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What’s What And Where For Groups
2026 A Beau Business Media Publication
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SUPPORTING
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Covent Garden’s historic indoor Jubilee Market has plenty to offer for a fabulous shopping trip. info@jubileemarket.co.uk www.jubileemarket.co.uk @jubileemarket @jubilee.market @jubileemarket75
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What's What and Where for Groups ere is something rather reassuring about travelling in Britain. You never quite know what you're going to find around the next corner, but you can be fairly certain there will be a good cup of tea waiting somewhere nearby. One of the great pleasures of organising group travel is that the UK never stands still. Every county seems to have its own personality, every town its own story, and every season brings a different reason to return. A place visited in spring can feel entirely different beneath the colours of autumn, while a familiar attraction somehow finds another surprise waiting just beyond the entrance. at's exactly what What's What and Where for Groups is all about.
centuries of stories echo through grand halls and beautifully tended gardens. Others may prefer discovering bustling market towns, exploring fascinating museums, stepping aboard heritage railways or enjoying leisurely cruises through some of Britain's most spectacular scenery. ere are wildlife parks, cultural treasures, remarkable engineering achievements, charming villages and welcoming cities, each offering its own unique appeal.
Contents 4-
Editors Pick - Brigit’s Bakery
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Editors Pick - Tower of London River Tours
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Editors Pick - Churnet Valley Railway
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Editors Pick - Leeds Castle
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Best of the Rest
Of course, the destination is only part of a successful day out. e best attractions understand what group organisers need. Good coach access, friendly staff, well-planned catering, sensible itineraries and a warm welcome oen become the things your passengers remember just as much as the attraction itself. at is why we've chosen to focus on quality rather than quantity. Every feature in these pages has been designed to give you useful information, practical ideas and, hopefully, a little inspiration for your next adventure.
Rather than trying to squeeze every attraction in Britain into one publication, we've brought together a carefully considered collection of places that genuinely deserve a spot on your itinerary. Some are worldfamous landmarks. Others are hidden gems that may not yet have found their way onto your group's travel plans. All have one thing in common, they offer memorable experiences that work particularly well for organised groups.
Whether you're planning a local day excursion, a weekend away or a longer tour, we hope this publication becomes one of those guides you find yourself reaching for time and again. Britain is full of extraordinary places, many of them hiding in plain sight, simply waiting to be discovered by the next coach arriving in the car park.
Beau Business Media Group Ltd Publishing House Tel: 0121 445 6961 E-mail: beaubusinessmedia@gmail.com
Perhaps your members enjoy wandering through magnificent castles and historic houses, where
Group Travel Today is a controlled circulation publication and freely available to qualifying applicants. Care is taken to ensure that the information contained within the magazine is accurate. However, the publisher cannot accept liability for errors or omissions, no matter how they arise. Readers are advised to get facts and statements confirmed by suppliers when making enquiries. The opinions of the author are not necessarily those as the publisher. All rights are reserved. No reproduction of any part of this magazine may be carried out without the consent of the publisher being obtained in the first instance.
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All aboard: London's most delicious way to see the city
For group organisers looking for an experience that's easy to arrange, enjoyable for everyone and genuinely memorable, Brigit's Bakery has been delivering exactly that since 2013. London's original Aernoon Tea Bus Tour remains one of the
craed patisserie, from lemon meringue tarts and strawberry macarons to freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, alongside a selection of delicate savouries. Premium teas, coffees and the option to add a glass of something sparkling complete a
all on offer. One of the buses is fully wheelchair accessible, and for larger or bespoke bookings, private hire is available, making it an ideal choice for club outings, celebration days and special occasions.
thoroughly enjoyable spread. It's aernoon tea with the kind of cra and attention you'd expect from a luxury hotel kitchen.
Every guest takes home a Brigit's travel cup as a keepsake, a lovely finishing touch to a quintessentially British aernoon. Tickets from £45 per adult.
Routemaster bus. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park, Harrods, the Royal Albert Hall and more pass by the windows as your group sits back and enjoys the ride. ere's no walking, no navigating the underground
Catering for groups with mixed dietary needs is straightforward, with traditional, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal menus
Brigit’s Bakery Aernoon Tea Bus Tours capital's most warmly received days out, whatever the size of your party.
and no keeping everyone together across a busy city. Everything is taken care of.
e 90-minute Classic Tour runs three times daily, taking in the very best of London from the comfort of a beautifully restored 1960s
And the food is something to look forward to. Brigit's pastry chefs bring genuine French training to every menu, producing exquisitely
Sip, savour and sightsee – enjoy award-winning aernoon tea aboard an iconic 1960s Routemaster as it winds past London's most famous landmarks. 020 3026 1188 info@b-bakery.com
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For group bookings, call 020 3026 1188 or email info@b-bakery.com.
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London’s original afternoon tea tour on iconic Routemaster buses
@BrigitsBakery #BrigitsBakery
FOR GROUP BOOKINGS CALL: 020 3026 1188
BOOK ONLINE: B-BAKERY.COM
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See London's Story Unfold from the River of humour as London unfolds along the ames.
For groups visiting the capital, few experiences combine history, sightseeing and comfort quite like the Official Tower of London River Tour. Departing from Tower Bridge Quay, just a short walk from the Tower of London, this 40-
minute circular cruise offers a fresh perspective on one of the world's most famous cities.
by Historic Royal Palaces, with live commentary written by Martha Howe-Douglas, co-creator of the BBC comedy Ghosts. e result is an entertaining journey filled with fascinating stories, unexpected facts and plenty
Unlike a traditional sightseeing cruise, the experience has been curated
Passengers enjoy uninterrupted views of more than 20 iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. Whatever the weather, guests can relax in the panoramic indoor observation lounge, enjoy the covered outdoor decks or take in the fresh air from the open seating areas. An onboard bar serves refreshments throughout the voyage. e fully accessible electric vessel also makes this a comfortable choice for mixedability groups, while groups of 10 or more can take advantage of a 20% discount. Combined tickets with Tower of London admission make it easy for organisers to create a memorable full-day London itinerary. www.toweroflondon rivertour.com
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BEST THAMES RIVER CRUISES TIME OUT
A fun and luxurious circular cruise through London’s history, written by the co-creator of BBC’s Ghosts. 08 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT_ART.indd 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT_ART.ind 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT_ART.in 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT_ART.i 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT_ART. 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT_ART 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT_AR 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT_A 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT_ 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PORT 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_POR 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_PO 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_P 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm_ 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297mm 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297m 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x297 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x29 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x2 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210x 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_210 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_21 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_2 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO_ 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_DO 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_D 0850_TOLRT_GREAT_ 0850_TOLRT_GREAT 0850_TOLRT_GREA 0850_TOLRT_GRE 0850_TOLRT_GR 0850_TOLRT_G 0850_TOLRT_ 0850_TOLRT 0850_TOLR 0850_TOL 0850_TO 0850_T 0850_ 0850 085 1
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Timeless Steam rough Staffordshire's Hidden Valley
Few group outings capture the romance of Britain's railway heritage quite like a journey on the Churnet Valley Railway. Setting off from Kingsley & Froghall Station, beautifully restored steam and heritage diesel trains carry passengers through one of England's most picturesque yet lesserknown landscapes. Oen referred to as "Staffordshire's Little Switzerland," the Churnet Valley offers rolling woodland, tranquil canals, riverside scenery and charming villages that seem delightfully untouched by time. e journey itself is as much
Churnet Valley Railway provides a variety of themed experiences throughout the year. Traditional Cream Tea Trains combine spectacular scenery with freshly served refreshments in first-class surroundings, while nostalgic dining services and the everpopular Bombay Express pair a heritage steam journey with delicious Indian cuisine. Seasonal events, festive specials and heritage diesel weekends ensure there is always something new to enjoy, encouraging repeat visits.
a part of the attraction as the destination. Vintage carriages travel through the valley to the lovingly restored Victorian station at Cheddleton before continuing to the secluded village of Consall. Accessible only by rail, canal or footpath, Consall offers a peaceful escape where groups can enjoy gentle riverside walks, admire the surrounding countryside or relax over lunch at the popular Black Lion Inn, located just steps from the railway.
e railway welcomes groups
For organisers looking to offer something extra,
of 15 or more and caters for a wide range of visitors,
including social clubs, retirement groups, educational visits, corporate outings and coach tours. Flexible journey lengths make it suitable for both half and full-day itineraries, while secure coach parking and easy access simplify planning for tour organisers. Comfortable carriages seating up to 64 passengers, friendly staff and optional enhancements create a relaxed, memorable experience from start to finish. Combining spectacular scenery, authentic heritage, excellent group facilities and
warm Staffordshire hospitality, Churnet Valley Railway offers a timeless day out that is sure to delight groups of every age. For group bookings and information Tel:01538 360522 www.churnetvalley railway.co.uk
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GROUP TRAVEL INFORMATION
CAKE & COFFEE/TEA
TICKETS/ FARES
Join us for a delightful (22 mile round
BUTTY & BREW
or Co ee from our wide selection.
you travel through the stunning
delicious local avours with our special
£5.00 per person*
Sta ordshire countryside.
trip taking 1:30 hours) journey on
our heritage line and enjoy some
Kickstart your morning with a hot bacon or sausage butty paired with a Tea
something di erent, choose from our range of mouth-watering treats: £10 per person
STAFFORDSHIRE OATCAKES
Enjoy a hot breakfast of locally made
Sta ordshire Oatcakes with your choice of llings:
PICNIC IN A BOX
Relax on a leisurely two-hour train journey with a picnic on board. Includes a sandwich, hot or cold drink, and a packet of crisps. Choose from a variety of sandwich llings. £8.00 per person*
• Cheese & Bacon
• Cheese & Sausage
Two oatcakes per portion, served with a Tea or Co ee to take on board.
NEARBY LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Alton Towers Resort – 15 mins
Trentham Gardens – 30 mins Middleport Pottery – 30 mins World of Wedgewood – 30 mins
CREAM TEA IN A BOX
Biddulph Grange Gardens – 35 mins
Sit back and enjoy a locally made scone
Shugborough Hall – 45 mins
with butter, jam, and cream, served
• Cheese
and a refreshing co ee or tea as
£5.00 per person*
onboard o erings. Perfect for group visits looking for a pit stop o ering
Indulge in a delicious slice of cake
Chatsworth House – 1 Hour
with your choice of Tea or Co ee.
The perfect treat to accompany the
beautiful scenery.
£7.50 per person*
*Price per person on top of the £10 ticket cost*
£7.50 per person*
For more information churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk 01538 360522
Churnet Valley Railway, Near Leek, Sta ordshire Moorlands
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Plan Your Perfect Festive Group Visit at Leeds Castle group visits.
Leeds Castle in Kent continues to offer unforgettable group days out, combining over 900 years of fascinating history with beautiful gardens, festive experiences, and stunning scenery to enjoy throughout the winter season. Current
For those wishing to enhance their visit, groups can also book the magical Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle, as the historic estate is transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland. e enchanting, illuminated trail winds through the Castle grounds, featuring mesmerising light displays, the iconic Christmas Cathedral and the spectacular Water Fountain Show. Seasonal food and drink, warming hot chocolate and festive treats complete this unforgettable evening, while Father Christmas makes special appearances for younger visitors.
new immersive Christmas adventure will lead visitors through the Castle and grounds as Wallace and Gromit investigate a festive mystery filled with clever contraptions, surprises and family-friendly fun, making it an ideal choice for festive
A selection of bookable Christmas dining experiences are also available throughout the festive season. Guests can enjoy the NEW Christmas Masquerade Ball, a Regencyinspired evening featuring a sparkling reception, a threecourse dinner in the Grand Salon, live music and dancing within the enchanting group admission rates are now frozen until March 2028, providing excellent value for coach operators and group organisers planning future visits. Following the recent launch of this year’s festive theme in the Castle, groups can look forward to Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Caper, running from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. is brand10
surroundings of the Castle. Alternatively, embrace an evening of intrigue with one of two immersive Christmas Murder Mystery Dinners, where festive celebrations are interrupted by a thrilling whodunnit, complete with seasonal dining, interactive entertainment and overnight accommodation packages for those wishing to extend their stay. Whether you're planning a festive coach trip, social club outing or seasonal celebration, Leeds Castle offers a memorable Christmas experience for every group. With brandnew festive attractions, Christmas Lights and a range of seasonal dining experiences, there's plenty to enjoy throughout the festive season. www.leeds-castle.com
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A Cracking
Christmas Caper
21st Nov 2026 - 3rd Jan 2027 $!ˏ,!."! 0ˏ $.%/0) /ˏ!4,!.%!* !ˏ"+.ˏ#.+1,ˏ2%/%0/ ©&™ Aardman Animations Limited / Wallace & Gromit Limited 2026. All Rights Reserved.
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Best of the Rest ... London Transport Museum
complimentary meal voucher for drivers. With year-round events including theatre, concerts and horticultural weekends, there is always something to enjoy. Waterperry Gardens Just seven miles from Oxford, Waterperry Gardens offers groups a delightful and unhurried day out surrounded by twenty acres of beautifully designed ornamental gardens and a rich horticultural heritage. Originally founded in 1932 as a School of Horticulture for Ladies by Beatrix Havergal, the gardens today combine history, colour and tranquillity in one memorable destination. Visitors can wander through a series of distinctive garden spaces, from the elegant formal knot garden and fragrant rose garden to the renowned 200-foot herbaceous border widely considered one of the finest in the country. A peaceful riverside walk and orchard areas provide even more opportunities to pause and enjoy the landscape. Beyond the gardens, there is plenty to explore. e site includes a quality plant centre, garden shop, gallery, gi barn and a fascinating rural life museum, alongside a welcoming teashop serving freshly prepared lunches, cakes and aernoon teas. Waterperry warmly welcomes groups of 20 or more, with free coach parking and a
e award-winning London Transport Museum tells the story of London and its transport system over the last 200 years. Lively exhibitions and galleries look at the powerful role that transport has played in the development of London and how it has helped to shape the city’s culture and social history.
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk St Mary’s House & Gardens An historic estate with important royal and literary connections, and 5 acres of gardens in the heart of the South Downs National Park.
Both domestic and overseas groups will love the internationally recognised icons on display such as the Tube roundel logo, the diagrammatic Underground map and early red doubledecker buses. Led by experienced guides, Hidden London exclusive tours programme offer a unique opportunity to discover parts of the London Underground normally offlimits. Groups can enjoy exclusive access to some of the city’s most famous film and TV locations, hidden places including disused stations, secret wartime shelters and
A short lime avenue leads to a Topiary Garden across a stone balustraded bridge. In summer a riot of hollyhocks rise before the beautiful 15th century house. e family home of Peter orogood (1927-2025) and Roger Linton (1939-present) for over 40 years. ey undertook a major restoration and subsequently sensitively furnished and added many fascinating private collections. ere are many fine panelled rooms, and a stunning Victorian Music Room still used for concerts, weddings and events. Peter's Library includes the largest private collection of the works of Victorian author, poet and caricaturist, omas Hood. e extensive gardens include an exceptional example of the 'Living Fossil' tree, the prehistoric Ginkgo biloba, and the reunified Victorian ‘Secret Gardens’ include a wonderful mix of formal 'garden-rooms', with a lake and wilder woodland area. www.stmarysbramber.co.uk 12
time-capsule corridors. Twelve different tour locations run throughout the year from Wednesday to Sunday and are the best way to explore London’s history, right where it all happened. e Museum Depot in Acton, west London, holds the majority of the Museum’s collection of over 320,000 items, including many original works of art, vehicles, signs, models and uniforms. Exclusively for groups, the Museum offers two tours: e Art and Poster store tour and Depot Discovery tour. A full day itinerary is also available for groups of up to 40 people. Free coach parking is available for groups. To enquire about availability and book your group for 2026-27 please email bookings@ltmuseum.co.uk or visit ltmuseum.co.uk to find out more about what is on offer for groups.
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PERFECT FOR GROUP VISITS Twenty acres of spectacular ornamental gardens ablaze with colour, with a fascinating history and one of the country’s finest herbaceous borders.
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
Quality Plant Centre, Garden Shop, Gift Barn, Gallery, Rural Life Museum, Orchards, Play Area, Teashop with home-made food and Annual Events.
Waterperry Gardens, Nr Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1JZ 01844 339254 | office@waterperrygardens.co.uk
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
This restored 1470 house sits within five acres of gardens in the South Downs National Park and has been the family home of Peter Thorogood (1927–2025) and Roger Linton for over 40 years. Their careful restoration earned MBEs from Queen Elizabeth II. Inside are fine panelled rooms and a standout Victorian Music Room, furnished with period pieces and important private collections, including the largest private collection of works by Victorian writer and caricaturist Thomas Hood. The gardens mix formal garden rooms with more natural areas, including woodland and a lake. The house’s story connects figures from King Charles II and Oscar Wilde to Dame Vera Lynn and BBC’s Doctor Who. Open May–September, Thursday and Sunday afternoons. Groups by arrangement. Coach parking, tearoom, limited wheelchair access. Contact: St Mary's House, Bramber, West Sussex, BN44 3WE. Phone: 01903 816 205 Email: info@stmarysbramber.co.uk Website: www.stmarysbramber.co.uk Location: 10 miles NW of Brighton off A283 in Bramber Village, 1 mile east of Steyning.
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build full day Lake District programmes that include a cruise alongside heritage, cultural or garden visits. Windermere Lake Cruises remains an easy, enjoyable and memorable addition to any coach tour. Hopetown Darlington
Windermere Lake Cruises
Darlington is known as the birthplace of the modern railway, and today that proud heritage is celebrated at Hopetown Darlington, the North East’s award-winning railway-themed visitor attraction. For groups and coach parties, it offers a fascinating and accessible day out packed with history, engineering and immersive experiences.
Windermere Lake Cruises offers a warm welcome to coach groups, with excellent facilities designed to make visiting the area smooth and enjoyable. Dedicated coach parking is available at Bowness and Lakeside, with convenient drop off points and helpful staff to support drivers and group leaders. eir group prices offer great value, with discounted rates for pre booked parties and flexible ticket options that fit seamlessly into any touring schedule. From July, groups can also enjoy the brand new Trenchers Fish & Chips restaurant opening on site in Bowness, providing high quality dining and ideal seating for larger parties before or aer a cruise.
At the heart of the attraction is the impressive railway museum, where beautifully restored locomotives and carriages bring the golden age of rail travel vividly to life. Visitors can get close to remarkable engineering achievements while learning how Darlington helped shape railways around the world. Hopetown also offers live engineering demonstrations, engaging exhibitions and special events throughout the year, ensuring there is always something new to discover. One of the highlights is the immersive experience ride, which adds an exciting and interactive dimension to the visit. Even better, entry to the site is completely free, making Hopetown Darlington an outstanding value stop for coach groups exploring the North East.
Lowther Castle & Gardens For lovers of architecture, history, horticulture and family outings, the highly original and dramatic Lowther Castle & Gardens takes some beating.
Built during the 19th century, Lowther Castle started out as a splendid neo-Gothic home for Lord Lonsdale and his family. It was filled with treasures, visited by the great
ey also work closely with neighbouring attractions to create combined itineraries, making it easy for operators to
and the good, seen as a beacon of the north. By the 1950s however, the house was a ruin – no paintings, no people, no roof. In the 130 acres of garden, lawns had given way to concrete and a commercial crop of spruce. Today – thanks to substantial investment – Lowther Castle is one of the northwest’s most exciting visitor attractions. e footprint of the house has been planted as a garden while the gardens themselves are a riot of old and new, wild and tame. e Parterre, both
woolly and formal, gives out onto extensive green platters of lawn. e Rock Garden bubbles with ponds and water features; Japanese Teahouses sit in young bamboo groves; a wonderful Rose Garden can be smelt from afar. And in the woods, visitors of all ages can let their hair down in the lost castle adventure playground – one of the largest in the UK. www.lowthercastle.org.uk
For more information visit www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk 14
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Stunning cruises fo r groups in The English L ake District
New for 2026 Award-winning Trenchers Restaurant in Bowness
015394 43360
45 minute to 3 hour cruises to suit any itinerary Free coach parking and driver incentives available Minutes from M6 motorway
wlc.co.uk/groups
wlc.co.uk/chat
LOWTHER CASTLE & GARDENS Penrith, Cumbria www.lowthercastle.org/info@lowthercastle.org
Dramatic castle ruins, gardens old & new, exhibition, huge adventure playground, café, shop. Open year-round
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28 LE 20 A & NS 27 O 20 W O N
elay, Don’t d ay. od book t
GREAT FOR
GROUPS
Why not join the hundreds of groups that travel with us every year and discover all the bene ts of Daish’s Holidays for yourself. Free places for groups over 20 people
A choice of 11 fantastic hotels spread across 9 locations
Over 45 years of award winning customer service
Fleet of 32 luxury coaches to provide comfortable travel
Great value half board breaks including nightly entertainment
Dedicated groups team to support you from booking to arrival
Get in touch with us Today! Call 01202 638 841 or visit daishs.com Isle of Wight Llandudno
Bournemouth Torquay
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Newquay
Weymouth Weston-super-Mare
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