Yorkshire Group Travel Guide 2013

2013

Yorkshire Group Travel Guide

The essential guide FOR ALL GROUP TRAVEL BUYERS LOOKING TO VISIT YORKSHIRE

An inside view to YORKSHIRE COAST & NORTH YORK MOORS, YORK, YORKSHIRE DALES, HERRIOT COUNTRY & HARROGATE, LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIRE, SOUTH YORKSHIRE and HULL & EAST YORKSHIRE

DISCOVER DOZENS of GREAT VISIT & LEISURE IDEAS at the

SATURDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2013 10.30AM-2.30PM The National Coal Mining Museum, near Wakefield, Yorkshire WF4 4RH

The Tourism and Events Showcase is organised by Landor Travel Publications and will take place on Saturday 2nd February 2013 at the National Coal Mining Museum for England in Yorkshire. he event, now in its third year, will provide a wealth of information for group organisers and members of the travel trade from a host of exhibitors in the north of England and the East Midlands keen to showcase their group offers.

In the previous two years the exhibition has run, it has proved a hit with travel trade professionals and group organisers alike, with attendance figures growing year on year,

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despite the difficult economic climate.

For 2013, as a further incentive to attend, visitors will be able to don hard hats with battery lamps for a short underground tour of the former mining site, and explore ground level with a guide.

Free coach travel will be available to the show from key points.

Further

information

No.1

n FREE ADMISSION For anyone responsible for organising or arranging trips, events, holidays or excursions

n EASY ACCESS & GREAT LOCATION The museum is situated on the A642, in Overton near Middlestown, between WakeďŹ eld and HuddersďŹ eld.

It is signposted from the M1 motorway.

There is free car and coach parking.

n SIMPLE TO REGISTER

Visit www.tourismshowcase.com, call 01424 572089 or email julie.hart@grouptravelorganiser.com

n TO EXHIBIT Contact Leonard Green on 01706 218539 or email info@tourismshowcase.com In co-operation with

Supported by

Supported by

Supported by

Co-organisers of Excursions

Co-organisers of Excursions

Organised by

www.tourismshowcase.com

INTRODUCTION & CONTENTS

Yorkshire awaits!

Famed for its unspoilt countryside, celebrated for its rich cultural and industrial heritage, and loved for its mix of picturesque towns and villages, Yorkshire is a remarkable county that has it all. ith its beautiful, charming countryside, peppered with characterful towns and villages, Yorkshire invites groups to visit at any time of year.

Explore the vast and varied landscapes that were the inspiration for writers such as James Herriot, the Brontë sisters and Alan Bennett, and artists like Barbara Hepworth, JMW Turner and David Hockney, or step on to the set of some of the nation’s favourite television shows, from The Dales and All Creatures Great And Small to Last of the Summer Wine.

The region’s abundance of museums, historic canals, steam railways, and remarkable Victorian and Edwardian architecture are testaments to its industrial heritage and importance during the Industrial Revolution.

The excitement of the modern world is brought vividly to life too in its thriving cities and a recent impressive haul of Olympic and Paralympic medals surpassing that of entire nations.

The county’s reputation for stunning scenery is well earned, from the 100-plus miles of spectacular Heritage coastline to the atmospheric, unspoilt Yorkshire Moors that have been the backdrop for many a cinematic masterpiece.

Step back in time to the days of Captain Cook in Whitby or discover the Blue Flag beaches and first-class attractions at the elegant seaside resorts of Scarborough and Bridlington; for a flavour of Yorkshire’s vibrant culture, choose cosmopolitan Bradford, the port of Hull, the shopping haven of Leeds, industrial Sheffield or medieval York.

The purpose of this guide is to provide a wealth of inspiring information to help you plan a group visit to Yorkshire. Divided into six regions, it identifies some of the most group-friendly places each has to offer.

So start planning your visit today, and discover for yourselves why Yorkshire has been nicknamed ‘God’s own county’.

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CONTENTS 4

YORKSHIRE COAST & NORTH YORK MOORS

8 12

YORK

16 20 22

LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIRE

YORKSHIRE DALES, HERRIOT COUNTRY & HARROGATE

SOUTH YORKSHIRE HULL & EAST YORKSHIRE

COVER PICTURE Scarborough Castle TOP Sid’s Cafe, Holmfirth (Last of the Summer Wine) BOTTOM The Shambles, York FOR YOUR REFERENCE Throughout this guide, attractions that are part of the Yorkshire’s Magnificent Attractions group are denoted with a YMA symbol next to their name.

PUBLISHED BY

47 Wellington Square, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1PN tel 01424 572080 email info@landortravelpublications.com web www.grouptravelorganiser.com Editor ABBE BATES 01424 572081 abbe.bates@grouptravelorganiser.com Editorial CHRISTOPHE PHILLIPS christophe.philipps@grouptravelorganiser.com Design & Production SUZANNE CRISP 01424 572085 suzanne.crisp@grouptravelorganiser.com Sales LEONARD GREEN 01706 218539 Circulation JULIE HART 01424 572089 © Landor Travel Publications 2012/2013 Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Landor Travel Publications can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

Information considered correct at time of going to press. Readers are reminded that these details are subject to change and they are advised to check when finalising arrangements.

For further information on advertising in the Yorkshire Group Travel Guide 2014, please contact:

LEONARD GREEN 01706 218539 leonard.green@grouptravelorganiser.com

www.yorkshire.com/groups

YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 3

YORKSHIRE COAST & NORTH YORK MOORS

SUPPORTED BY

PICTURES left to right North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire Lavender, North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Castle Howard

Moor and shore With the atmospheric North York Moors overlooking 45 miles of coastline, the Gothic charm of Whitby and the seaside delights of Scarborough, this region of Yorkshire leaves an indelible mark on anyone who visits. pectacular coastline, picturesque moorland and ageless woodland all lend the Yorkshire Coast and North York Moors a distinctive feel befitting its associations with the writer James Herriot, Captain Cook and Dracula, which include the charms of Whitby and England’s first seaside resort, Scarborough.

The region’s tourism bureau offers a comprehensive service for groups, including help finding accommodation and destinations tailored to meet individual group requirements, as well as providing itineraries and information on events and festivals, and organising informative and expert guided tours along the Yorkshire Coast.

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The North York Moors The North York Moors National Park’s quiet, atmospheric landscape offers some of the best opportunities for walks and tours in the UK, with new riches to discover time and again.

Giving a thrilling introduction to the area, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway YMA wends 18 miles through the heart of the North York Moors National Park between Pickering and Whitby.

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

East of Malton and offering natural delights, there is Wolds Way Lavender, while west and within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the award-winning Yorkshire

Lavender features an array of lavender gardens and wonderful views over the Vale of York. A lavender spiral, Mediterranean and Sensory gardens, a wildflower meadow, sculpture and deer parks, and a mirror pond offer plenty to see, while the lavender maze and lavender amphitheatre provide entertainment for all ages. The Specialist Plant Nursery has hundreds of different lavenders and herbs for sale, a tea room offers fresh food, and the gift shop sells a host of lavender and herb products. Groups of 20 or more can enjoy a free talk.

Another gem in the Howardian Hills area is the 18thcentury Castle Howard, YMA surely one of Yorkshire’s finest historic houses. Within its

THE RAVEN HALL COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

dramatic architecture and surrounded by world-renowned collections, groups can enjoy the stories of previous generations retold by guides, discover the scenic parklands and explore the woodland and 18thcentury walled garden. The castle boasts an adventure playground, a restaurant and café, a farm shop and garden centre, while a programme of exhibitions, events, talks and tours ensure there is something for everyone yearround. Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more, with additional benefits for operators and coach drivers.

Also near Malton, Flamingo Land has a large zoo that is home to giraffes, lions, tigers and rhinos, as well as over 100 rides and attractions.

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Stunning location on the cliff top overlooking Robin Hoods Bay, the perfect base to explore Scarborough, Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors. Comfortable hotel accommodation including Panorama restaurant, Bay View lounge, indoor pool, sauna, 9 hole golf, croquet, tennis and beautiful grounds. Renowned for delicious food and excellent customer service.

TOTAL ROOMS: 50 + 8 Eco Friendly Lodges Single: 8 Double: 22 Twin: 5 Other: 15 Single Supplement: yes Group Rates: yes Group Size: 10 min

Ravenscar, Near Scarborough YO13 0ET tel 01723 870353 fax 01723 870072 email gemma.lambert@ravenhall.co.uk web www.ravenhall.co.uk

4 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

www.discovernorthyorkshire.co.uk

Further

information

No.4

YORKSHIRE COAST & NORTH YORK MOORS

Close by, the market town of Helmsley boasts riverside walks, traditional tearooms and rustic country pubs. Perhaps most impressive is English Heritage’s Helmsley Castle, which evokes a real sense of its 900-year history.

The National Trust’s Nunnington Hall, south-east of Helmsley, houses a fine collection of miniature rooms, while just north of the town, Rievaulx Abbey YMA was once one of the most powerful monasteries in Europe. Now a tranquil ruin in the care of English Heritage, the grounds boast an accessible sensory herb garden that gives visitors a reminder of the role herbs played in medieval life, a theme further explored in its museum.

Groups of 11 to 50 can book tours with a costumed guide.

Nearby in Hutton-le-hole, the open-air Ryedale Folk Museum features reconstructed cruckframed long houses and the new Harrison Collection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

EVENTS

NORTH YORK MOORS INFORMATION DESK tel 01439 772700 email general@ northyorkmoors.org.uk web www.northyorkmoors.org.uk

Shore thing The Yorkshire Coast, stretching from Staithes to the Humber Estuary, encompasses some of the UK’s most rugged and charming countryside, from fishing villages clinging to cliffs to sandy beaches and seaside resorts with everything from abbeys to some of the country’s tastiest fish and chips.

The Gothic maritime town of Whitby has a wealth of visitor attractions for groups to enjoy, and boasts a strong connection to explorer Captain Cook.

The award-winning Captain Cook Memorial Museum has been converted from the house where he trained, retaining the period rooms furnished as they were in Cook’s time. Visitors can see his lodgings as well as ship models, maps, letters and authentic 18th century artefacts from Cook’s voyages.

The Whitby Museum houses a variety of exhibitions documenting Cook’s life, including a matchstick model of HMS Endeavour, a probate copy of his will and a manuscript describing his voyage towards the North Pole.

Exploring another historical connection, the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey YMA , perched on high cliffs above

SUPPORTED BY

the town, are believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Founded by St Hilda in 657, the abbey became a ‘shining light’ of Christianity in the Dark Ages.

Now in the care of English Heritage, a gallery with artefacts, displays and digital reconstructions traces its history. Guided tours are offered to groups.

A little to the south, the lively town of Scarborough has been welcoming visitors for over 350 years, and is claimed to be England’s first seaside resort.

Groups tend to visit Scarborough Castle first. Run

by English Heritage, it defends a prominent headland between two bays. An exhibition explores the castle’s history and houses archaeological finds unearthed at the site, including a Bronze Age sword. Groups can enjoy the coastal views, much admired by King Richard III, who is still rumoured to walk the battlements to this day!

Scarborough Art Gallery occupies two floors of a sublime Italianate villa, and also boasts stunning views of the town and its surroundings. It is home to a variety of historic and contemporary art displays.

Scarborough SEA LIFE & Marine Sanctuary, sited in the North Bay, allows visitors to get

close to some living treasures of the sea, as well as otter, seal and penguin enclosures. The seal rescue centre gives an insight into how injured and abandoned seal pups are looked after.

The Rotunda Museum has specimens from the collection of the ‘father of English geology’, William Smith, as well as exhibition spaces that focus on archaeology and map the geology of the coast from Redcar to Flamborough.

Close to Scarborough, the Filey Museum relates the history of the town with a photographic collection, fossil and rock displays, and items documenting Filey’s roots as a small fishing village.

To experience the nature of the coastline, why not visit Filey Brigg or explore the fantastic Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park and feed the animals, have fun on the adventure trail, learn amazing wildlife facts, or simply relax in beautiful gardens whilst watching exotic birds.

FOR MORE INFORMATION SCARBOROUGH TOURISM BUREAU tel 01723 383637 email tourismbureau@ scarborough.gov.uk web www.discover yorkshirecoast.com

TOP PICTURES

11-14 APRIL

29 JUNE – 7 JULY

SCARBOROUGH LITERATURE FESTIVAL

FILEY FESTIVAL

Throughout Scarborough

Filey

18-19 MAY

30 JULY

MALTON FOOD FESTIVAL

RYEDALE SHOW

Throughout Malton

Ryedale

BOTTOM PICTURE

15 JUNE

12-23 AUGUST

Whitby Abbey

PICKERING 60S FESTIVAL

WHITBY FOLK FESTIVAL

Pickering

Whitby

6 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

left to right Captain Cook Memorial Museum Scarborough Castle Rotunda Museum Rievaulx Abbey

www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com

EXPERIENCE OVER 900 YEARS OF HISTORY I N YO R K S H I R E

Explore stunning houses, dramatic abbeys and atmospheric castles with a group visit to one of our many Yorkshire properties For more information please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire To order a Group Visits Guide call 020 7973 3529 or email traveltrade@english-heritage.org.uk

Further

information

No.5

Further

Extra 10% discount in selected stores for group bookings YorkDesignerOutlet yorkdesigneroutlet.com

Further

information

No.7

information

No.6

YORK

SUPPORTED BY

PICTURES left to right City Walls, McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet, York Minster’s The Orb and Fairfax House

Medieval York Over seven million visitors each year discover the small but perfectly formed medieval city of York. With its wealth of world-class attractions, heritage sites, museums and bustling cultural scene, it’s easy to see why. ork has more than its fair share of striking architecture, museums and Viking settlements, all enclosed within a 13th century city wall.

VisitYork, York’s tourism organisation, has a dedicated Visit York Group Desk to help groups get the most from the city, and offers a York Pass, which once purchased gives free access to over 30 of the city’s attractions as well as discounts on evening entertainment and dining. York Pass discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

For those wanting to indulge in some first-class retail therapy, McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet, just minutes outside the city centre in a beautiful landscaped garden setting, is a

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real ‘must’. Welcoming around 3.5 million shoppers every year, it is home to over 120 leading designer, fashion and home brands, and boasts discounts of up to 60%. With top eateries such as Starbucks, Pret á Manger and Pizza Express, there’s also plenty to do to break up the shopping day. A privilege card giving an extra 10% discount at selected stores is available for groups of 20 or more, as well as free coach and car parking, wheelchair hire, relaxing outdoor areas and a children’s play area.

Astonishing architecture At more than 2,000 years old, York has played an important role in history, all of which has left its mark in its architecture,

BARBARA BARWICK-NICHOLSON Blue Badge Guide

BARBARA Barwick-Nicholson

Qualified 1985. Experienced Tour Director, UK and Europe. Registered for Yorkshire, Northumberland, York Minster and Durham Cathedral. Tours include Haworth, Brontës, Yorkshire Moors, Coast, Dales, TV Locations, Stately Homes, Gardens, Lake District, Newcastle, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne.

Ravenshill, Holme Lane, Sutton in Craven, Keighley, Yorkshire BD20 7LN tel 01535 633276 / 07778 061961 email barbara.bbg@btinternet.com

8 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

street names and attractions.

York’s three-mile-long City Walls make an excellent walkway for visitors, encircling the city and giving a good introduction to its sights.

With huge stained glass windows, a towering spire and extraordinary medieval ornamentations, the 15thcentury York Minster is northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral and an active ecclesiastical centre to this day.

Although currently undergoing extensive restoration, due for completion in 2016, visitors don’t have to wait to see some of the completed work, as a number of restored ‘Apocalypse’ stained-glass panels are displayed in The Orb – a new metallic dome exhibition space inside the

minster – offering an opportunity to see the workmanship up close. York Minster offers special tours tailored to the needs of individual groups of up to 15 people and free guided onehour tours, Monday to Friday.

Nearby, The National Trust’s Treasurer’s House boasts a history spanning 2,000 years, from the cellar’s Roman Road to the Edwardian servants’ quarters in the attic.

The Assembly Rooms, now home to Ask pizzeria and designed by Richard, Earl of Burlington, and Red House are some of Europe’s earliest neo-classical townhouses.

Fairfax House, meanwhile, has to be one of Britain’s most distinguished 18th century townhouses.

THE ORIGINAL GHOST WALK OF YORK This is the most popular and unique way to see York by night! An authentic evening of history, mystery, folklore, legends and ghosts!

This is believed to be the oldest Ghost Walk in the world. Ad Finem. £5.00 Adults, £3.00 childen/oap.

Private groups anytime at discounted rates.

8.00pm nightly from Kings Arms Pub, Ouse Bridge, York YO1 9SN tel 01759 373090 / 01904 764222 web www.theoriginalghostwalkofyork.co.uk

www.groupvisityork.com

Further

VisitYork

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information

No.9

YORK

SUPPORTED BY

LADY ANNE MIDDLETON’S HOTEL

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Situated right in the heart of York, the hotel comprises a collection of historic buildings dating from 1659 in a tranquil English garden setting. Lovingly renovated by the Clark family since 1973 to blend its 350-year history with comfortable accommodation; incorporating bar, restaurant, Emperor’s Fitness Centre with small pool, parking and wifi access. Residential or meal-stop groups very welcome.

TOTAL ROOMS: 57 Single: 3 Standard Double/Triple/Twin: 36 Deluxe: 15 Executive: 3 Single Supplement: no Group Rates: £30.00-£60.00 Group Size: 20 min

Skeldergate, York YO1 6DS tel 01904 611570 fax 01904 613043 email groups@ladyannes.co.uk web www.ladyannes.co.uk

EVENTS

Home to the Archbishop of York for over 700 years, Bishopthorpe Palace is another impressive stately home, set on nine acres beside the River Ouse. Guided tours are available for pre-booked groups.

The English Heritage-owned Clifford’s Tower YMA is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror.

Originally one of a pair of castles, it was replaced by the current unusual four-lobed keep. Groups of 11 to 15 can prebook exclusive tours.

Next door, the York Castle Museum YMA recreates shops and prison cells from days gone by. Discounts are offered to groups of 10 or more.

The excellent Jorvik Viking Centre YMA , meanwhile, stands on the site of the 1,000 year-old ruins of the city of Jorvik, enabling groups to experience life in Viking-age York, whilst surviving as one of Europe’s most complete medieval streets, The Shambles is a former street of butchers’ shops in York.

For those wishing to take in the full breadth of York’s sights, the York Sightseeing Bus illuminates all the major landmarks with insightful commentary.

Heritage York’s museums house some of the most striking collections in the UK, exploring Britain’s social history, archaeology and art.

Groups can discover York’s heritage first hand at DIG – An Archaeological Adventure, which investigates archaeological finds from Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian times.

Located in the city wall’s most important gateway, the Micklegate Bar Museum explores York’s famous battles, uprisings and revolutions.

Close to York Minster, the Bedern Glaziers Studio presents a rare opportunity to see the restoration of York Minster’s Great East Window.

Also nearby, Monk Bar houses the Richard III Museum, where visitors can try the monarch for the murder of the Princes in the Tower. Alternatively, the York Dungeon sees actors bringing the city’s most gruesome tales to life, while the Original Ghost Walk of York explores the city’s secrets through storytelling.

Exploring history’s gentler side, the Quilt Museum and Gallery is the only museum in Europe dedicated to textile arts.

The Yorkshire Museum YMA showcases archaeological items, fossils and rare animals, while

16-24 FEBRUARY

20-29 SEPTEMBER

JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK

Jorvik Viking Centre

Throughout York

29 MARCH – 1 APRIL

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER

YORK CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL York’s CHOCOLATE Story

the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is one of the best-preserved guildhalls in Europe.

Exploring more recent history, the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial is authentically based on a World War Two Bomber Command Station. Within original buildings, exhibits tell the story of the brave aircrews, while the dramatic ‘Pioneers of Aviation’ exhibit will open in 2013, timed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raids. The museum’s aircraft collection includes a Halifax Bomber and Yorkshire-built Blackburn Buccaneers. There is also a NAAFI-style licenced restaurant. Reduced rates are offered to pre-booked groups.

Also boasting a connection to World War Two, The National Trust’s 18th-century Beningbrough Hall & Gardens was once the billet of the Canadian Air Force, and boasts gardens featuring pear arches, labyrinth paths, grand Italianate borders and hidden woods.

Bringing its history to life are the names, carved into woodwork, of RAF crews billeted there. As well as Discovery Garden Walk and Hidden House tours, the Torchlight Tour, to be introduced in 2013, shows the

hall in a new light and illuminates the features not normally seen. Groups of 15 or more are offered a group catering menu and discounted rates. Drivers are offered free entry and catering vouchers.

York is also home to one of English Heritage’s most unusual sites, the York Cold War Bunker. A semi-subterranean bunker designed to monitor nuclear explosions, visitors today can see equipment and documentation rooms. A guided tour and film relates the Cold War’s ‘Mutually Assured Destruction’. Tours must be booked two weeks ahead.

One of the city’s newest attractions, York’s CHOCOLATE Story YMA journeys into the history of chocolate, its secrets and manufacture, and the role York played in its popularity.

A short walk from the city centre, meanwhile, the National Railway Museum YMA attracts 500,000 visitors every year who flock to see the 1839-built station and enjoy over 100 engines, interactive displays and exhibitions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION YORK GROUPS DESK tel 01904 550080 email groups@visityork.org web www.groupvisityork.com

ILLUMINATING YORK Throughout York

5-13 JULY

EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

The National Centre for Early Music and York Minster

Throughout York

A YORK CHRISTMAS

10 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

PICTURES left to right York’s CHOCOLATE Story and Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial www.groupvisityork.com

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Elvington, York, YO41 4AU Tel: 01904 608595 museum@yorkshireairmuseum.org www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

Further

No.10

information

No.11

Landor Travel Publications, publisher of the Yorkshire Group Travel Guide 2013, has been established for almost 24 years and also regularly publishes GTO magazine. ber 2012 ISSUE 235 Septem

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www.castlehoward.co.uk Telephone 01653 648621 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA 15 miles north-east of York, just off the A64

Further

information

No.12

GTO is the UK’s leading magazine for group organisers and the travel trade and is completely FREE of charge. It gives you ideas on day trips, outings and longer breaks along with advanced information on new attractions and special deals, theatre, event and entertainment news.

To receive free regular copies of GTO please register using our website

www.grouptravelorganiser.com/subscribe/gto-registration

Further

information

No.13

YORKSHIRE DALES, HERRIOT COUNTRY & HARROGATE

Dale and hearty Perhaps the archetypal ‘snapshot’ of Yorkshire, Harrogate, the Dales and Herriot Country’s blend of serene countryside, medieval market towns, majestic cathedral city and cosmopolitan spa town capture the imagination and stir the heart. he Yorkshire Dales have been attracting visitors for generations, with Harrogate, Skipton and Ripon particular draws.

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Harrogate Harrogate’s charm is irresistible.

Experience its spa heritage first hand at the Turkish Baths and Health Spa and the Royal Pump Room Museum.

For those with an interest in the arts, the Mercer Art Gallery houses some 2,000 artworks, while the Edwardian-built Royal Hall Theatre presents concerts, comedy and dance and the Montpellier Quarter is home to 80 exclusive shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Flowers are always in bloom at Britain’s biggest independent

gardening event, the Harrogate Flower Show, which in 2013 runs from 25th to 28th April and 13th to 15th September.

Attracting 100,000 visitors each year, the show features impressive show gardens and borders created by talented designers and landscapers, fantastic displays from around 100 leading plant nurseries, and the ever-popular Cookery Theatre. The spring show features the largest floral art marquee in the UK, showcasing a stunning array of over 160 individual works of art, while the autumn show celebrates the harvest with the country’s biggest exhibition of flowers and plants. Free on-site parking and discounted tickets for prebooked groups are available.

At the 58-acre RHS Harlow Carr Garden YMA , just outside Harrogate, there’s always something new to see, with highlights including the Alpine Zone featuring the largest alpine house in any RHS garden, and the six gardens that make up ‘Garden’s Through Time’, exploring gardening styles over the last 200 years. There is also the Kitchen Garden and Queen Mother’s Lake, and Streamside and Scented gardens, as well as Bettys Café Tea Rooms & Shop and the RHS Shop & Plant Centre. Year-round events include outdoor theatre, guided walks and wildlife workshops, while free entry for GTOs, free parking and pre-bookable tours are offered, as well as familiarisation visits.

Skipton Known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, Skipton is a relatively compact town shouldered by rolling hills.

Skipton Castle is one of the most complete, fully-roofed medieval castles in England.

Situated at the head of the High Street, it has survived 900 years of turbulent history, even withstanding a three-year Civil War besiegement. Groups can explore the castle from the depths of the dungeon to the top of the watchtower, and see the yew tree planted by Lady Anne Clifford in 1659. Groups of 15 or more receive discounted entry and can book guided day tours, which are also available during the evenings from May to August.

TOP PICTURES

left to right Royal Pump House Museum, RHS Harlow Carr, Skipton Castle, Turkish Baths and Health Spa © Harrogate International Centre

BOTTOM PICTURES left to right Harrogate Flower Show, Mercer Art Gallery, Montpellier Quarter

12 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

www.yorkshire.com/groups

North of England Horticultural Society

2013 APRIL 25-28 SEPTEMBER 13-15 GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND

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A GREAT DAY OUT! Inspirational show gardens, 100s of leading plant nurseries, floral art, cooking demonstrations, fruit and vegetable growing advice, crafts and gifts.

•discounted pre-booked tickets •tickets available on sale or return •free on-site parking •catering marquees & picnic areas •excellent disabled facilities Further

For further information or to pre-book tickets please visit

No.15

‘...the perfect English house’

www.flowershow.org.uk or phone 01423 546157

All proceeds donated to the North of England Horticultural Society, supporting horticulture in the north. Charity No: 702017 Harrogate Flower Shows, Regional Agricultural Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate HG2 8NZ e-mail: info@flowershow.org.uk In purchasing pre-booked tickets for the Harrogate Flower Shows, you agree that you receive information relating to future NEHS Shows.

A booking administration charge applies per order.

Photograph by Nigel Harrison

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© RHS Lee Beel

RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR 58 acres of inspiring & experimental gardens Find out more at rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr Open daily 9.30am-6pm (4pm Nov-Feb) Last entry one hour before closing.

Crag Lane, (off Otley road) Harrogate HG3 1QB. Group bookings: 01423 724 690 RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262

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No.16

PENNINE

K BOO Y! L EAR

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information

01756 792442 w www.skiptoncastle.co.uk ww.skiptoncastle.co.uk

BOAT TRIPS OF SKIPTON

We will be running 1 hour public trips

“

Enjoy a leisurely boat trip for one hour with the famous Dave Spikey commentating. Learn about the canal and its wildlife, Skipton and the many cotton mills along the canal

“

New VIP experience available

GROUP BOOKINGS AVAILABLE

ALL YEAR ROUND

Group 'Days Out'

Packages available at great value for money, including > Day Boat Hire up to 10 people canal boat trips, and > Lunches, Cream Teas, Roast refreshments in the Pie & Dinner Cruises Mash shop in the courtyard. > Magical Santa Cruises > Hire one of our Luxury Day Boats for The office is open all year up to 10 people > Full Instruction given, life jackets etc. round.

Tel: 01756 790829 info@canaltrips.co.uk

www.canaltrips.co.uk Further

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No.18

YORKSHIRE DALES, HERRIOT COUNTRY & HARROGATE

Just behind the High Street, Skipton’s canal basin provides groups with the chance to take a narrowboat trip on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Pennine Boat Trips operates sightseeing cruises lasting between one and six hours, with the Dalesman serving up cream teas, lunches and roast dinners for groups of up to 50.

Introduced in 2012, its Dave Spikey on-board commentary has become a big hit, providing a humourous but informative history of the canal and Skipton, all peppered with musical interludes. Pennine Boat Trips also runs the licenced Skipton Pie and Mash Shop, and can combine a canal trip with a stop for lunch or dinner. Groups can also skipper their own boat for a full day.

Ripon One of the smallest cities in England, Ripon has much to appeal to groups.

It boasts a number of awardwinning museums, three of which are run by the Ripon Museum Trust. The Prison & Police Museum explores the history of policing in Yorkshire, with groups invited to hear the cell door slam shut and imagine the harsh conditions of Victorian prison regimes. In days gone by, the Ripon Union

Workhouse was a place of last resort for the people. Today, groups can experience Victorian austerity with displays of food, uniforms and hard labour. The Courthouse Museum, meanwhile, tells the story of this imposing building and the people who have passed through it, and is virtually unchanged since it was built in 1830. Discounts and guided tours are offered to groups.

For a visit of a more heartthumping nature, Ripon Racecourse showcases some of the best equestrian action in the UK, and is known as ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’. Open from April to September, the course hosts 16 race meets, including a popular Ladies Day in June, along with the show-stopping Great St Wilfred Handicap in August. Groups of 10 or more are offered a range of discounts.

One of Britain’s finest Adam houses with Chippendale furniture, Gobelins tapestries and classical statuary, Newby Hall YMA boasts 25 acres of award-winning gardens, including one of Europe’s largest double herbaceous borders. With regular art and sculpture exhibitions, special events throughout the year, and a miniature railway and

adventure gardens, there’s plenty to enjoy. There’s also a shop, plant centre and restaurant, with out of hours VIP tours available for groups by arrangement.

Nearby, the 18th century Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is set in the beautiful Skell Valley. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site owned by The National Trust, it is a remarkable place encompassing nearly 900 years of history. The abbey and garden also boast the Fountains Restaurant, while free coach parking, discounts for groups of 16 or more, introductory talks, and guided and out-of-hours tours are offered.

Just north of Ripon is the Lightwater Valley Theme Park and Country Village YMA . Set in 175 acres of parkland, it is renowned for its friendly welcome.

Markenfield Hall, three miles south of Ripon, has been described as Yorkshire’s best kept secret. With a history encompassing the Rising of the North in 1569, an 18th century expansion and modern-day restoration work, Markenfield Hall represents a timeless snapshot of Yorkshire through the ages. Groups of 10 or more visiting the hall receive a host of discounts and benefits.

The Dales and Herriot country No trip to Yorkshire would be complete without setting time aside to explore the peaceful scenery of The Dales.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park has plenty for groups to see and do including country rambles along the Pennine Bridleway and the Coast to Coast Path.

Much of this area has been coined ‘Herriot Country’ after writer, James Herriot, alias reallife vet Alf Wright, who lived and worked in the market town of Thirsk for 50 years. Today, his former home and veterinary surgery has been wonderfully preserved as The World of James Herriot attraction.

Other highlights include the Grassington Folk Museum and, on the easterly edge of the park, Richmond Castle, which stands in a commanding position above the River Swale.

Close by, Constable Burton Hall, designed by the architect John Carr in 1768, is widely recognised as one of the finest medium-sized English houses built in the Palladian style.

FOR MORE INFORMATION web

www.yorkshiredales.org.uk

TOP PICTURES left to right Ripon Racecourse, Prison & Police Museum, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Markenfield Hall

BOTTOM PICTURES

left to right Pennine Boat Trips, Lightwater Valley Theme Park and Country Village, The Yorkshire Dales

14 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

www.yorkshire.com/groups

Three museums...

One great day out!

Uncover hidden histories at Riponâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award winning Museums.

Explore the history of law andorder, all in the centre of Ripon.

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Markenfield Hall

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website

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www.markenfield.com

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No.21

The Jewel inYorkshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crown GRACEFUL COUNTRY HOUSE AWARD WINNING GARDEN MINIATURE RAILWAY CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

OPEN: 29th March - 29th Sept 2013 Tuesdays to Sundays, plus bank holidays. Open seven days in July and August.

Gardens open: 11am - 5.30pm House open for tours only: 12noon - 4pm Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, NorthYorkshire HG4 5AE

Information Hotline: 0845 4504 068

www.newbyhall.com

The Imperial State Crown from Newbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s replica collection

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No.23

LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIRE

SUPPORTED BY

Go west!

From vibrant cities such as Leeds to the wild beauty of the Pennine moorland, West Yorkshire offers a stellar choice of history, culture and countryside for groups to enjoy. est Yorkshire’s combination of cosmopolitan cities and lively towns, tranquil rural villages and serene countryside makes it a wonderful region to discover.

The region’s tourist body, Leeds and Pennine Yorkshire, has a dedicated Groups Desk offering a one-stop-shop for all your group travel needs, a free group travel guide and support in itinerary building, sourcing suppliers, negotiating rates or simply ideas!

W

Leeds Leeds attracts over 11.5 million visitors each year, and offers groups plenty to see and do year-round.

The Corn Exchange provides an excellent boutique shopping

experience under a breathtaking glass domed roof, while Kirkgate is Europe’s largest indoor market offering both free lunch vouchers for coach drivers and convenient drop off and pick up points nearby.

The Grade II-listed Victoria Quarter, meanwhile, boasts stunning arcades, with an eclectic mix of designer shops and specialist boutiques, and is a great spot to stop for a coffee.

Trinity Leeds is due to open in spring 2013 with 120 stores, a range of restaurants and a four-screen art house, the Everyman Cinema.

For an interesting take on life in days gone by, the awardwinning Thackray Museum YMA excites the senses and invites groups to see, hear, touch and smell the history of health and

medicine. Housed in a former 19th-century workhouse, this beautiful Grade II-listed building is set in the grounds of St. James’s Hospital. Today, the museum boasts the largest collection of medical trade literature in the world and galleries housing imaginative displays. Demonstrating the poor sanitary conditions in which people lived is a recreated Victorian street of Leeds in 1842. Themed guided tours can be tailored for groups, while discounted rates, free driver and organiser entry and bespoke dining packages are also offered.

At Clarence Dock, The Royal Armouries’ National Museum of Arms and Armour YMA explores history through 8,500 objects in five themed galleries:

War; Tournament; Oriental; Self Defence; and Hunting. There are also live jousting sessions and historical re-enactments, plus horse and falconry shows.

The Leeds City Museum, meanwhile, presents four floors of interactive exhibitions, including an 'Ancient World' gallery and the famed Leeds Mummy.

The Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall delves into life in the year 1880, while Kirkstall Abbey is one of Britain’s most complete Cistercian abbeys.

Giving an insight into the Industrial Revolution, the Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills features a recreated mill manager’s parlour, mill workers’ cottages, a 1920s cinema and working steam engines, while Thwaite Mills has machinery

TOP PICTURES

left to right Victoria Quarter, Thackray Museum, The Royal Armouries’ National Museum of Arms and Armour, Kirkstall Abbey

BOTTOM PICTURES left to right Corn Exchange, Thwaite Mills, Kirkgate Market

16 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

www.lpygroups.com

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The um T ha l Mu s e - A d ckray Medica nary! a y o ut less o r d i Explore the history of health and medicine:

n For all ages and group sizes n Themed tours e.g. Dark History, The Workhouse and The History of Medicine*

n Special group rates include FREE entry for the coach driver and organiser, plus FREE coach parking

n Afternoon tea packages & ornate gift shop

*Booking essential, extra small charge applies conference@thackraymuseum.org 0113 205 6526 www.thackraymuseum.org Thackray Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7LN

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No.26

LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIRE

EVENTS

and workshops capturing the era’s engineering achievements.

Another popular draw is the 700-acre Roundhay Park and Tropical World, which attracts over nine million visitors each year, and features glasshouses that are home to the largest collection of tropical plants in the UK outside Kew Gardens.

The Henry Moore Institute showcases sculptures from both ancient and modern times, while the Leeds Art Gallery houses some of the best 20th century British art in the country, including works by Barbara Hepworth and Jacob Kramer.

Lotherton Hall and Temple Newsam both house splendid collections of furniture and decorative arts surrounded by lovely gardens.

Meanwhile, the Grade I-listed Harewood House, just outside Leeds, houses impressive collections of furniture and decorative arts surrounded by over 100 acres of magnificent landscape created by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Home to the Earl and Countess of Harewood and one of the treasure houses of England, Harewood also boasts a fantastic programme of contemporary art exhibitions and a renowned Bird Garden.

Discounts are offered to groups of 15 or more.

Bradford Bradford’s status as the ‘wool capital of the world’ during the 19th century brought the city huge wealth.

Celebrating this rich heritage, the Bradford Industrial Museum houses displays of textile machinery, steam power and motor vehicles.

Nearby, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire is recognised as one of the best-preserved 19th-century ‘model villages’ in the world. Its Salts Mill is now an independent shopping emporium and art gallery, showcasing 400 works by local artist David Hockney.

Bradford has also carved a reputation for its contemporary culture; the Impressions Gallery is dedicated to photography, while Cartwright Hall houses a fascinating collection of 19th and 20th-century British art. And for scenic walks, why not try City Park.

Modern Bradford is famed for its ethnic diversity. In particular, Bombay Stores is the largest Asian department store in the UK while the city is also the world’s first UNESCO City of Film with the superb National Media Museum YMA exploring the importance of the media.

SEPTEMBER 2012 – MAY 2013

23 APRIL-4 MAY

LEEDS INTERNATIONAL CONCERT SEASON

CATS

Venues throughout Leeds

Bradford Alhambra Theatre

2-9 MARCH

18-19 MAY

THE GREAT GATSBY

BY NORTHERN BALLET Leeds Grand Theatre

HAWORTH 1940S WEEKEND Throughout Haworth

11-21 APRIL

BRADFORD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

20-31 AUGUST

Throughout Bradford

Leeds Grand Theatre

SUPPORTED BY

Pennine towns and villages The Pennine region mixes some of the most scenic villages with some of the most bustling towns in the UK. The town of Huddersfield was the birthplace of the Rugby League and hosts Rugby League World Cup fixtures, and is the largest of the Pennine towns. Its Castle Hill Monument is one of the county’s most important early Iron Age forts.

Eight miles north, the town of Halifax boasts Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, YMA which features six themed interactive galleries for children under 12 to explore.

The cobbled town of Holmfirth, six miles south of Huddersfield, is famously associated with long-running sitcom Last of the Summer Wine, and boasts the charmingly-named Wrinkled Stocking Tea Room. Fans of the show can explore the Summer Wine Exhibition or take a 10mile tour of the Holme Valley with a Summer Wine Magic TV Locations Tour.

The area, and especially the small town of Haworth, is also associated with the literaryminded Brontë sisters.

The Brontës moved to

Haworth parsonage in 1820 and wrote many of their famous novels there. Now the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the rooms have been left much as they were, while a new decorative scheme from the 1850s has recently been unveiled. The parsonage also showcases letters, clothes and personal possessions once belonging to the sisters, which give a unique insight into the freedoms and restrictions of the time in which they lived and lend a deeper understanding to their novels, while the surrounding moors inspire visitors as they may have for the sisters. Groups of 10 or more are offered discounts and a range of tour itineraries, while organisers enter for free.

A ride on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway explores the countryside immortalised by the sisters. Running five miles between Keighley and Oxenhope via Haworth, this steam-powered journey scales the steep Worth Valley, adding a sense of drama to the scenic views. Groups of 20 or more receive discounts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIRE tel 0113 378 1161 email info@visitleeds.co.uk web www.lpygroups.com

TOP PICTURES

left to right Harewood House, Salts Mill, Holmfirth, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

BOTTOM PICTURE Brontë Parsonage Museum

HAIRSPRAY

18 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

www.lpygroups.com

NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM

for f o r England England

Take a unique trip 140m underground to discover mining through the centuries.

Explore fascinating galleries, nature trails and much more; indoors and out!

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BE INSPIRED YORKSHIREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AWARD WINNING GALLERY

â&#x20AC;˘ Lively underground tours led by former-miner guides â&#x20AC;˘ Costumed characters â&#x20AC;˘ Tailored tours and talks available â&#x20AC;˘ Large cafĂŠ and shop â&#x20AC;˘ Group menus/packages

â&#x20AC;˘ All-weather visit,

open year-round

â&#x20AC;˘ Free car/coach parking â&#x20AC;˘ Close to Wakefield, access from M1 J38 & J40 â&#x20AC;˘ Free admission Group visitors can enjoy historic and modern art, unwind in the gallery garden, enjoy delicious food in the cafĂŠ and browse gifts in the shop.

Admission FREE. Tours from ÂŁ6.

Book today: hepworthwakefield.org groups@hepworthwakefield.org

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for f o r England England

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No.31

Plan your perfect day at Harewood Guided & Specialist tours of the House & award-winning Gardens Generously discounted group rates Excellent cafĂŠs & shops Coach driver & group organiser benefits 0OMZ B GFX NJMFT GSPN -FFET UIF "

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SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Where iron works Forging a reputation for manufacturing, South Yorkshire includes the city of Sheffield and large towns of Rotherham and Doncaster, and is also home to some of the UK’s most stately homes, inspirational gardens and interesting museums. ith its strong industrial heritage, art galleries and attractions, South Yorkshire has it all.

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Industry and art In Sheffield, Kelham Island Museum features a 12,000-horse power River Don Engine and a ‘Staybrite’ stainless steel ship.

Also in Sheffield, The Millennium Gallery houses Rushkin collections, while Weston Park explores the city’s natural and social records.

In Rotherham, there’s plenty for youngsters at the Magna Science Adventure Centre.

YMA Set in a former steel works, it features a host of exhibitions.

Heading north to Wakefield, The Hepworth Wakefield YMA

in the city centre features historic and modern artworks as well as contemporary exhibitions by international artists. The gallery runs a yearround programme of events, while six galleries feature artworks from leading artists, themed exhibitions and rarelyseen displays of the artist after whom the gallery is named – Barbara Hepworth. Entry is free, with a 45-minute guided introductory tour available for groups. Free familiarisation visits for GTOs are also offered.

The National Coal Mining Museum for England YMA offers ex-miner-led tours exploring the heritage of one of the country’s most dangerous industries, brought to life through historic buildings and

fascinating collections. The 41-acre site includes the medical centre and pit-head baths, a nature trail, and galleries exploring the history of coalmining. A highlight for intrepid visitors is a descent 140 metres below ground to see the furnace shaft, while visitors happier above ground can inch out onto a chimney’s glass cover – if they dare! Admission is free, with groups offered a variety of tours.

The natural world South of Barnsley, Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park’s Grade I-listed gardens are nationally significant for their extensive monuments, and feature some of the UK’s earliest Gothic follies, while the house has its origins in a family rivalry

that dates back to 1695.

Subsequent generations introduced exotic flora to the grounds, which today are home to several National Collections.

Groups are offered discounts, tours and familiarisation trips.

The Sheffield Botanical Gardens’ Grade II-listed pavilions house temperate plants from around the world, while the Winter Gardens have a mix of plants beneath one of the largest glasshouses in the UK. Near Wakefield, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park YMA features more than 40 sculptures displayed across wide parkland.

FOR MORE INFORMATION web

www.welcometo sheffield.com / www.visitpenistone.co.uk

TOP PICTURES

left to right Kelham Island Museum, National Coal Mining Museum for England, Wentworth Castle, Sheffield Botanical Gardens

BOTTOM PICTURES

left to right Weston Park, Magna Science Adventure Centre, The Millenium Gallery

20 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

www.yorkshire.com/groups

SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Historic Doncaster The historic market town of Doncaster has a rich heritage and a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect place for groups to visit.

One of the town’s most popular draws for groups is its lively Market, which has to be one of the finest traditional markets in the country. Entering the market from Baxtergate, the range and quality on display at the impressive Fish Market tantalises the taste buds, and the Market Hall features a stunning variety of cheeses and award-winning butchers, pie makers and sausage specialists.

The ornate Corn Exchange sells crafts, artworks and household goods, while the historic Wool Market, Outer Market and Irish Middle Market ensure all tastes are catered for.

And whilst in the town, why not pay a visit to Doncaster Racecourse (above left), with the St Leger in September – the world’s oldest classic horse race – a particular highlight.

Amongst the town's other highlights include Mansion House (right), dating to 1749, which reflects Doncaster’s wealth in Georgian England with fine art collections and a grand ballroom, and Conisbrough Castle, thought to have the finest Norman keep in Britain, and the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe. Today, a costumed guide leads groups through the castle’s interesting history.

The 18th-century Cusworth Hall and Park (below left), meanwhile, has an Italianate chapel whose ceiling paintings lay hidden for 50 years, and is home to the Museum of South Yorkshire, which features a range of collections depicting life in the area over the last 200 years.

The English Heritage-managed Brodsworth Hall and Gardens YMA , just north of Doncaster, has an opulent drawing room, billiard room and bedrooms standing in contrast to the servants’ quarters. The mansion was ‘converted as found’ in the 1980s, with objects, fixtures and fittings returned to their exact positions. Groups of 11 to 50 can preFOR MORE INFORMATION book a guided tour and pre-tour coffee or buffet lunches.

DONCASTER TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Also just outside Doncaster, the new 70-acre Yorkshire tel 01302 734309 Wildlife Park YMA features walkthrough areas including email tourist.information@doncaster.gov.uk ‘Lemur Woods’, ‘Wallaby Walkabout’ and ‘Leopard Heights’. web www.visitdoncaster.co.uk

Offers a warm welcome for group visits!

Edinburgh

Market of the Year Award 2011 and Britain’s Favourite Market 2012 Tuesday, Friday and Saturday

Hull Manchester Liverpool

Doncaster

London

York Leeds Hull Manchester Newcastle London Liverpool Edinburgh

1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 2 hr 3 hr 2 hrs 4 hrs

(Approximate drive times)

Situated on the UK’s national transport network in the heart of England, Doncaster can be reached very quickly from many cities.

ĕſſ10 magnificent markets - all on one bustling town centre site ĕ Superb drop-off and pick up point on site with excellent passenger facilities ĕ Coach drivers’ free lunch vouchers

Plus, new this year... ĕ Free all-day coach parking in a new dedicated coach park nearby

ĕ Comfortable free coach drivers’ lounge with TV, WiFi and refreshment facilities

ĕ Optional free VIP ‘meet and greet’ service for every coach party visiting

www.doncaster.gov.uk/markets Find us on Facebook: search for ‘Donny Market’

Tel: 01302 862480 Further

www.visitdoncaster.co.uk

Find us on Twitter: Search for donnytowncentre

Email: roy.dean@doncaster.gov.uk

information

No.32

YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 21

HULL & EAST YORKSHIRE

Eastern delights With an inspirational coastline, colourful seaside resorts, a lively city and the sprawling tranquillity of its countryside, there’s plenty to see and do on a group visit to Hull and East Yorkshire. ull and East Yorkshire makes a delightful destination. Discover Hull’s maritime history, the seaside resort of Bridlington and the serenity of the Wolds.

H

Hull Within Hull's Museums Quarter, Wilberforce House, birthplace of Slave Trade abolitionist William Wilberforce, is steeped in history, while the Streetlife Museum traces the past 200 years.

Also at the Museums Quarter is the Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology and the sea trawler Arctic Corsair.

The Ferens Art Gallery, meanwhile, houses paintings and sculpture dating from medieval to modern times.

Nearby, the Hands on History Museum tells the story of the city, and the Hull Maritime Museum explores the city’s whaling history, while the Guildhall features the famous Hull Tapestry.

Overlooking the River Humber, The Deep YMA aquarium is home to over 3,500 fish and only a short stroll from Hull Marina.

Coastal towns The coastal stretch from Bridlington to near Filey is defined as the Flamborough Head Heritage Coast. Explore Bridlington’s association with the artist David Hockney and take in traditional attractions such as Old Penny Memories, Beside the Seaside and John

Bull’s World of Rock. Or how about The Spa Bridlington theatre or the Grade I-listed Sewerby Hall & Gardens, which rests on the cliffs overlooking Bridlington Bay and offers superlative views.

Along the coast, Withernsea has a well-known lighthouse, parts of which have been converted into the Lighthouse Museum, while Spurn Point’s shingle and sand formations are a popular nature reserve.

The Wolds Known as the ‘Capital of The Wolds’, the town of Driffield features the Elizabethan Burton Agnes Hall, which has been described as ‘the perfect English home’. Furnished with paintings, tapestries and

carvings, it also has the Courtyard Artist Gallery with exhibitions from local artists.

The Home and Garden Shop has plenty of gifts and flora from the walled garden, which contains herbaceous borders and a National Collection of campanulas. Discounts and free guided tours are offered to groups of 30 or more, with familiarisation trips also offered to organisers.

Another ‘must see’ is the medieval market town of Beverley, whose Gothic Minster at one end counterpoints perfectly with St Mary’s Church at the other.

FOR MORE INFORMATION web

www.visithullandeast yorkshire.com/groups

TOP PICTURES

left to right Hull Maritime Museum, Burton Agnes Hall, Beverley Minster, Spurn Point

BOTTOM PICTURES left to right Wilberforce House, The Deep, Flamborough Head

22 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

www.yorkshire.com/groups

Your group passport to a great day out...

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Group discounts ž Packages ž Tailored tours and talks The only thing you need to decide is where to take your group ƎSTUſ

www.yorkshireattractions.org

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