OCTOBER 2014 grouptravelworld.com £3.95
Discover
Norway Tour destinations across the breathtaking Scandinavian nation
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET Preview of the top travel trade show
ANIMALS & ZOOS The best attractions from the animal kingdom
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers INTERVIEW
● xxxxxxxxxx
001_GTW_Oct14_Cover.indd 1
Accommodation
Bumper theatre section
Angelo Hotel Katowice Dining, News, reviews plus GS and hotel news BRAND NEW COMEDY LISTIN
10 9 772048 339008 25/09/2014 18:10
p00_GTW_1014 Gloucester Quays 18/09/2014 15:53 Page 1
EDITOR’S LETTER
Group Travel World, First Floor, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard: 01733 293240 Fax: 0845 280 2927 Web: www.grouptravelworld.com ISSN: 2048-3392
EDITORIAL Managing Editor: Gareth Evans T: 01733 293243 E: gareth.evans@grouptravelworld.com Features Writer: Amy Moore E: amy.moore@grouptravelworld.com Art Director: Ian Blaza E: raspberryjamcreative@gmail.com Contributors: Holly Cave, Francesca Corradini, Amy O’Donovan, Warren Humphries, James Day, Helen Milbank, Alexandra Bertrand
ADVERTISING Advertising and Marketing Manager Julie Cousins T: 01733 293242 E: julie.cousins@grouptravelworld.com Advertising Client Manager Harley Denham T: 01733 293249 E: harley.denham@grouptravelworld.com Classified/Online Sales Executive Johanna Treasure T: 01733 293245 E: johanna.treasure@grouptravelworld.com Advertising Production June Barnard T: 01473 858761 E: june@adsproduction.co.uk
GTW MEDIA LIMITED Chairman Jonathan Taylor E: jonathan.taylor@grouptravelworld.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS/CIRCULATION Subscriptions & Circulation Manager Samantha Noble T: 01733 293480 E: samantha.noble@grouptravelworld.com Subscriptions Executive Lorraine Jackson T: 01733 293483 E: lorraine.jackson@grouptravelworld.com Group Travel World only subscription £39. © 2014 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
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine, find us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/grouptravelworld. Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
www.grouptravelworld.com
003_GTW_Oct14_Comment.indd 3
First World War trenches at the Memorial Museum Passchendaele. DOUG GOODMAN
Visiting Flanders Fields
I
recently embarked on a trip to France, hosted by VisitFlanders in affiliation with the Coach Tourism Council and P&O Ferries. It was a packed few days as we visited the harrowing sites of Ypres, Poperinge and Messines. Highlights included The Last Post ceremony, which has been performed at The Menin Gate since 1928 in commemoration of those who died in the First World War – with 2015 marking its 30,000th tribute. Also, the Memorial Museum Passchendaele, where visitors get the opportunity to trek through a mock ‘dug out’ and reconstructed trenches. GTW’s coverage will be featured in our November issue to coincide with the last placement of poppies at The Tower of London on Armistice Day (see pages 14 and 15 for more details). World Travel Market will be hosted at the ExCel Exhibition Centre from November 3-6. You can see GTW’s preview on page 22, with a kind mention
from our friends at UKinbound. This will be my second year visiting the show and I look forward to seeing you all there. Also in this issue, we have a bumper ‘Theatre & Dine’ supplement, featuring an exclusive interview with the cofounder of the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, who are returning to Key Theatre in Peterborough as part of their UK World Tour (see page 38). My colleague and I are very much looking forward to seeing them perform on October 9. Speaking of theatre, we have introduced a new comedy section, where GTW has listed upcoming shows to coincide with first hand reviews – the likes of Jimmy Carr and Omid Djalili are worth a mention in future. GTW’s 2015 Media Pack has been released – if you are interested in receiving a copy, please contact our advertising team. Amy Moore — Features Writer October 2014 l Group Travel World
3
25/09/2014 10:18
IN THIS ISSUE
6 14 16
NEWS
Current affairs within the world of travel and tourism
22
TOWER OF LONDON
A look at the famous London castle and the history of the poppy
NORDIC NORWAY Holly Cave explores the attractions of Norway, while Lorraine Jackson boards the Balmoral
30 32
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET PREVIEW
A detailed look at the upcoming travel trade show at ExCeL in London
UKINBOUND
An extensive diary of UKinbound’s latest activities
THEATRE NEWS
The latest theatre news and stories
36 38 40
THEATRE REVIEW
Natasha Cousins reviews Shrek: the Musical
THEATRE DINE
Where to eat ahead of a trip to the theatre
THEATRE INTERVIEW
Neil Mackie, a founding member of the Mugenkyo Drummers, talks to Amy Moore
COVER PICTURE: Fisherman’s shacks, Rorbu. ANDREA GIUBELLI - VISITNORWAY.COM CONTENTS: Castlerigg Stone Circle, near Keswick in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria. It is one of Britain’s earliest stone circles, dating back to the Neolithic period. VISITENGLAND/ALEX HARE
4
Group Travel World ● October 2014
004_005_GTW_OCT14_Contents.indd 4
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 10:07
42 51 52
THEATRE LISTINGS
Information on touring theatre, West End shows and comedy tours
COACH TOURISM COUNCIL
58 64
The trade association’s recent news and stories
ZOOS AND WILDLIFE
James Day examines some of the UK’s best animal attractions
www.grouptravelworld.com
004_005_GTW_OCT14_Contents.indd 5
72
EDUCATIONAL
James Day lists some choice venues for school trips
REGIONAL FOCUS: NORTH WEST Holly Cave looks at the draws of the north west of England
HOTELS
New hotels and a review of the Angelo Hotel in Katowice, Poland
74 77 78
LONDON & PARTNERS
Latest tourism developments in the capital
GTO GRAPEVINE Useful tips for GTO’s, including five of the best, and competition
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
An interview with Phil Sherrington, London Bridge Experience Marketing Manager
October 2014 ● Group Travel World
5
25/09/2014 10:08
NEWS
Enjoy your very own island fortress Hop across the Solent to No Man’s Fort - a new luxury hotel in the middle of the sea A Christmas party on a fort in the middle of the Solent anyone? This autumn sees the launch of No Man’s Fort - a man-made island in the middle of the sea that’s guaranteed to give your corporate party the wow factor. Big brother of Spitbank Fort, the 22-bedroom hotel, which lies 1.4 miles from the Isle of Wight, is one of three forts owned by AmaZing Venues, which will be taking bookings for overnight stays, corporate events and meetings from November 10, 2014. Built between 1867 and 1880 to protect Portsmouth from Napoleon III, the fort can cater for up to 200 people and boasts two helicopter pads, a nightclub and games rooms, plus a snooker room, laser tag, meeting spaces, a rooftop hot-pool, lighthouse, gallery restaurant, wine bar and luxury spa facilities. Its festive party night package - dubbed Fort Du Soleil - costs from £150 per person and starts with a boat ride out to the fort from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. After a welcome drink surrounded by acrobatic
No Man’s Fort will be playing host to festive parties in the middle of the Solent this Christmas performers, party-goers can enjoy a four-course dinner followed by music and dancing in the Cabaret Bar. They can then roam the fort, using the games room, pool room and golf simulators, throughout the evening. A special vodka luge and fire pit with rum hot chocolate and marshmallows will be on offer, before a midnight departure back to the mainland.
All aboard for a half price offer Book a trip on Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway’s ‘Aberglaslyn Winter Warmer,’ and you can get nearly 50% off if you take a group of 20 or more.
Running from Porthmadog to Beddgelert every Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from November 5 to December 18, day-trippers can enjoy the award-winning
If you’re looking for a more relaxed affair, the fort will also be offering a Sunday lunch experience - with a twist of course. The Rule Britannia Banquet costs £99 per person and includes a boat shuttle to and from the fort from Gunwharf Quays, with a welcome glass of bubbly and canapés on arrival, before lunch is served. The fort is accessible by boat
railway and take in the spectacular winter scenery – all from the comfort of heated carriages with a sherry and mince pie en route. The discounted group prices are £10 return for adults, £9 return for concessions and £5 return for children. A single
or helicopter and overnight stays can be added to either the Fort Du Soleil or Rule Britannia Banquet packages. These are priced from £150 per person, based on two sharing. This includes breakfast the following day and a return transfer to Gunwharf Quays by boat. Find out more at www. amazingvenues.co.uk or call 02392 809767.
ticket costs £7.50 for adults and concessions; £3.80 for children. Coach parking is available, and for reservations and information call the booking office on 01766 516024.
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway is offering huge group discounts in the run up to Christmas
6
Group Travel World l October 2014
006_012_GTW_Oct14_News.indd 6
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 11:26
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ grouptravelworld
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
l a m i Anof the h t n o M
No you’re not seeing double – these incredibly rare, stripy twins are newborn East African Mountain Bongos, and their arrival has wowed wildlife experts across the globe. Critically endangered, it’s thought less than 100 East African Mountain Bongos remain in the wild, with twin births among the species virtually unheard of (only two other sets of Bongo twins have ever survived in zoos worldwide). The precious female calves were born to nine-year-old Millie in the 14-acre woodland habitat of Woburn Safari Park’s jungle drive-through. “The arrival of these two new calves is not only fantastic news for the park, but also for the European Endangered Species Programme,
as births of bongo calves last year were predominantly male,” says Chris Smart, the park’s team leader. “This means our twins are vitally important to the breeding programme. “These calves are particularly beautiful, and with so few left in the wild they are extremely important for the conservation of the species. We’re keeping a close eye on them, making sure they are both feeding well from mum.
They are already exploring their woodland home with the herd, exactly as they would do in the wild.” The birth of the twins is another success story for the Bedfordshire-based park, which is home to more than 800 wild animals, including some of the most endangered creatures in the world. Find out more about its group discounts and offers at www.woburnsafari.co.uk
Enjoy a free day out at Excursions If you’re planning a trip to group travel exhibition Excursions, held on January 24, 2015 at London’s Alexandra Palace, you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s now easier than ever to get there – for free. The show is extending its programme of free coach transfer services for visitors, and now offers 55 pick-up points across the South East and East Anglia, as well as the north and west of London, with a new coach travelling from Peterborough to Alexandra Palace via Bedford, Milton Keynes and Watford. Other new pick-up points include Salisbury, Andover, Eastleigh (Southampton Airport Parkway), Oxford, Aylesbury and Basildon. The longest established national group travel show in the UK, Excursions brings together attractions, destinations, accommodation www.grouptravelworld.com
006_012_GTW_Oct14_News.indd 7
Excursions is a group travel exhibition that will inspire your plans for 2015 providers and tour operators from across the UK, Europe and overseas. All 13 coaches, which have been organised in partnership with Confederation of Passenger Transport UK and are provided by members of the Coach Marque quality scheme, will arrive at Excursions at around 1100hrs and leave again at 1515hrs, and seats must be pre-booked. For full details of all the locations and pick-up times
visit www.excursions.org.uk or call 0845 557 7725. If you’re making your own way to Excursions by train, there’ll be a free shuttle service running from Alexandra Palace main line and Wood Green Underground stations to the exhibition venue. Visitors can pre-register online or call 02380 625516 to request a registration form – and everyone who pre-registers can take advantage of fantastic show-only offers on the day Find out more about the show at www.excursions.org.uk; follow it on Twitter @Excursionsshow; visit the Facebook page at ‘Excursions: Group Travel Trade Exhibition’ or join its LinkedIn group ‘Excursions2015’. Potential exhibitors at Excursions 2015 can download a booking form from the show’s website www.excursions.org.uk October 2014 ● Group Travel World
7
25/09/2014 11:26
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ grouptravelworld
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
NEWS
Travels... Ride Santa’s sleigh back in time Tidbit ●
Fans of LEGO will love the new ‘Art of the Brick’ exhibition, now open at London’s Old Truman Brewery. Its mix of life-sized statues, replicas of famous artworks and a gigantic dinosaur made up of over 80,000 pieces are all the work of US artist Nathan Sawaya. For more on group tickets to the exhibition, which runs until January 4, 2015, visit http:// artofthebrick.co.uk/
●
The Canterbury Tales, which brings Chaucer’s tales to life via a virtual pilgrimage from London to Canterbury, has a range of Christmas party packages for groups looking to give the festive season a medieval twist. Choose from ‘Party Like A Pilgrim’, which includes a trip to Conquest House (said to be the meeting point for the four knights who murdered Thomas Becket in 1170), or ‘Lunch At The Lodge’, with admission to Canterbury Cathedral and its nearby lodge Available on selected days during December, visit www. canterburytales.org.uk for more details or call 0845 070 6255.
Experience a taste of Christmases gone by at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, West Midlands
Always a huge hit with group travel organisers, this year the team at the Black Country Living Museum are inviting day trippers to travel back in time to an era when Christmas was really special. Sign up for a festive adventure in a bid to find Santa, sing carols in the Dudley-based attraction’s atmospheric chapel or stroll through its period village for a taste of Christmas as it was in days gone by. The fun starts on November 23 with ‘Stir up Sunday’ circa 1930, where visitors can watch the table being set in a typical 1930s kitchen and sample the Christmas classics of the era, including traditional Victorian plum pudding. It kicks off a festive series of events, which includes: ● Christmas in the home – an interactive festive spectacle, held on November 29-30, December 6-7, December 13-14 and December 20-21 in the museum’s period village. Try some ‘make do and mend’ Christmas decorating, search for the sixpence in a traditional Victorian Christmas pudding and find out how the humble Gingerbread man came to be an important part of Christmas; ● The Santa hunt – a treasure hunt with a twist as children follow the clues to find Santa’s
Enjoy the festive goings-on during the Christmas period at the Black Country Living Museum this winter workshop and receive a surprise gift. The hunts run on November 23 and 29, December 6-7, December 13-14 and December 20-24, and tickets are currently on sale priced at £15.95 for adults, £12.75 for concessions, £8.50 for children over three and £6.50 for children up to three. ● Carols by candlelight – held on December 14, from 1830hrs until 2200hrs, visitors are invited to see the museum’s 1837 Darby Chapel come to life in its traditional carol service; and ● Victorian Christmas evenings – held every night from December 19 to 23, from 1830hrs until 2200hrs, tickets are on sale now for a night of traditional Victorian
Jump on board for a global travel price comparison
●
GTW would like to apologise for an error on page 10 of the September 2014 issue. An image of Condor Ferries’ new Austal 102 high-speed ferry was mistakenly used and captioned as Britania’s new MV Windsor Castle vessel.
8
As UK travellers baulk at news of a rail price hike - with fares set to rise by up to 5.6% next year - GoEuro (www.goeuro. co.uk) has revealed the results of its research into transport prices across more than 50 countries, which proves we Brits are not too badly off, especially when compared to
Group Travel World ● October 2014
006_012_GTW_Oct14_News.indd 8
the Swiss! It compared the cheapest bus, train and flight connections between the two biggest cities in each of the countries, and found the average bus journey in the UK costs £8.49/100km, a train journey will set you back £5.58/100km and the average
entertainment. Expect carol singing, brass bands, street entertainers and an array of festive food and drink, plus browse the Christmas market for last-minute stockingfillers. Tickets are priced at £15.95 for adults, £12.75 for concessions and £7.95 for carers and children. Group travel tickets for any of the festive activities at the museum can be booked online at www. bclm.co.uk or by calling 0121 557 9643. It is worth noting, ticket orders for the Santa hunt can only be taken over the phone. Book your tickets for the museum’s Victorian Christmas evenings by Sunday November 30 and save 20%!
flight comes in at £18.18/100km. Unsurprisingly, Switzerland is the most expensive country to travel across. Bus journeys cost £11.14, train journeys £22.86 and flights £74.67 across the same 100km (around 60-mile) distance. Cheapest is South Africa, where an average bus journey costs £2.19, train journeys cost £1.12 and flights cost just £6.95 per 100km. See the full results at www.goeuro.co.uk/ transport-price-index www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 11:26
p00_GTW_1014 Tourism SE 11/09/2014 16:02 Page 1
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ grouptravelworld
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
NEWS
Travels... Glowing reviews written for Tidbit ‘Titanic’ Belfast attraction ●
Day trippers and holidaymakers to the Channel Islands are set to benefit from Condor Ferries’ new high speed service. Its ‘Austal 102’ state-of-theart ferry will take to the waters in spring 2015, based at Poole Harbour in Dorset. “This represents £50m of investment in our islands and will enable us to improve reliability, increase capacity and give our guests a much greater level of comfort,” said Condor Ferries’ CEO James Fulford, who added the company will continue to operate its Condor Vitesse from Weymouth until Austal 102 is introduced. For more information on Condor Ferries’ routes and group ticket prices visit www. condorferries.com
●
Following its success at the 2014 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, where it received the ‘Large visitor attraction of the year’ award, Cheshire’s Tatton Park is now the 17th most visited paid-for attraction in England - putting it in the same league as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Find out more about the offers and discounts available to group tour organisers at www. tattonpark.org.uk
●
Luxury British travel operator NoteWorthy has scooped a top industry award. It was crowned ‘Best on-site provider in 2014’ by international luxury travel network Virtuoso in a glitzy awards ceremony in Las Vegas in August. The company creates bespoke British experiences for guests keen to explore the majesty, tradition and heritage of the UK. Find out more about the holidays it offers at www.noteworthy. co.uk
10
Titanic Belfast is praised for its ‘creative and engaging’ story telling
A new independent survey sees Titanic Belfast crowned as the ‘main or very important’ reason to visit Belfast and Northern Ireland. The survey, led by MillwardBrown and commissioned by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, asked more than 1,200 visitors their reasons for visiting the region. The vast majority of people (94%) from the Republic of Ireland, and more than three-quarters of British and overseas visitors, said they’d included Titanic Belfast in their travel itinerary, with 70% saying the tourist attraction was the highlight of their trip. Titanic Belfast’s CEO, Tim Husbands MBE, says: “We’re impressed with the feedback from visitors. When we opened in 2012 we told the world that Belfast was a tourist destination and was open for everything from entertainment to business.
“We were confident two years ago that we had launched a unique world-class visitor attraction and, two years on, we are thriving on the benchmark that was set for Titanic Belfast and the city.” Of those surveyed there was praise for the ‘creative and engaging way’ the tourist attraction tells the Titanic story. Held in an iconic
six-floor building, with nine interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the city and people which made her, it’s the world’s largest Titanic exhibition. For more on ticket prices and the discounts of offer from group tour bookings, visit www.titanicbelfast.com
TV favourite joins the cast at Tussauds London’s Madame Tussauds has a new, dapper visitor in the form of actor Hugh Bonneville – best known for playing Lord Grantham in the hit TV series Downton Abbey. Looking every bit as dapper as his aristocratic character, Hugh joins the attraction’s A-list line up alongside his film co-stars, including Kate Winslet, who he appeared with in the Oscar-winning Iris, George Clooney, who acted with and directed him in The Monuments Men, and Nicole Kidman, who joins Hugh in the cast of the children’s classic, Paddington. At the recent launch of his body double, Hugh was bowled over by the likeness. “It’s certainly spooky to see yourself in three dimensions like this,” he said. “The detail is incredible and scarily accurate.
Group Travel World ● October 2014
006_012_GTW_Oct14_News.indd 10
Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic exhibition
Reality meets fiction as actor Hugh Bonneville meets his wax double, Downton Abbey’s Lord Grantham “The whole process has been a fascinating experience: the attention to detail, the sheer artistry and the quality of craftsmanship that goes into the creation of these figures is
astounding; it’s wonderful to see the finished results. Being made of wax, at least my new understudy won’t ever be accused of giving a wooden performance!” www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 11:26
p00_GTW_1014 Brittany Ferries1 12/09/2014 09:02 Page 1
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ grouptravelworld
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
NEWS
Let the Christmas shopping begin! Gloucester Quays Outlet gets set for the festive season with its upcoming Victorian Christmas Market and Festive Fayre The perfect destination for group visits, Gloucester Quays Outlet has a busy festive season ahead, with the return of its Victorian Christmas Market and Festive Fayre. Set in the historic Gloucester Docks, and spanning the Quays’ waterside area, the Victorian Christmas Market will boast entertainment, seasonal food and drink, live music and a traditional carousel. It runs from November 20-23, with more than 120 stalls selling food, handmade goods, unique gifts and clothes you won’t find on the high street. Day trippers can also enjoy a mulled wine while watching the Dickensian street performers. The festive fun continues with December’s Festive Fayre, from December 12-14. Here, visitors’ Christmas shopping can continue among the scores
Enjoy the festive shopping on offer at the Victorian Christmas Market of stalls. Group travel organisers who pre-book a trip to Gloucester Quays Outlet benefit from a meet and greet service on arrival, free coach parking, a discount booklet for each party member and a free meal voucher for the driver, as well as offers for local attractions.
Within easy reach of Bristol, the M5 and close to the historic city of Gloucester, away from the festive entertainment the outlet centre has 60 stores, including high street favourites M&S Outlet, Next Clearance, Gap Outlet and designer brands including Ghost, The North Face, Crew Clothing,
Calvin Klein, LK Bennett and Le Creuset. It’s also home to a new 10-screen Cineworld cinema and lots of restaurants. Find out more about booking your trip at www. gloucesterquays.co.uk, call 01452 338901 or email reception@gloucesterquays.co. uk
New attraction for Harry Potter fans At the top of This month sees the unveiling of a new ‘Dark Arts’ section at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London’s The Making of Harry Potter. It encompasses Horcruxes and other sinister wizarding artefacts, while the current Malfoy Manor fireplace will be expanded to showcase the full set, which became the headquarters of Lord Voldemort’s followers, the Death Eaters, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Visitors will be able to peer into the drawing room that features ornate chandeliers, an imposing fireplace and the long, grand table around which Bellatrix Lestrange, the Malfoy family, the Death Eaters and Voldemort sat. The mannequin of captured Muggle Studies teacher Charity Burbage will be suspended above the set, while a life-like 12
A Halloween feast Harry Potterstyle in the Great Hall model of Voldemort’s loyal 20-foot snake Nagini will sit on the mahogany table, framed by the costumes of the rat-like Peter Pettigrew and Potions master Severus Snape. Officially launching on October 14, the new section will also include never-beforeseen artefacts and props from Borgin and Burkes, the Knockturn Alley shop Harry accidentally stumbles into in Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets. Visitors will be able to see these weird and wonderful props up close, including the
Group Travel World l October 2014
006_012_GTW_Oct14_News.indd 12
mysterious Hand of Glory, the Vanishing Cabinet and the sarcophagus that hid Harry during a deleted scene from the second film. Sarah Roots, Vice President of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, says: “The Dark Arts feature will be our first new permanent addition since opening in March 2012, and we’re looking forward to unveiling it just in time for Halloween. It will showcase the darkest parts of the films and include some props and costumes that have never been on public display before.” To celebrate the launch, the Studio Tour will also offer extra Dark Arts activities throughout the October half-term. From October 17 to November 3, a section of the Halloween feast from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be on display in Hogwarts’ Great Hall.
Santa’s list
The Festive Gift Fair returns to the NEC in Birmingham for four days, from November 20-23 2014, and boasts more than 300 stalls, packed with gift ideas. Adult tickets cost from £8.50, and the fair runs from 0930hrs to 1700hrs every day. Find out more about the show at www. festivegiftfair.co.uk, and for ticket details call 0844 581 0808/0809 or visit www.theticketfactory.com
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 11:26
p00_GTW_1014 Brittany Ferries2 12/09/2014 09:04 Page 1
LO N D O N / / H I S T O RY O F T H E P O P P Y
A symbol of remembrance
A
s the Tower of London is covered under a sea of ceramic poppies to mark the hundredth anniversary of the start of the First World War, this iconic flower once again blossoms as a potent reminder of the bloody sacrifice made by millions on Europe’s battlefields, as well as those further afield. Recognised across the globe as a symbol of remembrance,
Poppies in the Tower Art installations don’t come any more eyecatching than this, and
14
A potent reminder of the bloody sacrifice made by millions on the world’s battlefields, we explore why the humble poppy has become such an important symbol the world over and synonymous with loss of life, it was the poppy’s ability to thrive where all else had failed on the ruined
Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, created by ceramic artist Paul Cummins, will see 888,246 ceramic poppies progressively fill the Tower of London’s famous dry moat until Armistice Day on November 11, 2014.
Group Travel World ● October 2014
014_015_GTW_Oct14_Tower of London.indd 14
battlefields of Belgium and France that first sparked its association with the fallen. Known as the red field, or
Each hand-made poppy represents a British military fatality during the First World War, and there’s still time to add yours. Poppies cost £25, plus postage and packing, and all net proceeds from the installation - plus
corn poppy, its seeds can lie dormant for years, sparked into life in springtime when the earth is disturbed – so it thrived in the ruined landscape of northern Europe as battles tore through former agricultural land.
POETRY IN MOTION
Adding a splash of vibrant, blood-red colour to the wartorn ground, it wasn’t long before the poppy came to the
a guaranteed 10% from every poppy sold - will be shared equally among six service charities, including The Royal British Legion, Combat Stress and Help for Heroes. Order online at https://poppies.hrp.
org.uk/buy-a-poppy and be a part of this iconic project. ● Watch the making of the Tower of London’s poppy art installation at http://poppies.hrp.org.uk/ about-the-installation
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 11:54
Tower of London Experience JULIE COUSINS I have not visited the Tower of London since a school trip some years ago, so was eager to see the entire grounds and the Towers. We were greeted by Lesley at the gate and the first thing that hit us was the red blooms from the moat and the wall. Lesley told us some background information and explained that there would be an individual poppy planted to represent each fallen soldier. Groups flowed through the
SAMANTHA NOBLE
Main: A dramatic view of the art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red Below: Beefeaters have defended the Tower since the 1500s
attention of Canadian soldier Major John McCrae, who penned the poem In Flanders Fields in 1915 while fighting on the front lines in Belgium. It starts: ‘In Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row on row, that mark our place; and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly, scarce heard amid the guns below.’ Reports from fellow soldiers at the time say it took John just 20 minutes to pen what has since become one of the bestknown war poems ever written; its poignancy, and its role in helping to cement the poppy’s role as a symbol of loss, later heightened as the war drew to a close in November 1918. Two days before the Armistice was declared, an American woman called Moina Michael, who was connected with the US military, happened to come www.grouptravelworld.com
014_015_GTW_Oct14_Tower of London.indd 15
Since hearing about the major art installation at the Tower of London I had wanted to go to visit, so when Lesley invited us to attend Julie and I were delighted. Before we went I took the opportunity to do some research into the ceramic artist Paul Cummins and the stage designer Tom Piper who have been responsible for the ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ at the tower. The video of how each of the
#Tower of London facts n
Home to the Crown Jewels since the 1100s, many of the medieval and Tudor crowns were destroyed at the Tower when the monarchy was abolished during the English Revolution (the gold and silver melted down and made into coins). These priceless treasures were then remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661.
n
Yeoman Warders (better known as Beefeaters) are a detachment of the Yeomen of the Guard, and it’s been their
across John’s poem in a magazine. So moved was she by the words she vowed to always wear a red poppy, and
job to guard the Tower since the 1500s.
n
The Tower’s Jewel House is home to the world’s most extravagant punch bowl - the 19th century, silver-gilt Grand Punch Bowl - which, at more than a metre wide and weighing around 248kg (546lb), was originally intended as a winecooler to hold 144 bottles.
her influence sparked a whole new movement. So passionate was Moina for ‘poppy power’ she directed all
tour at their own pace, with audio guides available on request priced at £3 per person, based on group booking of 15 or more. There are tours available in 10 different languages to welcome international visitors. After climbing plenty of stairs and spiral staircases we had a choice of visiting the outdoor seating areas for a great picnic or the New Armouries Restaurant and Café for a hot option. I think that it was a very touching tribute to commemorate the fallen of the Great War 1914-18 war.
888,246 ceramic poppies has been hand-made is well worth watching. If you take a tour of the Tower it is playing non-stop in one of the rooms, or visit the historic royal palaces website to see it. The poppies that encircle the iconic landmark are spectacular; the scale of the display is mesmerising and provides a really powerful message and tribute in a truly unique commemoration. Well worth a visit before the final poppy is installed on 11/11.
her energy into encouraging the high and mighty in American government to adopt the poppy as a national war memorial symbol. Her work eventually paid off when the American Legion (set up to support American servicemen who’d fought in the First World War) urged its members to wear a poppy on the anniversary of Armistice Day. The word later spread to France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Britain, with the first British Legion Poppy Day Appeal held in November 1921, starting a tradition that has reigned ever since. For more on group visits to the Tower of London, visit www.hrp.org. uk. Email VisitorServices. TOL@hrp.org.uk or call 0844 482 7777. n
October 2014 l Group Travel World
15
25/09/2014 11:54
Norway has a large population of Reindeer and therefore a large population of Sami - Reindeer herders. INNOVATION NORWAY - TERJE RAKKE
Nordic N O R W AY
Lights. While these places tend to offer optimal viewing conditions, the swirling, flickering colours of the Aurora Borealis can often be seen all over Norway. The pretty Lofoten Islands are a good choice, situated just inside the Arctic Circle. Not quite so far north, they are warmed by the Gulf Stream and offer an excellent position for sky gazing. During the day, you can sail between local fishing communities, explore the fjords by ferry or bicycle, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum and/or take a marine safari in the hope of spotting a killer whale. Viewing the Northern Lights is not always guaranteed, but to maximise your chances, head there between October and March, avoid the full moon and move into the wilderness, well away from bright and artificial lights. Slightly inland, Narvik is a great base in the north of the country. Skiers flock to the steep slopes of Narvikfjellet, and the Polar Park Arctic 100,000 kilometres. While the most Wildlife Centre draws in visitors to see its famous, UNESCO protected fjords are pack of wolves. A programme designed located around Geiranger and Flåm, with to educate the public about these wild such seawater inlets scattered throughout creatures allows visitors to get up close Norway. Sailing through the dramatic and personal. You can even learn how to scenery is an experience howl alongside them. everyone should have A little further north at least once in their is the city of Tromsø: lifetime. the ‘capital of the Arctic.’ This lovely FOLLOWING THE LIGHTS city has a lot to offer The longest road tunnel in the world It’s a long, long way visitors, from the is 24.5 kilometres (15.3 miles) long to the far north of world’s northernmost and runs between Oslo and Bergen. the country. Whether botanical gardens to you head this far will concerts in the iconic depend on how much time you have. But and daringly modern Arctic Cathedral. you don’t always need to make it to the Midnight Sun Concerts are held here furthest reaches of the North Cape or to yearly in the summer and are perennially the island of Svalbard near the North Pole popular. Tromsø is packed with wonderful to catch a glimpse of the magical Northern museums and galleries, and a short trip
Norway
Holly Cave explores the blissful country, famed for its luscious landscapes, snow-capped mountains and antique folklore heritage
S
o close to home, Norway’s incredible scenery is often overlooked. Bursting with myths and legends dating back to the Vikings, this glacier-sculpted landscape with its cobalt seas, snowcapped mountains and crystal clear waterfalls will stun you with its beauty. Norway’s rugged slopes rise steeply out of the North Atlantic Ocean, but the waters penetrate deep inland, meaning you don’t have to travel far to find one of the country’s famous fjords. Many visitors are amazed by the extent of Norway’s coastline. Including its fjords, the land/ sea boundary stretches 25,000 kilometres – that’s longer than the coastline of the United States – making it one of the longest in the world. Norway’s many islands factor into that figure, extending an estimated
#fact
The Northern Lights can be seen from much of the country on the right night. INNOVATION NORWAY - GAUTE BRUVIK
» 16
Group Travel World ● October 2014
016_018_GTW_Oct14_Norway.indd 16
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:40
p00_GTW_1014 Fred Olsen 23/09/2014 11:37 Page 1
#fact Norway is home to 30,000 Sami or Lapps: the largest population of reindeer herders in the Arctic.
N O R W AY
Tromso’s Arctic Cathedral is an unusual but beautiful building. INNOVATION NORWAY outside city limits will bring you to quaint little villages comprised of traditional wooden buildings such as Lyngseidet. A huge range of tours can take you on a variety of outward bound activities, from dog sledding to snowshoeing and zipping between the trees on a snowmobile. Many ocean cruises transport passengers all the way up to the unforgettable desolation of the polar ice cap. In the summer months, you’ll be sorely tempted to rouse yourself in the middle of the night and creep out on deck to watch the golden glimmer of the midnight sun on the sea. Half of Norway lies above the Arctic Circle, so in midsummer the midnight sun can be seen anywhere north of Bodø. On the longest days of the year, it is not uncommon to be able to read a book at any time of night without turning on your bedside lamp.
THE SOUTH
Oslo comes alive on May 17 - Norway’s National Day. INNOVATION NORWAY - ASGEIR HELGESTAD Norway widens out at its southern end like a drop of water. Bergen and Stavanger this eclectic city is visually impressive that you focus on one or two regions, sit along the west coast and across from and packed with things to do. Don’t miss depending on what you most want to see. them lays Oslo in the east. Between these out on a comprehensive insight into the Norway is a vast country and much of it cities, you will find the fertile valley of country’s cultural roots at the amazing remains remote and uninhabited, which is Setesdal and the vast, reindeer inhabited National Gallery, or simply wander around part of what makes it such an exhilarating mountain plateau of Hardangervidda. The the open air Folk Museum. A cruise along destination. latter is perfect for hikers and cyclists the waterfront allows you to take in the It is also worth bearing in mind that and is crisscrossed by well-marked paths. Opera House, with the ski jump simulator Norway isn’t the cheapest of destinations. Norway’s most popular cycle route is at the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Ski Thanks to its vast oil reserves, it’s one of the 100 kilometre Museum an additional the world’s richest countries and some long Rallarvegen must see. Just north of visitors are still surprised by the cost of (the Navvies’ Road). Oslo, this venue reveals short taxi trips and the price of food in Excursions take visitors an awesome panoramic restaurants, for example. to admire the country’s view of the city. Yet accessing the country’s beauty is largest glaciers, Norway has no official national always without charge. National parks and mirror-like lakes and anthem. The one most commonly PLANNING A TRIP even privately owned land is opened to all. waterfalls. used describes the country’s First time visitors Plus, the main galleries and museums have Oslo offers a glimpse natural beauty as the “land that should be careful not no admission fees. of Norway for many looms rugged, storm-scarred o’er to try and squeeze too In Norway, perhaps more than anywhere visitors. Sitting at the ocean” much into one trip. else in the world, the best things in life the tip of Oslo Fjord, GTW recommends really are free. n
#fact
18
Group Travel World l October 2014
016_018_GTW_Oct14_Norway.indd 18
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:40
p00_GTW_1014 Riviera 11/09/2014 09:58 Page 1
TEAM ON TOUR // FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES
Touring scenic Norway Lorraine Jackson hops on board the Balmoral for an eight-night luxury cruise to some of Norway’s most scenic destinations
S
ailing out of Southampton on a sunny July afternoon, and there was much to take in as we watched the yachts and smaller crafts glide along the waters of the Solent. Once onboard the Balmoral, we were directed to our cabin to be reunited with our luggage, which had been collected by a porter upon arrival allowing for easier embarkation. Our cabin, whilst being small, had twin beds, tea/coffee making facilities, radio/TV, plenty of cupboard space and a neat little bathroom with hairdryer. There was also a large window to watch the world go by. We were eager to explore what was to be our home for the next week. We located the Lounge Deck, and decided to walk the perimeter of the ship, with a sign indicating that four laps equalled one mile. There was a swimming pool and two jacuzzi’s, ample seating and close by, the pleasant Palms Café. Ascending to Deck 11, the Marquee Deck, we found similar luxuries, with a generous sun deck, relaxing sun loungers and the Marquee Bar. The interior of the ship boasted a classic, elegant style with contemporary artwork throughout. There were smart lounge areas with sofas and armchairs to relax and observe, with a library, games and internet room, central atrium with a magnificent sweeping staircase, shop and boutiques. Lifts were located at either end of the ship
20
Group Travel World ● October 2014
020_021_GTW_Oct14_Norway_Lorraine.indd 20
Group at Stegastein Viewpoint with Alan Fairfax of Silver Travel Advisor behind the camera alongside wide staircases leading to all decks. Our table for dinner was reserved in the stylish Ballindalloch Restaurant, where we were introduced to fellow members of our group. The menu consisted of five courses, each offering several choices and additional options for fussy palettes. The waiters were friendly and attentive throughout and there was a lively atmosphere in the spacious room, which was able to accommodate many guests over two sittings. The food and wine was first class, and the evening was topped off with a brilliant show performed by a talented entertainment crew in the crescentshaped Neptune Lounge. The next day was spent cruising along the eastern coast, allowing plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many facilities on offer. We took part in the ‘Traditional Afternoon Tea’ event, which was held in the Observatory Lounge on the top deck.
This was a real treat and involved a nominal charge. Elegant hostesses served speciality teas and a delicious selection of cakes and sandwiches, whilst a pianist played. The panoramic views from this location were spectacular. By the following morning, we had reached the southern tip of Norway. It was exciting to walk around the ship and take in the new sights. Our Fred. Olsen voyage took us into the heart of the fjords, cruising the Akrafjord to see the dramatic Langfoss waterfall. After two days, we reached our first destination, Flåm, on the banks of Aurlandsfjord. Having booked a shore excursion, we were taken by coach, which climbed a series of hairpin bends to the impressive Stegastein viewing point, taking photos overlooking the fjord. We stopped at the small town of Aurland on the way back for a tour of the sights. There was a daily programme of events
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:40
Balmoral Ballindalloch Restaurant
The ship’s swimming pool
Balmoral Atrium
and activities aboard the Balmoral, which were advertised in The Daily Times. These included dance and fitness classes, quizzes, bridge, deck games, craft classes and even guest speakers. There was a well-equipped gym, hairdresser and beauty salon, providing a range of luxurious treatments. Our next venture was in the port of Olden in the Nordfjord – a location set amongst green meadows and fast-flowing rivers – from where we boarded a bus, which took us to the Briksdal Glacier. We were taken up in small electric cars, with a 15-minute walk to the nearby area. It was an amazing spectacle. On the descent, we were treated to native hospitality in a picturesque lodge offering fabulous views of the mountains and waterfall. During our week on Balmoral, we experienced a fantastic selection of quality food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner could be taken in either four venues, including the Spey and Avon Restaurants, which offered great views from Highland Deck 10. There was an open seat policy for breakfast and lunch, providing the opportunity to dine in different locations on the ship. The casual Palms Café served tea and coffee 24 hours daily, afternoon tea and cakes, buffet meals at lunch and dinner, and even offered a late night supper club. Evening shows were varied and highly entertaining, performed after each dinner sitting in the Neptune and Lido Lounges. Formal and themed nights, which are a big part of any cruise, were great fun, with guests and crew participating and dressing in their finest attire. Our third port of call was in the pretty
city of Bergen, known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords.’ We had an afternoon free to explore, after taking in the sights by bus and embarking on a trip up the funicular railway. It was a short walk from the port to the Bryggen Wharf, with its colourful wooden buildings, home to shops, galleries and museums. It was easy to explore Bergen on foot, with its cobbled streets and alleyways, and its famous Fish Market erected alongside the harbour. On our final stop we visited the attractive coastal city of Stavanger. We were taken by coach to the south of the city, passing colourful villages and farmsteads dotted amongst breathtaking lake and mountain scenery. A short rest break allowed time to purchase typical Norwegian fare, with a refreshment stop serving delicious pancakes. The return journey took us through Magma Geopark, an area of unique geology and cultural heritage. This was a wonderful trip, which further showcased the beautiful scenery of Norway. My only regret was that I hadn’t any time left to explore Stavanger – maybe another time. As we departed home, there was a ‘sail away’ party. It was a lovely warm afternoon, music was playing, passengers and crew were dancing on the deck, and there was a great party atmosphere. We had enjoyed excellent hospitality throughout our Fred. Olsen cruise, and had experienced a truly wonderful and memorable destination.
couple will benefit from extra space and comfort, with the added luxury of a balcony. ● Book your shore excursions at the earliest opportunity. They are very popular and some may be already booked up before you set sail. ● Book in for ‘Traditional Afternoon Tea’ in the Observatory Lounge, as there is only a small additional charge and it is worth including on your itinerary.
www.grouptravelworld.com
020_021_GTW_Oct14_Norway_Lorraine.indd 21
TOP TIPS
● If you aren’t tied down with a restricted budget, I would strongly recommend an upgrade of a cabin. Those travelling as a
CRUISE OFFERING FOR 2015
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be offering a similar cruise package next year onboard its vessel Braemar. ‘Fred’s Favourite Fjords’ offers a seven-night stay, departing from Dover on July 11, 2015, and will cruise Lysefjord, Preikestolen, Kjerag, Karmsundet, Akrafjord and Langfoss Waterfall, calling at Skjolden, Naeroyfjord and Olden, before continuing to Nordfjord and Hornelen. Bergen will be the final stop – reaching Dover on July 18, 2015. Prices for the cruise start from £799 per person, based on an inside twin-bedded cabin. This includes all food and entertainment onboard, in addition to port taxes. Groups are welcome on all Fred. Olsen’s cruises and, depending on the size of the group, they may be eligible for a choice of added value benefits. Fred. Olsen’s bespoke groups service appeals to family and friendship groups, corporate and incentive groups and all kinds of clubs, associations and societies. For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www. fredolsencruises.com.
October 2014 ● Group Travel World
»
21
25/09/2014 09:40
Visit Wales’ stand at a previous show
TRADE SHOW PREVIEW
World travel market 2014 W orld Travel Market (WTM) is an annual business-to-business event tailored to the travel and tourism sector. Running for four days in November, the event showcases a diverse range of destinations worldwide, presenting industry professionals with the opportunity to meet, negotiate and network. WTM will be celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2014, where it has been announced that the show will be opened by Justin King CBE, former CEO of J Sainsbury’s. WTM 2014 will also see its opening hours extended in order to facilitate more business. The event will remain open for an extra two hours on Wednesday, November 5 from 1800hrs to 2000hrs. In 2013, WTM saw more than 50,000 senior industry executives in attendance – signing business deals worth more than £2.2billion, it was revealed by Fusion Communications. WTM is owned by Reed Exhibitions (RE), who is also responsible for organising
22
Group Travel World l October 2014
022_028_GTW_Oct14_WTM Preview.indd 22
Amy Moore previews the leading global event for the travel industry, scheduled to take place at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre from November 3-6
a vast portfolio of other travel industry events such as Arabian Travel Market and International Luxury Travel Market. WTM is free to attend and guests must be registered online prior to arrival. Monday, November 3 is attended by invitation only. Many sectors of the travel industry are represented at the show, including Tourist Boards, Airlines, Cruise, Hotels and Travel Technology, with the event boasting 5,000 international exhibitors overall – some showcasing flamboyant displays. At WTM 2014, there will be more than 100 events and seminars hosted, offering invaluable insights into emerging trends. All sessions are free to attend, with very few allowing entry by invitation only. Highlights from the events programme include: l TripAdvisor Seminar Session Tuesday, November 4 (1430hrs to 1515hrs) In 2014, TripAdvisor launched its ‘Instant Booking’ system, which can be accessed
»
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 10:06
p00_GTW_1014 WTM 17/09/2014 09:58 Page 1
p24_GTW_1014 22/09/2014 12:47 Page 1
Book a group of 20 or more on any of our eligible Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Riverlights or Showboat cruises and you’ll receive 20 or more FREE River Red Rover sightseeing tickets worth £18.00 each.That’s £360 worth or more of free All Day sightseeing cruise tickets on London’s No. 1.
Booking deadline 31st October 2014
TRADE SHOW PREVIEW via mobile. Maud Larpent, Director of Connectivity for TripAdvisor, will discuss new opportunities for independent hotels, the future of booking and how businesses can get connected. The Travel Tech Show at WTM should also be considered. It’s the UK’s largest travel technology event with more than 10,000 visitors in attendance – a figure which has doubled in size since 2010. l WTM Global Trends Report 2014 Tuesday, November 4 (1530hrs to 1630hrs) In association with Euromonitor International, the Global Trends Report 2014 will aim to predict major travel trends worldwide and recognise the latest dynamics in Travel Technology. Celebrating its ninth consecutive year, the Global Trends Report 2014 will offer an insight into emerging brands and consumer trends, in addition to destinations and demographics. l World Responsible Tourism Awards Wednesday, November 5 (1100hrs to 1200hrs) World Responsible Tourism Day will
EXHIBITOR LIST Hall 3: UK & IRELAND AC Tours Stand UKI300 Albatross London & LHTS Stand UKI300 Alnwick Castle Stand UKI300 Angela Shanley Associates Ltd. Stand UKI100 Arsenal Football Club: Stadium Tours & Museum Stand UKI100 Barton Hill Travel Stand UKI100 Bateaux London Stand UKI300 Bespoke Hotels Stand UKI300 Bluewater Stand UKI100 Canterbury Cathedral Stand UKI100 Cambria Tours Stand UKI100 Cashel Travel Stand UKI300 Chiltern Railways Stand UKI300 City Cruises Stand UKI100 Destination Bristol Stand UKI300 Discover Travel & Tours Stand UKI300 Edwards Coaches Stand UKI100 European Travel Services Stand UKI100 Evans Evans Tours Stand UKI300 GLH Hotels Stand UKI100
www.grouptravelworld.com
022_028_GTW_Oct14_WTM Preview.indd 25
City Sightseeing offers sightseeing tours, usually in open-top buses, in famous cities all over the world be held on Wednesday, November 5, in association with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The event will be celebrating its 11th year, hosted on the WTM Global Stage (AS850) rewarding responsible tourism experiences, with achievements in 12 categories, which highlight important issues such as cultural heritage and conservation.
To mark WTM’s 35th anniversary, the event will celebrate industry achievements since WTM’s introduction. An expert panel will debate the future of travel and tourism, by predicting how holidaymakers may travel in the future. World Travel Leaders Awards is extended to individuals and organisations recognised for their contribution to the global travel industry.
l World Travel Leaders at WTM Wednesday, November 5 (1600hrs to 1730hrs)
l WTM Blogger Speed Networking Thursday, November 6 (1030hrs to 1130hrs)
Gunwharf Quays Stand UKI300 Heritage Wales Stand UKI100 Highland Experience Tours Stand UKI300 Hilton Worldwide Stand UKI300 Historic Scotland Stand UKI300 INTEROPA Stand UKI100 Isle of Man Stand UKI300 JacTravel Stand UKI300 Janet Redler Travel And Tourism Stand UKI100 Jewels Travel & Hospitality Recruitment Stand UKI100 Jupiter Hotels Stand UKI100 Jurys Inn Stand UKI100 Just Go! Holidays Stand UKI300 Leeds Castle Stand UKI100 London & Partners Stand UKI300 Macdonald Hotels and Resorts Stand UKI300 made Tourism Marketing Stand UKI300 Merlin Entertainments Stand UKI100 NikiDMC Stand UKI300 North Wales & Celtic Royal Hotel Stand UKI100 Pathfinders Stand UKI100 Port Lympne Reserve Stand UKI100 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Stand UKI300 PPHE Hotel Group Stand UKI300 Royal Highland Hotel Stand UKI300 Simply The Best Visitor Centres Stand UKI300 Snowdonia Mountains & Coast Stand UKI100 Strathmore Hotels Ltd. Stand UKI300 The Alnwick Garden Stand UKI300 The Celtic Manor Resort Stand UKI100 The Group Company Stand UKI100 The Hotel Collection Stand UKI100 The London Helicopter Stand UKI300 Tours International Stand UKI100 Tragus Group Stand UKI100 UKinbound Stand UKI100, UKI300
Visit Cardiff Stand UKI100 VisitEngland Stand UKI100 Visit Hull & East Yorkshire Stand UKI300 Visit Kent Stand UKI100 Visit Wales Stand UKI100 Visit Scotland Stand UKI300
OTHER EXHIBITORS (Hall 3: UK & IRELAND) (NEW) Abbey Tours Stand UKI1400 Abbey Travel Ltd. Stand UKI130 (NEW) Airport Pickups London Stand UKI330 (NEW) Airport Transfer Cars Ltd. Stand UKI148 (NEW) Amazon Local Stand UKI1240 Ascot Racecourse Stand UKI1320 Ashling Hotel Stand UKI1400 (NEW) BAC Sport Ltd. Stand UKI438 Best Western Hotels GB Stand UKI220 Best Western Ireland Stand UKI1400 Big Bus Tours Stand UKI301 Causeway Coast & Glens Stand UKI1400
»
EXHIBITOR LIST CONT...
October 2014 l Group Travel World
25
25/09/2014 10:06
TRADE SHOW PREVIEW benefits include fast track access to the show, speed networking sessions, access to meeting rooms with free internet and a complementary lunch with sandwiches and drinks. For further event information visit www. wtmlondon.com/content/world-travelmarket-events. For travel and venue information visit www.excel-london.co.uk or www.wtmlondon.com
PICK OF THE EXHIBITORS
ABTA: THE TRAVEL ASSOCIATION STAND GV569
The Verifone Media stand at the 2013 show WTM Blogger Speed Networking is a newly introduced feature to WTM, and will remain open to Exhibitors and Exhibitor PR’s exclusively. Here, 60 leading travel and tourism bloggers can hold mini meetings to discuss ways to increase an exhibitors’ media exposure online. WTM Buyers Club is the leading business
EXHIBITOR LIST CONT...
Celtic Group Hostels Stand UKI1400 Champions Travel Stand UKI349 Chelsea FC Stadium Tours & Museum Stand UKI1320 Choice Hotel Group Stand UKI1400 (NEW) CHR Travel LLP Stand UKI228 City Sightseeing Worldwide Stand UKI1250 Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Stand UKI1400 Coachhire.com Stand UKI168 Condor Ferries Stand UKI540 Control F1 Ltd. Stand UKI531 Cronins Coaches Ltd. Stand UKI1400 Dalata Hotel Group: Maldron Hotels & Partner Hotels Stand UKI1400 Davids of London Ltd. Stand UKI325 Don’t Miss A Word Limited Stand UKI241 (NEW) Dove Cottage & The Wordsworth Museum Stand UKI144 Dublin Bus: Sightseeing Tours Stand UKI1400 Encore Tickets Stand UKI230
26
Group Travel World l October 2014
022_028_GTW_Oct14_WTM Preview.indd 26
network for travel buyers, which has an average global membership of more than 14,000. Members comprise of senior industry professionals such as Domestic & Outbound Tour Operators, Group Travel Organisers, Coach Tour Operators, Corporate Travel Buyers and Online Travel Companies, amongst others. Exclusive
English Heritage Stand UKI430 English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Stand UKI144 Escapism Magazine Stand UKI158 Europe Incoming Stand UKI428 Extreme Ireland Stand UKI1400 Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism Stand UKI1400 Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Stand UKI1400 Flybe Stand UKI540 Ford Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Stand UKI531 Fulham Football Club Stand UKI1320 (NEW) Garnett Dickinson Print Ltd. Stand UKI138 Gay Times & DIVA Magazine Stand UKI531 Glasnevin Cemetery Museum Stand UKI1400 (NEW) Gold Key Media Stand UKI162 Golden Tours Stand UKI1348 GPO Witness Story Stand UKI1400 GreatGuide Stand UKI150 Gresham Hotels Stand UKI1400 Group Line Stand UKI335 Guinness Storehouse Stand UKI1400 (NEW) H R Denne Ltd. Stand UKI142 Heritage Is Great Britain Stand UKI430 Historic Royal Palaces Stand UKI430 Hospitality Line Ltd. Stand UKI450 Hotels And More Ltd. Stand UKI401 Houses Of Parliament Stand UKI1430 Irish Geoparks Stand UKI1400 Irish Welcome Tours Stand UKI1400 Jameson Distillery Tours Stand UKI1400 Jersey Tourism Stand UKI540 Killary Fjord & Dublin Discovered Boat Tours Stand UKI1400 Killashee House Hotel Stand UKI1400 Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden Stand
ABTA aka The Association of British Travel Agents was founded in the 1950s and has since grown to become the UK’s leading travel association. ABTA’s aim is to help members improve and increase their business and to give customers confidence in their travel experiences. It is estimated that over £31.5billion is spent on holiday arrangements made with ABTA members each year. ABTA members aim to provide flexible schemes for financial protection and guidance on issues from sustainability to health and safety issues. Each member follows a strict code of conduct ensuring the upmost professionalism. ABTA will be exhibiting
UKI1400 Lake District Estates Stand UKI144 Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway Co. Ltd. Stand UKI144 London Theatre Direct Stand UKI437 Lord’s: The Home Of Cricket Stand UKI1320 M.B.A & Irelands Choice Stand UKI1400 EXHIBITOR LIST CONT...
»
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 10:06
p00_GTW_1014 Warners 09/09/2014 12:59 Page 1
TRADE SHOW PREVIEW
With this year marking 100 years since the start of WWI, the Flanders Fields stand is worth a look alongside ABTA Magazine. For more information visit www.abta.com or www.countrybycountry.com/magazine
VISIT FLANDERS UK STAND EM14-18 At WTM 2013, Visit Flanders UK showcased an impressive stand to mark the centenary of the First World War. Visit Flanders UK is responsible for the promotion of Flanders
and Brussels and has been elected the official partner of WTM 2014. Flanders is located in the northern region of Belgium, which is said to have seen the greatest loss of life on the Western Front – namely from the three battles of Ypres. GTW recently embarked on a press trip hosted by the tourist organisation, where fellow journalists were invited to learn and
explore Ypres, Poperinge and Messines. Visit Flanders UK will aim to further promote the intense feeling of identity and cultural consciousness which has grown through the events and experiences of war. Pop by the stand to discover more about future events/openings to commemorate. For more information see www. visitflanders.co.uk
UKINBOUND STAND UKI100 AND UKI300 EXHIBITOR LIST CONT...
Manchester City Football Club Stand UKI1320 Mespil Hotel & Sligo Park Hotel Stand UKI1400 Mexico Tourism Board Stand UKI531 (NEW) Minicards Stand UKI160 myholidayireland.com Stand UKI1400 National Museums Northern Ireland Stand UKI1400 National Trust Stand UKI430 O’Callaghan Hotels Stand UKI1400 PREM Group Hotels Stand UKI1400 Pure Ireland Experience Stand UKI1400 Railtours Ireland First Class Stand UKI1400 Ripley’s Believe It Or Not London Stand UKI101 Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Stand UKI430 Royal Collection Trust Stand UKI430 (NEW) See London By Night Stand UKI238 (NEW) See Tickets Stand UKI423 Select Hotels Of Ireland Stand UKI1400 Seymour Hotels Of Jersey Stand UKI540 Shakespeare’s Globe Stand UKI430 Sporting Tours Of London Stand UKI1320 SRC Hotels Ireland Stand UKI1400 St Paul’s Cathedral Stand UKI430 (NEW) Star Tours Stand UKI448 Talbot Hotel Group Stand UKI1400 The Connacht Hotel Galway Stand UKI1400 The Foto Collection Stand UKI1400 The Irish Tourism Group Ltd Stand UKI1400 The Leisure Pass Group Stand UKI329 The Original London Sightseeing Tour Ltd. Stand UKI338
28
Group Travel World l October 2014
022_028_GTW_Oct14_WTM Preview.indd 28
The Regency Hotel Group Stand UKI1400 The View From The Shard Stand UKI445 The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction Stand UKI144 Tourism Ireland Stand UKI1400 (NEW) Travel Trade Products Stand UKI134 Travelodge Ireland Stand UKI1400 Twickenham: World Rugby Museum & Tour Stand UKI1320 (NEW) v6e Ltd. Stand UKI429 Visit Belfast Stand UKI1400 Visit Bristol Stand UKI300 Visit Derry Stand UKI1400 Visit Guernsey Stand UKI540 Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Stand UKI420 Wembley Stadium Tours Stand UKI1320
UKinbound is one of the leading trade associations, which focuses solely on the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector. UKinbound’s presence grows year on year, enhance further by their annual Gala Dinner, which is hosted on the first night of WTM. Celebrating the success of the UK’s tourism industry, the Gala Dinner is open to all and offers further networking opportunities in a more relaxed and informal setting. WTM 2014 will see 60 exhibiting partners, located at the forefront of the main entrance of the UK & Ireland sector. Supported by VisitBritain, the UKinbound stand is home to other bodies such as London & Partners, VisitEngland, VisitScotland and VisitWales, amongst others. The stand showcases a significant number of UKinbound members, including a cross section of tour operators, accommodation, attractions and service providers. UKinbound also produces their own “UKinbound @ WTM Magazine” which contains exclusive industry reports and launches, including key information for all exhibitors. The magazine will be available to all visitors throughout the duration of the show. For more information visit www. ukinbound.org n
COMING SOON
See GTW’s review of WTM 2014 in the December edition. www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 10:06
p29_GTW_1014 24/09/2014 14:02 Page 1
UKINBOUND NEWS By Amy O’Donovan, Events & Commercial Manager, UKinbound
The latest from UKinbound
W
orld Travel Market is fast approaching and we are delighted to have so many exhibiting partners on the stand this year. If you haven’t already seen the main editorial section, please have a look and see who is exhibiting with us on stands UKI100 and UKI300. As usual, we will host our UKinbound Gala Dinner on the first night of World Travel Market, Monday, November 3. This year, it will take place at one of London’s most exclusive venues: The Montcalm London Marble Arch, in the opulent Grand Ballroom of this stunning five star location. Held during the most important week in the travel trade calendar, this event is the perfect setting for networking with the international travel trade. If you would like to host your international clients for the evening whilst they are in the UK, or simply join our members for an evening of celebration, book now, to enjoy an opportunity to network with the tourism industry. Before VisitBritain’s ‘Destination Britain North America’ sales mission, UKinbound held an informative market seminar on the USA. We were joined by Karen Clarkson, the Regional Manager for North America at VisitBritain, Karin Gidlund of CIE Tours International, Julie Cheneau, Area Manager, Market Management London at Expedia, and Jonathan Mountford, Joint-Chair of America’s Interest Group. It was our highest attendance at a market seminar to date, selling out a few weeks in advance. All speakers were greatly received and there was good debate on what the UK trade does well, what we are lacking, and how we can continue to ensure that we secure future business from the USA. We collaborated with Visit York on our ‘Discover’ programme at the start of September and it was a huge success.
The magnificent Castle Howard Tour operators got a great overview of the products and services offered across the city of York, thanks to their members and our own UKinbound members, Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Castle Howard. I enjoyed a fantastic tour of Castle Howard, which is a short coach trip away from York itself. It is Yorkshire’s finest historic house and gardens – a magnificent 18th century residence set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape in the Howardian Hills. Heather Jones and her team kindly treated us to afternoon tea and tickets to tour this delightful house. Continuing the busy month, UKinbound also collaborated with Chiltern Railways as they treated some of our tour operator members to a breakfast that helped them to gain some market research on a product
that they will be launching soon. We hope to team up again in the near future, and we are happy to offer these opportunities to other members if interested. I went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory thanks to made. The show was slightly different to the original, with a more modern twist. The production element was outstanding and had me amazed at how some of the scenes from the movie were recreated. It was a great show. Finally, the UKinbound team is growing as we have two new members of the team. Saara Vuorela is our new Events Executive and Adam Reeves is our new marketing and communications executive. We are delighted to be expanding and they both look forward to meeting you at our upcoming events. ■
KEEP IN CONTACT WITH US!
Events Calendar Schedule our events in your diary with our Events Calendar www.ukinbound.org/ events/events-calendar
Follow us on Twitter Join us on Twitter and check out our news updates @UKinbound
Become a member The entertaining Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
30
Group Travel World ● October 2014
030_GTW_Oct14_UK Inbound.indd 30
For inquiring about membership, email info@ukinbound.org
www.grouptravelworld.com
29/09/2014 20:43
Theatre
031_GTW_Oct14_Theatre Cover.indd 31
25/09/2014 11:50
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ grouptravelworld
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
T H E AT R E // N E W S
New partnership is just the ticket Ticketmaster UK announces its joint venture with the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions If you’ve ever organised a group trip to one of the West End’s theatres, chances are you’ve bought your tickets through Ticketmaster UK, which is set to increase its hold on the theatre and tourism sector thanks to its new partnership with the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA). Ticketmaster UK, which is a Live Nation Entertainment company - the world’s leading live entertainment company - has announced it has become ALVA’s headline partner, whose 57 members include the UK’s most iconic museums, galleries, palaces,
castles, cathedrals, zoos, historic houses, heritage sites, gardens and leisure attractions. Together, these sites host more than 110 million domestic and overseas visitors each year. ALVA helps its members continually improve the visitor experience, and Ticketmaster is the only ticketing provider to be part of this scheme. Simon Presswell, Managing Director of Ticketmaster UK, says: “We are really excited to announce our partnership with ALVA, and are looking forward to starting a good working relationship with the association. As the leading global ticketing agent, we are perfectly positioned to work with them and hope that our involvement will benefit all members of the group.”
John Hannah makes return to the stage The cast for multiple award-winning playwright Anya Reiss’ new take on Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya has been announced. John Hannah returns to the stage, starring as Vanya, after a six-year absence. John Hannah returns to the stage in Uncle Vanya He is to star alongside Amanda Boxer, will bring Uncle Vanya to Joe Dixon, Alan Francis and the stage as part of the ‘One Amanda Hale in the play, which Stage’ season, which runs until is directed by Russell Bolam. December 2014. Premiering on Wednesday, It is supported by Stage October 8 at London’s St James One, a charity that supports Theatre, Anya’s adaptation emerging commercial theatre of Chekhov’s masterpiece producers. of modern theatre is set to John Hannah’s best known reignite the piece for a 21st roles are as Matthew in Four century audience as it reveals Weddings and a Funeral, the universal difficulties of Jonathan Carnahan in The impossible love, longing and Mummy film series and regret. Batiatus in the violent TV Jagged Fence Productions drama Spartacus. 32
Group Travel World ● October 2014
032_034_GTW_Oct14_Theatre News .indd 32
Thousands of West End tickets are sold via Ticketmaster, which has now joined forces with ALVA
The circus is back in town! Multi award-winning cult hit La Soirée returns to London in November as the show celebrates its 10th anniversary at the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival, in the shadow of the London Eye. Bonfire night marks the start of a 10-week run until January 11, 2015 as the show offers audiences an entertaining cocktail of cabaret acts, burlesque dancers, circus sideshows and contemporary variety. “We’ve been away from London for three years and have discovered extraordinary talents on our travels, so there’s a new generation of cabaret stars joining very dear old friends,” said the show’s creative producer Brett Haylock. Acts include The English Gents, aka acrobats Denis Lock and Hamish McCann, cabaret performer Ursula Martinez, comedienne and circus performer Jess Love, comedian and juggler Marcus Monroe and ‘flying pole duo’ Saulo and Anna. La Soirée’s Spiegeltent is
Saulo and Anna are part of the entertaining La Soirée line up. Carl Oscar Aaro
at the heart of the Winter Festival, which also features market stalls selling seasonal food and drink. Seating for the show is unreserved, with ringside, circus-style seats set around the circular stage, and boardwork (or booth) seats set behind these. Group travel organisers can reserve an entire booth, which seats up to 10, and ticket prices range from £15 (for standing-only tickets) to £67.50, with tickets up to half price for concessions. Find out more at www.southbankcentre. co.uk/venues/la-soiree www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:38
p33_GTW_1014 Curious 24/09/2014 17:55 Page 1
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ grouptravelworld
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
T H E AT R E // N E W S
The sweet smell of success
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has extended its West End run until October 2015. Johan Persson
The award-winning West End production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sells its one millionth ticket - and extends its run until autumn 2015 It’s a three-fold celebration for the West End production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as the show celebrates selling its one millionth ticket, enjoys an extension that will take it well into next year – and marks its 50th anniversary, as the story was originally written by Roald back in the autumn of 1964.
Group travel organisers can now book tickets to the record-breaking show, which is directed by Sam Mendes, until October 31 2015 and join the Oompa-Loompas, who’ve been busy over the past few weeks raising funds for the Roald Dahl Marvellous Children’s Charity, the production’s principal charitable partnership, for whom the production has already raised over £30,000. They took a break from the stage to take part in a sponsored skydive in
honour of Roald’s birthday in September. More than 50 volunteers, including members of the show’s production team, took part in the skydive, all dressed as Wonka’s magical team of helpers. For more on booking tickets, including the group rates available, visit www.Charlieandthe ChocolateFactory.com or call the box office on 0844 858 8877. The show is on at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.
West End debut for TV’s Alan Titchmarsh TV gardener and author Alan Titchmarsh will make his West End debut in November, starring as the narrator in the Royal Opera House’s production of The Wind in the Willows. As this well-loved story is brought to life through song, music, dance and puppetry, the production, which is directed and choreographed by Will Tuckett, makes its return to the West End after an Olivier Award-winning run last Christmas, during which it was crowned ‘Best entertainment and family’ show. “I am thrilled and delighted to be joining this tremendous 34
Alan Titchmarsh will narrate the Wind in the Willows during its upcoming West End run. Johan Persson production, which celebrates my all-time favourite children’s book,” said Alan, who will narrate the show, at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, from November 26 until January 17 2015.
Group Travel World l October 2014
032_034_GTW_Oct14_Theatre News .indd 34
It marks a change in direction for Alan, who’s television career has seen him present Gardener’s World and Ground Force as well as his own ITV show. He has also written more than 50 books as well as nine novels, a Christmas anthology and a miscellany on Englishness. Based on Kenneth Grahame’s timeless classic, the adventures of four woodland friends are retold during the show, and the escapades of the hot-headed Toad, debonair Ratty, shy Mole and wise Badger are brought to life. The show is for children aged five and over.
Rock out for charity! The annual, fund-raising celebration of all things ‘rock musical’ returns to the stage next March, as The Night of 1,000 Voices moves for the first time to London’s largest theatre, the London Coliseum by Trafalgar Square. Held on Sunday March 1, performers from London and New York, together with the soloists of the City of London Philharmonic and the West End Chorus, will present a night of musical theatre as 2015 sees the show mark its 16th anniversary. The full line up will be announced in January, though the stars of the stage who have already been confirmed include Broadway actor Adam Pascal, who’s starred in RENT and Memphis; Kerry Ellis, who’s starred in Wicked and Oliver!, and David Michael Johnson, star of We Will Rock You in Germany. Introduced by Sir Tim Rice, songs from Jesus Christ Superstar, We Will Rock You, The Rocky Horror Show, Chess, Hair, Little Shop of Horrors and The Lion King are just some of well known tunes that will be entertaining the audience. Since its launch in 1999, the show has raised more than £500,000 for The Caron Keating Foundation, The Missing Person’s Helpline, The Lord’s Taverners, The National Autistic Society and ADDISS, the Variety Club Children’s Charity, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and The Alan Jay Lerner Fund for Cancer Research at The Royal Marsden. Devised and directed by Hugh Wooldridge, he says: “This evening is a must for all who love musicals. Come and support this most splendid charity.”
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:38
p35_GTW_1014 Matilda 24/09/2014 17:58 Page 1
T H E AT R E // R E V I E W
Shrek
W
The Musical
ith eager anticipation, my 11 year old daughter and I headed to the Theatre Royal in Nottingham to see Shrek the Musical. We had timed our arrival to grab a bite to eat. As soon as we hit the street we were inundated with places to visit for food, ranging from TGI Friday’s to Pizza Hut, Harvester, Gourmet Burger and Kitchen Subway, to all you can eat buffets. In Nottingham, you are truly spoiled for choice. We decided on going to Pizza Hut as this is a family favourite. The show started at 1900hrs, so we arrived a little early to get our tickets, and had a look around the foyer. There was a special area where you could go and have a few pictures taken such as Shrek’s Out House. However, we settled for the eight foot tall sparkling ‘S’ to have our photo opportunity. Merchandise was on sale throughout the foyer ranging from the standard programs to Shrek and Fiona Ears, to Ginger Bread Man Puppet to coffee mugs and CDs. These varied in price from £4 for a standard program to £14 for the Puppet, and £16 for the Cast Broadway CD. One of things I liked about the venue was that theatregoers were given an indication as to when the show would finish. As a parent, I know only too well how anxious one can be about what time children will come out of the show, particularly on a school night. The theatre itself seemed to come alive when we were transported to what looked like a forest as the theatre was lit in green. My daughter gazed in amazement. Due to the popularity of the show, it was a little
36
BY NATASHA COUSINS
Faye Brookes playing the role of Princess Fiona. HELEN MAYBANKS
Dean Chisnall playing the role of Shrek. HELEN MAYBANKS
Idriss Kargbo playing the role of Donkey. HELEN MAYBANKS
Group Travel World ● October 2014
036_GTW_Oct14_Theatre Review.indd 36
late starting because many members of the public were still turning up. Right from the start however, I was enthralled by the costumes and the set. It felt like it was plucked from the film and shown right in front of my eyes. Members of the cast were wonderful to watch – all of them had their own funny characteristics. Jokes were flying all over the place, including some for the adults so we could be entertained. The actors did such a wonderful job – the heavy costumes must have been restrictive and hot. However, it didn’t seem to phase them one bit. The show had everyone laughing and clapping along. I was astounded by the puppeteering for the dragon within this show. For a brief moment, I honestly felt and believed this was a genuine dragon. Overall, I felt the production team did a great job with everything – even the small detail on the dragon breathing and blinking when singing. The show in itself really doesn’t steer too far from the movies, which I think is a great idea as it was a good story but they put a few little extra bits in which were great and kept it entertaining. In total the show was around three hours long and to be honest, it didn’t feel like that at all. My daughter and I came out of the theatre firmly on a high, having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. This show is definitely suitable for all ages and is worth watching even if you don’t have children. ■ www.grouptravelworld.com
29/09/2014 20:43
p00_GTW_1014 Kooza 23/09/2014 09:34 Page 1
T H E AT R E / / D I N I N G
Feast your eyes Amy Moore tours the capital, which offers a generous selection of pre/ post theatre menus and unique dining experiences for groups BRASSERIE ZEDEL
Brasserie Zedel was opened in May 16, 1915, as part of The Regent Palace Hotel, which was the largest hotel in Europe housing 1,028 bedrooms. Brasserie Zedel boasts an authentic, beautifully designed art deco structure located in the heart of Piccadilly Circus. Situated on Sherwood Street, the venue has been described as ‘a more democratic version of the Ritz’ erected as a hotspot for those seeking an affordable luxury. Its stunning marble entrance and antique winter garden, decorated with palms and rattan chairs, has been neatly preserved since its construction in the 1930s, credited to Oliver Percy Bernard OBE. Theatre no doubt influenced most of Bernard’s designs, as his early career was spent as a theatre stage hand and scene painter – making Brasserie Zedel the ideal venue to visit before or after a show. For a true theatre dining experience, there is live music hosted six nights a week from 2230hrs with no entrance fee required. Brasserie Zedel is open Monday to Saturday between 1130hrs and 2400hrs, with additional flexibility to book. Parties of 10 or more can book online, with larger groups of up to 20 people advised to email in advance. THEATRES NEARBY Garrick Theatre, Harold Pinter Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre T: 020 7734 4888 E: reservations@brasseriezedel.com or info@brasseriezedel.com W: www.brasseriezedel.com
PLANET HOLLYWOOD
Located on Haymarket, Planet Hollywood boasts the capacity to comfortably accommodate groups from 10 to 300 for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late night dining. Planet Hollywood is home to a 38
Group Travel World l October 2014
038_039_GTW_Oct14_Theatre Dine.indd 38
Planet Hollywood is within easy reach of a number of theatres
Mint Leaf Restaurant offers contemporay cuisine at the heart of the West End wealth of authentic film memorabilia, offering the world’s only dining experience inspired by the glamour of Hollywood. The restaurant promises hassle free dining, with tables already prepared to seat groups at the pre-booked time of arrival. Catering to all tastes and budgets, there are many set menus available and just like the trailers, they set the scene for a total immersive movie experience. There are a number of screens dotted throughout the restaurant displaying trailers of shows, films and music videos, helping to keep the atmosphere fresh and interesting for restaurant guests. Those visiting towards the end of the year can expect spooky decorations on Halloween and festive fare at Christmas. Planet Hollywood’s dedicated sales team is able to provide further information regarding group enquiries and can help to arrange a group dining experience if required. THEATRES NEARBY Garrick Theatre, Her Majesty’s
Theatre, Noel Coward Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket T: 020 7024 8455 E: salesuk@planethollywoodintl.com W: www.planethollywoodlondon.com
MINT LEAF RESTAURANT
Conveniently located in the heart of the West End, Mint Leaf Restaurant offers contemporary cuisine served within sumptuous surroundings. Guests can soak in the restaurants stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, whilst enjoying a mouth-watering selection of innovative Indian dishes – blending both delicate flavours and light textures using the finest ingredients – such as Halal meats. Mint Leaf Restaurant can comfortably cater for parties of up to 220 people if required, with two course menus starting from as little as £13.95 per person for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is ideally located for pre/post theatre dining with adequate coach parking and drop off points located www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 10:17
nearby. Large parties can be catered for semi-privately within the main restaurant area or within the private Jaipur Room, with bespoke menu packages and cocktail master classes available to book. THEATRES NEARBY Garrick Theatre, London Coliseum, Prince of Wales Theatre T: 020 7930 9020 E: reservations@mintleafrestaurant. com W: www.mintleafrestaurant.com
INTERACTIVE THEATRE
Interactive Theatre is a creative concept, which removes obstacles of the everyday theatrical production. Uniquely, performers are not confined to the stage and are instead allowed free roam of the floor. It is said that there is a great deal of improvisation involved, with actors often bouncing off ideas offered by audience members. The Faulty Towers Dining Experience proves an interesting alternative to the traditional ‘theatre and dine’ supplement, by requiring a fully functional restaurant or venue to complete each performance to standard. Therefore, spectators may become immersed in the experience as opposed to passively sitting and watching. The highly interactive
www.grouptravelworld.com
038_039_GTW_Oct14_Theatre Dine.indd 39
production runs for approximately two hours and can often be performed as guests tuck into a deluxe three-course lunch or dinner. In this sense, The Faulty Towers Dining Experience falls under the ‘site specific’ category, suitable for both public performances and private showings. Alternatively, separate corporate sessions are also available to book for those looking to inject a little comedy into proceedings. The Faulty Towers Dining Experience was introduced in Australia in 1997 and has since grown on a more international scale, having first embarked on a worldwide tour in 2008. 2014 is the 17th anniversary of the show, which currently appears in over 20 countries on a regular basis. The Faulty Towers Dining Experience is currently booking until 2015. JANUARY 2015 Floral Pavilion Theatre: January 21-25 Gulbenkian Canterbury: January 28 FEBRUARY 2015 Wales Millennium Centre: February 2-11 Gulbenkian Canterbury: February 15 & 25 The Dolphin Portsmouth: February 17-18 T: 0845 1544 145 E: info@faultytowers-uk.com W: www.interactivetheatre.com.au
October 2014 l Group Travel World
39
25/09/2014 10:17
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers T H E AT R E // I N T E R V I E W
Amy Moore talks to Neil Mackie, one of the founding members of the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers
M
ugenkyo is celebrating almost two decades of rigorous touring, with 2014 marking the 20th anniversary of its formation. This makes Mugenkyo the longest touring and most successful group of its kind in Europe. Mugenkyo has been heavily influenced by the ancient art of ‘Taiko’ in Japan, with its latest enchanting performance to feature mysterious masked choreography interwoven with an almighty musical force. Audiences are guaranteed to enjoy the spellbinding display of athleticism and energy displayed, with last year seeing the group perform at over 80 venues across the UK. Neil Mackie is the visionary and driving force of the group alongside his partner Miyuki Williams, having returned to the UK in 1994 to form the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers. Mackie trained with Masaaki Kurumaya Sensei in Japan for two years prior to his return and draws from his experience when performing the role of the ‘Odaiko’ (big drum) player, having previously performed as a kit drummer in various bands around Bristol and London. He also takes charge of the ‘Jiuchi’ – the base beat or underlying rhythm – of the performance.
What inspired you to form the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers? I travelled to Japan to visit my partner Miyuki who had a job teaching English. While I was there I came across this drumming called Odaiko or Taiko as we know it. It was quite a life-changing experience because it made me realise that drumming could be so much more than sitting at the back of the stage behind a bunch of guitarists. The great thing about Taiko is that it’s about using your whole body to project the 40
Group Travel World ● October 2014
040_041_GTW_Oct14_Theatre News .indd 40
sounds and visuals of the performance. You’ve really got to put everything into it when you play, and that was really appealing to me because I was a kit drummer before I went out there. Never before had I experienced something where the drum was the central thing. I was lucky enough to come across Masaaki Kurumaya Sensei and he became my Taiko Sensei – my teacher or spiritual leader. He taught me about how to perform with your whole heart and soul.
How do you work to showcase that passion on the stage? The great thing about Taiko is that it’s not like playing a drum kit. You’re using your whole body. The idea is that you put all your effort into playing. These are big drums and they take a lot to make a sound, and because of that you’re making them
sing. It’s very musical in that way, we treat the drum like a musical instrument, it’s not just something to hit. You can make many sounds from a Taiko drum and in that way, the spirit of the drum is awakened. Now, we’re living in a different culture and when I came back it wasn’t the same. I had the idea of forming Mugenkyo and started the Mugen Taiko Dojo, which is a place of learning that we have here. People’s backgrounds, attitudes and aspirations aren’t the same so we’ve had to adapt. We’ve had to come from a different angle, but we still adopt all the same principles learnt from Japan.
How do you keep the performances fresh and modern? We’re constantly changing. Things are never exactly as they were in the last performance. Our image is very modern. We’re using UV lights and different soundscapes to freshen it up. Our performances are evolving all the time. They’re a living, breathing art form.
Is there much spontaneity involved? Some of the pieces we play are very set and some are completely ad-libbed. You never know what’s going to happen next and that’s the greatest thing about it.
How does your musical background influence the style of the show? Everyone comes from different countries and different backgrounds. On tour, we have people from Portugal, Germany, Scotland and England. For me, I’m very much into music. I’ve played with punk bands, reggae bands, rock banks and even soul bands. All those influences have really helped to secure the direction of some of the pieces we play.
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:39
that feeling, the excitement of playing and having the luxury of performing in front of loads of people.
How did you work to get yourself known? Wherever there’s an event happening, I believe there should be Taiko. We’re never giving up the chase and we’re always looking for new avenues to explore. There are a lot of places we haven’t played yet and a lot of people we haven’t reached. It’s been a really wonderful journey and will continue to be. We’ve been to a number of countries and performed at all kinds of strange events. We performed at an event called Nagano in Japan. It’s the most renowned Taiko festival in the world. We were invited to perform two years ago. We are the only European group to ever be invited to perform at this event. It was such an amazing experience for us and we were honoured to be asked to perform. It was also a great chance for us to get ourselves on the world stage.
Do you face any challenges when performing?
Are you surprised that the show has become so successful?
When you have a certain number of drummers on stage, you constantly have to work on keeping time with each other. What’s great about Taiko, is you get used to performing with certain people – locking in with them and connecting with them. Everybody has fantastic rhythm, but because we’re human we have different ways of doing things. In this sense, it’s important we play as a team.
When we came back to the UK, no one had heard of Mugenkyo – there wasn’t anyone else doing it. Things have changed a lot in the last 20 years. The way people think about Taiko is very different. In fact, the word ‘Taiko’ is now in the English dictionary. We are the only touring group in the whole of Europe and we’re still surprising people to this day.
How do you prepare for a show?
We’re welcoming the return of our cofounder Miyuki Williams, who hasn’t toured with us for three and a half years. She’s an amazing player and it’s going to be great to see her perform on stage again. We have a very varied set, lots of energy and lighting, different soundscapes and different moods. We’re going to take people on a journey through our performance. If people haven’t seen us before, come with an open mind. Taiko really does have this power and this energy, and if you’re on the audience you can really feel the power of the drums – huge drums – some even the size of a small car. Drumming is universal. It appeals to a wide range of people. It is boundless.
When we’re on tour it’s very busy. We all try and get our rehearsals in during the afternoon of the show, which is not always possible. Before we go on tour, everything is planned out and worked on. During the tour it’s more about tweaking things and trying to improve. The group has been going for 20 years – that’s at least 15 years touring. We’ve done thousands of performances and I’m still really excited about it. You never lose
What can the audience expect from the show?
What do you see for the future of Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers? This year, we’re working to renovate and expand the Mugen Taiko Dojo to enable us to do more teaching work and reach more people. We’re also looking forward to this tour and going back to the places we know. We want to carry on performing and touring, and we want to keep recruiting more players for the future. We’re pushing on all fronts and we’re very much looking forward to the next few years. It’s a very exciting time ahead. ■ www.grouptravelworld.com
040_041_GTW_Oct14_Theatre News .indd 41
October 2014 ● Group Travel World
41
25/09/2014 09:39
T H E AT R E L I S T I N G S / / L O N D O N
Theatre Listings On these three pages lists the major UK shows currently open, or about to open on the West End and beyond. Always check the details before making any arrangements Piccadilly Circus W1V
Donmar Warehouse
Earlham Street
CITY OF ANGELS
Booking to: March 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 2000, Wed 1500, Sat 1600 Length: 2hrs Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM
Booking To: February 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (opens December 2014) Booking Codes: AM TM
Victoria Palace
Palace
Victoria Street SW1
BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSICAL
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
THE COMMITMENTS
Booking to: December 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 3hrs Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM
Booking to: April 2015 Times: Tue-Fri 1930, Sat & Sun 1500 & 1900 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM
Prince of Wales
Gielgud
Coventry Street W1
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
Booking to: December 2014 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 20mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
Booking to: February 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 45 mins Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM
Aldwych
Aldywch
Aldwych WC2
BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
Booking To: June 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (opens February 2015) Booking Codes: SE TM
Booking to: January 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (Opens November 2014) Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM
Argyll Street W1A
CATS
Aldywch WC2
DANCE ‘TIL DAWN
Savoy
Strand WC2
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Booking to: February 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (opens December 2014) Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM
Booking to: March 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1500 Length: 2hrs 35mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
Theatre Royal
Trafalgar Studios
Drury Lane WC2
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Booking to: May 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1500 Length: 2hrs 30mins 42
Barbican
HAMLET
Booking to: January 2015 Times: Tue–Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: TBC (Opens October 15)
l October 2014
042_045_GTW_Oct14 Theatre Listings.indd 42
Whitehall SW1
EAST IS EAST
Silk Street EC2
Booking To: October 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1915 Length: TBC (opens August 2015) Booking Codes: TM Great Newport Street
GHOST STORIES
Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM
THE 39 STEPS
London Palladium
Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM
Arts Theatre
LONDON Criterion
Memphis the Musical is currently booking to March 2015 at the Shaftesbury Theatre
Booking to: January 2015 Times: Fri 2000, Sat 1700 & 2000, Sun 1600 & 1900 Length: 1hr 20mins Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM Theatre Royal Haymarket London SW1
GREAT BRITAIN
Booking To: January 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: 2hrs 45mins (opens Sept 2014) Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM Barbican
Silk Street EC2
HENRY IV PART I & II
Booking To: January 2015 Times: TBC Length: TBC (opens November 2014) Booking Codes: EN TM Piccadilly
Denmark Street W1
JERSEY BOYS
Booking to: February 2015 Times: Tue-Sat 1930, Tue & Sat 1500, Sun 1700 Length: 2hrs 35 mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM Wyndham’s
Charing Cross WC2
KING CHARLES III
Booking to: January 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM Queens
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
LES MISERABLES
Booking to: April 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: 3hrs Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM Lyceum
Catherine Street WC2
THE LION KING
Booking to: March 2015
Times: Tue-Sat 1930, Weds, Sat & Sun 1430 Length: 2hrs 45mins Booking Codes: AM AP DY EN GL SE TM Adelphi
Strand WC2
MADE IN DAGENHAM – THE MUSICAL
Booking to: March 2015 Times: Mon–Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1500 Length: TBC (Opens November 5) Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM Novello
Aldwych WC2
MAMMA MIA!
Booking to: April 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1945, Thu & Sat 1500 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM Cambridge
Earlham Street WC2
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Booking to: May 2015 Times: Tue 1900, Wed-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430, Sun 1500 Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL SE TM Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury Ave WC2
MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL
Booking to: March 2015 Times: Mon–Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: TBC (Opens October 23) Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM Prince Edward
Old Compton St W1
MISS SAIGON
Booking to: April 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM St Martin’s
West Street WC2
THE MOUSETRAP
Booking to: June 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Tue 1500, Sat 1600 Length: 2hrs 15mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM Duke of York’s
London WC2
NEVILLE’S ISLAND
Booking To: January 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (opens October 2014) Booking Codes: AM GL SE TM www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 11:41
Phoenix
Charing Cross Road WC2
ONCE
Booking to: July 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 20mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM Her Majesty’s
Haymarket SW1
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Booking to: April 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM Duchess
Catherine St. WC2
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
Booking to: February 2015 Times: Wed-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430, Sun 1500 & 1900 Length: TBC (Opens September 14) Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM Lyric
Shaftesbury Avenue WC2
ROOM ON THE BROOM
Booking To: January 2015 Times: TBC Length: TBC (opens November 2014) Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM Vaudeville
The Strand WC2
THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS
Booking to: February 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1945, Sat 1430 Length: 1hr 40 mins Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM Noel Coward
St Martin’s Lane WC2
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
Booking to: January 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AM DY EN GL SE TM Playhouse Northumberland Ave WC2
SPEED-THE-PLOW
Booking To: November 2014 Times: Mon-Sat 1945 Length: TBC (opens October 2014) Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM
Times: Tue-Fri 1930, Sat 1600 & 2000, Sun 1530 & 1930 Length: 2hrs Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM Apollo
Shaftesbury W1D
URINETOWN – THE MUSICAL
Booking to: January 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1945 Length: 2hrs 20mins Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM New London
Drury Lane WC2
WAR HORSE
Booking to: February 2015 Times: Mon 1930, Tue 1900, Wed-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM Dominion
Tottenham Court W1P
WHITE CHRISTMAS
Booking to: January 2015 Times: Tue-Sat 1930 (opens Nov 2014) Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM Apollo Victoria
Wilton Road SW1
WICKED
Booking to: November 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 50mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM Fortune
Russell Street WC2
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Booking to: July 2015 Times: Tue-Sat 2000, Tue & Thu 1500, Sat 1600 Length: 2hrs Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM Playhouse Northumberland Ave WC2
WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
Booking to: May 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (opens January 2015) Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM Vaudeville The Strand WC2
Ambassadors
West Street WC2
STOMP
Booking to: December 2015 Times: Mon, Thu-Sat 2000, Thu & Sat 1500, Sun 1500 & 1800 Length: 1hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AM AP GL TM Harold Pinter
London SW1
SUNNY AFTERNOON
Booking To: January 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (opens October 2014) Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM Lyric
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
Booking To: January 2015 Times: TBC (opens November 2014) Length: 1hr 40mins Booking Codes: AM GL SE TM
KEY TO BOOKING CODES AM Ambassador Groups AP Applause Groups DY Disney Theatrical TM Ticketmaster Groups
GL Groupline SE SEE Groups EN Encore Tickets
When booking, please mention
Shaftesbury Avenue WC2
THRILLER LIVE
Booking to: April 2015
www.grouptravelworld.com
042_045_GTW_Oct14 Theatre Listings.indd 43
October 2014 ●
43
25/09/2014 11:41
T H E AT R E L I S T I N G S / / T O U R I N G
What follows is a list of theatre productions touring the UK. All dates listed are at least three months away. Some earlier dates may be available. ANYTHING GOES
2015 Wimbledon Theatre: Jan 29-Feb 7, Aylesbury Waterside: Feb 9-14 Stoke Regent: Feb 16-21 Bromley Churchill: Feb 23-28 Bradford Alhambra: Mar 3-7 Hull New: Mar 9-14 Liverpool Empire: Mar 16-21 Eastbourne Congress: Mar 23-28 Southampton Mayflower: Mar 30-Apr 4 Manchester Opera House: Apr 6-18 Glasgow King’s: Apr 20-25 Dartford Orchard: Apr 27-May 2 Northampton: May 11-16 High Wycombe Swan: May 18-23 Belfast Opera House: May 26-30 York Opera House: Jun 1-6 Plymouth: Jun 8-13 Nottingham: Jun 16-20 Edinburgh Playhouse: Jun 22-27 Leeds Grand: Jun 30-Jul 4 Cardiff New: Jul 6-11 Wolverhampton Grand: Jul 13-18 Aberdeen: Jul 20-25 Dublin Bord Gais: Aug 2-8 Torquay: Aug 10-15 Bournemouth Pavilion: Aug 17-22 Woking: Aug 31-Sep 5 Oxford New: Sep 7-12 Birmingham Hippodrome: Sep 14-19 Milton Keynes: Sep 21-26 Sunderland Empire: Sep 28-Oct 3 Bristol Hippodrome: Oct 6-20
BARNUM
2015 Woking New Victoria: Jan 20-24 Wolverhampton Grand: Jan 27-31 Nottingham Royal: Feb 3-14 Newcastle Royal: Feb 17-28 Leeds Grand: Apr 14-25 Canterbury Marlowe: Jun 23-July 4 Birmingham Hippodrome: July 7-Aug 1
BLOOD BROTHERS
2015 Sheffield Theatre: Jan 13-24, 2015 Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall: Jan 26-31 Inverness Eden Court: Feb 2-7 Hamilton Townhouse: Feb 16-21 Aylesbury Waterside: Feb 23-28 Palace Theatre Manchester: Mar 2-14 Kings Lynn Corn Exchange: Mar 16-21 Whiterock Theatre Hastings: Mar 23-28 Croydon Fairfield Halls: Mar 30-Apr 4 Truro Hall For Cornwall: Apr 7-11 Everyman Cheltenham: Apr 13-18 Shrewsbury Severn Theatre: Apr 20-25 44
Rhyl Pavilion Theatre: Apr 27-May 2
THE BODYGUARD
2015 Southampton Mayflower: Feb 12-28 Glasgow King’s Theatre: Mar 4-14 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Mar 17-28 Newcastle Royal: Apr 1-18 Wolverhampton Grand: Apr 21-May 2 Stoke Regent: May 19-30 Bradford Alhambra: Jun 2-13 Cardiff Millennium Centre: Jun 16-27 Plymouth Theatre Royal: July 7-18 Dublin Bord Gais: July 21-Aug1 Birmingham Hippodrome: Aug 5-29 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall: Oct 13-24
CALAMITY JANE
2015 Dartford Orchard: Jan 27-31 Birmingham Alexandra: Feb 17-21 Eastbourne Congress: Feb 23-28 Stoke Regent: Mar 10-14 Wimbledon Theatre: Mar 17-21 Manchester Palace: Mar 24-28 Wycombe Swan: Apr 14-18 Brighton Royal: Apr 28- May 2 Liverpool Empire: May 5-9 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Jun 9-13 Glasgow King’s: Jun 16-20
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
The Lowry Salford: Dec 18-Jan 10, 2015 2015 New Theatre Hull: Jan 12-17 Grand Opera House York: Jan 19-24 Theatre Royal Newcastle: Jan 26-Feb 7 Stoke Regent: Feb 9-14 The Grand Wolverhampton: Feb 16-21 Theatre Royal Plymouth: Mar 2-14 Waterside Aylesbury: Mar 16-21 Derngate Northampton: Mar 23-28 Theatre Royal Nottingham: Mar 30-Apr 11 WMC Cardiff: Apr 13-18 Bradford Theatre: Apr 20-25 Edinburgh Festival: Apr 27-May 9 Canterbury Marlowe: May 11-23 Birmingham Hippodrome: May 25-Jun 6 Leicester Curve: Jun 8-13 Southampton Mayflower: Jun 22-Jul 4 Truro Hall For Cornwall: Jul 6-11 Oxford: Jul 13-18 Liverpool Empire: Jul 20-25 Bristol Hippodrome: Aug 3-8 The Empire Sunderland: Aug 10-15 Kings Glasgow: Aug 17-24 Leeds Grand: Aug 24-29 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Aug 31-Sep 5
l October 2014
042_045_GTW_Oct14 Theatre Listings.indd 44
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time is currently touring until November 2015
Theatre Royal Norwich: Sep 7-12 Sheffield Lyceum: Sep 14-26 Dublin Bord Gais: Oct 5-10 Grand Theatre Belfast: Oct 12-17 Theatre Royal Bath: Oct 19-31 Milton Keynes: Nov 2-7
DANCE TIL DAWN
London Aldwych: Oct 23-Jan 3 2015 Sunderland Empire: Feb 17-21 Cardiff New Theatre: Feb 23-28 Bristol Hippodrome: Mar 23-28
DISNEY ON ICE
London O2 Arena: Dec 24-Jan 4, 2015
DIRTY DANCING
Oxford New: Dec 9 – Jan 3 2015 Eastbourne Congress: Jan 13-24 Sunderland Empire: Jan 27–Feb 14 Edinburgh Playhouse: Feb 24-Mar 14 Cardiff Millennium Centre: Mar 17-28 Liverpool Empire: Apr 7-25
DREAMBOATS AND MINISKIRTS
2015 Dartford Orchard Theatre: Jan 5-10 Chesterfield Winding Wheel: Jan12-17 Northampton Royal & Derngate: Jan 26-31 Cornwall Hall for Truro: Feb 16-21 Hull New Theatre: Mar 2-7 Aylesbury Waterside: Mar 9-14
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
2015 Woking New Victoria: Jan 13-17 Nottingham Theatre Royal: Jan 20-24 Liverpool Empire: Jan 27-31 Norwich Theatre Royal: Feb 3-7 Birmingham Hippodrome: Feb 10-14 Milton Keynes Theatre: Feb 17-21 Bradford Alhambra: Feb 24-28 Southampton Mayflower: Mar 3-7 Cardiff Millennium Centre: Mar 10-14
JERSEY BOYS
Birmingham Alexandra: Dec 9-Jan 4, 2015 2015 Canterbury Marlowe: Jan 20-31 Milton Keynes: Feb 3-14 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Mar 3-14 Dublin Bord Gais: Apr 1-18 Southampton Mayflower: Aug 4-15
JOSEPH
2015 Southport Theatre: Feb 24-28
LION KING
Cardiff Millennium Centre: Nov 6 – Jan 11, 2015
NORTHERN BALLET ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER
2015 Southampton Mayflower: Apr 24
NORTHERN BALLET – THE GREAT GATSBY
London Sadler’s Wells: Mar 24-28, 2015 Theatre Royal Norwich: Apr 14-18
London Sadlers Wells: Dec 2-Jan 11, www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 11:41
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ grouptravelworld
NORTHERN BALLET – ROMEO & JULIET
2015 Festival Theatre Edinburgh: Feb 26-28 Leeds Grand Theatre: Mar 4-12
NORTHERN BALLET – WUTHERING HEIGHTS
2015 Sheffield Lyceum Theatre: Mar 18-21 Southampton Mayflower: Apr 22-25 Milton Keynes Theatre: Apr 28-May 2
NUTCRACKER – ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET
London Coliseum: Dec 11-Jan 4, 2015
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Glasgow Royal: Dec 15–Jan 3 2015 Southampton Mayflower: Jan 6-10
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Manchester Palace: Dec 1–Jan 11 2015 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Jan 21–Feb 8 Canterbury Marlowe: Feb 11–Mar 1 Newcastle Royal: Mar 11-28 Glasgow King’s: Apr 29–May 17 Sheffield Lyceum: May 27–June 7
www.grouptravelworld.com
042_045_GTW_Oct14 Theatre Listings.indd 45
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Southampton Mayflower: July 8-26 Plymouth Theatre Royal: Aug 28–Sep 15 Milton Keynes Theatre: Aug 19–Sep 16
SPAMALOT
2015 Manchester Opera House: Jan 15-24 Richmond Theatre: Jan 26-31 Edinburgh Playhouse: Mar 16-21 Birmingham New Alexandra: Feb 2-7 Oxford New Theatre: Feb 9-14 York Opera House: Feb 16-21 Dublin Bord Gais: Feb 8-23 Woking New Victoria: Mar 9-14 Torquay Princess: Apr 6-11 Glasgow King’s: Jun 1-6 Wimbledon Theatre: Jun 8-13 Milton Keynes Theatre: Jun 15-20 Torquay Princess Theatre: July 6-11
Brighton Theatre Royal: Apr 13-18 Birmingham Alexandra: Apr 20-25 Bristol Hippodrome: Apr 27-May 2 Sunderland Empire: May 11-16 Woking New Victoria: May 18-23 Southampton Mayflower: May 26-30 Liverpool Empire: Jun 1-6 Glasgow Theatre Royal: Jun 15-20 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Jun 22-27
TOP HAT
Leeds Grand: Dec 23–Jan 4 2015 Cardiff Millenium Centre: Jan 14-24 Sheffield Lyceum: Feb 24–Mar 7 Birmingham Hippodrome: Mar 10-21 Norwich Royal: Mar 31–Apr 11 Canterbury Marlowe: Apr 14-25 Plymouth Royal: Apr 28–May 9 Southampton Mayflower: May 12-23 Dublin Bord Gais: May 26–Jun 6 Belfast Grand Opera House: Jun 9-13 Sunderland Empire: Jun 24–July 4 Woking New Victoria: July 7-18 Eastbourne Congress: July 21-26
SWAN LAKE – ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET
2015 London Coliseum: Jan 7-18
THE PRODUCERS
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
2015 Bromley Churchill Theatre: Mar 6-14, Manchester Palace Theatre: Mar 16-21 Milton Keynes Theatre: Mar 30-Apr 4 Southend Cliffs: Apr 7-11
When booking, please mention
October 2014 l
45
25/09/2014 11:41
C O M E DY / / T O U R S
Group Travel World provides show listings for some of the top comedians on tour in 2015 ALAN DAVIES – LITTLE VICTORIES
Orchard Theatre Dartford: May 7 Dorking Halls Theatre: May 8 Wyvern Theatre Swindon: May 9 Broxbourne Civic Hall: May 15 Princes Hall Aldershot: May 16 Woking New Victoria: May 17 MK Theatre: May 18 Exeter Corn Exchange: May 27 Lyric Theatre Carmarthen: May 29 Theatre Hafren Newtown: May 30
Leas Cliff Hall Folkestwone: Feb 27-28 De La Warr Pavilion: Mar 5 Central Theatre Chatham: Mar 12 The Alban Arena: Mar 14 The Sands Centre Carlisle: Mar 19 Baths Hall Scunthorpe: Mar 20 The Engine Shed Lincoln: Mar 21 Swansea Grand Theatre: Mar 28
AL MURRAY – ONE MAN, ONE GUV’NOR
DARA O BRIAIN
Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge: Apr 17 Jersey Opera House: Apr 18 Leeds Town Hall: Apr 21 Theatre Royal Nottingham: Apr 22 Harrogate Royal Theatre: Apr 23 Newcastle City Hall: Apr 25 York Barbican: Apr 26 Symphony Hall Birmingham: Apr 30 William Aston Hall Wrexham: May 1 Philharmonic Hall Liverpool: May 2 City Hall Sheffield: May 3 Marlowe Theatre Canterbury: May 6 The Cresset Peterborough: May 7 Regent Theatre Ipswich: May 8 Theatre Royal Bury: May 9 Warwick Arts Centre: May 13 The Engine Shed Lincoln: May 14 Regent Theatre Stoke: May 15 Anvil Arts Basingstoke: May 16 Waterfront Hall Auditorium: May 17 The Alban Arena: May 20-21 Portsmouth Guildhall: May 22 Cheltenham Town Hall: May 25-26 The Forum London: May 27-28 Eventim Apollo London: May 29-30 Horsecross Perth: Aug 7
46
Regent Theatre Stoke: Jan 10 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre: Jan 12 New Wimbledon Theatre: Jan 16 King’s Lynn Corn Exchange: Jan 22 Exeter Corn Exchange: Jan 28 Blake Hall Bridgewater: Feb 7
G Live Guildford: Jan 29-30 Warwick Arts Centre: Mar 5-7
Caird Hall Dundee: Mar 4 Mareel Shetland: Mar 5 Aberdeen Music Hall: Mar 6 Horsecross Perth: Mar 7 Eden Court Inverness: Mar 8 Colston Hall Bristol: Mar 11 New Theatre Oxford: Mar 12 Derngate Theatre Northampton: Mar 13 Reading Hexagon: Mar 14 The Lowry Salford: Mar 15 SECC Glasgow: Mar 18 Manchester Opera House: Mar 19 Palace Theatre Southend: Mar 24 Truro Hall For Cornwall: Mar 25 Bournemouth Pavilion: Mar 28 Wales Millennium Centre: Mar 29 Orchard Theatre Dartford: Mar 31 Brighton Dome: Apr 1-2 Aberystwyth Arts Centre: Apr 15 Theatre Severn Shrewsbury: Apr 16
l October 2014
046_047_GTW_Oct14 Comedy Listings .indd 46
JIM DAVIDSON – NO FURTHER ACTION
JIMMY CARR – FUNNY BUSINESS
DYLAN MORAN – OFF THE HOOK
Tivoli Theatre Wimborne: Feb 5 Regent Theatre Stoke: Feb 6 Huddersfield Town Hall: Feb 7 Theatre Royal Newcastle: Feb 8 Gala Theatre Durham: Feb 9 Warwick Arts Centre: Feb 12 Cliffs Pavilion Southend: Feb 13-14 Harrogate Royal Theatre: Feb 19 Theatre Severn Shrewsbury: Feb 20 Warrington Pyramid: Feb 21 Regent Theatre Ipswich: Feb 25 The Marina Theatre Lowestoft: Feb 26 Kings Lynn Corn Exchange: Feb 27 Embassy Theatre Skegness: Feb 28 Nottingham Playhouse: Mar 1 Watford Colosseum: Mar 4 The Lowry Salford: Mar 8 New Theatre Oxford: Mar 9 Aberdeen Music Hall: Mar 19 Alhambra Theatre: Mar 21 Kings Theatre Glasgow: Mar 22 Central Theatre Chatham: Apr 23 Beck Theatre Hayes: Apr 24 Derngate Theatre Northampton: Apr 25 Octagon Theatre Yeovil: May 5 Bristol Hippodrome: May 6
Portsmouth Guildhall: May 29 Symphony Hall Birmingham: May 30 Colston Hall Bristol: Jun 5 O2 Academy Brixton: Jun 6 Wales Millennium Centre: Jun 7 Sheffield City Hall: Jun 19 Derngate Theatre Northampton: Jun 23 Warwick Arts Centre: Jun 26 Leeds Town Hall: Jul 3 Symphony Hall Birmingham: Jul 4 Empire Theatre Sunderland: Jul 11 Canterbury Marlowe: Jul 14 Alhambra Theatre: Aug 7 Princess Theatre Torquay: Aug 21 Bridlington Spa: Aug 28 Watford Colosseum: Sep 1 Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage: Sep 5 Pyramid Warrington: Sep 26 Scarborough Spa Complex: Nov 7
White Rock Theatre Hastings: Jan 30, Victoria Hall Stoke: Jan 31 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone: Feb 3 De Montfort Hall Leicester: Feb 6 Aylesbury Waterside: Feb 7 Cliffs Pavilion Southend: Feb 10 O2 Apollo Manchester: Feb 20 Warwick Arts Centre: Feb 21 Venue Cymru Llandudno: Feb 22 Cheltenham Town Hall: Feb 24 Grand Opera House York: Feb 27-28 MK Theatre: Mar 3 Horsecross Perth: Mar 6 Eden Court Inverness: Mar 7 Reading Hexagon: Mar 10 SECC Glasgow: Mar 13-14 The BIC Bournemouth: Mar 21 Brighton Dome: Mar 24 Newcastle City Hall: Mar 27 Middlesbrough Town Hall: Mar 28 Working New Victoria: Apr 14 O2 Apollo Manchester: Apr 17 Colston Hall Bristol: Apr 18 Cliffs Pavilion Southend: Apr 21 Eventim Apollo London: Apr 24 Theatre Royal Nottingham: May 1 Wolves Civic Wolverhampton: May 2 Harrogate Royal Theatre: May 9 The Dome Doncaster: May 16 Plymouth Pavilions: May 23
KEN DODD
Warrington Pyramid: Jan 24 Stockport Plaza: Apr 18
MARK WATSON – FLAWS
The Alban Arena: Jan 20 Cambridge Corn Exchange: Jan 31 Kidderminster Town Hall: Feb 4 www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:44
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ grouptravelworld
Gatehouse Theatre Stafford: Feb 7 Union Chapel London: Feb 19
MICHAEL MCINTYRE – HAPPY & GLORIOUS
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff: Sep 3-5 Capital FM Arena Nottingham: Sep 10-12 THE NIA Birmingham: Sep 18-26 London O2 Arena: Oct 1-3 & 8-10 Motorpoint Arena Sheffield: Oct 16-17 The SSE Arena London: Oct 22-24 Phones 4u Arena Manchester: Oct 29-31 Arena Dublin: Nov 6-7 Odyssey Arena Belfast: Nov 13-14 The SSE Hydro Glasgow: Nov 19-21 AECC Aberdeen: Nov 24-25 Metro Arena Newcastle: Nov 27-28
www.grouptravelworld.com
046_047_GTW_Oct14 Comedy Listings .indd 47
Liverpool Echo Arena: Dec 4-5 First Direct Arena Leeds: Dec 10-11
MILTON JONES & THE TEMPLE OF DAFT
Dorking Halls Theatre: Feb 4, Cliffs Pavilion Southend: Feb 5 Richmond Theatre: Feb 7 Churchill Theatre Bromley: Feb 8 King’s Lynn Corn Exchange: Feb 11 Baths Hall Scunthorpe: Feb 12 Echo Arena Liverpool: Feb 13 Lowther Pavilion Lytham: Feb 15 Harrogate Royal Theatre: Feb 18 York Barbican: Feb 19 De Montfort Hall Leicester: Feb 20 Theatre Royal Nottingham: Feb 21 Theatre Severn Shrewsbury: Feb 25 The Hawth Crawley: Feb 26
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Bournemouth Pavilion: Feb 27 New Wimbledon Theatre: Feb 28 New Theatre Oxford: Mar 1 Aberdeen Music Hall: Mar 4 Alhambra Theatre: Mar 5 Olympia Theatre Dublin: Mar 7 Broadway Theatre London: Mar 11 Fairfield Croydon: Mar 12 G Live Guildford: Mar 13 Assembly Hall Theatre: Mar 15 The Engine Shed Lincoln: Mar 19 Anvil Arts Basingstoke: Mar 20 Cheltenham Town Hall: Apr 14-15 Regent Theatre Stoke: Apr 16 Wolves Civic Wolverhampton: Apr 17 New Victoria Theatre: Apr 18 Derngate Theatre Northampton: Apr 23 Warwick Arts Centre: Apr 24 The Lowry Salford: Apr 26 Eventim Apollo London: May 1 Wyvern Theatre Swindon: May 6 Playhouse Theatre Weston: May 7 Colston Hall Bristol: May 8-9 City Hall Salisbury: May 10 St David’s Hall Cardiff: May 14 Grand Theatre Swansea: May 15 Cambridge Corn Exchange: May 16-17 Stockport Plaza: May 20 King George’s Hall Blackburn: May 21 Newcastle City Hall: May 22
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
Victoria Theatre Halifax: May 23 Leeds Grand Theatre: May 24 The Alban Arena: May 28 Southampton Guildhall: May 29 Aylesbury Waterside: May 30 Swan Theatre High Wycombe: May 31 Oakengates Theatre Telford: Jun 4 Symphony Hall Birmingham: Jun 5 City Hall Hull: Jun 6 Grand Theatre Blackpool: Jun 7 White Rock Theatre Hastings: Jun 10 Marlowe Theatre Canterbury: Jun 11 Reading Hexagon: Jun 12-13 Orchard Theatre Dartford: Jun 14 Opera House Jersey: Jun 17-18 Watford Colosseum: Jun 19 Princess Theatre Torquay: Jun 20 Plymouth Pavilion: Jun 21 Theatre Royal Brighton: Jun 24-25 MK Theatre: Jun 26-27
When booking, please mention
October 2014 l
47
25/09/2014 09:44
TICKETMASTER
Disney’s The Lion King This month Ticketmaster Groups takes a wander across the Serengeti, past Pride Rock and stops off at the Elephant Graveyard to chat to the actor who plays Scar in Disney’s The Lion King, George Asprey First off, the costumes and make-up in The Lion King Q are incredible – how long does it take to get ready and does your costume pose any challenges?
It takes a professional makeup artist 40 minutes to do my make up; it would be triple that if I had to do it. It takes me 20 minutes to get dressed; I have a dresser to help me.
Q
What attracted you to the role of Scar?
He’s probably the greatest Disney villain ever created. And when else are you going to have the opportunity to say “hello kitty” on stage?
does it feel to play the villain of the piece? Q How
I love playing the baddie. The psychological make-up of an evil person is so much fun to explore, plus he generally gets the best lines.
would be your ideal ‘goodie’ to play? Q Who Probably Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. He’s a baddie that becomes a goodie.
Q
You’ve played the role for some time, how do you manage it night in, night out? I may have played Scar for many performances but for the majority of the audience it’s their first time. I have to be the best Scar I can be. Plus it really is great fun.
George Asprey as Scar. DISNEY
If you could perform one song from The Lion King Q that’s not one of yours, which would you choose?
“They live in you.” As long as I could sing like Shaun Escoffery, which I can’t…
I’m a huge sports fan and love to watch most sports, but my main hobbies are golf and Jiu Jitsu. Unfortunately these are somewhat curtailed by the needs of my three daughters, the youngest being only 21 months. But my time will come.
You’ve worked on both And finally, what makes The stage and screen - which do Lion King a great night out Q Q you prefer and why? for schools and groups? They are both so different. I love the novelty of screen acting, and the chance to do something different each day. But you don’t get that immediate rapport with the audience that gives an actor such a buzz.
Detailed costumes replace the animated lions of the film. DISNEY 48
Group Travel World ● October 2014
048_GTW_OCT14_TIcketmaster.indd 48
What do you like to do in your spare time when Qyou’re not trying to take over Pride Rock?
The Lion King combines a multitude of different theatrical genres from around the world, from Chinese shadow puppetry to Balanese dance. The music is incredible and it’s a time honoured story that even Shakespeare has used. If you are going to see your first piece of theatre what could be better than that. Oh and the guy playing Scar is just GREAT! ■ www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 18:00
p00_CBW_1014 Ticketmaster 23/09/2014 09:37 Page 1
p00_GTW_1014 Warhorse 11/09/2014 09:29 Page 1
Since its foundation 25 years ago the CTC has become the leading organisation for promoting travel and tourism by coach
C TC B U L L E T I N From Paul Ovington, CTC Public Relations
Welcome to new members
O
ur members are the lifeblood of the CTC, so while we lose some supporters each year, it’s great to be able to offset this with an on-going intake of new members. We are therefore delighted to welcome a cross section of new members who have joined the CTC in 2015, and who are helping us maintain member numbers at around 300. The latest members to join are Bluewater in Kent,
Europe’s leading retail and shopping centre with over 300 stores and 60 restaurants, plus entertainment, with cinemas and leisure activities. Also, Premium Tours in London, which offers a range of sightseeing day trips and luxury coach tours throughout the UK and Europe. The Canal and River Trust look after 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales, including the famous Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire, and Sabrina Boat Tours,
offering gentle sailing trips around the picturesque River Severn loop in Shrewsbury. These members are in addition to other new arrivals in 2015, including De Vere Hotels, QHotels, HF Holidays, Adfactoo Marketing, Design and Print, the Consortium of Independent Tour Operators (CITO), Historic Scotland, Lincoln Cathedral, Bodnant Welsh Food in North Wales, and Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal, Safari and Wildlife Parks.
WW1 Battlefield fam trip Oliver Duhamel of Lille Tourist Office, Marcia Gipson of Albatross, Gina Halden from Greatdays, Stacey Hunter of Norman Allen, Ian Marsh of ICT and Delphine Bartier of Nord Tourism pictured at the start of a CTC WW1 Battlefields fam trip to Northern France
Social media Today’s instant communications and social media platforms are something those of a certain age are likely to avoid, but like everyone else, we learn to adapt and use them to our advantage. Therefore, we are keen for more members to make use of the CTC’s new Facebook and Twitter links, which enable us to promote what we are doing in a more immediate fashion. It also allows our members to promote their news. In particular, it’s an excellent opportunity for suppliers to tell buyers what they are doing – not only to CTC members, but also to other followers. Why not become a friend on both mediums now and sign up to www.facebook.com/ coachtourismcouncil or search Coach Tourism Council, or for Twitter use www.twitter.com/ coachtourismUK or search @CoachTourismUK
Silver Jubilee celebration
A group of CTC members enjoyed a recent fam trip to Boughton House and Gardens, near Kettering, and Rockingham Castle, part of the ‘Hidden England’ group of attractions.
www.grouptravelworld.com
051_GTW_Oct14_CTC.indd 51
We will be celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the introduction of the Coach Tourism Council in 1989 at a special pre Christmas dinner, to be held on Sunday, November 23 at the Cheltenham Park Hotel in Cheltenham, as guests of The Hotel Collection. Some of the founding members of the CTC, including Gerry Topiol, who launched the initiative and was the CTC’s first chairman, will be joining current members – many of whom have been with us for 25 years. The event will be celebrated in style, with entertainment and dancing. There will also be a chance to get into the festive spirit early on a fam trip to the Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market. October 2014 ●
51
25/09/2014 09:36
Z O O S A N D A N I M A L AT T R A C T I O N S
Kumbuka, a silverpack gorilla at ZSL London Zoo. ZSL
Beautiful beasts James Day looks at some of the UK’s best zoos and animal attractions
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY LONDON
Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity whose mission is to promote the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. The society has active conservation projects in more than 50 countries and two Zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Arguably the world’s most famous zoo, ZSL London Zoo has been entertaining groups since it opened to the public in 1847. With over 760 animal species, recently opened and innovative new exhibits and heritage-listed buildings almost as famous as their inhabitants, it’s a great choice for a day out in the capital for groups of all ages and sizes Groups of 10 or more paying visitors to ZSL London Zoo can save 25% on entry when booking advance group tickets. Free entry is provided for a carer with any disabled visitor ticket purchased online. Carers for groups of 10 will be admitted at the gate. Set in a 600 acre site amongst the rolling
52
Group Travel World ● October 2014
052_056_GTW_Oct14_Zoos.indd 52
Galapagos Tortoises are another large animal to be found at ZSL London Zoo. ZSL Chiltern Hills, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is a group adventure on an different scale. Visitors can see the elephants on their daily walk around the Zoo, rhinos in their huge paddock, a lion pride, cheetahs as they speed by and lofty giraffes. Again, groups of 10 or more save 25% discount when booking in advance, and can benefit from a 15% reduction in entry should they buy tickets at the gate. Other group benefits include free entry for Blue Badge Guides, a free adult
ticket with every 10 paying children, free entry for one essential carer with paying disabled visitors, free posters and leaflets to help promote the group visit and coach parking. Groups visiting ZSL Whipsnade Zoo can also purchase catering vouchers which can be exchanged at the Oasis Café.
DONKEY SANCTUARY
»
The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE.
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:42
p53_GTW_1014 23/09/2014 12:40 Page 1
UNDER
NEW ENTT EMEN M AGEM ANAG MAN
T: 0117 986 4929
www.avonvalleycountrypark.com
Now with more attractions open in the winter Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1TP
Big cats are the key draw of South Lakes, with five different major species. SOUTH LAKES
Z O O S A N D A N I M A L AT T R A C T I O N S
The Donkey Sanctuary currently cares for 5,800 Donkeys
Through her devotion to donkeys and hard work, the Sanctuary has grown to be an international charity. There are currently 5,800 donkeys in the sanctuary’s care. 500 of these are living at Slade Farm, including the gentle giant Poitou donkeys. The sanctuary welcomes many different groups, including school groups. Coach operators are also welcomed to the sanctuary, even if it’s just a stopover to break up a long journey.
REVIEW West Midlands Safari Park BY IAN GILLIS
For a great family day out, WMSP offers plenty of choice and variety, both on the drive-round safari and in the modest but entertaining theme park, hosting a number of thrill rides and prize games for children and adults. The theme park is also home to a number of species such as goats, lemurs and everyone’s favourite, meerkats. You’re allowed to walk freely amongst many of them, even getting to hand feed some of the more docile ones. There’s also a programme of interactive encounters and shows ranging from scheduled feeding shows to informative demonstrations and educational displays. A good selection of reasonably priced restaurants and gift shops round off the experience. The drive-through safari brings you up close and personal with over 180 species of animal in 11 themed sections on a four-mile route. All the species you’d expect to see are here, including a pride of African white lions, rarely spotted in the wild and sadly firmly entrenched on the endangered species list. At the entrance you’re able to buy special food for many of the animals (though warning signs for the ones you most definitely shouldn’t feed are very prominent for those lacking common sense or packing a death wish!) Many of the animals get very close to your vehicle and are not shy about sticking their head through your open window to sample your goods! Photo opportunities are plentiful, especially so if you happen to be on a coach tour. The drive through takes around an hour and a
54
Group Travel World l October 2014
052_056_GTW_Oct14_Zoos.indd 54
The sanctuary asks that, to enable it to accommodate large groups by coach or in its restaurant, to call ahead of the visit. The contact number is 01395 578222.
REDWINGS
Redwings Horse Sanctuary is the UK’s largest horse sanctuary, caring for over 1,300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Groups are welcomed to Redwings’ four centres and can visit for free, though they are advised to bring suitable footwear – wellies or sturdy shoes. The four centres are Ada Cole Rescue Centre near Nazeing in Essex, Caldecott Visitor Centre near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, Aylsham Visitor Centre in Norfolk and Oxhill Visitor Centre in Warwickshire. The Caldecott and Aylsham centres in particular offer tailored educational visits. Groups are welcome to either guide themselves around their chosen site, or book a guided tour. These tours are available for approximately 20 people at a time and are provided during term on various days, depending on the centre. Food can be ordered in advance for up to 20 people. Outside of term time, self-guided visits can take place during opening hours, though they should be booked at least two weeks in advance.
SOUTH LAKES
half, depending on how busy it is. We arrived around 1100hrs on a Sunday, one of the parks busiest days and did it in around two hours. Segregated gating controls the flow of traffic and even on this busy of days, the majority of time we were stationary was just to take photos. The park welcomes coach operators and even has a dedicated section on its website that lists operators who regularly bring parties along, broken down by region.
South Lakes Safari Zoo features giraffes, free roaming monkeys, lemurs, free flying birds and a mob of kangaroos. The zoo also has an impressive collection of big cats, including African Lions, Snow Leopards, Jaguars, Sri Lankan Leopards and Sumatran Tigers. Those interested in felines would be hard-pressed to find a better place to visit. Visitors can enjoy a meal in the African restaurant and the park is a great place for a group visit, with plenty to keep the whole group entertained for a whole day. Group rates are dependent on the size of the group. A group of 15-35 gains entry for £11.50 per adult, £7.00 per child and £8.00 per OAP. This reduces to £9.00, £6.00 and £6.00 respectively for groups
»
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:42
Call 0844 842 4647 or visit aspinallfoundation.org/howletts to find out more. NR. CANTERBURY, KENT, SAT NAV CT4 5EL Search ‘Howletts’ @howlettspark howlettspark
NR. ASHFORD, KENT, SAT NAV CT21 4LR Search ‘Port Lympne’ @portlympnepark portlympnereserve
Z O O S A N D A N I M A L AT T R A C T I O N S of 36-52, and further to £7.00, £5.00 and £6.00 respectively for groups of 53 or more. Coach operators can save even further, with entry granted at £6.25 per head, 50% less than general admission. Other group benefits include free all day coach parking on site within metres of the entrance with free admission for coach drivers and a booking pack containing health and safety information to help with risk assessments, talk and feeding times and a copy of the current park map. The park offers queue jump at peak times and fast check in. A free familiarisation visit is also provided for the GTO once the trip is booked.
ST ANDREW’S AQUARIUM
At St Andrew’s Aquarium, in Fife, Scotland, groups can be transported into an underwater world of adventure and discovery, packed full of surprises. They can come face to face with some of the most beautiful, fascinating and dangerous creatures of the watery worlds. Animals at the aquarium include black tip reef sharks, spiders, lobsters, lionfish, poison dart frogs, piranhas, tennis loving penguins, seals and even meerkats. The venue’s new Steprock Cafe is stocked to the hilt with fresh sandwiches and freshly baked cakes, so it’s worth popping in for a bite to eat. With some of the best views in St Andrews overlooking the West Sands and Steprock Beach, it’s easy to see why the light and airy cafe is the perfect place to relax. Groups of 10 or more save £1 per head on entry prices.
TWYCROSS ZOO
Animals come in all shapes and sizes at Twycross zoo, from leopards to lemurs,
St Andrew’s Aquarium is home to a number of Humboldt Penguins, all of which are female
56
Group Travel World l October 2014
052_056_GTW_Oct14_Zoos.indd 56
St Andrew’s Aquarium offers visitors the chance to handle sea creatures parrots to prairie dogs and tortoises to tarantulas. Twycross Zoo cares for around 500 animals, of which almost 150 are species of larger animals, including many endangered species. Renowned as a specialist primate zoo, it cares for a wide variety of monkeys and apes, and is the only zoo in the UK where visitors can see all types of great ape – gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee and bonobo. There’s plenty to see, from favourites including meerkats and penguins, and the Amur leopard, the world’s rarest big cat. Groups of 20 people or more can enter the zoo for £13.50 per adult, £9.00 per child (£1.00 for those under three years old) or £11.50 per concession. For educational visits, entry stands at £9.00 for College & University Students, £5.00 for school pupils, £4.00 for nursery children and £9.00 for staff. Other adults can join the group for £10.00 per head, with one teacher going free for every five pupils in school parties.
ASPINALL FOUNDATION
The Aspinall Foundation offers two animal attractions in Kent – Port Lympne Reserve south of Ashford, and Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury. Port Lympne Reserve offers exciting and educational days out for groups and families of all ages, situated in a 600 acre site within an area of outstanding natural beauty. It features wooded walkways and paths to explore along with animal talks held throughout the day, and far reaching views across the English channel to France. Visitors have the chance to jump on board a safari truck and be transported to The African Experience – 100 acres of Kentish Savannah – where giraffe, black rhino, wildebeest, ostrich, zebra and many more animals can be seen roaming freely. There are four on-foot zones waiting to be explored, where visitors can meet big cats and small cats in Carnivore Territory, and monkeys, lemurs and western lowland gorillas in the Primate Trail. Discounted admission prices for group bookings are available, with a minimum number of 15 per group. Bespoke extras can also be arranged and there is ample parking for coaches. Howletts Wild Animal Park is open 364 days a year and is home to some of the most rare and endangered species on the planet. It has the largest collection of critically endangered western lowland gorillas in the world and the largest collection of African elephants in Europe. Set over 90 acres of historic parkland, visitors have the chance to walk with lemurs, get up close and personal with Northern Chinese leopards in their new glass fronted enclosure and even copy the agile primates on the Treetop Challenge – an obstacle course set in the trees. Similar entry discounts and coach parking facilities are available here. n
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:42
p57_GTW_1014 22/09/2014 12:47 Page 1
xxxxxxxxx
E D U C AT I O N
Learning Through Experience James Day examines some of the UK’s best locations for school trips and educational visits
S
chool trips can be an excellent supplement to children’s learning. Visiting an interesting location is sure to stay in their memories much more than anything read it a textbook, and many venues offer curriculum-linked resources or workshops to assist teachers. Many museums and attractions offer substantially reduced entry for schools during term time, if they charge entry at all, so there are plenty of incentives for schools to embark on these trips. Coach drop off or parking is usually provided, since a coach is the most practical way for schools to visit most places. What follows are some of the best locations for schools looking to combine an enjoyable day out with a fantastic learning experience.
ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is one of the key landmarks of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The giant swirling, swooping sculpture, six times the height of the Angel of the North, provides views of the London skyline up to 20 miles into the distance. Schools prices start at £7 per child from April to September, or £5 per child from October to March. A free teacher or assistant place is provided with every 10 child places. Visits must be booked in advance to ensure that any particular needs can be accommodated for. Familiarisation visits can be arranged. Coach parking is available on site at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, but must be booked in advance. ArcelorMittal Orbit has teaching resources available to lead educational visits, both on site and back in the classroom. These cover key stages one 58
Group Travel World l October 2014
058_062_GTW_Oct14_Educational.indd 58
Stop-motion filming is one of the exhibits at the National Media Museum – four in a range of subjects, including science, geography and art and design. A full day’s activity programme is available from the Field Studies Council, an environmental education charity. Field Studies Council can deliver this for a school group at the ArcelorMittal Orbit. It also has a classroom nearby, at the View Tube.
NATIONAL MEDIA MUSEUM
The National Media Museum in Bradford boasts eight floors of free galleries
about the internet, television, animation and photography, and three temporary exhibition spaces exploring different aspects of the media. For a school visit, the venue can offer its spectacular IMAX cinema, practical workshops, gallery talks, study days and downloadable resources, as well as its live interactive show – CinemaMagic. Visits will suit groups from key stage two through to further education, and can meet curriculum requirements for English, science, design & technology, ICT,
The British Museum’s permanent collection of around eight million works is among the largest and most comprehensive in the world
»
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 10:41
p00_GTW_1014 Whipsnade 08/09/2014 11:10 Page 1
Come eye to eye with the world's tallest mammal
E D U C AT I O N history, art & design, Media and Film Studies. l The museum’s top exhibitions include: l Kodak Gallery – students can learn about the birth of photography and the development of the camera, and discover the part that Victorians played in making photography as accessible as it is today; l Life Online – an exploration of the social, technological and cultural impact of the internet and how it has changed people’s lives. Schools can visit the complementary exhibition space and consider the current threats to net neutrality; l Experience TV – students can find out how television is made, learn about the early pioneers of TV and take part in a roleplay where they can read the news themselves; l Magic Factory – a scientific exhibition where hands-on exhibits help pupils to see how light cannot pass through some materials, how shadows are formed and how light is reflected from surfaces; l Animation Gallery – groups can discover how animation works and find out how popular characters such as Wallace and Gromit are brought to life. There is also the chance to investigate optical illusions using hands-on exhibits; and l Games Lounge – A detailed look at history of gaming where students can play some of the titles which have helped establish gaming as a worldwide phenomenon, from original arcade machines through to the Microsoft Kinect.
BRITISH MUSEUM
The British Museum on Great Russell Street in London is dedicated to human history and culture. Its permanent collection of around eight million works is among the largest and most comprehensive in the world. There are dozens of galleries to see, providing a plethora of curriculum links which are particularly relevant to students studying history. There are many ways for students to experience and engage with this unique collection from across the world. School visits are free, but should be booked at least a term in advance. Visits can be self-led (with teaching resources available) or include workshops led by the museum’s schools team. These workshops include Viking mornings for key stages two to four and sixth form, and teacher led school-exclusive mornings called ‘Ancient Lives, New Discoveries,’ for the same age range. This is by no means an exhaustive list however, with workshops available covering a wide range of cultures from Tudor times to Ancient Greece to China. Activities are available linking to a number of subjects in the school curriculum. As well as the obvious links 60
Group Travel World l October 2014
058_062_GTW_Oct14_Educational.indd 60
The British Museum is one of the most popular museums in the world. VISIT BRITAIN to history, the museum can help with the teaching of art and design, classics, maths, financial education and R.E, covering all age groups from foundations and key stage one through to years 12 and 13. Activities are also available for students with special educational needs. Free planning sessions to help teachers plan activities, discuss resources and view
galleries also take place once per term. The majority of the museum’s galleries and all special exhibitions are fully accessible and a range of facilities are available to assist, visual, hearing and mobility impaired students. Coach groups are advised to use metered parking at Montague Place, where there is space for up to six coaches. www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 10:41
Bradford’s National Media Museum provides interesting insight across a variety of mediums, including video games, photography and animation
farm animals and other wildlife species, and many of them can be touched under supervision. The park is open every day of the year, though the riverside walk is closed from November to March as it is likely to flood during the winter. For many young school children visiting the park, they will be seeing, smelling and hearing farm animals for the first time. Groups of 20 or more receive a 20% discount on entry, and special rates for 100 children apply. One adult enters free for every five paying school children. A risk assessment is available online.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The striking Natural History Museum in London exhibits a vast range of specimens from various stages of natural history, and is one of three large museums in the South Kensington area of London – the others being the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum – making it a good location for a day long school trip. The museum’s schools programme offers inspirational activities for all ages and abilities. It taps into a collection of more than 70 million treasures from the natural world and is supported by world-class scientific expertise. The newly-refurbished Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery (previously known as The Power Within) is now open and sure to be particularly interesting for a school field trip. The Museum is a leading resource for science and geography education. Its school programme caters to all ages and levels including foundation, primary, secondary and A-level. It offers curriculum-linked events, workshops, hands-on activities and a teacher support service to help schools get the most out of their visit. All school services are free, but must be booked in advance. The museum’s hands-on workshops include the human evolution workshop, which challenges students to explore the evolutionary relationships between present day Homo sapiens and ancient humans, using the same analytical techniques as museum scientists. Branching off from this is The Great Debate workshop, where key stage four students have the opportunity to debate Darwin’s theory of evolution. A level students can also enjoy a biology AS and A-level day, where students can meet the museum’s scientists and take guided tours of the relevant exhibitions. The museum recommends preliminary visits to help staff familiarise themselves with its facilities. There is also a detailed events calendar which is worth going
through before a visit is planned, to see if there is an event which the school trip ought to coincide with. Coach drop off is provided outside the museum’s Cromwell road entrance. The museum is also very close to Victoria Coach Station.
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, DUXFORD
IWM Duxford is Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfield, with a fascinating history which dates back to the First World War. Its story reflects the landmark achievements made in aviation history. Historic buildings sit alongside its striking contemporary exhibition halls; AirSpace and the American Air Museum. Through the rich displays of iconic aircraft and the powerful stories of the men and women involved, the museum shows the impact of aviation on the nature of war and on people’s lives. With one of the finest collections of tanks, military vehicles and artillery in its Land Warfare exhibition, IWM Duxford shows how technological development impacts on war and conflict. School groups can explore the former RAF fighter station which was used during both the First and Second World Wars. Schools, colleges and groups, including military, overseas and youth groups, can book a self-led visit. To enhance their visit further, a learning session or tour can also be added. Learning sessions use a wealth of artefacts and are delivered in the Clore Learning Centre or around the exhibitions. Groups should allow several hours for a visit, bring suitable outdoor clothing, and wear comfortable shoes. IWM Duxford is also famous for its air shows, though these tend to take place on bank holidays or on weekends and are not overly suitable for school visits.
IWM Duxford is Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfield, with a fascinating history which dates back to the First World War
As well as containing amazing exhibits, the National History Museum is a striking building. VISIT BRITAIN
AVON VALLEY
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park combines adventure and education to provide an appreciation of the natural world. The park covers 80 acres of countryside just off the main A4 between Bath and Bristol. Residents of the park include www.grouptravelworld.com
058_062_GTW_Oct14_Educational.indd 61
INTERNATIONAL SLAVERY MUSEUM
The International Slavery Museum opened in August 2007 and in March 2010 welcomed its millionth visitor. It is the only museum of its kind to look at aspects of historical and contemporary slavery as well as being an international hub for resources on human rights issues. The International Slavery Museum highlights the international importance of slavery, both in a historic and contemporary context. Working in partnership with other museums with a focus on freedom and enslavement, the museum provides opportunities for greater awareness and understanding of the legacy of slavery today. It is located in Liverpool’s Albert
»
October 2014 l Group Travel World
61
25/09/2014 10:41
E D U C AT I O N Dock, at the centre of a World Heritage site and only yards away from the dry docks where 18th century slave trading ships were repaired and fitted out. The International Slavery Museum offers a range of activities, sessions and resources for education and community groups of all ages. Learning sessions are free of charge and usually link to the national curriculum through the museum’s collections and displays. Many sessions are led by a member of the museum’s team, while some are self-led. Booking well in advance is advised. The museum runs popular handling sessions that promote an understanding of transatlantic slavery and life in West Africa from key stage 2. Activities which explore African heritage through arts, crafts, storytelling and music are available from Early Years. Classroom teaching resources are available, on the topics of contemporary slavery, in particular for teaching citizenship in key stage two and three, the history of the transatlantic slave trade for teaching key stage two upwards, Enslaved Africans: our truth – which follows the stories of four individuals taken into slavery during the transatlantic slave trade, and Understanding Slavery, a free online resource for teachers and educators planning lessons on the transatlantic slave trade for key stage three and four pupils.
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
London Transport Museum explores the story of London and its transport system over the last 200 years, highlighting the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, culture and society since 1800. The museum cares for over 450,000 items - preserving, researching and acquiring objects to use in its galleries, exhibitions and other activities. As well as exploring the past, the
The London Transport museum includes examples of heritage and new Routemaster buses. TFL Museum looks at present-day transport developments and concepts for urban transportation in the future, which includes a contemporary collecting policy for the benefit of future generations. London Transport Museum encourages people to engage with the past, present and future of London’s transport. It offers
The museum cares for over 450,000 items - preserving, researching and acquiring objects to use in its galleries, exhibitions and other activities learning opportunities for schools and families, skills development and creative activities for young people. It provides engaging programming to a wide variety of audiences at the museum in Covent Garden, the depot in Acton, and through outreach work across London. The museum delivers contemporary transport education projects on behalf of Transport
Sea Life London Aquarium has 1,500 various creatures, providing an educational experience like no other 62
Group Travel World l October 2014
058_062_GTW_Oct14_Educational.indd 62
for London, including the Safety and Citizenship programme. Learning at London Transport Museum is active, experiential and supports the curriculum, with appropriate guided sessions from foundation through to key stage three. Schools can let their pupils explore the museum galleries with one of the museum’s actors, or take a more in-depth session led by a member of the learning team. As part of a booked visit, entry to the Museum is free for UK school groups. School workshops cost between £20 and £80 per session. Teachers who have not visited the museum for a while are offered a free preliminary visit.
SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM
Located on the South bank of the River Thames, within the historic County Hall building, Sea Life London Aquarium is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life and the jewel in the crown of the UK Sea Life attractions. The aquarium is situated right next to the London Eye, just over Westminster Bridge from Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament. Combining active, hands-on learning with fascinating educational talks and an opportunity to have an up close and personal view into its amazing aquatic world, a visit to the London Aquarium is an educational experience like no other. Highlights include 1,500 creatures, including sharks, turtles, crocodiles, penguins, clownfish, rays and many more in over 50 displays, a walk under the waves in a 180º ocean tunnel, feeding demonstrations and talks and examples of marine habitats ranging from rivers and lakes to deep oceans. There is also the opportunity to handle crabs and starfish in the aquarium’s rockpools. The aquarium’s workshops are an effective way to enhance an educational visit. Each workshop is led by the venue’s education team and includes a range of topics, practical activities and group discussions. n www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 10:41
p63_GTW_1014 23/09/2014 12:40 Page 1
HAND FEED GIRAFFES, LEMURS AND PENGUINS EVERY DAY!
FANTASTIC GROUP DISCOUNTS FROM £6.25 pp
Dalton-in-Furness Cumbria LA15 8JR
24 hour Info: 01229 466086
www.safarizoo.co.uk
English Heritage offers a 2,000 year snapshot of history in Northumberland and Cumbria BELSAY HALL, CASTLE AND GARDENS
North-west of Newcastle, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens (NE20 0DX) is one of the most picturesque estates in Northumberland. Tracing the transition from warfare to peace and gracious living, this amazing historic site boasts a spectacular ruined medieval castle enlarged into a Jacobean mansion, an imposing Greek revival villa and 20 acres of outstanding Grade 1 plantrich gardens. The Regency style villa is displayed without furnishings to reveal the fine craftsmanship of its construction – with rooms arranged around its central ‘Pillar Hall’. For an additional fee, groups can pre-book guided tours of the gardens, taking a stroll around the formal and informal gardens famed for their magnificent magnolias and rhododendrons and the romantic Quarry Garden with ravines, pinnacles and sheer rock faces. There is always something in bloom no matter what time of year you visit, and be sure to look out for the rare red squirrels, scampering through the wooded landscape. Coach Parking: Free parking for 4 coaches on site (must be pre-booked) Advance booking required for guided tours. Call 01661 881636. E: belsay.hall@englishheritage.org.uk or visit www.english-heritage. org.uk/belsayhall for further information. 64
Group Travel World ● October 2014
064_065_GTW_Oct14_English Heritage.indd 64
With a savage and turbulent past, the breathtaking landscapes of Northumberland and Cumbria are peppered with English Heritage properties that have everything to offer historyhungry groups…from green fingered garden enthusiasts to grown-up boys with a hankering to be a Roman legionary! LINDISFARNE PRIORY, HOLY ISLAND
Groups who cross the dramatic causeway at low tide to Holy Island follow the same path taken by thirteen centuries of pilgrims to reach Lindisfarne Priory (TD15 2RX) one of the most important centres of early Christianity in AngloSaxon England. The dramatic site owes its fame to St Cuthbert, the greatest of Northumbrian holy men, who lived and died there. The island became a famous shrine when his body was exhumed 11 years after his burial in AD 698, without any signs of decay. The remote island setting of the priory adds to its truly unique atmosphere. Groups can wander around the extensive richly decorated ruins with its most dramatic
feature, the towering ‘Rainbow Arch.’ A museum houses lively displays, interactive exhibits and relics including the Viking Raider Stone, believed to commemorate the first Viking raid on the monastery in AD 793. Coach Parking: No parking on site. Use Holy Island main car park, approximately three quarters of a mile from the property entrance. No advance booking required. Call 01289 389200, E: lindisfarne. priory@english-heritage. org.uk or visit www. english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarnepriory for further information. Check tide times before booking on the Northumberland County Council website www. northumberland.gov.uk/
Groups who cross the dramatic causeway at low tide to Holy Island follow the same path taken by thirteen centuries of pilgrims
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 12:17
Belsay Hall
Hadrians Wall
HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FORT
Standing spectacularly atop a dramatic escarpment, Housesteads Roman Fort NE47 6NN promises groups amazing views One of the most complete Roman forts in Britain, and originally garrisoned by 800 soldiers, the magnificent ruins include granaries, a hospital and even a multi-seated latrine. Housesteads Roman Fort has a museum and permanent exhibition uses dramatic film footage, 3D models and a stunning collection of Roman finds to enable visitors to explore all aspects of Roman life, from food, hygiene and religion to off-duty recreation for the legionaries based there 2,000 years ago.
CORBRIDGE ROMAN TOWN
Your group can walk along the main street of Corbridge Roman Town (NE45 5NT), which was once prosperous Roman garrison town, flanked by the remains of granaries, a fountain house, markets, workshops and temples. The site also has a museum housing ancient artefacts, which include the tombstone of little Ertola, who ‘lived most happily four years and sixty days’ – shown still playing with her ball – and the famous Corbridge lion carving, the recognised symbol of the site.
BIRDOSWALD FORT
Lindisfarne Priory
WORLD HERITAGE SITE: HADRIAN’S WALL
The World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall marches through 73 miles of stunning countryside and is dotted with the forts and towns where Roman soldiers lived whilst defending England’s northern frontier. Stopping off at one, or all four, of these English Heritage sites along the wall, won’t fail to bring the period to life. www.grouptravelworld.com
064_065_GTW_Oct14_English Heritage.indd 65
CHESTERS ROMAN FORT
Chesters Roman Fort (NE46 4EU) has the best preserved remains of a Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Groups can see the extensive traces of a bath house, steam room and officers quarters. The onsite museum has an amazing collection of Roman items found during the excavation of the wall. Free for groups - an English Heritage staff member will take you to the museum for a short introduction to the site explaining the history and layout of the fort as well as pointing out highlights of the museum and collection before answering questions. Booking: Advance booking required for guided tours at Housesteads Roman Fort, Birdoswald Roman Fort and welcome at Chesters Roman Fort.
Coach Parking: Available onsite at Corbridge Roman Town, Hosesteads Roman Fort and Chesters Roman Fort (charges may apply). Drop off point at entrance to Birdoswald Roman Fort with coach parking 100 metres NE of the site. Housesteads Roman Fort, call 01434 344363, E: housesteads.fort@ english-heritage.org.uk or visit www. english-heritage.org.uk/ housesteadsromanfort. Corbridge Roman Town, call 01434 632349, E: corbridge.romantown@ english-heritage. org.uk or visit www. english-heritage.org.uk/ corbridgeromantown for further information. Birdoswald Roman Fort, call 01697 747602, email birdoswald. romanfort@english-heritage.org.uk or visit www.english-heritageorg.uk/ birdoswald. Chesters Roman Fort, call 01434 681379 E: chesters.fort@englishheritage.org.uk or visit www.englishheritage.org.uk/chestersroman fort. 15% discounts for groups of 11 or more paying visitors apply and a tour leader and coach driver are admitted free. Free familiarisation visits can be arranged. For more information, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/traveltrade or email traveltrade@english-heritage. org.uk or call 020 7973 3529.
Chesters Roman Fort has the best preserved remains of a Roman cavalry fort in Britain.
Standing high above the River Irthing, near the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, Birdoswold Fort (CA8 7DD) is one of the most visited and important archaeological sites along the wall. Originally home to 1,000 soldiers during the Roman occupation, the site was later occupied by a succession of people including a Dark Age chieftan, Border Reivers, Victorian gentlemen and archaeologists. Its particularly well-preserved archaeological remains shed light on 2000 years of the borders. There is a visitor centre, which features fascinating interactive displays, reconstructions, strikingly lifelike figures and a full-height replica section of the wall. Tailor-made guided tours are available. For groups looking for a residential stay, Birdoswald has farmhouse accommodation for up to 39.
October 2014 l Group Travel World
65
25/09/2014 12:17
REGIONAL FOCUS // NORTH WEST
Lakes and liveliness Holly Cave explores the revolutionary region, pivotal in the birth of industrialisation and once home to some of the greatest writers of our time
T
he North West of England certainly knows how to have a good time. From the bright lights of Blackpool to the vibrant shops and nightlife of Manchester, it’s easy to have fun here. But it’s not all high-octane partying. The region is home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural scenery, with visitors flocking to see the mesmerising Lake District.
THE LAKE DISTRICT
England’s largest National Park doesn’t need sunshine to look good. This inspiring landscape of lakes, mountains and forests is home to England’s tallest peak, Scafell Pike, and the country’s longest and deepest lakes, Windermere and Wastwater. Lake Windermere always draws in visitors, as it’s one of the top spots in which to take a cruise on the waters. Hire your own boat between April and October, or opt for a ferry trip. With a ‘Freedom of the Lake’ ticket, you’ll have unlimited journey’s on the day of purchase, allowing you to stop off at a number of the towns and attractions lining the lake. Make a beeline for the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole, which has its own ferry jetty. This free, family orientated attraction houses a gorgeous garden, a lovely café and offers a variety of activities,
including water sports, walking trails and free exhibitions. Wray Castle is another attraction perched over Windermere. Accessible by minibus or ferry, the property is an unusual concoction of Gothic architecture surrounded by wooded gardens, with amazing views of the lake. One of the many grand houses built by wealthy industrialists of the 1800s, its rooms are now empty, which only adds to its mysterious and haunting appeal. It’s not dissimilar to Bamburgh Castle in the North East. The latter is still inhabited, with the modern version built by industrialist Lord Armstrong in the late Victorian era. Hop off at Bowness to look around the
Accessible by minibus or ferry, Wray Castle is an unusual concoction of Gothic architecture surrounded by wooded gardens, with amazing views of the lake
66
Group Travel World l October 2014
066_071_GTW_Oct14_North West.indd 66
town, check out the Information Centre, and nip into The World of Beatrix Potter. Alternatively, call in at Lakeside to see the award-winning Lakes Aquarium, which is home to the UK’s largest collection of freshwater fish. Groups visiting could receive discounted rates and a guided tour, which is free of charge. At the head of Windermere, the Victorian village of Ambleside makes for a pleasant visit. A designated heritage trail takes you to the best historical sights, with a short stroll from the centre leading visitors to Stock Ghyll Force – a spectacular waterfall that once powered an assortment of watermills. Windermere Lake Cruises offer special group rates on a variety of trips, with 20% off prices for pre-booked groups before 1030hrs and after 1600hrs. There’s coach parking at Bowness and Lakeside, with pick up/drop off points at Ambleside. www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:41
The beautiful Lake District is a stunning all-weather location. JOE CORNISH
LITERARY CUMBRIA
The dramatic landscapes of Cumbria also inspire an appeal of its own. This is the land where the great poet William Wordsworth lived, where Beatrix Potter created her menagerie of well-dressed countryside creatures, and where Arthur Ransome’s famous children’s story, Swallows and Amazons, is set. It was within the grounds of Dove Cottage that Wordsworth penned much of his poetry. It’s a beautiful spot in which he raised his family, and visitors can touch ground to find that little has changed since the 1800s. Guided tours take groups around the cottage, its gardens and the Wordsworth Museum situated adjacent. Large groups will need to book in advance by contacting the Wordsworth Trust directly. Parking is available for coaches. The National Trust managed property www.grouptravelworld.com
066_071_GTW_Oct14_North West.indd 67
of Wordsworth House is where he spent his childhood, and this glorious house and gardens in the town of Cockermouth is worth visiting even if you’re not a huge fan. A tour of the home boasts a glimpse back into the 1770s, with some of the rooms offering ‘hands on’ experiences, such as helping to bake traditional recipes in the kitchen. It’s also worth spending some time looking around the lovely town itself. The venue caters incredibly well for groups who book in advance. You’ll enjoy a free introductory talk, before choosing from a range of other experiences such as garden tours, harpsichord recitals and
talks from costumed ‘servants.’ There’s free admission for the group leader and blue badge guides, plus coach drivers receive a complimentary hot drink and cake from the café. For many of us, it’s Beatrix Potter’s stories of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck that epitomise the Lake District. Pay a visit to the pretty farmhouse, Hill Top, where she once lived, and you may even start to see small, friendly animals peeking out from the crevices. This is a small venue and while groups are welcome, they must be pre-booked. The World of Beatrix Potter, located in the lakeside town of Bowness, is
The World of Beatrix Potter, located in the lakeside town of Bowness, is another great place for fans to find out more about the writer and her stories.
October 2014 l Group Travel World
67
25/09/2014 09:41
Blackpool is one of the UK’s most popular resorts. ADRIAN HOUSTON
REGIONAL FOCUS // NORTH WEST
Hadrian’s wall, the ancient Roman fortification, can be found at the Scottish border. DAVE WILLIS another great place for fans to find out more about the writer and her stories. A dedicated Groups Manager will help you with your booking and visit. Don’t leave town without picking up some famous local produce, such as Grasmere Gingerbread, Kendal Mint Cake and Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding.
CUMBRIA BEYOND THE LAKES
This county isn’t solely about the Lake District. Cumbria also includes the North Pennines, The Furness Peninsula and snippets of the Yorkshire Dales. The Eden Valley is less visited than Lakeland, and is an incredibly beautiful space located between the lakes and the Pennines. The River Eden bursts with trout and salmon, with peaceful country walks and attractions, such as Lacy’s Caves, where chambers are carved from the riverside red sandstone cliffs that surround its banks. Little Salkeld Watermill lies to the west of the river, offering a fantastic base for a day out. The mill was restored in the 1970s and is now Cumbria’s only watermill in operation, actively churning out organic and biodynamic flour. Open daily with the exception of early January, Little Salkeld, its tearooms and shop offer an amazing insight into how these mills work. Groups can book in for bread making sessions, guided tours and evening suppers. From this site, it’s a short walk to the Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle – a Neolithic arrangement of stones that is ranked among the largest in Britain. For a quick view of this area, catch the train along the scenic Settle to Carlisle railway line, passing through the Eden Valley at Appleby and Kirby Stephen. In fact, travelling by train can be a great way to see the North West landscape, and there are a few stretches worth seeing in particular. The steep Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, back in the Lake District, is a must for steam train enthusiasts. 68
Group Travel World ● October 2014
066_071_GTW_Oct14_North West.indd 68
The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness is a must for fans if the writer. ROD EDWARDS Carlisle is the county town of Cumbria, and is well worth a visit. It has an elegant cathedral and imposing castle. This ancient township is full of heritage, with the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail ploughing right through the city. Carlisle Cathedral has stood since 1122, but much of the building has been rebuilt over the centuries. Its crypt is full of treasures, and much of its stained glass and medieval painted panels remain. Visits are free, but groups are asked to pre-book.
LANCASHIRE’S SEASIDE RETREATS
Aside from the Forest of Bowland – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it’s the striking coastline of Lancashire that is most worth visiting. Reaching into Cumbria, the 310 kilometres of Morecambe Bay is perhaps the most handsome stretch, with its wide, flat sands reaching far out to sea at low tide. While many visitors sign up for
sailing, horse riding, kitesurfing and a variety of other outdoor pursuits, a simple walk offers amazing views of the sea, the distant Bowland Fells and mountains of the Lake District. The best views are accessed from Arnside Knott, Hampsfell Hospice, Hoad Hill and Humphrey Head. On the edge of the bay, the seaside village of Heysham is sprinkled with 17th century cottages and pretty gardens – once painted by JMW Turner. The Bay’s salt marshes, waters and coastline are a precious habitat for a variety of wildlife. To view Morecambe from another perspective, head to Walney Island in Cumbria, which curls in to look back at the Bay from the sea. South Walney Nature Reserve is a top spot for keen bird watchers. For somewhere a little livelier, head to Preston. The renewed docks and marina are a pleasure to wander around, and the town offers lots of independent shops, markets, and two major shopping centres for plenty of retail therapy. www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:41
p69_GTW_1014 23/09/2014 13:01 Page 1
p00_GTW_0914 Condor 20/08/2014 16:16 Page 1
REGIONAL FOCUS // NORTH WEST If you’re looking for something with even more going on, it has to be Blackpool. Rising to prominence as a resort in the Industrial Revolution, where trains were built out of its coasts, Blackpool has become a riot of sounds and neon lights, rich with the mingling aromas of doughnuts, candy floss and fish and chips. At this traditional seaside town, it’s hard for anyone to resist the fun of the fair. You can’t visit without looking around Pleasure Beach, packed with rollercoasters and thrill rides. Though, there’s a small entrance fee and tickets are charged separately. Zip up the Blackpool Tower and if you’re feeling brave, walk over the plexiglass ‘skywalk’. Discounted group tickets can be bought in conjunction with other attractions such as Madame Tussauds, the Blackpool Tower Eye and the Blackpool Tower Dungeon. At night, from August until November, the famous illuminations will light up a six-mile stretch of coastline. Take a tour by road or tram to see their full extent.
Billy Fury statue at the Albert Dock
CITY LIFE
There’s no doubt that Liverpool and Manchester are the party capitals of the North. The nightlife in both these cities is fantastic, with high-end restaurants,
Exhibitions at The Beatles Story. DAVID LAKE
The Beatles Story exhibition is one of many attractions in Liverpool’s Albert Dock. DAVID LAKE www.grouptravelworld.com
066_071_GTW_Oct14_North West.indd 71
brilliant theatres and cinemas to glamorous bars and clubs open until late. During the day, you can shop until you drop and take in the historic and cultural sights. Liverpudlians are keen trendsetters, and visitors find that reflected in the stylish surroundings of the many designer boutique hotels and guesthouses. Ranked by Rough Guides in 2014 as the third best city to see in the world, Liverpool is home to a staggering number of museums and galleries. There’s an incredible amount to see and do in this Merseyside city beyond the realm of football and pop music. Tate Liverpool in the Albert Dock has the largest collection of modern and contemporary art outside London. Other must see museums include the Museum of Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the International Slavery Museum and the World Museum. Of course, a significant number of tourists travel here purely for The Beatles Experience. It was here, in the murky Cavern Club, that the group played hundreds of times in their early years. The Beatles Story, located in the Albert Dock, pulls all the strands of the bands history together in one place – it’s a must for fans. The Magical Mystery Tour also starts here, with a two-hour bus trip around landmarks such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. Exclusive, private tours are available for groups, either on one of the company’s vehicles or from the comfort of your own coach. The National Trust also runs joint tours of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s childhood homes. Less than an hour’s drive away is another major football city. Like Liverpool, Manchester is also steeped in history and is rich with modern culture. Springing up alongside what was once the longest river navigation canal in the world, this city is now well known for its contributions to science, music, politics and architecture. After London and Edinburgh, it’s the third most visited city in the UK – and with good reason. Whilst not without its own skyscrapers, converted red brick warehouses frame Manchester’s central streets and other buildings, such as the Town Hall, which adds to the historic feel. Don’t leave without wandering around the expansive Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) or admiring the world-famous Lowry and Manchester Art Gallery. ■ October 2014 ● Group Travel World
71
25/09/2014 09:41
A C C O M M O D AT I O N / / R E V I E W S
t s e B e h t f o t s Be
Angelo Hotel Katowice On a recent trip to the Silesian Region, Amy Moore stayed at the Angelo Hotel Katowice, which boasts a luxury haven for groups travelling overseas
Mattresses are imported from Germany
T
he Angelo Hotel Katowice opened its doors in 2009, and has since functioned as a four-star deluxe business hotel situated in the heart of Silesia. Managed by Vienna International Hotels (VI), its outer structure dominates with a vibrant and hearty appeal, set within an otherwise strict industrial environment. VI hosts a vast collection of sites across Europe, in countries such as Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, there are none in the UK, despite the demand. The Angelo Hotel Katowice is conveniently placed a stone throw away from Galeria Katowicka and Mariacka Street – renowned for its vibrant cultural and social scene. There was adequate parking space upon arrival to the hotel, as our group was promptly escorted from Katowice International Airport (30km) in a quaint, silver minibus. A coach park was located opposite, offering further transport links. The open reception area was both suave and sleek, with black tile flooring and leather seating, combining the characteristic red, orange, yellow and purple. Our group was allocated on the Executive Floor, boasting a rather harsh, oriental influence. We were welcomed into our suite by a rectangular tray of chocolate dipped fruit and mini cheesecake bites, which was a nice personal touch. Additional snacks
72
The four-star Angelo Hotel Katowice opened in 2009 Angelo is a professional, business-oriented hotel
The location offers contemporary lounge areas to relax and socialise were available in the private lobby on floor, inclusive of complementary bottles of still and/or sparkling water, which proved a suitable accompaniment to any meal. Rooms come complete with either a half double or half king size bed, with mattresses imported from Germany due to their advanced comfort and affordability, with a soft duvet and generous selection of pillows to lay. The curtains were thick, more like blackout blinds. Complementary consumables in room include the usual tea/coffee fare and bottled orange juice to cleanse the palette after a long day. The bathroom was both
Group Travel World ● October 2014
072_073_GTW_Oct14_Accomodation.indd 72
The hotel has plenty of space for large conferences spacious and modern, with white, gloss tiling and an open glass shower. As a business orientated hotel, there are few spa facilities available. Our group were invited to dine at The Sunlight Restaurant, complete with an informative wine tasting demonstration from Filip, Bar Staff at Angelo Hotel Katowice. From a set menu, I chose a combination of grilled cheese to start, traditional polish dumplings (stuffed with cheese and onion and drizzled with a sweet glaze) and sweetened apple pancakes. Similarly in the morning, there was a generous selection of continental and/or cooked
The hotel’s Sunlight Restaurant includes traditional Polish food breakfast goods, available between 0630hrs and 1100hrs, serving grapefruit juice, soft cheeses and fresh eggs – even warm waffles and syrup. I had checked out by 0800hrs on Sunday, September 27, following a scheduled wake up call around 0700hrs. I had an overall feeling of satisfaction with my stay, especially the noticeable attention given to customer service, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return. Special thanks to Natalia Wojcik, Silesian Tourist Organisation, Andrzej Seliga, Front Office Manager at Angelo Hotel Katowice, and Kamil Zmijewski, Marketing Manager at Angelo Hotel
www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 09:42
INNOVATIVE GROUP HOSTEL OPENS IN BARCELONA Located in the major shopping region of Avenida Sarriá, near to Avenida Diagonal in Barcelona, Dream Cube Hostel spearheads a new and unique concept in shared accommodation. The venue gets its name from the stylish capsule/cube bunk bed format, which has been designed to provide greater privacy and a higher level of comfort experienced within a shared living space. Modernised facilities set this venue apart from the majority of other hostels dotted around the city. For example, each capsule/cube contains a curtain, locker, light and plug socket. WiFi is available throughout, with rooms available that can cater for parties of up to 16 people. Each room has been soundproofed for added comfort, with heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences in a number of spacious communal areas, such as an activity lounge. In the dining room and kitchen, guests are granted access to a ceramic hob, microwave, toaster and kettle, with food kept fresh in the fridge. Breakfast is optional to book. The hostel is highly recommended for travellers seeking a good quality stay at an affordable price, and it is also highly accessible for those with limited mobility. Personalised touches include a large wall onsite, where guests are given free rein to
The Dream Cube Hostel is stylish and affordable xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx be creative. Cookery classes and various activities are organised for all ages and abilities. Futbol Club Barcelona is located a short walk away, as are some of the city’s main tourist attractions/beaches.
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP WELCOMES NEW HOLIDAY INN HOTEL Holiday Inn Kayseri – Düvenönü is the latest signing announced by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) operating under a franchise agreement with Ali Sert Otel Tur. Ins. San. Tic. LTD Holiday Inn Kayseri – Düvenönü will be Ali Sert Otel Tur. Ins. San. Tic. LTD’s first hotel developed alongside IHG. Occupying a prime location in Kayseri in Turkey, the hotel will feature 161 deluxe guest rooms and six meeting rooms, a sporting gym and three treatment rooms, a rooftop bar and luxury lounge, offering stunning panoramic views of the city centre. Holiday Inn’s signature ‘Open Lobby’ takes a more unique approach by combining the front desk, restaurant, bar, lounge area and business centre into one, cohesive space emitting a more contemporary feel. The design has been established on the understanding of how people use space at home. Holiday Inn Kayseri – Düvenönü is located a short distance from some of the city’s most cultural and historical attractions, www.grouptravelworld.com
072_073_GTW_Oct14_Accomodation.indd 73
Artists impression of the new hotel including the Archaeological Museum. Although there are meeting facilities onsite, there are also a large number of offices within walking distance. The venue is also well connected by train, and is scheduled to open in early 2016. Holiday Inn boasts 3,500 hotels globally. From June 2014, 280 Holiday Inn Hotels were recorded in Europe, with a further
Special offers and packs provide great discounts and extra services, such as airport transfers and pick up/drop off to the city centre. For more information visit www.dreamcubehostel.com
36 in development. IHG houses nine brands in nearly 100 countries, boasting a diverse range of hotels suited to overnight getaways and business trips, amongst others. Yalin Yaltiraki, Director of Development at IHG (Turkey), commented: “Holiday Inn Kayseri – Düvenönü is well positioned to offer quality accommodation at a reasonable price to business clientele and tourists.” Ali Sert, Owner of Ali Sert Otel Tur. Ins. San. Tic. LTD, commented: “We’re very excited to be developing our first hotel with IHG. “The Holiday Inn brand has a great reputation in the industry and this hotel will offer guests a comfortable night’s stay in modern surroundings in Kayseri.” Also in August, it was revealed by IHG that more than 10,000 travellers across 13 countries worldwide consider the smartphone a ‘must-have’ item for a summer holiday. New research revealed that two-thirds of Brits turn to technology to avoid getting lost, with smartphones now taking preference over the traditional map. Technology is also fast replacing the postcard, with 67% preferring to text friends, with another 28% using Skype. For more information visit www.ihg.com October 2014 l Group Travel World
73
25/09/2014 09:42
LO N D O N N E W S London News is brought to you by London & Partners, the official promotional organisation for London. For more information on London go to: visitlondon.com
Francesca Corradini, Marketing Executive
I
Unique London Hotels
f your group is looking for a hotel with a bit of character, London has plenty to offer. London is one of a kind, and so are its many hotels. Embrace London’s history by staying in Browns, the capital’s oldest hotel, or in St. Ermins, set within a 15th century chapel. If you’re looking for a more modern, design-led hotel, check out ANdAZ Liverpool Street or Radisson Blu Mercer Street.
Browns Hotel
Browns Hotel is the oldest hotel in London, and is therefore steeped in history. Alexander Graham Bell was said to have made the first telephone call from the hotel, and it is believed that Rudyard Kipling wrote his famous piece, The Jungle Book, here. Situated in the heart of Mayfair, it’s only a short walk to the elegant boutiques on Bond Street, the open spaces of Green Park, the theatres of the West End, and Buckingham Palace. Browns provides a stylish and central base for guests. www.roccoforthotels.com/ hotels-and-resorts/browns-hotel
Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street Hotel
The Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street Hotel is considered a quintessential Covent Garden rendezvous, which effortlessly blends in with the ‘boutique’ appeal of its neighbourhood. A landmark in Seven Dials, this venue is a chic retreat located on the doorstep of some of London’s most celebrated theatre hotspots. Its 137 beautifully designed rooms are equipped with next-generation technology. www.radissonblu-edwardian.com
ANdAZ
An original London railway hotel, ANdAZ Liverpool Street is housed in a beautiful redbrick, Victorian building dating back to 1884. Inside, it transforms into a 21st century masterpiece, with 267 modern guest rooms and seven accompanying restaurants and bars. Whilst still being within walking distance of London’s historic centre, with the Tower 74
Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street Hotel
of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral nearby, ANdAZ is ideally positioned to get off the main tourist track and explore London’s East End, with its array of galleries, boutiques, markets and nightlife. www.london.liverpoolstreet. andaz.hyatt.com
The Royal Horseguards
For more than 100 years, The Royal Horseguards has graced the banks of the River Thames with its elegant and imposing presence. Its antique architectural heritage has earned it Grade I listed status, making it one of London’s most iconic buildings. The hotel is a short stroll away from the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square, and overlooks the River Thames and the London Eye. www.guoman.com/en/hotels/ united_kingdom/london/the_ royal_horseguards
Group Travel World ● October 2014
075_GTW_Oct14_L&Pnews_alt.indd 74
St. Ermins
Guests can immerse themselves in the historic grandeur and modern energy of London by staying at St. Ermins, a beautiful, four-star hotel built on the site of a 15th century chapel. The hotel played an important part in the Second World War as a base - today the hotel offers a tranquil stay in Westminster. www.sterminshotel.co.uk
The Savoy
No London hotel has a history like The Savoy, which has seen actors, world leaders and celebrities, from Winston Churchill to Elizabeth Taylor, staying here. The five-star Savoy boasts 268 luxurious guest rooms including 62 suites located in a unique setting on the River Thames, nestled between Mayfair and Covent Garden. www.fairmont.com/savoy
KEEP IN CONTACT WITH US!
Travel Trade Newsletter Going out once a month and featuring the latest news and information from London for the travel trade, the newsletter is delivered to key travel trade contacts across the globe. Sign up now at londonandpartners.com/ traveltrade
Follow us on LinkedIn Our LinkedIn group, ‘London & Partners – Travel Trade’ is constantly growing. Join us for up to the minute news and discussion with your peers in the travel trade.
Travel Trade Website Our travel trade website is designed to help you sell London to your clients, check it out now! londonandpartners.com/ traveltrade
www.grouptravelworld.com
01/10/2014 13:22
p00_GTW_1014 London Bridge 23/09/2014 10:48 Page 1
p76_GTW_1014 22/09/2014 13:14 Page 1
To advertise contact Johanna Treasure 01733 293245 johanna.treasure@grouptravelworld.com
C L A S S I F I E D
London
Scottish Borders
Experience The Household Cavalry Story in London’s Royal Heartland
In the heart of Melrose in the Scottish borders – a 300 year old coaching inn Family run hotel with 32 bedrooms + driver’s room, all en-suite 2 large car parks – one for coaches. Dining and function rooms and beautiful indoor garden. Excellent real ales, over 80 malt whiskies and 20 original gins. Tel: 01896 822308 Email: enquiries@georgeandabbotsford.co.uk www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk
Blackpool
• Blackpool Hotel on the South Promenade • Between Central and South Piers • From £23 per person BBEM per night • Driver free of charge • FREE onsite coach parking • 31 en-suite bedrooms • Unbeatable prices for 2014
• Warm and friendly atmosphere • Licensed all-day bar • Nightly entertainment with bingo and raffles • Blackpool Illumination dates available • Turkey and Tinsel • Bookings now being taken for 2015 season
Dartmoor
Two Bridges Hotel
Please contact Chris or Karl for more information on: Tel: 01253 343050 Email: Enquiries@hotelathol.com Website: www.hotelathol.com
is situated in the beautiful Dartmoor reserve, has 32 luxury rooms to choose from. For that special mini break away from the hustle and bustle, serving modern British cuisine. Contact: 01822 892300 Email: manager@twobridges.co.uk Web: www.twobridges.co.uk
Kent
Wales THE NATIONAL
Rochester Cathedral Tea Rooms Located in the 18th century Deanery and open throughout the year between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday for breakfast, light refreshments, lunches, afternoon tea and take-away. 01634 810076 The College, The Precinct, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SU www.rochestercathedral.org
Devon
Open daily from 10am The Household Cavalry Museum Horse Guards Whitehall London SW1A 2AX Tel: 020 7930 3070
GUIDED TOURS FOR GROUPS WHICH INCLUDES A VISIT TO THE 17thC MILL SET BESIDE THE SALMON LEAP FALLS. COACH PARKING IN VILLAGE TEA ROOMS NEXT DOOR
Phone 01239 710980 www.coraclemuseum.co.uk
www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk
Monmouthshire
Marine Hotel, 2-6 Adelphi Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AP 01803 559778 stay@marinehotelpaignton.co.uk www.marinehotelpaignton.co.uk
Dartington Hall
Located in the South Hams, 20 minutes from Dartmoor and the Coast, has 50 bedrooms offering a mix of heritage and comfort around Century medieval courtyard. a 14th Explore our stunning Grade II* listed gardens and enjoy a Devon Cream Tea. The onsite White Hart Restaurant serves the very best local and seasonal produce. Call: 01803 847147 Email: bookings@dartingtonhall.com Web: www.dartingtonhall.com
Abergavenny Market
Classified advertising can start from as little as £30.00 a month !!
NP7 5HD
Open Tuesday Friday and Saturday Flea Market Every Wednesday www.abergavennymarket.co.uk For a full list of our markets and events Craft – Antique - and Car boot Sales Please Phone Geoff or Adam on 01873735811
For more information contact Johanna Treasure 01733 293245 johanna.treasure@grouptravelworld.com
Caldicot Market Open Every Tuesday and Saturday Phone Mac on 07764 362599
Monmouth Bridge Market Every Friday and Saturday
Shire HallMarket Every Saturday Phone Darren on 07825 761900
©MTN/1079496/150
Located directly on the seafront, right in the heart of The English Riviera, the hotel is ideally situated to explore Paignton and the rest of the South Devon stunning scenery and beau ful coastline. The Marine a warm is a friendly family owned hotel offering welcome and value for money.
For Group Travel Organisers, a page with useful tips, tourism gossip and travel product reviews
GTO GRAPEVINE
5 of the best: waterproof jackets Lightweight travel poncho £1.99 This products compact plastic construction is suited to a simpler budget – measuring around 6cm in diameter. It has a handy clip attachment that can be secured to a backpack, daypack or belt. The poncho stored inside is clear and ideal for unexpected rain showers - weighing around 62g.
www.gapyeartravel store.com
Nester reversible jacket £60.00
Warm, waterproof and wind resistant, this product works well as a winter jacket. It is made from breathable Isotex 8000, complete with taped seams and thermo insulation. An adjustable drawcord waist offers a more stylish design. There are four pockets, plus one internally for added security.
It may not look stylish, but this product certainly shows its worth. It has been storm tested for 24 hours, built with fabric specially treated so that water slides off its surface. Ideal for the more ‘athletic’ traveller, the jacket comes complete with a dual adjustable storm collar and cuffs.
www.craghoppers.com
www.gooutdoors.co.uk
www.decathlon.co.uk
A family ticket to Avon Valley
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park is offering GTW readers the chance to win a family ticket for the park. To enter, all you need to do is answer the following question: Which natural wonder can be seen from much of Norway? A: Angel Falls B: Mount Kilimanjaro C: The Northern Lights Send your entries via email to Harley.denham@grouptravelworld. com, with GTW October Competition as the subject line and either A, B or C within the body of the email. The closing date for entries is Tuesday, October 23. Good luck!
076_GTW_Oct14_GTO Grapevine.indd 77
£90.00
Tribord Ozean 900 sailing smock mens black
This cleverly designed reversible is ideal for tackling even the most extreme weather conditions. Made of 100% polyester, the product features a warm and fleecy face combined with a windproof/waterproof finish and contrasting colourways. Comes with six pockets, with four zipped.
WIN
www.grouptravelworld.com
Regatta Wilma women’s waterproof insulated jacket
£129.00
Mens Zenith triclimate jacket £220.00 Slightly on the pricier side, this product combines three-in-one versatile fabrics, with burnt olive camo colouring. The outer shell features an adjustable/removable hood, chin guard, pit zip vents and an adjustable hem. It also comes complete with hand warmer pockets for colder climates.
www.cotswoldoutdoor. com
Registration open for Excursions 2015
GTOA introduces new board of directors
Visitor registration has recently opened for Excursions 2015, due to be hosted at Alexandra Palace in North London on January 24 between 1000hrs and 1600hrs. Those who register to attend the free entry exhibition can take advantage of exclusive ‘show only’ offers and competitions offered by exhibitors. There will be a 25% discount on visits to select English Heritage sites and HF Holidays will be offering two free places per 15 adults booking a group holiday to one of the 19 country house locations. There is also a warm welcome for coach parties. Guests of coach and tour operators will receive a VIP welcome, with fast track entry, tea and coffee upon arrival, a welcome pack with lots of goodies and a special afternoon
Following the announcement made at the GTOA AGM in January, an inaugural meeting of the GTOA’s new Board of Directors took place on Saturday, September 6 with confirmed members Jenny Barling, Jim Barling, Joan Hanks, Peter McGahey, Robin Millerchip, Sylvia Saxon and Yvonne White for the GTOs, and John Bullock, Malcolm Weaving, Martin Hay, Julia Pearce, Glen Thomas and Ellen Walker for the Associates. The Board have also appointed a new sales consultant, Lucy Wainwright, who will be monitoring the sales of the Handbook. The Handbook will be produced by Blueprint Travel Media. The appointment of CEO was yet to be announced as GTW went to press.
Excursions 2015 takes place at Alexandra Palace treat. A familiarisation trip can also be arranged on route to the show. Those looking to book a private coach should contact Sarah Hogger on 02380 562419. Visitors can pre-register to attend online at www. excursions.org.uk
October 2014 ●
77
25/09/2014 09:38
INTERVIEW The best group trip you have ever been on? I went as part of a coach trip when I was 20 to Paris from the North of England. I was dreading it, but the company that I travelled with had paired people up based on answers about themselves and so from the meeting point to the arrival, through to the trips we went on, I had a really good time and met some amazing people, a few of whom I am still friends with now.
Phil Sherrington, Marketing Manager at London Bridge Experience, provides this week’s interview
Up and Close
Personal
The worst trip and why? I won’t name the company I booked this through but when I was a teenager we went on an organised trip for students across Europe
for 18 days. Every step of the pre-flight experience was really difficult, the staff had no idea what was going on and they were more occupied in up-selling trips to us than they were in specific requests for hotel types and locations. It seemed like they had a list of preferred suppliers for the trips and if you wanted something outside of that then they ignored you. My hotel was robbed, I lost my passport and came home with more than just the holiday blues.
What’s your favourite UK destination for a group day out? There are so many places that I love in the UK. London is my adopted home and always will be, so I love it here and promote it as much as I can, but I have to say I have a personal synergy with Newcastle. Everything about the city makes me smile and I always have the very best time there.
What do you think makes a good group experience? Pre-planning and organisation, don’t be led on where to go and what to do when you get there, if a particular place or attraction doesn’t fit your 70
078_GTW_Oct14_Interview.indd 70
● October 2014
budget, always call them. Nine times out of 10 they will accommodate you based on what you have – especially for groups which are the bread and butter for a lot of places
What do you always pack? I always make sure that I have got my iPad with lots of pre-downloaded material. If anything goes wrong, or the weather doesn’t behave the way you would like, then you have a great fall back plan plus you can spend that time researching the area.
And what do you leave out? Family. Never travel with a large family group. It’s awful, and it isn’t the making for a nice time
What was your most recent group trip? If I am honest, it has been a long time. The last group trip I went on was probably in 2008 when I went to Italy on a trip with 17 people who were all travelling alone. Again, it was one of the most memorable trips I have ever done. I love chatting to new people and hearing about their lives so for me these singles trips are the best. www.grouptravelworld.com
25/09/2014 10:40
p79_GTW_1014 Jersey Boys 24/09/2014 13:33 Page 1
p00_GTW_1014 Myferrylink 23/09/2014 13:24 Page 1