Coach Touring Issue 2

Contents

Comment At the time of

day trips, short breaks and tours, I feel sure

going to press,

that it will send out a positive message and

Coronavirus is

your customers will return in their droves.

dominating events

Likewise, for suppliers, if you can maintain a

with to a greater or

positive and reassuring message to your coach

lesser degree, all

operator clients, again, once the situation picks

of us being

up, they are highly likely to work with you

affected. If history

again, who knows, maybe more than

has taught us one

they ever did.

News

7-

Coach Tourism Association

8-

Berlin

12-

MJseums

16-

Animal Attractions

18-

Heart of England

22- North Wales 24- South Wales

26- Gardens and Flower shows 30- Shopping 32- North West

thing, however, it is that panicking solves nothing, absolutely nothing and if anything,

The age of the internet and e-mail means that

only inflames an already tense situation. As

many of us can work from home and as such,

things stand, the situation is fluid, changing on

we do not have to suffer 'radio silence'. As

a day to day basis and there are no definitive

such, perhaps if we all - coach operators,

answers on the total impact and timing of the

suppliers and the trade press - endeavour to

virus's peak. We can all , though, do everything

communicate even more with each other, it just

in our power to keep things as normal as

might, might moke things a little less painful

possible and keep the confidence in our

Good health to you all

34- Heritage Railways 36- Theme Parks 38- Devon 42- Love London 44- Canal and River Cruises

products, so that when the inevitable recovery comes, it will be something from which we all

4-

Hugh

46- Yorkshire

benefit. If you as a coach operator keep telling your customers that once this situation has

48- Days Out

been managed, you will once again be offering

Sales: Menn Greenwood Brett Kirby aid Bellrdo Ashley Tel: 0121 445 6961 ProOJCtlon: Lcuo ColIns Con1rb.Jtors: Co-ol Dowe Dovtes Desll"C Alexina Whittaker Front COll8r. Shutt8fstock.com l'lanaglng Director: Nigel Whittaker P\bllshlrg Dlrector.1-+Jgh Cairns Beau &Jslness Media Group Ltd P\bllshlng House. Wlrdrush. Ash Lone. Birmingham.

848 7TS Te� 0121445 6961 Fax: 0121445 4436

e-mall: beaubuslnessmedloOgmoll.com

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Pentland Ferries Orkney-owned family business, Pentland Ferries, has recently launched a new purpose-built ship on the ferry service connecting Gills Bay on the north east coast of Scotland to St Margaret's Hope in Orkney. MV Alfred has spacious seating areas, a cafe, outdoor seating, and an indoor dog-friendly sundeck lounge. There is also a lift for access from the car deck to the lounges, space for 98 cars, or 54 cars with 12 articulated vehicles/coaches and 430 passengers.

Pentland Ferries is the first

ferry operator in the UK to have achieved a Green Tourism Award. The ship is more than 60 per cent more efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emission levels than other comparable ferries operating in Scotland.

Other green initiatives include LED lighting, utilising local food suppliers, a wind turbine powering the shore-base and the ship overnight, and waste reducing and recycling initiatives that the company encourages passengers to embrace onboard ship.

For passengers, the

Coach Touring

adventure begins when you leave Gills Bay, sailing through the Pentland Firth, passing the islands of Stroma and Swona, and into the Orkney archipelago, before docking in the pretty village of St Margaret's Hope in South Ronaldsay.

There will be ample opportunity along the way to catch a glimpse of island wildlife - seabirds, seals and, perhaps, a pod of dolphins, pilot whales or even an occasional Orea.

The Orkney islands are perfect for touring - on a day trip - or longer. Drive

Trade Talk

across the Churchill Barriers, visiting the ornate Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, which was built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war, before heading north to Kirkwall, with its magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. From here, the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which consist of the large chambered tomb of Maes Howe, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and the ancient settlement of Skora Brae, are all within easy reach. www.pentlandfeffles,co.uk

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New October dates for British Tourism & Travel Show, as NEC set to become Coronavirus hospital This year’s British Tourism & Travel Show (BTTS) will now run on 22-23 October, following the recent news that its venue, the NEC Birmingham, is being repurposed into a temporary NHS ‘Nightingale’ hospital for patients with Coronavirus.

The event had previously been pushed back from its annual March dates to June, as the epidemic escalated. Its new October dates have been widely supported, while the popular British Coach Tourism Awards will now take place on the evening of 22 October at the National Motorcycle Museum.

David Maguire, group event director at organiser Diversified Communications UK, says: “Like all businesses, we’ve been closely following the rapidly changing developments during these unprecedented and difficult times. With the NEC taking on an important role to help support the NHS during this national emergency, we had no other option but to delay the show until later this year.

“We appreciate how hugely important BTTS is to the thousands of businesses that regularly visit and

exhibit – including leading tour and travel organisers, GTOs, coach operators, hotels, visitor attractions, DMOs and popular destinations across the UK and Ireland. These businesses – many of which are now closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions – have been hugely affected.

Which is why running the show this year, rather than next, is so vital.

“I know that we’ll all continue to support each other through this over the coming months. The BTTS team would like to thank everyone – our exhibitors, visitors, speakers and partners – for their continued support and patience, and we look forward to seeing you all at the show on 22-23 October.” Existing visitor badges are still valid for the new dates. To register for a free trade ticket in advance, please visit www.tourismshow.co.uk and use priority code PR1 (https://eventdata.uk/ Visitor/BTTS2020.aspx?

TrackingCode=PR1).

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A fourth big step for Gulliver!

Joining Gulliver's Land in Milton Keynes, Gulliver's K ingdom in Matlock Bath

and Gulliver's World in Cheshire, the fourth Gulliver's theme park will

open this year on a 250 acre site (the biggest park of the Gulliver resorts). The new park will include more than 50 rides and attractions and is located in South Yorkshire, next to the Rother Valley Country Park There will also be accommodation on-site, including a number of themed areas - such as

pirates and princesses - as well as the option for glamping. Bookings are now open for 'group sleepovers .

The theme park is part of a £37 million project within the Gulliver's Theme Park resort franchise www.gulllvers'vOIJey resort.co.uk

Your Route to Inspirational Holidays

CTA

COACH lOURlSM ASSOCIATION

ASI !LEY '& 1E.WEY

www. ash leynewey. co. uk

Coach Touring

Trade Talk

Look who's moved into the neighbourhood!

- The Addams Family Our favourite 'kooky' family will soon be on the stage in the UK premiere of this musical comedy, from the hand of the award winning writers of Jersey Boys.

Wednesday Addams. the ultimate princess of darkness. is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows.

She's fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. With his cherished Morticia in the

of all ages. The show will play at 14 venues across the UK, visit

dark, will Gomez manage to keep his daughter's secret until the two families meet for a fateful dinner with hilarious consequences? Join them, plus Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley and more for a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship... with a twist! Featuring a live orchestra and extraordinary original score, T he Addams Family is sure to entertain groups

www.addamstaml/y,co.uk to find out which one is nearest to you

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20:20 vision for Ashley & Newey

2020 see's many positive changes for Ashley & Newey, UK Coach Tour Wholesaler. The first being the launch of a brand-new website. aimed at making it easier for coach operators to find the right tour package for their brochure's and groups. The newly launched website offers multiple search options including region, season, date and hotel search. It shows availability real-time and allows coach operators to view an

extensive range of UK coach touring holidays with an accurate list of available dates and exact pricing.

and offering the best quality packages are at the heart of what Ashley & Newey do, accompanied by a friendly, committed team of likeminded individuals.

Ashley & Newey thrive on adding-value where possible, with driver free of charge regardless of passenger numbers (from 2021). Tours also include detailed driver packs which provide abundant information for drivers, couriers and passengers for their journey. Adding-value

and the coach operators they collaborate with.

If you're looking for unique tours that showcase the beauty of the UK, please visit the new website:

http://ashleynewey,co.uk/ or call 0'/325 389567

The team has built an outstanding reputation over the years and will be evident with the new website which hosts lastminute availability, regular industry-related blog posts & testimonials. proving the success of the company

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Open The Box in May

The former museum and library buildings between Plymouth's university and its art college are being transformed into a new cultural hub and will open on May 16th. The Grade-II listed site will be refurbished with a contemporary extension housing an archive on the marine heritage of the city and the south-west, a museum of local stories, exhibition space for

contemporary art and touring shows and a study centre, plus a cafe and a new piazza. Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy will be the first exhibition. recounting the vessel's 1620 voyage from Plymouth to America. A series of immersive galleries will highlight the city's permanent collections and shed light on Plymouth's connections with the rest of

the world. The Box will also have a Kitchen & Bar. shop, education and research 6

spaces. Groups of any size are welcome -

www.plyrrheart.org

Eastriggs, DG12 6TF Minutes from the M6 near Gretna Green. Just off the A75

5 star rated, award winning Museum Open daily year round Group discounts available Fully accessible with a lift

Visit wealddown.co.uk for more information

Coach parking

Cafe with discounts for group bookings Amazing story of two World Wars devilsporridge.org.uk info@devilsporridge.org.uk 01461 700021

Coach Touring I Heart of England

Heart of England This is arguably the most medieval of the UK's regions, with great castles such as that at Warwick and literary trails around Stratford-Upon-Avon, home of the greatest writer in the English language, William Shakespeare. The landscape has changed little over the centuries and is incredibly beautiful, Picturesque, affable and easygoing, this region is a perennial favourite for touring groups and holidaymakers.

COVENTRY CATHEDRAL 2021 will see Coventry's turn in the spotlight as 'City of Culture' and Coventry Cathedral will be right at the heart of the action.

Perfectly placed in the city centre, the Cathedral campus spans over 1000 years of history, from the

expert guides, which will take in both buildings, their history, the story of the Coventry Blitz and rebuilding of the Cathedral. and the arts and architecture contained within.

Coventry is easily reached by rail and road networks, and sits alongside some of Coventry's other visitor attractions such so you can really make a day of it!

T hey can cater for groups of any size and they'd love to welcome yours.

early medieval craftsmanship still visible on the ruined Old Cathedral to the innovative 60's design of Spence's casket of jewels.

Your group will experience a warm welcome before embarking upon an engaging and informative tour from one of their

www.coventry cathedral.org.uk

DISCOVER CADBURY'S RICH HISTORY AT CADBURY WORLD Groups are invited to take a trip down memory lane and discover the fascinating history of Cadbury with a Heritage Tour and Light Afternoon Tea at Cadbury World.

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As part of the popular package, guests can enjoy either a fully-guided tour of Bournville while on board their coach or a walk and talk into the village, discovering the Cadbury brothers' vision of a 'Factory in a Garden' and the history of the Quaker ethics, all whilst taking in the beautiful architecture, unique village green and pretty tree-lined streets.

Groups will then embark on a self-guided tour of Cadbury World by stepping into 1824 to explore a full-scale replica of Bull Street. where John Cadbury opened his first ever shop.

Visitors can also stroll down Advertising Avenue to see how many Cadbury campaigns they can remember, before heading to the Cadbury Cafe to enjoy a delicious Light Afternoon Tea, where groups can indulge in a selection of scones and sandwiches, plus a choice of tea or coffee. Every guest will also receive a complimentary bar of Bournville dark chocolate.

T he Heritage Tour package is priced at £17.25 per person and is available for adult groups of 15+ from Monday to Friday¡, with free admission for one coach driver. Groups of 20 or more also receive free admission for the group organiser.

www.cadburyworldco.uk

Coach Touring I Heart of England STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR GROUPS Stoke-on-Trent is a great destination for your next group visit. Affectionately known as The Potteries, the city boasts fantastic visitor centres, award-winning museums, and great pottery factory shopping including famous brands such as Portmeirion. Emma Bridgewater. Moorcroft, Burleigh, Churchill, Royal Stafford and Wedgwood.

The history and heritage of the area are well preserved at the city's museums and attractions which include Gladstone Pottery Museum. the only complete Victorian pottery factory; the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, home to world's greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics and the Staffordshire Hoard; and the World of Wedgwood, a truly unique visitor experience celebrating the very best of British industrial and design heritage.

Stoke-on-Trent is home to one of the UK's top visitor attractions - the Trentham Estate. Award-winning gardens, inspirational shopping, gentle strolls around the woodland walks, a fairy trail, adventure play and boat trips, and the Trentham Monkey Forest all combine to make a great group visit.

Stoke-on-Trent is also home to incredible entertainment venues and outstanding theatres. The New Vic Theatre, the theatre in the round which has built a reputation for innovative productions of both new and classic works.

With a year-round appeal, Stoke-on-Trent is the perfect place for a group visit. Find out more at

www.vlsltstoke.co.uk or telephone 01782 236084.

STRATFORD-ON-AVON RACECOURSE Not only is Stratford-OnAvon one of the country's leading small summer jumps racecourses with a reputation for excellent levels of prize money and each year plays host to 18 thrilling horseracing fixtures.

It is also a great place for groups to stay, indeed The Perfect Setting for camping and touring.

regularly between March and November, with many top trainers and jockeys coming here.

The summer race days attract family groups who can picnic in the centre of the course, making use of the free admission for under l8's as well as the free children's entertainment on most of their summer meetings.

Discounts are available for on-line and group bookings with a free ticket for the organiser of the party. Allinclusive hospitality packages are available, including private box hire. overlooking the Parade Ring and Winning Post, from parties of lO upwards.

Camping & Touring Stratford Racecourse Touring Park is devoid of all the usual issues such as evening noise and cramped camping conditions, the park has a relaxed friendly feel reminiscent of days gone by.

The Touring Park & Race Days Horse Racing aficionados, will be pitched next to the racecourse itself with spectacular views across the track, there is plenty of space in the centre to let off steam and soak up the atmosphere with a bottle of wine and a barbeque and you'll get free racemeeting tickets tacked onto your pitch price if you book for two or three nights stay, one of which is the race day.

Racing takes place

These packages can be enhanced with race sponsorship packages which are tailored to meet your requirements. whether for business or private purposes. The aim is to be flexible and always to please their customers.

Please visit the website www.stratfordracecourse.n et or Indeed, pick up the phone and call them on 01789 267 949, DUDLEY CANAL TRUST Take a boat trip underneath Dudley, or explore the fascinating open canal around Netherton and Tipton!

They offer special group rates for their 45 minute, 2 hour and 6 hour trips as well as some additional routes that are only available to pre-booked groups.

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Groups can also book workshop sessions, refreshments, meeting room hire and more either as standalone items or to complement a boat trip.

Give them a call on 0'121 557 6265 to discuss creatlrg the perfect visit for your group or alternatively visit www.dudleycanal trust.org.uk LICHFIELD CATI-EDRAL Lichfield Cathedral. where you can discover over 1300 years of history in the only medieval three-spired Cathedral in the UK! See a medieval wall painting, the famous Herkenrode stained glass, the Lichfield Angel and much more.

They are able to offer a range of tours for groups at the Cathedral, giving you a wide range of opportunities to learn about this medieval building and its history and heritage.

Chapters, the Cafe in the Close, can cater for your group whether it be a tea/coffee on arrival. buffet lunch in a private function room or following your tour with afternoon tea.

For full details please visit www.llchfleldcathedralorg

STOKE-ON-TRENT

THE BEST OF STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR GROUPS Stoke-on-Trent is a city built on a history of industrial greatness and creative artistic flair. The city has seen a resurgence of all things that made the city great. From pottery to performing arts and everything in between, Stoke-on-Trent is home to world class attractions, incredible talents and creative businesses.

With a year-round appeal, Stoke-on-Trent is the perfect place for a group visit. Find out more at www.visitstoke. co.uk or telephone 01782 236084 for your group information pack.

For further information, advice, help with itinerary planning and a free copy of the Stoke-on-Trent Group Travel Guide and Coach Maps...

Call 01782 236084

Email tourism@stoke.gov.uk or go to visitstoke.co.uk/groups

I City of

Stoke-on-Trent

Cyfarthfa 'Bt\fk

@VisitCyfarthfa #DiscoverCyfarthfa Look out for our new walks, talks and workshops!

Visit: www.cyfarthfa.com

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Coach Touring I Theme Parks

Merlin Theme Parks Thrills and spills, tigers and lions. Let the children shriek like animals as you work with both at this selection of theme parks, thrill rides, animal attractions and sedate panoramic viewing opportunities. we take a look at just a few of Mertins entertainment parks

group.enquiries@ legolandco.uk and they

team at

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will be more than happy to help.

LEGO LAND

Discover over 1100 years of history though their spectacular shows, spellbinding attractions. inquisitive history tours and over 64 acres of grounds and gardens to explore.

Monster Groups Wanted!

Get set for an exciting day out filled with thrills and fun for all!

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a unique and exciting venue for your next group trip. Using their exclusive Groups Explorer Pack and Map. groups can be sure to explore over 55 rides. live shows and attractions including the brand new Haunted House Monster Party!

As part of the awesome offer, groups can also take advantage of the following perks; Exclusive Discounted Group rates! ·Explorer pack for each child. including a LEGOLAND Branded Lanyard, exclusive pop badge and an activity pack to complete during their visit.

To find out more and to book , groups can visit www.LEGOLAND.co.uk/gro ups and fill in their online booking form or call 0871 4232 270 to speak to one of their dedicated agents to get the best deal for your group. If you need some more help or advice. please email the groups

The friendly members of staff will help guide you through Warwick Castle's rich history whilst also leaving you with fantastic memories of your visit with them They offer castle only tickets or, if your party are feeling particularly brave. they offer Castle and The Castle Dungeon entry tickets for group bookings.

ALTON TOWERS FOl.R DECADES OF POWER OF THE TOWERS Throughout 2020 the Resort will be inviting you to share massive giggles. mega thrills and major glee with your friends and family in celebration of four decades of the Power of the Towers!

As well as launching amazing new attractions. the Resort will be hosting fantastic events and entertainment for the nation to enjoy! Book your escape to Alton Towers Resort with over 40 rides and attractions there's something for the whole family! Buy in advance and save. with day tickets from just £34. or for the best value. buy a Alton Towers Season Pass and visit again and again from only £58.

Groups ticket From £12.50. you will receive access to all the daily shows and attractions. beat the queues and your ticket is valid for the rainy day guarantee!

BOOK NOW They have pulled together

Warwick Castle About the Groups Offer At Warwick Castle. they offer interactive activities for groups of 20 or more.

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some fact sheets for your group to read through before visitation. If you have any questions before your visit, feel free to contact us or their friendly members of staff will be happy to help upon your arrival.

www.warwlck­ castle.com/tlckets-passes/ day-tickets/groups/ www.merlln-lnt.com Please check to make sure If the attractions have been affected by the Coronavlrus

Coach Touring I Days Out Museum houses a staggering 8,000 objects in over 22 beautiful galleries.

St Giles' Cathedral Located halfway down the historic Royal Mile, the framed crown spire of St Giles' Cathedral is one of the most recognisable features of Edinburgh's skyline.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Founded in 1670 and considered to be one of the finest gardens in the world, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers 72 acres of peace and tranquillity and is only a stone's throw from the bustling city centre.

Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop This historic building in Dumfries & Galloway is probably one of the most romantic of Scotland's attractions. Check out the Gretna Green Story Exhibition and find out about the countless loved­ up couples who have eloped to Scotland over the centuries.

National War Museum Set within the walls of Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum is filled with exhibits and artefacts that tell the tale of the impact of war on Scotland's history, identity and reputation abroad.

A CB...EBRATION OF SLYTHERIN Ar WARNER BROTHERS STUDIO TOUR THIS Sl.Xv'MER

Fans of Harry Potter are invited to discover the Slytherin common room for

the first time ever. Known throughout the eight films for its ambition and links to dark magic, Slytherin house is home to some of the greatest wizards of all time. From this month, visitors to Warner Bros.

Studio Tour London will discover the secrets behind some of the iconic costumes and props belonging to their favourite, cunning Slytherin characters.

Visitors won't have to be under the guise of Polyjuice potion to discover the secrets of the Slytherin common room up close, as for the first time ever, fans are invited to gather around the imposing fireplace and sofas where Ron's magical transformation began to wear off, revealing his ginger hair. During this special feature, a 25-foot high section of this iconic set will be on display, furnished and dressed with authentic props. When envisioning the Slytherin common room, Production Designer Stuart Craig wanted a very different atmosphere to the warm colours of Gryffindor so designed the set to look like a dungeon carved out

of solid rock. The hand­ designed wall tapestries visitors will see had red tones completely taken out of the colour palette to add to the austere atmosphere and further highlight the iconic Slytherin colours, green and silver. Entering through the Great Hall doors, visitors will be greeted by a sea of green as the Slytherin house banners from the film series are suspended from the enchanted ceiling, denoting a Slytherin victory of the House Cup. Over the teacher's table, Gryffindor banners will be displayed in reference to the final scenes of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in which Dumbledore awards last-minute house points resulting in a Gryffindor triumph.

Paying homage to some of Slytherin's most esteemed witches and wizards, a number of original costumes belonging to the Malfoy family will be on display allowing visitors to see how the designs changed to depict their rise and fall in power and status alongside Lord Voldemort. Also 50

showcased will be the evolution of Voldemort's costumes showing his growth from orphan, Tom Riddle, to young Hogwarts student and finally to prolific villain. T he Slytherin feature will run from Friday 3rd April - Sunday 6th September 2020 and all additions are included in the ticket price. Group visits of 25 or more to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London can be booked through on 0345 084 0900 or an approved partners at

www.wbstudlotour.co,uk/tr avel-partners/how-to­ book/,

Coach parking is available, and a complimentary ticket is available for coach drivers - who must provide recognised industry identification at the ticket window.

Alternatively, they are welcome to enjoy the dedicated coach drivers' room