickets allow
Ely’s Tourist Information Centre offers
Pasta Restaurant seats up to 100, and the
unlimited travel, and free car and coach
a wealth of information, whether you’re
RaceView Grandstand can seat 600.
parking is available at Wansford station (a
planning a trip to the historic cathedral
village just outside Peterborough) and the
or looking for somewhere to stay.
NENE VALLEY RAILWAY
Ely, www.visitely.org.uk
railway’s city centre station. If you prefer
Where: Wansford, near Peterborough
you can get on at any of the five stations
■ Discover
Contact: nvr.org.uk
en route, and you can save on ticket prices
discover-rutland.co.uk
Famed for being home to Thomas, the
through our sister site grouptraveloffers.com
Best known for being the UK’s smallest
And another thing... Combine a trip on
county, Rutland borders Cambridgeshire
the Nene Valley Railway with a stay at the
and is home to pretty market towns,
plush, four-star Peterborough Marriott
castles, golf courses and Rutland Water
...Burghley Horse Trials, held every year
Hotel, which is just off the A1. It can cater
Nature Reserve.
at Burghley Park in Stamford, just a short
for parties, events and conferences, with
drive from Peterborough. Next year’s
a stylish outdoor garden area that’s ideal
event runs from September 5-8, see
for awards nights and special occasions.
■ The
burghley-horse.co.uk
See marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/
Radisson Peterborough Hotel is right
We’re loving...
MAKE A BREAK Need accommodation? Try these... ■ Combine
GTW award-winning Park Inn by
in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the train station, see parkinn. co.uk/hotel-peterborough
a Christmas shopping trip in
the historic city of Cambridge with a stay
EMMA PARKES
Rutland,
at the nearby Quy Mill Hotel & Spa at
Take the Biscuit
nearby Stow-cum-Quy. See our sister site
The Peterborough Biscuit is the largest
grouptraveloffers.com for the best prices.
local business-to-business event in
■ On
East Anglia. Held at the East of England
the edge of Peterborough’s picturesque
rowing lake, The Dragonfly Hotel is close
Arena and Events Centre, the next event
to the city centre, Peterborough cathedral
takes place on February 6, 2019, see
and the Ferry Meadows Country Park,
peterboroughbiscuit.co.uk
GTW
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Discover
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Peterborough
King’s Lynn
Old Hunstanton
MEAL STOPS
Groups:
We can create a menu to suit your requirements.
10UP TO 50
We can offer different meal stop options from a carvery to a plated meal or simply fish and chips.
Sandringham
Sandringham House – with gracious permission of HM The Queen
Norfolk Lavender
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Thursford Christmas Spectacular
HOTEL-BAR-RESTAURANT
Barton Street, Laceby
01472 872248 3 star hotel based on the outskirts of Grimsby and the Lincolnshire Wolds. Great base for exploring the fabulous county of Lincolnshire. Great rates to be had. For information about the hotel oaklandshallhotel.co.uk. Call for bookings on 01472 872248.
ely visit
Oliver Cromwell’s House This former house of the Lord Protector is open all year and offers a variety of packages to groups including guided tours with costumed guides as well as refreshment and meeting room provision. All tours can be tailor made to your groups requirements. We are also able to offer combination tours with other attractions such as Ely Cathedral as well as a variety of themed walking tours. We can plan your day for you as we can offer tail made programmes for your group. Coaches are able to drop off right in the heart of the city centre with free coach parking.
For more information please contact the Tourist Information Centre (housed at Oliver Cromwell’s House) on 01353 662062. www.visitely.org.uk @visitely
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Last year’s Mayflower 400 Illuminate event in Plymouth
All at sea
Angela Youngman explores the events up and down the UK that are set to mark 400 years since the Pilgrim Fathers sailed from the UK
I
T MAY BE two years away, but some are already gearing up for what will, undoubtedly,
anniversary began in 2017 with a series of ‘Illuminate’ events involving light-based artworks, parades and choirs, reflecting the themes of freedom and liberty. These were held across eight destinations in the UK with links to the Pilgrims. These events included colourful light parades in Boston (see below) and Harwich. More Illuminate events at the various
The Mayflower 400 campaign involves the Netherlands and the US. Within the
400 – marking 400 years since the Pilgrim
UK, the focus is on the places from which
Fathers sailed from the UK to found the
the settlers came, and the ports from
first permanent settlement of Europeans
which they embarked on the voyage. These
in what is now Massachusetts, USA.
include Doncaster, Boston, Dartmouth, Gainsborough, Harwich, Immingham, north
history of the UK, the US, the native
Nottinghamshire, Plymouth, Southwark in
American nation and the Netherlands.
London, Southampton and Worcestershire.
And although the main events programme
The official countdown to the 400th
a variety of locations throughout the UK,
be the biggest event in 2020 – Mayflower
It was a defining moment in the shared
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
A key element is to raise historical and
is still being organised, numerous related
cultural awareness, and increase visitor
events are already taking place.
numbers to key sites such as Plymouth.
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Days out Southampton’s port area will host a number of cultural events
The Mayflower steps Photo: Andy Fox Worcester Cathedral
Southampton’s Bargate – a Grade I listed medieval gatehouse
locations will be held in November 2018,
Also celebrated is Rotherhithe
commemorating Thanksgiving, an American
in Southwark, London
festival initiated by the settlers just one
where the Mayflower
year after landing in the New World.
was usually in port.
Illuminate November 2019 is set to mark
Find out more at mayflower 400uk.org
“The Mayflower 400 team here in the UK are on hand to work with tour operators, travel agents
and ground handlers to provide
The ship was built in Harwich
the start of the year of commemoration,
and the captain, Christopher Jones,
advice and destination information to
with large parades and illuminated
was born in Harwich before moving
support the development of tours.”
festivals in all the participating areas.
his vessel to Rotherhithe.
CELEBRATING MARITIME AND RELIGIOUS HISTORY
Plymouth revealed that there is likely to
■ The
be a big influx of overseas visitors for
the Illuminate celebrations in November
Mayflower 400 is promoting tours linking
the celebrations, including the arrival
2019 and will be followed by events
the various areas, highlighting the key themes
of many Mayflower descendents.
of maritime and religious history. Groups
Research carried out by Destination
There are currently 25 million descendents
GET INVOLVED main programme is set to start with
throughout 2020 in all locations. ■ Each
area within the Mayflower 400
can explore the roots of the Mayflower
worldwide from the 102 passengers and
campaign will have a specific week when
voyage and the story of the leaders of the
crew on board the Mayflower, of which
it will be the focus of attention, as well
venture in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire
10 million are US citizens. It is anticipated
as holding additional events throughout
and Worcestershire.
that Mayflower 400 will generate an
the year. For example, a Son et Lumiere
overall income in excess of £76m and
event involving visiting warships and tall
more than 1.4 million extra visitors.
ships will be held at the Britannia Naval
Alternatively, the maritime theme focuses on places like Southampton, where there were established trading links with Virginia
Amanda Lumley, Executive Director
College in Dartmouth, while there will be
and Newfoundland, and Plymouth, which was
for Destination Plymouth, says: “The
numerous cultural events in Southampton.
home to Atlantic mariners and adventurers as
research evidences the significant potential
■A
well as being the place from which the ship
the Mayflower 400th anniversary
the Chesterfield Canal, and a Mayflower
eventually left England in September 1620.
presents to the UK’s visitor economy.
Conference will be held in Worcester.
Pilgrim Walking Festival will be held along
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Days out Head to Dartmouth in 2020
■ By far the biggest event will be the Plymouth
Muster in September 2020, marking Embarkation Day. This will be an international commemoration involving communities of combined armed forces. ■ Plymouth will be opening a new £37 million
gallery and museum complex, known as The Box, which will act as the city’s cultural centre, creating a new Mayflower monument. ■ In Southwark, events and activities building up to
2020 include a performance charting the history of the Mayflower journey, a heritage trail and talks, culminating in a huge performance on the Thames. ■ In Essex, Mayflower activities will be focused
on Harwich. A Mayflower Visitor Centre is being created, which will include the 1604 Charter signed by King James, mentioning Captain Christopher Jones, together with displays showing how Harwich quay and other points would have looked in 1620 when the ship set sail. Guided tours including a visit to Christopher Jones’ house will be available, and there’ll be an exhibition at St Nicholas’ Church (where Christopher Jones was twice married) focusing on the Mayflower journey. ■ In the Netherlands, where the Pilgrims stayed for
some years, there are plans for a Mayflower Marathon programme and a Pilgrim walking tour. ■ More activities are constantly being added to the
programme as preparations continue. GTW
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Discover northern England’s dramatic history with a group visit to Newcastle’s imposing Norman fortress. Dedicated Groups Coordinator Guided tours available upon request
www.newcastlecastle.co.uk T: 0191 230 6300 E: info@newcastlecastle.co.uk
GROUP EXPERIENCES Bespoke packages for a minimum of 40 persons.
Options include: Be greeted by a knight on horseback and/or medieval foot soldiers A guided tour led by costumed guides Demos of medieval food and music Try on armour, handle weapons and watch knights do battle
GROUP RATES Discounted rates available for groups of over 10 persons. (Must be booked in advance)
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
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14/09/2018 11:13
Part 2: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
Eastern adventure
Darren Calpin climbs aboard Vietnam’s Reunification Express – a 1,000-mile train route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
L
EAVING DA NANG’S contemporary landmarks and high-rise hotels behind
THE WOW FACTOR The fleeting transfer from the station to
without fuss, the train points south once
of the oft returning refreshment trolley fail to
one of the city’s many upscale beachfront
again. In the distance are the Marble
keep the general air of lethargy at bay. The
hotels suggests Nha Trang may, on initial
Mountains, five sacred limestone hills
photographers, still grinning as they apply
impressions, be something of a party town.
named after the five natural elements:
digital enhancements to their shot reels,
With its late-night bars, flashy nightclubs and
fire, water, earth, wood and gold.
seem to be the only ones full of beans.
illuminated seafront, it feels like Vietnam’s
The vibe in the carriage is more
PIXABAY
Even the surreal Vietnamese pop videos on the ceiling-hung TV screens and the clinking
It is dark when the engine crawls, gratefully
answer to Surfers’ Paradise, Atlantic City
subdued now. Passengers are still taking
it feels, into Nha Trang. Like Hué and Hanoi
or even, at a stretch, Blackpool. Tonight
in the scenery, but the endless parade
before it, the station here has a modest buzz
though, even at midnight, things are pretty
of waterlogged plains and rice paddies
of activity, but isn’t in any way hectic or
quiet on the seafront, with only the odd
seems to be a signal that this is the part
overwhelming. After a long day on the rails,
of the journey where a nap is in order.
that in itself feels like a warm welcome.
disco pub or rustic beach bar still open. Say what you like about luxury high-rise
Darren’s bound for Ho Chi Minh City, known locally as Saigon
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Vietnam by rail beachfront hotels, they don’t skimp on views.
plenty of opportunities to meditate,
things are neat, tidy and ordered, with souvenir
The one from the tenth floor of the swish
take photos or simply retreat from the
outlets of every kind and food stalls adorned
Novotel Nha Trang the following morning
relentless sun. The viewing platform
with beautifully presented spices.
is testament to this, for here, laid out like a
around the Buddha offers some terrific
poster from a travel agent’s window is Nha
views of the city and countryside too.
Trang Bay, a four-mile crescent of pure white
The relaxed vendors: nearly all ladies, many of them dozing, are very laid-back in their approach to haggling. Even when
sand and high, lazy palms lapped by turquoise
THE STREETS OF NHA TRANG
waters dotted with lush, tropical islands.
Strolling around Nha Trang’s lively backstreets
100,000 Dong (less than £4) asked to seal
and bustling main arteries is, thanks to the
a deal, they don’t seem to get the hump.
You can almost here the collective “wow”
visitors walk away rather than meet the
uttered by the multitudes of (mostly Russian
clearly visible signposts, a very manageable
and Chinese) holidaymakers as they pull
treat. Working life plays out very much at
TOWERING INTO VIEW
back their curtains at the start of each day.
street level here, with workers and artisans
A stroll across the nearby Cai River, with its
A casual stroll along the long, neat and
carrying out their duties on the pavement
scenic mountain backdrop and islet-based
thankfully quite shady promenade reveals
all throughout the day. Everyone, from the
shrines, brings the magnificent Po Nagar
there’s much more to Nha Trang than foot-
scooter mechanics and food vendors to the
Cham Towers into view. Now used as a mainly
roasting sands and rolling waves. Walk
furniture makers and clothes sellers seems to
Vietnamese/Chinese place of worship, this
north and then east for a short while and
have stools and seats set up on ‘their’ patch of
small, exquisitely preserved complex set on a
it’s giant white Buddhas rather than upscale
sidewalk where they can work in the fresh air
granite knoll was built between the 7th and
hotels which dominate the skyline. The
and, if they’re really lucky, catch a light breeze.
12th centuries, the Hindu period when the
14m high statue of the Enlightened One
Nearby is Dam market, a perennially popular
Kingdom of Champa flourished.
stands (or sits, to be precise) on a hilltop
three-storey indoor marketplace. Surrounding
behind the Long Son Pagoda, drawing in
the main building’s tatty perimeter is a
still stand – the 28m-high North Tower,
reverential glances from all around the city.
Only four of the original eight Cham towers
ramshackle collection of shaded food stalls
with its terraced pyramid-style roof and
The temple is far more peaceful and
sporting large, exotic-looking goods tended by
intricate carvings being the most impressive.
empty than one would assume, affording
tired-looking women under conical hats. Inside,
It is, however, the gentle and really rather
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intimate acts of worship, typically carried out
chicken and rice dishes, cooked in the kicthen
Graham Greene’s 1955 classic The Quiet
by small groups of fussing middle-aged ladies,
car and brought down later.
American has a lot to answer for here.
that make the strongest impression. Sitting
The clouds turn darker, and before long
on the floor, tinkling their bells and chanting
the windows are being lashed with lateral
COLONIAL CHARISMA
almost half-heartedly, they are delightfully
rain and lightning silhouettes the undulating
The short drive from the train station to the
oblivious to the hordes of smartphone
forested hills. A Vietnamese man travelling
city centre reveals that, though much has
wielding tourists buzzing around them. It’s like
with his sleeping young son hints it’s no big
changed since Greene was here in the early
watching someone break out an impromptu
deal, then smiles conspiratorially at a cheeky
1950s, Ho Chi Minh City has managed to
picnic on Oxford Street during rush hour.
Westerner taking a photo of his fellow tour
retain a great deal of its colonial charisma
group companions dozing with their mouths
and period character. Indeed, the regal old
a short distance away. Watching the sun
open. Another group of travelling companions,
hotels, colonnaded streets, grand municipal
set here as locals snorkel for super-fresh
British by the sound of them, begin an
buildings, lofty cathedrals and refined parks
seafood and families paddle in the super-
impromptu game of something resembling
still characterise the old centre ville, despite
shallow surf, it’s hard to believe this stretch
seat-based charades with a smartphone. The
the best efforts of the increasingly ubiquitous
of coast was effectively one big American
Vietnamese passengers in surrounding seats
shopping malls and skyscrapers.
military base for much of the 1960s and
look amused and bemused in equal measure.
Boulder-strewn Hong Chong beach is
early 70s. It’s also clear to see that Nha
By mid-afternoon, the inclement weather
Even Greene’s favourite haunt, the Continental Hotel, is still here, just a short
Tra, twinkling and pulsing a few miles away,
has passed and the train and its passengers,
stroll from Notre Dame Cathedral and
is far more than a mere party town.
most well fed and suitably rested, are
overlooking the splendid Opera House.
nearing the journey’s end. Towering glass
Sadly, there are now notably fewer tables
office buildings shadowed by a hundred-
and chairs outside where visiting writers
The 08.39 southbound train for Ho Chi Minh
and-one cranes slide into view as the train
can sit out and enjoy ‘the cool wind from
City (Saigon) leaves a few minutes behind
slows to a canter, clacking past suburban,
the Sài Gòn River’ of an evening. That being
schedule the next morning. Despite the rather
scooter-packed train crossings, most which
said, a lavish meal on one of the grand
low, moody-looking grey clouds hovering over
seem to regard barriers as superfluous
pleasure vessels which cruise the river around
the now fleeting green landscape, the mood
additions. Disembarking at Gar Sai Gon, one
sunset makes a very good substitute.
in the seating car is genial, sociable even. The
is immediately excited by the prospect of
carriage is full and the refreshment trolley,
discovering an elegant city of gallic charm,
colonial city centre is a more recent site of
when it eventually comes buffeting down the
where leafy boulevards and grandiose
historical significance, Independence Palace.
aisle, is in great demand. Crisps and beers are
buildings provide a backdrop of mystery and
This landmark building, once home to the
popular, as are meal tickets for the bargain hot
intrigue. Understandably, the artful prose of
President of South Vietnam, is famed for
BOUND FOR HO CHI MINH CITY
Within an easy ten-minute walk of the
Nha Trang: Vietnam’s answer to Atlantic City
Missed the first leg of Darren’s journey? Email helen.milbank@ grouptravelworld.com for a free PDF of part one
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Vietnam by rail
Rush hour, Ho Chi Minh City style
strong counter-narratives to those proffered by Hollywood
GET ME THERE
over the past 30 years.
■ GRJ
This ‘alternative’ look at a
Independent tailor make holidays
to Vietnam for group tour organisers
conflict which feels strangely
who are developing itineraries for small
familiar gets ramped up to a
and/or large groups. This trip is a sample
whole different level at the
trip of eight days, which included return
famed Cu Chi tunnels, 30
air travel with Vietnam Airlines, hotel
miles north of the city. This
stays in Hanoi, Hue, Nah Trang and
sprawling tunnel complex,
Saigon, excursions and selected meals.
replete with hospitals,
Flight upgrades available to premium
kitchens, living quarters
economy or business class on request
being the place where, courtesy of a tank
and munitions stores was used to keep
and price subject to date of travel.
smashing through the front gates, the
Viet Cong soldiers safe and hidden from
■ The
Vietnam War came to an end in 1975. Two
the Americans during the Vietnam War.
to suit group interests including a
of the tanks used in the capture of the palace can still be seen parked in the grounds.
A BITTER CONFLICT
team at GRJi can create itineraries
After watching a video detailing how
guest speaker for groups interested
‘the ruthless American bombs descended
in the History of Vietnam railways,
to mercilessly kill the gentle people of the
see www.greatrail.com/grj-
peaceful countryside’, visitors get to see
independent or call 01904 527181.
A block away from the palace is the War
how dastardly pit traps with revolving spikes
Remnants Museum. This internationally
and poisoned stakes were used to counter
acclaimed and very moving museum uses a
American military might by demoralising
large collection of artefacts, including jets and
already disillusioned GIs. Visitors who are
about the Vietnam War. And, once again,
helicopters, along with a vast array of audio/
willing to get on their hands and knees can
the recollections are punctuated with
visual exhibits to tell the story of both the First
explore the laboriously dug tunnels for
messages of forgiveness and hopes for a
Indo-China War and the Vietnam War.
themselves; those with modest claustrophobia
peaceful future. It seems that, much like
tend to discover their limitations pretty quickly.
the Reunification Express, rebirth and
It is, in every sense, a real eye-opener, with the exhibitions devoted to the use of Agent Orange and Napalm delivering particularly
As in Hué, there are people working here who are willing to speak frankly
reconciliation are now part of the national psyche of modern Vietnam.
GTW
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PIXABAY
Vietnam: where pink train stations are all the rage!
99
11/09/2018 19:48
St Jean is set in a centuries old hamlet
A rural idyll
GTW’s Emma Parkes heads to the south of France, where a week’s R&R comes in the highly decadent form of the wonderful St Jean Retreats
W
There was just time for a dip in the pool
E ALL DAYDREAM of escaping the
pretty hour-and-a-half drive to St Jean.
rat race and sloping off with a group
Greeted by welcoming double kisses (well, in
before dinner, and after being shown to
of like-minded friends for a few days’ R&R,
Rome and all that) from Christopher Bedford
my room – a converted stable block with
but earlier this year I got to do just that at the
and his family, who all live on site, I could
French chic interior to die for – canapés
wonderfully chic St Jean Retreats, just a short
feel my stress levels began to melt away as I
were served al fresco before we adjourned
drive from Toulouse airport. ‘Relax. Rejuvinate.
took in the views of the landscaped gardens,
to one of the spectacular dining areas.
Refresh’ is its mantra, and this fantastic retreat
gorgeous outdoor swimming pool and hillsides
The food was all bio (organic in French),
– housed in a picturesque clutch of historic
lined with woodland.
locally sourced and cooked to perfection
buildings – now solely caters for groups looking for the ultimate in relaxing mini breaks. A quick look at stjeanretreats.com
GET ME THERE
gives a taste of what’s on offer. Think
■ St
beautiful location and a team of holistic
of up to 12, with nine guest bedrooms.
though not the actual flights.
and creative instructors and teachers on
Find out more at stjeanretreats.com
■ The
hand to help you focus on, well, you, as
■ It’s
of UK airports, including Gatwick, Stansted,
you sample the swimming, tennis, yoga
and wine, with massage, Reiki, reflexology,
Luton, Bristol, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
and woodland walks... you name it, and the
acupuncture and one-on one or small group
■ Ryanair,
team will ensure you can relax doing it.
wellness training all available on request.
three of the airlines offering regular flights.
■ The
■ It’s
THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR One short haul flight from Gatwick into
Jean is a retreat for small groups
all-inclusive with regards to all meals
price to hire the whole retreat
to and from Toulouse airport, airport is well served from a number
British Airways and easyJet are just
worth noting that Cordes also
is £8,000 for five days or £10,000
has its own railway station, and you
for seven days, including transport
can be met there if you prefer.
Toulouse airport later, I was collected by the retreats’ owners, the Bedford family, for the 100 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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Tried & tested Tea on the terrace...
Emma with the retreat’s owner Christopher Bedford
Start your day with a dip in the retreat’s pool
Views of the surrounding gardens and hillsides are spectacular
by the chef who comes in to prepare all the meals. The wine, which is included in the price of the stay, was wonderful too. The following day was a treat of massage, reflexology, Reiki and a chance to practise yoga on a special platform that looks out onto the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel, built at the beginning of the 13th century as a bastide, or fortified town, in the Midi-Pyrénées. Later during our stay we were driven to the town of Albi, home to the first red brick UNESCO medieval cathedral, with some of the most intricate Gothic décor I’ve ever seen – with time for a spot of shopping in the market of course and the obligatory coffee. After a few days of downing tools and being treated to a slice of St Jeans life, I came away feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to find more me time to practise yoga outdoors. I’m not sure how I’ll ever top the views I had from the retreat’s yoga platform, but c’est la vie...
GTW
Yoga with a view of nearby Cordes-sur-Ciel
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UKinbound news Relax in style at the Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa, North Berwick
Your journey begins...
Discover how Macdonald Hotels & Resorts can give your next group trip a luxury feel
T
HE AWARD-WINNING MACDONALD
anniversary. A continuing multi-million-pound
Hotels & Resorts is a collection of more
investment has created luxurious rooms in the
than 40 individual, upmarket hotels throughout
heart of the city, as well as a stylish new restaurant
the UK. Individual not only in location, from
Acanthus. Finish with a drink in the Cartoon Bar
bustling city centres to picturesque countryside,
with its speciality gins, champagnes and cocktails.
but also in style – from boutique hotels to stately homes and country manors. Start your journey in the Scottish Highlands,
Enjoy a rich mix of history, culture, heritage and fun in one of south east England’s must-see destinations when you book a stay at Macdonald
home to the Cairngorms National Park. Macdonald
Windsor Hotel – the perfect base for enjoying
Aviemore Resort is situated in the heart of this
everything Windsor has to offer (and close to
magnificent landscape, making it a great base for
Heathrow Airport, just 20 minutes away).
adventurous escapes, championship golf courses and trails of the many whisky distilleries nearby. Further south, the Macdonald Holyrood
No matter which hotel you choose, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is committed to providing a quality experience and attentive service.
Hotel is located in the glorious old town of
Whatever your reason to visit, they’ll make sure
Edinburgh, and the Macdonald Marine Hotel
it’s a memorable one for all the right reasons.
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
& Spa in North Berwick has stunning coastal views over the Firth of Forth. A round of golf and a tasting of NB Gin is a must on this visit. Over the border, into the north west, and you’ll discover a spa destination like no other just outside the historic city of Chester. Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa invites you to relax and rejuvenate with a visit to the new Vital Health & Wellbeing Club. Afterwards, enjoy an al fresco cocktail on the terrace before a gourmet dinner in the Craxton Wood Grill. Delve further into England and discover the ancient city of Oxford, where Macdonald
Why choose Macdonald Hotels & Resorts? ■ Over
40 unique hotels from the Scottish Highlands to the south coast of England. ■ Invested £13m in its hotels in 2017. ■ The group has 14 hotels less than 30 minutes from an airport, and transfers can be arranged direct with the hotels.
■ There are 19 hotels less than 10 minutes
from a train station, most with free parking. 27 AA Rosette award-winning restaurants across the chain. ■ Liaise with the group reservations team at groups@macdonald-hotels. co.uk GTW
■ Expect
Randolph Hotel has celebrated its milestone 150th 102 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
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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 worthy winners BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION
Shepreth Wildlife Park
BEST HOTEL
Harley finds herself popular with the park’s meercats!
The Eastbury Hotel Nominated by
Nominated by GTW’s Harley
GTW’s Lorraine
Denham, this
Jackson, who
Hertfordshire attraction is home to
stayed here over the summer with her
tigers, lynx, red pandas, owls, otters
husband, The Eastbury Hotel is just a
and more, with keepers on hand to give
short walk from the picturesque abbey
talks about the animals, the option to
town of Sherborne in Dorset. Set in a
try an animal encounter (Harley fed
Georgian period listed townhouse, within
the meercats, hence why she’s being
a walled garden, the hotel has been
mobbed in this photo), and the chance
completely refurbished and restyled
to generally get close to a range of
this year, with 22 guest rooms and a
fantastic species. Groups of 15 or more
2 Rosette award-winning restaurant
get a 20% discount.
■ Find
■ Find
theeastburyhotel.co.uk
out more at
out more at
sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk
BEST GROUP ATTRACTION
Waddesdon Manor This fantastic country house, set in the
world. Today, the grounds are open to
Collections of paintings, sculpture and
Buckinghamshire village of Waddesdon near
explore until early November and the house
decorative arts and there’s lots to entertain
Aylesbury, was built for Baron Ferdinand
is open until the end of October. Managed by
families and groups of all ages.
de Rothschild in the 1870s to display his
the Rothschild Foundation, on behalf of the
■ Find
collections and entertain the fashionable
National Trust, it’s home to the Rothschild
Explore Waddesdon Manor at your own pace – it’s best to pre-book a timed ticket
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103 GTW Sep 18 GTW awards.indd 99
VISIT BRITAIN
To nominate a hotel, attraction, restaurant or holiday company for our 2018 awards, email helen.milbank@ grouptravelworld.com
out more at waddesdon.org.uk
103
11/09/2018 20:00
GET THE NEXT 2 ISSUES FOR FREE GROUP TRAVEL WORLD EDITOR
Helen Milbank Every month Group Travel World magazine brings you inspirational travel features, days out ideas, and expert advice to help you plan your next trip, as well as regular competitions, crosswords and puzzles, celebrity interviews and more. Plus we can help you save money thanks to our new and exclusive ticketing site grouptraveloffers.com
Subscribe in 3 easy steps Call Emma Parkes on 01733 293487 Email emma.parkes@grouptravelworld.com Visit www.grouptravelworld.com/subscribe
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SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
FRE E TRIA L
Call 01733 293487 TERMS & CONDITIONS: This offer closes December 31st 2018. You will not receive a renewal reminder and recurring payments will continue to be taken unless you tell us ot erwise. ou will be bille a s after t e rst a of our trial w ic will become recurring pa ment ever ear. osts from mobiles per minute are appro imatel p to p. osts var epen ing on t e geograp ical location in t e . o subscribe our of ces open from . am . pm on ri or go online at www.grouptravelworld.com/subscribe. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
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14/09/2018 15:50 10/09/2018 10:35:24
Cruise the Manchester Ship Canal with Mersey Ferries
Your travel questions answered by experts
GROUP TRAVEL
Taking to the water passengers through locks and under bridges
Sheryle Pete, Co Durham
largely unchanged since they were built.
A The team at Mersey Ferries say:
selected dates, the five- to six-hour excursion
How about a trip along one of Britain’s most
has a live commentary, which tells the story of
famous canals? Next year marks the 125th
the canal. A licensed bar and café is available
anniversary of the opening of the Manchester
on board, and special discounted rates are
Q Any suggestions for a great spot
Ship Canal, hailed as an engineering wonder.
available for groups of 20-plus (£41 with
When it was opened by HM Queen Victoria in
return coach transfer).
for a group-friendly afternoon tea?
1894, it became the largest river navigation
Millie George, via email
canal in the world, spearheading deep-sea
of choosing which direction to take the cruise,
A Travel writer Sue Parslow says:
shipping to the heart of Manchester.
either starting at Salford or Wirral/Liverpool.
How about the very spot where it all started?
canal’s history is covered on our full day
and collected six hours later at the end of the
The ritual of afternoon tea with sandwiches
excursion, which travels through the heart of
canal, or use the Mersey Ferries’ coach transfer
was made popular in the 1840s by the
the North West on the inland waterway.
to return back to their starting point. To find
Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of
Mersey Ferries’ Manchester Ship Canal sailings
out more call the team on 0151 330 1420
Bedford, whose home was Woburn Abbey in
start in May and run through to October
or see merseyferries.co.uk/group
GROUP TRAVEL
Anyone for cake?
PIXABAY
Q We’re looking for ideas for our trip to
2019, with the 35-mile journey taking
the North West next year. Any suggestions?
To celebrate, more than 100 years of the
Departing from Salford and Liverpool on
Group and tour operators have the option
Groups can be dropped at the departure point
Bedfordshire. At that time, dinner was served between 7pm and 8.30pm, so this light meal of tea, sandwiches and cake filled the time gap. Soon, thanks to the Duchess and her friends, afternoon tea parties became fashionable
Trick or treat?
Q Can anyone recommend a Halloween
in high society. And today, at the Duchess’
treat for a group of youngsters?
Tea Room in Woburn Abbey’s grounds, the
Sarah Tomlin, Leicestershire
tradition continues. Your group (which must be a minimum of 12) could also combine a
A GTW editor Helen Milbank says:
visit to Woburn Abbey and Gardens, see
As you’re not far from the Midlands, you
woburnabbey.co.uk
won’t go wrong with a trip to Cadbury World’s
Alternatively, how about a Shakespearianstyle afternoon tea in The Shakespeare
GROUP TRAVEL
Halloween Spooktacular, which returns this autumn from October 20 to November 4.
It’s enough to turn you green...
Family Homes in Stratford-upon-Avon? Take
With more than two weeks of themed
a seat with a stunning view of Shakespeare’s
activities and entertainment on offer at the
O’Scary stars in The Scream Factor, where Frankie Frankenstein, Witchy Woo Woo
Birthplace on Henley Street, or step into
Bournville-based attraction, young ghouls
and Wolfy the Wolfman compete.
the doctor’s house at Hall’s Croft and dine
are encouraged to don fang-tastic costumes
in the very house Shakespeare’s daughter
for the daily fancy dress competition.
taking, but it’s worth noting that special
Susanna and her physician husband John Hall
While in the Cadbury World marquee you
discounted rates are available for groups of
once lived, see shakespeare.org.uk/visit
can enjoy live entertainment as Dermot
15 or more, see cadburyworld.co.uk
I’m not sure how many children you’ll be
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Q&A HOLIDAYS
Take a break to boost mind, body & soul Q Are holidays good for our health?
recharge your batteries. This quality sleep
stuck into mouth-watering salads and juices
I’m worried mine will lead to stress at the
will help to strengthen your immune system
throughout the day. This will refuel your body
airport and weight gain at the buffet bar!
and relieve stress.
with essential nutrients. When holidaying in
Jo Marty, Essex
A Wellness travel specialist Paul Joseph,
SPLASH OUT IN THE SEA
the Mediterranean, you’ll benefit from one of the healthiest diets in the world. Rich in
Have you ever noticed how smooth and
seasonal vegetables and with a splash of olive
co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel,
radiant your skin looks when you return home
oil, this diet helps to fend off disease and
says: A holiday is far better for your health
from a hot holiday? A swim in the sea naturally
strengthen your heart.
than you might think, and its benefits will
exfoliates your skin, removing dead skin cells
long outlast your tan...
and replenishing it with nourishing minerals. It’s
UP YOUR FITNESS LEVELS
also fantastic at healing damaged or irritated
Exercising on holiday is the perfect way to
skin, reducing inflammation and absorbing
kick-start a new regime and learn about the
impurities from your body.
exercises that suit your body. You’re able to
FILL UP ON THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN We shouldn’t live in fear of the sun as it has a
try out new and different classes, like yoga or
wealth of health benefits. It provides us with
ENJOY FEELING CUT ADRIFT
vitamin D, which strengthens our immune
When I’m on holiday, detached from my
also likely to have a swimming pool or the
system and bones, and it’s been found to
normal life, I feel at my happiest; I can do the
glistening sea right on your doorstep, so why
lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It’s also
things I enjoy and go at my own pace. Studies
not do a few lengths before breakfast? You’ll
a great solution to seasonal affective disorder.
have found a clear link between wellbeing and
stretch your body and get a gentle, full body
happiness, protecting us from future health
workout that will leave you feeling relaxed and
issues. Happiness also means laughter, which
ready for the day ahead.
SNOOZE YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS
aqua aerobics, and have fun doing it. You’re
releases endorphins and encourages a good
Isn’t it the most amazing feeling not having
mood. So, when you’re on holiday and you
■ Health
to set an early morning alarm when you’re
have a good belly laugh with your friends or
in wellness holidays worldwide, and has
on holiday? A lack of sleep can have serious
like-minded travellers, you’ll be strengthening
created its own collection of healthy holidays,
knock-on effects in your daily life, making
your immune system.
in various destinations, which include
you more irritable, anxious and reducing your
and Fitness Travel is a global leader
Fusion Fitness, Mindful Triathlon, BodyBreak
mental performance and ability to concentrate.
EAT WELL, LIVE WELL
When you’re on holiday and relaxed, you’ll
In exotic countries you can gorge on colourful
healthandfitnesstravel.com or call the
reach that deep sleep needed to fully
tropical fruits at the breakfast buffet and get
team on 0203 397 8891.
and Discover Recover. Find out more at
Enjoy feeling cut adrift from the world as you soak up the (health boosting) rays on your next holiday
WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM
106-108 GTW Sep 18 Q&As.indd 107
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11/09/2018 20:04
Q&A
Proudly sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society
RHS
Enjoy the Spring Plant Weekend at Harlow Carr
MEET OUR EXPERT Melissa Hackney is Groups
Sales & Marketing Manager at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
RHS Gardens and groups: the latest tips and practical advice from the RHS. Got a gardening question you’d like answered? Email groups@rhs.org.uk
Q The bulbs in my garden are a bit sparse;
moving these ‘in the green’ – ie when they’re
any planting tips for next spring?
still in flower, although you can have success
displays in spring at our gardens are incredible.
James Morris, Chester
with dried bulbs. In terms of planting tips,
Your closest garden would be Harlow Carr,
A Now’s the perfect time to plant many
plant in groups of at least six for a better
which has over a quarter of a million bulbs.
display. Plant bulbs at least two to three times
You could go to one of our special weekends,
spring bulbs, such as daffodils, whereas tulips
their depth, with the ‘nose’ or shoot of the
such as the Spring Plant Weekend at Harlow
should be planted in October. With bluebells
bulb pointing up, and at least twice the bulbs’
Carr, which gives you the chance to get
and snowdrops, we often advise planting and
own width apart (see rhs.org.uk for more tips).
advice from top nurseries and growers.
Wisley has big plans for 2019
RHS
Q Our WI group is arranging a trip to
one of the RHS Gardens for Christmas,
For inspiration for next year, the bulb
The new welcome building, and the surrounding area, will be the first phase of
which would you recommend?
Wisley’s transformation, which also includes
Ruth Campbell-Lewis, London
a new National Centre for Horticultural
A As you’re in London, you would be
Science and some superb surrounding
in Surrey or Hyde Hall in Essex. Both have
programme in horticulture, the centre
gardens, which are due to open in 2020. Part of the RHS’ long term investment
best to go to either RHS Garden Wisley
and its gardens will bring visitors closer
the colder months. In addition, with their
Q I understand there’s a big development
underway at Wisley; do you have details?
demonstrating beautiful horticulture, best
superb plant centres and gift shops, there
Joan Williams, Cheltenham
practice and cutting edge research into the
are plenty of opportunities for some inspired
A Yes! In spring 2019, the first phase will
future challenges facing the UK’s 27 million
lovely wintry walks, and are planted in such a way as to give seasonal colour throughout
Christmas shopping away from the hassle of the high street. In terms of events, Wisley has a fantastic
to world-leading gardening science by
gardeners. To find out more visit rhs.org.uk
take place with the opening of our beautiful
light and airy welcome building. This will have a
Glow display this year in the evenings
new 100-seater restaurant, café, shop and
Experience the ultimate gardening day
running throughout December, with magical
expanded indoor plant centre, as well as an
out with the RHS at its four gardens
illuminations lighting up the garden, and
outdoor plant centre, which will host seasonal
– RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey; RHS
giant, illuminated flowers. Hyde Hall’s Winter
events championing British growers and
Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire;
Garden will be in its first full year with beautiful
specialist nurseries. One of Britain’s most
RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex and
coppiced willow, as well as some really vibrant
influential designers, Christopher Bradley-Hole,
RHS Garden Rosemoor in North
winter colour. If you’re going with a group
has designed much of the new area, and as
Devon. See rhs.org.uk/groups or
there are some great catering packages on
visitors arrive they’ll walk through an avenue of
email groups@rhs.org.uk
offer, such as a festive lunch with prosecco.
cherry trees and more than 250 native trees.
GTW
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HILL CLOSE GARDENS A A unique unique local local attraction attraction including including 16 16 detached detached Victorian Victorian gardens gardens with with summerhouses summerhouses Large Large Glasshouse Glasshouse Tearoom Tearoom Guided Guided tours tours £8.40pp £8.40pp (inc (inc refreshments) refreshments) Plant Plant & & Gift Gift Sales Sales Venue Venue Hire Hire Open Open weekdays weekdays NovNov- March: March: 11-4pm 11-4pm Open Open every every day day April-Oct: 11am-5pm April-Oct: 11am-5pm with with tearoom tearoom Sat, Sat, Sun Sun and and Bank Bank Hol Hol Mon Mon Entry: Entry: Adult Adult £4.50 £4.50 Child Child (5-17) (5-17) £1 £1 T: T: 01926 01926 493339 493339 www.hillclosegardens.com www.hillclosegardens.com Bread and Bread and Meat Meat Close, Close, Warwick, Warwick, CV34 CV34 6HF 6HF FP Template.indd 109
14/09/2018 13:34
Over to you
We want to hear from you!
Write, Facebook, Tweet or email helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com
Out of this world I’ve just got back from a trip to the National Space Centre in Leicester – and what a fantastic place. The ‘We are stars’ film in the Planetarium is amazing, and there are so many things to discover and explore. My daughter and I got there at 10am and we didn’t leave until 4.30pm. I’d recommend it to anyone. John Baxter, via email A WORD FROM THE ED: Thanks for the heads up, John – find out more at spacecentre.co.uk, where you’ll find details of the attraction’s sleepovers for groups, as well as interactive, hands-on school trips and special events.
We love...
...this photo of Dave the rescue dog tucking into his canine ice cream. Thanks to GTW readers Becky and Oliver for sending it in. And talking of dogs, have you found our mascot Harvey yet? If you’re new to the find Harvey game see page 112 – and email Helen when you spot him to be entered in our regular prize draw. You could win a £10 M&S voucher.
STAR LETTER
A Borde-r Collie I
ENJOYED YOUR REVIEW of Borde Hill
and the other taking in the full woodland
Garden in West Sussex in a recent issue
perimeter. As well as four park walks – the
of GTW as I’m a regular visitor there with
longest will take you around an hour-and-
my Border Collie Troy. This English Heritage
a-half – and two lakes to picnic by.
listed garden is wonderfully laidback and
For Troy and I, a highlight is Borde Hill’s
dog-friendly, with water bowls and dog
one-day equestrian events, which are held
treats available in the visitors’ reception
every May and August. As a rider myself
area and Gardeners’ Retreat café, and
it’s great fun to walk the cross-country
well-behaved dogs (on leads) welcome
course and watch the horses in action.
in the gardens and wider parkland.
Danielle Heath, Surrey
Pick up a free welcome leaflet in reception and it has a map of the various parkland
A WORD FROM THE ED: We’re big fans
and woodland strolls on offer. There are
of Borde Hill here at GTW so it’s great to
three woodland walks to choose from:
see Troy has good taste. Find out more
one 30 minutes long, one 60 minutes
at bordehill.co.uk
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Your shout
Dorset’s finest It was lovely to see my home town of
castle, which is great for a picnic in
Sherborne featured in the last issue of Group
the grounds. Thanks for reminding
Travel World magazine. I’ve lived there most
me how much there is to do here!
of my life, but still enjoy a trip to the new
Gill Shaw, Dorset
Send a selfie!
Caption competition
Here’s Georgie Milbank and her uncle Jon Mansfield at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall,
This handsome bald eagle is
run by English Heritage. And we want more!
the star of Warwick Castle’s
Send us a selfie while you’re next out and
bird of prey display (see
about – just email Helen with brief details of
page 26 to find out more).
where your pic was taken at the usual address.
But what’s he saying to his handler? Email Helen with your comedy captions at
Keep in touch...
the usual address.
MINI BOOK REVIEW
Sydney to London... The Long Ride Home
By Nathan Millward
Price: £10 Contact: nathanmillward.com I was genuinely gutted when the story ended – but the good news is that soon GTW’s Helen says: Rarely does a book grab
the travel bug bit again and book two
me the way this one did: it’s a fantastically well
came out (his journey across the US).
written account of Nathan’s real-life trip from
When I later bumped into Nathan at
Sydney to London – a 35,000km ride on a
a motorbike trade show I was star-struck,
105cc Honda called Dorothy that took nine
but it turns out he’s a very friendly,
months, through 18 countries, with barely any
non-starry chap. Read this – you’ll love it.
planning and hardly any equipment. He simply
■ Do
set off one day, hoping that somehow he’d
travel product you’d like to rave about? Email
make it to the other side of the world.
Helen with the details at the usual address.
you have a favourite book, DVD or
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 Visit www.grouptravelworld.com follow Facebook.com/ grouptravelworld and see us on Twitter @GTWMagazine GTW
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Puzzle time
Test your grey matter – answers on page 113
Try our quizzes and brain teasers every month
PICTURE QUIZ
PIXABAY
Snowdon Mountain Railway travels from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. But how high is the summit (in metres)?
You can now enjoy our puzzles online too! See the new & improved grouptravelworld .com
W RD
SEARCH Can you find the following words in the grid? All are popular animal attractions:
LONGLEAT WOBURN TWYCROSS WMSP CHESTER ZOO WHIPSNADE LONDON ZOO MARWELL ZOO SEA LIFE
OOZ L WE F I O E I L B OO Z U WH I R G EO N OS S X L ON OOZ R WM S P
L EW L A E L I M NO D P S N R G I OR C G L E E T S G E R
R AM S XW O DD N O L A D E E I Y Y W T A T T E H C O E I
Where’s Harvey? Find where Harvey’s hidden in this issue and you could win a £10 M&S voucher. To enter, email helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com before November 1, 2018 or head online to grouptravelworld.com/competition
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Puzzles
Crossword
ACROSS 1 4 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 21 22 23 24
Apparel (5) Viscera (5) Capital of Azerbaijan (4) Engrossed (8) Church songbook (7) Hidden store (5) Fine cigar (6) Windcheater (6) Shrink (5) Version (7) Clubman (8) Hairy man of Genesis (4) Ardent male lover (5) Cowboy display (5)
DOWN
1 2 3 4 5 6 11 13 15 17 19 20
Jordan’s end (4,3) Peer (5) Astronaut (8) Expel (4) Motley assortment (7) Bloodsucking worm (5) Horticulturalist (8) Praise vociferously (7) Pear-shaped fruit (7) Scrub (5) Cornered (5) 2.2 pounds approximately (4)
QUICK QUIZ 2
3
Q King Richard III was the
4
MARK ATKINS
PETER ATKINSON
1
Q The Houses of Parliament
Q Can you identify this
But in which city were his
– when was Guy Fawkes’
Clue: it gave its Tyneside city
King’s Yard. How many races
remains discovered?
famous Gunpowder Plot?
its name.
was he unbeaten in?
last of the Plantagenet kings.
are open for groups tours
famous 12th century castle?
Q This statue of Frankel
can be seen at Newmarket’s
Harvey was on page 51, waiting his turn to have a go on a thrill slide on board Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas. Brave lad... Leicester city centre (find out more at the city’s King Richard III Visitor Centre); 2. 1605; 3. Newcastle Castle; 4. 14. Where’s Harvey? In issue 188, 15 Avocado, 17 Scour, 19 Treed, 20 Kilo. Picture quiz: 1,085m Quick quiz: 1. The remains of the king were discovered in a council car park in 21 Rotarian, 22 Esau, 23 Romeo, 24 Rodeo. (Down) 1 Dead sea, 2 Equal, 3 Spaceman, 4 Oust, 5 Farrago, 6 Leech, 11 Gardener, 13 Acclaim, Crossword solution: (Across) 1 Dress, 4 Offal, 7 Baku, 8 Absorbed, 9 Psalter, 10 Cache, 12 Havana, 14 Anorak, 16 Psych, 18 Edition,
Answers
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And finally...
AS OUR NEW SERIES CONTINUES, WE EXPLORE WHAT THERE IS TO DO IN A SHORT SPACE OF TIME IN...
Madrid
■ The
Royal Palace. Why?
■ The
Museo Nacional Del
Where else can you get close
Prado. Why? Because it’s the
to centuries-worth of Spanish
country’s national art museum,
T’S FAIR TO say Madrid has
– all world-class venues in
royal history. While the
with one of the world’s finest
been somewhat jealous of
museum terms – now look
palace is no longer the official
collections of European art,
the way Barcelona – its great
better, run smoother, and offer
residence of the King of Spain,
dating from the 12th century.
Catalan rival – has transformed
more in nearly every respect
who now lives just outside
See museodelprado.es/en
itself into Spain’s most popular
than they did 10 years ago.
the city in Zarzuela Palace, it is
■ The
where state ceremonies and
This famous, vast public
I
city break destination over the
Of course, the city’s buzzing
Puerta del Sol. Why?
past decade or so. However, it’s
nightlife is in need of no
functions take place. Parts of
square is home to the most
also fair to say that the nation’s
improvement (even it were
the palace are open year-round
famous symbol of Madrid:
vibrant capital has really got its
possible). Famed for its ‘start late,
to visitors. See madridtourist.
a 20-ton statue of a bear
act together in recent years.
finish late’ approach to eating,
info/royal_palace
eating fruits from a tree.
Today, visitors to this always
GTW
drinking and dancing; Madrid is
exciting city have significantly
the place to come if you and your
revamped surroundings to explore,
pals like the idea of savouring
with more recently-opened
more than just modest amounts of
boutiques, cafés, delis and gastro
tapas and rioja. Be sure to check
bars now gracing the smartened
out Punto MX on Calle del General
up city centre than ever before.
Pardiñas if you get the chance
Madrid’s existing cultural
– it’s the only Michelin-starred
treasures have also been given
Mexican restaurant in Europe.
an upgrade. Indeed, perennial
Small groups are welcome, but
big hitters like the Prado, Reina
you’ll need to book in advance
Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza
at puntomx.es/en/reservas
Madrid’s Royal Palace
PIXABAY
WORDS: DARREN CALPIN
OUR PICK OF MADRID’S TOP 3 ATTRACTIONS:
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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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