November 2017
Ideas & inspiration for groups & families
5 friends + you =
All shipshape! The UK’s best maritime museums
the best group rates!
+
TOUR AGATHA CHRISTIE’S DEVON CRUISE THE SEINE MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS WHAT’S ON IN THE WEST END
The top
30
summer
holiday destinations
001 GTW Nov 17 Cover hm.indd 1
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C O MMISSIO N F O R YO UR GRO UP
F RO M O N LY
£279p p
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Welcome
A word from the editor T
HIS YEAR, IN June alone, 7.2 million of
– you can see us in action on page six. It’s
us headed abroad for a summer break
great for walkers as well as horse riders, with
– up 4% on the previous year, according to those in the know at the Office for
miles and miles of sand. Who needs Spain? We’ve also been busy this month, finding
National Statistics. And we must have
you the best deals and checking out the
been feeling flush, as we spent a staggering
attractions worth a visit. Because if you’re
£4.6 billion while we were at it... That’s
a group – and by that we mean anything
an awful lot of sangria – and hands up
from six or seven friends to an entire coach
who wants to do it all again next year!
load – there’s much money to be saved. Go
Our special feature on page 92 is full of
to grouptraveloffers.com for up to
inspiration to help you plan your 2018
64% off theatre tickets, days out
summer holiday, with group-friendly ideas
and boat trips. Until next month...
Group Travel World, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard: 01733 293487 Web: www.grouptravelworld.com ISSN: 2048-3392 EDITORIAL
Editor: Helen Milbank
for city tours and beach breaks. And if
E. helen.milbank@grouptravelworld.com
the wonderful British coast is more your
Designer: David Hiles E: david.hiles@d15design.com
style, we have that too. Recently, my friends and I grabbed our horses and
■ Need attraction & show tickets? Get the best deals at grouptraveloffers.com ■ Looking for a new job? Visit traveljobsworld.com
Editor
Contributors: Sue Parslow, Naomi Mackay, Angela Youngman, Jade Milnthorpe, Louise Murgatroyd, Antonia Stratford, Paul Ovington and Mike Bugsgang
had a canter along fantastic Holkham beach on the north Norfolk coast
ADVERTISING
Advertising Manager: Julie Cousins T: 01733 293242 E: julie.cousins@grouptravelworld.com
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General Operations Manager: Harley Denham T: 01733 293249 E: harley.denham@grouptravelworld.com Publisher: Jonathan Taylor E: jonathan.taylor@grouptravelworld.com
© 2017 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.
This month’s cover star is Lindos harbour in Rhodes
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
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
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Save £££s! Need tickets to top attractions & West End shows? For the best prices see grouptravel offers.com
12 Discover Agatha Christie’s Devon
55 Hit London’s West End
92 Get the best deals for summer 2018
4 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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Contents Regulars 6 Let’s go...
Head to Holkham Beach on the Norfolk coast
8 News
The latest from the world of travel
50 Discover London Areas
London & Partners showcase Croydon
52 Theatre news
What’s new in theatre land, plus we review Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre
56 Theatre listings
West End shows, as well as touring plays and comedy gigs
78 Industry insider
News from the Coach Tourism Association
80 A majestic visit
Take a tour of Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent
44 Enjoy the UK’s top nautical museums
88 The voice of group travel The latest news from AGTO
98 And finally...
We chat to John Conod of Purity Brewing Co
Features 12 ‘The loveliest place in the world’ A new film version of Murder on the Orient Express is set to inspire visits to Agatha Christie’s home county of Devon
16 Devon’s finest
The county’s top attractions
18 And we’re off...
Embrace all the UK has to offer groups
27 Eastern delights
Discover all Norfolk and Suffolk have to offer
30 The French connection
18 Explore Walmer Castle
37 Visit Birmingham’s Museum & Art Gallery
Cruise the Seine on a weekend trip on board Fred. Olsen’s Braemar
37 Central perks
It’s home to the UK’s finest jewellery and chocolate: we’re off to Birmingham
41 A world of discovery
Take a tour of the UK’s best museums
44 Five of the best... ...nautical museums
66 Luxury a-Peel
We explore the history and fine dining on offer at Hampton Manor near Birmingham – the former family home of the Peel family
68 Live the dream
From ancient abbeys to national parks, explore all that Yorkshire has to offer
74 Wonderful Warwickshire Discover the county’s best attractions
82 In-spired...
The new International Bomber Command Centre in Lincolnshire
86 ‘It’s hard work but I love it’
How a passion for travel led Lin Wilson to launch Solent Events & Leisure
23 See Longleat House & Safari Park
92 Relax in style
Let your imagination run riot as summer 2018 beckons and you enjoy the best holiday deals NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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NORFOLK
Holkham Beach Photos: Lily Hill Photography
Right now, with the holiday season over and the kids back at school, there’s no better time to explore the vast sandy beaches of the stunning north Norfolk coast – either on horseback or on foot. Stretching from the popular harbour town of Wells-next-the-Sea to Burnham Overy, Holkham beach is part of one of the largest National Nature Reserves in the country, and home to several rare species of flora and fauna, from flocks of pink-footed geese to glorious orchids. Combine a visit with a trip to the neighbouring Holkham Hall, an 18th century country house – and see www.grouptraveloffers.com to get discounted entry. ■
Holkham beach is open year-round, and access is via Lady Anne’s
Drive in Holkham village, just off the A149. Parking for cars costs £7 a day (if you’re planning to recreate this photo and take your horse, expect to pay £12 a day to park your horse box). Find out more at www.holkham.co.uk/nature-reserve-beach
GTW
Watch GTW’s editor Helen cantering along Holkham beach at www.grouptravel world.com
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Let’s go...
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News
Work begins on Beamish’s multi-million pound expansion
Back to the future Work has started on a £18 million expansion of Beamish, The Living Museum of the North in County Durham. It’s the biggest project in the attraction’s history, which will see the addition ANNA KUNST PHOTOGRAPHY
PARTY LIKE IT’S THE 1960s
UE TO POPULAR demand, London’s
Royal Court Hotel in Sloane Square (once
Swinging ’60s Experience Tours have
the London base of The Beatles) – takes
returned to the Royal Albert Hall. These fun,
in the Royal Albert Hall, where passengers
immersive tours take groups back to Swinging
are greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable
’60s London, starting with a one-hour tour
guide for a one-hour tour. This takes in
of historic music locations on a vintage double
many areas that are usually off-limits to the
decker London bus, against a backdrop of
public, such as the stunning auditorium that
1960s music and live commentary.
welcomed The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
The tour – which travels along the Kings Road in Chelsea, passing many famous locations, including the
1950s town, farm and a Georgian coaching inn, where visitors can stay overnight. The project has been awarded £10.9 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and Beamish will remain open throughout the building programme. Find out more at www.beamish.org.uk
Get in the swing
D
of more than 30 new exhibits, including a
on the same night. For more details and a full list of dates, visit www.60sbus.london
Enjoy a ghostly tour of Hampton Court Palace
Take fright... Hampton Court Palace in Richmond is playing host to Victorian Ghost Tours until March
Well done to Woburn Abbey’s groups co-ordinator, Lisa Weaver, who’s been crowned Coach Tourism Professional of the Year 2017!
2018, giving groups the chance to it in an Woburn Abbey
eerie new light. Hear spine chilling stories of past residents, visit the spot where two bodies were discovered in shallow graves in the 1870s, and experience the chilling atmosphere of Henry VIII’s state apartments, including the deserted palace courtyards. The tours run on selected Fridays and Sundays, and groups of 15 or more get a 10% discount. See www.hrp.org.uk
Set sail
Make history in 2018
The River Cruise Line has launched a new brochure for 2018, focusing on the
There’s good news for group organisers
Plus, group prices have been held for 2018.
four-star MS Serenity – which has recently
planning a trip to Woburn Abbey. Next year’s
The attraction will also continue to offer joint
undergone a £700,000 refurbishment
season at the Bedfordshire attraction has
visits with Bletchley Park and Woburn Safari
– and including sailings on the Dutch
now been extended until October 28 – with
Park, as well as Woburn Abbey and Gardens
Waterways, Rhine and Danube. Find out
highlights including the hugely popular Woburn
visits tailored to your group’s needs. Find out
more at www.rivercruiseline.co.uk
Abbey Garden Show, from June 23-24.
more at www.woburnabbey.co.uk
8 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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PARTY AT SEA Celebrate your special occasion at sea Enjoy a 2-night mini cruise to Amsterdam, with up to 5 hours exploring this wonderful city from just £94pp. It’s a unique party experience for groups of 10+. Includes: • Glass of champagne & personalised cake • Buffet breakfast both mornings • Buffet dinner & ½ bottle of wine on one crossing Find out more at dfds.co.uk/party
NEWCASTLE-AMSTERDAM NDFDS.CO.UK/PARTY Price is subject to availability & based on 4 sharing sea view cabin. Credit card charges apply. T&Cs apply.
2145 - Group Travel World Ad.indd 1 FP Template.indd 9
24/05/2017 16:16 02/11/2017 10:57
News Crocodiles of the World
Peterborough Cathedral DRUM ROLL PLEASE
And the winners are...
T
■ Crocodiles
of the World in Oxfordshire
– a unique attraction, which houses one of the globe’s most diverse croc collections. Find out
O CELEBRATE THE attractions that go the
our pick of the best group attractions, and this
more at www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk
extra mile for groups of every size, we’ve
month’s award-winners include:
■
■ Peterborough
operates attraction passes in more than 30
launched the Group Travel World Awards. “Judged by the GTW team, we’re excited to
Cathedral in Cambridgeshire,
The world-leading Leisure Pass Group, which
which celebrates its 900th anniversary next year
destinations across the US, Europe and the
spread the word about the places that can
with a Katherine of Aragon festival in January
Middle East. From London to Barcelona (as
guarantee a fantastic group experience,” says
2018 (Henry VIII’s first wife is buried there).
experienced by the GTW team this month),
editor Helen Milbank. Each month we’ll select
Join in the fun at visitpeterborough.com
find out more at www.leisurepassgroup.com
Fly to the city
The new groups reception area at Stonehenge
London Southend Airport has launched up to 16 direct flights a week between London and Glasgow with Flybe, offering passengers the chance to avoid the bigger, more congested city airports. Find out more at www.flybe.com
Expert support A well-known face in the travel industry, Lynda Denton (née McDairmant) has launched a new business venture, Tell Tale part of the tourism and
A bigger, better welcome
hospitality industry
Stonehenge is set to become an even bigger
Marketing. “I’ve been
Other improvements at the site include a
for nearly 25 years, latterly with Gretna
draw for groups thanks to its new groups
new groups-only shuttle pick up point next
Green Ltd, and have many great friends
reception, which opened last month. In the
to the new reception building, which goes
in the industry,” says Lynda, who will now
heart of the recently completed 52-space
direct from the coach park to the Stone Circle.
offer marketing and communications advice
coach park, the building will make trips to the
Groups of 11 or more get a 10% discount on
and hands-on support to businesses in the
world famous ancient attraction simpler and
entry to Stonehenge, and one tour leader and
travel industry as a freelance consultant. Find
easier, and marks the completion of phase two
coach driver go free. Group tickets must be
out what she can do to help you grow your
of a major improvement project started by
pre-booked – call 0370 333 0604 or email
business at www.telltalemarketing.co.uk
English Heritage in 2016.
bookstonehenge@english-heritage.org.uk
GTW
10 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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Days out
Tower into view 5 reasons why Durham Cathedral’s a must for groups this winter...
1
IT’S HAD A £10M REVAMP
and the North East, including St Hild and
groups from Monday to Saturday (9.30am
Following a £10 million investment,
St Ebbe. Discover how they came to become
to 5pm), and on Sundays from 1pm to 3pm.
visitors can now enjoy Open Treasure, a new
saints and why they were so highly regarded
Pre-booked groups of 12 or more get a range
world-class exhibition experience at the
in the region.
of exclusive benefits, with a group rate of
heart of the cathedral. It gives visitors access to previously hidden spaces within the magnificent claustral buildings, showcasing
VISITENGLAND/THOMAS HEATON
the cathedral’s collections so they can be
3
IT’S ILLUMINATING This month, the spectacular Lumiere
just £5 each. Group packages are available for either a free-flow visit with a self-guide leaflet each in a variety of languages, or a
Festival takes place in Durham from
guided tour of the cathedral, which lasts just
discovered and enjoyed by many more
November 16-19. The UK’s biggest light
over an hour. Further focus tours and talks
people of all ages. Tickets cost £7.50, and
festival, expect massive installations by
are also available for more special interests,
you can upgrade to a £10 ticket, which
international artists that will turn Durham
including selected behind the scenes tours
includes a guided tour.
Cathedral and other major buildings in the
for an additional supplement.
2
IT’S THE ULTIMATE SISTER ACT The cathedral’s playing host to its Saintly
Sisters exhibition until February 17, 2018. The exhibition, which launches at the end of this month, reveals the lives and legacies off the female saints who are linked to Durham
city into stunning lightscapes. Previous exhibits have included glowing interactive clouds and lit-up whales in the river (see www.lumiere-festival.com).
4
IT’S GREAT FOR GROUPS The cathedral is open to pre-booked
5
IT’S EASY TO PLAN YOUR TRIP Simply click on the website at
www.durhamcathedral.co.uk or contact the cathedral’s group travel officer by email on visits@durhamcathedral or call 0191 374 4050.
GTW
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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‘The loveliest
place in the world’
This month, a new film version of Murder on the Orient Express is set to inspire visits to Agatha Christie’s home county of Devon...
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Devon Words: Sue Parslow
A
what better way to indulge an interest in
bringing out the vanity, meticulousness,
Agatha Christie than to take a trip to South
humanity and humour in the man.”
S THE AUTUMN sun warms a picturesque
Devon, follow her footsteps in Torquay and
lawn, a steam train hoots in the distance.
explore her holiday home at Greenway?
It feels a timeless location, one where
Ahead of the film’s premiere, I met with
The film is styled for a modern audience, while still being set in the 1930s. James says: “It has plenty of glamour. Ken’s main
Agatha Christie herself may have sat looking
Agatha’s great grandson James Prichard in
objective was to make everything as
out on the river below, running a clever
the old kitchen at Greenway to learn more
beautiful as he could, and the attention
storyline through her mind centred around
about the new movie. He is chairman and
to detail is extraordinary. The train itself is
passengers on a certain special train...
CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd, and had the
beautiful and the interiors stunning.”
A new film version of Murder on the Orient Express premiers this month, with a
role of executive producer on the film. James hinted about a few special
James was just six years old when his great grandmother died. He remembers
stellar cast, led by director Kenneth Branagh
flourishes in the film. “The opening
her as the writer, but also, of course, as
in the role of Poirot, alongside Judi Dench,
scene is fantastic,” he says.
‘Me-ma’ the family person. “She was a very
Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer. The film will undoubtedly inspire renewed interest in our best-loved crime novelist. And
“There’s some scene setting around Poirot. Kenneth presents his character with a magical twinkle in his eye,
private family person,” he says, describing her as “a genius with incredible intellect”. Greenway was Agatha’s holiday home.
Discover Agatha’s very special corner of Devon
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Devon She described it as “The loveliest place in the world...” and today’s visitors have the sense it’s probably exactly as the author left it, complete with books and the family’s collected treasures. Managed by the National Trust, it has a relaxed, informal feel. Upstairs you can wander into Agatha’s sun-lit bedroom
Murder on the Orient Express is in cinemas this month
and peer into the wardrobe to see the clothes and the travel trunks that she and her husband took on their epic travels to the Middle East on the Orient Express, when it was the quickest and most comfortable way to travel. Long distance journeys like these enabled Agatha to observe other travellers and gather material for her stories. She scribbled ideas in the red notebooks she carried with her, using them for reference as she created the intricate plots that would entangle them. According to James, his great grandmother would hatch the entire plot in her head
Greenway: the house Agatha bought for just £600 in 1938
before sitting down to write the book. “She described writing as like giving birth. She
a trail through a door in the garden wall, then
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
would walk around with these ideas inside her
down to a magnificent boathouse – the setting
I can recommend travelling by steam train to
head until the plot was fully formed. When it
for the fictional murder in Dead Man’s Folly.
reach Greenway. Take your seat in a sepia
was ready she just sat down and wrote it.” Agatha is quoted as saying that it
SEE AGATHA’S DEVON
carriage at Paignton station and the sight of steam flowing past the window will immediately
didn’t matter where she wrote, as long as
Agatha was born in a smart villa set on one of
she had a sound table and a typewriter.
Torquay’s seven hills. She joined an amateur
Greenway was the exception because this
dramatics group in Babbacombe, socialised
board the ferry to Dartington, then take a boat
was where she would take a break from
with friends at nearby Ansty Cove and swam
upstream to the Greenway jetty. The path up
work. A celebrity in her own lifetime, she
from the women-only beach close to the
to the house is on an incline, but the National
would escape the view of the general public
Imperial Hotel where she sipped cocktails. It
Trust always has transport waiting for boats,
behind the estate’s trees and shrubs.
was fashionable to be in Torquay then — the
so it is possible to get a lift if hills aren’t your
sea air, and specifically the sea water, were said
thing. At the end of your visit to the house,
to have healing powers.
either reverse the journey or pick up the train
While she may not have written her books here, I discovered that she would allow her family to read the finished manuscripts, testing to see if they could guess ‘who dunnit’. Set aside plenty of time to explore the
It is well worth taking a guided tour of
have you transported back in time. Hop off at Kingswear 30 minutes later,
from Greenway Halt back to Paignton.
the town to pick out the landmarks of Agatha’s life and hear the stories about her
35 acres of garden. Even better, jump at the
relationships and escapades. Tour guide
GET ME THERE…
chance of a tour by head gardener Simon
John Risdon has links with the Christie
■ Visit
Akeroyd. There’s a kitchen garden, a plant
family and is very knowledgeable.
greenway for more on Greenway, and
nursery and a huge peach greenhouse. Follow
Look out for the former hospital building
www.torre-abbey.org.uk
where Agatha worked as a pharmacist
■ See
during WW1, opening her mind to the
for more on the Dartmouth Steam Railway
concept of plant-based poisons.
■ Sue
If poisonous plants are of interest, head
Agatha’s great grandson, James Prichard
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk stayed at The Grand Hotel in
Torquay where Agatha Christie spent
to Torquay’s Torre Abbey to view the
her honeymoon (www.grandtorquay.
gardens. Head gardener Ali Marshall can
co.uk), with murder mystery dinner
be booked for a tour in which she’ll tell
entertainment by Candlelight (www.
you about the colourful planting around
candlelightmurdermystery.co.uk)
the medieval ruins, and explain, with
■ The
impressive knowledge, about her Agatha
place annually in mid-September in
Christie-inspired poison garden. They
Torquay, with talks, performances and
grow as decoratively as any other plants
tours. See www.iacf-uk.org
Agatha Christie Festival takes
GTW
here, only with dark and deadly secrets!
14 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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far more than a steam train ride Great Rates for Groups
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Devon
Find out more about the attractions Devon has to offer at www.devon topattractions.com – and for holiday ideas see www. visitdevon.co.uk Clovelly’s famous donkeys
The beautiful south
Get away... TLH Leisure Resort Torquay is made up
Agatha Christie loved Devon for good reason...
I
of four hotels, interlinked on a single site and offering year-round leisure and entertainment for groups. Choose from
F YOU WANT a year-round destination with
and coastline. The county’s also home to
the TLH Toorak, TLH Carlton, TLH Victoria
beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery and
award-winning theme parks and farms, zoos,
and TLH Derwent hotels, all of which are
aquariums and outdoor activity centres.
three-star. Self-catering apartments are
lots to see and do, head to glorious Devon. It’s home to two national parks, five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two cosmopolitan cities. It boasts more than 300
Devon is a year-round destination, and here’s just a taste of what it has to offer...
also available. Visit www.tlh.co.uk Groups are also offered a warm English Riviera welcome at the Redcliffe Hotel
miles of coastline, has a wonderful choice of
CLOVELLY VILLAGE
attractions and fantastic local food.
The historic fishing village of Clovelly near
of grounds next to Paignton’s main
Bideford is best known for its traffic-free
beach, with views across Torbay from
the South West Coast Path, climb Haytor,
streets, where the only horse power you’ll find
Torquay on one side to Brixham on the
enjoy the beaches, discover its history and
is of the donkey variety. Home to an award-
other. See www.redcliffehotel.co.uk
heritage and indulge in a Devonshire cream tea.
winning visitor centre and café, your tour starts
From ‘moor to sea’ Devon has it all. Walk
Devon has more than 40 top-rated visitor
in Paignton, which stands in three acres
here with a quick history lesson (did
attractions, which include castles, botanical
you know, for example, that
gardens and stately homes, as well as award-
Clovelly was once owned by
winning steam railways, narrow gauge trams
the Queen of England?).
and boat cruises that sail along Devon’s rivers
Visit www.clovelly.co.uk
STUART LINE Based in Exmouth, Stuart Line Cruises offers a fantastic range of short cruises and day trips along the Devon coast,
WIN!
A trip for two to Yarn Market Hotel in Exmoor – see www.grouptravel world.com to enter before December 1, 2017.
River Exe and Exeter Canal, from the
The South Devon Railway
SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY The award-winning South Devon Railway is a 14-mile return steam train journey along the glorious Dart Valley, from Buckfastleigh to Totnes. Find out more at www.
southdevonrailway.co.uk
75-minute River Exe Cruise (just £6) to the
SEATON TRAMWAY
three-hour winter guided bird watching cruise
Operating narrow gauge electric trams between
(£10). Take a virtual tour of the modern, comfy
Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon’s
boats at www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk, and if
glorious Axe Valley, Seaton Tramways runs
you’re not a good sailor, take comfort from the
alongside the River Axe estuary through two
fact there are no waves to rock the boat!
nature reserves. See www.tram.co.uk
GTW
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Devon KENTS CAVERN Step into the Stone Age at Kents Cavern, part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, and hailed as one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe. As you walk through the extensive labyrinth of caverns, you’ll be surrounded by 400 million year old rocks and spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Expert guided tours reveal how the caves were first formed – and how stalagmite floors came to eventually seal in the evidence of Ice Age occupations. The attraction sits just one mile from Torquay, and special events held throughout the year include next month’s ‘Carols in the Caves’ event, on December 14. Plan your trip and take a virtual tour at www.kents-cavern.co.uk
THE DONKEY SANCTUARY For the past 45 years Devon’s famous Donkey Sanctuary has been transforming the lives of donkeys and their owners across the world. Its Sidmouth base is home to hundreds of donkeys and the largest collection of mules in the country, and groups are welcome to meet the animals and find out more about the Step into the Stone Age at Kents Cavern
DISCOVER
charity’s work. The sanctuary is open every day of the year and entry is free. Find out more at www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
South Devon Railway
National Trust
Brewery Tour
Agatha Christie
UNESCO Geopark
Torre Abbey
DEVON’S
HIDDEN SECRETS KENTS CAVERN
AND MORE
Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2JF • 01803 215136
WWW.KENTS-CAVERN.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Combine a visit to Dover Castle with nearby Walmer Castle (see right) MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
And we’re off...
From castles and abbeys to crocodiles, let’s embrace all the UK has to offer
338,000 British and French troops from Dunkirk during Operation Dynamo in 1940. While just a few miles along the coast, Walmer Castle is best known for being the former residence of the Queen Mother – and the grounds surrounding the pretty seaside castle include a garden created to mark her 95th birthday. Get me there: Visit www.english-heritage.
DOVER CASTLE & WALMER CASTLE
of parking, free entry for group organisers
org.uk/dovercastle and www.english-
and coach drivers, and the English Heritage
heritage.org.uk/walmercastle
Kent
group discount of 15 per cent off the normal
One day, two castles... groups can first
admission price for groups of 11 or more.
WOBURN ABBEY & GARDENS Bedfordshire
discover the story of Dover Castle during both
Highlights for visitors to Dover Castle
world wars, then make the short hop by coach
include the Secret Wartime Tunnels, which
A former winner of the Coach Friendly Visitor
to nearby Walmer Castle & Gardens – the
housed the nerve-centre of operations for
Attraction of the Year award twice over,
much-loved haunt of the Queen Mother
Winston Churchill and Vice Admiral Ramsay
Woburn Abbey & Gardens offers group
as they masterminded the evacuation of
discounts, free recce visits for group organisers,
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MARC MILLAR
Days out
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Need tickets? Get your day trip off to the best start at grouptraveloffers .com
Longleat’s Festival of Light launches this month
Walmer Castle & Gardens
a £10 refreshment voucher for coach drivers
Throughout the year it’s home to country
for the royal family and crew.
and free parking.
fairs and special events, including ‘Ragley by
Get me there: Groups of 15 or more
Candlelight’ on December 3. Larger groups
get special rates when booked in advance
through the gardens, or explore the 3,000-
are more than welcome, and there’s a special
and a dedicated groups team is on
acre deer park. And joint tickets that include
events team on hand to help make your day
hand to help you plan your trip. Visit
a visit to Woburn Safari Park are available if
a success.
www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
you want to drive by a herd of rhinos and sit
Get me there: Call the events team on
in a coach that’s covered in playful monkeys...
01789 762090 or visit www.ragley.co.uk
Enjoy a visit to the historic abbey, wander
Get me there: Group discounts apply
BAMBURGH CASTLE Northumberland
for 12 or more if you book in advance.
THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
Visit www.woburnabbey.co.uk to
Edinburgh
loved castles, and Bamburgh Castle opens
download the 2018 groups brochure.
Holiday home to Her Majesty The Queen and
all year round to groups keen to explore its
the royal family for more than 40 years, The
ancient rooms, museum and grounds. Pre-
Royal Yacht Britannia is now Scotland’s No. 1
booked groups get 20% off the walk-up price,
Warwickshire
Attraction (according to Trip Advisor). A fully
and it has a café that seats 60-plus.
House tours, head gardener talks and
accessible tour of five decks is available, with
Get me there: The castle is very close to
afternoon tea are all on offer for groups visiting
a free tour – in 27 languages – that gives a
the A1. Plan your trip and find out more
this 300-year-old Grade I listed mansion.
unique insight into what life was like on board
at www.bamburghcastle.com
RAGLEY HALL, PARK & GARDENS
It’s one of the UK’s best-known, and best-
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Days out FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
LEGOLAND WINDSOR RESORT Berkshire Perfect for Lego-loving groups of schoolchildren. Legoland Windsor Resort puts the ‘theme’ into ‘park’, with Lego-themed rides, models, building workshops, swimming pools and even a hotel (though this is made with conventional bricks). More than 55 interactive rides, live shows and attractions, set in 150 acres of parkland, fly through the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, ride the rapids with a Viking fleet or join Lego divers on an underwater adventure. Get me there: See www.legoland.co.uk for details of all the packages available.
LEEDS MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
make Legoland a child’s paradise. They can
Popular with groups keen to discover its
Lotherton Hall
history and explore its manicured gardens,
WICKSTEED PARK
Lotherton Hall in Leeds offers discounts
Northamptonshire
Get me there: Special group
for groups of 15 or more. Find out more
With coach parking for up to 30 coaches,
rates are available. See www.
at www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall
a free lunch and refreshments on offer for
jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/groups
coach drivers and a welcome host available, Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire is well
THE DUNGEONS
create a unique, walk-through experience
geared up for large groups. The historic park
Nationwide
visitors can see, hear, touch, smell and feel,
has seen huge investment in recent years, with
Bringing history’s more gruesome elements
as each location’s real life past is re-enacted.
a host of new attractions, including a £3m lake
to life, the UK’s nationwide network of
restoration project. It’s also launched one of
‘Dungeons’ take the art of story-telling to
home to the traitorous plotter Guy Fawkes
the UK’s tallest and longest zip wires – Rush –
another level, and make for an entertaining
and the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin?
which has a top speed of 40mph and is as high as a six-storey building.
group trip full of black humour and spooky tales.
Set in 147 acres of parkland, with theme park attractions including rollercoasters and rides, Wicksteed Park has been entertaining day trippers since 1921. Get me there: Visit www.wicksteedpark.org
The Medieval Raby Castle in County Durham re-opens in Easter 2018, offering groups access to its grounds, deer park and walled garden. See www. rabycastle.com
Did you know, for example, that York was
You’ll get to meet them at The York Dungeon, where you’ll also receive a check-up from
Based in London,
the dungeon’s resident plague doctor...
Blackpool, Edinburgh,
Get me there: All five Dungeons around
Warwick Castle and York,
the UK offer scary fun for everyone
each Dungeon tour uses
except very young children, with hefty
high-tech special effects
discounts on offer if you book in advance.
and a cast of actors to
See www.thedungeons.com
JORVIK VIKING CENTRE York The GTW Award-winning Jorvik Viking Centre (winner of our Best Group-Friendly Attraction back in August) re-opened this year following a multi-million pound revamp. Hop aboard the new, improved ride experience and be transported back to the year AD960. Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking King in Jorvik, has been expelled and the city is transforming itself... The gallery experiences have been completely updated, with new display cases allowing you to get up close to the precious Viking artefacts. You’ll have the chance to dig deeper into the Viking story of York using the latest in cutting-edge technology. Plus, the centre’s Viking hosts will be on hand to help bring the period to life.
Wicksteed Park
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Cliveden Estate National Trust
Cliveden's stunning house and gardens are the perfect destination for a group day out. There's beautiful seasonal floral displays, an outstanding sculpture collection and guided tours. Cliveden welcomes group visits throughout the year, from Monday to Saturday. We recommend you allow three to four hours to see the formal gardens and have enough time to stop for lunch or tea. Cliveden offers pre-bookable guided tours for groups who wish to find out a bit more about the House or Garden.
Free admission for NT members, £10 per non-member adult.
01628 605069
nationaltrust.org.ul</cliveden
© National Twst 2017. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photo graphy© National Trust Images.
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#national trust
02/11/2017 11:08
Where history and adventure combine
Access 500ft underground via the steepest cable railway in Britain
Slate Mill Workshop See slate splitting and signs being made All groups receive samples of
Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar
Amazing effects
Did you know we sample Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar?
Discounted rates for groups! Also available 20 minute short tours • Free coach parking Onsite gift shop and friendly café For group enquiries email Marketing Manager ceri@llechwedd.co.uk
www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk
01766 830306
DISCOVER THE CONTROVERSIAL STORY OF ENGLAND’S LOST KING AT KING RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE KING RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE An ideal destination for groups, Leicester’s award-winning attraction offers: • Preferential group rates and dedicated booking office • Catering packages, talks and guided tours available • Free entry for tour leader and coach driver • Free familiarisation visit
BOOK NOW
for your group Christmas Lunch
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.KRIII.COM OR CALL 0116 229 4132
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Days out The garden of Eden
ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS
LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK
Coach drivers are well catered for at
gardens, arts and music events as people
Wiltshire
Cornwall’s famous Eden Project, with free
flock to see the world’s largest rainforest
This month sees the launch of Longleat’s
entry to the attraction, a complimentary
in captivity – complete with waterfalls
hugely popular Festival of Light, which runs
£10 catering voucher, free parking and a
and steamy jungles – stunning garden
from November 5 until January 2, 2018,
well-equipped coach park.
displays, world-class sculptures and more.
bringing fairytales to life in a blaze of colour as dusk falls. Special rates apply to for groups of
It’s all part of the Eden Project’s group-
For a full list of group benefits and ticket
friendly focus, as it welcomes visitors to its
prices, visit www.edenproject.com
12 or more, and Festival of Light day tickets allow you to enjoy the park’s famous safari drive-through, see Longleat House decorates in all its festive glory, watch a Christmas Tree Show and see the festival’s lanterns. Get me there: Find out more at www.longleat.co.uk
KNOWSLEY SAFARI PARK Merseyside Coach trips are welcome at Knowsley Safari Park, where more than 700 wild animals roam hundreds of acres of land. Established in the early 1970s, as well as the popular safari drive-through there’s a walk-around area, a giraffe tower and an elephant platform. More daring groups can also have a go on the world’s biggest urban high
West Midland Safari & Leisure Park boasts a safari drive-through, walkthrough experiences, a Safari Academy for school groups and more. See www.wmsp.co.uk
ropes adventure course and release their inner monkey. Get me there: Visit www.
(www.deepseaworld.com) and The Falkirk
drivers, Scotland’s Blair
Wheel (www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk).
Drummond Safari and Adventure Park welcomes
CROCODILES OF THE WORLD
groups keen to meet the park’s
Oxfordshire
elephants, bison, camels, chimps, sea lions, rhinos, deer and more.
Crocodiles? In Brize Norton? The answer’s
Get me there: The park re-opens in March,
yes... The UK’s only crocodile zoo is hugely
visit www.blairdrummond.com. And if you
popular with groups and school trips, offering
want to make a weekend of it, popular
keeper experiences, special animal encounters,
Stirling
nearby attractions include the 19th century
talks and more. It’s even won a GTW award
With free entry, free parking and free
Inveraray Jail (www.inverarayjail.co.uk),
this month (see page 10).
refreshments for coach and mini bus
award-winning aquarium Deep Sea World
Get me there: crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk
knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk
BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI & ADVENTURE PARK
AND FOR MORE DAYS OUT IDEAS TRY… ■ Warwick
Castle, Warwickshire,
www.warwick-castle.com ■ Arundel
Castle, West Sussex,
www.arundelcastle.org ■ The
Black Country Living
Museum, www.bclm.co.uk ■ Drayton
Manor Theme Park,
Staffordshire, draytonmanor.co.uk ■ The
National Sea Life Centre,
Birmingham, www.visitsealife. com/birmingham ■ The VISIT ENGLAND
Explore Longleat House and its Safari Park
Wales Millennium Centre,
www.wmc.org.uk
GTW
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Just nine miles from Norwich this stunning church, founded in 1107, is a heritage gem...
Guided Tours Refreshments/hospitality Fully accessible Heated in the winter!
Flatford Every time you immerse yourself in the landscape that inspired Constable, you're helping to ensure it stays a masterpiece for future generations. Church Street, Wymondham, Norfolk. NR18 0PH 01953 607 062 www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Call 01206 298260 for details flatford@nationaltrust.org.uk When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places for ever, for everyone.
#nationaltrust
F O O
© National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\Arnhel de Serra.
ide
as A se
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e ienc
PR
A traditional market with over 200 stalls. A shopper’s paradise for gifts, clothing and household goods. Bag a bargain today. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday all year round, 9am - 4.30pm Also open all Bank Holidays and Tram Sunday
et Service Meet and Gre ffers on with special o oach trips pre-booked c
Sat Nav FY7 6AB
• Special packages and group discounts • Heritage tour and afternoon tea • Self-service restaurant • Excellent disabled facilities • Free coach parking and admission for your driver • Free preview visit.
Book now on 0844 880 7667* Find out more at cadburyworld.co.uk Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR
*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
/FleetwoodMarket
Fleetwoodmarket.co.uk
Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB
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Days out
Great escapes
From historic houses to Loch-side adventures, you’ll find it all here
you back 160 years and 500 feet below to experience what life was like for miners in the 19th century as you hitch a lift on the cable railway to explore the depths. If you prefer to stick to ground level, take the quarry explorer tour for an off-road adventure into the heard of the Llechwedd mountains; and if you’d rather get hands-on
EXPLORE LOCH LOMOND
home that’s been no stranger to intrigue and
opt for the slate workshop tour. Discounts
A five-star, group-friendly resort, Cameron
gossip over the past 350 years. Many famous
apply for groups, with further reductions
House sits on the banks of Loch Lomond,
politicians visited Cliveden in the post-war
if you do multiple tours. Find out more at
just a short drive from Glasgow city centre.
years of the 1930s, including President
www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk
Great for lovers of adventure sports,
Roosevelt, and it is best known for being the
walking and wildlife, you can go mountain
infamous meeting place of Christine Keeler and
ENJOY A REALLY WILD SHOW
biking, kayaking, head off for a ‘hawk walk’,
John Profumo – thus igniting the biggest
Home to some of the biggest, wettest
take a seaplane ride or opt for the variety
political scandal in British history.
and scariest rides it may be, but you may
of challenges through their activity partners,
The historic building became a luxury hotel
not realise that Drayton Manor Park in
Amazing Days. One popular choice is the
in 1985, set in 375 acres of National Trust
Staffordshire is also home to a 15-acre zoo
007 Challenge, which takes you on a
owned parkland. Visit www.clivedenhouse.co.uk
– home to an array of fantastic creatures,
journey round the famous loch via 4x4s
for more on the hotel, or www.nationaltrust.
including Red Pandas, Golden Headed
and speedboats. Plan your Scottish short
org.uk/cliveden to arrange a garden visit.
Lion Tamarins and Flame-bellied Zonures
break at www.cameronhouse.co.uk or call 01389 310 777.
DISCOVER CLIVEDEN HOUSE
GO DEEP UNDERGROUND
(as pictured below). Drayton Manor Park offers special
The award-winning Llechwedd Deep Mine
packages for groups of 12 or more, which
takes groups 500 feet underground – via
includes free entry for one organiser per
Cliveden House, on the Berkshire/
Britain’s steepest cable railway – on a mission
coach or mini bus and free parking.
Buckinghamshire border, is a country house
to explore the history of Welsh slate mining
Visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk
and spa housed in a Grade I listed stately
in the 1800s. Its deep mine guided tour takes
or call 0844 472 1950.
GTW
Take a seaplane to explore the shores of Loch Lomond
Meet Drayton’s Flame-bellied Zonures
From ‘hawk walks’ to sea planes, Cameron House has it all
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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National Stud Tours from £11 per person
A visit to The National Stud offers a fascinating insight into the world of thoroughbred horse breeding, a 90 minute guided tour of a beautiful 500 acre stud farm which is home to stallions, mares & foals, is a perfect day out. Large parties welcome by prior arrangement, breakfast, morning coffee, lunch & afternoon tea can be added to your trip in Wavertree’s coffee & gift Shop. from £11
National Stud Tours per person
For more information on a group tour or to book call Discover Newmarket on 0344 748 9200 or email: admin@discovernewmarket.co.uk
National Stud Tours
Discove opport scenes learn ab heritag
National Stud Tours
Discover Newmarket offers a unique opportunity to gothe behind the Meet scenes at racing’s headquarters to learn about the fascinating history, stars heritage and culture of the town.
from £11 per person
National Stud National ToursStud Tours £10 per from person from £11 per
Explore, Discover Be Surprised
Wavertree’s Coffee & Gift Shop is open daily from 9.00am – 4.30pm, group/buffet menus available. Coach coffee stops always welcome with driver incentive for pre-booked stops. from £11 per For more information or to book call 01638 675920 person or email zoe.pattison@nationalstud.co.uk
equine
Discover Newmarket offers a unique
A unique on a five acre person new attraction Discover Newmarket offers a unique opportunity to go behind Meet thethe site in the heartopportunity of Newmarket to go behind the
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email admin@discovernewma
visit www.discovern
scenes atheadquarters racing’s headquarters to scenes at sporting racing’s to All in the royal setting of Charles II’s palace the fascinating and stables, a great day outlearn for allabout the family! learn about thehistory, fascinating history, heritage and culture of the town. heritage and culture of the town. – A new National Gallery of British Sporting Art – Explore the new National Horseracing Museum – Meet former racehorses – Enjoy a delicious meal in The Tack Room Restaurant Visit Meet the offers a unique – Unique gifts available toDiscover buy from Newmarket the Palace House Shop Newmarket’s email admin@discovernewmarket.co.uk t@DiscoverNkt – Ride a winner on a famous racehorse simulator! opportunity to go behind the Discover Newmarket offers a unique Visit stars scenes at racing’s headquarters to opportunity to go behind the visit www.discovernewmarket.co.uk call 03 Newmarket’s For more information: learn about the fascinating history, scenes at racing’s headquarters to T: 01638 667 314 E: info@palacehousenewmarket.co.uk National Heritage Centre, Palaceheritage House,about Palace Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EP and culture of the town. learn the fascinating history, heritage and culture of the town.
stars
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Top Attractions
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visit www.discovernewmarket.co.uk
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call 0344 748 9200
Visit Newmarket’s Visit Newmarket’s
equine Top Attractions equine Top Attractions visit www.discovernewmarket.co.uk call 0344 748 9200 Meet the Meet the
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f/discovernewmarket 28/04/2017 03/11/2017 15:42 11:20
Norfolk & Suffolk
Eastern delights Indulge a passion for racing, art and some of the UK’s finest beaches as you explore all that Norfolk and Suffolk have to offer
I
F OUR IMAGE on page six has inspired
If it’s history you’re after as well as beaches,
the sport for the past 350 years, and today
head to Holkham Hall in north Norfolk. In the
Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk holds 39
beach that hug the counties of Norfolk and
centre of 25,000 glorious acres, it’s home
race days a year, as well as being home to
Suffolk, you’re in good company. Every year,
to events throughout the year, from guided
music nights, family days, award-winning
thousands of holidaymakers flock to the
walks to festive food fairs (for discounted
restaurants and world-class conference and
holiday hot spots of Hunstanton (pictured
tickets see grouptraveloffers.com).
events facilities.
you to take to the miles of wide sandy
here with its stunning two-tone cliffs),
While neighbouring Suffolk is home to
Visit newmarket.thejockeyclub.
Cromer, Lowestoft and the like, or huddle in
Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, Sudbury,
co.uk for details of all the race days and
the cobbled streets of the counties’ smaller,
a moated red brick Tudor mansion that’s
events, choose your date and book in
picturesque towns – think crabbing off
home to extensive gardens and a rare breed
advance to take advantage of a group
the harbour wall at Wells-next-the-Sea.
farm. Its special events throughout the
discount of up to 30% (though these
One of the area’s best-loved towns is
year include next month’s Christmastide
discounts don’t apply to music events).
Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, which has been
events, from December 8-10 and 15-17,
You can turn your day at the races
a draw for holidaymakers for centuries.
complete with Victorian-themed festive
into a Suffolk mini break with Discover
As one of the UK’s top beach resorts it’s
celebrations. See www.kentwell.co.uk
Newmarket, which offers groups the chance
with the Norfolk Broads and several coastal
PLACE YOUR BETS
towns and villages just a short drive away.
It’s known across the globe as the home of
See www.great-yarmouth.co.uk
horseracing, having been associated with
to discover the town’s history, heritage and culture – as well as its famous horseracing connections – on a half- or full-day tour. Visit the yard of a racehorse trainer, the NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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VISIT ENGLAND
the ideal base for an East Anglian itinerary,
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Norfolk & Suffolk famous gallops, the National Stud, the
Holkham Hall in north Norfolk
National Horseracing Museum, the exclusive private members’ club at The Jockey Club Rooms, as well as Newmarket Racecourse. Discover Newmarket acts as a single point of contact, providing tailored itineraries whether you’re an avid racing fan or history lover. It also runs tours on set dates all year round. If you’re staying for more than one day the team can help you arrange accommodation, as well as visits to other attractions within the west Suffolk region. See www.discovernewmarket.co.uk
FEELING ARTY?
A celebrated artist
Flatford in Suffolk is famous for being the
At the National Heritage Centre for
place that inspired John Constable to create
Horseracing & Sporting Art at Palace
some of his most iconic paintings, including
House in Newmarket you can enjoy an
The Hay Wain. Groups can explore the area
exhibition of artist Sir Alfred Munnings’
and its artistic history on a National Trust
drawings, sketchbooks, studies and
guided ramble. Taking place on the third
finished artwork until April 8, 2018.
Saturday of each month, the rambles cover around seven or eight miles.
Highlighting the influence horseracing,
Book via the National Trust website
and the town of Newmarket, played in Munnings’ work, the National Heritage
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford
See grouptraveloffers.com for cheaper entry to Holkham Hall
REFUEL IN STYLE Need a pit stop on your eastern counties foray? The Anglia restaurant chain has it
Centre has partnered with The Munnings Art Museum in Essex to present this
Southwold in Suffolk
exhibition of racing scenes. The exhibition
covered with its Fatso’s Speak-Easy, Castle Carvery and Artorio’s Mediterranean Taverna eateries throughout East Anglia. Travel back
writing, the angst of ‘the tortured artist’
to 1920s America with Fatso’s Speak-Easy’s
in trying to achieve the true likeness
salads, steaks and seafood, or keep it classic
of a Thoroughbred to be scrutinised
with a roast and all the trimmings at the child-
by patrons and horse lovers alike.
friendly Castle Carvery. While at Artorio’s you
Find out more and plan your visit at www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk
VISIT ENGLAND
also exposes, through Munnings’ own
can experience typical Mediterranean fare. Find out more about all three restaurants at www.angliarestaurants.com
GTW
Suffolk’s Flatford Mill was the inspiration for painter John Constable
Bure Valley Railway in Norfolk welcome groups, with a Christmas VIP lunch package available in November and December. See www.bvrw.co.uk 28 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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A moated, mellow red brick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting A 40 year restoration project with an unrivalled ability to captivate the visitor • House, Gardens and Rare Breeds Farm • Guided Tours for pre-booked groups
Tudor History Day
• The home of historical events – step back in time • Dedicated schools events • Special family events • Open-air theatre, opera and cinema • Scaresville, East Anglia’s award-winning Scare Attraction • Tearoom and Gift Shop • Great discounts for groups
Rare Breeds Farm
Magical Weekend
Tudor History Day over 30 acres of gardens
Dickensian Christmastide
Wartime Weekend
The Great Hall
For more information, please visit our website at www.kentwell.co.uk or call 01787 310207 KENTWELL HALL • LONG MELFORD • SUFFOLK CO10 9BA • enquiries@kentwell.co.uk
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The French connection
What better way to get a taste for cruising than on a weekend trip along the glorious Seine on board Fred. Olsen’s Braemar... Words: Helen Milbank
W
EEKEND TRIPS DON’T come any
to lash. As it turned out, we did hit choppy
better than this: hop on board Fred.
seas overnight – and we were all stumbling
Olsen’s impressive Braemar at Southampton,
through the smart Thistle Restaurant like
wake up in Rouen, spend the day exploring
drunkards! But I actually found it quite exciting.
Monet’s glorious gardens, head back on board
In fact I loved the trip the moment I got
for dinner, spend the next day sailing leisurely
on board. Car parking’s easy (Fred. Olsen
along the Seine, then hop back across the
suggest you pre-book valet parking with ABP,
Channel to wake up in Southampton on
and that’s a tip definitely worth following),
Monday morning. Have I tempted you yet?
check in‘s relaxed, and before you know it
As a first-timer cruiser, I must admit I arrived
you’re on board and your bags are unpacked;
in Southampton a tad edgy. Would the ship
in fact, they’re already waiting for you at
rock much? That was my biggest worry as the
your room. All very civilised. Cue plenty
wind ripped round the port and the rain started
of time to have a wander round and get
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Cruise holidays Helen (third from left) at Monet’s Gardens
Braemar sails all over the world, from Channel hops to the Caribbean
The top decks of Braemar make a fantastic vantage point as the French countryside passes by
your bearings – the most important points
a river boat, is the view you get as you tower
to locate being the best viewing spot up
above the picture postcard villages and towns.
Braemar facts
AT HOME WITH MONET
was initially called Crown Dynasty, before
on deck and the bar, obviously.
ALL SHIP-SHAPE
■ Built
in 1993 in Valencia, Spain, the ship
I’ll be honest, I’m not exactly Monty Don, but
entering Fred. Olsen’s service in 2001.
I was there courtesy of a Fred. Olsen fam trip,
hats off to whoever decided to take us on a
■ It’s
and joined by a number of travel organisers
Saturday morning excursion to Claude Monet’s
wide and has a gross tonnage of 24,344.
keen to try out the ship’s facilities ahead of
gardens in Giverny, an hour or so’s coach trip
■ The
their group’s next sojourn. One couple had
from our berth in Rouen.
with a crew of 371.
already signed up for the company’s new
Split into two parts, a flower garden and a
month-long holiday, taking in the sights and
Japanese-inspired water garden, our wonderful
wonderful wildlife of Madagasgar; others were
guide, who spoke fantastic English, painted
interested in the many shorter trips Fred. Olsen
(pun intended) a fabulous picture of the great
offers on board its four-strong fleet, Braemar,
man’s life, family and quirks.
Balmoral, Boudicca and Black Watch. While the five-deck Braemar seemed huge
As she held her spotty brolly up for us to
■ It
more than 195 metres long, 22.5m ship takes 929 passengers,
travels at an average of 17 knots.
Back on board, we had time to relax before dinner – this time in a far more stable Thistle Restaurant, so any swaying was our own doing.
follow, we had plenty of time to soak up the
An optional mini coach trip to see Rouen
to first-timer me, I soon learned that it’s
gardens, nose around his house and get all the
Cathedral’s fabulous night-time light show was
actually small by cruise ship standards, with a
19th century gossip. Word is that he took up
dimmed only by the drizzle.
shallower hull that allows it to navigate rivers,
with his friend’s wife after his own wife’s death.
such as the glorious Seine (which, I have to say,
Oh, the scandal!
is far prettier than I ever imagined). The added bonus, I quickly discovered, with going on a river cruise on a ship, as opposed to
It was a fascinating visit, topped off by
SAIL AWAY While I loved my outing chez Monet, the
coffee and lunch in the restaurant right
highlight for me was Sunday’s cruise along the
by the gardens.
Seine. Children ran through their gardens NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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23/10/2017 20:49
Cruise holidays waving at us, bikers bibbed their horns and
rolled past, was a moment I’ll never forget.
the countryside turned from riverside hamlets
I have to give a shout out too to the chefs
GET ME THERE…
to larger towns and forest-lined banks.
on board, who do a fantastic job of keeping
Fred. Olsen has won awards for its
Rouen is as far as ocean-going ships, like
everyone well fed. We dined in the Thistle
group-friendly approach, and a range
ours, can reach due to low-slung bridges, but
Restaurant both nights, and the food was
of special incentives are available,
it’s 75 miles from the sea’s edge, which makes
top-notch. If you prefer, you can upgrade to
including free travel for group organisers
for a decent few hours’ cruising.
The Grill or Grampian Restaurants, or wander
on selected cruises, funding towards
over to the slightly less formal Palms Café,
transport to and from the port or airport,
from the edge to hop in the onboard pool
where buffet-style food’s served morning,
and free group drinks on board (terms
(lovely and warm, in case you‘re ever there).
noon and night. There’s also the Marquee Bar
and conditions apply, speak to the group
At one point I managed to drag myself away
And having the pool to myself, while the banks of the Seine
and Bookmark Café. In short, you won’t go hungry – or
e GTOs Helen and th emar ra B d on boar
sales team for details). To see all Fred. Olsen’s holidays, and
thirsty for that matter. Upgrade, as we
for a copy of its group travel brochure,
did, to the all-inclusive package, and
visit www.fredolsencruises.com, email
you can enjoy wines, beers and certain
group.sales@fredolsen.co.uk or call the
spirits as part of the deal. My only
group sales team on 01473 746169.
word of warning is to leave your Facebooking until you get home as the wifi is expensive on cruise ships. First cruise under my belt, I’m a
great way to cram a lot into a small space of
convert after just one weekend. It
time – all done at a leisurely pace. Who could
was a fantastic experience and a
ask for more?
GTW
Rouen Cathedral’s fantastic light show
32 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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All inclusive upgrade, only
£15 pppn*
French Rivers & German Waterways with Fred. Olsen
With over 20 itineraries, ranging from five to 14 nights in length, there’s a spectacular selection of European cruises to choose from in 2018. Discover traditional towns, captivating cities, scenic waterways and stunning rural landscapes. On many occasions you’ll reap these rewards only thanks to the smaller scale of the Fred. Olsen fleet, as we take you closer. We have hand-picked a selection of our scenic ocean river cruising itineraries, perfect for travelling as a group. Please contact us for a group quote today or to enquire about any other destinations.
Cruising the Seine
German Waterways with Kiel Week
French River cruising to Bordeaux
German Waterways & Bremen Beer Festival
24th May 2018 5 nights • Southampton Braemar • M1813
21st June 2018 9 nights • Dover Boudicca • D1811
23rd August 2018 8 nights • Southampton Braemar • M1821
19th October 2018 9 nights • Newcastle Balmoral • L1833
From £649pp
From £1,199pp
From £1,149pp
From £999pp
For group enquiries please contact the Group Sales team on 01473 746 169 or email group.sales@fredolsen.co.uk Fares are per person, based on twin occupancy of the lead-in twin cabin, subject to availability. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability &cannot be applied retrospectively. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen’s standard terms & conditions, available on our/their website & on request. *All Inclusive Upgrade offer covers selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities and other optional spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. All Inclusive Upgrade Package must be booked at least 8 days prior to departure. E&OE.
FP Template.indd 33 FOC401614_FP_Group_Travel_World_A4_AD_W/C.09.10.17_FV.indd 1
02/11/2017 17/10/2017 11:09 10:14
www.nvr.org.uk
PE8 6
Steam the Nene Valley between rural idyll and historic city
l
1/2 mile from A1
l
1 mile from A47 junction
l
8 miles north of Peterborough
l
Group rates
l
Drop-off area... Ample parking
l
Shop, Museum and CafĂŠ
Combine with the Georgian beauty of Stamford, Burghley House or historic Oundle (8 miles away). Or Peterborough Cathedral and Queensgate Shopping experiences (8 miles away).
01780 784444
NENE VALLEY RAILWAY Wansford Station, Old Great North Road, Stibbington, Peterborough PE8 6LR
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Charity 262617
02/11/2017 12:03 12:19 26/08/2016
Show review Next year’s show will be held on October 11, 2018 – see www. grouptravelshow .com ct g ob in m er 2017 • NEC Bir
O
ha
th
12
m
&
What a show that was! Here are three things we learned from last month’s Group Leisure & Travel Show at the NEC... Simon Calder is excited about the future of travel
From left, GTW’s Paige Fraser, Emma Parkes, Tra cy Snooks of Vis it Peterborough an d Emily Dougall
included travel writer, broadcaster and Senior
a travel expert and I’ve crunched some
Nicholas Owen’s a huge fan of trains
Travel Editor of The Independent, Simon
numbers,” Simon explained. “Statistically
BBC news reader and Group Leisure &
Calder. His take-away statement? “I’m a
speaking, there’s never been a safer time to
Travel Show star speaker Nicholas Owen
firm believer that travel is the antidote to
travel, largely due to improvements in road
revealed he’s always harboured a dream
ignorance,” he told us. Talking of the possible
safety abroad. It’s perfectly natural to worry
to be a train driver. Indeed, when he
effects of Brexit on the travel industry, Simon
about terrorism, but my advice would be
appeared on Celebrity Mastermind back
explained that while we live in uncertain times,
to forget about that risk and instead avoid
in 2005, his specialist subject was the
there has never been a better time to travel.
texting when you cross the road!”
railways of south east England!
The star line-up in the show’s seminar area
“I was a mathematician before I became
GTW
The UK is THE best country if you’re a garden lover Also making an appearance in the seminar
staggering £5 billion. Chris’ favourites? There
area at the show was award-winning gardener
were many, but among them were Crathes
and BBC presenter Chris Beardshaw.
Castle in Aberdeenshire (www.nts.org.uk/
“In the UK we have more gardens open to
Visit/Crathes-Castle), Biddulph Grange
the public than anywhere else in the world,”
near Stoke-on-Trent (www.nationaltrust.
he told us. “A huge number of them – around
org.uk/biddulph-grange-garden), and
2,700 – are gardens of national importance,
Wollerton Old Hall Garden in Shropshire
and the garden industry in Britain is worth a
(www.wollertonoldhallgarden.com).
TV’s Nicholas Owen revealed his love of train travel
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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NO W SA LE N O 20 18
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 • Great value half board breaks including nightly entertainment • Fleet of 22 luxury coaches to provide comfortable travel • Dedicated groups team to support you from booking to arrival • Award winning customer service
Newquay Torquay Weymouth Bournemouth Isle of Wight Eastbourne Llandudno
Call 01202 638 841 or visit daishs.com facebook.com/daishsholidaysforgroups
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@daishs4groups
02/11/2017 12:13
Birmingham The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is home to the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found
Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter makes 40% of all the jewellery sold in the UK Be a chocolatier at Cadbury World
Central perks
It’s home to the UK’s finest jewellery and chocolate makers... We’re off to Birmingham
the journey can be arranged for corporate groups, private parties and hen nights. As the Industrial Revolution developed, local manufacturers, such as Matthew Boulton, were at the forefront of scientific and philosophical thought. Boulton and James Watt developed the steam engine at Boulton’s factory. Boulton’s home was Soho House and it has
Words: Angela Youngman
A
‘ancient and modern’, and variations of
now been restored as the Georgian mansion FASCINATING CITY, BIRMINGHAM
century the canals were a significant factor
he knew, complete with a vast steam-heated
has much to offer visitors.
in the development of the first industrial
bath and the first central heating system to
Explore its chocolate heritage, discover
revolution, acting as a transport highway
be installed in an English home since Roman
the incredible Jewellery Quarter, or
for Birmingham’s manufacturers.
times. Not surprisingly, the house became
visit the heart of Balti cuisine.
Today, you can take a tour of that same
the gathering point for the Lunar Society,
canal network via Sherborne Wharf Heritage
whose members included Erasmus Darwin,
by a major transportation network, it’s
Narrowboats, through quiet stretches of canals
Josiah Wedgwood and Joseph Priestly, who
easy to see how Birmingham developed
past the National SEA LIFE centre. School trips
engaged in a lively exchange of ideas each
into a major metropolis. From the 18th
can book special tours showing Birmingham
month (access is by guided tour only).
Right in the heart of England, surrounded
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Birmingham FIND OUT MORE... ■ www.sherbornewharf.co.uk ■ www.birminghammuseums.
org.uk/soho ■ www.cadburyworld.co.uk ■ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
birmingham-back-to-backs ■ www.alternativetours.
co.uk/jewellery-quarter ■ www.birminghammuseums.
ANNA M GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY
org.uk/bmag
BACK TO BACK The National Trust’s Birmingham Back to Backs
The Pen Museum
are rare examples of a specific type of working class house built in the 19th century, in which
THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
through the attraction. Visit the Aztec
two rows of houses were built back to back
Head to Bournville, just four miles outside
Jungle, Advertising Avenue, the Chocolate
around a communal courtyard.
Birmingham, to discover a fascinating part
Making Zone, the newly revamped Purple
of the city’s heritage. Back in 1879, Richard
Planet and the 4D Chocolate Adventure
groups to take a journey through time to see
and George Cadbury decided to move their
Zone, an interactive cinema experience.
what life was like in these houses, starting in
chocolate factory out into what was then open
All visits are by guided tour only, enabling
Exclusively available for groups, the
the 1840s and ending in the 1970s when the
countryside, setting up a ‘factory in a garden’,
attraction’s popular Heritage Tour takes
last inhabitants left. Some of the stairs are very
complete with a purpose built village for its
visitors on a walk down memory lane,
steep and winding, so groups with mobility
workers. Now, Cadbury World, an award-
combining an informative talk about the
problems can enjoy a special ground floor tour.
winning exhibition, explains how chocolate is
Bournville Village and the Cadbury family
made, the origins of Bournville, the history of
with a fully guided tour around Cadbury
A JEWEL IN THE CROWN
chocolate and the Cadbury story itself.
World. Special discounted entry rates are
One of the most fascinating areas of
available for groups of 15 or more.
Birmingham is its Jewellery Quarter, which
Groups can enjoy a self-guided tour
makes approximately 40% of all the jewellery sold in the UK, and houses the world’s busiest Assay office. The area has over 200 listed buildings, plus museums, art galleries and over 100 specialist retailers. Alternative Tours can create bespoke group itineraries around the area, including a visit to the Pen Museum – reflecting the time when the area was the world centre of pen making – and a Victorian coffin works factory. Add to this exclusive discount shopping vouchers to use at many of the specialist stores, visits to ghostly catacombs, historic buildings trails, the Balti Triangle – where curry reigns supreme – and St Paul’s Gallery, which houses the world’s largest collection of signed rock album prints. A much earlier type of jewellery is displayed at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Here, the Staffordshire Hoard is on display Sarehole Mill
– the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found in the UK. Equally outstanding is the museum’s collection of Pre-Raphaelite art,
The Shire of Middle Earth
which is the largest in the world, containing over
The 250-year-old Sarehole Mill is best
inspiration for the creation of the Shire of
3,000 paintings, drawings, prints, decorative
known through the work of JRR Tolkien.
Middle Earth. Every September there is an
art and design. Special group tours for up to 25
It was in this area that Tolkien spent
annual Middle Earth Festival. See www.
people can be arranged, focusing on either the
much of his childhood and it provided the
birminghammuseums.org.uk/sarehole
Pre-Raphaelites or Treasures of the Museum, as well as bespoke tours and study days.
GTW
38 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
037-038 GTW Nov 17 Birmingham hm.indd 38
23/10/2017 20:56
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking Norman architecture, the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of the Venerable Bede. - Group packages - Guided tours & behind the scenes talks - Open Treasure exhibition experience - Undercroft Restaurant & Cathedral Shop Booking essential to make the most of your visit. Durham Cathedral, Durham DH1 3EH Groups: 0191 374 4050 General: 0191 386 4266 visits@durhamcathedral.co.uk www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
ORDER, ORDER
Come and take a fresh look
020 7219 4114
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02/11/2017 12:24
Days out See salt as you’ve never seen it before...
A world of discovery This winter, take a tour of the UK’s best museums... Words: Naomi Mackay
IN THE NORTH
LION SALT WORKS MUSEUM
to a dirty, grimy Victorian Leeds. It’s the year 1842, and you can find out how patients
Also nominated for the 2017 Museum of the Year award was Manchester’s People’s History Museum. Recent history is the focus of this free museum, and groups can pre-book a self-guided visit or choose a tea and tour package. See www.phm.org.uk
had to endure surgery without anaesthetic,
Cheshire
and discover what scientific discoveries led
Voted the UK’s Best Heritage Project, and
to the major medical breakthroughs.
their own ceramic piece, including lunch
shortlisted for the 2017 Museum of the Year
Get me there: There are discounts
and an expert-led tour of the museum.
award, Cheshire’s Lion Salt Works Museum
for groups of 10 or more, visit
Get me there: Group packages are available
re-opened two years ago after a £10m
www.thackraymuseum.org
for 15 or more. Visit www.ironbridge.org.uk
restoration. Visitors can discover the story of salt and its impact on the people, landscape
IN THE MIDLANDS
COFFIN WORKS
and industry of the region, with interactive
IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS
displays and a sound and light show that
Shropshire
recreates the steam of its huge open pans.
As part of their recent 50th anniversary
a trip to Newman Brothers – a Birmingham
Free parking, a play area, butterfly garden,
celebrations, the Ironbridge Gorge Museums
company in the old Jewellery Quarter that
shop and café complete the package.
have created several new packages and tours
produced some of the world’s finest coffin
Get me there: Discounts apply for groups
for groups.
furniture, including the fittings for the funerals
of 10 or more, and visits can be combined
Take a step back in time to the 1960s with
The six-hour Very Victorian Tour begins
with trips to the nearby Weaver Hall Museum
with a visit to the Coalbrookdale Museum of
and Workhouse, the Anderton Boat Lift
Iron and Old Furnace, then travels back 100
or Marston Park. Visit lionsaltworks.
years to experience the sights, sounds and
westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
smells of a former era at Blists Hill Victorian
THACKRAY MUSEUM
Birmingham
Town. Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the museum’s cafés, or groups can tuck into
Leeds
traditional fish and chips. The final stop is
For blood, guts and gore pay a visit to the
a visit to Jackfield Tile Museum. While at
Thackray Museum of surgery where children
Coalport China Museum, groups can get
(or adults) can play at setting up a 19th
creative at a full-day bowl making workshop
century operation. Be taken back in time
with tuition to help make, decorate and glaze
Birmingham’s Coffin Works
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Days out of Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother. Exclusive guided tours are available for
Explore London’s museums by boat
groups of 15 or more. Costumed guides
If you’re visiting the Tate galleries or looking
pier for the Tower of London. And hop off
will lead you around the factory where
for a museum off the beaten track, MBNA
at Embankment pier for a short walk to
you’ll experience the sights, sounds and
Thames Clippers can connect you to
the National Gallery and National Portrait
smells of factory life. You can also have tea
London’s cultural highlights.
Gallery in Trafalgar Square and the London
and cake in the 1960s-style waiting room,
Jump on the service from Millbank
designed to capture the atmosphere of the
pier to Bankside pier, which offers easy
Newman Brothers’ staff café, complete
access between Tate Britain and Tate
Bridge pier to visit the Old Operating
with vintage china. Combined tickets to
Modern every 45 minutes. Hop off at
Theatre and the Clink Prison Museum.
the nearby Pen Museum are available.
Greenwich to visit the Cutty Sark, the Royal
Then take the river boat to St George’s
Get me there: Visit www.coffinworks.org
Observatory and the National Maritime
Wharf for a short walk to the London Fire
Museum. See Tower Bridge from the
Brigade Museum in Lambeth. Find out more
water before stepping ashore at Tower
at www.mbnathamesclippers.com
London’s new Postal Museum takes visitors underground
IN WALES
THE NATIONAL ROMAN LEGION MUSEUM
IN LONDON
THE POSTAL MUSEUM
Transport Museum in Covent Garden. Alternatively, take a boat to London
just what they did for us! Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the beautiful Roman Garden, and at weekends and
Newport
in school holidays, children can try on
Find out what life was life for legionnaires in
replica armour and experience the life
the furthest outpost of the mighty Roman
of a Roman soldier.
Empire in Wales. The Romans built a fortress
Get me there: Guided and behind the
at Caerleon in AD75, and it would guard
scenes tours are available for groups,
the region for over 200 years. Learn what
with a discount in the museum’s shop.
made the Romans a formidable force and
Visit museum.wales/roman
Explore Bristol Museums’ five sites
Clerkenwell Today we take snail mail for granted, but a visit to the latest heritage attraction to open in the capital will open your eyes to its history. The Postal Museum opened this summer, taking visitors through five centuries of first-class curiosities. As well as the museum itself, entry includes a trip into the subterranean world that has been hidden from the public until now. Descend into the old engineering depot of Mail Rail – the 100-year-old little-known Post Office railway – and board a miniature train that will transport you through its narrow tunnels. Get me there: Visit postalmuseum.org
THE SCIENCE MUSEUM Kensington
AND DON’T MISS...
■ Kendal
It’s world-famous, home to award-winning
■ Bristol
Lake District, which has one of the
exhibitions and collections, and free (though
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, M Shed,
donations are welcome to help support its
the Georgian House Museum, the Red
See www.kendalmuseum.org.uk
work)... what’s not to love about London’s
Lodge Museum and Bristol Archives.
■ The
Science Museum? You can take an immersive,
See www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
Claverton Manor near Bath, where you can
virtual reality trip into space with astronaut
■ The
discover the history of America, from its
Tim Peake, design your very own gaming
branches – IWM London, IWM North,
early settlers to the 20th century, in the
controller and explore the worlds of science
IWM Duxford, Churchill War Rooms and
only museum of Americana outside the
and technology.
HMS Belfast. See www.iwm.org.uk
US. See americanmuseum.org
Museums’ five attractions – the
Imperial War Museum at its five UK
Museum, on the edge of the
largest taxidermy collections in Europe. American Museum in Britain at
GTW
Get me there: Find out more at www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 42 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
041-042 GTW Nov 17 Museums hm.indd 42
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Opening 21 November 2017
HELEN ALLINGHAM A leading Victorian watercolour artist of iconic rural and garden scenes.
WATTS GALLERY - ARTISTS’ VILLAGE Galleries • Chapel • Artists’ Home & Studios • Tea Shop • Discounted admission for groups • 10% discount in the shop • Exclusive tours and talks with guides Surrey GU3 1DQ • wattsgallery.org.uk • 01483 813589 May 2017 copy.indd431 FP Template.indd
BOOK NOW 23/08/2017 11:10 13:57 02/11/2017
Days out See the Mary Rose at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
NAUTICAL MUSEUMS
FIVE of the
best
HMS Warrior
Royal yachts? Sail this way. Shipwreck booty? You bet... It’s time to board the UK’s top nautical attractions
1 Drift back in time
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire
For one of the most fascinating nautical-
The 45-minute
For more on The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s nine sites across the UK (including Portsmouth’s The National Museum HMS Victory), visit www.nmrn .org.uk
Special events include
themed days out to be had, head to
Harbour Tour is a must.
next month’s Victorian
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. You can take
This mini-excursion,
an audio tour of HMS Victory to learn about
included in your all-
the fall of Admiral Nelson during the Battle of
attraction ticket, takes
Trafalgar, and see the exact spot where he fell;
you around Portsmouth
step on board HMS Warrior – a warship that
harbour and the naval
never fired a shot in anger – or go even further
dockyard, offering unrivalled
back in time to learn about the excavation of
views of the modern Royal
the Mary Rose and life on board Henry VIII’s
Navy, with glimpses of the UK’s
favourite ship, before taking a tour of the
largest-ever aircraft carrier, HMS Queen
Get me there: Find out more and plan your
fascinating harbour.
Elizabeth, when she’s in her home port.
trip at www.historicdockyard.co.uk
Festival of Christmas (December 1-3). While on December 8, groups of friends or workmates can enjoy a traditional Victorian Christmas celebration with
carol singers, mulled wine and Christmas fare on board HMS Warrior.
44 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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02/11/2017 12:12
Days out
2
Exploration Wing, with new galleries focusing
Sail into battle
on Pacific Exploration, Polar Worlds, Tudor
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
and Stuart Seafarers and Sea Things. Younger visitors can play in the free AHOY!
Want to grab a selfie with one of London’s
Britain’s most dramatic naval stories, with
children’s gallery and the All Hands children’s
most photographed artworks? Then get
collections covering everything from the Battle
gallery – and everyone else can take a break
yourself to Greenwich. The National Maritime
of Trafalgar and First World War sea battles
in the Parkside Café and Terrace overlooking
Museum may not be on the coast, but it’s
to Turner’s sea-inspired artwork and feats of
Greenwich Park.
definitely at the heart of maritime heritage.
engineering and discovery.
Get me there: Visit www.rmg.co.uk/
This is the place to learn about some of
Due to open in autumn 2018 is The
national-maritime-museum
The National Maritime Museum
3 Speed into the 1800s The Cutty Sark, Greenwich
Just a short walk away from The National Maritime Museum is the Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving tea clipper and
Southampton’s SeaCity Museum
the fastest ship of her time. Head to the ship’s wheel on the main deck and enjoy stunning views of the River Thames and
A Titanic outing
the London skyline, before
The Cutty Sark is a major tourist
checking out the interactive
attraction, but probably the most famous
exhibits. Look out for the
ship in the world is the doomed Titanic.
colourful characters who will
At SeaCity Museum in Southampton
fill you in on some of the details
you can find out more about the city’s
of the ship’s fascinating past.
connections with the ship – a city where
And, as she’s a tea clipper, what
more than 500 households lost a family
tea, with homemade scones, cakes and sandwiches on offer, along with a pot of Cutty Sark tea. Get me there: Visit www. rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark
The Cutty Sark
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, LONDON
better place to enjoy afternoon
member in the tragedy. Find out how people lived and worked on board, and experience the sights and sound of Southampton in 1912, the year in which Titanic left Berth 44 on her fateful journey. Visit seacitymuseum.co.uk
46 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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HADDON HALL Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1LA.
A Chorus of Carols for Christmas
1ST TO 20TH DECEMBER | 10.30 AM TO 4.00PM
Live Music • Seasonal Menus • Gifts Galore www.haddonhall.co.uk / 01629 812855
Steam Trains to the Norfolk Broads
R 5’S UNDE
GO
E FRE
Steam Trains to the Norfolk Broads
R 5’S UNDE
GO
E FRE
ALL ABOARD FOR A GREAT DAY OUT!
ALL ABOARD FOR A GREAT DAY OUT!
Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BW Tel: 01263 733858
Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BW Tel: 01263 733858
Steam Trains to the Norfolk Broads
Steam Trains to the Norfolk Broads
Trains from Aylsham and Wroxham Combined Train and Cruise
www.bvrw.co.uk
D UNTE
O DISC UP GRRO ATES
Trains from Aylsham and Wroxham Combined Train and Cruise
www.bvrw.co.uk
D UNTE
O DISC UP GRRO ATES
ALL ABOARD FOR A GREAT DAY OUT!
ALL ABOARD FOR A GREAT DAY OUT!
Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BW Tel: 01263 733858
Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BW Tel: 01263 733858
Trains from Aylsham and Wroxham Combined Train and Cruise
www.bvrw.co.uk
QP Template.indd 47
Trains from Aylsham and Wroxham Combined Train and Cruise
www.bvrw.co.uk
02/11/2017 13:57
Days out
4 Get in deep
AND DON’T MISS…
The Maritime Museum & The Deep, Hull
■ The
Park & Float ferry ride to the
National Maritime Museum Cornwall,
If you’re planning a trip to Hull, the UK’s 2017
around the Spurn Lightship in Hull Marina.
which sits on the aptly named Discovery
City of Culture, you can enjoy a full day of
Get me there: Visit www.hcandl.co.uk,
Quay in Falmouth. Visitors can learn
nautical-themed attractions.
www.thedeep.co.uk as well as
more about the influence the sea has
www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com
had on history and culture, as well as
Discover the city’s maritime heritage in the free-entry Maritime Museum, which is housed
discovering the maritime heritage of
in the Victorian Dock Offices in Queen Victoria
the region. Groups of 10 or more get
Square. Find out about the whalers’ craft of
a discount on entry, and special talks
Scrimshaw and marvel at a full-sized whale
can be arranged. See nmmc.co.uk
skeleton. Then take a moment to admire the
■ The
spectacular building that houses The Deep,
Yarmouth (www.museums.norfolk.
an aquarium that’s home to thousands of
gov.uk). Housed in a converted
fish as well as a colony of Gentoo penguins. fishing on board The Arctic Corsair, a former deep sea trawler ship, and take a tour
5
Victorian herring curing works, visitors can find out more
VISIT BRITAIN
You can also visit a museum of deep sea
Time and Tide Museum in Great
Explore The Deep
Feel like a queen
The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh
The Shipwreck Museum in Hastings, Sussex is home to artefacts from many ships wrecked in the English Channel. See shipwreck museum.co.uk
about the town’s fishing heritage and the people who made their living from the sea. ■ The
Watchet
Visitor Centre and Boat Museum in Somerset (www.
Get a taste of what it is to be royal on board
Deck Tea Room, where the royals
the Royal Yacht Britannia, now permanently
would have enjoyed drinks receptions,
moored at Leith, Edinburgh.
sumptuous buffets or played deck games.
the Exmoor National Park and the
On board, you can enjoy freshly prepared,
Quantock Hills, making it great for
one million miles around the world, taking
home-made food and stunning views along
a trip from Minehead on the much-
Her Majesty The Queen and the royal family to
with speciality teas, coffees and lunch.
loved West Somerset Railway – as the
many exotic locations. Explore the five decks,
Get me there: Plan your visit at
station’s right next to the boat museum.
before stopping for refreshments in the Royal
www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
Also on the same route is the stunning
The Royal Yacht Britannia sailed more than
watchetvisitorcentre. co.uk). Watchet sits between
MARC MILLAR
National Trust Property, Dunster Castle. ■ The
Golden Hind at Brixham Harbour in
Under sea...
Aberdeen harbour. It also includes the
Devon (goldenhind.co.uk). This full-size
Further north still is Aberdeen Maritime
16th century Provost Ross House, along
replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor galleon
Museum, the only museum in the UK that
with a collection that covers the story
was built in 1988 and is the centre piece
has displays on the North Sea oil and gas
of fishing, ship building, sailing ships and
for many Brixham festivals, including
industry. Located on the historic Shiprow,
the city’s relationship with the water.
the famous Pirate Festival in May.
the museum offers fabulous views over
See www.aagm.co.uk
GTW
The Royal Yacht Britannia
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Groups go further at Eden
For bookings and enquiries: groups@edenproject.com | 01726 811903
edenproject.com
The Eden Project connects us with each other and the living world. Reg. charity no. 1093070 (The Eden Trust).
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London & Partners
Discover London Areas: Croydon Home to museums, galleries and attractions, discover why the South London neighbourhood of Croydon is great for groups Photos: Visit London/Antoine Buchet
E
ACH MONTH, LONDON & Partners
Croydon’s Roman and Anglo-Saxon
is diving into London’s diverse
collections, as well as over 200 items from
neighbourhoods to highlight the best
the Riesco Collection of Chinese ceramics,
attractions and hidden gems across the
and learn about local people’s stories in the
capital. This month, we’ll explore the
digital memory room. Croydon Clocktower
burgeoning South London neighbourhood,
also houses a library and arthouse cinema.
Croydon, known as the new home of
Visit museumofcroydon.com
the capital’s street art movement and the ‘Silicon Valley’ of the south. For more ideas and inspiration,
London & Partners is the Mayor of London’s official promotional agency. ■ Sign up for its monthly travel trade newsletter at londonandpartners. com/travel-trade ■ Join our trade group on Linkedin: ‘London & Partners - Travel Trade’ ■ Find out more at londonandpartners. com/travel-trade
BOXPARK CROYDON The South London sibling of Shoreditch’s
visit our travel trade website:
popular pop-up mall is taking the leap south
RISE GALLERY
londonandpartners.com/travel-trade
of the river into Croydon. Boxpark Croydon
Croydon is full of amazing street art, so keep
is a food and beverage only site, with over
your eyes peeled for urban art while walking
200 events planned each year. Walk along the
the streets, but for more, visit Rise Gallery. In
Housed in the landmark Croydon Clocktower
refurbished shipping containers, housing some
this hip art gallery you’ll find contemporary,
building, which was once the Town Hall, the
of the finest and unique food and drink stalls
urban and post-war pop art. Big-name artists
Museum of Croydon is a brilliant, award-
London has to offer, all in one place. Whatever
to have had work displayed here include
winning, fun place to spend a couple of hours
you’re in the mood for, you will find it, from
Damien Hirst, Banksy, Jamie Reid, Rich
and discover the real history of Croydon.
Italian, Mexican and Indian to Taiwanese,
Simmons, Schoony and FAILE. Rise Gallery
Explore the museum’s galleries, including
Lebanese, Brazilian and anything in between.
also offers a selection of interactive graffiti
the Riesco Gallery, where you can see
Find out more at boxpark.co.uk/Croydon
workshops and packages suitable for different
MUSEUM OF CROYDON
OXYGEN FREEJUMPING Bounce around on more than 100
n Boxpark Croydo
ages. For more information, get in touch with enquiries@rise-gallery.co.uk
trampolines, throw yourself into a mega
GET HERE BY...
airbag, take on the walk-the-wall challenge
■ Overground train:
or play aeroball during a fun-filled session
station is connected to East London,
at this entertainment centre in Croydon.
via Whitechapel station, and North
West Croydon
Oxygen Freejumping is the perfect place
London via Dalston Junction station.
for groups to have fun, the centre offers a
■ Rail:
range of fantastic offers for groups of all
easily accessed, with Croydon’s rail stations
sizes. For details visit oxygenfreejumping.
having quick links to Victoria, Blackfriars,
co.uk/locations/Croydon
and London Bridge stations.
Services from Central London can be
GTW
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Entertainment
Your dedicated, responsive and friendly team for all your West End Theatre bookings. Call the award-winning team now!
Freephone 0800 049 8309 reservations@groupsdirect.co.uk www.groupsdirect.co.uk 057_GTW_Mar17_Theatre_Cover.indd 57 FP Template.indd 51 051_GTW_JULY'17.indd 51
23/02/2017 09:10 02/11/2017 17:33 12:11 30/06/2017
Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em Joe Pasquale will star as the loveable but accident-prone Frank Spencer in the first ever stage production of the classic 1970s TV comedy, Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em, when it goes on tour across the UK next year. Sarah Earnshaw will play his long-suffering wife Betty, and Susie Blake his disapproving mother-in-law, Mrs Fisher. The tour will open at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon on February 21, 2018. For full tour dates, see www.somemothersdoaveem.com
Courtroom drama London County Hall on the city’s South Bank is playing host to a major new production of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution until March 11, 2018. Set in a spectacular court room setting inside County Hall, Lucy Bailey directs this gripping tale of justice, passion and betrayal. Find out more by visiting the website www.witnesscountyhall.com BE AFRAID...
Speaking in tongues The Exorcist has been unleashed onto the
cinemas, where it terrified audiences
Frozen in the West End
West End stage for the first time in its
to the point of passing out. Based on
Doctor Foster star Suranne Jones is to star
40-plus-year history. It will play a limited run
William Peter Blatty’s best-selling novel,
in Frozen – a psychological thriller about a
at the Phoenix Theatre until March 10, 2018,
it won two Academy Awards and became
mother whose child goes missing. Directed by
directed by Sean Mathias.
one of the top 10 highest grossing films
Jonathan Munby, the play has a limited 12-
of all time.
week season at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
Widely considered the scariest movie of all time, The Exorcist sparked worldwide controversy in 1973 when it was released in
Find out more at www.phoenixtheatre london.co.uk/the-exorcist
from February 9, 2018. Find out more at FrozenThePlay.com
52 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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Theatre news Fat Friends: The Musical launches its UK tour this month
Wicked ways Wicked, the West End musical phenomenon that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, has announce its 24th extension – with 500,000 new tickets released for performances until December 1, 2018. Find out more at www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk
Fat Friends: The Musical The musical opens
MATT CROCKETT
The full cast has now been announced for the
Kids will love The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at London’s Ambassadors Theatre from December 13 to January 7. See www.hungrycaterpillar show.com
world premiere of Kay Mellor’s new musical
at Leeds Grand Theatre
Fat Friends. Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton
this month, ahead of a
will take on the role of Julia; Kevin Kennedy
UK tour, which will see the
– of Coronation Street fame – will star as
show visit Bromley, Newcastle,
Fergus, and West End favourite Rachael
Hull, Southampton, Sheffield, Southend,
ART hits the stage
Wooding will play Joanne.
Milton Keynes, Norwich, Manchester,
Nigel Havers and Stephen Tompkinson are
Nottingham, Birmingham, Dartford,
to star in the 2018 UK and Ireland tour of
TV drama, following the lives of a group of
Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast,
Yasmina Reza’s award-winning comedy, ART,
overweight friends as they struggle with the
Bradford, Aberdeen and Blackpool.
which opens at the aptly-named Cambridge
Best known for being an award-winning
absurdities of modern dieting, Fat Friends has been adapted for the stage by its creator, Kay.
For full show listings and dates, see www.fatfriendsthemusical.com
Arts Theatre on February 14, 2018. Find out more at arttheplay.com
GHOSTLY GOINGS ON
Experience Christmas at the Castle Next month, for the first time ever, an immersive performance of A Christmas Carol will be staged in the magnificent State Apartments at Windsor Castle in Berkshire. Presented by Watch Your Head, in collaboration with the Royal Collection Trust, the family-friendly performances will take place in the castle’s two largest rooms, where the young Princesses Elizabeth and
A Christmas Carol will be staged in Windsor Castle’s magnificent State Apartments
Margaret performed Christmas pantomimes during the Second World War. Featuring live music and immersive elements,
Chamber, where Jacob Marley awaits to conjure
into St George’s Hall to celebrate beneath
his haunting dreams of Christmas Past, Present
the castle’s spectacular Christmas tree.
the audience will be swept into a Victorian
and Yet to Come. A cast of actors and musicians
The evening performances run from
Christmas. Visitors will accompany Ebenezer
will transform the colossal space into Dickensian
December 16–30. For tickets, see www.
Scrooge from the castle gates to the Waterloo
London, before the audience follows Scrooge
royalcollection.org.uk/christmascarol
GTW
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Theatre review The cast of Kinky Boots
MATT CROCKET
Groups of six or more get a discount off tickets!
Kinky Boots
This feel-good tal e has won several top theatre awards
GTW’s Emma Parkes discovers there’s no business like shoe business...
I
T’S HEART-WARMING, HILARIOUS and
and took a short 15-minute walk
winner of the prestigious 2016 Olivier
to Adelphi Theatre on The Strand
Award for Best New Musical... Kinky Boots
(the theatre’s also adjacent to the
takes its audience from the factory floor
Charing Cross tube station in the
to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.
heart of London’s West End).
Charlie Price, played by David Hunter, is
The Adelphi was first opened in the 1930s and boasts beautiful
and continue the family business of Price
Art Deco interiors. The large
& Son. With the shoe factory’s future hanging
auditorium was sold out, and
in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely
is ideal for hosting this larger-than-
but spectacular form of Lola, played by Simon-
life, high-kicking romp of a musical.
Anthony Rhoden – a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.
A DAZZLING SHOW
The show tells the tale of a Northampton
DARREN BELL
struggling to live up to his father’s expectations
power of accepting people for who they are in all walks of life, and I really can’t recommend
shoe factory, which goes from rags to riches
it enough if you want a feel-good night (or
– and from shop floor to the Italian catwalk
afternoon) out. The merchandise available
scene – with help of some rather red Kinky
in the theatre’s shop is also quite fun!
Inspired by a true story, the show was first
Boots. It features the music of Cyndi Lauper,
brought to life on the big screen in 2005,
and I can honestly say that it’s one of the
2018. Find out more and book tickets (with
The show is currently booking until March
and has now taken the West End by storm.
most dazzling, sassy and funny musicals I’ve
a group discount if there’s six or more of you)
I hopped off the tube at Covent Garden
ever seen. It celebrates friendship and the
at www.kinkybootsthemusical.co.uk
GTW
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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LONDON
STEVE MCNICHOLAS
Theatre
YOUR THEATRE TRIP TO THE WEST END STARTS HERE. VISIT GROUPTRAVELOFFERS.COM FOR THE BEST TICKET DEALS ALADDIN
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30,
Prince Edward Theatre
Weds & Sat 14:30
Booking to: February 2018 Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY
HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD (PARTS 1 & 2) Palace Theatre
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30; Weds & Sat 14:30
LES MISERABLES
Booking to: December 2017
Criterion Theatre
Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre
Times: Weds & Sat Part One
Booking to: March 2018
Booking to: April 2018
14.00 & Part Two 19:30;
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Dominion Theatre
Times: Tues-Sat 19:30;
Thurs Part One 19:30;
Weds & Sat 14:30
Booking to: January 2018
Sat 14:30; Sun 15.00 & 19.00
Fri Part Two 19:30;
Thurs & Sat 14:30
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30; Weds & Sat 14:00
THE BOOK OF MORMON
DREAMGIRLS Savoy Theatre
Sun Part One 13.00,
THE LION KING
Part Two 18:30
Lyceum Theatre Booking to:
Booking to: February 2018
KINKY BOOTS
Prince of Wales Theatre
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Adelphi Theatre
Times: Tues-Sat 19:30,
Booking to: December 2017
Weds & Sat 14:30
Booking to: March 2018
Weds, Sat & Sun 14:30
February 2018
56 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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JOHAN PERSSON
See the Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre
TRISTRAM KENTON
Hit show STOMP is playing at the Ambassadors Theatre
An American in Paris
MAMMA MIA!
THE MOUSETRAP
42ND STREET
THRILLER LIVE
Novello Theatre
St Martins Theatre
Theatre Royal
Lyric Theatre
Booking to: March 2018
Booking to: January 2018
Booking to: February 2018
Booking to: December 2017
Times: Mon-Sat 19:45;
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Times: Tues-Fri 19:30;
Thurs & Sat 15:00
Tues 15:00; Sat 16:00
Weds & Sat 14:30
Sat 16:00 & 20.00;
MATILDA – THE MUSICAL
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
SCHOOL OF ROCK
Cambridge Theatre
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Booking to: January 2018
Apollo Victoria
Booking to: May 2018
Booking to: March 2018
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30,
Booking to: December 2018
Times: Tues 19:00; Weds-Sat
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Thurs & Sat 14:30;
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
19:30; Weds & Sat 14:30hrs,
Thurs & Sat 14:30
Sun 15:00
Weds & Sat 14:30
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
STOMP
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Shaftesbury Theatre
Duchess Theatre
Ambassadors Theatre
Fortune Theatre
Booking to: April 2018
Booking to: March 2018
Booking to: February 2018
Booking to: February 2018
Times: Mon, Thurs, Fri & Sat
Times: Mon-Sat 20:00;
Times: Mon-Sat 19:30;
Times: Tue-Sat 19:30; Sat
20.00; Sun 18.00; Thurs,
Tues & Thurs 15:00;
Thurs & Sat: 15:00
14:30; Sun 15:00 & 19:00
Sat & Sun 15.00
Sat 16.00
Sun 15:00
New London Theatre
Sun 15:30 & 19:30
WICKED
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Comedy shows CATCH THE COMEDY WORLD’S BIGGEST NAMES AS THEY HEAD OFF ON TOUR... JASON MANFORD
Kendal Brewery Arts: November 30
Eastleigh The Point: November 3
Crewe Lyceum: December 1
Northampton Derngate Theatre: November 4 Newcastle Stand Theatre: November 6-7
Wellingborough The Castle: December 2 Stockton Arc: December 4 Evesham Regal: December 6
BRINKHOFF & MÖGENBURG
Muddle Class
Save on theatre tickets at grouptraveloffers.com
Get cheaper theatre tickets at
Finchley Arts Depot: November 9
Birmingham Town Hall: December 8
Rochdale Bacup Theatre Royal: November 11
Cleethorpes Parkway: December 9
Farnham Maltings: November 14
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall: December 11
Northampton Derngate Theatre: February 7
Melton Mowbray Melton Theatre: November 15
Runcorn Brindley: December 13
Bridlington Spa Pavilion: February 9
Sheffield Leadmill: November 16
Lancaster Grand: December 14
Newcastle City Hall: February 10
Finchley Arts Depot: November 17 Torquay Babbacombe Theatre: November 18 Wimbourne Tivoli Theatre: November 19 Crewe Lyceum: November 20 Blackburn The Windsor Suite: November 21 Bristol Redgrave: November 23 Newark Palace Theatre: November 25 Worcster Huntingdon Hall: November 26 Swansea Grand Theatre: November 27
Buxton Opera House: December 15 Eastbourne Hippodrome: December 16 Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion: December 17 Frome Cheese & Grain: December 18
2018 Leeds Town Hall: January 24 Hull City Hall: January 25 Blackburn King George’s Hall: January 26 Blackpool Grand Theatre: January 27-28 Preston Guild Hall: January 31
St Albans Alban Arena: November 28
Halifax Victoria Theatre: February 1
New Brighton Floral Pavilion: November 29
Doncaster The Dome: February 3
We’re excited about... ...the West End theatre deals
Save more than 50% off
on grouptraveloffers.com.
Dreamgirls tickets, and more than 60% off Phanton of the
Ipswich Regent Theatre: February 15 Nottingham Royal Concery Hall: February 16 Sheffield City Hall: February 17 Cheltenham Town Hall: February 28
Milford Haven Torch Theatre: January 26 Weston-super-Mare Playhouse Theatre: January 27 Maidenhead Norden Farm Centre for The Art: February 16 Ilkley King’s Hall: February 17
JON RICHARDSON The Old Man
MARK WATSON
Canterbury Marlowe Theatre: November 7
Berwick-upon-Tweed The Maltings Theatre: November 10
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre: November 9
Dumfries Theatre Royal: November 11
Glasgow SECC: November 10
Morecambe The Platform: November 17 Whitley Bay The Playhouse: November 19 Canterbury Marlowe Theatre: November 24 Stockbridge The Museum of Army Flying: November 25 Whitehaven Rosehill Theatre: December 1 Malvern Cube: December 8
added every day. There’s no
Bristol Westbury on Trym Village Hall: December 9
group minimum and you can
2018
buy now, pay later.
Monmouth Savoy Theatre: January 19
Opera tickets, with new deals
Potters Bar Wyllyotts Theatre: January 20
grouptravel offers.com
Dundee Caird Hall: November 11 Perth Horsecross: November 12 Aylesbury Waterside Theatre: November 16 York Barbican: November 17 Preston Guildhall: November 18 Southend-on-Sea Cliffs Pavilion: November 21
DAVE SPIKEY
Juggling on a Motorbike 2018 Sheffield Memorial & City Hall: January 18 Durham Gala Theatre and Cinema: January 25
58 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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learners. Find out more about all five, free to enter museums at www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
Book now... ...to save 60% or more on your next group
OUR LATEST OFFERS INCLUDE:
42
%
trip at www.grouptraveloffers.com
off tickets to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum in London
21
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off a ride on the Coca-Cola London Eye
33
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off entrance to Shrek’s Adventure London
20 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD SEPTEMBER 2017
Discover the wonder of Waxy O’Connor’s...
014-016-019-020 GTW Sep 17 Educational day trips DH.indd 20
24/08/2017 16:26
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
HP Template.indd 59
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Touring theatre THE UK’S BEST MUSICALS AND SHOWS HAVE HIT THE ROAD. CATCH THEM ON TOUR HERE... Hairspray goes on tour this month
THE BAND
Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre: April 10-22
Llandudno Venue Cymru: November 14-25
Stoke Regent Theatre: May 2-13
Stoke Regent Theatre: November 28 - December 9
Blackpool Winter Gardens: May 15-27 Woking New Victoria Theatre: May 30 - June 10
Liverpool Empire Theatre: January 23 - February 3
Canterbury Marlowe Theatre: July 11-22
Norwich Theatre Royal: February 6-17
Milton Keynes Theatre: July 25 - August 5
Canterbury Marlowe Theatre: February 20 - March 3
Bristol Hippodrome: August 8-19
Hull New Theatre: March 6-17
Llandudno Venue Cymru: August 21 - September 2
Leeds Grand Theatre: March 20-31
Leeds Grand Theatre: December 18 - January 6, 2019
Newcastle Theatre Royal: April 3-14
JERSEY BOYS
Bristol Hippodrome: April 17-28
Birmingham New Alexandra: December 16 - January 6, 2018
Birmingham Hippodrome: May 1-12
2018
Plymouth Theatre Royal: May 15-26 Northampton Royal & Derngate: May 29 - June 9
Milton Keynes Theatre: J anuary 23 - February 3 Aylesbury Waterside Theatre: November 6-11 Carlisle Sands Centre: November 13-18
Stoke Regent Theatre: February 6-17
Liverpool Empire Theatre: April 16-21
Hull New Theatre: February 20 - March 3
Bradford The Alhambra Theatre: November 20-25
Venue Cymru Llandudno: April 30 - May 5
Guildford G Live: November 27 - December 2
Canterbury Marlowe Theatre: May 8-12
2018
Nottingham Theatre Royal: June 12-23
Milton Keynes Theatre: April 9-14
Hull New Theatre: April 23-28
Southend Cliffs Pavilion: May 14-19
Cardiff Millennium Centre: January 9-20
Liverpool Empire: June 12-24
Liverpool Empire: January 9-20
HAIRSPRAY
2018
Sunderland Empire: March 20-31
Glasgow King’s Theatre: June 26 - July 7 Edinburgh Playhouse: July 10 - July 14
Glasgow King’s Theatre: April 3-14
MISS SAIGON
NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL
2018
Cardiff Millennium Centre: November 29 - January 6, 2018
Wycombe Swan: May 21-26
Southend Cliffs Pavilion: November 15-19
Southampton Mayflower Theatre: January 22-27
Cheltenham Everyman Theatre: May 29 - June 3
Sheffield Lyceum Theatre: November 22-26
Southampton Mayflower: February 21 - March 17
Sheffield The Lyceum: January 29 - February 3
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Manchester Palace Theatre: November 29 - December 3
Manchester Palace Theatre: March 21 - May 12
Plymouth Theatre Royal: December 6-10
Bristol Hippodrome: May 16 - June 23
Manchester Palace Theatre: January 16-28
London Eventim Apollo: December 13-17
Plymouth Theatre Royal: July 4 - August 4
Sunderland Empire: January 31 - February 11
Leeds Grand Theatre: December 20 - January 6, 2018
Norwich Theatre Royal: August 15 - September 15
Plymouth Theatre Royal: January 15-20
Inverness Eden Court: February 5-10 Nottingham Theatre Royal: February 12-24 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre: February 26 - March 3
Edinburgh Playhouse: December 12 - January 7, 2018
2018
Edinburgh Festival Theatre: January 17 - February 17
Bristol Hippodrome: March 5-10
Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre: February 14-25
Edinburgh Playhouse: March 12-17
Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre: February 28 - March 11
Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre: March 19-24
Northampton Royal & Derngate: March 14-25
35-piece gospel choir and band accompanies the on-screen nuns
Manchester Opera House: March 26 - April 7
Sheffield Lyceum Theatre: March 28 - April 8
www.sisteractlivechoir.co.uk
The Sister Act Live Choir Show is now touring at cinemas across the UK. See the film like never before, on a huge screen while a live as they sing hit songs from the film. For a full list of dates see
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Subscribe to Group Travel World magazine today for your chance to win tickets!
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO GARDENERS’ WORLD LIVE Five pairs of tickets up for grabs! BBC Gardeners’ World Live – voted best event for groups 2017 – heads to the NEC from 14-17 June, 2018. Subscribe today for your chance to win a pair of tickets to the event!
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The Matinee Shows Created and produced by ONLY E AVAILABL AT
In association with James R Hearn
With a welcome drink, three course meal and a music legend tribute act, it’s easy to understand why groups all over the UK are booking their Matinee Shows with Groups Direct. From West End stars to world-renowned tribute acts such as Elton John, Michael Buble, ABBA and Cliff Richard, The Matinee Shows deliver nothing but the best.
Matinee Show
2018 Dates
Price (Groups 10+)
Masters of the Musicals Frankie Valli Elvis Presley
28th January 8th February 20th February
£45.00pp £39.50pp £37.50pp
8th March
£37.50pp
19th April 3rd May 21st & 28th June
£39.50pp £39.50pp £39.50pp
Cliff Richard
19th July
£39.50pp
ABBA
26th July
£42.50pp
7th August
£39.50pp
6th September
£39.50pp
18th October
£39.50pp
Whitney Houston
15th November
£39.50pp
Michael Bublé
6th December
£59.50pp
Neil Diamond Freddie Mercury Tom Jones Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
Shirley Bassey Elton John Barry Manilow
P: 0800 049 8309 E: reservations@groupsdirect.co.uk W: www.groupsdirect.co.uk FP Template.indd 63
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Plan your route for
2018
Bigger
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London
Supplement Guide to London - to request your free copy email emma.parkes@ grouptravelworld.com
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ENGLISH HERITAGE
G R O U P T R AV E L O F F E R S . C O M
EXPERIENCE 5,000 YEARS OF HISTORY English Heritage cares for more than 400 historical gems, bringing the story of England to life for millions of visitors each year. Book your group’s tickets to any of its properties and sites – from Stonehenge to the Hastings Battlefield – through Group Travel Offers and enjoy: • The best trade & group prices, with tickets from just £2.50 • Book now, pay later* • No group minimum Planning your trip is easy! Visit www.grouptraveloffers.com or call 0800 024 8070 Choose which English Heritage site you’d like to visit Book your tickets – and pay later
Boo k pay now, late r!
*Give us your final numbers, and only pay for the tickets you’ve sold, four weeks before your trip. FP Template.indd 65 016_GTW_June17_GTOffers.indd 90
02/11/2017 25/05/2017 12:16 16:03
Luxury a-Peel Helen Milbank explores the history, heritage and fine dining on offer at Hampton Manor – the former family home of the Peel family that’s now a stylish West Midlands hotel Helen and daughter Georgie relax in the landscaped grounds
I
T DATES BACK to 1066, with a history
in themselves. Feeling statesmanlike? You’ll
as rich as the culinary delights it has on
love the super-sumptuous Lord Mowbray
offer today... Hampton Manor, just a short
room. Prefer regal? Opt for the Henrietta Maria
drive or train ride from Birmingham, mixes
suite (wife to King Charles I and mum of two
heritage with everything you’d expect from
monarchs), with its huge boat bath at the
a high-end hotel – and fine food and drink
end of the bed.
are very much at the centre of its ethos. Best known for its Michelin Star, four AA
We stayed in the Sir Robert Peel room, and it was all I expected and more, with fantastic
Rosette restaurant, Peels (so-called as the
views of the formal gardens and more square
Manor was built for Sir Robert Peel’s son,
footage than my three-bed detached. But
Frederick), the accolades don’t end there.
Hampton Manor is all about the food, and
This year it was awarded the much-coveted
boy do they do a good job. Local products
Michelin Welcome & Service Award, and the
are very much at the fore, whether you’re
hotel’s 15 boutique rooms are an attraction
staying for a ‘tasting’ dinner or afternoon tea,
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Tried & tested The Hampton Manor estate dates back to the 11th century
Afternoon tea, Hampton Manor-style
Hampton Manor is in Hampton-in-Arden, near Solihull. Plan your stay at hamptonmanor .com
A brief history Former Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel – founder of the modern day police force – was the first of two generations to own the estate on which Hampton Manor is built. Sir Robert, who lived close to the estate in Drayton Manor (which is now home to the theme park), spotted the land at Hampton and wanted it for development. However, his plans were cut short when he tragically fell from his horse on Constitution Hill in 1850. In
The hotel is surrounded by a walled garden and woodland
memory of his father, Sir Frederick Peel took the land in Hampton and began building a mirror image of his family home at Drayton in a Neo-Tudor Gothic style. Sir Frederick transformed the
sourced from artisan producers. Even the wine is ‘biodynamic’ (a form of grape growing
landscape and planted the woodland
and wine production similar to the organic
guests at the hotel can walk through
approach, in case you were wondering).
today. He and his family lived happily
We enjoyed a tasting menu that was
at Hampton until he died in 1906
an experience in itself – the highlight
at the age of 82, and many decades
of which was the wagyu beef. But the
later the house was bought by
whole experience, from the rooms, to
hoteliers Jan and Derrick Hill. Today, the place is run by their son
the staff, to the food was fantastic.
James and his wife Fjona, who’ve made it their mission to create a unique
WHILE YOU’RE THERE...
experience for guests. “Although the
Hampton Manor is sandwiched between
building makes quite an impression as
Birmingham and Coventry, and is close
you approach, we’re confident that
to the NEC, the National Motorcycle
what you’ll find inside is an intimate and
Museum and the Genting Arena. For more
luxurious experience that leaves you
on the area and all its group-friendly attractions, turn to page 37.
with the feeling that you’re enjoying The plush Henrietta Maria suite is one of 15 luxury rooms
an occasion with friends in your very own dream home,” says James.
GTW
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Yorkshire
VISIT ENGLAND
The Folly at Stainborough Castle, in the parkland of Wentworth Castle in South Yorkshire
Live the dream
Its ancient abbeys, minsters and follies are as much a part of Yorkshire as its glorious coastline and national parks. This winter, discover its inspiring attractions for yourself... Words: Helen Milbank
A
S THE ICE Age retreated, so Yorkshire
world-famous dales and national parkland
North Yorkshire. Sitting on the picturesque
began to thaw – its early settlers
are rich in Areas of Outstanding Natural
Rye Valley, it’s among the largest and most
drawn to the region roughly 10,000 years
Beauty. From heritage railways to castles
complete remains of its type anywhere in
ago. We’re guessing their idea of a good
and world-class shopping centres, expect
Britain. Part of the immense abbey church
day out largely involved bagging dinner, but
every taste and whim to be catered for.
still stands to roof height and there are
today’s visitors can be a tad more indulgent.
Your mini tour of Yorkshire begins 900
Ancient abbeys and castles line the county,
years ago, with a trip to the monastic
its famous coastline teams with life, and its
remains of Rievaulx Abbey in Helmsley,
extensive remains of the buildings where the Cistercian monks lived and worked. New improvements at the site for groups
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GROUP BOOKINGS WELCOME!
SHARE YOUR
STEAM EXPERIENCE
Reserved seating available Discounted rates Free car for advanced bookings for groups parking available Email group.bookings@kwvr.co.uk for more information
www.kwvr.co.uk
www.kwvr.co.uk
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Railway Station, Haworth,Station, West Yorkshire BD22 8NJ Haworth Keighley, West
Yorkshire’s Great Little Steam Trains Steam trains run every weekend and daily during school holidays Kirklees Light Railway, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD8 9XJ T. 01484 865727 info@kirkleeslightrailway.com
Yorkshire BD22 8NJ
kirkleeslightrly
www.kirkleeslightrailway.com
Discover northern England’s dramatic history with a group visit to Newcastle’s imposing Norman fortress. n Dedicated Groups Coordinator n Guided tours available upon request
@KLRailway
www.newcastlecastle.co.uk T: 0191 230 6300 E: info@newcastlecastle.co.uk
GROUP EXPERIENCES n Bespoke packages for a minimum of 40 persons. Options include: n Be greeted by a knight on horseback and/or medieval foot soldiers n A guided tour led by costumed guides n Demos of medieval food and music n 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) Newcastle Castle is operated by, and a trading name of, The Heart of the City Partnership. The Heart of the City Partnership is a company limited by guarantee #06373460 and a registered charity #11165434.
QP Template.indd 69
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Housed in a Grade I listed former debtors’ prison, York Castle Museum was founded by local GP, Dr John Kirk, and tells the social history of everyday life in the county from Victorian times. Find out more at www. yorkcastlemuseum .org.uk
Harewood House near Leeds
include a bigger café overlooking the abbey, as
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
views on the way down (and enjoy a 15%
well as a new shop and visitor centre. And you
Your historic tour continues at world-famous
discount if there are 11 or more of you).
can now view previously unseen architectural
Whitby Abbey. It’s easy to imagine how
stone features in the site’s museum; other
the tale of Dracula emerged once you set
AN ENGLISHMAN’S HOME...
unique objects on display include a 14th
eyes on its haunting remains, with its Gothic
Let’s bring ourselves slightly more up to date
century statue, thought to represent St
towers, pointed windows and lofty position
next with a tour of glorious Harewood House
James the Great, patron saint of pilgrims.
overlooking the seaside town below. Bram
near Leeds in West Yorkshire. You can tour this
Stoker certainly had plenty to feed his
18th century country house – and the 13th
imagination here, and there’s plenty of history
century castle in its grounds – from March
to soak up and enjoy.
to October, with reduced rates for groups
Whitby’s spectacular headland was first
the house, its State Rooms, award-winning
Oswy of Northumbria, later becoming
gardens and more, with special events and
one of the most important religious
exhibitions held throughout the year.
centres in the Anglo-Saxon world under
And, talking of castles, don’t miss Bolton
the formidable Abbess Hild, who ruled
Castle in Wensleydale – one of the country’s
over both men and women in a double
best preserved medieval castles, despite the
monastery called Streaneshalch.
fact it dates back an impressive 600 years.
Today, you can wander the splendid ruins,
Rievaulx Abbey in Helmsley, North Yorkshire
of 15 or more. Experts will take you around
settled as a monastery in AD657 by King
See bird of prey displays in the gardens
marvel at the views of sea, countryside
and feed wild boar in the park, then head
and Whitby town, and explore the site’s
to the tea room to feed yourself. Groups
past at the Mansion Visitor Centre. Our
of 15 or more get a discount and group
tip? Climb the 199 steps up to the abbey
packages and guided tours are available.
if you’re feeling brave and admire the
Another attraction not to be missed is
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Yorkshire JORVIK Viking Centre
Shop in style If there’s one thing Yorkshire does well it’s
A more traditional shopping experience
world-class shopping, and there’s always
is on offer at The Mill Outlet & Garden
time for a spot of retail therapy...
Centre in Batley, West Yorkshire. It’s a
Home to one of the largest outdoor ice
group-friendly haven for shopaholics,
rinks in the UK, you can skate, play, shop and
home to everything from The Edinburgh
dine in Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, which
Woollen Mill to Radley and Oswaldtwistle
will be heading to York Designer Outlet,
Mills – and it prides itself in offering the best
on the edge of the city, this month. Expect
driver benefits and group discounts in the
a vintage fun fair, Santa in his cabin, live
business. Visit www.themillbatley.com
entertainment and, of course, the skating.
to download its visitor guide for groups.
Then disappear into the shops to save up to
Finally, if the lure of a bargain proves
the glorious York Minster, the city’s cathedral
60% off designer label clothing, accessories
too much, head to Leeds Kirkgate
and one of the largest of its kind in Northern
and homeware. Larger groups of 20 or
Market in West Yorkshire. One of the
Europe. The seat of the Archbishop of York,
more can pre-book and enjoy a meet and
largest indoor markets in Europe, it re-
the Gothic-style minster’s one of the city’s
greet and discounts at some of the shops.
opened last year following a £13 million
best-loved attractions, open daily for services
Visit www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.
refurbishment programme, and is open
and Monday to Saturday for sightseeing.
com and www.mcarthurglen.com/
Monday to Saturday. Find out more at
uk/york-designer-outlet
www.leeds.gov.uk/leedsmarkets
RETURN OF THE VIKINGS Of course, no mention of Yorkshire’s history is complete without a mention of its most
been updated and revamped, with new
actors, immersive sets and some surprising,
famous invaders, the Vikings. And where better
display cases allowing you to get up close
yet often scary, special effects that pull
to explore how they lived – and fought
to genuine Viking artefacts. You’ll have the
visitors into the dark side of the city’s past.
– than at the Group Travel World award-
chance to dig deeper into the Viking story
You’ll meet Vikings, Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin
winning JORVIK Viking Centre. Following a
of York using the latest in cutting-edge
and carriers of the plague. And audience
multi-million pound re-imagining, it’s now
technology. Plus, the centre’s Viking hosts will
participation takes place in nearly every show,
well and truly back in action, welcoming
be on hand to help bring the period to life.
so don’t expect to sit back and watch...
PLUNGE THE DEPTHS
hold a maximum of 24 people. For larger
experience and be transported back to
It’s been just over a year since The York
groups, they can simply be split into two
the year AD960... Eric Bloodaxe, the last
Dungeon reopened, following a facelift after
or more groups. The bigger the better, as
Viking King in Jorvik, has been expelled
the floods of December 2015. Since then, it’s
the audience’s reaction is a key part of a
and the city is transforming itself. The
gone straight back to being one of the must-
lot of shows. One minute you’ll be Viking
streets of 10th century York are bustling
see attractions in York, and one of the few
slaves, the next you’ll be a baying mob
with the hum of everyday life – and here
attractions made for groups in mind.
at the executioner’s chopping block!
groups to Viking-age York. Hop aboard the new, improved ride
you’ll discover the impact of international
With its series of 10 live shows, each
trade on the city and the people and goods
portraying a different period
that came to Jorvik from all walks of life.
of York’s 2,000-year
The centre’s gallery experiences have RHS Garden Harlow Carr
history, expect live
Tours start every 15 minutes, and can
STAY ON TRACK Marry a tour of Yorkshire’s historic
RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate, West Yorkshire, welcomes groups year-round. See www.rhs.org.uk/ gardens/harlow-carr
gems with a trip on one of the county’s heritage railways. Staying true to its mantra of ‘Yorkshire’s great little steam trains’ The Kirklees Light Railway near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire has been entertaining railway lovers young and old since the early
1990s – though the origins of the line date back to the mid-19th century. The railway opened in stages – first to Cuckoo’s Nest in 1991, then Skelmanthorpe in 1992 and finally Shelley in 1997. It’s now a thriving attraction, whisking passengers off on a three-and-a-half mile journey between Clayton West and Shelley, taking in views of the South Pennine foothills. Discounted rates apply for groups of 15 or more, and there are tea rooms and NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Yorkshire We’re loving... ...the all-day pass (complete with comfy seat) you get for just £13 on York’s City Sightseeing Bus. The hop on, hop off tour takes around an hour, but each ticket’s valid for 24 hours, so you can use it to your heart’s content and create your own itinerary as you learn the history of York’s oldest buildings and its rogue inhabitants (Dick Turpin’s buried here following his execution in the city for horse theft). Find out more at www.visityork.org
cafés at several of the throughout the year, and Santa Special services also run over the festive season, as well as Thomas the Tank Engine days, where children can meet the famous engine. Fans of TV’s Heartbeat will
York Minster
IN SEARCH OF ADVENTURE? Then head to North Yorkshire’s
award-winning Forbidden Corner
Emmerdale Village Tour. Enjoy a 90-minute tour behind the scenes of Yorkshire’s bestloved soap, with special group rates for larger groups. Alternatively enjoy Emmerdale’s
love The North Yorkshire Moors Railway,
– hailed as the ‘strangest place in the world’.
Studio Experience Tour to discover how each
which takes in an 18-mile stretch from
A labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, set in
episode’s put together – and round off your
Pickering to Grosmont Stations, with
four acres of garden in the heart of Tupgill Park
tour by pulling a pint in the Woolpack.
the option of a further six-mile hop
and the Yorkshire Dales, strange passages lead
into the seaside resort of Whitby.
to nowhere and you can explore the temple of
visits for group travel organisers, and free
the underworld.
admission and refreshments for coach drivers
The route cuts straight through Heartbeat country, which was filmed in
If you’re after more of a real-world day
and around Whitby and the North York
out, head to Yorkshire’s Wildlife Park, which is
Moors. In fact the area’s now so synonymous
officially the UK’s number one walk-through
with the much-loved TV series that the
wildlife adventure. Home to 400 animals of
village of Goathland is known as ITV’s
70 different species, the park’s open every
Aidensfield, and several sections of the
day bar Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
railway line, including Goathland Station, feature in many episodes (you’ll spot them
GO BEHIND THE SCENES
if you tune into replays of the series
Located within the glorious Harewood
on Dave!).
Estate in Leeds, step into the drama with an
Check out Yorkshire Sculpture Park at ysp.org.uk
VISIT ENGLAND
stations. Special events run
Walk the Yorkshire Dales with walking and activity holiday specialist HF Holidays. Guided and self-guided breaks are available, see www. hfholidays .co.uk
Easy coach drop-off points, free ‘fam’
are just some of the group benefits available. Take the Emmerdale tour
GET ME THERE... ■ www.boltoncastle.co.uk ■ www.emmerdalestudio
experience.co.uk ■ www.english-heritage.
org.uk/rievaulxabbey ■ www.english-heritage.org.uk/
visit/places/whitby-abbey ■ harewood.org ■ www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk ■ www.kirkleeslightrailway.com ■ www.nymr.co.uk ■ www.thedungeons.com/york ■ www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk ■ yorkminster.org ■ www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com GTW
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VISIT ENGLAND
Warwick Castle
All bard none! 6 of the best attractions in Warwickshire
1
WARWICK CASTLE
the website for details or give us
It’s one of the county’s best-loved
a call on 0800 024 8070.
attractions, telling the often-gruesome tale of more than 1,100 years of history, magic and myth. Visit Warwick Castle and its grounds to discover the towers, turrets, battlements
2
Groups of 15 or more can enjoy a private tour of the Grade 1 listed Mansion House, and this month it plays host to
Turn to page 98 for more on Warwickshire-based Purity Brewing Company’s awardwinning tours
Find out more at www. stoneleighabbey.org
3
THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE Take a behind the scenes tour
and discover the hidden treasures
STONELEIGH ABBEY Dating back to the 12th century,
Christmas Fair on November 26.
of the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Tours run on
Stoneleigh Abbey in Warwickshire has a rich
selected dates throughout the year. For more
and more, as well as the interactive attractions
history, and has played host to many a queen
information – and to see full details of what’s
and walk-through adventures. It’s also home
and notary over the centuries, from King
on at the theatre – visit www.rsc.org.uk
to The Castle Dungeon, together with daily
Charles I and Queen Victoria to novelist Jane
shows and attractions.
Austen, whose relative, the Reverend Thomas
And the best bit? You can save more than
Leigh, inherited the abbey. Many believe it was
4
SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST
40% off the normal entry price through
the model for Mansfield Park, and groups can
grouptraveloffers.com. Plus, there’s no group
take a Jane Austen tour at the abbey (from
Home of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – the 500-year-old
minimum and you can buy, now pay later – see
Sunday to Thursday at 1pm).
cottage where Shakespeare courted his
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SAVE UP TO544%
Days out
COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM
ON YOUR GROUP’S TICKETS! Explore this fantastic, free to enter museum
and discover how Coventry became the centre of the world’s motor and cycle industries.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
collection of British road transport, and see the actual vehicles that defined some of history’s most important moments, including the fastest car in the world. While admission is free, tickets to the attraction’s new 4D Land Speed Record Simulator cost £3.50 each for groups of 10 or more. Plan your visit at www.transport-museum.com Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
6
RAGLEY HALL Ancestral seat of the Hertford family for
over 300 years, Ragley Hall sits in thousands
bride-to-be – Hall’s Croft (where his daughter
of acres of glorious Warwickshire countryside.
Susanna lived) and a host of other attractions,
Explore the landscaped gardens and woodland,
this is THE place for fans of the literary giant. www.grouptraveloffers.com Groups are welcome to tour the intimate Tudor Call us free on 0800 024 8070 and Jacobean family homes, and larger groups
VISIT ENGLAND
CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES
VISIT ENGLAND
CONTACT US TO ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE GROUP TRAVEL OFFERS BROCHURE, FULL OF GREAT GROUP RATES AND DISCOUNTS.
Groups can get up close to the planet’s biggest
discover the unique treasures of this Grade 1 listed mansion, or enjoy the many country fairs and outdoor events held on the estate
are advised to book in advance. Discounts are
throughout the year. Upcoming events include
available if there are 15 or more of you, with
next month’s Ragley by Candlelight evenings,
other benefits including exclusive tours,
on selected dates throughout December. Large
reserved seating in the café and more. Based in
groups and coach tours are always welcome.
Stratford-upon-Avon (where else?), find out
Plan your visit at www.ragley.co.uk or call the
more at www.shakespeare.org.uk
events team on 01789 762090.
£26.50
WARWICK CASTLE
SAVE
GTW
£17.00
SAVE
44%
36%
With 10 themed lands, including the Land of the Dragons and Mexicana, and more than 40 rides and attractions, Chessington World of Adventures Theme Park in Surrey is one of the UK’s top familyfriendly attractions.
Delivering the ‘Castle of your imagination,’ Warwick Castle is ideal for groups of all ages, from six to 60. A fun, action-packed day out is guaranteed as you immerse yourself in 1,000 years of jaw-dropping history.
To get a 44% discount on tickets, visit
To get a 36% discount on tickets, visit
www.grouptraveloffers.com
www.grouptraveloffers.com
istoric s to h e w o h s th e theatr rough e on st End ur tickets th ticket hotlin e W m o o d r y F te er dedica s, ord house or call our e websit
70
80 4 2 0 www.cbwmagazine.com 0800
October 24, 2017 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43 NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
Ad 43 Ad HP 47 41 FP Template.indd 55 041_CBW1293_GTO.indd
074-075 GTW Nov 17 HP Template.indd 75 Warwickshire.indd 75
75
23/10/2017 07/07/2017 16:56 15:56 03/07/2017 17:40 30/05/2017 18:08
23/10/2017 13:22 22:22 02/11/2017
Days out
A gift fit for an earl
GTW’s Emma Parkes enjoys a history lesson with a twist at Kenilworth Castle
N
were dismantled. Leicester’s Gatehouse was converted into a residence, and its ivy-clad ruins eventually became famous as the setting for Sir Walter Scott’s 1821 novel, Kenilworth, which romanticised the story of Robert and Elizabeth. Standing in the heart of the castle we
EVER LET IT be said that the Group
ALL IN THE NAME OF LOVE
learned more of the 12th century Great
Travel World team are afraid to
We stood among the sandstone walls
Mortimer’s Tower, the base court and the
battle the elements. Despite a brisk
of the medieval and early renaissance
inner court, as well as the state apartments.
northerly, Harley Denham and I broke
architecture with our knowledgeable and
The stables are also in the grounds and have
free of the office, destined for the wilds
enthusiastic tour guide, Jan Cooper, as she
been wonderfully restored and converted
of Warwickshire for another successful
talked us through the purpose of the castle
into a fabulous tearoom and museum.
GTW magazine fam trip in the wind-
during its heyday and the origins of its
The Elizabethan gardens, first created
swept grounds of Kenilworth Castle.
unusually tall design. As she explained,
400 years ago, have also been reinstated;
The castle is one of the great historical
it was built originally to be a place of retreat
the centrepiece being a fountain made
sites in the UK; a spectacular ruin where
for armies and not for living in, hence the lack
from Italian marble, which stands in
details, such as fireplaces and stain glass
of any doors or windows on the first floor.
front of the pink aviary, which was
window frames, can still be seen from over
The Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley, was
the first of its kind in England.
400 years ago. Its ever-changing uses as
given the castle by Queen Elizabeth I as
Fancy following in our footsteps?
a building, as well as royal connections
a gift to deter him from proposing to her
There’s easy access to a large car and
between the 12th to 18th centuries (it was
(quite some rebuff). He converted it into a
coach park at this English Heritage
a royal castle for much of its history and
house, largely for her entertainment – so
property, as well as group discounts and
many of the buildings remain unaltered since
the two were obviously still keen on each
free refreshments for coach drivers. Visit
the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1), are just as
other! – and it wasn’t until years later, in
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/
fascinating. In short, it’s great place to visit.
the 1650s, that the castle fortifications
places/kenilworth-castle
VISIT ENGLAND
GTW
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23/10/2017 22:23
Group Travel Organisers in action
dIscovEr A LovE AFFAIr IN rUINs He built a tower and garden to woo her but Queen Elizabeth I chose never to marry.
Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NG
The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.
HP Template.indd 77
02/11/2017 13:14
Industry insider Join CroisiEurope on a fam trip
Bring it on! Paul Ovington shares the Coach Tourism Association’s latest news
T
COACH TOURISM
ASSOCIATION
the studios where all eight Harry
of the Coach Tourism Association
Potter films were made will be
after four years on the CTA Board,
on November 27. Visit the CTA
as a result of his position as
website for full details.
Head of Coach Sales & Contracts
HE CTA’S 2018 events
handbook is again being published
line-up has now been
on behalf of the CTA by Plum
CRUISE THE RHINE
announced. The 2018 Coach
Publishing. Its editorial and
Experience CroisiEurope’s
Holiday Conference & Workshop
content – including listings of all
premium Rhine cruises on a
and P&O Ferries in Portsmouth,
will take place at Redefine BDL’s
members – will underline the size
river cruise fam trip starting
Stuart joined DFDS in 2011
Imperial Hotel in Blackpool,
and diversity of the UK’s coach
in Amsterdam on board the
and has been responsible for
from February 25-27. It will be
tourism industry. With a print run
MS Symphonie and sailing via
the management of the UK
a two-night/three-day event,
of 3,000 it is sent to members,
Nijmegen, Cologne and Koblenz
coach operator business for
and be combined with the CTA
the press and anyone connected
along the Rhine to Strasbourg.
Dover-Dunkerque, Dover-
AGM. The 2018 CTA Summer
with the coach tourism industry.
The voyage includes full board,
Calais and the Newcastle-
wine with meals, entertainment
Amsterdam services.
BBQ will take place at the Forest Country Club near Birmingham
ENJOY THE CTA CHRISTMAS SOCIAL
on July 29; and the 2018 CTA Christmas Social will be held at
of Arden Marriott Hotel &
at DFDS Seaways being made redundant. Previously with Eurotunnel
and excursions during the voyage.
Away from work, Stuart is
Travel to Amsterdam and back
a director and trustee of the
A fam visit for operators and
from Strasbourg is not included
Isle of Wight Steam Railway,
tour wholesalers to Warner Bros.
and anyone wishing to join this
where he received his 40-year
Strathmore Hotels’ Cairn Hotel
Studio Tour London – The Making
trip should therefore make their
certificate earlier this year.
in Harrogate on November 25.
of Harry Potter, will be part of
own travel arrangements. To
the CTA 2017 annual Christmas
register contact Gabrielle Alam at
Wales said: “I’d like to thank
social and networking event.
galam@croisieurope.com
Stuart for his support and
GRAB YOUR COPY
CTA Chief Executive Chris
contribution to the work
The 2018 CTA Handbook will be
The social is generously being
published to coincide with the
hosted by Marriott Hotels at the
2018 Coach Holiday Conference
four-star Marriott Cheshunt Hotel
FAREWELL TO STUART DUDDY
& Workshop being held at the
in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire on
Industry stalwart Stuart Duddy
will be greatly missed by
Imperial Hotel Blackpool. The
November 26. The fam tour of
has stepped down as a Director
everyone in the industry.”
QHotels held their annual Champagne reception at Searcys St Pancras, which followed on from the announcement that Redefine BDL Hotels is taking over the management of the 26 QHotels. Pictured are QHotels’ Linzi Haigh and Alan Lloyd with Suzanne Craven of Redefine BDL.
Wendy Hannam of Redefine BDL is pictured with Alistair Scott of Gardiners NMC and Joe Parente of ICT (Independent Coach Travel) at the QHotels’ event.
of the CTA. He has been a friend for many years and
The Causeway Coast, Donegal and the northern part of the Wild Atlantic Way were all included in the annual Tourism Ireland fam trip to Northern Ireland. Participants included a number of CTA members, who are pictured at the Lissadell House Heritage Shop in Sligo. GTW
78 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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23/10/2017 22:24
THE COMPANY LONDON LUNCHBOX
Specialising In
Group Booking
DeliciousÂŤĂ&#x20AC;iÂ&#x2021;ÂŤ>VÂ&#x17D;i` pre-packed meals groups on the
iÂ?Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192; Â&#x201C;i>Â?Ă&#x192;forvÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; }Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤĂ&#x192; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC; go! Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i }Â&#x153; Free delivery to central London Before 8am Ă&#x20AC;ii `iÂ?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x152;Â&#x153; ViÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;>Â? Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;`Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC; ivÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;i n>Â&#x201C; We haveÂ&#x2026;>Ă&#x203A;i been providing of high 7i LiiÂ&#x2DC;a range ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;`Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} > quality, freshly Lunch Packs Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2DC;}i Â&#x153;vprepared, Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;}Â&#x2026; varied ÂľĂ&#x2022;>Â?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; vĂ&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â?Ă&#x17E;Â&#x2021; and Breakfast Packs for tour operators and for ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;iÂŤ>Ă&#x20AC;i` Ă&#x203A;>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;i` Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;VÂ&#x2026; *>VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x192; organised tour groups since 1999. >Â&#x2DC;` Ă&#x20AC;i>Â&#x17D;v>Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152; *>VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x192; vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC; Lunch packs start from just ÂŁ4.80 Â&#x153;ÂŤiĂ&#x20AC;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;] >Â&#x2DC;` vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;}>Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;i` Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC; }Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤĂ&#x192; Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Vi ÂŁÂ&#x2122;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2122;° Restaurant bookings in and around London Group Restaurant bookings from just Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;VÂ&#x2026; ÂŁ12.00 for 3 Course and Drink ÂŤ>VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x192; vĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C; Â?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x2039;{°nä London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds up to 40% off ,iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152; LÂ&#x153;Â&#x153;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x192; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC; >Â&#x2DC;` >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;` Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;`Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤ ,iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152; LÂ&#x153;Â&#x153;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} vĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C; Â?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x2039;ÂŁĂ&#x201C;°ää vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; Ă&#x17D; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Love all Serve Allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
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)$) #) ) % ( ''' % (
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UKinbound: member news
A majestic visit Take a tour of Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent to discover 800 years of history
H
ISTORIC HEVER CASTLE &
its walls by the powerful Boleyn
the gardens only, or £20.50 to
Gardens offers a memorable
family who lived at Hever during
include the castle (subject to
day out for groups. The romantic
the 15th and 16th centuries.
availability). Another option is
double moated castle in the
Its splendid panelled rooms
a tour by one of the gardening
Weald of Kent is famous for being
contain fine furniture, tapestries,
team, mainly covering plants.
the childhood home of Anne
an important collection of Tudor
This costs £16.50 per person
Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII
portraits and artefacts, including
for the gardens only or £18.50
and mother of Queen Elizabeth I.
two Books of Hours signed and
to include the castle. For
inscribed by Anne Boleyn.
those more interested in the
The original medieval castle with its gatehouse and walled
history of the garden, a tour is
bailey was built in 1270, with
NEW TOURS FOR 2018
the Tudor dwelling added within
Private guided tours of the castle
guides. The cost for gardens
or gardens can be pre-booked
only is £16.50 per person, or
for groups of 15 or more.
£18.50 to include the castle.
different garden tours for groups
tour takes an hour-and-a-half,
VISITING IN A GROUP?
on offer. All garden tours run
starting at 10am. It’s a private
Hever Castle is near
from Monday to Friday and can
tour offering the chance to
Edenbridge, Kent. For
start anytime from 10am, with
see extra rooms in the castle
more information, visit
the latest tour at 3pm. The
that are usually closed to the
hevercastle.co.uk/groups,
tours last approximately an
public. Following the tour you’re
email groups@hevercastle.
hour, followed by general entry
welcome to stay in the gardens
co.uk or call the groups
around the gardens.
until closing. It costs £45 per
visits co-ordinator on
person, for a maximum of 15.
01732 861701.
And, in 2018, there’ll be three
Join Hever’s head gardener Neil Miller for a tour of the gardens
available with one of Hever’s
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
Groups can enjoy a tour
The new ‘Hidden Hever’
with head gardener Neil Miller
This tour is for adults only, as it’s
for £18.50 per person for
a longer tour and more in depth.
GTW
80 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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23/10/2017 22:25
w www.excursionsshow.com
Excursions Show
DISCOVER NEW IDEAS FOR GROUP VISITS
DISCUSS YOUR INDIVIDUAL GROUP NEEDS
PLAN AND CREATE YOUR ITINERARY
REGISTER ONLINE
Alexandra Palace, London, N22 7AY • Saturday 27 January 2018 • 10:30am - 4pm
Organised by
FP Template.indd 81
Official Media Partner
02/11/2017 11:11
In-spired… A vast spire of metal reaching high into the sky marks the arrival of a new tourist destination on the outskirts of Lincoln
Words: Angela Youngman
T
county’ as so many of the bomber airfields
media. There’s also a café and roof terrace.
were based here, and it was deemed fitting
The IBCC’s losses database archive is
HE INTERNATIONAL BOMBER Command
to create the new IBCC in a location where
the largest in the world, offering people
Centre (IBCC) is unique, telling a story
many of the doomed crews would have
searching for their family history the
experienced their last ever views of England.
chance to discover details about family
that’s received little attention for more than 60 years. Indeed, in the aftermath of the
members. Much of the database is new,
Second World War, the story of Bomber
THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA
Command was deliberately overlooked:
The new IBCC is home to an exhibition and
its role even omitted from Churchill’s
archive centre, a vast memorial spire and
A FITTING MEMORIAL
victory speech. The events of Dresden and
memorial walls. It has an education area, where
The memorial spire and walls are at the heart
Hamburg had tainted the way in which the
school children can enjoy workshops, and an
of the new centre: the spire standing 31m high,
Command’s other activities – such as the
exhibition area that focuses on the activities
made from two tapering shards of steel. It’s
Dambusters raid – had helped reduce the
of Bomber Command, the divisive nature of its
been carefully designed to resemble the exact
length of the war, and, until very recently,
wartime activities, the stories of those involved,
height of a Lancaster Bomber wing when stood
there was no memorial to those who died.
the manufacturing of Lancaster Bombers, and
on end and, as you look through the gap in the
how the ‘air war’ has been portrayed in film and
two shards, you can see the towers of Lincoln
Lincolnshire was often known as ‘bomber
having been painstakingly researched.
82 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
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Lincolnshire
Cathedral – the same sight
Find out more at www. internationalbcc. co.uk
many aircrew saw for the last time as they flew out on a mission. Surrounding the spire are a series of
A series of memorial walls surround the spire
New Zealanders, Poles and even Jews who had
escaped from Nazi Germany. Many more names are still being
abroad. It’s designed to be a permanent memorial to the human cost of war, and a reminder of why peace and reconciliation should be an important part of our lives today. The international peace garden is
memorial walls made out of the same steel,
identified, and will be added in due course.
each containing long lists of names of those
Not all the names are male – there are quite
designed to be a place for reflection, with
who died while serving in Bomber Command.
a number of women too, reflecting their
sculptures representing each of the five
role on the bases and in later humanitarian
continents who have members among
Command experienced the highest level of
missions carried out by RAF nurses to bring
the fallen listed on the memorial walls. In
deaths in war, second only to those serving
back the wounded from the Continent.
front of the spire the gardens are laid out
The memorial walls are extensive. Bomber
on the submarines. In total, there are 57,861
with 27 trees representing the 27 airfields
names, and nearly all are aged between 19
THE HUMAN COST OF WAR
and 24. The names highlight the vast array
The whole focus of the IBCC is memorial and
has been carefully placed on its geographical
of nationalities serving in Bomber Command.
reconciliation, which is why the exhibition
position as if on a map. Thousands of bulbs
Volunteers came from over 30 countries,
includes memories from the Luftwaffe and
have been planted, and red poppies will
including Americans, Canadians, Australians,
ordinary people caught up in the bombing
be growing on the site next summer.
involved in Bomber Command. Each tree
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
082-084 GTW Nov 17 Lincs hm.indd 83
83
23/10/2017 22:29
Lincolnshire
City living 5 1
of the best attractions in Lincoln
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL It dates back to 1072, has been ravaged
by fire through the centuries and partially destroyed by an earthquake... Lincoln Cathedral has since its fair share of drama over the past 1,000 years and is now one of the city’s most popular attractions. Admission costs £8 (concessions are
guided floor tour is included in the price,
stalls sell mulled wine and Christmas gifts.
and upcoming events include an afternoon
See www.lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk
and evening Ceremony of Carols on December 16. See lincolncathedral.com
2
LINCOLN CASTLE
4
DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS
This privately owned, late Elizabethan mansion
Hailed as a place where kings and convicts
sits just outside Lincoln and groups are made
have walked, as a symbol of power and
hugely welcome, with exclusive guided tours
punishment through the ages and home
of offer, even when the house is officially
to an original 1215 Magna Carta, Lincoln
closed to the public. For more on the house,
Castle offers groups three main attractions.
its gardens and what’s on offer for groups,
Explore the castle’s towers and dungeons
see www.doddingtonhall.com
as you tackle the 360° wall walk, experience the imposing Victorian prison and chapel, and see the iconic charter that changed the course of history. Find out more and plan
LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET This December sees the return of
THE MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE
Housing a collection of varied exhibits that reflect and celebrate the culture of Lincolnshire
your trip at www.lincolncastle.com
3
5
and its people from 1750 to the present day, The Museum of Lincolnshire Life is the county’s largest and most diverse
Lincoln’s hugely popular Lincoln Market, which weaves its way around the historic streets of
available) and joint tickets for the cathedral
the city’s upper town from
and Lincoln Castle cost £16. An introductory
December 7-10. Hundreds of
community museums. It’s free to
Find out more at www. visitlincoln .com
enter – find out more at www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/heritageand-tourism/museum-oflincolnshire-life
GTW
Lincoln Cathedral
VISIT ENGLAND/VISIT LINCOLN
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13-15 JULY 2018
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BENEFITS
SAVE UP TO £15.00 ON EACH ADMISSION TICKET UNDER 18s GO FREE WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT ADMISSION TICKET HOLDER FREE ON SITE PARKING DESIGNATED FAST TRACK ENTRANCE GATE TO SPEED UP YOUR ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE* FREE ENTRY FOR COACH DRIVER* FREE LISTING ON AIRTATTOO.COM WEBSITE* *APPLIES TO GROUP COACH TICKETS ONLY
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02/11/2017 10:47:03 02/11/2017 12:47
Lin, pictured here, spent 18 days touring India with her group
“It’s hard work,but I love it” A passion for travel led Lin Wilson of Solent Events & Leisure to launch her own business, and saw her crowned Group Travel Organiser of the Year... As told to: Angela Youngman
I
’VE ALWAYS HAD a passion for travelling,
55-65 age group. They want to do something
working in hotels and teaching water skiing in
different while they’re still physically able
voted Group Travel Organiser of the Year. Over the years there have certainly been
Ibiza. When my children were older, I started
to do it. I’m taking a group to Peru and the
some memorable outings. One such trip was
to go to places like London and Portsmouth
Amazon soon, and we recently climbed The
a theatre visit to London. We had an oldish
by coach – and decided I could do it better.
02 Arena.
couple on the coach who’d not travelled with
I set up my own events company for ladies
In addition, I set up a local membership
us before. After the show, they weren’t at the
of leisure. Initially, it focused on theatre and
club as I wanted to put something back into
pick-up point. The coach had to pick some
away-day coach trips, then I added flights
the community. There’s a maximum of 50
other people up from Victoria, so I got off
into Europe and elsewhere. Now, all my day
members at any one time and we try new
the coach to try to find them. They were
trips and theatre trips are mid-week to take
places for lunch or unusual experiences.
standing just 15 metres away and had
advantage of group discounts. It’s a very social affair; we get a lot of single people coming and
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
they always make friends.
I’ve been operating Solent Events for 26 years
I also have an adventure club targeting the
now, and back in 2013 I was chuffed to be
watched the coach go past. I put them in a taxi and we headed to Victoria, and just managed to get there in time. When I rejoined the coach, no-one apart
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Real life Lin’s taken groups all over the world
Lin’s now launched an adventure club for adrenaline lovers
From UK river cruises to the Amazon, Solent Events & Leisure will take you there
Kate Winslet eat your heart out...
Find out more about Lin’s trips at www. solentevents. co.uk
we can all meet. We check in together and
trips mean I can talk on the spot to the tour
then people can wait for me, or go through
guides about what they can and can’t do, and
security on their own, before meeting up in
sort out all the details. These are the trips I can
Southampton and people started to get off at
the lounge. I don’t herd people. They can do
sell the best as I know the places so well.
the various stops. When we got back to the
what they want within the tour guidelines.
last drop off point, I found this couple were
They don’t have to go on excursions if they
passion. You’ve got to be passionate about
still on the coach. They’d fallen asleep and
don’t want to; it’s their holiday, after all.
travel and a good organiser to make this type
from my colleague
was aware I’d ever left. We headed back to
I do this job because it’s my lifestyle and my
of company work. My customers
didn’t even wake up when I was on the microphone saying we were about to stop at Southampton. Luckily, the coach driver was heading back there, so he took them home.
You’ve got to be passionate about travel and a good organiser to make this type of company work
By far the most memorable trip
know that I’m going to organise everything and provide all the information they need. I give them a pocket itinerary and a ‘survival letter’ giving all the details regarding climate, language, electricity, what
was to India. We had 18 days there and did
IT’S ALL IN THE PLANNING
to expect and the timetable. There are very
so much – we went on a tiger safari, stayed
Fam trips are the most valuable aid when it
few questions raised because there is so
in a palace, explored Mumbai and had a
comes to deciding where to take groups. I take
much detail provided. Because it’s my
fantastic tour round India.
as many notes as possible, talk to guides and
company I offer personal service. It’s hard
see if I can visualise my group going there. Fam
work, but I love it.
At the airport I always book a lounge where
GTW
NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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The voice of group travel
Winning ways MIKE BUGSGANG CEO OF AGTO
C
AGTO member the Coca-Cola London Eye was one of the winners at the GL&T Awards
Chief Executive Mike Bugsgang reports on the Association of Group Travel Organisers’ latest news
ONGRATULATIONS TO ALL the AGTO
Award for services to the community as part
For further information, email Nick Bevan
members who were winners at the Group
of his role in the Wyre Forest and Worcester
at Blueprint Travel Media on nick@blueprint
Prostate Cancer Support Group.
media.org.uk or call 01743 231135.
Leisure & Travel Awards: the Coca-Cola London Eye, Dunwood Travel, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines,
Commenting on the award, Keith said:
HF Holidays, Waddesdon Manor and Warner
“While not having had prostate cancer myself,
DIARY DATES
Leisure Hotels. Also to Harold Burke of Grand
I felt the ‘cause’ was so important I became a
AGTO’s new Scotland Branch will be holding
UK Holidays/Just for Groups for his
member of the support group eight years ago.
a meeting at the Mackay’s Hotel Strathpeffer
contribution to group travel.
“Our efforts through various fundraising
in Ross-shire on February 11, 2018.
The Group Leisure & Travel Show (GLTS),
actions have raised in excess of £350,000.
David Urquhart Travel will host the event
that took place at the NEC the day after the
This will help to finance a latest state of the
and a complimentary B&B overnight stay will
awards, proved highly successful for AGTO.
art robot machine, which will revolutionise the
be available to AGTO Scotland Members.
Pre-show marketing inviting GTOs to visit the
treatment of prostate cancer at the Alexandra
AGTO stand resulted in lots of new organisers
Hospital in Redditch.”
joining the Association. In addition, once again, the AGTO Ambassador scheme badges
NEW MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK
worked extremely well, with existing members
We have exciting plans for the next edition
directing potential members to the stand.
of the AGTO Members’ Handbook. Work is
RAPID GROWTH FOR KENT
which promises to be even bigger and better. The handbook will be packed with information
over 80% in membership during the past few
that will be a constant reference tool for our
months. Speaking at the recent Kent Branch
GTO members nationwide, enabling them to
AGM, that was held on the river cruiser Kentish
source information on our Associate Members’
Lady, Chairman Jim Silvester said: “We have
products and services.
London on Saturday January 27, 2018. Find out more at www.agto.co.uk
GTW
Harold Burke with Mike Bugsgang at the GLTS
Following research among members, the
organising a series of first class events around
new handbook will include:
the county in conjunction with AGTO
■ More
editorial content and images
Associate Members. This has proved highly
■ More
ways GTOs can engage with Associates
successful, with a record number of members
■ More
tips for GTOs on group organising
attending the AGM this year.”
■ More
about the activities of AGTO’s
QUEEN’S AWARD
Excursions Show at Alexandra Palace in
already underway on the next publication,
AGTO’s Kent Branch has seen an increase of
worked hard to attract new GTO members by
The AGTO AGM, sponsored by Made Tourism Marketing, will take place at the
Kent Branch AGM was held on board Kentish Lady
Branches around the UK It is encouraging that many Associate
AGTO group organiser member Keith Prince
Members have already committed their
has received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee
advertising support for the new handbook.
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Do you have a vacancy? Recruit with us! A 100% targeted audience for the travel and tourism industry
Online Listing
Print Listing The magazine will feature a recruitment section which lists the most recent roles available in the industry. The magazine is sent via subscription and available in stores and attractions.
August 2017
Whether you have 1 or more vacancies traveljobsworld.com is the most effective place to advertise. The site is user friendly, with simple step by step guide making the process hassle free. Ideas & inspiration for groups & families
5
friends + you = the best group rates!
Yorkshire
the best views, walks, cities & more
+
WINDSOR’S HIDDEN GEMS
THE UK’S WILDEST DAYS OUT MUSEUMS & SPA HOTELS WHAT’S ON IN THE WEST END
12
TOP
winter escapes
001 GTW Aug 17 Cover HM.indd 1
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Social Media Listing
Once a job vacancy is live on our site it will be promoted across our social media accounts where we actively attract active job seekers.
01733 293 249 www.traveljobsworld.com Harley.Denham@grouptravelworld.com F.PTemplate.indd ad.indd8584 FP 89 Untitled-4
28/09/2017 12:04 12:56 02/11/2017 28/09/2017 13:24
Exciting times ahead
Expect a bold new look, and an even bigger and better visitor experience, at Excursions 2018
E
with First World War connections, such as Visit Kent. Dover Castle, with its commanding position, was the signal station from which the Navy controlled the movement
XCURSIONS IS SET to provide inspiration
becoming a hit with group bookers all over the
and itinerary ideas for days out and
UK, the shows include a welcome drink, three-
short breaks to more than 1,200 group travel organisers at Alexandra Palace in
course meal and a music legend tribute act. Created and produced by Groups Direct, in
of all ships in and out of the harbour. French exhibitor Lens Tourism will be offering guided tours for groups to discover the region’s First World War memorial
association with James R Hearn, performers
sites, including the War & Peace Museum
include West End stars and world-renowned
and the Ring of Remembrance in the hills
unique location-based stand layout will be
tribute acts, such as Elton John, Freddie
of Artois, which brings together 580,000
continued, with destinations, attractions, tour
Mercury, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.
names of those who lost their lives in
North London on January 27, 2018. Due to popular demand, the show’s
operators and accommodation providers from
northern France during the Great War.
each region all in one area – making it easy
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2018
for visitors to plan their group itineraries.
Exhibitors at Excursions will be showcasing
NEW & IMPROVED ATTRACTIONS
their latest group offerings for 2018. Among
Other projects being unveiled at Excursions
Hambledon Vineyard Wine Bus, which
those celebrating a special anniversary is
include the new visitor centre, café and
is travelling up from Hampshire. Enjoy a
Holkham Hall in North Norfolk, which will be
galleries at Gilbert White’s House & The
refreshing sample of its famous English
holding a special exhibition, Treasures and
Oates Collection in Hampshire. And visitors
sparkling wine, and discover more about
Trophies: The Making of a Gentleman and a
can learn about the Queen’s Diamond
the team’s exciting group visits programme
Great House, to mark the 300th anniversary
Jubilee Galleries at London’s Westminster
for 2018.
since Thomas Coke began construction of the
Abbey, which will be displaying objects from
Hall in 1718 after his grand tour of Europe.
the abbey’s 1,000-year history, many of
Centre stage will be the custom-designed
Visitors to Excursions can also enjoy an exclusive preview of The Matinee Shows,
Next year will be the centenary of the
which are exclusive to Groups Direct, with
end of the First World War, with several
live performances throughout the day. Fast
exhibitors offering the chance to visit places
which have never been shown before. The Grade II* listed Georgian Town Hall in the centre of St Albans, Hertfordshire is
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Excursions 2018 Top attractions will unveil their plans for 2018 at Excursions, including Holkham Hall
Excursions takes place on Saturday January 27, 2018, from 10.30am to 4pm. See www. excursionsshow .com
Visitors can enjoy an exclusive preview of The Matinee Shows
The show provides inspiration and itinerary ideas for days out and short breaks
Excursions 2018 will be held at London’s Alexandra Palace
also being transformed into a £7.75 million
Marwell Zoo. This marks the second phase
museum and gallery. Opening mid-2018, it will
of a £17m investment programme for the
offer a changing programme of art exhibitions
zoo over the next eight to 10 years, creating
and events. While in Greenwich, the National
improved habitats for animals and more
Maritime Museum’s new Endeavour Galleries
immersive experiences for guests. In addition,
will be completed in 2018, creating four
visitors to Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire
new spaces in an area previously closed to
can meet red pandas, Mali and Mambo, in
visitors. A new designer shopping outlet is
the Himalayan Heights enclosure in 2018,
also opening at The O2, which hopes to rival
and enjoy refreshments in the new café,
Bicester, Cheshire Oaks and Wembley.
which has views across several enclosures.
Groups planning visits to animal and wildlife
GET ME THERE… To pre-register for show entry, and book seats on a free transfer coach, visit www.excursionsshow.com, or call the Excursions team on 023 8062 5516.
of free coach transfers for visitors, with
attractions will find details of the new Tropical
MAKE CONNECTIONS
House opening next Easter at Hampshire’s
Keeping up with the digital age, the
points to the north, south, east and west
event’s organisers, Tourism South East,
of Alexandra Palace. This includes a return
are introducing the new Visitor Connect
service operating from five central London
system at Excursions 2018, which enables
main line railway stations. Please note that
visitors to keep in contact with the exhibitors
although the coach travel is free, it’s essential
they’ve spoken to after the show from a
to pre-book your seat.
simple scan of their badge barcode. Not
The UK’s leading attractions will be at the show
15 coaches covering more than 70 pick-up
For visitors making their own way to
only can exhibitors follow up conversations
Excursions by train, there will be a free
by email, but visitors will also receive a
shuttle service running from Alexandra Palace
contact list of the exhibitors they’ve met.
main line and Wood Green Underground
GET THERE FOR FREE!
(Piccadilly Line) stations to the exhibition venue from 10am until 4pm. The W3
Getting to the show is easy, and Excursions
bus also picks up from both stations and
is once again running its successful programme
drops off at Alexandra Palace. NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Relax
in style Let your imagination run riot as summer 2018 beckons and we reveal 30 top destinations...
North Cape to see the mesmerising Midnight
Words: Angela Youngman
around Greece, Croatia and Italy as well as the
Sun – a natural phenomenon that occurs in the summer months north of the Arctic Circle. Prefer something warmer? P&O is cruising Canary Islands and Portugal, while Fred. Olsen
SUMMER CRUISES
heading even further afield, you can enjoy the
The cool northern seas are proving attractive
mountains, remote beaches and prairies on
to cruise companies like Cruise & Maritime,
board the company’s ‘Canada in the Fall’ cruise,
CULINARY CRUISES
Fred. Olsen, P&O and Saga, who are offering a
with destinations including picturesque
European Waterways is offering culinary
range of cruises to explore the Norwegian Fjords,
Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Montreal and
themed charter cruises next summer on board
Greenland, Iceland and Scandinavia next summer.
the St Lawrence River.
its hotel barges L’Impressioniste and Enchanté,
Cruise & Maritime’s Marco Polo is set to
You can even travel close to the Arctic Circle
and Cruise & Maritime are heading to the Med.
with on-location cooking classes and
explore the Norwegian North Cape, the Russian
with Fred. Olsen. Departing from Liverpool, its
behind-the-scene tours all part of the package.
White Sea, Arctic Greenland and Iceland. And
cruises cover the fjords of Greenland and the
Highlights include exclusive visits to specialist
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Summer sun
ALAN KENNY PHOTOGRAPHY
Discover the Med next summer, from the Greek Islands to the Spanish coast
cheesemakers, including the Gaugry Fromagerie,
unique Lochs, Islands and Military Tattoo Bowls
and the chance to discover the art of mustard
Cruise. Hosted by the world’s number one
seed cultivation (yes, really!), as well as insights
ranked bowls player, Greg Harlow, guests can
into the production of Grand Cru wine.
play against local teams in three ports of call,
Prefer some action? CroisiEurope may have
towns. An overnight stay in Edinburgh provides
cruises combining cycling by day and cruising
an opportunity to enjoy the famous Military
by night. Available on the rivers Danube, Loire,
Tattoo en route.
Gironde, Rhone and Rhine, holiday makers can
Take in Italy’s sights on a cruise
as well as enjoying the scenery and historic
the answer. It’s launched CroisiBike – themed
enjoy escorted bike tours along beautiful cycle
ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS
paths. Alternatively, you can try CroisiEurope’s
HF Holidays is offering stunning 2018
Hiking Cruises, with guided walks by day and
walking breaks, based around Luz in the
cruising by night.
Algarve’s Wild West – a region that offers
Ocean cruising combined with bowls is offered on board Fred. Olsen’s Boudicca on its
a wild and rugged coastline, as well as a green, mountainous interior. NOVEMBER 2017 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD
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Summer sun Alternatively, take a look at HF Holidays’ visits to Lafkos in Pelion, where you can enjoy unspoilt Greece at its best. The ancient stone
Feel like being bowled away? Potters Abroad creates tailored holidays in Cyprus based around the best bowling facilities on the island. See www.potters abroad.com
Melk Abbey on the Danube
paths of the Pelion provide a fantastic network of walking between traditional villages, as well as the islands of the Pagasetic Gulf. If you prefer to take to the water, Moroccan surfing breaks at the Paradis Plage are on offer thanks to Health & Fitness Travel. Catering for beginners and enthusiasts alike, you can enjoy paddle boarding and surfing, as well as yoga and fitness classes. And that’s just for starters...
HERITAGE BREAKS Brightwater, specialists in escorted garden tours, is expanding its portfolio in 2018 to
TOURING HOLIDAYS
Garda, which includes guided excursions to
include archaeological and historical holidays.
Just Go! Holidays has launched its Grand Tour
Verona and Venice, plus a boat cruise to
Typical offerings include a ‘Spirit and stout’
of Spain, offering groups the chance to savour
Malcesine. Alternatively, try out more unusual
drinks tour of Ireland; Klapa singing in Croatia
the treasures, culture and traditions of the
train routes on its ‘Trains of the Danube Valley’
(the word klapa translates as ‘a group of
country – from the Moorish charms of
holiday, where guests can discover the glorious
friends’ in case you were wondering), and
Andalucia to the cities of Barcelona and
landscapes of Austria and the Danube Valley.
‘Calligraphy and garden art’ in Japan.
Madrid. Highlights include the Alhambra Palace
While HF Holidays offers a Baska Voda Discovery Tour, based on Croatia’s Dalmatian
For those wanting to go further afield, Journey Latin America has launched off-the-
in Grenada and visits to Valencia and Seville.
beaten-track journeys in Ecuador, the
South Quay Travel & Leisure is also on the
Coast. This includes the opportunity to visit
tour trail, with trips including ‘China from every
Galapagos Islands and Bolivia; while Silver Fern
the historic city of Split alongside Diocletian’s
angle’, and a tour of Sri Lanka. The latter
Holidays offers wine appreciation breaks
Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as
includes UNESCO World Heritage sites, a visit
in New Zealand.
well as the impressive Cetina Gorge, the walled
to a tea plantation and dawn and dusk safaris.
And if it’s luxury you’re after, MELIÃ Tortuga
The Deep South of the USA and California’s
Beach is in a class of its own on the glorious
on offer at Riviera Travel, as are the Ring of
island of Sal in Cape Verde.
Kerry and a Spanish coastal cruise around
An idyllic location and top-notch resort
Andalucia. For something different, take a look
facilities make it the perfect choice for groups.
at its ‘Bali and the dragons of Komodo’
The resort has both three- and four-bedroom
escorted tours, which include a visit to the
villas for groups available, each with a private
famous Monkey Forest, UNESCO rice terraces,
sun terrace, garden and pool.
Balinese folk dances and Hindu temples.
The resort itself has restaurants, white sandy beaches and stunning views of the
Music and dance Atlantic. are on the menu with Saga Holidays, taking in the Verona Opera Festival in the incredible Roman amphitheatre. Equally worth considering is a Gilbert & Sullivan-themed river cruise along the Rhine... See travel.saga .co.uk
Discover the Greek islands
Golden West are among the summer choices
GREAT TRAIN JOURNEYS Ever considered touring by train? Great Rail Journeys offer an all-inclusive tour to Lake Explore Verona
ALAN KENNY PHOTOGRAPHY
city of Trogir and the Krka National Park.
CLICK & BOOK... ■ www.brightwaterholidays.com ■ www.croisieurope.co.uk ■ www.cruiseandmaritime.com ■ www.fredolsencruises.com ■ www.gobarging.com ■ www.greatrail.com ■ www.healthandfitnesstravel.com ■ www.hfholidays.co.uk ■ www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk ■ www.justgoholidays.com ■ www.pocruises.com ■ www.rivieratravel.co.uk ■ www.silverfernholidays.com ■ www.southquaytravel.com ■ www.tortugabeachresort.com GTW
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Quality Garden and Special Interest Tours at Home and Abroad
tailor-made group travel
Tailor-Made Group Travel
Get in Touch
For 25 years Brightwater Holidays has provided tailor-made travel arrangements for many private groups and societies. Packages have ranged from short city breaks to grand 21-day tours of South Africa.
Call our Private Groups Manager Geraldine today for your brochure.
01334 657155
groups@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com | Brightwater Holidays Ltd, Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife KY15 4HS 5020
Leis u r e • Bo wL s • Crui s e • Da n C e E xc lu s i v E A d u lt H o l i dAys – d E s i g n E d f o r g r o u P s w i t H g r E At s Av i n g s
Bowls Cruise 2018 - Lochs, Islands & The Military Tattoo
Departing 30th July 2018 from Dover on-board Fred. Olsen’s Boudicca.
Potters Abroad offers guests the very best holiday options on both land and sea. so whether you are looking for an unforgettable cruise with captivating sights and incredible experiences, or a holiday to the enchanting island of Cyprus, Potters abroad is the number one choice for you and your group members. Choose from a range of holidays to Cyprus from a bowls festival with entertainment flown over from the uK, dancing in the sun, festive holidays or simply a relaxing holiday.
Cyprus Festival Holiday Athena Beach Hotel
1st – 8th November 2017 Extend your stay for 10 or 14 nights.
For your free brochure call: 0333 3207 454 or visit: www.PottersAbroad.com
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02/11/2017 11:50
Traveljobsworld.com Find your dream job at
Dread Mondays? Looking to drive your career in a new direction? Traveljobsworld.com lists all the latest jobs in the travel industry, across the UK and abroad. It’s completely free to search – here are just a selection of the opportunities on offer, with more online... OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS
Job type: Full-time
Resort Representative – Greece/Cyprus
Industry: Hospitality & leisure
Location: Thessalia Sterea Ellada,
Find more travel jobs online, including...
Greece Salary: Negotiable
Cruise Sales Consultant
Reservations Agent
Location: Wiltshire
Salary: £18,000
Salary: £35,000
Job type: Full-time
Job type: Full-time
Industry: Travel & tourism
Industry: Travel & tourism
Location: Surrey
Product Manager
Sales & Marketing Assistant
Location: London
Location: London
Salary: £26,000
Salary: £18,000-£25,000
Job type: Full-time
Industry: Travel
Job type: Full-time
Industry: Travel & tourism
Industry: Travel & tourism
Business Development Manager
Travel Sales Consultant (six-month contract)
Luxury Travel Consultant
Location: London
Location: Hampshire Salary: £20,000
Salary: £29,000-£35,000
Salary: £18,000-£25,000 Job type: Part-time
Job type: Full-time
Industry: Tour operator
Industry: Travel & tourism
Industry: Travel
POWDER BYRNE
Branch Manager
Flight Administrator
Swiss Cook
Location: London
Job type: Full-time, starting April/May 2018 Industry: Hospitality and leisure
HOLIDAYS PLEASE Travel Consultant: North America & Canada Specialist Location: Birmingham Salary: Negotiable Job type: Full-time
Travel Consultant Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent Salary: £18,000 Job type: Full-time
Location: Flims, Graubünden,
Salary: £26,000
Switzerland
Job type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive
Industry: Travel & tourism
96 GROUP TRAVEL WORLD NOVEMBER 2017
Location: Derbyshire Salary: £18,000 Job type: Full-time Industry: Travel
Location: London Job type: Full-time Industry: Travel & tourism
Ski Travel Consultant Location: Surrey Salary: £18,000 Job type: Full-time Industry: Travel & tourism
GREAT YARMOUTH Great for short breaks and day visits
Where the sea meets the Broads, Norfolk’s premier seaside resort will keep your group entertained, with excellent group rates at seafront and countryside attractions. For fun itineraries for your group to enjoy visit
www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/group-travel or call 01493 846346
ENJOY From theme parks to the model village, bowling alley, racing, bingo, casinos, zoos and a Sea Life Centre, great group rates are available all over the borough.
HERITAGE Discover fascinating maritime history at the award-winning Time & Tide, English heritage’s Row Houses, the National Trust’s Elizabethan House, the oldest gaol in the country and the Nelson Museum.
NORTH NORFOLK Follow the coast road to North Norfolk for stunning views, stately homes, big skies and big beaches, a myriad of quiet country lanes, traditional market towns and countryside villages.
NORWICH Just 45 minutes drive, this medieval city has a Norman castle and two cathedrals, excellent shopping and great al fresco dining, perfect for day trips inland from the coast.
THE BROADS Just inland from Great Yarmouth, charter a paddle steamer, pleasure craft or doubledecker passenger boat and discover the Broads National Park.
SUFFOLK COAST For fantastic country houses, maritime museums, charming seaside towns and the southern Broads, travel down winding country lanes south into Suffolk.
SHOPPING The busy market place is surrounded with all the usual high street chains as well as lots of different independent shops unique to Great Yarmouth.
SEASIDE The Greater Yarmouth coastline has fifteen miles of clean, wide, soft, sandy beach, perfect for sea views and settling down in a deckchair to enjoy the Norfolk sunshine.
FOOD Sea air makes you hungry and food always tastes better on the coast. Locally caught and smoked kippers, cream teas, & fresh local seafood are always on the menu.
THE PERFECT TOURING BASE FOR NORFOLK & SUFFOLK Norfolk’s premier seaside resort is the ideal touring base for your coach holiday. Norwich, North Norfolk, the Broads and Suffolk are all within easy driving distance with lots to do in Great Yarmouth as well. Arrive at your quality graded accommodation in Great Yarmouth for afternoon teas, sea views, beach walks and fun evening entertainment.
www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/group-travel 01493 846346
Don’t miss MARITIME FESTIVAL 9 & 10 September OUT THERE FESTIVAL 16 & 17 September
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And finally...
Mine’s a pint! JOHN CONOD
I
An award-winning craft brewery, Purity Brewing Co is based at Upper Spernall Farm in Great Alne, Warwickshire, see www.purity brewing.com
As Front of House Manager at Purity Brewing Co, John Conod’s on a mission to educate groups about what makes a great beer delivers a great sense of pride in our business.
Visitors on our evening tours can also
Purity started with once a week evening
enjoy a field-to-fork experience, as well as
and I’m responsible for our brewery tours
tours in the early days, but demand has seen
grain to glass, as the farmhouse can prepare
and our Pure Quality cellar training, as
us open our doors at 10.30am and 2pm every
great British food, including beef from the
well as our online shop, Bottle Shack.
Saturday for individuals and smaller groups.
Longhorn cattle that are raised on the farm.
As a brewery that prides itself on a
We also hire out our meeting rooms to local
JOINED PURITY BREWING Company in 2014 as Front of House Manager
Last year we were very proud to receive
sense of community and transparency,
companies looking for a breath of fresh air and
the Best Brewery Experience at the 2016
Purity has run brewery tours from the
an inspiring environment in which to work.
Beer Awards. Judges’ comments included
very start. It’s a great way of engaging
Purity’s beers include UBU, Mad Goose,
the fact that our tours are: “Educational
Pure Gold, Saddle Black, Longhorn IPA, Lawless
and involving, with a great selection of
Lager and Bunny Hop, and guided tours
beers to try afterwards...” and “All in all
strength, and now has a national profile
include an introduction to Purity over a pint,
a very pleasant brewery experience”.
(Purity beers are sold nationwide and have
followed by a tour of the state-of-the-art
won multiple national and international
brewhouse and the wider grounds. Visitors
awards), the importance of maintaining an
get a unique insight into the sourcing of hops
GET ME THERE…
open house approach to our customers is
and malts, the art of brewing, and Purity’s
n Group
more important than ever. We’re still the
‘Pure Eco’ credentials, with a close look at its
be booked for Tuesday, Wednesday and
same company with the same Pure Quality
special Wetland System (weather permitting),
Thursday nights at £27.50 per person.
and Sustainability ethos – and sharing our
which allows us to filter and purify waste
Evening tours start at 7.30pm and finish
passion and knowledge for brewing great beers
water and return it to the water course.
at 10pm, and Saturday walk-up tours
with local groups, clubs and people. As Purity has gone from strength to
tours of between 10 and 20 can
are available at £16.50 per person.
Sharing our passion and knowledge for brewing great beers delivers a great sense of pride in our business
The brewery shop is stocked with Purity beers and speciality ales for you to take home at the end of your tour.
GTW
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introducing Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S largeSt indoor Market. proud SponSorS of
ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 20 YEARS, THE FORGE MARKET IS pROuD TO SERVIcE OVER 1 MILLIOn SHOppERS EVERY YEAR. nOw OFFERInG IncEnTIVE pAcKAGES FOR nEw AnD ExpERIEncED TRADERS. to be part of thiS hiStoric Market, pleaSe get in touch 0141 554 1395. FP Template.indd 99
Groupe Geraud is the largest operator of local authority markets in Europe. www.geraud.co.uk 0151 363 5411
03/11/2017 10:25
duty free cruise to
GUERNSEY from just
ÂŁ18
*
pp
adult foot return
Add a day trip to Guernsey to your Dorset tour with big discounts for groups of 20 or more. Arrive in as little as 3 hours from Poole, with savings of up to 40% on UK High Street prices on big brands in our onboard Duty Free shop including wines, spirits, tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, gadgets and confectionary. Shopping in Guernsey is tax free, with a mixture of high street brands and independent boutiques. And if you want to go further or stay longer, you can also enjoy group discounts on our Guernsey, Jersey and France routes.
Call 01202 207 242 or email group.travel@condorferries.co.uk
*Subject to availability for day trips from Poole to Guernsey. Price valid for groups of 20 or more. Terms and conditions apply, see condorferries.com.
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