JANUARY 2014
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Home WIN Ideal Show tickets SEE INSIDE
Races at the
PLUS
– get close to the action with a racecourse visit
● Scotland 2014: The Homecoming ● England’s glorious gardens ● GTO Grapevine: 001_GTW_Jan14_Cover.indd 1
5 of the best packing aids ● Isle of Man overview
– the past comes alive at Britain’s diverse historical attractions 09/01/2014 14:16
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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 Editor: Caroline Gregory T: 01733 293486 M: 07415 507 285 E: caroline.gregory@grouptravelworld.com Art Director: Ian Blaza E: ianblaza@raspberryjamcreative.co.uk Editorial Assistant: Amy Moore E: amy.moore@grouptravelworld.com Features E: features@grouptravelworld.com
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 Advertising Production June Barnard T: 01473 858761 E: june@adsproduction.co.uk
GTW MEDIA LIMITED Chairman Jonathan Taylor E: jonathan.taylor@grouptravelworld.com
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Resolutions for 2014
e have so much to look forward to in 2014, so I hope you’re ready for another great year in tourism and travel. If you need some ideas to get started, our articles this month on historic properties to visit and gorgeous gardens to enjoy will provide a good starting point. We are completely spoilt in this country with an abundance of wonderful sights that people travel from all over the world to see, so it is a shame to miss the things right on our doorsteps. In the course of my job, I naturally travel a fair amount. Unfortunately, I really hate packing and unpacking, and I have to admit that a good selection of items ends up staying in my suitcase in between trips. So I was pleased to find some products that might help me out in this month’s ‘five of the best’, which features packing aids. In particular, the ‘Rise and Hang’ bag is a fantastic idea; no unpacking at your destination as it unfolds into a set of shelves with your clothes already on them!
Did you make any new year resolutions? The current more positive trend is to resolve to do something, rather than give up something. For example, resolving to eat your five a day rather than giving up chocolate. Or resolving to do volunteer work for a few hours a month instead of cutting down on how many hours you watch TV. Two of the very best things we can do for our mental and physical health and wellbeing are social interaction and getting out and about. If you aren’t already a member of a group, how about resolving to join one in 2014? You might be surprised at the options available in your area and just how many people there are with similar interests to your own. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with us and I’m sure we’ll be able to help you out. One of my own 2014 resolutions was one I make regularly; to visit new places. Another one was to unpack properly between trips. I’ll let you know how I get on. Caroline Gregory
Editor
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
Visiting new places ... somewhere like this would do just fine, thanks
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 without first obtaining written permission from the directors.
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grouptravelworld
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IN THIS ISSUE
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NEWS The latest travel and tourism stories and current affairs
PEOPLE, POSITIONS AND PRIZES
Who is moving where within the industry, plus awards and promotions
TEAM ON TOUR Harley Denham enjoys a London weekend
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VOICE OF A GTO GTO reviews of a GTW fam trip to the White Hart Lane stadium tour
ISLE OF MAN An overview of the British island
ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDENS Gorgeous gardens for group visits
FROM MANOR TO MUSEUM Great Britain’s historical sights
THEATRE REVIEW Review of West End show From Here to Eternity
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THEATRE NEWS Theatre and dine packages
THEATRE LISTINGS Up to date details of all the current West End shows
GROUP SHOPPING GUIDE Comparing retail destinations
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SCOTLAND 2014: HOMECOMING Our overview of the festival’s events
A DAY AT THE RACES
Racecourses that are perfect for a great group day out
CAPTIVATING CRITTERS Some of the UK’s best zoos and safari parks, including Marwell Zoo, West Midland Safari Park and Woburn Safari Park
UKINBOUND
Diary of UKinbound’s latest activities and news
COACH TOURISM COUNCIL The association’s recent news and stories
LONDON & PARTNERS The organisation provides news of the latest tourism developments in the capital
GTO GRAPEVINE Preview of trade show Great Days Out 2014, Ideal Home Show ticket competition and five of the best packing aids
INSIDER INSIGHT Mike Atherton from Mantic Point reveals how travel companies can plan for the unknown
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Graham Bleasdale of Greenwich Royal Tours answers our back page questions
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CONTRIBUTORS
Amy O’ Donovan Amy O’Donovan is the new marketing & events executive for UKinbound and will be contributing their monthly page to Group Travel World magazine. She previously worked for Tourism Ireland in Madrid and is fluent in Spanish. Her hobbies include travel, history, culture and sport.
Harley Denham Harley Denham has worked for Group Travel World for three years. She is 21 years old and enjoys reviewing hotels and entertainment venues for the magazine. Outside work, Harley loves horse riding and long walks and finds herself fully occupied with a puppy and rabbit!
Mike Atherton Mike Atherton is our expert for Insider Insight this month. Mike has worked in the tech sector since 1989. He set up Mantic Point nine years ago, aiming to improve itinerary management for travel companies and agents. Out of the office, Mike enjoys holidaying with his family.
Warren Humphries Warren Humphries is the new marketing manager for Ticketmaster Groups and will be providing a page of West End news and interviews for GTW every month. Warren is a huge fan of West End musicals (of course!), travelling and fine ales.
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NEWS
Travel Tidbits ●
For those looking to make a permanent move overseas, it turns out that key locations are in need of workers for some unusual positions as well as the standard roles that are often required. In addition to Australia seeking medical professionals and Spain in need of language teachers, beekeepers will currently receive a warm welcome in New Zealand and cartographers in Australia. Relocation specialist Robinsons Relocation has compiled the data from their 15,000 international relocations completed in the last 12 months. Other vocations in demand in the top relocation destinations for Brits include winemakers, tree surgeons, stallion masters (horse trainers) and locksmiths.
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A six foot snake skin, a set of 24 carat gold Indian gods, a prenuptial agreement, a set of trial yoghurt flavours from a major supermarket chain and a six foot wooden cross are just some of the strange and wonderful items left behind in rooms by Travelodge customers in 2013. With over 16 million people staying in the 500 UK Travelodge hotels, the items suggest a diverse range of clients. Live animals left behind included an owl called Hedwig and a pet tarantula called Hercules in a bespoke travelling box. Large items of the ‘how did they miss it?’ variety included rowing boat oars, a new Vera Wang wedding dress worth £5,000, a life-size cardboard cut-out of Joey Essex and a five foot Buddha. Items that beg the question ‘how did they NOT miss it?’ included deeds to a £2 million house, a Vertu mobile worth £10K and a suitcase of Geisha wedding outfits.
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Greater group discounts, extra seats and new journeys for Virgin Virgin Trains has announced a new timetable from early December which includes new direct services and over 3,000 more seats daily on their hourly services between Birmingham and Scotland. Ticketing arrangements for small groups booking on the Virgin Trains website have been improved with an increased discount of 20% offered for groups of three to nine people travelling together. Timetable improvements
include new direct services from Milton Keynes, Coventry and Birmingham International to Scotland, the Lake District and the North West. Graham Leech, Virgin Trains’ executive director (commercial), said: “Our VHF service has been a big hit with customers but we are always looking at ways to make it better. This has been made possible thanks to our increased investment in both new and longer trains, having introduced four brand
new Pendolinos and added a further 62 standard carriages to our fleet last year. With that added flexibility we have been able to introduce these new service enhancements and we look forward to welcoming more customers onboard from December and continuing to deliver speedy and enjoyable journeys.” 08457 484950 www. virgintrains.co.uk/ tickets-offers/group-travel
Graffiti comes to Ripley’s Budding Banksys can let their creativity run wild on a new interactive graffiti wall at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in London. Sitting alongside a 3,000lb piece of the Berlin Wall – famed for being the world’s largest canvas and a place for local residents and international artists to express themselves – the wall is a place for visitors to let out their artistic sides and have a go at creating something special. Using digital spray cans, the infrared light is tracked by a computer to create a vibrant and colourful drawing that
can also then be shared with others via Facebook or Twitter. General manager Natascha Crump commented: “This new interactive exhibit is the perfect addition to the attraction ... we are bringing a piece of history to life.” The new wall is the first of over 13 interactive features and gallery enhancements which will be added to Ripley’s during the next 12 months. A series of new exhibits, new technological interactive advancements and a gallery refurbishment will all improve the visitor experience for the future.
Visitors can have a go at graffiti on Ripley’s new interactive wall
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2013’s luxury favourites revealed The Luxury Travel Bible has published its Editors’ Choice List for 2013. Based only on destinations that the team has personally visited over the past year, the list includes some quirky categories such as ‘Best Rest at 30,000 Feet’ (won by Cathay Pacific’s new business class) and ‘Caused the Biggest Stir (without a spoon)’ which was won by newly-opened Iniala in Phuket, Thailand, for the buzz surrounding its beautiful villas, each designed by a different architect and interior designer. The ‘Most Extravagant In-Your-Face Luxury Hotel’ went to Le Royal Monceau Raffles, Paris, with its Philippe Starck interiors, while ‘The Perfect Paradise Island’ was awarded to Laucala Island Resort, Fiji. For the full list, see www.luxurytravelbible.com.
g n i z a m A h t n o e M h t f o l a m i n A
The long summer and mild winter so far has meant that autumnal leaves have been dropping very late this year, so gardeners at Longleat have been busy collecting piles of leaves all over the estate. These mounds have provided the safari park’s animals with a novel new attraction; it turns out that it’s not only children who can’t resist jumping into a big pile of leaves. Cats are known for their curiosity and it seems this applies to big cats too; the park’s trio of endangered Amur tigers had great fun investigating the mounds of leaves, practising their ambushing skills and hunting out the tasty treats that keepers had hidden in the piles.
British Museum buys Picasso linocuts
Tribunal overturns competition commission ruling MyFerryLink has welcomed a favourable judgement from the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal, overturning an earlier adverse decision by the Competition Commission. Operating between Calais and Dover since August 2012, the French company appealed against a decision which would have prohibited them from operating a ferry service across the Channel. www.grouptravelworld.com
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In response to the decision, MyFerryLink UK managing director Robin Wilkins told customers that bookings are safe and the company’s ferries on the route will continue to operate as usual. “I think the important message is that it’s business as usual,” said Mr Wilkins. “We are providing the highest rated service at the lowest cost on the Channel and increasing
choice for customers, who are putting their faith in us. Our competitors believe they have more chance of stopping us in the courts than in the marketplace. We offer the best service on the Channel and we believe we should let the customers decide.” The Competition Commission ruling relates to the purchase of three ships and assets of SeaFrance by Eurotunnel.
With support from the Art Fund and private donations, the British Museum has acquired two sets of linocuts created by Pablo Picasso in 1962. Featuring the finished prints Still Life under the Lamp and Jacqueline Reading, the collection also includes proofs showing the step-by-step production process of the works. Picasso experimented with linocuts in the late 1950s and early 1960s and these are two of the most important works he created, when he was aged around 80. The works will be on display at the British Museum until May 6th this year. Director Neil MacGregor has described the acquisition as “a significant addition to the British Museum’s holdings of Picasso’s graphic work.”
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NEWS
Travel Tidbits ●
A boost to the number of excursion coaches visiting Gloucester is expected following the launch of a new city centre meet and greet scheme. The scheme, operated by Gloucester City Council and partners, offers coaches free secure city centre coach parking, vouchers to the value of £10 for coach driver refreshments and a complimentary meet and greet service by accredited guides. The council has also established a dedicated coach booking team to help coach operators plan their trip. The team has already booked and assisted 55 coach visits to the city since the scheme launched.
ABTA releases 2014 travel trends report The leading travel association has just published its Travel Trends Report 2014, developed in association with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The report predicts cautious optimism in the holiday market for the year ahead, with consumers continuing to holiday and planning to spend more than they did in 2013. It also reveals that value for money will remain a priority for many and that package holidays will perform well again in 2014. As well as market trends, ABTA’s 2014 Travel Trends Report highlights destinations to watch in the coming year. Key trends identified in addition to continuing popularity of package holidays include ‘same country,
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This season’s top winter sun destinations are headed up by the Canaries, according to research from Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money. 18% of winter sun seekers are planning to go to the Spanish archipelago, with the Caribbean second most popular and Dubai in third place. Despite the mild winter so far, winter sun is still greatly sought after, with 73% of those going on a holiday this winter opting for warmer climes compared with only 10% going on a winter sports holiday.
different destination’, whereby consumers mix the familiar and the new by choosing different places or resorts in a country they have already visited. Holidays that get people ‘back to basics’ in authentic ways, as an escape from hectic daily lives, are likely to be popular. Domestic tourism is expected to remain strong in 2014, as the impact of 2012 was bolstered by a long and sunny summer in 2013. Baby boomers (currently aged 55-64) are likely to be occupying a strong portion of the market after notable growth in 2013, and short-haul familiar destinations close to home are predicted to continue doing well. ABTA has also identified ‘destinations to watch’ in 2014, which includes Brazil, Costa Rica, Malaysia and Oman.
Riga, Latvia
Ashmolean acquires key Chinese collection The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford has announced the acquisition of one of the world’s most significant collections of modern Chinese art. Around 400 works were bequeathed to the museum by Chinese art expert Professor Michael Sullivan, who died in September 2013. Many of the pieces by late 20th century and contemporary Chinese artists have never been seen in public before. The works will be displayed on rotation at the Ashmolean in a gallery dedicated to Sullivan and his wife Khoan, who collected the pieces on their extensive travels to China
from the 1940s. Much of the art collected by the couple was acquired directly from the artists. Among the most significant paintings are works by Qi Baishi and Zhang Daqian, who both died in the mid-20th century, and some more recent pieces including Landscript by Xu Bing, created in 2002. Sullivan retired to Oxford in 1985 after a career as the leading scholar on Chinese art outside the country. He continued to work in the field until shortly before his death, and was honoured with a lifetime achievement award from the American Friends of Shanghai Museum in 2012.
‘Blue Mountain’, © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
2014 to see sports tourism, Chinese visitors & film fans Leading travel website Hotels. com has revealed its travel trend predictions for the year ahead. It is expected that the promised visa changes will result in more Chinese visitors coming to the UK, after the process is simplified and speeded up. Sports tourism is entering a significant year, as 2014 includes the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the Winter Olympics in Russia, 8
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the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles and the Tour de France starting in Yorkshire; all these events will see an accompanying rise in visitors and demand for tourism and travel services in the area. Film tourism sees visitors travel to certain destinations due to recent movies that were filmed or based in that city or location. Peter Jackson’s
The Hobbit: There and Back Again is likely to encourage a fresh burst of tourists to New Zealand and specifically the Hobbiton attraction. Other destinations for film fans in 2014 include Las Vegas, as Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro and Morgan Freeman star in Last Vegas, and Budapest, following Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. 2014 is also set to be a big year for
Latvia, as the country adopts the Euro and the capital Riga enjoys a year in the spotlight as the 2014 European Capital of Culture. The exciting and diverse calendar of events for the city and country includes northern Europe’s largest light festival and an opening ceremony featuring Richard Wagner’s third opera Rienzi, which he began composing while in Riga. www.grouptravelworld.com
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Giving something back while on holiday An award-winning responsible luxury operator, Hands Up Holidays, has released its 2014 brochure for families wishing to make a difference in a hands-on way as part of their luxury holiday. This typically includes staying in the most responsible, sustainable and environmentallyfriendly luxury accommodation available. Hands
Up Holidays’ family trips are all tailor-made and they suggest the reasons for choosing their breaks might include encouraging children to appreciate how fortunate they are, providing meaningful interaction with another culture in a safe context, instilling the values of service and giving back in children, and bonding together as a family. In addition
to using only eco-luxury accommodation (hotels and lodges that actively care for the environment), the holidays include chances for the whole family to help disadvantaged communities and participate in wildlife and environment conservation. Typical activities might include building a house for a widow and her children in Zambia, or helping to maintain the habitats of endangered penguins in New Zealand. 0207 1931062 info@handsupholidays.com www.handsupholidays.com
Helping out with building in Brazil
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The latest industry news about jobs, people, promotions and awards PEOPLE NEWS
PEOPLE, POSITIONS & PRIZES n
PETER GOWERS has been announced as the new CEO of Travelodge, taking over from Grant Hearn. Previously chief executive of Asia-Pacific for InterContinental Hotels Group, where he oversaw more than 250 hotels and 60,000 hotel employees, Gowers also held the role of chief marketing officer of IHG. Brian Wallace, chairman of Travelodge, said: “I am delighted to welcome Peter as the new CEO of Travelodge. Peter is a highly regarded senior executive, with extensive industry and market experience and expertise. His skills and knowledge will be a great asset in helping to further grow our business and to make Travelodge the best value hotel chain in the UK.” Peter Gowers said: “Travelodge is an iconic hotel brand and I am hugely excited by the opportunity to lead such a great business. I am delighted to be returning to the hotel industry and I look forward to working with the excellent team already in place to build on our current momentum and further grow the Travelodge brand.”
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JAMES TAYLOR has just become Hillgate Travel’s new sports & executive leisure travel manager. With a previous record of more than 13 years in the luxury leisure travel industry, Taylor’s experience includes arranging luxury personal breaks for Premier League footballers. His new role will include managing and developing an executive leisure travel department for Hillgate Travel’s corporate clients, as well as offering special tailor-made packages for individuals and groups to major sporting events.
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JAN DENNING has become the new sales and marketing manager for the four star Drayton Manor Hotel in Staffordshire. With over 25 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industries, Denning brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role and is looking forward to the exciting challenges ahead. Drayton Manor Hotel is set in the grounds of Drayton Manor Theme Park and has 150 bedrooms and four restaurants and bars. It attracts theme park visitors staying the night, but is also a popular venue with corporate, conference and wedding guests from around the world. The venue’s facilities for conferences and events cater for both private and corporate functions for up to 500 people. Denning has previously held senior positions with Canadian Airlines, First Choice PLC, Unijet and American Airlines among other big names in the industry. www.grouptravelworld.com
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JAMES ROBSON has stepped into the role of curator at the National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham, following the retirement of Graham Burrows after 18 years. Having worked in a variety of similar roles across the world, Robson will draw on experiences managing large zoos and aquariums in the Middle East, as well as time as deputy curator of the Horniman Museum and Gardens in London. “This is a wonderful opportunity that I’m really excited about,” said the 31-year-old. “My main priority is making sure that the animals are happy and healthy. In addition to taking care of the breathtaking fish, sharks, jellyfish and seahorses, I want to play an important role in educating people about marine life.”
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LUDO KESTON is the new chief executive of The River & Rowing Museum in Henley on Thames. Keston began his role on January 1st and has joined the museum following a period of extensive growth and development led by Paul Mainds, the previous chief executive, which saw 117,000 visitors explore the institution and enjoy all it has to offer. In May 2013, they were also included by The Times in a list which identified the best 50 museums in the world. Keston joins from the Coventry Heritage & Arts Trust, where he has been chief executive for the past five years. Previously, Keston also held the role of general manager for the Royal Shakespeare Company, so has extensive experience in the tourism industry.
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TEAM ON TOUR Harley Denham is an advertising client manager for Group Travel World
Comfort, comedy & Baltic cuisine
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e arrived in central London on an autumnal Saturday afternoon for a weekend away. We’d arranged to stay in the Travelodge on Union Street, Southwark, close to Southwark tube station and easy to locate thanks to the recognisable large Travelodge sign. The hotel entrance is located next to an amenities shop with reception on an upper floor. Reception staff were helpful, advising us of breakfast times, the room location and useful tips for local attractions to visit. Once booked in we made our way to our room, which had undergone renovation as part of the recent room redesign. It included a comfy double bed, TV, a nice view and tea and coffee making facilities. Running slightly late, we quickly got ready to make our way to the Baltic Restaurant, luckily just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. As soon as we entered, we felt part of the restaurant’s relaxed, social vibe. The environment
had low lighting and low seating areas at the front of the restaurant, with groups of women chatting about their day and a busy long bar with staff mixing unusual cocktails. We were shown through the bar area towards the back of the restaurant where dining became the focus. A large area with high ceilings and a sky view was filled with candlelit tables. The waitress greeted us and took our coats and drink orders. My usual tipple of a vodka, lime and lemonade was wonderfully strong – I should have guessed, being a Polish restaurant! As the Baltic Restaurant is near several theatres, they offer some popular theatre and dine packages. With a wonderful menu of Eastern European traditional dishes cooked with modern flair to choose from, it is difficult to know where to begin! I ordered the duck rilletes with cwikla and toast to start, followed by kulebiak - salmon in pastry baked with mushrooms, kasza and spinach - with some potatoes. I also helped finish off my partner’s
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The Southwark Travelodge is close to the tube station and easy to find roast pork shank; the meat was falling off the bone and was very tender and succulent. We then made our way to Covent Garden Comedy Club at Heaven nightclub to watch an evening of stand-up comedy featuring new and upcoming acts. We were shown to our seats and informed about the two bars available at either end of the club. The evening showcased a mixture of acts all of which had the crowd laughing uproariously; the venue had a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Our entry to the comedy club entitled us to free entry to the nightclub downstairs so we stayed afterwards for a drink and then made our way back to the hotel. As the evening
was clear we decided to walk back, soaking up the London Saturday night ambience. The London Eye was lit up beautifully and as we walked across the bridge we saw a selection of the river boat cruises that run along the River Thames. For breakfast, we went to the hotel’s restaurant, on the same floor as reception. Staff were waiting to show us to an available table. A fantastic buffet selection is available, including hot full English breakfasts, yogurts, croissants, tea and coffee and lots more. We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in London and would recommend the hotel, restaurant and comedy club for both groups and individuals. n
The Baltic Restaurant cooks modern Eastern European dishes www.grouptravelworld.com
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VOICE OF A GTO
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Fam Trip
Enjoying the expertise and enthusiasm of John, the guided tour leader for a GTW fam trip stadium tour of White Hart Lane, home to Tottenham Hotspur
Voice of a GTO… Clive Roylance Lordship Leisure Group
CLIVE ROYLANCE of Lordship Leisure Groups has been organising group trips for 14 years. Now with over 500 households in the group, their core activity is West End theatre visits, with smaller groups also going on day trips and some overnight breaks. They are also associated with Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group, an umbrella organisation for 80 separate groups, taking part in activities including rambling, short tennis and industrial heritage visits. “First of all, a belated thanks for organising the fam visit to White Hart Lane which we enjoyed very much. We haven’t been on any of the competing sporting venue tours so we are not able to directly compare the 14
John, tour leader (left), and our group travel organisers after a thorough exploration at White Hart Lane
experience offered by Spurs to their competitors. Having said that, we can judge whether the White Hart Lane stadium tour would suit any of our groups. Meeting in the Spurs Megastore is very convenient, especially if it’s raining, and gave us the opportunity to browse the impressively wide range of merchandise. The guide who conducted the tour obviously has a great love of his job and he was able
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to pass his enthusiasm and much of his wide knowledge on to our group, even though there were few Tottenham supporters amongst us. He gave us just the right amount of information in a very friendly and informal manner and we had plenty of time to look at the various pictures, trophies and other memorabilia as well as time to take lots of photos. This was especially important in the highly prized
areas such as the directors’ box, changing rooms, press briefing room and sponsors’ lounges. The highlight was certainly the opportunity to take photos with the FA Cup – an opportunity we weren’t expecting. Overall this was a very wellorganised tour conducted by an excellent guide who was able to judge his audience well. Thanks again for the opportunity to try it out.” www.grouptravelworld.com
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Voice of a GTO…
Voice of a GTO…
AC Travel Group
Stages of Shorne
SUSANN RYDBERG is from AC Travel Group, a destination management company based in London. AC Travel works mainly business to business, with both groups and independent travellers. They arrange meetings and events for business and leisure groups who often ask for football tickets and stadium tours as extras. Groups also hire function rooms for meetings at stadiums followed by a tour, so Susann was interested in finding out if this was an option at White Hart Lane. She was delighted to discover that the stadium tour was very good and the guide was brilliant.
RICHARD MOORE organises group trips for Stages of Shorne. Recent visits have included days at Bateman’s
Susann Rydberg Richard Moore
house and gardens, the RAF museum at Hendon London, The Household Cavalry Museum and concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and Cadogan Hall. “I found the visit very interesting and we had a great guide. It was excellent to be taken behind the scenes to
the directors’ box, the players’ changing rooms (how well the home team are pampered!) and to be allowed to sit in the press room with an opportunity to have our photo taken behind the magnificent cups. A most enjoyable afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to visit the stadium.”
…And the view of Harley Denham, fam trip leader for GTW “I arrived early to greet the group travel organisers coming on this fam trip and liaise with John, our wonderful tour guide. This also gave me time to browse the megastore; as a few family members are fans I stocked up on some early Christmas gifts! Once all our group had arrived, John led us up to the press room for an introduction and presentation about White Hart Lane tours, including an overview of the different types of tours
available for groups. These include VIP experiences, tours with ex-players and bespoke tours and packages, all available for booking yearround. From here we went onto pitch-side, but after some great detail from John we didn’t linger too long, as it was a very cold November day. We visited the private boxes and several large function rooms, with John explaining lots about the club, the stadium and its history in
an engaging and lively way. I gathered our group for a photo in the changing rooms. We noticed the clear contrast; the home team changing room includes a large TV and tactic boards with luxury bathing areas, while the away team has to make do with something a lot more spartan! Refreshments were provided after our stadium tour, and John and other staff were available for questions and discussions about potential future group visits.”
STADIUM TOURS AT WHITE HART LANE
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OVERVIEW
Isle of Man at a glance WHERE
The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. It is just 33 miles long and 13 miles wide with a population of around 85,000. It is a British Crown dependency.
WHAT
Inviting countryside, unspoilt beaches and ancient castles make up the island’s 221 square miles. The terrain has some variation, with two mountainous areas divided by a central valley which runs between the capital Douglas on the east coast and Peel on the west coast, the settlement where the Isle of Man’s only cathedral is located. The island’s highest point is Snaefell, which is 620 metres above sea level. The official language on the Isle of Man is English; Manx Gaelic has also had official status since 1985. This traditional language, closely related to Irish and Scottish Gaelic, is rare and endangered but has seen recent efforts to revive its usage.
HOW
The Isle of Man is very easy to reach from the UK and Ireland. There are direct air links with over 20 airports, with flight times of under 30 minutes from some north west destinations. Visitors opting to travel by sea have plenty of ferry services to choose from, including fast craft.
Castletown, on the south of the island, was the Manx capital until 1869 Once there, a bus network serves the whole island and there are also three lovely heritage railways to choose from to make travelling that little bit extra special. Saver tickets are available that offer unlimited travel on the buses and railways. Another option is hiring a car, since the island is easily navigable by road and this enables visitors to go at their own pace.
WHEN
The Isle of Man has a temperate climate, with cool summers and mild winters. Average rainfall is high compared to most of the British Isles. Temperatures never reach very high figures, with the recorded maximum being 28.9 °C. Many visitors flock to the Isle of Man for various events throughout the year, especially the world-class TT Races. This annual motorcycle event is famous internationally and brings champion riders from throughout the world to the island. The challenging Mountain Course is nearly 38 miles long and is not without risk, as riders travel at speeds of up to 200mph. Starting at the end of May each year, these races have been run on public roads for more than 100 years. The Isle of Man’s surprising standing in international sport, relative to its size, does not end with motorcycling either. The Manx Classic Rally, Rally Isle of Man, an annual mountain biking race and the Isle
of Man Walking Festival are all renowned throughout the world. Other events to look out for include the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival, the Queenie Festival, and Yn Chruinnaght.
WHY
The Isle of Man has something for everyone. In addition to the exciting events mentioned above, the historical sights include burial grounds and Neolithic chambered tombs (including the largest Neolithic tomb in the British Isles), a large collection of Celtic and Norse crosses produced between the 6th and 13th centuries, several castles (Castle Rushen is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles) and the world’s largest working waterwheel in Laxey. More than 40% of the Isle of Man is unpopulated and uncultivated, so the countryside has plenty to explore and many beauty spots. There are 18 national glens – both coastal and mountainous – many of which lead to the sea, and waterfalls, formal gardens and nature reserves. The island offers abundant opportunities for viewing wildlife, especially along the coastline. The southern tip offers the best vantage point for watching a population of seals that live there, and Manx waters are also inhabited by dolphins, whales and basking sharks.
Laxey beach and hill town
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Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
An exciting and rare survival from the heyday of English formal garden design of the late 17th early 18th century – walled, terraced and immensely beautiful, making it one of the most important historic gardens in the country.
Open 1 April–31 October: Sat, Sun & B/H Mon 12.30–4.30 pm, Tues, Wed, & Thurs 11.00 am–4.00 pm Admission: Adults £4.50 Concessions £4.00 Children £1.00 Please ring or see our website for Special Events and Winter Opening
Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham B36 9BT • Tel/Fax 0121 749 4100 Email: admin@cbhgt.org.uk • www.cbhgt.org.uk
English Country Gardens GARDENS
In this nation we are spoilt for choice when it comes to gorgeous gardens to visit. Here, GTW makes just a few recommendations arranged according to some of the things your group might be looking for in a garden visit, whether that is tours, specific interest themes or special events
Tatton Park has 50 acres of award-winning gardens
BEST FOR HISTORY Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens are a unique restoration project of a 17th/18th century formal garden. The gardens combine a sense of garden history with a valuable education resource, and are a peaceful oasis in an urban setting. For many years, these gardens were neglected, lost beneath a tangled mass of vegetation. Work began in 1985, funded by a charitable trust, and has been very successful in restoring the gardens to the period 1640 – 1760, complete with a large collection of unusual period plants. A 19th-century holly maze takes pride of place, as well as a holly walk - a broad path lined with variegated hollies. At its end, the elegant summerhouse looks across to an early orangery known as the Green House. A formal vegetable garden, laid out to the design of Batty Langley’s New Principles of Gardening (1728), sits next to the summerhouse, full of historic and unusual types of vegetables and herbs, many of them rare. Fruit trees, including apples, pears, apricots, figs and cherries have been formally trained as they would have been at the time. The upper and lower wildernesses have grown to maturity, with period underplanting, and the North Garden has recently been restored to the design shown in Henry Beighton’s Prospect of 1726, its parterre outlined with yew, mown grass and gravel. Guided tours are usually available daily and there is a gift shop, coffee shop and plants for sale. 0121 7494100 admin@cbhgt.org.uk www.cbhgt.org.uk
BEST FOR VARIETY Tatton Park’s estate covers 1,000 acres of parkland and includes an 18th century mansion, working historic farm, Tudor hall and award-winning gardens. The fifty acres of gardens have evolved over the last 200 years as each successive generation of the Egerton family added their particular horticultural designs to them, converting more of the parkland into garden each time. In 1791, Humphry Repton’s designs for Tatton in the ‘Red Book’ planned to surround the mansion with flower gardens. Then in the early 1800s, the architect Lewis William Wyatt designed an orangery and the formal pleasure grounds of Charlotte’s Garden. Joseph Paxton, of Crystal Palace fame, designed the fernery to showcase the plant hunters’ specimens from the new world. The impressive Japanese garden dates from 1911 and features a tea house and Shinto shrine. Other areas include the topiary, rose garden and the formal Italian garden which has views over the parkland towards the hills of east Cheshire. The walled kitchen garden provided food for the Egerton family and the estate workers in previous eras, and still produces 18
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historical varieties of fruit and vegetables today which are used in the menus in the restaurant and tearoom. There is colour and interest in the flowers and foliage of the gardens year-round and there are always craftsman gardeners around to chat to in order to find out more. Over 140,000 visitors enjoy the gardens annually and many return regularly to view the seasonal highlights, such as the azaleas in April, roses in the summer and autumn colours in the Japanese garden. National Trust and RHS members enter the gardens for free and group concessions are available. Garden tours cost £85 per group of 25 people; larger groups are split and will require additional guides accordingly. 01625 374416 tatton@cheshireeast.gov.uk www.tattonpark.org.uk
BEST FOR INSPIRATION Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield tell the compelling and motivating story of Edward Augustus Bowles, one of Britain’s most famous self-taught gardeners and an artist and expert botanist who lived there from 1865 to 1954. Groups will find eight acres of gardens to explore, showcasing how Bowles dedicated much of his life to transforming them. Unusual and exotic plants abound in the Lunatic Asylum, restored Kitchen Garden and colourful Alpine Meadow. In February, visitors can witness the extensive snowdrop collection come to life. The gardens are also home to a beautiful lake, Victorian conservatory and various relics including the Enfield Market Cross dating back to 1826, which Bowles rescued and transferred to his garden. The experience can be enhanced with a guided tour with the head or senior
Castle Bromwich’s 19th century holly maze is just one feature of this restoration project gardener to learn more about these enchanting gardens. Tours each have their theme, with topics including history, restoration, plants, snowdrops or a kitchen garden tour. The visitor centre is home to the Bowles Museum, café and a shop. The museum explains more about the life of E A Bowles and the gardens he created, while the shop is full of souvenirs, books, heritage seeds, memorabilia and a selection of plants plus produce from the kitchen garden. Coach parking is available on site - prebooking is required. 08456 770600 info@leevalleypark.org.uk www.visitleevalley.org.uk
BEST FOR TOURS & TALKS As well as the amazing biomes and spectacular outside gardens, the Eden Project in Cornwall will be running a programme of additional events throughout 2014, many of which complement the learning and educational opportunities available year-round at the attraction. In March, the spotlight will be on Cornwall and its local dishes and favourite recipes, traditional Cornish tales and the best Cornish choirs. These activities will take place against a backdrop of daffodils and other classic spring blooms such as crocuses and grape hyacinths. As Easter approaches, Eden is going to focus on chocolate with a
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GARDENS festival taking place from 5th – 27th April. Visitors can find the bright yellow cocoa pods that contain the beans that are made into chocolate growing in the Rainforest Biome. Workshops and talks will explain to visitors about the process of creating chocolate from the raw ingredients and the history of this beloved food. Later in the year, as summer draws to a close, Eden will see the return of its annual Harvest Festival; from 6th September to 4th October, Eden will celebrate food, wine, beer and cider, with workshops, samplings, talks and tastings. Visitors can meet growers and explore the stories behind the produce, finding out about the communities that grow them. All events are included in the entry fee, with admission discounts of over 40% for pre-booked groups and introductory talks for as little as £1 per person. Guided tours are also available at an additional cost and as talks and tours are tailored to the season, there is always something new for groups to discover among the more than one million plants that Eden looks after. 01726 811903 cbarrett@edenproject.com www.edenproject.com/group-visits
BEST FOR SIGNIFICANCE Situated in the heart of London, Chelsea Physic Garden has a unique living collection of around 5,000 edible, useful, medicinal and historical plants. This peaceful green oasis in the centre of the capital includes a number of rare and endangered species, which can flourish in the garden’s warm microclimate. Many of the 100 types of tree are rarely found in Britain. The Chelsea Physic Garden has the largest outdoor fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world’s most northerly outdoor grapefruit tree. Other species grown include pomegranates, gingkos, mulberries and eucalyptus. The glasshouses hold a collection of tropical and sub-tropical
Right: Chelsea Physic Garden showcases useful plants Left: The Eden Project continues its commitment to an extensive programme of tours and talks for all species, complemented by a Victorian cool fernery. The ‘Garden of Edible & Useful Plants’, which opened in 2012, includes various fascinating and fragrant display beds. New for 2014 is the ‘Garden of Medicinal Plants.’ Since the Society of Apothecaries first grew medicinal plants at the garden 340 years ago, the site has evolved numerous times, but has always demonstrated vital medicinal plants. Though these collections are one of the best in Europe, they have been hampered by a shortage of growing
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Experience the Household Cavalry Story in London’s Royal Heartland
Open daily from 10am The Household Cavalry Museum Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX Tel: 020 7930 3070
www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk
GARDENS
The rose garden at Borde Hill
space, heavy shade, limited viewing areas for visitors and scant interpretation. This winter, after many months of planning and designing, a new ¾ acre garden is being built to display an extended collection of medicinal plants. This new quadrant will display historic medicine plants from every region of the world, along with plants used or synthesised for modern medicine, herbal remedies and potential future medicinal plants. Arranged into rooms divided by yew hedges, hazel hurdles and dry-stone walls, the plant collections give visitors the opportunity to take a chronological tour through the history of hundreds of plant-based medicines. Chelsea Physic Garden reopens to the public for the summer season in April. Groups should book in advance and can enjoy expert guided tours of the garden. The Tangerine Dream Café serves a range of snacks and meals, including afternoon tea. 020 7352 5646 www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
BEST FOR EVENTS Borde Hill Garden in West Sussex runs a full programme of events every year and 2014 will be no different; they are introducing some brand new events as well as developing their well-loved regular features. Event days offer added value to visitors and groups, encouraging a diverse audience to appreciate and enjoy the garden, often with a different focus and angle. For a majority of these days there www.grouptravelworld.com
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Grade II listed Borde Hill’s Italian Garden
Borde Hill Garden has 200 acres of parkland
is no additional charge, just the standard entry prices apply. Groups including members of any age will enjoy these days out. Highlights of the 2014 programme include ‘Marvellous Magnolia’ tours in March and April with head gardener Andy Stevens, a sculpture exhibition running from May until September, British Eventing Horse Trials on the 25th and 26th of May, a ‘Dog Fun Day’ on 15th June, the Borde Hill Plant Finders Fair on three days in late June, music every Sunday in August, outdoor theatre on the 8th and 9th of August, outdoor cinema on three nights in September and ‘Haunted Halloween Fun’ at the end of October. Garden highlights include the rhododendrons and azaleas in April and May, bluebells in May and roses and herbaceous plants from June to September. Borde Hill Garden is an English Heritage grade II listed garden, set within 200 acres of listed parkland. The garden was created in 1892 and boasts a botanically rich and
nationally important collection of trees and shrubs. The garden is a registered charity and first opened its gates to the public in 1965. The formal garden is designed as a series of intimate ‘garden rooms’, with woodlands, lakes and the picturesque parkland beyond. Picnics are allowed anywhere within the garden and BBQs and ballgames are permitted in the parkland. The onsite Jeremy’s Restaurant won The Good Food Guide Regional Readers’ Restaurant of the Year 2013 award and offers a contemporary dining experience in a classical setting. The adjoining Café Elvira offers a wide range of good quality home-cooked meals and cakes for more relaxed refreshments. There is also a gift shop, plants for sale and the Green Tree Art Gallery to visit. 01444 450326 www.bordehill.co.uk
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GARDENS garden-loving groups can visit outside of gardens themselves. With the pending world cup in Brazil, this year organisers have opted for a Brazilian themed show with entertainment, events and garden designs all taking their inspiration from Brazilian styles and culture. Southport Flower Show runs from the 14th – 17th August, and will attract around 70,000 visitors over the four days. Gardening experts and TV stars will take part in a show which includes live music and entertainment as well as more than 350 independent stalls and shops – and, of course, show gardens displaying over a million blooms. Group discounts are being offered this year, with a 10% discount on the advance ticket prices for groups of ten to 48 people and a 15% discount for groups of 49 and above. Groups of ten plus will also receive a complimentary ticket and free coach parking. 01704 547147 www.southportflowershow.co.uk
BEST FOR MODERN DESIGN The Alnwick Garden is one of the world’s most extraordinary contemporary gardens, described by the Duchess of Northumberland as ‘an inspiring landscape with beautiful gardens and unique features all brought to life with water’. Designed
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The Alnwick Garden is a contemporary outdoor space with many different features and areas by Wirtz International, the garden is a remarkable combination of spaces, themes, quirkiness and play. As well as being home to one of the world’s largest treehouses, The Alnwick Garden boasts the beauty of the Ornamental Garden, the excitement of the Grand Cascade, the mysteries of the Bamboo Labyrinth, the spell-binding water sculptures of the Serpent Garden and the intrigue of the Poison Garden. The Alnwick Garden prides itself on offering one of the best group travel experiences in the North East. Groups can relax and enjoy the best possible experience
of the gardens, safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of thanks to a wide range of flexible packages. Whether groups are looking for a refreshment break, or an all-day visit including a guided tour and behind-the-scenes access, the group bookings department can offer bespoke packages to meet every need. The garden aims to be accessible for all, with a range of mobility options available for hire, allowing everyone to enjoy its splendour. 01665 511350 info@alnwickgarden.com www.alnwickgarden.com
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From manor to museum
H I S T O R I C AT T R A C T I O N S ISLE OF SKYE Has your group visited Dunvegan Castle and Gardens yet? No visit to the Isle of Skye would be complete without savouring the wealth of history on display at the picturesque estate. Built on a rock in an idyllic lochside setting, Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland; this ancestral home of the chiefs of MacLeod for 800 years is still home to the Clan MacLeod chief today. Castle tours are available, which guide visitors through the historic rooms and explain about Dunvegan’s treasures, including the Great Sword of Dunvegan, the ‘Fairy Flag’ and portraits of the Dunvegan clan chiefs and their wives in the dining room. Outside, several different gardens display a range of styles and plants. The Water Garden has ornate bridges, islands and rich, colourful plants while the Round Garden features a boxwood parterre as its centrepiece. The Walled Garden is formally planted with roses and herbaceous borders and has a Victorian-style glasshouse. Historical photographs and information about the gardens can be found in the Garden Museum, which explores the past and present of Dunvegan Castle’s grounds. For something a bit different, boat trips onto the loch are also available. These take visitors to see a colony of playful seals at close quarters in a traditionally-built clinker boat. To make a complete day out, three shops offer a wide range of Highlands and Islands gifts and crafts, including bespoke items inspired by the castle collection, jewellery, knitwear, chocolates and Harris Tweed items. The MacLeod Tables Café serves great coffee and homemade soups and snacks, made from produce from the castle’s walled garden. 01470 521206 info@dunvegancastle.com www.dunvegancastle.com
EDINBURGH
Spoilt for choice in Great Britain, it is not surprising that groups visit historical properties and attractions time and time again. We often take this for granted and don’t stop to think about how diverse a range of such locations we have, right on our doorsteps. North to south, here’s a variety of historical places to visit, including some you might not have considered before www.grouptravelworld.com
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Exploring the Royal Yacht Britannia gives groups a chance to walk in the footsteps of royalty and discover how the royal family and 220 crew lived. The best way to get the most out of this Edinburgh attraction is to take a fascinating audio tour of the five decks; the tour is available in 22 languages. Groups can see where Prince Charles and Princess Diana honeymooned, and where celebrities and world leaders were entertained through the years, including Ursula Andress and Frank Sinatra, and presidents Reagan, Mandela and Gorbachev. For rounding off a visit, the Royal Deck Tea Room has friendly waiters and waterfront views, and serves speciality teas and coffees, home-made scones, soups and sandwiches, all made on board. There is a coach drop off/pick up area next to Ocean Terminal and coach drivers are welcomed to Britannia free
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H I S T O R I C AT T R A C T I O N S of charge. It is recommended that groups of 15 or more pre-book in order to take advantage of special group rates. 0131 555 8800 groups@tryb.co.uk
Bamburgh Castle
NORTHUMBERLAND Bamburgh Castle is currently basking in the warm glow of publicity following several television appearances over the summer. Most notable was ‘Tales from Northumberland’, following Robson Green as he visited the people and places of his home county. Bamburgh, with its stunning views both seaward to the Farne Islands and landward to the Cheviots, is generating a lot of interest from the group and travel trade market. With over 3,000 artefacts in fourteen rooms, including an amazing collection of china, porcelain, arms, armour, furniture and artworks, and the Armstrong & Aviation Artefacts museum housed in the old laundry, there is a vast amount to see and enjoy at Bamburgh Castle. The Stable Gallery also houses an exhibition of paintings by the celebrated Northumbrian artist Peter Phillips, with hundreds of images in a variety of media depicting the castle and village. The castle is happy to accommodate groups not just during its opening hours, when it offers free guided tours at certain times, but can also arrange out of hours tours to suit. The 62 seat cafeteria serves a variety of hot and cold meals and snacks. There is parking for several coaches, and turning space, and they will feed and water the drivers! Bamburgh Castle offers groups of fifteen or more a
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Berwick Museum
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The dairy at Woburn looks the same today
Peeling Back The Years is an exhibition at Woburn Abbey showcasing Chinese wallpaper
20% discount on normal ticket prices and they are happy to invoice after the visit if preferable. 01668 214208 administrator@bamburghcastle.com
Closer to the coast is the Woodhorn Museum. Located in historic colliery buildings, the museum takes a fascinating and fun look at our industrial past. Groups can explore the original buildings then enjoy a journey through a 20th century mining community. Woodhorn is home to the main collection of art produced by the Pitmen Painters – a group made famous by Lee Hall’s play Billy Elliot – so visitors can enjoy the artists’ own special interpretation of life before relaxing in the glass walled café. Admission to Woodhorn is free but for a small charge, themed guided tours can be booked for groups. The history of border town Berwickupon-Tweed in the very north of Northumberland is brought to life at Berwick Museum and Art Gallery. Situated within the barracks site, a recreated town captures the atmosphere and characters of this seaside town. The gallery is also home to the Burrell Collection, which includes stunning ceramics and artistic masterpieces. www.manorthumberland.org.uk
Northumberland may be known for its stunning castles, breath-taking coastline and wild countryside, but it is also home to a number of museums offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of this beautiful border county. Museums & Archives Northumberland operates four separate museums exploring local history. In the west of the county in Hexham, groups can visit the oldest purpose-built prison in England. Hexham Old Gaol was built in the 14th century to house prisoners from turbulent borderland skirmishes and reiver disputes. Visitors descend into the dungeon, watch the film, try out the stocks, meet the family and imagine life in this lawless land, as well as having a chance to see if their surname has reiver roots too. At Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum, visitors can learn about Northumberland’s special musical heritage and its very own bagpipes. A small instrument with a delicate chant takes centre stage among a wonderful collection of instruments from around the world. This free museum is right in the town centre above a wonderful craft centre.
BEDFORDSHIRE In 2014, Woburn Abbey is going to host two temporary exhibitions, with admission included in tickets to the abbey. Visitors to the extensive house and gardens near Milton Keynes can always take advantage
of guided tours tailored to the specific interests of a group and these special exhibitions offer a chance to go deeper into some key topics relevant to the property. Valiant Hearts, marking the centenary of World War I, will explore the roles played by The Duke and Duchess of Bedford, Woburn Abbey and the people from the surrounding area. The exhibition will follow the journey of the soldiers who were trained in a garrison established by the Duke at nearby Ampthill. Visitors can examine personal correspondence between the Duke and the soldiers he supported, and see replica artefacts from a military hospital from the period. The Duchess set up one of the most advanced hospitals of the time at Woburn Abbey, which went on to treat over 2,000 injured soldiers. Peeling Back The Years is going to examine the use of Chinese wallpaper within the house and stately homes throughout England. Groups will be able to discover the history of a particular room through its layers of wallpaper. From the exquisitely decorative paper used in the 4th Duke of Bedford’s private bedroom in the 18th century, to the more utilitarian wallpapers used when it became an office for household staff, the exhibition will include a number of recent discoveries. A trail
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Llancaiach Fawr Manor is a semi-fortified house in Wales dating to about 1550; on one occasion, King Charles I visited for lunch 30
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H I S T O R I C AT T R A C T I O N S of the Chinese decorative features will show visitors how this style was used throughout the house and gardens. 01525 290333 groups@woburn.co.uk www.woburn.co.uk/groups
CAERPHILLY Llancaiach Fawr Manor overlooks the Glamorgan Uplands in Wales just as it has done since about 1550. Restored and furnished with accurate reproductions according to how it would have looked in 1645, many of the original pieces can also be viewed in the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans. The manor was built for Dafydd ap Richard and was designed to be easily defended during the turbulent reigns of Tudor kings and queens; it is one of the finest examples of a semi-fortified manor in Wales today. The original defensive design incorporated a single entrance, four-foot thick walls enclosing spiral stone staircases for access between floors and stout wooden doors. When these were securely closed, they split the manor in two and ensured that the inner east wing provided a safe and secure place of refuge during troubled times. The manor has played a part in many key historical periods and was visited by King Charles I for lunch on August 5th 1645! The gardens too have been sensitively restored and grow many plants that are of the period of the manor but very rare elsewhere, including ‘Catshead’, ‘Decio’ and ‘Paradise’ apple trees in the orchard. Llancaiach Fawr Manor has regular exhibitions and events, and has great facilities including free coach parking, a shop, café and restaurant. There are discounted rates for groups. 01443 412248 llancaiachfawr@caerphilly.gov.uk www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk
LONDON Surely one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, for more than 1,400 years a cathedral dedicated to St Paul has stood at the highest point in the City. St Paul’s Cathedral embodies the spiritual life and heritage of the British people. Frequently at the centre of national events throughout the centuries, traditions have been observed here and radical new ideas have found expression under the iconic dome. In many cases these events have left some physical record as well as echoes in the intangible memory of the building. The present cathedral is the masterpiece of Britain’s most famous architect Sir Christopher Wren, but it is at least the fourth to have stood on the site. It was built between 1675 and 1710, after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. This was the first cathedral to be built after the English Reformation in the sixteenth century, when Henry VIII removed the Church of England from the jurisdiction of the Pope and the Crown 32
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The Duke of Wellington is interred in the crypt of St Paul’s, among many other famous figures took control of the life of the church. St Paul’s is home to the tombs of many key British figures, including John Donne (1572–1631), the poet and clergyman who, after a raffish youth, went on to become Dean of St Paul’s from 1621 until his death. Two of Britain’s most distinguished military commanders of the Napoleonic Wars were commemorated with state funerals here (and later, monuments were installed on the church floor): Admiral Horatio Nelson in 1806 and Arthur Wellesley Duke of Wellington in 1852, both of whom are interred in the cathedral crypt. St Paul’s has seen an incredible amount of famous faces in recent years too; Dr Martin Luther King stopped at St Paul’s to speak from the west steps en route to collect his Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and in 2012 the Dalai Lama
was welcomed to receive the Templeton prize. Royal weddings and anniversaries have frequently been celebrated at St Paul’s, including the Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Service for Queen Victoria in 1897, the wedding of HRH the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Gold and Diamond Jubilees. Visitors today can explore the breathtaking interior, take a touchscreen multimedia tour, visit the crypt and enjoy meals and snacks in the restaurant. Guided tours and group rates are available. 020 7246 8357 admissions@stpaulscathedral.org. uk www.stpauls.co.uk The Houses of Parliament, always a popular attraction with group
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Guided tours reveal the secrets of The Houses of Parliament
visitors to London, is opening its doors during the February half-term holiday week with additional tours between Tuesday 18th and Friday 21st February. Tours are also available every Saturday. On a ‘Blue Badge’ guided tour of Parliament, visitors follow in the footsteps of historical figures from the past one thousand years, and experience first-hand the Lords and Commons Chambers where the important issues of the day continue to be hotly debated. Other highlights include the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Central Lobby and Members’ Lobby. Tours end in Westminster Hall, which in the past has witnessed major trials and coronation banquets. In more recent years Westminster Hall is the place where distinguished figures including Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Aung San Suu Kyi have delivered landmark speeches. English language tours run at 15 minute intervals throughout the day between 9.15am and 4.30pm. Tours in Spanish, Italian, French, German and Russian are offered at various times on all opening days. Groups of ten or more can save up to 45% on the full adult price; please contact to make a group booking. 0844 8472498 www.parliament.uk/visiting
KENT Penshurst Place and Gardens is a popular destination in the Weald of Kent, with a full programme designed specifically for group visitors. One of England’s great medieval houses with over 670 years of fascinating history and historic grade I listed Elizabethan gardens, it was once the property of Henry VIII and has been the ancestral home of the Sidney family since 1552. With prices held since 2012, Penshurst Place and Gardens offers good value for 34
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Penshurst Place in Kent offers many themed tours for groups, covering a great range of topics money. Group tours of the house and gardens are available, free-flow entry to the historical gardens (which date from 1346), a £5 refreshment voucher for the coach driver and free entrance for the group leader. Free coach parking is also available alongside a well-stocked gift shop and a café, both of which are open all year. New for 2014 is the option for groups to tailor their house tour according to a special interest topic. This innovative range of themed tours can be adapted to the preference of the group at no additional charge, offering tour operators, special interest clubs and schools the opportunity to personalise their visit. Among the new topics on offer at the 14th century manor house are tours themed to focus on Portraiture; Needlework and Textiles; Furniture; Architecture; Art and its Politics; Porcelain and China, and Medieval Life. Specialist guides with expert knowledge on the treasures and
history of the magnificent house and gardens are available to provide topicspecific insight during private group tours. General house and garden tours are also offered, as well as favourites such as the housekeeper’s ‘behind the scenes’ tour. A popular choice for groups, this guided house tour includes an introduction from the head housekeeper on how state rooms are cleaned and conserved. There is a minimum group size of 15 people for tours. As well as exploring the glorious historical gardens and the magnificent house, groups have the option of catering from Leith’s in the Garden Restaurant or the new Porcupine Pantry. Next to the main visitor entrance, the Porcupine Pantry café and gift shop are open throughout the year, including during winter months. 01892 870307 wendyw@penshurstplace.com www.penshurstplace.com/groups www.grouptravelworld.com
09/01/2014 16:30
Theatre Booking tickets for your group? Why call The B Team when you could call
“If you want the best tickets, If you want the best prices, If you want to deal with the best ticket agent, You need to hire
THE A TEAM
They are easier to find than you think” Book online: www.groupline.com | Tel: 020 7420 9700 | Email: enquiries@groupline.com
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09/01/2014 14:57
T H E AT R E // R E V I E W
From Here T to Eternity… like it ... feels
Darius Campbell as First Sergeant Milt Warden gives a talented performance
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im Rice’s muchanticipated new West End musical opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in late October 2013 and has had no problem selling tickets, especially over the Christmas and New Year period. From Here to Eternity is based on a novel of the same name written by James Jones and published in 1951. A bestseller, the original novel was also adapted into a successful film. Rice’s involvement appears to have been the key impetus behind much of the anticipation, especially as the renowned lyricist has been rather quiet of late in terms of public work. Set over a couple of months in 1941 at U.S. barracks in Hawaii, the story follows several members of G Company, including Captain Dana ‘Dynamite’ Holmes and First Sergeant Milt Warden, who begins an affair with Holmes’ wife Karen. At the heart of the tale lies a struggle between former bugler Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt, an infantryman from Kentucky and career soldier, and his superiors. Filled with the typical mix of rousing and more reflective songs, this musical version of From Here to Eternity has a good go at presenting a show which will appeal to typical West End audiences. The choreography has a familiar look to it too, not doing anything out of the ordinary but rather aiming to satisfy standard expectations of a musical. So, there are probably less entertaining ways to spend an evening. However, taking into account the high hopes for this musical, overall it is disappointing and dissatisfying. None of the songs are memorable, although Rice’s hand can definitely be detected (perhaps part of the problem, since the whole thing comes across as formulaic). The storyline is sleazy and immoral, which audiences should know to expect, but which does not leave a pleasant taste by the end and leaves the audience unmoved. Jones’s original manuscript was heavily
censored by his publisher and the unexpurgated version was not published until 2011, which is the point at which the stage rights for this adaptation were purchased. One can’t help wondering if the censored version might be preferable; gritty realism and strong language are fine, but the unrelenting focus on sex gets boring, and the nudity in particular tips over into gratuitous and unnecessary at a couple of points in this adaptation. The role of Warden is taken by Darius Campbell, he of Pop Idol fame, and his part is one of the only saving graces of From Here to Eternity. (Darius was the one who became infamous for cheesy statements such as ‘Can you feel the love in the room?’ and a cringeworthy version of Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time, but he ultimately did well and took third place due to a great voice and being a genuinely nice guy.) The boy can sing, really sing. He is also easy on the eye and has a very imposing stature, giving him significant stage presence and power. It appears these facts are still not lost on a loyal fan base, since no sooner was the end reached than a group of girls in the audience began screaming ‘WE LOVE YOU DARIUS’. By the end, and it was hard to stay with it and keep concentration at times, the messages appeared to be that duty and morals, including marital duty, count for nothing if you’re in love, or it’s wartime. It’s difficult to care about the dilemmas of any of the characters, since they aren’t presented in any depth or as anything more than fools with little conscience. Neither is it a hedonistic riot to be enjoyed on a different level; the overlying real stories of Pearl Harbor and the dramatic reconstructions of soldiers dying in the raid prevent this from being possible. From Here to Eternity is unlikely to last for as long as its name might suggest, but Tim Rice’s involvement and Darius Campbell’s talent will carry the show for a decent West End run at least. n www.grouptravelworld.com
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UK TOUR
5th March – 27th April 2014 Leeds • Birmingham • Nottingham • Glasgow • Liverpool • London • Cardiff
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Excellent group discounts available for 10+ from Db Promotions UK To book tickets call Db Promotions UK on 0121 308 4511 or email info@dbpromotions.co.uk For more details about our forthcoming shows, subscribe to our Newsletter online at www.dbpromotions.co.uk
T H E AT R E // N E W S
Theatre and dine packages for groups Have you ever considered taking the hassle out of arranging a West End trip by choosing a theatre and dine package rather than attempting to arrange everything separately? Packages combining a meal and theatre tickets can be very cost-effective, often giving you great seats and an excellent meal in a quality restaurant for the cost of many mid-range theatre tickets alone. Trying to find, book and arrange the details for a meal either before or after the theatre can be extremely time-consuming and difficult, especially if you know nothing about the quality of potential restaurants in an area packed with options. Then there is distance to consider – each restaurant has to be checked for its proximity to the theatre showing your chosen musical,
and walking distances or travel times calculated. Restaurants closest to the theatres tend to be fully booked, especially at peak pre- and post-show times, often resulting in a rushed meal in a restaurant further away. Groups sometimes avoid theatre and dine packages thinking that choice of cuisine will be limited or the restaurant of lower quality. However, typical packages include, for example, a pre-show dinner at The Brasserie at The Grosvenor before a short stroll of 204 metres to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to see Wicked, all for just £65. Packages can start from as little as £20; dinner at Clockjack Oven followed by The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre, just 112 metres away, is available for this bargain price and won’t disappoint. Groups aren’t restricted to
LET IT BE is shortly to finish its successful run at the Savoy Theatre and embark upon a national tour. The West End show, showcasing the music of The Beatles, has now been seen by over 400,000 people in the capital. Let It Be will end in London on February 8th, before beginning its tour in Manchester on February 28th. Initially booking until July 2014, the tour will include Torquay, Birmingham, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Bristol, Southampton, Cardiff, Northampton and Belfast among its stops around the country.
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Bateaux’s afternoon tea cruises can be combined with a West End show
combining only evening meals with visits to the theatre, either. Bateaux offers visitors the chance to enjoy an afternoon tea cruise along the Thames with a West End show. Spend an afternoon discovering the magic of the city from the river point of view, on board Bateaux’s vessel the Harmony, enjoying
sandwiches, pastries and scones, as well as an assortment of teas and music from their resident solo pianist. Then head off to enjoy one of the West End’s most popular shows, including Let It Be at the Savoy Theatre or Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre, sitting in top price seats.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK has just celebrated its 10,000th performance in December. With an impressive 25 years in the West End, over seven million people have lived to tell the tale of the scary and thrilling show. The Woman in Black combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. Audiences are transported into a terrifying, ghostly world in one of the most exciting, gripping and successful West End shows of all time.
THE REOPENING OF THE APOLLO THEATRE has been delayed again, until mid January, following the ceiling collapse last month. 76 people were injured, seven seriously, after the Apollo’s ornate plasterwork ceiling collapsed and brought down part of the lighting rig and balcony onto the audience,
during an evening showing of The Curious Incident Of The Dog in the Night-Time. Initial safety checks by authorities were completed two days after the 19th December incident, with the police ruling out criminal action, but an investigation by Westminster City Council into the cause of the collapse is still underway.
www.grouptravelworld.com
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TICKETMASTER NEWS
Harman and Hill: I Can’t Sing! Think you know The X Factor? Think again! Ticketmaster Groups recently caught up with Harry Hill, creator of upcoming musical smash I Can’t Sing!, and the man cast in the role of Simon ‘Mr Nasty’ himself, Nigel Harman. NIGEL HARMAN made you take on the part of Simon? Q What A
Playing Simon is a lot of fun, as you can imagine, and from the start he hasn’t been afraid to have the mickey taken out of him throughout the show. His advice to me when I took the role was to go out and make a complete idiot of him every night!
I Can’t Sing! in three words. Q Describe A will this show appeal to group bookers? Q Why A Funny, surprising, anarchic.
This is absolutely a show that should be shared with friends and family. It’s a brilliantly silly night at the theatre and something you’ll be laughing about around the dinner table or down the pub for weeks after.
should we expect from I Can’t Sing!? Q What A
It’s an off-the-wall new musical written by Harry Hill and Steve Brown. The show has a great central story and the songs are incredible; really catchy with hilarious lyrics and genuine heart. The show is a really special addition to the West End.
given the show real integrity in its gentle mocking of the characters!
would you convince those that dislike the TV show to come along? Q How A
Well it actually sends up a lot of the things people don’t like about the TV show! But aside from that, there are so many other reasons to see the show: the hilarious script, incredible choreography, outstanding sets and so many stand-out performances from the cast. Ultimately I Can’t Sing! is a great night out at the theatre for everyone.
HARRY HILL did you come up with the concept for the show? Q How A I was watching the final of The X Factor on TV; I had been drinking a little and eating hard cheeses. That night Simon came to me in a dream and told me he wanted me to write a musical. The next day I got his number from directory enquiries and phoned him. He said he’d been expecting my call.
Q A
How does this show differ to what you have previously done in your career?
Well it’s very much a collaborative approach - a huge undertaking with many different departments - music, casting, choreography, set design and of course the music and director. Fortunately I’ve managed to fall in with a bunch of really talented and creative people.
involved has Simon Cowell been in the process? Q How meant to be a homage to show? Q IsthetheTVmusical A A Simon has been involved from the very beginning, but has let us get on with the creative side of things which has
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Homage is the wrong word. It’s one part celebration to one part mickey
take to eight parts nonsense. It sends up the show in a (largely) affectionate way - a bit like we used to do on TV Burp - except there’s no WAGBO!
What makes I Can’t Sing! different to other shows that have recently found it Q hard to succeed?
A
Well this is a completely different take; it’s an out and out crazy comedy musical in the mould of The Rocky Horror Show or The Producers. Plus we haven’t got any songs by the Spice Girls in ours!
is this show going to appeal to group bookers? Q Why I guarantee the audience will be talking about it all the way home - especially the surprise ending where Simon is revealed as ... no ... I can’t ... it wouldn’t be fair. Plus they’ll be singing Steve Brown’s songs all night.
would you convince people who dislike the TV show to come along? Q How A
Our aim was always to make the show so it would appeal to people who love or hate The X Factor. Actually, I don’t think you even need to have seen The X Factor, as most of the gags and the songs and the love story are universal. One of our backers is Dutch and he laughed all the way through the workshop!
involved has Simon Cowell been in the process? Q How A
Simon has done the right thing - he’s backed it wholeheartedly and left us alone to get on with it. We’re pretty cheeky about him but so far he hasn’t asked us to change anything. www.grouptravelworld.com
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T H E AT R E L I S T I N G S / / W E S T E N D
Theatre Listings LONDON
London’s West End theatre remains the most vibrant in the world. On these two pages lists the major West End shows currently open, or about to open. Always check the details before making any arrangements Victoria Palace
Victoria Street SW1
BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSICAL
Musical about a northern working class boy who wants to dance. n Booking to: 16 May 2015 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm n Length: 3hrs 00mins n Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Duchess
Ballet and dance version of the Kenneth Grahame classic. n Booking to: 1 February 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Weds & Sat 2:30pm n Length: 2hrs 30mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE Piccadilly
Adelphi
Strand WC2
THE BODYGUARD
Musical based on the legendary film that starred the late Whitney Houston. n Booking to: 30 August 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 3pm n Length: 2hrs 25mins n Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
LET IT BE
Strand WC2
Musical about The Beatles. n Booking to: 8 February 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 3pm, Sun 7pm n Length: 2hrs 15mins
n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM Theatre Royal
Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark tale. n Booking to: May 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Weds & Sat 2:30pm n Length: 2hrs 30mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE 42
ONCE
One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal
Prince of Wales
Coventry Street W1
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Hilarious Broadway musical about a pair of Mormon boys on mission. n Booking to: 5 April 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm n Length: 2hrs 30 mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
Prince Edward Old Compton Street W1
JERSEY BOYS
Broadway musical telling the story of 1960s pop group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. n Booking to: 9 March 2014 n Times: Tues-Sat 7:30pm, Tues & Sat 3pm, Sun 5pm n Length: 2hrs 40mins n Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE
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Charing Cross Road WC2
The love story of two musicians in Dublin. n Booking to: 31 May 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 3pm n Length: 2hrs 25mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
Drury Lane WC2
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Denmark Street W1
DIRTY DANCING
Adapted from the Oscar-winning film, including all the most famous songs. n Booking to: February 2014 n Times: Tues-Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm & 7pm n Length: 2hrs 30mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE Phoenix
Savoy
Catherine Street WC2
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
Queens
Lyceum
Catherine Street WC2
THE LION KING
Stage adaptation of the Disney film set among the wild animals of Africa. n Booking to: 20 April 2014 n Times: Tues-Sat 7:30pm, Weds, Sat & Sun 2:30pm n Length: 2hrs 45mins n Booking Codes: AM AP DY EN GL TM SE
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
LES MISERABLES
The long-running musical about the French Revolution. n Booking to: April 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Weds & Sat 2:30pm n Length: 2hrs 50mins n Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE
Novello
Aldwych WC2
MAMMA MIA!
Musical featuring Abba hits. n Booking to: 25 October 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:45pm, Thur & Sat 3pm n Length: 2hrs 35mins n Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE www.grouptravelworld.com
08/01/2014 17:20
Mamma Mia! brings some sunshine and Abba hits to the stage
Criterion
Piccadilly Circus W1V
THE 39 STEPS
Based on John Buchan’s novel, this is a comedy version of the classic. ■ Booking to: 18 October 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:45pm, Fri & Sat 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Noel Coward
Ambassadors
Earlham Street WC2
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale of an extraordinary genius child. ■ Booking to: December 2014 ■ Times: Tues 7pm, Wed-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm, Sun 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 40mins ■ Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE Shaftesbury Shaftesbury Avenue WC2
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY
Epic new musical from Tim Rice, set in 1941 Pearl Harbor and currently starring Darius Campbell. ■ Booking to: 26 April 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Tues 3pm, Sat 4pm ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE www.grouptravelworld.com
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St Martin’s
West Street WC2
THE MOUSETRAP
Tottenham Court Road W1
WE WILL ROCK YOU
Musical featuring hits of Queen, now celebrating over 4000 performances. ■ Booking to: 5 April 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 45mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
THE COMMITMENTS
Apollo Victoria
Roddy Doyle’s best-selling novel, adapted into a musical, tells the story of a band in 1980s Dublin. ■ Booking to: October 2014 ■ Times: Tue-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Cambridge
The moving story of a boy and his horse, based on Morpurgo’s novel. ■ Booking to: January 2015 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 20mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Dominion
Musical based on the acclaimed 1997 film about unemployed steel workers. ■ Booking from: February 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP DY GL TM SE
The Woman in Black continues to spook and thrill audiences
Drury Lane WC2
WAR HORSE
St. Martin’s Lane WC2
THE FULL MONTY
Palace
New London
Wilton Road SW1
WICKED
The untold story of two witches from the Wizard of Oz. ■ Booking to: 31 October 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 45mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
West Street WC2
STOMP
Fortune
Russell Street WC2
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Toe-tapping dance and rhythm using everyday objects, this show makes the audience want to join in. ■ Booking to: 21 December 2014 ■ Times: Mon, Thurs-Sat 8pm, Thurs & Sat 3pm, Sun 3pm & 6pm ■ Length: 1hrs 40mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP GL TM
The hit ghost story now in its 23rd year of frightening audiences. ■ Booking to: July 2014 ■ Times: Tue-Sat 8pm, Tues & Thur 3pm, Sat 4pm ■ Length: 2hrs ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
Lyric
Theatre Royal
Shaftesbury Avenue WC2
THRILLER LIVE
Haymarket SW1
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
A celebration of Michael Jackson’s career and music. ■ Booking to: 28 September 2014 ■ Times: Tue-Fri 7:30pm, Sat 4pm & 8pm, Sun 3:30pm & 7:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 20 mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s 18th century comedy Servant of Two Masters. ■ Booking to: 1 March 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30 mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
Aldwych
Prince Edward Old Compton Street W1
Aldwych WC2
STEPHEN WARD
Agatha Christie’s whodunit and the West End’s longest running show. ■ Booking to: 3 January 2015 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Tues 3pm, Sat 4pm ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
The story of the infamous Profumo affair. ■ Booking to: 1 March 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: TBC ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Her Majesty’s
Palladium
MISS SAIGON
Reprisal of the famous musical. ■ Booking from: May 2014 ■ Times: TBC ■ Length: TBC ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE KEY TO BOOKING CODES
Haymarket SW1
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
The most successful musical of all time, which began in 1986, with music from Andrew Lloyd Webber. ■ Booking to: 26 April 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Argyll Street W1
I CAN’T SING!
New musical about the X Factor, with a script from Harry Hill, depicting life behind the scenes of the TV show. ■ Booking to: 25 October 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 3pm ■ Length: TBC ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
AM Ambassador Groups AP Applause Groups DY Disney Theatrical TM Ticketmaster Groups
GL Groupline SE SEE Groups EN Encore Tickets
When booking, please mention
January 2014 ●
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SHOPPING
Your at-a-glance directory to the UK’s best shopping outlets for groups. Incentives are sometimes dependent on pre-booking, minimum group sizes and minimum hours spent at the destination; please contact the outlets for further details
GROUP
Shopping GUIDE Springfields
Location
Number of stores
Type of stores
Incentives
Spalding
55
Clothing, homeware
Coach driver: £10 retail voucher, £10 worth food and drink, restroom
Varies, designer clothing
GTO and coach driver: lunch/ drink voucher
Clothing, homeware
GTO and coach driver: lunch/ drink voucher
Clothing, food, gifts, pottery, furniture
GTO: £5 retail voucher, meal voucher Coach drivers: £5 retail voucher, £5 meal voucher, coach driver loyalty scheme with further vouchers available
McArthurGlen
London, Manchester, York, Cardiff, Nottingham
Chic Outlet
Bicester
Oswaldtwistle Mills
Lancashire
Clarks Village
Somerset
Boundary Mill
Walsall, Lancashire, Newcastleupon-Tyne, Sheffield, Lincolnshire
Lowry Outlet
Manchester
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Varies
130
80
90
Varies
80
Clothing, homeware, gifts
Coach driver: £5 retail voucher, free food and drink
Clothing, furniture, cookware, gifts
GTO: £10 retail voucher Coach driver: £10 cash
Clothing, homeware, gifts, health and beauty
GTO and coach driver: £10 retail voucher
Meet & greet?
Coach parking?
Further details enquiries@springfieldsshopping. com 01775 760909 www.springfieldsshopping.co.uk 020 7535 2300 www.mcarthurglengroup.com
Enquiry@ChicOutletShopping. com 01869 323200 www.chicoutletshopping.com 01254 871025 bbanks@o-mills.co.uk o-mills.co.uk/Group_Visits
01458 840064 www.clarksvillage.co.uk
boundarymill.co.uk Contact the coach coordinator at each store coaches@boundarymill.co.uk
groups@lowryoutlet.co.uk 0161 848 1835 www.lowryoutlet.co.uk
www.grouptravelworld.com
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SCOTLAND
Scotland 2014
YEAR OF HOMECOMING
Following The Gathering in Ireland in 2013, this year Scotland takes centre stage with an exciting twelve months of cultural events and activities. This overview highlights some of the features of the programme and recommends the things not to miss The Hams of Muckle Roe in Shetland. Walking in Scotland is the best way to see outstanding views that those who stick to the roads will miss
A
s Hogmanay leads into the month that celebrates Burns Night, this year these annual dates are just the beginning of twelve months of festivities and special events. Designed to celebrate the best of everything Scottish, ranging from food, drink, arts, culture and sport to ancestral heritage and natural resources, Homecoming Scotland is set to bring the world to the land of tartan and thistles. One of the biggest events of 2014 will be the Commonwealth Games, hosted by Glasgow in July. 14 venues will play host to 17 different sports, as the best athletes in the world compete for the prestigious medals. Then in September, the 40th Ryder Cup will be held at historic Gleneagles. Throughout the rest of the year, a diverse and unusual mixture of events will take place throughout the nation. The Scottish Snowdrop Festival will
be one of the first events to kick off Homecoming 2014, with events running throughout February and March. Various locations across the country will open (some exclusively) to showcase lovely snowdrop displays to the public. The diverse range of 53 gardens taking part includes walled gardens, urban retreats, historic castles, churchyards and woodlands. Eight new gardens are joining in this year, including Bruckhills Croft in Aberdeenshire. This traditional croft is surrounded by a beautiful informal country cottage garden and a wildflower meadow with pond. An astonishing 90+ types of snowdrop are arranged in small groups throughout the garden. The Cambo Estate in Fife is another new addition; they hold the national collection of snowdrops, with 70 acres of woodland walks to the sea. A day out here can include gardener-led walks, piglets to feed and drop-in workshops. The annual
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‘Snowdrops by Starlight’ experience will take a new format this year, with visitors donning head torches and walking through the enchanting winter woodlands, with kinetic and sound sculptures as well as live music. The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry has been created by Scots in 25 countries around the world over the past two years. The beautiful, intricate piece of work depicts the experiences of migrant Scots over the centuries and the 200 embroidered panels will start coming together in March before touring the country until November. A Scottish naturalist and conservationist, John Muir founded America’s national parks, still a vital part of the USA’s landscape today. The John Muir Way is a new national pathway incorporating an older route of the same name, stretching from Dunbar (Muir’s birthplace) in the east to Helensburgh in the west. The trail visits key central Scotland landscapes and the country’s first national
»
Stills at work at the Glenfiddich Distillery www.grouptravelworld.com
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SCOTLAND
Linlithgow Loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to wildfowl. Linlithgow Palace, seen here, housed 15th and 16th century Scottish monarchs
Tentsmuir is a national nature reserve on the east coast of Scotland just north of St Andrews
Smoked salmon is a Scottish speciality
park at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Taking place in April, the John Muir Festival will celebrate the life and legacy of Muir and mark the 100th anniversary of his death with a number of themed events in East Lothian and at other key locations along the John Muir Way. In late June, the weekend after the 700th anniversary and the official opening of the new Bannockburn visitor centre, Bannockburn Live will re-enact Scotland’s most famous battle. 45,000 visitors from around the world will witness medieval warfare first-hand in a specially created festival arena. In addition, an array of themed villages will present the sights, sounds and atmosphere of medieval and modern Scotland. Visitors can explore and experience medieval life in the historical encampments before watching Robert the Bruce and Edward II lead their armies into the Battle of Bannockburn. There will also be a programme packed with music, Scottish
More than 100,000 people are expected to join in the Forth Bridges Festival, a new event which this year also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Forth Road Bridge. A ten day programme of events will mark the 50th birthday of a remarkable feat of engineering and one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks, connecting Edinburgh and Fife. Running in early September, the festival will include the Forth Bridges House Party, Scotland Welcomes the World to Lunch, the ‘Birthday Boat Flotilla’, a torchlight procession and a dramatic light and firework show. One of Scotland’s most celebrated sons is recognised every year in the Creative Mackintosh Festival. Running in midOctober in 2014, the festival programme will include new artistic commissions in design, visual art and performance as well as a range of exhibitions, talks, tours, films, music, dance and drama performances, children’s activities and workshops. These events will take place in Mackintosh buildings across the city of Glasgow. The events programme showcases the Mackintosh buildings and legacy, as well as focusing on Glasgow and its creativity, through the work of contemporary artists responding to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh legacy and the themes that fascinated him. Mackintosh’s architecture and iconic buildings will be the stages for much of the programme. Experiences for visitors include listening to or watching a performance, taking part in creative workshops in visual arts, architecture or taking a walk or tour, guided or independently, through Glasgow to see the architectural heritage. n
food and drink, crafts, literature and outdoor activities, with something for all the family. Since 1867, Highland Games have been held on the village green in Aboyne and 2014 is expected to see a record turnout. Noted worldwide for the excellence of the traditional disciplines on display, the Aboyne Highland Games also gather together clans indigenous to the north east of Scotland in particular, so this year clansmen and women from around the globe are expected to arrive for the festivities. The Aboyne games always attract excellent heavy athletes who show demonstrations of strength and skill at the shot put, weight over the bar, hammer throwing and caber tossing. At least five tug-of-war teams battle for supremacy and athletes take part in races short and long for all ages, including the testing Fungle Hill Race. Piping and dancing competitions are always a particular highlight, with other entertainment provided by no less than five pipebands.
The Glasgow School of Art library was designed by Mackintosh and perfectly shows his style
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A Day at the Races For something a bit different, why not take your group for an exciting, thrill-filled day at the races? A group trip here can include great dining, entertainment – and the electrifying races themselves, of course
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ocated just six miles from Edinburgh, Musselburgh Racecourse has top-rate facilities, services and staff. The award-winning, five star visitor attraction provides everything needed for a great day out at the races. They are also open all year round for weddings, conferences and business meetings. Musselburgh Racecourse is a compact course just over a mile and a quarter, which ensures that all visitors feel close to the action and excitement. No matter where in the arena guests stand, excellent views of the races are assured – there is also a big screen in the very centre of the course to make sure not a second of the action is missed. Following a recent £4m refurbishment,
Cheltenham Ladies Day www.grouptravelworld.com
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the facilities include a great variety of places to eat and drink, including seven bars and three restaurants. There is a cloakroom facility, ample free parking close to the racecourse entrance, and a drop off point right by the main entrance for coach drivers. Musselburgh Racecourse offers discounts for groups of 12 or more, who save 20% – 25% on the admission ticket price, or various packages are available that offer great value for money. Group packages and tickets must be booked online in advance. 0131 665 2859 www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk Cheltenham Racecourse is situated on the outskirts of the historic spa town January 2014 ● Group Travel World
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Dining at Cheltenham Racecourse comes with great views of the horseracing action
RACECOURSES
of Cheltenham. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham Racecourse is a stunning natural amphitheatre and offers the highestquality action throughout the season. The best-known event is the Cheltenham Festival, four days of horse-racing atmosphere, anticipation and action. It features the best and the bravest horses and jockeys, nervous trainers and owners, and of course a diverse and excited audience. Albert and Michel Roux are synonymous with the very best in fine dining and the highest quality Michelin-starred cuisine. Cheltenham Racecourse is welcoming the duo to produce Fairlawne, a restaurant which will be available at the worldrenowned festival, which takes place from 11th to 14th March this year. Fairlawne will offer racegoers the chance to combine Jockey Club Fine Dining alongside top quality horseracing. Albert and Michel will produce a menu specially designed and served exclusively at the restaurant. It has been called Fairlawne after Fairlawne Estate in Sussex, where Albert Roux was head chef in the early part of his career and where Michel was born and raised. It was the home of Sir Peter Cazalet, a racehorse trainer who trained horses for The Queen Mother and who was a great supporter of Albert’s, especially in setting up Le Gavroche in London. Groups heading to Cheltenham Racecourse can choose from three enclosures depending on tastes and requirements. There is a wide range of dining options, great facilities, and groups www.grouptravelworld.com
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can choose from a range of tickets and packages, including discounted tickets for groups of 15 or more. 01242 513014 www.cheltenham.co.uk Newcastle Racecourse is set in the beautiful High Gosforth Park, with over 800 acres of land. Easily accessible from the A1(M), it offers a fantastic day out in lovely surroundings. 33 suites are available for hire, all with fabulous views over the racecourse and Newcastle city centre. For groups visiting for events other than races (which can include conferences, product launches and exhibitions, training and team building events, weddings and private parties), Brandling House is often used, the 1762 grade II listed building at the heart of High Gosforth Park. If your group is visiting for the races, a hospitality package is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy your time at Newcastle Racecourse. This guarantees a reserved table for the duration of the meeting, whether you choose the Brandling House restaurants or the luxury of private boxes and marquees. Intervals between each race mean that there is plenty of time for wining, dining, entertaining guests – and placing bets, of course! Group discounts are offered to parties of 15 or more and coach drivers are admitted free of charge. 0191 236 2020 info@newcastle-racecourse.co.uk www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk
Nail-biting moments at Newcastle Racecourse where bets can be placed between races January 2014 l Group Travel World
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ear Winchester in Hampshire, Marwell Zoo is a 140-acre landscaped park that is home to over 170 exotic and endangered species. The zoo opened in 1972 and has conservation at the heart of everything it does. They warmly welcome group visits and provide all the facilities needed for a brilliant day out at any time of year. As well as classic zoo animals such as giraffes, meerkats, zebra, ostriches and penguins, Marwell Zoo’s animals include many that are currently in need of help in order to ensure the survival of the species, and a visit here is in itself a great way to help out. On December 13th, keepers at Marwell Zoo got an early Christmas present when they discovered Wendy the pygmy hippo had given birth to a healthy calf. Weighing in at six kilos and measuring just 15cm in height, this pygmy hippo is an important addition to the European Endangered Breeding Programme. Marwell Zoo has seen lots of other births this winter too, with the arrival of a giant anteater pup, Somali wild ass foal, Arabian oryx calf and Hartmann’s zebra foal. Marwell Zoo offers free tickets to any GTOs planning a visit for their group and coach drivers will benefit from free parking, free entry and a lunch voucher. Group rates are available for groups of 12 or more and for every 12 tickets booked, a free ticket will be given as well. A downloadable group booking form is available on the website. 01962 777965 groups@marwell.org.uk www.marwell.org.uk/groups
2013 prices have been held for this year at West Midland Safari Park. Voted ‘Coach Friendly Visitor Attraction of the Year’, this Worcestershire zoo has impressive facilities for groups of all sizes. The four mile self-drive safari covers around 150 acres and is packed with some of the most impressive animal species known to man, including Indian rhino, white tigers, giraffe, elephants, African rhino, African wild dogs 55
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Zoos and animal parks are always changing and developing, so even if you’ve been before, the chances are there’ll be plenty to see on a second visit. Here are some great bets for animal magic in 2014 and cheetah to name just a few. There is also a variety of all-weather Discovery Trail exhibits that include Penguin Cove, Mark O’Shea’s Reptile World, Creepy Crawlies, Twilight Cave, SeaQuarium and a sealion theatre, with performances several times each day. The African Village by the lakeside is the site of Walking with Lemurs - the largest walk-through lemur exhibit in the country. In addition to all the animal attractions, the park has an amusement area with a whole host of rides, including two water rides: Zambezi Water Splash and Wild River Rapids. Groups are welcomed with free onsite coach parking and
Marwell Zoo’s brand new pygmy hippo baby
excellent group rates. A free preview ticket is available for GTOs who are planning to take a group along at some point. 01299 400700 groups@wmsp.co.uk www.wmsp.co.uk Woburn Safari Park begins with a road safari which can be enjoyed by either coach or car. The route begins by winding through wide grassy areas with zebra and rhinos and then takes vehicles through high security gates into ‘Kingdom of the Carnivores’, home to tigers, wolves, bears and lions. Monkeys and giraffes come next, before visitors reach the car park from where they can explore the rest of the zoo on foot. Animals in this section include wallabies, penguins, meerkats, adorable tiny free-ranging marmosets, irresistible otters and ‘Land of the Lemurs’, where four species of fluffy lemurs have developed a habit of jumping onto the shoulders of visitors. Groups can extend their day by catching one of the daily keeper talks, including the sea lion show, an encounter with elephants and a birds of prey show. Facilities at Woburn Safari Park include a restaurant serving a great range of hot and cold foods; groups can reserve a table and enjoy table service by booking ahead. 01525 290407 groups@woburnsafari.co.uk www.woburnsafari.co.uk www.grouptravelworld.com
09/01/2014 21:49
UKINBOUND NEWS By Amy O’Donovan, Marketing & Events Executive UKinbound
New faces and places for UKinbound 2014
Afternoon tea at the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill
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ince joining the UKinbound team in early November, I had a great few weeks in the run up to Christmas. I was thrilled to be invited to the ‘Celebration of Christmas’ event at St Paul’s Cathedral, which is one of the highlights of the year. The travel trade blended with the eclectic mix of locals, tourists and professionals to enjoy some witty Christmas verses, readings and carol singing. If you weren’t in the Christmas spirit before, you certainly were after the service. I also experienced my first afternoon tea in the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, which was a special treat. The Churchill was decorated with stunning Christmas decorations which added to the atmosphere and we were served a fabulous selection of sandwiches, scones, teas, Champagne and a festive mulled wine. If you haven’t had afternoon tea in a while, I highly recommend The Churchill. To start my 2014 on a high, I visited London’s latest attraction The Shard. To be honest, I am really not the best at heights, however there was no time to worry as the kaleidoscopic lifts soon had me up at the top where I was met with wonderful views of London. When you
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reach the top there are two levels to choose from to get the best views; I bravely ascended to level 72, which is at 244 metres. As you are exposed to the elements and the sounds of the city around you, it truly is a wonderful experience.....a bit cold in January but wonderful all the same! So what are you waiting for? Make sure you get to The Shard in 2014. I would highly recommend pre-booking your tickets in case of disappointment should it be busy. Back in the office, we are starting our new calendar year of events. During January, we are busy organising and preparing for one of our biggest events of the year, the UKinbound Annual Convention. This year, we are heading to Blackpool which in the last few years has seen a massive multi-million pound regeneration of this beloved seaside resort. Visitors are encouraged to take a fresh look at Blackpool, famous for its tower and promenade, seven miles of golden beaches, the magic of the Illuminations and its warm and friendly welcome. Bill Turnbull from BBC One’s Breakfast programme returns as our host for the convention and we will be joined by some key players in the industry for interesting debates. The Hilton Hotel, Blackpool, will host the convention and it is taking place from February 5th - 7th. For more information, please contact our events team on 020 7395 7500 or at events@ukinbound.org. As well as our annual convention, we are planning lots of other events throughout the year and throughout the country. We have a new events manager, Ruth Creely, who has joined our team and she is busy planning ‘Discover’ workshops, Market Seminars, Breakfast Briefings and lots more. A full schedule of events will be announced very shortly. I know that we are looking forward to a busy 2014 and we hope that you are too. Throughout 2014, UKinbound will be hosting events all over the UK, including ‘Discover’ workshops, market seminars and our Annual Convention in Blackpool in February. Please keep an eye on our website for updates: www. ukinbound.org. ■ www.grouptravelworld.com
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By Yasmin Mears, UKinbound Membership Manager
Since its foundation 23 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
2014 Coach Holiday New CTC partner and more new members Conference The 2014 Coach Holiday Conference – the must-attend event for coach operators and industry suppliers - will be returning to the Best Western Premier Queen Hotel in Chester this year and will be held from 23 to 24 February 2014. The event, which has attracted record numbers over the past three years with more than 170 delegates attending the 2013 conference in Bristol, will again be in 24 hour format with a formal dinner on Sunday, morning conference on Monday, and the everpopular CTC workshop in the afternoon. The conference is being supported by Best Western,
Marketing Cheshire and The Feathers Group, owners of the 4-star, 218 room Queen Hotel. The Queen Hotel is in the centre of Chester, a short walk from the Roman walls and famous shops. Marketing Cheshire will also run a fam trip to a choice of Chester attractions. This year’s conference theme will be tourism, with keynote speakers from the hotel, attractions and coach touring industries. Full details of the event have now been announced, so if you would like to reserve delegate places, or for further information, please email admin@ coachtourismcouncil.co.uk.
CTC partners are always owed a special debt of gratitude for their additional support for the council. For 2014, the CTC is delighted to welcome CalMac Ferries as a new partner. The west coast of Scotland is one of the most popular destinations for coach tours, with most groups taking advantage of CalMac’s excellent network of island ferry services. Covering the Inner and Outer Hebrides and beyond, CalMac Ferries enable coach passengers to visit and enjoy some of the best scenery in Europe. CTC board director Robert Shaw is pictured with CalMac’s Ian Fox and VisitScotland’s Rona Wallace at the recent VisitScotland workshop held in Sutton Coldfield. In the meantime, we are also delighted to welcome more brand new members to the Coach Tourism Council. The latest attractions to join are
Robert Shaw, Rona Wallace, Ian Fox
Hidden England (including Burghley House, Doddington House, Grimsthorpe and Rockingham Castles), Elizabethan Loseley Park and Gardens in Surrey, Lincoln Cathedral, Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of Commerce, and last but not least, BBC Tours.
More news... Membership rates frozen
CTC members enjoying a fam trip to Gloucester, which included a tour
CTC fam trip to Gloucester Ahead of the pre-Christmas social, a number of members stopped off in Gloucester to enjoy a visit to the Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market and a guided visit to the world-famous Gloucester Cathedral, arranged by new member Gloucester City Council. The group is pictured outside the cathedral. www.grouptravelworld.com
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With more than 40 new members joining the Coach Tourism Council in 2013, taking membership numbers to more than 300, the CTC is looking to maintain existing membership levels – while encouraging more operators and suppliers to join in 2014 - by freezing membership rates at current levels for the year ahead. This will be the fourth year running that membership fees have been held. Small and large coach company memberships remain at £250 and £350 respectively, while suppliers will continue to pay £495, with the discretionary supplier rate staying at £295.
Pre-Christmas social A record number of more than 80 CTC members joined the annual pre-Christmas social in December, generously
hosted by Marriott Hotels’ Louise Fitzpatrick at St Pierre, a Marriott Hotel and Country Club near Chepstow. Set in a beautiful location close to the Severn Bridge, it is a great holiday venue for coach groups. Everyone really enjoyed a great evening together with friends new and old, with an excellent dinner followed by a disco.
CTC links up with the Family Holiday Association Following an inspiring presentation to the Coach Tourism Association Board, it was agreed to choose the Family Holiday Association as the CTC’s charity to support in 2014. The annual raffle at the CTC conference will be on behalf of the FHA and the charity will also work throughout the year with members on various other fundraising initiatives.
January 2014 ●
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LO N D O N N E W S From Michelle McCracken, Marketing Executive
London News is brought to you by London & Partners, the official promotional organisation for London. For more information on London go to: visitlondon.com
Say hello to our new partners We’re delighted to announce The View from the Shard as a new partner and look forward to working closely with the attraction over the coming year. The View from the Shard, sitting at the top of the tallest building in western Europe, opened in February 2012 and has been gaining momentum ever since. As you step out onto level 72 the whole city opens up before
you – above, the glass shard points towards the sky while below, the buzz of the city is all around. For a different view in the east of the city, the ArcelorMittal Orbit also recently came on board as a partner. A creative collaboration between artist Sir Anish Kapoor, engineer Cecil Balmond and ArcelorMittal, the world’s
largest steel company, the sculpture is the tallest in the UK and combines inspiring public artwork with an intriguing visitor experience. The ArcelorMittal Orbit opens to the public in spring 2014. London & Partners works with over 1,200 leisure tourism partners and we’re always looking for more to team up with to position London as the best big city on earth.
Happy New Year! For a city that never sleeps, 2014 brings lots of exciting new openings and developments to London and looks set to focus on worldclass culture. The capital’s museums and galleries are looking forward to a jam-packed year that sees The Design Museum move to its new, larger home in South Kensington; the British Museum unveil an impressive £135 million extension that will stage blockbuster exhibitions; and the eagerly awaited opening of the Imperial www.grouptravelworld.com
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War Museum’s First World War Galleries (please note the museum will be closed from January to July 2014). For the best in world-class exhibitions, don’t miss Bailey’s Stardust sponsored by HUGO BOSS at the National Portrait Gallery, a landmark exhibition that will include over 250 portraits including unseen work by renowned photographer David Bailey (6 February – 1 June). At the Natural History Museum, travel back one million years as Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story tells the enchanting story of the changing faces and David Bailey portrait of Jack Nicholson
KEEP IN CONTACT WITH US!
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The National Portrait Gallery spaces of prehistoric Britain using the latest scientific techniques and life-size models (13 February – 28 September). On the West End stage look out for Miss Saigon making a very welcome comeback as well as new musicals The Full Monty at the Noel Coward Theatre and I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical at the London Palladium. For the latest information on all that’s going on in London in 2014, go to visitlondon.com.
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
January 2014 ● Group Travel World
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For Group Travel Organisers, a page with useful tips, tourism gossip and travel product reviews
GTO GRAPEVINE
5 of the best: packing aids Pack-It Cubes
Rise and Hang
Packing Squares Pack This! Pad
£12.99 From £6.95 Perfect suitcase organisers, these also make finding items a breeze, as the material is transparent (which is also handy should security need to check your luggage). The fabric is very lightweight and rip-resistant and the fluorescent zips make it easier to find items in the dark. The range includes cubes of various sizes, suitable for anything from jumpers to jewellery, and folders and sacks too. www.eaglecreek.co.uk
WIN
Cascading Letter File
From $64
This portable filing system is ideal for business travellers in particular. A snap closure opens to reveal six colour-coded cascading pockets, which hang down for at-a-glance ease. Just hang it on a hook and your filing cabinet is right there wherever you are. The file comes with labels to add to the tabbed pockets. When it’s time to move on, you simply collapse the pockets back up into a single file.
If you hate unpacking and repacking when travelling but aren’t keen on leaving everything squashed in your suitcase where you can’t see what you have with you, these genius bags are for you. Simply pack your clothes onto the shelves, before collapsing the shelving down into the bag. At the other end, lift the shelves out from the top and hang in your hotel wardrobe or over a door – hey presto, your own shelving unit with your kit already folded and organised on the shelves.
A neat trio of zip-up storage pouches, clear on one side and mesh on the other. This solution to suitcase chaos has three sizes of pouch each in a different colour, making it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. The shape of these makes them especially useful for storing chargers and adaptors, preventing cables getting in a tangle with other things in your luggage. They are also handy should you need to take certain items out with you on day trips or into the airplane cabin.
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£11.10
FOUR adult tickets to the Ideal Home Show!
$6.50 Forget writing down all you need for a trip; this exhaustive checklist of everything any traveller could ever need makes the job easier and more comprehensive. Split into sections ‘Clothes’, ‘Miscellaneous’, ‘Basics’ and ‘Hygiene’, these are then categorised further for maximum ease (‘Clothes’ is split into basics, dressy, outerwear, casual, footwear and accessories). 60 sheets. www.knockknock stuff.com
Great Days Out 2014: Preview
In May this year, the UK’s biggest and bestloved home show is returning to the SECC in Glasgow. A great day out, eight separate areas will cover everything from food and homewares to technology and gardens. Celebrity appearances, 400 exhibitors and live demonstrations ensure there is something to entertain and inspire everyone. The first person to email caroline.gregory@ grouptravelworld.com with the answer to this question will win all four tickets: On what date did King Charles I visit Llancaiach Fawr Manor for lunch? (Answer somewhere in this magazine)
www.grouptravelworld.com
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The first key trade event of the year is coming up on Saturday 8th February in Manchester. Great Days Out 2014, the show and exhibition for group travel organisers and all the suppliers and attractions who provide them with services, will take place from 9.30am to 3.30pm at EventCity. Great Days Out offers an excellent opportunity to meet and network with leading tourism destinations and group travel providers, as well as other group leaders with responsibility for arranging trips and holidays.
Exclusively for coach operators and group travel organisers coming to the show by coach, Great Days Out 2014 is offering free half-day familiarisation trips to a choice of destinations in the local area. These attractions will include the Legoland Discovery Centre, Sea Life Manchester, Ena Mill, The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool among others. These fam trips are on a first come, first served basis, so interest should be registered with Prakash Chohan on 0161 238 4573 or at prakash.chohan@ marketingmanchester.com. January 2014 ●
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11/9/13
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START IN THE CLASSROOM ! T S E R O F E H T IN N R A E ...L
UNFORGETTABLE SCHOOL TRIPS! Check out our learning resources at goape.co.uk or call 0845 094 8641
The B2B page for all suppliers who provide services and amenities to the travel and tourism industry
INSIDER INSIGHT
How to...plan for the unknown
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Mike Atherton is CEO at Mantic Point Solutions. They provide integrated itinerary management and duty of care services to the travel industry. Mantic Point supports travel management companies and travel agents in delivering a seamless experience to their corporate clients and travellers globally. This means that regardless of whether a traveller is accessing itinerary data via email, mobile apps, social media or online, their brand and content experience is consistent and familiar. www.manticpoint.com
ontingency planning is an important consideration for any business. In an emergency situation, it is vital that staff know what actions need to be taken, in order to stop the situation from escalating, or to adequately deal with the issue and communicate to their customers. From the travel industry’s point of view, there are a range of unplanned events that can occur at any one time, such as delayed or cancelled transportation and flights, which creates a burden on customerfacing staff as they become deluged with enquiries from affected customers. Ultimately, it is vital that the communications process is handled proactively. Travel companies often know in advance of the traveller the impact of a disruption. Being proactive means getting the right information to the right people at the right time, so that customers at least have information about what is happening to their journey. If not, the fallout results in major inefficiencies as staff try to deal with enquiries, and customer frustrations intensify if they can’t get appropriate answers. One of the challenges we face is that in today’s digital world, the way in which we communicate with our customers is multi-channel – phone, email, online and social media interactions – all requiring a prompt and relevant response. Fast, proactive action and high levels of relevance are key to managing the communication process in times of high stress. Sending out generic messages to all will only aggravate traveller frustration and prompt more inbound calls.
TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS Retaining control when an unplanned situation occurs is therefore of paramount importance. Many organisations are harnessing technology in order to achieve this and support the communication process. During periods of mass disruption, the number one www.grouptravelworld.com
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Cross-channel communication is both necessary and useful complaint from passengers is: “The airline/airport didn’t keep me informed.” A key way to overcome this in today’s digital world is to embrace mobile technology. Travellers carry four essential items: money, keys, travel documentation and mobile phones. So it makes sense to use this technology. It is important to employ a system that enables ‘crosschannel’ communication. Using a decision rules engine, such systems allow the sending of targeted and relevant messages by an appropriate channel – for example by email, SMS or via an app – based on a customer’s preference and responses. This means the end user is engaged in a conversation that is not only sensitive to what went before, but prompts them about what to do next. This avoids bombarding them and makes every communication matter. It also saves the organisation money by reducing redundant communications.
PERSONALISED CONTACT WITH CUSTOMERS A particular example of this was when the volcanic ash cloud closed Europe’s airspace for six days, affecting hundreds of thousands of travellers. For many of those stranded,
mobile was their only means of communication. With call centres stretched beyond capacity, airlines and travel companies used cross-channel communications to send out over 100,000 personalised messages with advice to inform, reassure and ultimately help travellers get home. Such technology is able to target specific messages to travellers, based on criteria including their location, the traveller’s intended flight and when they were due to depart. Replies can also be received via the system, so travellers can request help or ask for further information. Previously, this situation could have seen staff printing out the latest information, creating thousands of photocopies, and then distributing the information by hand, which would quickly become out of date. It is vital to remember that customers associate a lack of information with a loss of control and this causes them to become irritated, anxious and negative. Planning for the unplanned may be an oxymoron, but I believe that preparation ensures that if an emergency occurs, you’ll have the necessary tools to deal efficiently with the situation and to reach out to customers in order to provide the reassurance they need.
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INTERVIEW
Personal and
Graham Bleasdale has worked in the travel industry for over ten years, including roles everywhere from the Caribbean to East Africa. After living in Greenwich for two years, he suddenly realised that no-one was running proper tours of maritime Greenwich, which led to the birth of Greenwich Royal Tours, now in its third season. The company continues to grow and the reviews of their tours have been excellent. Graham’s favourite aspect of his tour guide job is the people he gets to meet. Interesting and diverse people from all over the world visit Greenwich and take a tour. www.greenwichroyal tours.com
The Cutty Sark, faithfully restored after the 2007 fire, is just one of the delights to visit in Royal Greenwich
The best group trip you have ever been on? Sometimes the best tour experiences come unexpectedly. Recently I had a corporate group from Germany and their coach took them to the wrong drop off point. As a result, we had to improvise a slight itinerary change, which meant that we had insufficient time to go on board the teaclipper Cutty Sark, which I normally like to do. The ship had just gone through a six year £50m restoration, reopening in time for the London Olympics. So instead, I told the group the story of Nanny the beautiful witch, the ship’s iconic figurehead, and why she is holding a horse’s tail in her hand. I recited part of the poem Tam o’Shanter by Robbie Burns, managing to put a smile on all their faces! Afterwards, the GTO sent a glowing testimonial. You have to be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
And the worst? I had a group last season that was, to put it politely, challenging! They had their own tour leader, which is not unusual, but of course
normally the tour leader defers to the local guide, in order to take advantage of local/ specialised knowledge. Not in this case! Their leader simply walked on ahead and I followed along with the other visitors. As the tour progressed, I was lucky to get a few words in every now and then!
What’s your favourite UK destination for a group day out? I know that I am biased, but I have to say that Greenwich is truly a worldclass destination. We have lots of Americans on our tours and as one of them said recently, Greenwich has been vastly undersold in terms of global tourism. And he is right, but it has taken lots of time and effort for Greenwich to be recognised as it is now. The new wing of the National Maritime Museum, the restoration of the teaclipper Cutty Sark, some great restaurants (including Jamie Oliver’s new Italian restaurant) and shopping such as the old Greenwich Market all combine to make Greenwich such a great tourism destination. As a local hotelier puts it so
succinctly: Greenwich has the buzz of London without the bustle.
What makes a good group trip? The destination, of course. And a good trip is a well-planned trip. Communication with the group tour organiser is key, as is making sure that important things such as convenient toilet facilities and a first-rate lunch option are in place. Also, terrific tour guides who are both knowledgeable and entertaining. There you go - my recipe for a great group trip.
What do you always pack? I always pack an umbrella because the weather is so unpredictable here in London. That and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
And what do you leave out? Any personal problems or worries about the week’s shopping list! Our clients pay good money to come on our tours and I believe we need to give them undivided attention. The customer is always right and their needs are primary. Ultimately, it is about treating people as I would expect to be treated on a tour.
What was your favourite trip last year?
The Gower peninsula in Wales has great scenery and pretty beaches 66
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● January 2014
I love travel and a trip to Wales to visit family gave me the opportunity to explore. I visited the beautiful Gower peninsula with its dramatic vistas and stunning beaches. The warmth of the Welsh people was a bonus. www.grouptravelworld.com
09/01/2014 09:21
p00_GTW_0114 Riviera
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p00_GTW_0114 Orbit
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