A Grand Day Out for GROUPS - Jun to Aug 2022

Welcome

to A Grand Day Out for Groups

June - Aug 2022 Issue

With a huge range of ideas, destinations and attractions to discover, no matter what your taste or age, you will be spoilt for choice. From beautiful landscapes and stunning views to Stately Homes and Gardens, Cathedrals to Museums the UK boasts a rich variety and selection for you. There is something for everyone no matter how old or young you are. So be inspired, plan your next adventure and discover what the UK has to offer.

We hope you enjoy reading through the magazine and that it gives you some inspirational ideas for your next group day out!

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Welcome

Museums, Galleries & Tours

With such a wide variety of museums, galleries & tours available around the UK you truly are spoilt for choice.

Whatever the weather or time of year there’s always something new & exciting to discover.

Exhibitions & displays are continually being updated - for more information have a look at our featured museums, galleries & tours.

Discover the fascinating story of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

The award winning REME Museum has 8 modern, interactive galleries plus the excellent Crowns café for refreshments

There is free on site parking with dedicated coach bays and level access throughout.

Located just outside MOD Lyneham, Wiltshire SN15 4PZ

Opening times: Tues- Sun 10am-4:30pm

Contact us for group only offers including expert talks and behind the scenes tours

COIN COAL

THE ROYAL MINT

This unique attraction takes visitors ‘behind the scenes’ of coin making. Exciting exhibitions, thrilling tours, spellbinding storytelling, there’s something for everyone. You’ll never look at the coins in your pocket the same again.

Our tour includes tea or coffee on arrival, a visit to the exhibition, an exciting treasure trove of precious historical coins and rare artefacts. Find the Alfred the Great penny which is a staggering 1,100 years old, medals from the London 2012 Olympics. Voted top 10% of attractions worldwide.

COAL MINING EXPERIENCE

Ex-coal miners guide you on the Black Gold Experience underground tour, a journey around the colliery site. Nobody knows the coal industry better than our guides, and you will marvel at their tales of life underground. Includes a lamp check gift to take away.

Learn about the international story of Welsh coal and about the people who made it a global business. Find out about Lewis Merthyr, the owner who wrote the first one million pound cheque, and of the mine’s links with the RMS Titanic.

“Travellers ChoiceAward” secondwinnerforyearrunning

COAL

CHEERS

GIN DISTILLERY TOUR

Just outside Cardiff in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan countryside you’ll find our gin distillery brewing nicely in the cellars of the 17th century Hensol Castle. The combination of the historic Castle together with the modern vibes and fun nature of gin, creates a truly distinctive experience.

Visitors will be treated to a story-filled guided tour of the distillery learning all about the history of Hensol Castle, the origins of gin, the wonders of botanicals and our distilling process, but always making sure there’s still plenty of time left for the all important gin tasting!

DISCOVER RYEDALE, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Great Group Days Out:

Malton, Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley, Pickering Independent shops, galleries, antique centres and delicious food and drink.

Charming market towns, beautiful scenery, historic sites, culinery delights and award-winning attractions

• Castle Howard

• Eden Camp

• Flamingo Land

• Helmsley Walled Garden

• National Centre for Birds of Prey

• National Trust Sites

A different adventure every day, for everyone

• North Yorkshire Moors Railway

• Scampston Hall

For a free group travel pack visit: www.visitryedale.co.uk tourism@ryedale.gov.uk

Historic Houses, Castles & Gardens

Peacocks strut across manicured lawns, children shriek with delight as they try to find their way out of fiendishly difficult mazes, and well-kept gardens dazzle year-round at many historic houses and well-preserved castles.

Once inside, enthusiastic curators bring history to life with their expert knowledge and often funny insights into the lives, loves, and artefacts of generations of inhabitants..

If you are looking for somewhere new to visit which offers a unique visitor experience then we would recommend a trip to the wonderful Chiddingstone Castle.

Chiddingstone Castle is a fascinating Historic House set in 35 acres of informal gardens with breathtaking views of the North Downs, large lawns for picnics, an intimate rose garden, an award winning Victorian orangery, woodland & a beautiful fishing lake.

The Castle’s history can be traced back to Tudor times, and was remodelled in the fashionable ‘medieval castle-style’ in the early 19th Century by the infamous Chequers architect William Atkinson. Today it houses the amazing collections of the late Denys Eyre Bower, a passionate and gifted

Chiddingstone Castle

collector of art & artefacts, Japanese lacquer & Samurai armour, Ancient Egyptian treasures, Buddhist objects, Stuart paintings & Jacobite manuscripts.

For group bookings our Castle Curator offers exclusive tours, slowly guiding you through the collections, taking questions & giving opportunities for discussion throughout.

The quintessential tea room in a pretty vintage courtyard setting offers delicious lunch options, afternoon teas, & deserts. The grounds play host to many events throughout the year from exhibitions to jazz concerts, the Literary Festival, live theatre & a variety of craft fairs.

Located within Chiddingstone Village, a National Trust protected Tudor Hamlet, 15

minutes from the M25 Jct5. Outside of the castle gates in this picturesque village you will find the oldest shop in the country, St Mary’s Church, the oldest post box in the country, as well as the ancient Druid ‘Chiding Stone’.

“Best Egyptian collection outside the British Museum” Member of Reigate Decorative & Fine Arts Society.

To qualify as a group & receive the discounted admission price plus free admission for the group leader, you must have fifteen or more people.

To arrange a group visit email hello@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk or phone on 01892 872746.

Cathedrals & Churches

A beautiful traditional market... there is something for everyone and lots to see and do

A day out for everyone to enjoy! From gourmet street food to doggy ice-cream, finely-crafted jewellery to designer clothing, bargain household goods to hand-made gifts and haberdasheryyou’ll find it all and more at Fleetwood Market.

NEW STREET FOOD COURTYARD!

to 4.30pm

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

· Fully accessible and dementia friendly ·

Easy to find by tram, bus, coach or car!

Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB

Follow us at FleetwoodMarket FleetwoodMkt

AWARD WINNING VICTORIAN MARKET WITH 250 STALLS

Group Days Out in Derbyshire & The Peak District

Discover a world of contrasting natural beauty, with moors and dales, rivers, springs and caverns and at the heart of it all, there are loads of things to do in the Peak District National Park and Derbyshire.

The area is known and loved by many for its breath-taking views, bustling market towns and pretty villages, historic houses, famous attractions and hundreds of traditional events, such as the unique Derbyshire custom of Well  Dressing.

From the high, moorland plateaus in the north, to the steep-sided, deep dales and rolling green hills in the south of the area, the Peak District & Derbyshire has just about any landscape you can imagine in Britain, making it one of the finest areas in the country to go walking. Couple the fantastic scenery with amazing local Food & Drink, the Peak District will sure enough become one of your favourite destinations!

As for events, well, we know how to throw a party!

Fabulously vintage, award-winning Eroica Britannia is very quickly gaining a reputation as one of the ‘must visit’ events of the year with its shabby chic look, party atmosphere and of course excellent cycle ride through the stunning Peak District. What more could you ask for? During the summer you’ll catch a country fair on nearly any weekend, from Hope Show, Bakewell Show and Chatsworth Country Fair.  And in the Autumn, enjoy glistening displays and family fun at the Matlock Bath Illuminations.

Our attractions are pretty top-notch too! Dangle over a ravine in a cable car as you ascend to The Heights of Abraham, hop on-board an old-style tram at Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum, get up close and personal with nature at Peak Wildlife Park or scare yourself silly on white-knuckle ride at Alton Towers Resort!

Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton is famous throughout the world for its unique and large deposits of Blue John stone, and houses some of the most beautiful cave formations found in the UK.

Take a self-guided audio tour using your own smart phone through our mine and caverns and see some of the finest stalactites and stalagmites in the Peak District with wonderful water worn chambers and large deposits of Blue John stone. At the entrance is our visitor area and small museum, with our retail shop full of rocks and minerals from all over the world, as well as Blue John jewellery and items manufactured here on site.

Takeaway refreshments are available from our café, serving Blue John cake and tea. You can take in the breath-taking views from the front step and continue a walk to visit world famous Mam Tor nearby.

Please see our website for more details about the cavern, our Christmas Rocks Trail, and other experiences crafting the Blue John.

BOLSOVER...

A HIDDEN GEM ON THE EDGE OF THE PEAK DISTRICT

Nestled at the gateway to the Peak District National Park lies the medieval District of Bolsover. Steeped in history, this region o ers spectacular scenery, historical features, ice age artefacts and quaint market towns that bustle with unique independent sellers.

VISIT… Bolsover Castle, Hardwick Hall, Creswell Crags and Stainsby Mill and step back in time with some of the Midland's top tourist attractions.

EXPLORE… miles of roads, trails, paths and bridleways by foot, bike, car or campervan. Our beautiful rolling countryside opens up opportunities to explore the fantastic industrial heritage and stunning wildlife.

SHOP… till you drop in traditional and independent shops selling local produce and creative gems. Rummage around and discover unique

bargains in our town markets or visit our ever-popular East Midlands Designer Outlet with over 65 stores, cafes and restaurants selling high street brands at knockdown prices.

ENJOY… the hidden gems of Poulter Country Park and the Peter Fidler Nature Reserve. Here you'll find meadows carpeted with flowers that are alive with wildlife. Watch Buzzards soar high overhead and glimpse Emperor dragonflies darting over beautiful ponds. Why not bring along a picnic, or better still, visit one of the many traditional countryside pubs & inns serving real ales and home-cooked foods.

A CASTLE STEEPED IN PARTIES & HORSEMANSHIP

Perched high on a hilltop dominating a medieval town stands Bolsover Castle. Steeped in tales of horsemanship, parties and ghosts, this 11th-century masterpiece is arguably one of England's most unfound treasures. This is no ordinary castle; here, you can see the riding stables where King Charles's riding master - William Cavendish, first commissioned his 17th century Riding House. William would bring in horses from all over the world to train them in his passion for dressage, making the castle a landmark in British equestrianism. Outside of his love for horses, William liked the finer things in life and loved art decor. This was reflected in the Little Castle's

HARRY POTTER'SMALFOY MANOR

Take the magical mystery tour that is Hardwick Hall and gardens. Once described as a building with more glass than wall, Hardwick is one of the finest Elizabethan houses in the country. For historians, it was the home of the wealthiest woman of the 16th century - Elizabeth Cavendish, Bess of Hardwick. Here you will find a grand collection of portraits and enormous tapestries, including a life-size picture of Elizabeth I by Nicholas Hilliard. However, younger family members will recognise Hardwick as Malfoy Manor from the famous Harry Potter films, so it’s sure to stimulate their imagination. Outside you can explore the grounds, which boast breathtaking views, perfectly manicured gardens and wonderful walks and when you're feeling a little hungry, you can stop o for lunch at the 15th century Hardwick Inn. This little gem serves excellent beer and tasty traditional food in a setting that belongs in another time.

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ICE AGE HUNTERS

the picturesque Fountain Garden in all of its glory, with the famous Venus Fountain at its centrepiece. However, make sure you leave before midnight, or you may encounter the Grey Lady of Bolsover, a ghostly apparition that supposedly walks these fine walls!

The dramatic gorge that is Creswell Crags will transport you back to an age of mammoths and neanderthals. Here you can explore caves revealing a fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age through Britain's only known Ice Age rock art. Stone tools and the remains of animals found on-site can also be seen, together with the most significant concentration of 'witches' marks' found in British caves. The cafe at the well equipped Visitor Centre is the perfect place to grab a bit of lunch, or if you're a picnic fan, why not take a stroll into Whitwell Wood, one of Europe's largest. Here you will find beautiful walks and cycle trails teeming with wildlife, flora and fauna.

Facebook – Visit Bolsover Instagram - @visitbolsover

Group Destinations

Head to Royal Leamington Spa for a Summer of Fun!

Royal Leamington Spa is preparing for a Summer of Fun for visitors this year, with a variety of fantastic events, many FREE & suitable for all ages, in the Town Centre.

In early June this Royal town will kick off the event season with a number of celebrations for the Queens Platinum Jubilee followed in July with the Commonwealth Games (tickets required) where the town will host the Lawn Bowls & Para-lawn Bowls in Victoria Park & enjoy ‘all the fun of the fair’ as Barkers Amusements Funfair returns to the Royal Pump Room Gardens!

Make sure you’re ready to get creative on August 13th & 14th in Jephson Gardens when Art in the Park returns. Enjoy this FREE jam-packed weekend of art, creativity & fun as local makers, musicians & performers show & display a mix of arts & crafts. This feel-good ‘Festival of Creativity’ will showcase artists exhibiting everything from paintings, ceramics, textiles & sculpture. To fuel the fun a little more there will be a selection of local street food vendors who will provide a variety of high-quality food & drinks for all appetites.

Warwickshire Pride returns on August 20th, a FREE colourful celebration of LGBT+ life & culture held in the Royal Pump Room

Gardens from 10am – 5pm.

Leamington’s hugely popular FREE Food & Drink Festival is on September 10th & 11th. Now in its fifteenth year, this well established, family focused event will take place in the beautiful Royal Pump Room Gardens.

Visitors will find an exciting variety on offer, with exhibitors displaying culinary skills & selling exotic cuisines. There will also be live entertainment from the Bandstand, the Live Cookery Theatre & the annual Aubrey Allen Home Cook of the Year competition, showcasing the very best in local talent.

For the classic car enthusiast there is Cars at the Spa on Sunday 25th September, with around 200 cars on display at the annual charity fund-raising show in the Royal Pump Room Gardens, organised by Leamington Rotary Club.

So, grab your shades, an ice cream & enjoy a relaxing time strolling around our beautiful award-winning parks & gardens soaking up the atmosphere. Summer is a great time to come & explore Royal Leamington Spa town centre!

To find out more visit: www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk

PUT ILKLEY ON YOUR BOOK IT LIST…

FROM QUIRKY CAFE BARS AND BEAUTIFUL BRITISH RESTAURANTS TO CONTINENTAL CUISINE.

AMAZING INDEPENDENT AND PRESTIGE FASHION AND LIFESTYLE STORES.

EXPLORE THE NEW SEASONAL AUGMENTED REALITY TRAILS AROUND ILKLEY TOWN CENTRE. DISCOVER EXCITING INTERACTIVE CHARACTERS IN THE EXPLORERS AND SPRING TRAILS AND INTERESTING, INFORMATIVE HISTORICAL CHARACTERS

THE ORIGINS OF ILKLEY TRAIL.

SO MANY THINGS TO SEE AND DO AND ADVENTURES TO BE HAD.

Group Attractions