Group Travel Today Issue 4

Today

Volume 13 Issue 4 2020

Norfolk Must See Museums Best Of British Heritage Groups Always Welcome Wish You Were Here ?

Wonderful Wales Planning 2021

s a m t s i r Ch nt e m e l p Sup Johnsons Journal plus Special Feature - Cannes

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Travel Group

TITANIC THE LEGEND THE STORY Titanic Belfast features nine interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic.

Uncover the true legend of Titanic in the city where it all began, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Group benefits: Group rates, dedicated group reservations, fast-track entrance, welcome host, souvenir ticket, free driver and guide entrance, coach driver hospitality.

For help with planning and booking a group visit email groups@titanicbelfast.com or call 028 9076 6373.

TITANICBELFAST.COM

Comment “We’re Good To Go" Phew, where to begin? The first thing to say, of course, is to hope that you and yours are well and none of you has lost anyone to this dreadful virus. Good health and one’s family are by some way the most important things for all of us.

These times, for the overwhelming majority of us, are unprecedented and my cup is always full, never mind half full (!), and it is good to see suppliers and attractions have worked hard to mitigate the situation. Companies such as Riveria Travel is happily going that extra mile for customers, is at the heart of their approach. They have introduced a range of best-in-class customer guarantees for those that book now. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have also launched brand new programmes for 2021, along with VIVA Cruises that have announced new routes and ships to its 2021 programme.* As such, accommodation providers, attractions and all kinds of venues have had to be innovative as to how to keep beds their full and turnstiles clicking. Two recent overnight stays in North Norfolk followed by one to the Stour Estuary and another to the Peak District have shown that for couples, families and individuals, domestic travel is alive and kicking. With that section of the market taken care of, companies like Bakers Dolphin are back on the road doing what they love – taking groups on muchneeded short trips and holidays all over the UK.

Group Travel Today

Contents

thinking caps and come up with, let’s face it, completely new ways of accommodating those who wish to travel in numbers. Many have worked hard and been awarded VisitEngland’s new ‘We’re Good To Go’ charter mark in recognition of it complying with all COVID-19 Government and public health guidance this is just one instance of the travel industry which is known for its invention, so, fingers crossed new ideas will continue to emerge.

Back to the introduction at the top of this page, the second thing to say? Well…, you’ll find no hyperbole, overly negative reporting or rabblerousing here, so, gladly, there are no editorial vacancies on Group Travel Today for Piers Morgan or his like.

Keep well and see you all when this is all done...or BTTS, whichever comes first!

News

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Agto

6

Where in the World

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Johnsons Journal

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Cannes

10

Lake District

12

Planning 2021

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Christmas Supplement

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Group Holidays

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Museums

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South West

26

Heart of England

30

Norfolk

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Best Of British Heritage

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Wonderful Wales

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Groups Always Welcome

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Wish You Were Here ?

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Ireland

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Hugh * Groups should look carefully into the cover and cost of holiday insurance with the present COVID 19 pandemic. Also when the extension period with the EU finishes on the 31st December 2020 the EHIC card and system will no longer be valid.

shutterstock_Evgeny Karandaev

With the current Covid 19 pandemic evolving situation please check with attractions to confirm if any restriction will apply Beau Business Media Group Ltd Publishing House, Windrush, Ash Lane, Birmingham, B48 7TS

Some of the first passengers to take a Bakers Dolphin coach holiday since Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed say they felt extremely safe and enjoyed the experience so much they’ve already booked their next one. With care, many day trips and short breaks have started to operate again.

Tel: 0121 445 6961 Fax: 0121 445 4436 email: beaubusinessmedia@gmail.com Sales: Emma L Middleton Brett James Kirby Tel: 0121 445 6961 Contributors: Pauline Johnson, Simon Walton Design: Alexina Whittaker & Paul Hemsley Production: Laura Collins Managing Director: Nigel Whittaker Publishing Director: Hugh Cairns

Suppliers have had to put on their

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News

Group Travel Today

WTM London 2020 to be Entirely Virtual Event

WTM London will not be held as a physical event in 2020 for the first time in the show’s 40-year history, organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions has confirmed to GTT.

WTM London and Travel Forward, both due to take place at London’s ExCeL on 2-4 November, will now be run entirely virtually.

The travel trade show – and its technology-focused sister event Travel Forward – had

been due to take place at London’s ExCeL on 2-4 November, but both will now be run entirely virtually.

Reed said “continuing travel restrictions, imposition of quarantine requirements and local lockdowns across Europe” had led to the decision to switch to a digital programme.

WTM London senior director Simon Press said: “Sadly, this year will be the first time since we launched WTM

London in 1980 that there will be no live event.

take part in speed networking.

“However, thousands of travel trade professionals from around the globe will still be able to meet and do business in an extensive range of virtual sessions, to help the industry recover, rebuild and innovate.”

WTM Virtual will take place from 9-11 November, offering delegates the chance to arrange one-to-one video meetings, attend conference sessions and roundtables and

Reed said the virtual show will also see an investment summit in partnership with the International Tourism & Investment Conference – and a new Marketing Forum and workshop in partnership with The Five Percent.https://www.youtube .com/embed/SHxV7pSo4m0 ?feature=oembed&enablejsa pi=1&origin=https%3A%2F%2F www.ttgmedia.com

Escape the Everyday Campaign VisitBritain has launched a £5 million ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign to highlight the quality destinations, visitor attractions and experiences on offer across the UK’s cities,

countryside and coast to boost tourism across the shoulder season and beyond. The campaign kicks off with a short video and branded content across

social media, digital display and ‘on demand’ television advertising. The content also drives online ‘traffic’ to www.visitbritain.com/escape with ideas and links to

CTA welcomes Visit Aberdeenshire as a new member.

information on autumn and winter activities and experiences across the nations and regions.

Love Fish and Chips…

Love Bizzie Lizzie’s

Coach Parties Welcome

Free meals for Coach Drivers Senior Citizen Discount Group Booking Discount (12 or more) Booking essential Available at Swadford Street & High Street Car Park Restaurants

High Street Restaurant now with an extra 32 covers Situated in the north east of Scotland, Aberdeen and the surrounding area Aberdeenshire offer a truly authentic Scottish experience. A vibrant city, distilleries, castles, food and drink experiences and stunning scenery await.

A wide range of groupfriendly accommodation is available, from budget city centre hotels to country house properties, all at very competitive rates. The destination lends itself well to

Now Available at Swadford Street Restaurant and Takeaway Gluten Free Fish and Chips cooked in Sun ower Oil Accredited by Coeliac UK

both city plus and touring itineraries for coach groups of all sizes.

High Street Car Park, Skipton 01756 794531 Mon-Sun Restaurant and Takeaway 12pm - 8pm

Swadford Street, Skipton 01756 701131 Mon-Sun Restaurant 12pm - 8pm Takeaway 12pm - 9pm

Raeanne Verlegh, senior travel trade development executive, says:

b i z z i e l i z z i e s . c o . u k

“VisitAberdeenshire is ready to support you to create unforgettable experiences for your coach groups and we are excited to welcome them to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire soon.” www.visitabdn.com

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accredited by

Welcome to Summergrove Halls

Away from the hustle and bustle but with plenty to see and do Summergrove Halls makes it easy to get away from the hustle and bustle to a part of England with scenery and easy access to the Western

Lakes and the Cumbrian

fantastic coast. The area is packed with things to see and do but without the crowds.

At Summergrove, guests can create a package to suit them – from renting a room with no frills to booking fully serviced hotel rooms.

Fully equipped kitchens are available to self-cater so, as there’s no need to bring the kitchen sink, there’ll even be room for the dog.

Our Grove restaurant offers a selection of dishes to suit all tastes and dietary requirements and the bars stock a range of local beers. (there’s even a gym to help you work off the calories!)

With plenty of free parking, a launderette and free superfast Wi-Fi there’s no reason not to give us a call.

Tel: 01946 813328, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 8XZ www.summergrovehalls.co.uk Email: info@summergrovehalls.co.uk

AGTO MATTERS

Group Travel Today

often bringing to an end a lifetime’s work of one or more generations of the same family.

It’s time to support your local coach operator Whilst most GTOs look for reassurances that taking their group out on a day trip or short break will be safe, coach operators are facing their own challenges. Wendy Hartley-Scarff, chief executive of the Association of Group Travel Organisers, explains what’s happening, and why now’s the time to be supporting your local operator.

These are extremely challenging times for everyone, but do spare a thought for coach operators. With state-ofthe-art coaches, often worth more than £300,000 each sitting idle in a yard, many operators are facing financial ruin.

Indeed, some have already closed down,

If that sounds rather dramatic it’s meant to be!

Family-run coach operators, the mainstay of the UK’s coach industry, find themselves, through no fault of their own, having to lay staff off, or simply close the yard gates for a final time.

Having said all that, there is some good news. With care, many day trips and short breaks have started to operate again. In the autumn issue of the quarterly AGTO Magazine we feature reports on a short break to Torquay from the West Midlands operated by Dunwood Travel, and what Johnsons Coach Travel of Henley-inArden in Warwickshire is doing to reassure GTOs that coach travel is safe.

Both of these coach operators are AGTO Associate members. Both are rightly using their membership to get their safety messages in front of more than 450 GTO members.

And getting that message across is important. GTOs

and their groups want to get out and about again, and many are now doing just that, but only if the reassurances about COVID-secure transport and hospitality are there.

If you haven’t done so already, talk to your local coach operator and find out what it’s doing. It desperately needs your business, because without it, it may not be there this time next year.

“Ah, but”, I hear you say.

“We can only take 25 people on a full-size coach. We still have to pay full price for the coach hire, so our 25 members will each have to pay more.”

anything but usual times.

The coach operator can’t afford to lose money.

Indeed, the costs of buying in additional sanitising and cleaning fluids, and having to pay drivers more because having to prepare and clean their coach means they’re now working longer hours, all adds up.

Some operators aren’t passing these additional costs on to the GTO. But some have little choice. In turn, I would argue that it seems perfectly reasonable for a GTO to ask members to pay an extra few pounds a head if it means they can all get out and about again.

Over the last few weeks I’ve heard this mentioned many times. I smile and remind the GTO there’s a pandemic on. These are

Many GTOs tell me they’re doing just that, and it’s fine. One GTO told me that a member had made the point that not being able to travel over the last six months meant they hadn’t spent very much, so the money was sitting in the account.

Whatever your own situation, finding a way to support your local coach operator, and in so doing, giving your group the opportunity to get out and about, seems like a step in the right direction. www.agto.co.uk

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Group Travel Today

Where on Earth?

The Water of Life?

Scotland has almost four casks of whisky per citizen, fortunately, a lot of it is exported.

You may be surprised to learn that a 30-year-old cask of Macallan set a new world record in 2019 for the most expensive whisky cask ever sold at auction. It sold for a massive $572,000.

Scotland isn’t the only country that likes the odd dram or two, whiskey is the official state beverage of Alabama.

On the question of whether whisky is the water of life? While filming in the Congo, the majority of the cast of The African Queen became sick with dysentery from drinking the water. Director John Huston and actor Humphrey Bogart emerged unscathed, allegedly because they drank nothing but whisky throughout. We rest our case.

Who said Meerkats Travel Mob Handed?

Well actually,they do, a group of Meerkats who live in groups of 20 to 50 individuals is are called mobs.

Despite the name, they are very sociable animals, who like nothing more than to play together and groom each other, they work together to protect each other whilst sharing underground burrows which keep them cool in the desert.

Although you wouldn’t want to get between an individual and their grubs and termites,which are their primary food source, they are very possessive of their food and defend their prey from other members of their pack. You have been warned.

One to beam up!

This extraordinary place is where the creation myth of the Native American Ute people cite as the spot where all life began, and it’s not difficult to see why.

The European settlers of Colorado decided to call it the Garden of the Gods, it does have a whiff of Greek Mythology about it ( and for the Trekkies amongst us a dodgy set where a gorn will appear from behind a rock) A designated US National Natural Landmark and public park on the western edge of the city, if you’re feeling energetic you could always climb the red and pink sandstone fins.

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Group Travel Today

Johnsons Journal

The continuing, amazing adventures of Pauline & Ken, on their travels around the globe

Ken and I have visited Canada twice, once on what was a private ‘holiday of a lifetime’ - so no expense, monetarily or experiencewise, was spared. We stayed at several Fairmont hotels Calgary, Lake Louise (a view of the glacier from our bedroom window),

For our own holiday we flew into Toronto for a few days, then onto Calgary, where we hired a car for a week. This allowed us to explore, at a leisurely pace, the areas around Calgary first then Banff for several more days and finally via the Columbia Icefield to Jasper. The autumn leaves made the scenery zing with colour, the lakes were vibrant blues and greens and we were spellbound by everything we saw. We were able to take walks in the forests and around the lakes and at the side of waterfalls enjoying the sound of birdsong and the rush of water. Everywhere was so peaceful and, as we drove along the wide-open roads, almost empty of traffic. Ken found several places to stop and photograph trains, especially those going through the spiral tunnels.

Vancouver and Victoria Island (where we enjoyed Afternoon Tea) - pure luxury.

It was sunshine and good weather for the three weeks we were there in September.

Eight years later, in April, we returned, this time with the group.

After two days in Jasper we boarded the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver travelling in style in a Gold Leaf carriage, with an overnight hotel in Kamloops.

After two nights in Vancouver we took the ferry over to Victoria Island our final stop

When I was asked to write about my five favourite destinations for the next two issues of Group Travel Today I immediately delved into the archives of trips and ‘Fams’ and have spent many a pleasant hour re-reading and looking at thousands of photographic memories.

My top two are Scotland and Canada. There are many similarities in the landscape vast open spaces, soaring mountains, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Canada is just on a much larger scale.

Totem Poles at Stanley Park before flying home.

Our only regret was that in three weeks was we saw little wild life, in fact two bears from the train, one fishing for salmon.

By contrast during our April/May holiday we experienced the four seasons in two weeks as we travelled across the country. We flew into Vancouver where we stayed in a hotel by the waterfront enjoying warm sunny spring-like weather. We were able to explore again historic Gastown with its steam clock and many shops and restaurants, Stanley Park with its totem poles, the tranquil Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden – a stop on the hop-on hop-off Trolley bus route - and Buchart Gardens on Victoria Island.

This time our train journey

Carriage ride Stanley Park 8

through the Rockies was from Vancouver to Jasper on Via Rail, sleeping on the train in cabins – which caused hilarity to the lower bunk occupant, but not necessarily the person on the top bunk. The scenery enroute was, for Ken and I, well worth repeating, but Mount Robson was again shrouded in cloud. Our coach was waiting at Jasper Station to take us to the hotel, by chance the same one that Ken and I had stayed at.

Here the weather was wintery and snow had fallen.

From Jasper we had a visit to Maligne Canyon. There was no rushing water this time; it was completely frozen and eerily quiet.

The day we were due to leave for the Columbia Icefield and Banff we awoke to snow falling and a herd of

Group Travel Today

elk on the forecourt. We saw many animals including deer and goats grazing at the sides of the road throughout the rest of the day. A stop was made at Athabaska Falls, except they weren’t.

The water had frozen as it fell, which had an artistic beauty of its own. A big disappointment was that the Icefield closed as we got there, the weather having deteriorated badly. Our driver had a hair-raising drive to get out of the area before the roads closed. He was

Borders from Lanarkshire to Berwick, going on the Falkirk Wheel and inside the Kelpies.

Seen mountains covered in snow or shimmering in the sun in Spring and Autumn and heather painting the glens in shades of purple, white and golden browns.

Watched birds soaring in the sky and highland cattle and deer grazing..

chauffeured around the area alongside the St Lawrence River. A visit to the museum and workshop of Albert Giles is recommended as is sampling local specialities in authentic Quebecois restaurants. We also had plenty of time to explore the City itself and personally I could have spent twice as long here. Although Ken doesn’t like long haul flights we have both agreed that we would love to return to Canada as there is so much more of the country to

We’ve visited the Cities.

Glasgow, linked with Charles Rennie MacIntosh and it’s Art Nouveau history along with

hired a boat from Inverness and spent 10 days sailing to Fort William and back along the Caledonian Canal and, no, we didn’t see Nessie either time. We’ve visited countless Castles and Stately Homes and gardens; the New Lanark Mill where we stayed at the onsite hotel. I mustn’t forget either the rather large number of whisky distilleries with tastings.

Our last group holiday was on the edge of the Cairngorms based at

Jacobite train First class car-

visibly relieved when we arrived in Banff at the Fairmont Hotel. Perverse as it may seem, quite a few of us then changed into swimming costumes and headed for the Spa and the heated outdoor pool, which was actually very enjoyable.

Emerald Lake that we visited from here was not the emerald green that Ken and I remembered, as it too was still clothed in snow and ice.

Our journey to Calgary, our next base, took in a meal at Boundary Ranch and a horse drawn wagon ride. Here it felt autumnal. The majority of the group flew home from Calgary but Ken and I with two friends went to Quebec and into summer weather.

We spent a marvellous four days staying at Le Chateau Frontenac, and being

see. The food is great as well.

many great museums and galleries; Edinburgh for the Tattoo; Dundee when the new Tate Gallery opened.

My family have also twice

May and October are my favourite months to visit Scotland. We have explored the Western Highlands travelling on the Jacobite train in a first class carriage from Fort William to Mallaig.

The Trossachs – visiting Loch Lomond when staying at the Winnock Hotel in Dryman for Hogmanay and taking a boat ride on Loch Katryn on New Year’s day when Scotch mist was over the lochs and dew hung like fairy lights from the bare tree branches.

Kingussie. I have many asking to go back there again and we still have the Scottish Isles to explore.

Walter Scotts home Abbotsford

We have driven through the lochs and glens in all seasons when we were almost the only vehicle on the road.

Stayed in the Cairngorms area and taken a train ride from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Driven through the

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Cannes

Winter Côte Put your cameras away, you would be auteurs. It’s time to get Cannes in the can. Be movied by the main feature, directed by and starring Simon Walton who hit the red carpet in time for the January sails.

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Group Travel Today

Group Travel Today

The glamorous seaside town famed for film stars, exclusive restaurants and pristine beaches, Cannes is

synonymous with the silver screen, with all the opulence and style that entails.

Located on the French Riviera, city breaks to Cannes give you a chance to indulge in a luxurious yet sophisticated lifestyle of casinos, beaches and boutique bars.

Shopping is the done thing in Cannes. Come ashore for the fashionably Franglais

who don’t appreciate the joy of seas. Yachting has been likened to cold showering while tearing up fifty-pound notes. Frankly, those who berth their yachts in Cannes can afford to pay people to do that for them.

It’s only surprising that more of the battleship-sized floating palaces are not called ‘Opulence of the

airliner. You can always send your staff in through Nice (less than an hour away), where they can be picked up and delivered to Gare Maritime Cannes. Whether your wealth is straining at the mooring ropes in the Baie de Cannes, or is in pan-tile topped bricks and mortar in the hilly hinterland, you’ll still find evidence of that Anglo-

Saxon aristocratic invasion all around.

banners. Merci me, what chance do we have, with such linguistic lacerations, slashing through our inability to grasp the nettle of anything that isn’t uttered in received pronunciation.

Waves’. The ports of registration read like a where’s where of monied coastline: Valetta, London, George Town to name but three. Then again, conspicuous displays of wealth are nothing new in Cannes. In the two centuries since Lord Henry Brougham, a Scottish Lawyer turned English aristocrat, set off on an entourage-accompanied grand tour of Europe, and decided stopping in the fishing village of Cannes was a better bet than taking his chances in cholera ridden Nice, the well-heeled of Albion have been making their mark on the Côte ever since.

Enough shopping, or speaking. You’d rather be sailing and, remarkably, like those who prefer some tongue other than English, there are actually people

The very well-heeled fly straight into Cannes. The airport is primarily for private charter traffic, and nothing as vulgar as a commercial

store promotions and wonder why we Brits never learn a second language. Welcome to “Soldes in the City” say the

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Film festivals, conventions, and meetings: but why visit for anything as vulgar as that.

You’d sooner be sailing to Ile St Maguerite, and dining in the exclusive island restaurant. Stay there in the exclusive island accommodation; then take a guided hike around the eight kilometre perimeter of

With more than 300

the hilly trails, or walk you around the hidden charms at a less rigorous pace. Insider information is worthwhile, if you want the best of those picture-perfect greenshuttered windows (old town early morning for the best light); or shopping more relaxed (La Rue Meynadier near the Gare du Cannes station, pedestrianised, and near the indoor mall Galerie du Gray d’Albion if the Côté heat is on). You’ll pick up a copy of the bilingual Cannes is Yours magazine all over tow

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Yachting has been likened to cold showering while tearing up fifty pound notes

TO DO

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perfect pine and eucalyptus forests, finding Napoleonic gun emplacements, before being shown the ancient fort, now a World Heritage Site.

There, you can learn about the Roman settlement, and the later Spanish and French occupations. You’ll even have a brush with celebrity, by stepping into the actual prison cell where the most famous political prisoner in France was incarcerated for eleven years at the whim of Louis XIV. He may have been a half-brother with a better claim to the throne, but we may never know him as anything other than The Man in the Iron Mask. There’s an equally exclusive visit to the neighboring Ile St Honore, were just occasionally the monks at the working monastery will demonstrate their wine making skills. As exclusive trips go, the islands are pretty good value.

There’s a ferry every thirty minutes for the fifteen-minute voyage, which won’t break the bank.

Group Travel Today

Flights from Birmingham, Bristol, London, Liverpool and Manchester to Nice for mere mortals.

informative tour through cinema history.

Real Cannes

Film festival

If you’re looking to experience the authentic side of Cannes, away from the celebrities and superyachts, you’ll want to make your way to Vieux Port and Le Suquet. This area is teeming with shops selling delicious local produce and is a perfect starting point for gathering supplied for a picnic overlooking the bay.

For a glimpse into the history of the area, the 12th-century Notre-Dame d'Esperance is an impressive church that features a number of 19thcentury artworks including a fresco by George Roux.

There’s one name on each and every auteur’s lips when they finally finish their film: Cannes. The Cannes Film Festival takes over the city each year in the late spring, turning this already exclusive destination into a hive of celebrity activity. While the festival itself is invitation only, if you visit during this period,

Sun worship

restaurants, catering for budgets from A-lister to extra, going hungry isn’t in the script. Hit the pavements for Provencal delights based around olive pâtés, chickpea breads, and carne dishes of meat more mouth-watering than Bardot and Besson on the beach.

Start your film-star body works with Cannes Greeters, who’ll take you on Le Jog around

the area between La Croisette and Rue d'Antibes, where you’ll find Dior, Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier. If you’d rather peruse through souvenir shops, you’ll find plenty of these in the old town, along with an array of cafés, restaurants and bars.

Amongst the main attractions in Cannes are the golden beaches. There are plenty of beach areas to choose from here, from the busy public beaches to the east and west of the town, to the quieter beaches on the nearby Îles de Lérins. These two islands are definitely worth visiting during your stay, and boast a number of historical points of interest.

Saint Honorat is the smaller island and is home to a monastery, while the larger Sainte Marguerite has a castle and a number of restaurants to explore.

you’re basically guaranteed to spot at least one famous director or actor during your stay. The rich and famous flock throughout the year to La Croisette, the legendary strip where you’ll find the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.

Retail therapy Cannes is renowned for its designer shops and luxury boutiques. If you’re in the market for fashion, head to

Even when the festival isn’t happening, the Palais des Festivals is worth visiting for its

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www.cannesdestination.com/group-offers -activities

Group Travel Today

Lake District

A perfect location for group visits, landscapes filled with lakes, estuaries buzzing with life, an oasis of tranquil beauty, and a foodie lovers heaven.

Windermere Lake Cruises Windermere Lake Cruises have the “We’re good to go” seal of approval certificate from VisitEngland.

Windermere Lake Cruises catered for 1.63 million passenger journeys last year, before the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the temporary closure of all tourism-related businesses in March. As a result, no services have operated on the lake for more than three months.

As part of Windermere Lake Cruises’ phased Covidsecure re-opening plans, 60 minute sailings will take place each day, on circular routes from the attractions three main piers from 10am each morning. This means passengers will only be able to leave the boat at the same location they stepped on-board.

Seats must be booked in advance online, with spaces allocated for each passenger. The attraction’s Covid-secure plans mean once seated, passengers are politely reminded they must not change seats during each journey.

Cleaning routines both onboard and at onshore facilities have also been reviewed, with extra measures in-place to ensure surfaces like handles, railings and counters are regularly disinfected.

New for 2020, Windermere Lake Cruises is also offering a brand new service: A privately-skippered traditional wooden launch vessel from Waterhead and Bowness, which can be hired by the hour for larger family

groups who are able to travel together and therefore do not need to socially distance from each other.

The adjoining conservatory offers a range of delicious snacks and meals to enjoy whilst looking out onto Keswick’s busy town centre, experiencing the sights and sounds of the lively Market Square. Perfect for morning coffee, a light lunch, tasty afternoon treats, or a relaxed dinner, with food being served all day.

For full details please visit www.windermerelakecruises.co.uk

The Skiddaw Hotel The four-star Skiddaw Hotel is renowned for its warm hospitality and friendly staff.

Centrally located in the market town of Keswick in the heart of the Lake District, it is ideally situated and provides easy access to the nearby lake and fells.

The 43 en suite bedrooms all include tea and coffee

The hotel has just received a full ground floor refurbishment in January 2020, proving a transformed modern interior with a comfortable contemporary look. The bar lounge is the perfect place to enjoy superb food and a pint of local ale. The glow of the cosy log fire in winter offers a warm welcome, while the hanging old photos of Keswick forms little pockets of local interest.

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making facilities and flat screen TVs. Free coach parking nr Booths supermarket and free place for the driver (min numbers apply).

For more information, call Sales Manager on 017687 72071 email sales.skiddawhotel@lakedistri cthotels.net or go to www.lakedistricthotels.net/sk iddawhotel

RELAX IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

The four star Skiddaw Hotel, in the centre of Keswick, is the ideal base to explore the Lake District and all it has to offer. After receiving a full ground floor refurbishment in 2020, this charming hotel is perfect for a relaxing short break, meal stops and much more!

• Lunches & light snacks • Evening meals • 43 en-suite bedrooms • FREE meal or stay for your driver (T&C’s apply) • FREE coach parking nearby • Convenient for the M6

To book call 017687 72071 or email sales.skiddawhotel@lakedistricthotels.net

Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BN

www.lakedistricthotels.net/skiddawhotel

Group Travel Today

Planning 2021

Some say failure to plan is planning to fail, we say you and your group can’t fail to enjoy these destinations. access to the fields and pools via a wheelchair accessible viewing platform.

Refreshments

In Spring and Summer the pools are alive with wildlife.

Other unsurfaced paths range further and explore the banks of the River Onny.

In the award winning Shropshire Hills café, they are very proud of celebrating the best of Shropshire Hills food.

The dishes are made from scratch on the premises using locally sourced produce.

They have an events programme jam packed with fun for all the family. With cookery courses, family activities and community events, they have an activity for every occasion, all year round.

Waddesdon 2021 Valentines 2021 Spend quality time with your loved one next Valentine’s weekend. Immerse yourselves in a romantic getaway far from the white noise of daily life.

Follow one of their gardens walks, spotting snowdrops along the way. Then indulge in a romantic evening meal in the Manor Restaurant.

Finish your perfect day in their sumptuous boutique hotel.

Spring Gardens See the garden wake from its winter sleep with a variety of spring walks and enjoy the visual feast of 350,000 new bulbs flower for the first time.

Following the planting of an extra 120,000 snowdrops, 32,000 tulips and 25,000 croci, Waddesdon’s gardens will be almost unrecognisable this spring.

From February, a mass swathe of snowdrops will guide visitors around from the House to the Rose Garden, while primroses and cowslip will supply welcome bursts of colour elsewhere.

Nearly 40,000 plants will be used to recreate the Victorian splendour guests would have enjoyed in Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s time, with Head Gardener Mike Buffin drawing on archive records to inspire the formal bedding displays.

Courses They have a range of courses for adults including their popular cookery courses in the Ludlow Food Festival pop up kitchen. Their courses run regularly so keep an eye on their website for updates. Or subscribe to their newsletter to be the first to know what’s going on.

Around the grounds each area will have its own colour scheme; the Parterre will be a bold mix of blues and purples, with the scroll beds and outer beds featuring a river of Muscari aucheri ‘Blue Magic’ and Crocus.

Shropshire Hills Cafe

Their plan is to grow produce on site especially for the café and it doesn’t get more local than that!

Relax over a delicious home cooked meal and enjoy coffee and a cake or buy a delicious ice cream to eat as you wander around the meadows. They also have free WIFI available in the cafe.

For full details of all events please visit www.shropshirehillsdiscovery centre.co.uk Hestercombe

Children’s Activities As well as their monthly Discovery Club, on the last Saturday of every month, they have activities for the children every weekday of every school holiday. They also have children’s activities that run alongside their major events.

For full details of 2021 events and to book please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wa ddesdon

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre

Major Events Their events programme also includes major events that assist them in fundraising as well as providing a much needed service for the community.

Things to do Onny Meadows 30 acre meadows beside the River Onny,these riverside water meadows lie behind the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, overlooked by Norton Camp, their neighbouring hill fort.

Their annual major events include the Shropshire Way 80K Festival, the Craven Arms Community Bonfire and Firework Display and their Summer Family Fun Day and more!

The Onny Meadows’ surfaced paths provide

18

Experience 50 acres of quintessential Somerset gardens, near Taunton.

Spanning three centuries of garden design, Hestercombe Gardens offer a unique combination and varied experience of the Georgian Landscape Garden (designed 1750s), the Victorian Shrubbery and the Edwardian Formal Gardens (early 1900s).

Groups & Tours Hestercombe welcome groups and tours of any size and can tailor your experience in a number of different ways to suit your requirements. www.hestercombe.com

A ROTHSCHILD HOUSE & GARDENS

Once the country home of the Rothschilds, this Renaissancestyle château houses one of the finest collections of French 18th-century decorative arts in the world. The Victorian garden has a parterre, aviary, seasonal displays, walks, fountains and statuary, and with shops and restaurants, Waddesdon makes a memorable day out for everyone.

Visit the award winning Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in the heart of South Shropshire where you can meet the Shropshire mammoth and see a panoramic film over the Shropshire Hills in the new and improved Shropshire Hills Through Time exhibition.

Explore 30 acres of meadows, with all ability access paths, and enjoy delicious local cakes and lunches, all made from scratch on the premises in the licensed cafe.

01588 676060 Just off the A49 in Craven Arms info@shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

£5 coach driver voucher to spend in the café.

Quote code GTT20. Expires 30/06/21. *please bring this advert to redeem o er.

For opening times and group rates 01296 653209 groups@waddesdon.org.uk . www.waddesdon.org.uk Near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH

Holidays are coming!

What a year so far, with so many plans for holidays and group getaways on hold now is the time to grab every opportunity to celebrate the 2020 yuletide season by spending as much time with those we have missed over the year, whether they are family, friends or colleagues.

The hope is that by Christmas things will have returned to “near normal” which means a plethora of tinsel and Blenheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail 20th November 2020 - 3rd January 2021 There are bright lights for winter nights...Discover over a million lights this Christmas 2020 brings us new surprises from the Heart of the Stars scattering shards of light across the lawn to a scented fire garden that adorns the Water Terrace. Walk towards dynamic, colour-changing neon tunnels, lakeside reflections and onto a mesmerising place where, beneath the branches of a sprawling tree, softly glows the fairy-fire known as Will-othe-Wisps.

For full details and to book tickets please visit www.blenheimpalace.com Christmas at Kew Wednesday 18 November 2020 – Sunday 3 January 2021

Group Travel Today

turkey, presents, parties, pantos, and plenty of prosecco.

We’ve got some great ideas in this year’s Christmas Supplement, great shopping, Santa Specials and spectacular light shows, venues and attractions have been working so hard to make your groups visit perfect and one not to forget.

their enchanting winter trail takes a new route, leading you for the first time through the beautifully illuminated Rose Garden.

tasty treats from the street food vendors or book a delicious traditional Christmas dinner at Kew’s Botanical restaurant.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas with a spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate under the stars.

For full details please visit kew.org

Old favourites and brand new light installations will sparkle and glow around you, bringing festive cheer to you, your family and friends.

Discover Disc over

Discover a glittering tunnel of bells, giant illuminated seed heads and majestic trees wrapped in light on your way to the dazzling treetop waterfall, where beams of light interplay in a breathtaking aerial dance.

the History of the Palace and Explore our Christmas Trail 20 NOV - 3 JAN

The iconic Temperate House will be a beautiful spectrum of Christmas colour, with dynamic laser projections enveloping the glasshouse.

Stroll through the sparkling Tunnel of Light twinkling with thousands of fairy lights, and be greeted by fiery sculptures aglow with flickering flames in the scented Fire Garden.

Join them for the most magical time of year at Kew Gardens as their after-dark trail lights up for 2020.

The much-anticipated Palm House Pond finale returns with a stunning light show playing to a memorable soundtrack of festive classics.

Returning for its eighth year,

Flavour your festive fun with

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK GO TO

blenheimpalace.com/christmas 20

Christmas For Everyone Try our all new table service restaurant

Christmas lunch menu all throughout November & December

Wheelchair access to every corner of the site Large Christmas displays with 1000’s of products to choose from Fantastic offers all year round Friendly and helpful staff on hand With so much to see Polhill is a great day out. Or if you’re limited for time our restaurant and facilities make us the perfect pit stop

London Road Badgers Mount Sevenoaks Kent TN14 7AD

JUST 3 MINUTES FROM J4 / M25

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

FACILITIES AVAILABLE

AMPLE FREE PARKING

P

Award winning Farm Shop and Butchers

Please Book In Advance* *Please try your best to book in advance. At the time of creating this advertisement we are only able to accept coaches 30 people and no more than two coaches per day, therefore, forward planning is much appreciated. Thank you.

www.polhill.co.uk

Contact us for special group rates

Visit the world-famous botanic garden

kew.org/groups groups@kew.org 020 8332 5648

Group Travel Today

Polhill Polhill Garden Centre in Kent is a family-owned and dayto-day run business with over 50 years of gardening experience.

More than just a garden centre, Polhill is a family and a community; a great place to meet up with loved ones especially at their fantastic restaurants where guests are invited to relax, enjoy light snacks and afternoon teas.

Winner of multiple awards, there is truly something for everyone at their fantastic shopping village, whether you’re looking for the ideal garden furniture or need to find a last-minute gift. their brand new children’s play area features allweather surfaces with slides, climbing frames, go karts, boats and crazy golf, meaning there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at Polhill; it’s truly a great day out for everyone.

and allowing social distancing. As a company, they are now in a place to begin accepting coaches back, albeit, slowly and in a safe way.

end of October and carry on right up to the big day.

The Tinsel and Turkey breaks squeeze in all the best bits of the Christmas and New Year period over a 4 or 5 day period. Plenty of fun and laughter for all, and maybe a visit from Santa himself!

For full details please visit www.polhill.co.uk Daish's

Christmas Holidays with Daish's Spend Christmas with Daish's.

Starting on 23rd December join them for a fabulous full board festive holiday.

Tinsel and Turkey Breaks a perfect way to start the festive period early.

Christmas starts early with Daish's Holidays. Their Tinsel and Turkey breaks start at the

You won't be short of

During the coronavirus pandemic, they have experienced various challenges that had to be overcome. One of these being the possibility of allowing coaches into their premises without over congesting certain areas

22

entertainment this Christmas with Daish's. All their guests are welcome to do as much or as little as they wish.

Groups travelling to Daish’s hotels come in many shapes and sizes from smaller groups of 15 joining an existing Daish’s tour in one of their usual pick-up areas to whole hotel bookings. Groups can travel to Daish’s hotels using their fleet of coaches or using their own coach.

For full details of all available holidays and breaks visit www.daishs.com

N O W 21 NO 20 LE SA

GREAT FOR

Groups Why not join the hundreds of groups that travel with us every year and discover all the benefits of Daish’s Holidays for yourself.

FREE

All our hotels are accredited as COVID safe under the Visit Britain good to go scheme

places for groups over 20 people

A choice of 10 fantastic hotels spread across 9 locations

Great value half board breaks including nightly entertainment

Fleet of 26 luxury coaches to provide comfortable travel

Dedicated groups team to support you from booking to arrival

Over 40 years of award winning customer service

Get in touch with us Today!

Call 01202 638 841 or visit daishs.com Isle of Wight Blackpool

facebook.com/daishsholidaysforgroups Newquay

Bournemouth Llandudno

Torquay

Lake District

@daishs4groups Weymouth Scarborough

Group Holidays

Group Travel Today

It’s time to talk travel, these tour operators offer some of the best holidays around, they take the organisation out of Group Travel, so sit back and take the credit wherever your group choose to go.

Italy inspires a passion for travel as Riviera re-starts 2020 escorted tours Last year Riviera Travel took some 30,000 people to Italy, including 12,000 to the Italian Lakes. The high number of repeat bookers shows that what Italy has to offer makes it a firm favourite for our customers. Today Italy is not only beautiful and welcoming, but now also one of Europe's safest countries. This is why Riviera Travel recently sent a team to a variety of destinations in Italy to assure ourselves that the travel experience would be both exceptional and safe.

Riviera's chief commercial officer, Jim Forward said: "We want people to be confident travelling to Italy and have been working with UK health experts and Italian hoteliers amongst others to ensure that British tourists can enjoy a fantastic experience in a safe environment.

I wanted to be personally reassured and so put this to the test, taking a team of Riviera staff - from Operations, Health & Safety, Customer Service and the Agency Sales team - to inspect hotels and visit attractions in Lake Como, Venice, Verona and Lake Garda. We experienced firsthand what travel and touring is like for those that want to take advantage of a quieter time to explore some of the country’s most iconic sights.

We concluded that those arriving in Italy will have a great time, with a richer and more personal holiday experience. With fewer people you get the opportunity for a more

intimate exploration of normally busy tourist hot spots, plus a warm welcome from hotels, bars and restaurants – seeing St Mark’s Square in Venice without the crowds is really special. You are temperature tested entering hotels and other facilities, and hand sanitiser is everywhere. Just as in the UK, you cover your face on public transport and in enclosed spaces. The new processes are sound and I felt safe.

Happily going that extra miles for customers is at the heart of the Riviera approach. This is why we have also introduced a range of best-in class customer guarantees for those that book now. This includes extra booking flexibility; COVID-19 cancellation and curtailment protection as standard; a promise that you will pay the best price, so if we reduce the price for new customers we will apply the reduction to every booker; plus our overarching happiness guarantee - if you are not

24

happy on your trip by the second day then we will return you to the UK and refund your holiday."

Also travelling was Stuart Milan, channel director for Riviera Travel, who commented:

was important for our Agency Sales team to experience the trip, so they can speak to our travel partners with confidence about the measures that are in place to protect our customers.

"We recognise that travel agents often have a personal relationship with customers and today more than ever it is important that they have confidence in recommending an operator to travel with. That is why it

Personally, I didn't find wearing a face covering much of a bother, and in any case it was more than made up for by exploring the gardens, stately homes and galleries without the normal crowds. Of course, travelling

Look forward to your next adventure

GENEROUS GROUP OFFERS Change your booking for

FREE

up to 45 days before travel BOOK BY 30 SEPTEMBER

R E A S S U R I N G LY

Change your booking for free

COVID Cancellation Protection included as standard

Holiday happiness or your money back

From the striking Canadian mountains and the picturesque wine regions of France to gliding through the crystal-clear Adriatic, relax and recharge as you discover destinations new. Whether you’re a group of history lovers, art enthusiasts or keen foodies, we’re sure to have the holiday for you. What’s more, did you know you can earn generous commission when you travel with a group of 10 or more?

Contact us for further information Ri

For group enquiries visit rivieragroups.co.uk or email groups@rivieratravel.co.uk For individual holidays visit rivieratravel.co.uk or call 01283 742300 and mention Group Travel Today October 2020

Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton on Trent, Staffs, DE14 1SP. ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected. Some elements are not commissionable, including room/travel upgrades and supplements, insurance premiums and bookings made through a third party (to include travel agents, online booking sites or any dedicated media partner departures) and any bookings where less than 10 people travel. The commission will be paid back to the group leader, for all that travel on any holiday/cruise booked from our programme. A commission invoice will be requested from the group leader in the month following that of the departure, for all that travel, and payment is usually made within 28 days of receipt of invoice.

ve

r Cr

u i s e s M a rc h 2

02

0

ABTA No. V4744

Group Travel Today

now won’t be for everyone, but for those with a yearning for a unique and immersive travel experience we are confident that these tours offer something special. Our regular tours to Italy resume from April 2021, and forward bookings are already very strong."

www.rivieragroups.co.uk Tel 01283 742300, lines open Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils ‘back in the water’ plans with its two new ships among the fleet Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today unveiled its plans to have three of the fleet ‘back in the water’ in March and April 2021, with Balmoral to sail even sooner.

The company’s two new ships, Bolette and Borealis, will take on the existing itineraries for Boudicca and Black Watch, as well as offer some exciting new sailings, and alongside Braemar will take to the waters again in March and April 2021.Guests looking to book onto the new ships can do so from early September, Bolette and Borealis on sale later on.

A return to the water date for Balmoral will be confirmed over the coming weeks, with plans underway to have this ship sailing first.Fred. Olsen Junior, Chairman of Fred.

Olsen Cruise Lines said: “We have really missed taking our guests on their holidays this year. Without our guests, there is no vibrancy, no life and no fun onboard our ships, and we can’t wait to be able to offer them the award-winning cruises for which we are renowned once again. ”Peter Deer, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said:“We are so pleased to be able to share our ‘back in the water’ plans with our guests. When they join us back on board, they will do so aboard a refreshed fleet.

“We have been working hard to add that ‘Fred. Olsen touch’ to our two new ships, Bolette and Borealis, so they are ready to offer the Fred.

Olsen experience that our returning guests know and love, and enchant those joining us for the very first time.”Cruises for Boudicca and Black Watch will remain on sale on the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines website until the two new ships are launched, with Bolette taking on the existing itineraries for Boudicca, and Borealis taking on Black Watch itineraries.

from the German city of Stralsund: “Baltic Islands” and “Island hopping Baltic Sea”.

The itineraries will run from May to October 2021, with prices starting at €1,395 (approximately £1,240) per person in a two-bed cabin.

Also, two of VIVA Cruises’ most popular ships, MS TREASURES and MS INSPIRE, will be offering four-night cruises along the Main and Rhine throughout summer 2021. Among the highlights of the Main river are the picturesque German towns of Wertheim and Würzburg, while the main cruises on the Rhine will take visitors to Strasbourg (France) via Mannheim. Passengers can also look forward to classic Danube routes visiting mustsee cities including Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava – as well as the six-night Rhine Winter Fairy Tale cruises between Düsseldorf and Strasbourg running throughout the Christmas period.

All guests who have a booking aboard either Boudicca or Black Watch will have their cruise automatically transferred onto the new ships.

The two new ships are set to join the rest of the fleet in Babcock’s Rosyth Facilities in Scotland in early September.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines or to book online, visit www.fredolsencruises.com

On the other hand, MS INSPIRE will start its 2021 itineraries mainly from Düsseldorf, including its Rheingau Experience and Ijsselmeer Discovery, as well as running some cruises along the Moselle river with a brand new port, TrabenTrarbach, located in the Moselle Valley, one of Germany’s most beautiful river valleys.

Viva Cruises After a successful restart of its European itineraries post lockdown, river cruise specialist, VIVA Cruises, is expanding its cruise offering for 2021. As well as continuing with the programmes on board MS TREASURES and MS INSPIRE, the newly renovated SWISS DIAMOND will be joining the VIVA Cruises family next year, resuming the company’s Baltic cruises.

Both MS TREASURES and MS INSPIRE will start the 2021 season at the end of March and will be running cruises all year round. Prices for a four-

The addition of SWISS DIAMOND and the reintroduction of VIVA Cruises’ itineraries along the Baltic Coast are some of the highlights of the river specialist’s 2021 programme.

SWISS DIAMOND, with capacity for 123 passengers, was fully refurbished in 2019, featuring now a fresh new and modern look.

On board the elegant SWISS DIAMOND, passengers will have the opportunity to discover the popular Baltic region on two cruises leaving

26

night cruise in a two-bed cabin start at €495 (approximately £440) or €2,695 (£2,400) for the 17-day Danube Delta Tour.

Andrea Kruse, COO of VIVA Cruises, says: “As the new four-night cruises introduced this summer worked out so well, we are very pleased to present these new 2021 itineraries on board MS TREASURES and MS INSPIRE. Featuring spacious suites of up to 30 square metres and VIVA's Checklist - the health and safety measures introduced in light of Covid19 – we are really looking forward to welcoming more of our beloved UK guests again”.

All 2021 itineraries include VIVA Cruises’ signature VIVA All-Inclusive product, which includes snacks, full board, high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minibar, beauty products from luxury cosmetic brand, Rituals, and all tips and gratuities.

For more information about VIVA Cruises, please visit: www.viva-cruises.com/en

European Group Travel Find out more at dfds.co.uk/groups

Newhaven

Newcastle

Dover

Calais Dieppe

dfds.co.uk/groups

Dunkirk

Amsterdam (IJmuiden)

Group Travel Today

Museums

These days much more than staring into glass display cabinets squinting to read the card, nowadays they are either living, interactive or educational the way it should be.

To ensure that social distancing restrictions can be maintained,they do have a new admissions procedure that applies to all visitors.They have taken care to ensure the way they reopen is in line with Government Guidance and sector specific advice to make it a safe and enjoyable visit as well as a positive environment for their team.

Crich Tramway Village Is Open Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum, is open on Tuesdays,Wednesdays, Thursdays and weekends initially.

Social distancing, hand sanitizing, PPE for staff, screens at information points and tills, take-away catering service, and one-way directional guidance with no interactives in exhibitions, are some of the measures which the management team have implemented.

The trams,which are crewed by a team of volunteers, will be limited, and face coverings should be worn as per the national guidance for public transport.

Members of the public will need to book a timed ticket for tram rides on arrival, and there will only be one stop for getting on and alighting the trams, to help ensure the safety of passengers, volunteers and staff.Face coverings will also be required to be worn in the shops.

They have carried out a Risk Assessment, have complied with the Government’s Guidance of managing the risk of Covid-19 and have received Visit Britain’s We’re Good To Go Covid-19 industry standard and consumer mark.

tickets via their website,tramway.co.uk where possible. (If you do not want a tram ride, other ticket options will be available on arrival. See the website tickets page).

Group Visits Biggin Hill Fully Open From September They are fully open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm.

They welcome groups, for full details of group restrictions and discounts please visit bhmm.org.uk

Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.

Enjoy an Incredible Experience Through Time

A few things have changed since they were last open,their goal is to provide you with a quality visitor experience and respond to existing and any new Government guidance.

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is a must-see part of any group visit to the North of England.

Take a tram ride back in time and follow in the footsteps of the Downton Abbey stars.

More than 100 cast and crew

They hope these new health and safety measures provide their visitors with confidence and eagerness to visit their attraction.They recommend that you pre-purchase your

28

visited Beamish to film the Downton Abbey Movie, which involved some of the museum’s staff and period vehicles. The museum also featured in the last ever episode of the TV series of Downton Abbey in 2015.

Discover what life was like in the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.

Listen to the tragic tale of Joe the Quilter, take a trip down a real coal mine, do a spot of Edwardian shopping, experience life on the Home Front and take part in fun 50s activities.

Groups can enjoy a light buffet lunch served in a private room overlooking The 1900s Town (subject to availability, excludes local school and Bank Holidays – must be booked in advance).

Beamish offers discounted day rates for groups of 15+ paying visitors with free admission for coach drivers and group visit organisers.

For more information, please contact the Bookings Officer, tel. 0191 370 4026 (weekdays 8.30am to 4pm), email bookings@beamish.org.uk.

SITUATED NEAR MATLOCK AND ONLY 8 MILES FROM M1 JUNCTION 28

Delight your group with a tram ride through time Crich Tramway Village is an ideal destination for all ages. Visitors can ride our world renowned vintage trams through our unique period street and out into the open countryside for spectacular views, explore fascinating exhibitions and watch as trams are restored from our workshop viewing gallery.

This captivating journey into history is made complete with a stroll on our woodland walk and sculpture trail and a trip to our unique Red Lion pub, café and shops.

WE WILL HELP YOU PLAN

A GREAT DAY OUT!

• FREE parking, admission and meal for coach driver • Special group and coach tour discounts • Guided tours on request

Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP Tel: 01773 854 321 Email: enquiry@tramway.co.uk

Experience Britain’s most famous fighter station, and discover the unique stories of the men and women who served and lived there, at the place it all happened. www.bhmm.org.uk

www.tramway.co.uk

Uffculme, Devon EX15 3EE.

7 s te , J2 inu M5 M 5 om fr

COLDHARBOUR MILL

t. 01884 840960 e. info@coldharbourmill.org.uk

A unique insight into a working Victorian Woollen Mill.

Something for all the family

Steam Engines Spinning & Weaving Waterside Café Mill Gift Shop Children's Play Area Special Steam Days See Website for details

Open Tuesday-Thursday and Bank holiday Mondays 10.30am-4pm, 31st March to 29th October.

Tours for groups, coach parties and schools available 7 days a week with advance booking.

WWW.COLDHARBOURMILL.ORG.UK

VISIT CHURCHILL’S ‘STRONGEST LINK’

Registered Charity No. 1123386

Home to Golf ’s History Museum • Shop • Café The award winning British Golf Museum uses a mixture of highly visual displays and exciting interactives to explore over 500 years of golfing history.

For more information call 01334 460046 or visit www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk

THE BRITISH GOLF MUSEUM, BRUCE EMBANKMENT, ST ANDREWS, FIFE, KY16 9AB. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Trust.

A Scottish Charity SC007857

Group Travel Today

South West

Sand, sea surfing, St Ives, sophisticated art galleries, buckets and spades, Bodmin, pasties, pies and Padstow, if ever there was a great group getaway this must be it.

Stuart Line Cruises

West Somerset Railway

Stuart Line Cruises is an award-winning, family-run business, based in the iconic seaside town of Exmouth, East Devon. They operate cruises throughout the year in the calm and sheltered waters of the River Exe and during the summer months they cruise East Devon’s magnificent Jurassic Coast, South Devon’s glorious English Riviera and Europe’s oldest working ship canal, to the Cathedral city of Exeter.

Their fleet of modern vessels are immaculately clean and exceptionally wellmaintained, boasting open top decks and covered and heated lower decks, offering year-round comfort, whatever the weather.

The West Somerset Railway is a heritage steam railway, nestled in the Somerset countryside and is a perfect venue for Coach Visits. Take a journey through the Quantock Hills and along the Exmoor coast from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.

Booking as a group couldn’t

be easier, they offer group discounts and reserved seating for those travelling with 16 or more people. You have the option to enhance your visit, by booking their free courier service, where a volunteer from the railway joins your group giving an informative talk on the railway and its history. They also offer a catering for groups which comes with table service. Places of interest along the line include the medieval village, Dunster, home to the National Trust’s Dunster Castle, the historic harbour town of Watchet and the seaside town of Minehead are all points of interest along the line. They hope to see you soon.

From 3rd August 2020, Monkey World opened to the general public for prebooked tickets only.

It’s been a long, difficult few months for all so they are looking forward to seeing visitors.

For further information please contact the group's team on 01643 700398.

Group bookings are currently being processed over the phone only.

If you would like to book a group in (10+), please call the office on 01929 462537.

MONKEY WORLD - LATEST NEWS

Choose from a diverse range of cruises, from one-hour River Exe Cruises to full day trips and book with confidence, knowing that your passengers will experience consistently outstanding customer service from their friendly Crew.

Group bookings with Stuart Line Cruises are bespoke and are tailored to your requirements, so please get in touch with them for further details: info@stuartlinecruises.co.uk

30

The park is limiting visitor numbers to ensure safety and no-one will be admitted at the gate without prebooking,It is mandatory for all visitors aged 3 years old and over to wear a face mask / covering/ visor when visiting Monkey World, at all times apart from in designated catering seating / picnic areas.

Group Bookings:

AWARD-WINNING CRUISES

Operating year-round, even Christmas Day!

Discounted group rates and bespoke packages to suit your group's requirements

Ask us about joint packages with other top attractions in Devon for a great value full day out!

Call 01395 222144 or email info@stuartlinecruises.co.uk to discuss ideas and options.

Group Travel Today

Photograph Courtest of Great West Way

Clifton Suspension Bridge Tourism & Visiting They're delighted to announce plans to reopen their Visitor Centre to the public in September.

As safety is their main concern, they will be resuming services in a limited, safe and socially distanced way.

Staff have started to return to the bridge to make the necessary preparations for the phased reopening.

comprehensive training for their team, rigorous cleaning schedules and changes to building capacity.

Athelhampton House and Gardens Athelhampton is one of England's finest Tudor Manors The Great Hall built in 1485 remains greatly unchanged with a mainly original hammer-beam roof, carved stonework, stained glass and other details.

After this long closure period they are incredibly excited at welcoming visitors back into their building.

For full details of group visit numbers please visit cliftonbridge.org.uk

The house survives due to its complex ownership

Their permanent exhibition and shop will both be returning, with their tours programme to follow at a later date.

Their focus is on ensuring that they have the right measures in place to offer the safest, most enjoyable experience possible when they open their doors, all in line with the latest government guidance and sector advice.

They have arranged

32

throughout the years.

Athelhampton is the ideal venue for your group visit.

The admission charge is ÂŁ10 per person for pre-booked groups of 12 or more.

A range of group catering options are available to make your visit easy to organise.

For full details please visit www.athelhampton.com

NEW

more rooms open and ‘new’ furnishings

Athelhampton HOUSE & GARDENS

The perfect destination in Dorset for your Group.

Athelhampton is one of England’s finest Tudor Manor Houses set in inspiring historic gardens.

12 acres of formal gardens over 16 historic rooms to view

West Somerset Railway

STEAM TRAINS TO THE SEASIDE

Between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead

20 miles of steam train travel through the countryside and along the coast.

Places of interest include Dunster with its Castle, Cleeve Abbey in Washford, the historic harbour town of Watchet and Minehead beach.

Excellent visitor facilities, including tea room, restaurant & gift shop.

Pre-book for discounted group rates & tours.

Ample Free Coach Parking.

Easily found, just off the A35 / A31 between Dorchester & Poole / Ringwood Athelhampton House, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7LG

01305 848363

groups@athelhampton.co.uk www.athelhampton.co.uk

A great day out for all the family

For more details contact us today on 01643 704996 or visit us at

WWW.WEST-SOMERSET-RAILWAY.CO.UK

Photos courtesy of Visit Somerset & Don Bishop

Group Travel Today

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 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 expert guides, which will take in both buildings, their history, the story of the Coventry Blitz and the 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 so you can really A day choc-full of fun awaits at Cadbury World Cadbury World has been a firm favourite for groups of all ages for the last 30 years, offering an assortment of chocolatey zones and an entertainment programme featuring the popular Cadbury characters.

Groups can head to the 4D Chocolate Adventure zone to experience the sensation of riding on the Crunchie Rollercoaster and diving into a pot of liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk, in a cinematic experience that’s not to be missed. Visitors can also catch the talented chocolatiers in action in the Chocolate Making zone, before heading to the Have A Go zone to practice their piping skills and draw their name in chocolate.

make a day of it!

They can cater for groups of any size and they'd love to welcome yours. www.coventrycathedral.org.uk

opening for longer each day, social distancing stickers laid out on the floor, plus hand sanitising stations throughout.

For information about special packages and discounted rates for groups, please head to www.cadburyworld.co.uk/ schools-andgroups/groups/group-visits.

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 early medieval craftsmanship still visible on

• Special packages and group discounts • Heritage tour and afternoon tea • Restaurant • Excellent disabled facilities • Free coach parking • Free preview visit

BOOK NOW ON 0121 393 6004

Cadbury World is currently implementing a number of additional hygiene and safety measures to make sure the attraction is a safe place to visit, these include reducing the numbers of guests admitted and

Find out more at cadburyworld.co.uk

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A place for quiet re ection in 2020

...and a chance to get out of your house and safely explore

We’re good to go for visits this year ...and roll on 2021 for our City of Culture

Group Travel Today

Norfolk

Norfolk, full of history, internationally important nature reserves, expansive shorelines, and hundreds of picturesque villages, praise be to Norfolk, God’s own county, in the hearts of everyone who calls this home.

Inspire your group with an overdue tour around the wending byways and waterways of The Broads.

Take time out for the many bustling market towns that bring characterful communities to life.

Naturally, Lowestoft claims prima position. The town first started trading on its leisure credentials in the eighteenth century. Since then, the sunshine coast beaches have grown in popularity. The harbour and two piers, along with the East Point Pavilion, are probably the group friendliest sites.

You may be headed for the popular seaside resorts.

Among them, there’s Great Yarmouth’s fishing tradition; Sheringham with its unique little theatre; and Hunstanton that revives the British beach tradition in all its sandy glory.

Not Lowestoft’ed out yet?

Check out St. Margaret's Church, the refurbished Marina Theatre, or the Lowestoft War Memorial Museum in Sparrow's Nest Park. The outlying East Anglia Transport Museum is worth the trip too. Check out the local tourism trust at lovelowestoft.co.uk

It may be a visit to the cathedral city of Norwich, to explore the ancient heritage and the shopping experiences of the Lanes and the modern malls.

Then again, your party may prefer to browse through the streets of historic towns like Diss, Fakenham (good for horse racing and glass blowing), Swaffham, Thetford and Wymondham, the latter topping the Sunday Times list of best towns to live with dubiously pronounced place names.

Potters Resort Perfectly situated in the village of Hopton-on-Sea where the sun rises at the UK's most easterly point.

Set on 65 acres, this allinclusive coastal resort hotel is 4.3 miles from Lowestoft and 6.7 miles from Great Yarmouth.

Resort to Potters for the time of your life. Stroll down to the southern edge of the resort’s beachfront property and you can stand with a foot in each county.

A Tale of Two Resorts Nothing trumps Great Yarmouth as a great group destination. Proudly proclaiming itself as the best beach resort in the region, Great Yarmouth is more than sun, sand, and convivial coastsiders. There is a long and proud fishing and maritime heritage to explore, and a great hinterland with many attractions - and the best miniature village in Norfolk. Merrivale, since you ask. Lowestoft isn’t a million miles from it’s Norfolk twin, Great Yarmouth, and there is where the rivalry between the seaside resorts begins.

There’s no hi-de-hi at this group-friendly, family-run resort. Just take your time with the array of sports and leisure facilities, including an annual ranking bowls tournament. There’s a full programme of daytime and evening activities and entertainment.

They even have their own theatre company. Enjoy too the script at the Garden Restaurant with its domed

36

Potters Resort THE NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR YOUR GROUP OR CLUB

For further details and your FREE BROCHURE call

0333 3207 474 or visit www.pottersholidays.com POTTERS RESORT • COAST ROAD • HOPTON-ON-SEA • NORFOLK • NR31 9BX

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• Full Board; 4 Meals a Day • Comfortable Accommodation • Exceptional LIVE Entertainment every evening • A host of inclusive Sport & Leisure facilities • A full programme of Activities to enjoy • Free places on selected dates • Incentives for Group Organiser

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Our dedicated Group Sales Team will be delighted to hear from you and talk you through the excellent benefits available. Enjoy great savings and free places for your club or group on a wide variety of Weekends with Friends, Midweek Breaks or a selection of One Night Breaks. The Group Team offer a professional service with promotional support and tailor made paperwork to ensure a smooth and easy booking process.

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A unique five star Holiday Village set on the beautiful Norfolk Coast

WINNER 16 Consecutive Years The UK’s First Five Star Holiday Village

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WINNER Group Leisure & Travel Awards Best Accommodation for Groups

Group Travel Today

visitor attraction 350 million years in a row, Roarr Dinosaur Adventure is everything Jurassic Park except Sam Neill’s and Laura Dern’s bulging eyes. If the thought of being flailed alive by a velociraptor doesn’t freak you out, try the Arachnophobia giant spiders web, the Dinosaur Trail and Jurassic fossils. Most terrifying of all is the adventure play, populated entirely by living, wild, ferocious … kids (roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk).

ceiling and posh nosh but not posh ambience (www.pottersholidays.com).

the year to visit this crowning glory (www.sandringhamestate.co.uk)

King's Lynn & West Norfolk

In this corner of the county there’s a wealth of other destinations too. The ruins of Castle Acre Priory is a glimpse into the past. The great west port is almost complete, and the priory's lodging is in a similar condition. They’re both now in the care of English Heritage, along with the nearby Castle Acre Bailey Gate, and not far from the further Norman ruins of privately run Castle Rising Castle (castlerising.co.uk).

You can see it all if you climb the five floors of Bircham Windmill. Inside this beautifully restored windmill, the smell of freshly baked bread, rolls and cakes will make you wonder if there’s an estate agent around.

There isn’t, but you can buy a loaf direct from the mill shop (birchamwindmill.co.uk).

Let’s breeze over to historic King's Lynn, with its town hall that would not look out of place in a Germanic port.

Maybe it’s the Hanseatic trading influences from the days when goods and more crossed the North Sea. There’s a cosmopolitan, old continental feel to King’s Lynn, that says this is place has more history than meets the eye. You can feel the excitement ouse from every street corner during the July festival of performing arts (kingslynnfestival.org.uk).

From kings to queens, and Her Majesty's home at nearby Sandringham, there is a distinct style to the region.

The royal red brick manor house has welcomed visitors since 1977. The estate at large has been open for over a century. Groups can make arrangements for any time of

inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Stairs lead from the Marble Hall to the state rooms where original furniture, statues and Old Master paintings are in abundance. (holkham.co.uk).

The regions’s North Norfolk Railway runs heritage steam trains daily, April to October.

From Sheringham, where you might stay at the Links or the Dales (mackenziehotels.com), the scenic route extends the national rail service along the coast and up through heathlands to the village of Holt. Enthusiasts will know it all already. The rest of us will just be enthused on arrival (nnrailway.co.uk).

Voted Norfolk's best large

World Leaders in Classic Roses

North Norfolk Wells-next-the-Sea has a treasure on its doorstep.

Holkham Hall stately home is rich in history, architecture and wildlife. This elegant eighteenth century mansion is the family seat of the Earls of Leicester and your group can share their home as day visitors. Holkham’s guided group itinerary includes touring the hall, the fascinating farming exhibition and walled gardens The hall’s entrance is framed two bronze lion statues, setting the scene for the impressive Marble Hall, which is considered to be the most dramatic entrance hall in all of England. The design of the ceiling, which rises to a height of over fifty feet, is

• Display gardens • Restaurant & gift shop • Specialist plant centre • ¼ mile from A11 • Group tour & refreshment packages

Attleborough Norfolk NR17 1AY 01953 454707 events@peterbealesroses.com 38

Group Travel Today

roses, they provide a chance to see unique, historic, rare and contemporary roses growing in unison with other complementary plants - a ‘must see’ for any visitor to the region.

Arguably one of the best destination garden centres in the area, Peter Beales provides seasonal garden tours, advisory courses and hands-on workshops on a range of topics with group guided tours and refreshment packages; starting from as little as £5.50 per person.

Coach drivers receive complimentary refreshments.

Peter Beales Garden Centre Conveniently situated just half a mile off the A11 at

The popular Rosarium restaurant offers a freshly prepared menu suited for all; whether it’s tea and scones,

Attleborough, is the beautiful Peter Beales two acre display gardens. Specialising in the preservation of old fashioned

39

a light lunch or a delicious hot meal from the weekly specials board. A wide range of quality gardening tools and many locally handcrafted gifts are also found within the garden centre gift shop.

So, if you’re looking for a place to visit in East Anglia or in need of a relaxing welcome break stop onroute to another destination, Peter Beales Garden Centre is the place to visit.

For further information please contact Events on 01953 454707 or email: events@peterbealesroses.com Photographs courtesy of Visit Norfolk

Best of British Heritage

Group Travel Today

Britain boasts an encyclopaedic index of historic houses ,castles and gardens brimming with centuries-old appeal.

Welcome Back to Bamburgh Castle

Stonor Park & Gardens Home to the Stonor family for over 850 years, Stonor Park is one of the oldest family homes still lived in today. As the oldest member of the Stonor family, the house has a thousand stories to tell. As well as being architecturally fascinating, the house contains a fine collection of furniture, Old Master Paintings, drawings, bronzes, wallpapers and historic maps. A special exhibition details the life of St Edmund Campion who was hidden at Stonor during the reformation.

Experience Northumberland at a different level with a visit to magnificent Bamburgh Castle, England’s finest coastal castle.

Towering 150 feet above the coast with outstanding sea views, come and explore nine acres of unique Northumberland with a history dating back thousands of years..

Your safety and the welfare of their team is their top priority. VisitEngland ‘We’re Good to Go’ standard approved, they've lots of measures in place so you can enjoy a visit to Bamburgh Castle with confidence while still enjoying an unforgettable day out in Northumberland.

To ensure safe social distancing Bamburgh Castle is open with restricted visitor numbers.

Pre book tickets While limited tickets will be available to buy on the day you can purchase pre booked advance tickets online to get fastrack access.

Please note that it is not possible to pre book times.

Check their website These are new times for all,they'll continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and update you with any changes to their plans on their website and on social media.

For full details please visit www.bamburghcastle.com Rediscover England’s First Cathedral No visit to Kent is complete

without exploring the wonderful Canterbury Cathedral – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mother Church of the Anglican Communion, and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

‘behind the scenes’ tours to learn more about the Cathedral’s world-leading conservation work, and even exclusive private evening events. There has never been a better time to include a visit in your itinerary.

Founded by St Augustine in 597AD, Canterbury is England’s First Cathedral. A site of pilgrimage for centuries, the Cathedral welcomes visitors from across the world, introducing them to the array of treasures within, from stunning medieval stained glass to beautiful stonework. The Cathedral’s history spans over 1,400 years, telling thrilling stories that have shaped England – King Henry IV and the Black Prince are entombed here - and 2020 marks the 850th anniversary of St Thomas Becket’s murder in the Cathedral.

canterbury-cathedral.org contact: melodie.robson@canterburycathedral.org

A new Visitor Centre, Viewing Gallery, shop and exhibition spaces are opening this year, and – subject to Government guidance on coronavirus groups will soon be able to book private guided visits,

40

The stunning gardens, first planted in the 15th century and latterly designed by Lady Camoys, are a treat for visitors to explore, with vistas of the surrounding ancient deer park beyond. A stroll through this house and gardens is a vivid walk through history.

With so much to see, Stonor is a perfect day out. For the latest information, please visit their website www.stonor.com.

Wonderful Wales

Group Travel Today

Wales for Groups -Cymru ar gyfer grwpiau Cardiff and Swansea, and Wrexham and Llandudno. Snowdon mountains and the Brecon Beacons. The Prisoner at Portmerion and The Doctor in Tiger Bay, they’re here, now time to bring your group! shutterstock_steve bridge

explore. The enigmatic house of Erddig and charming castle of Chick spring to mind. The more energetic know the North Wales Borderlands as unsurpassed walking country. An almost unbroken beach from the Point of Ayr in Flintshire to Great Ormes Head in Conwy, with the Denbighshire coast resorts of Prestatyn and Rhyl neatly packaged in between. Open the cool box and hand out the ice creams now.

The Welsh and their Dragons

the mountains.

You’ll see this fearsome creature on road signs, railway signs, in newspapers, on buses, in shops, on clothing, and on the flag of Wales - a bold red dragon prancing on the green fields with the white sky above.

These little railways were all built to help extract minerals from the mountains in the north. Iron, stone, and slate were all found in great abundance, but they were often high up in the hills, or far away from the coast or a main railway.

Dragons are not the only fire breathing creatures in the mountains of Wales. There are others. Hot with red fire; hissing with noise; with steam and smoke from their breath.

You can see them and hear them coming from far, far away. Their roar echoes around the valleys and the hillsides … and children love them! These are the famous Great Little Trains of Wales the only dragons with a collective website (greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk).

Fiery little steam engines that puff up and down the Welsh hills, pulling romantic little trains, from lovely little towns and villages, deep into the countryside, and high up into

Rhyl is everything that’s lively and exciting about the seaside. Prestatyn, a nearby neighbour, is also a great seaside destination, with the added delight of mountain walking country just inland.

Rhyl is that traditional seaside resort. The beaches at Prestatyn are a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hit the keyboard and check out rhylprestatyn.co.uk for the complementing and contrasting attractions.

North Wales

Portmerion - I am not a number

An arrow in the eye or a genial burning at the stake.

The traditional North Wales welcome has changed over the years. These days, the emphasis is firmly on filling up your glass and your plate at a welter of friendly country pubs and restaurants, rather than burning your invading entrails while you still live. The cooking is somewhat more appetising these days. The flavours are as varied as the landscape. From Connah’s Quay on the Dee to Snowdonia in the west, there are pretty country villages and an impressive array of castles and historic houses to

Portmerion is every cult TV fan’s favourite. The Mediterranean styled folly of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, is forever famous for the sixties series “The Prisoner”.

Youngsters may puzzle over the connection, but those of us with the wisdom of years will be familiar with every doorstep, every statue, and every striped blazer on display. Your party, no matter what number they may be, can visit without the necessity of being kidnapped after resigning from a secretive government department. Be seeing you at portmeirionvillage.com.

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All Aboard the Llangollen Railway Back to those dragons mentioned earlier. There are a whole squadron of delightful, narrow-gauge railways, dotted all over Wales. So named because their tracks are laid with their rails separated by significantly less than the 4 feet 81/2 inches (1435mm) reserved for ‘standard gauge’; as seen on your commute to work. Defined in Victorian times as the distance between the ankles and the neck of a standardsize Victorian damsel in distress. Coincidentally, 4ft 8 1/2in is also the regulation width of the moustache upon the demonic grin of the dastardly Victorian cad who tied her there in the first place. They are an endearing and iconic part of the Welsh landscape (the trains, that is).

The railways’ pit-pony sized puffers evoke the days of early industrial endeavour, exporting to market the natural resources of Wales, and importing wealth and prosperity for isolated communities.

Snowdon railway and a super hydro This is also the place to start your journey to the roof of Wales, right here in Llanberis.

Often thought of as a modern phenomenon, or something peculiarly Swiss: mountain railways have been around in the UK since the end of the nineteenth century. The proof is on the summit of Snowdon, and it’s been there since 1896. Well, it’s been up and down a few times, obviously, but you get the idea. Put simply,

www.aberglasney.org Spectacularly located in Carmarthenshire’s Tywi Valley - one of Wales’ nest Gardens. Groups welcome 364 days of the year • Group rates apply for just 10 people, further discount for groups of 45+ • Day time and exclusive evening tours of the Gardens available with Head Gardener Joseph Atkin • Excellent Tearooms & large free coach park • Tour guides and coach drivers receive free entry and a £10 meal voucher Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire. SA32 8QH.

01558 668998

groups@aberglasney.org

A once in a lifetime adventure

Since 1896 visitors have been travelling to Llanberis to experience this unique rail journey to the Summit of Snowdon 1,085m above sea level. With stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views, come with us and see exactly why Snowdon Mountain Railway has been described as one of the most wonderful journeys in the world.

Trains travel to Hafod Eryri, the Summit visitor centre, from May to the end of October. During March and April trains travel to Clogwyn Station ¾ up the mountain (weather permitting).

Traditional Diesel Service (60 capacity) and Heritage Steam Experience (34 capacity) available. Group discounts for 25+ passengers.

Email our dedicated group booking team at:

bookings@snowdonrailway.co.uk Or call 01286 870 223 Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 4TT snowdonrailway.co.uk

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Group Travel Today

Snowdon Mountain Railway has been described as one of the most unique and wonderful railway journeys in the world. The Swiss might argue that point, but, hey, apart from cuckoo clocks and cheese with holes, what do they know? Visit snowdonrailway.co.uk.

For the highest of high teas, Snowdon Summit’s visitor centre, Hafod Eryri, puts the kettle on for about half a million visitors each year. On a clear day, when the kettle isn’t steaming up the windows, the views stretch as far as Ireland. They probably stretch as far as England too, but who cares. There’s a diesel service every half hour, and a heritage steam service about three times a day.

Whisper it - the steam locomotives were built … in Switzerland.

Merthyr Tydfil in the South.

That’s a topographical issue which hampered the nineteenth-century development of it’s big brother, the now mostly closed Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil Junction Railway, which laid a web of lines, all running down to Newport Docks. This picturesque line is a narrowgauge relaying of the most picturesque part of that network, high in the hills and tackling the steep gradients that so epitomised the original railway. The line runs from Pant, three miles north of Merthyr Tydfil, to Torpantau. The journey, by observation car behind a hard-working little steam loco, takes your group into the Brecon Beacons National Park, through Pontsticill and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau high in the hills.

squeezed into the narrow strip between the Valleys and the Bristol Channel. It’s not quite true. Though this may be the smallest part of the Principality of Wales, there’s room enough for everyone, and room enough to enjoy the countryside and coastline, along with all the urban and urbane attractions that make a visit to South Wales both fascinating and rewarding.

Dramatic coastlines.

Dramatic valleys. Historic castles. Historic towns, and a sprinkling of rugby heritage for good measure. South Wales is ready for your group to discover.

You can bank on a short trip outside Cardiff to give your group value for money with a visit to The Royal Mint. It’s one of the most popular visits in Wales. It’s much more than just minting money - although that’s quite popular of

Aberglasney Twenty miles north from Llanelli you’ll find Aberglasney, a delight of gardens and partly ruined mansion house (aberglasney.org). Made famous by the BBC television series “A Garden Lost in Time”, which followed its restoration, Aberglasney offers the opportunity to explore ten acres of top grade gardens and the restored ground floor of grade two Aberglasney Mansion. There’s tea too, overlooking the Pool Garden.

You’ll wonder why you’ve not been here before.

Celebrating 19 89 - 2 0 1 9

YEARS

of Private Ownership

S T E A M T R A I N S & S T U N N I N G S C E N E RY !

You’ll wonder why you didn’t decide to stay. So you could consider staying at the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli (stradeyparkhotel.com). On a hillside location, the view is locally renowned, and the spa is a special treat. It’s a nice four-star experience for your group too.

Brecon Mountain Railway

South Wales

Although geographically part of Mid Wales, the Brecon Mountain Railway might be most easily approached from

Populous South Wales. You could be forgiven for thinking that everyone lives south of the line of the Brecons, and is

Not many buildings have 1,100 years of history - and this isn’t one of them. The Royal Mint however, did move from the Tower of London out to Wales. Well, the rent’s lower. You won’t get a gong for visiting, but medals are something else that gets stamped here. Is a visit worth its weight in gold?

Worth as much as that 1902 deal down in the docks?

Definitely. See royalmint.com.

The Royal Mint - Money Money Money

Mid Wales The mountains that divide Wales are also the landscape that defines Wales. From the Brecon Beacons into the Cambrian Mountains, and a thousand other peaks. Offas Dyke seems such a meagre barrier when compared to the natural shield thrown up by the Mid Wales landscape.

Enjoy too the verdant countryside around Llandovery, or stride out for the coast at Aberaeron, a good base for active groups seeking walking routes. There are even man-made enhancements. Look out for the imposing Craig Goch dam and reservoir, its waters filling the Elan Valley as the upper part of a mighty chain of lakes. Nearby, enjoy the little town of Rhayader, with its distinctive clock tower in the square. You can set your watch there, or read all about it, literally, at Hay-onWye Literary Festival. Words can hardly do justice to Mid Wales.

course. There’s plenty of history, special coins and rare historical memorabilia. As with all good attractions, there’s plenty of context to add colour to the story.

Join us from our new Edwardian style Great Western heritage Station as we take you on an unforgettable journey up the Rheidol Valley to Devil’s Bridge and it’s famous waterfalls.

• Regular Services During the Year • • Huge Discounts on Family & Group Rates •

Please contact us to discuss your booking requirements

Park Avenue, Aberystwyth SY23 1PG Tel: 01970 625 819 or visit www.rheidolrailway.co.uk heidolrailwa

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Groups Always Welcome

Group Travel Today

Take a look at these venues and attractions, you’ll be sure to find a great reception for you and your group, they might even roll out the red carpet.

Bodleian Library

Frogmore Paper Mill

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford and is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. With over 12 million items, it is the second-largest library in Britain after the British Library.

At Frogmore Paper Mill they celebrate the huge contribution that paper has played in shaping the world in which we live today.

Group Visits Group Visits requires prior reservation and bigger groups normally need to be divided, there are a range of options to choose from.

30-minute tour Price: £70 per group What you'll see: Divinity School and Duke Humfrey's Library Length: 30 minutes Times: Monday-Saturday: 15:30, 16:00 and 16:40 60-minute tour Price: £110 per group What you'll see: Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor's Court and Duke Humfrey's Library Length: 60 minutes Times: Monday-Saturday: 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00 90-minute tour Price: £190 per group

What you'll see: Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor's Court, Duke Humfrey's Library, Radcliffe Camera's upper reading room and Gladstone Link

Long Room, Players’ Dressing Rooms with the Honours Boards, award-winning J.P. Morgan Media Centre and MCC Museum, home to the iconic Ashes Urn. With extraordinary architecture, a fascinating collection of art and memorabilia, a Tour of Lord’s is not only a must for all cricket fans, but for everyone looking for a quintessentially English experience.

Tours run seven days a week, throughout the year, with the exception of major match days, preparation days and large event days. Tour availability will be limited on other match days.

Frogmore Paper Mill is operated by the Apsley Paper Trail, a charitable trust founded to conserve the unique industrial heritage of this site in Hemel Hempstead.

In 1803 Frogmore Paper Mill was the place selected by Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier for the trials of their newly patented paper machine. Thus began the paper's industrial revolution leading to the cheap, plentiful paper products that we all use every day of our lives.

Tours run for approximately 100 minutes and all visitors are to report to the Tour booking window next to the Grace Gate on St Johns Wood Road.

January - March 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon and 2 pm April - October 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm November - December 10 am,11 am,12 noon & 2pm

Frogmore is still a working paper mill but, as operated by the charity, it is also a visitor, education and community use centre as well. The trust is entirely self-financing and, of course, is not-for-profit with all proceeds from its activities being reinvested in the repair, maintenance and development of the mill and its historic equipment.

If you have a group of 10 or more, booking a group visit is ideal.

For further details please call 01442 234600 or email visitors@thepapertrail.org.uk www.thepapertrail.org.uk

Length: 90 minutesTimes: Wednesday or Saturday 9:15 (subject to availability)

TOURS OF LORD’S GIVE VISITORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT THE HOME OF CRICKET AND EXPLORE SOME OF THE MOST FAMOUS SIGHTS IN SPORT.

To make a reservation for your guided tour please Email: tours@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Led by an expert guide, the Tour includes the Grade II* listed Pavilion, legendary

46

On selected dates during May, June, July and August, additional Public Tour times may be added.

MCC recommends that you arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time of your Tour to allow enough time to clear security and view the Museum. Re-entry to Lord's after the conclusion of your Tour is not permitted so please arrive with enough time to enjoy the MCC Museum.

PRIVATE GROUP TOURS Private group Tours are available and a 10% discount will be added on groups of more than 20 people.

Please contact the Tours Office on 020 7616 8595 or email tours@lords.org to book.

PORTBYHAN HOTEL The Portbyhan Hotel is situated in an unrivalled position right in the heart of Looe, allowing guests to relish the panoramic views of the

Discover the Bodleian Libraries

Gates Open For Groups The iconic site, immortalised by The Beatles and John Lennon is now open to the public and inspiring new generations.

Home to an exhibition and garden tour with media guide, where you can learn more about the history of the site, a café, a shop and a Steps to Work programme for young adults with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment.

Media guides available in Mandarin, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese For more information and to book tickets visit: www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com/travel-trade-and-groups #GatesOpenForGood #GatesOpenForGroups

Exhibitions | Events | Guided Tours | Café | Gift Shops

/StrawberryFieldLiverpool @strawberryfield

www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson

@strawberryfieldliverpooluk

The Salvation Army is a Church and registered Charity in England (214779), Wales (214779), Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399)

Discover one of Hertfordshire’s Amazing Hidden Gems

The world’s oldest mechanised paper mill...birthplace of paper’s industrial revolution

Frogmore is the world’s oldest mechanised paper mill... the birthplace of paper’s industrial revolution.

Run by a conservation charity, it is still a working paper mill but also a heritage visitor experience.

Learn the fascinating story of paper; make a sheet of your own; see our 1902 machine in action on a guided tour, take a boat trip on the River Gade.

Open for group visits Monday to Friday, all year round.

Two coaches can be parked on site and there are also two disable spaces. The site is wheelchair friendly.

For visit options and prices call 01442 234600, visit our website or email us at visitors@frogmorepapermill. org.uk www. thepapertrail.org.uk FROGMORE

Frogmore Paper Mill, Fourdrinier Way, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9RY

PAPER MILL

Charity No 1079008

Birthplace of Paper’s Industrial Revolution

Group Travel Today

vibrant harbour with only a short stroll into Looe town centre.

Beautiful Scenery & Surroundings The historic twin towns of East and West Looe are located in South East Cornwall and offer everything from beautiful sandy beaches, accessible walking routes, fishing trips, unique boutiques, restaurants and bars. Further along, the coast enjoy the old world charm of picturesque Polperro through to the sheltered river valleys of the Tamar and Fowey.

Whether you come for the culture and history or just to enjoy the beach and the sea, the small coastal town of Looe has plenty to offer everyone.

For full details and to book please visit www.portbyhan.com STEAM AND SCENERY IN BEAUTIFUL SOUTH DEVON The South Devon Railway has a great range of excursions designed for group travel operators, with something to

suit groups of all kinds.

At its heart is a delightful 14mile return steam train journey along the valley of the river Dart, through some of Devon’s most beautiful and hidden countryside. The trains take you on a leisurely journey from Buckfastleigh, just off the A38, midway between Exeter and Plymouth, to Totnes and back again.

the station at Buckfastleigh.

Other options include the Devon Boat Train, combining a steam train journey with a boat trip from Exmouth with Stuart Line Cruises and Trains and Caves with Kents Cavern in Torquay.

More details are at www.southdevonrailway.co.uk, trains@southdevonrailway.co.uk or call 01364 644370 for full details.

At Buckfastleigh, there is a riverside walk and picnic area, gardens, museum and a well-stocked shop and refreshment rooms. There is plenty of coach parking with easy, flat access to the platform.

Strawberry Field Strawberry Field is an inspirational heritage attraction, immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit Strawberry Fields Forever, which opened in September 2019.

If you are looking for a range of easy to book options, the railway offers a great variety of entertainment at very attractive prices.

The attraction, which has achieved the Good to Go’ accreditation, and its famous garden and new exhibition welcomes prebooked groups.One of The Guardian’s ‘Fab Finds of the Year’, Strawberry Field won ‘Tourist Attraction

This includes ‘3 Great Attractions, 1 Amazing Day’ joint tickets for the railway and the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, adjacent to the railway’s station at Totnes, and/or Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies, next to

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of The Year’ at the inaugural Staycation Awards.

Previously the site of a former Salvation Army children’s home, Strawberry Field offers an exciting and emotional visitor exhibition and garden tour with media guides. The interactive exhibition is the place where ‘nothing is real’! Stories are told of the site’s history, John Lennon’s childhood and the writing and recording of the famous song as told by his close friends and family.The mediaguided tour extends into the gardens where John played as a child – and visitors will be following in his footsteps. The original iconic red gates of Strawberry Field can now be found in the gardens.

Strawberry Field has wide appeal from John Lennon/Beatles and music fans to those who love gardens, nature, outdoors and exploring heritage sites.

There is also an appeal for wellness tours and faith

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A first class destination and a warm welcome for coaches and groups.

Easy access from the A38 and free coach parking at Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DZ

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visit bristolzoo.org.uk today!

Ask us about... ...and our other joint ticket options.

Buckfastleigh • Staverton • Totnes www.southdevonrailway.co.uk 01364 644370

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE TOURS OPEN 10AM EVERY DAY Come and experience all that the Royal Opera House has to offer – stunning performances, delicious food and drink, inspiring interactive events, tours, and a perfect place to relax in the heart of Covent Garden. Coach drop off directly outside the building.

BACKSTAGE TOUR Visit Backstage at one of the world’s leading theatres COVENT GARDEN LEGENDS AND LANDMARKS TOUR Step back into history and discover about the Royal Opera House and the legends of London’s Theatre Land in and around Covent Garden PRODUCTION PARK TOUR Discover the fascinating world of the craftspeople who create stunning costumes, scenery and sets VELVET, GILT AND GLAMOUR TOUR Enjoy a 45 minute tour of the auditorium roh.org.uk

Group Travel Today

UK government guidelines regarding wearing of masks, all visitors to the exhibition and retail store are kindly asked to wear a face covering in these areas.

All groups must be prebooked in advance call 07958 448 002. You can also get advice on the catering offered and discuss all the requirements of the group.

Group organiser/leader free of charge. Coach drivers/ leaders receive a free hot drink.

Dedicated staff to organise all aspects of your visit. Full details of health & safety standards can be found at www.strawberryfieldliverpool. com/visiting-us-duringcoronavirus Welcome back to Bristol Zoo Gardens Bristol Zoo Gardens is the fifth oldest zoo in the world. They opened their doors to the public on Monday 11th July 1836 and since then they have welcomed over 90 million guests to the Zoo. Helping to save over 175 species from extinction in human care and in the wild.

groups.Strawberry Field is a great example of responsible tourism in action.

Income from the visitor experience helps fund the Steps to Work training work placement scheme for young adults with learning disabilities and other barriers to employment.

They're currently working on conservation and research projects across the world, from the Philippines, South Africa and back to their very

being conducted upon entry and in line with the current

Strawberry Field has been awarded Visit England & Visit Britain’s industry wide health & safety standard for visitors – We’re Good to Go. Visitors must book ahead to enable the team to control capacity across the exhibition, garden and shop, and social distancing of 2m must be adhered to on site.

The site is currently operating limited visitor numbers.

Temperature checks are

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own doorstep, the River Avon. Their award-winning education team has taught over 40 million schoolchildren the value of nature, wildlife and the impact our society has on the world.

They have introduced timed tickets to ensure that everyone is able to access the Zoo safely, creating a staggered arrival time and allowing them to carefully manage any potential queues at admissions. This will help them ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable visit to Bristol Zoo Gardens.

For full details of opening times safety measures and to book tickets please visit bristolzoo.org.uk Photographs courtesy of Portbynan Hotel, South Devon Railway, Royal Opera House and Britol Zoo Gardens

Canterbury Tourist Guides provide entertaining and enjoyable Canterbury Tourist providetoentertaining enjoyable 90 90 minute ToursGuides for visitors the city ofand Canterbury. minute tours for visitors the city Canterbury. tours Explore the city on foottowith yourofguide, a greatAllway to include see the a walk aroundsights the outside of thesome Cathedral andtoo! represent a great and learn history way to see the sights and learn some history too!

Book online www.canterburytouristguides.co.uk

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Award winning, family run quayside hotel in South East Cornwall.

South East Cornwall is the gateway to Cornwall and we think it’s a great place for a relaxing break. From here you can explore Cornwall and Devon easily, or just chill out in a traditional fishing village like Polperro or unwind on a secluded beach.

Sign up to receive exclusive deals and offers at portbyhan.com Tel:01503 262071 The Quay, West Looe, Cornwall PL13 2BU

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Wish you were here

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.

shutterstock_Aqnus Febriyant

Bali, Indonesian

Group Travel Today

Ireland

So you’ve been thinking about taking your group to Ireland, that’s great, you’re going to have a great time, you can expect the welcome you receive to be as vociferous, voluminous and verbose as ever.

Discover the History of Lisburn and Irish Linen: The Museum aims to collect, safeguard and interpret artefacts and information relating to the Irish linen industry and the history of Lisburn and the Lagan Valley.

Explore Ireland’s industrial heritage in the Museum’s award-winning exhibition ‘Flax to Fabric: the Story of Irish Linen’. Trace the history of linen production in Ulster, from the earliest times to the present, and see live spinning and weaving demonstrations.

The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum’s galleries also feature a range of temporary and visiting exhibitions, featuring: the history of Lisburn and its people; local artists, from Blackshaw to McCloy; textile and linen displays; local poets, writers and personalities.

The Irish Linen Centre Offers: Free guided tours exploring the history of Irish Linen History of Lisburn Expert guides, and live demos of weaving and spinning Free workshops, from WWI to Ancient Egypt.

The Museum makes an ideal day out for groups, schools and community groups.

Great museum shop, stocked with linen and local history books Surrounded by fantastic places to eat

For full details please visit www.lisburnmuseum.com

Crystal in the world. The retail store represents everything they make in crystal, including a showcase on

House of Waterford Crystal A luxury collection of the finest crystal continues to be made by skilled craftsmen at the Waterford Crystal factory situated in the heart of Waterford City, in Ireland’s Ancient East. A significant tourist attraction, the House of Waterford Crystal welcomes 210,000 visitors annually from across the world.

On the tour, visitors witness mould making – a technique at Waterford that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries, as Master Blowers shape the molten crystal flawlessly with the use of wooden moulds and hand tools. The next part of the tour is truly magical, as visitors enter the blowing department where they see glowing balls of crystal transformed into majestic shapes as they are put through the 1300-degree furnace. The Waterford Crystal pieces are then hand marked for precision and accuracy, and they are then cut, sculpted and engraved.

Visitors can experience 12,000 square feet of crystal heaven in the largest retail and showcase of Waterford

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their sports trophies. www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

See Exquisite Pieces of Crystal manufactured before your eyes Guided Factory Tours Daily

C: +353 (0) 51 317000 E: houseofwaterfordcrystal@fiskars.com W: www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

GET ALL STEAMED UP ON YOUR GROUP DAY OUT! Bring your group, society or club for a memorable day out at the Avon Valley Railway WHAT TO SEE ON YOUR VISIT See our beautifully restored Victorian station at Bitton Take a ride in a heritage carriage behind one of our steam or diesel locomotives Enjoy a combined train ride, cream tea and boat trip around Bristol Harbourside on our full day package Learn more about the history of the line in our small museum area Enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in our station buffet (open daily) Pick up a railway-themed souvenir in our gift shop (open on our operating days) Why not combine a visit with a trip to the new Aerospace Bristol museum in Filton or SS Great Britain on Bristol’s harbourside for a full day of transport heritage?

ns operate: Steam or Diesel trai

to September Saturday & Sunday April of each month) (except the first Saturday PLUS: ay to September Selected Wednesdays M esday to Thursday Tu d an er ob ct O in s ay Sund d half term holidays during school summer an

Tel: 0117 932 5538 www.avonvalleyrailway.org Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD