A Grand Day Out for Groups in the UK - Issue 7

A GRAND DAY OUT Issue 7

FOR GROUPS IN THE UK

VISIT SOMERSET

OXFORDSHIRE - IDEAL FOR GROUPS

THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH EAST

DISCOVER WORCESTERSHIRE

VISIT STOKE ON TRENT AND THE POTTERIES EXPERIENCE THE UK’S GARDENS & MUSEUMS

PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR GROUP www.agranddayout.net

Where families matter!

With over 250 rescued and endangered primates of more than 20 different species, Monkey World is the largest primate rescue centre in the world!

See the stars of TV’s “Monkey Life” then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape adventure play area!

Open to visitors every day, except Christmas Day!

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH

T: 01929 462537 E: apes@monkeyworld.org www.monkeyworld.org

WELCOME to Issue 7

A GRAND DAY OUT for groups in the UK From beautiful landscapes and stunning views to Stately Homes and Gardens, River Cruises to Museums the UK boasts a rich variety and selection for you the group organiser. There is something for everyone no matter how old or young you are. So be inspired, plan your next group adventure and discover what the UK has to offer.

We hope you enjoy flicking through the magazine and that it gives you some ideas for those group outings! Turn a great day out into A GRAND DAY OUT!

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You can follow us on Twitter @agranddayoutnet Find us on Facebook A Grand Day Out Pinterest: A Grand Day Out

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Visit Somerset

Somerset really is a county that has it all. Ranked seventh in the UK for size, it is far from being the most highly populated meaning there are vast expanses of open, unspoilt spaces waiting to be explored.

What’s more, it boasts plenty of beautiful buildings - in cities, villages and bustling market towns with a rich heritage of history and legend. http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/towns-and-villages http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/historylegend

In fact Somerset is a county of incredible contrasts; complete with beaches, caves, moors, levels and a stunning National Park, Exmoor.

Some of Britain’s most iconic brands and places can be found in Somerset as names such as Cheddar, Glastonbury, Avalon, Alfred the Great and Mulber can testify. http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/coast http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/visitor-attractions/castles-caves-andabbeys http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/towns-and-villages/cheddar http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/glastonbury-p499003

Since the earliest times, man has found the county a comfortable and comforting place to live. Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton was found in the caves at Cheddar Gorge and one of the oldest manmade tracks in Europe, the Sweet Track, ran across the Somerset Levels. This is the county that inspired the Romantic Poets Coleridge and Wordsworth, sustained the tales of King Arthur and his Knights and sheltered the likes of the fictional Lorna Doone. http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/cheddar-gorge-p788193 http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/countryside/somerset-levels-andmoors http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/culture/famous-somerset/romantic-poets

Today it continues to delight with its castles and countryside, wildlife and wetlands but it also encourages free thinking and innovation which has led to numerous county firsts including our famous festivals and carnivals. http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/countryside http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/whats-on/carnivals

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There are so many options when it comes to places to stay with luxury hotels or shepherds’ huts and all kinds of accommodation in between – something to suit every budget. http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/accommodation/hotels http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/accommodation

Then check out the county’s main attractions. Whether you want family fun, a Romantic break, a literary pilgrimage, an immersion in the Arts, a wildlife safari, an extreme challenge, a shopping spree or a gastronomic adventure – there are days out for everyone in this surprising county. http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/visitor-attractions/all-attractions

With one National Park, Exmoor and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty including England’s first, the Quantocks, Somerset has much to offer those who enjoy the outdoor life whether on foot, horseback, cycling or dog walking. Up there with the UK’s top spots, Somerset has a number of impressive nature reserves including coastal and wetland. It also has the second longest stretch of sand in Europe. http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/countryside/exmoor-national-park http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/walking http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/escapes/activities/horseriding http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/cycling http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/free-days-out/nature-reserves

If it is culture you are after, Somerset has its own UNESCO World Heritage site to match its globally important landscapes – the City of Bath. Best known for its Georgian architecture and Roman Baths, Bath has many more hidden treasures that reward teasing out. Not far from Bath is England’s smallest city, Wells. What it might lack in size, Wells more than makes up for in places of interest such as its sumptuous Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. It is just one of many delightful places waiting to welcome you! http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/towns-and-villages/bath http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/wells-p500273 http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/wells-cathedral-p130513 http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/the-bishops-palace-p1354333

Photo credits and copyright: Visist Somerset

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Photo credits and copyright: Visist Somerset

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Photo credits and copyright: Visist Somerset

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really want to know. So I got together a group who I thought might be interested in helping me but everybody was very focused on the Lutyens Garden which had been restored in the 70s and nothing else, so I thought “I’ll do it myself!”

HESTERCOMBE

Restoring paradise – 25 years on

One of the finest examples of collaboration between world-renowned plants woman Gertrude Jekyll, and esteemed architect Edwin Lutyens is seen in the Edwardian Formal Garden, with Hestercombe unique in boasting three centuries of garden design. The Great Cascade is one of the major features of the gardens, with hidden “seats” placed at strategic points of the grounds to give visitors the very best views. The Georgian Landscape Garden offers a different experience at each turn, with the formal gardens creating hidden rooms, winding past the rills and wisteria-laden pergola. The Victorian Shrubbery links the formal and landscape gardens, designed by Coplestone Warre Bampfylde, originally created to mirror the stages of life.

Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset has come a long way from humble beginnings back in 1991, thanks to the vision and dedication of one man and an army of volunteers. Marking a 25-year milestone this October, Philip White, CEO of the Hestercombe Gardens Trust, has watched his idea of bringing an overgrown landscape back to life grow into the popular attraction it is today, with almost 80,000 people visiting each year.

Twenty-five years ago, walking the grounds of the Somerset Wildlife Trust offices, Philip White could see the outline of something wonderful, yet Hestercombe’s overgrown and dilapidated state meant that a team of volunteers and money from his own pocket would have to go into re-discovering the true beauty that lay beneath.

Philip said: “I used to walk up through the grounds which were just dense forestry and you could see the outlines of lakes but couldn’t see any of the buildings. I had a strong feeling that I wanted to restore it.

At the time the grounds were managed by the Crown Estate so I asked if they were going to open up any of the original views and they didn’t

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Now one of the leading tourist destinations in the area, Hestercombe is finally getting the recognition it deserves. As a successful wedding venue, the setting lends itself perfectly to couples enjoying their special day, in one of the country’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Since opening Hestercombe has seen one million visitors pass through its doors, almost 500 couples married in its stunning grounds and £7.5 million spent on restoration. More than 125,000 man hours have been given by dedicated volunteers.

Hestercombe House, which was previously owned by Somerset County Council, and acted as the headquarters for the Somerset Fire Brigade, was acquired by Hestercombe Gardens Trust in 2013 and is now home to a contemporary art gallery which showcases some of the best examples of modern art, a second hand bookshop, and the stunning Column Room Tea Rooms.

Looking forward to building on the success of Hestercombe’s restoration, plans to create a new 21stcentury garden, uncover what is believed to be the footprint of an Elizabethan water garden, and develop Hestercombe’s links with art and the landscape have been tabled for the next few years. The hope is to create new artists’

workspaces and gallery space within the house, and bring the house up-to-date with further restoration. An estimated £10million is needed to put the plans into action.

Find out more about the history and what’s on offer at Hestercombe at www.hestercombe.com

The Beautiful South East

One of the largest inhabited and complete castles in England, Arundel Castle is situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex. It was founded at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel and today is the family home of the 18th Duke of Norfolk.

Steeped in 1,000 years of history, Arundel Castle offers a full day out with guided and free-flow tours of the finely preserved castle rooms including the Baron’s Hall, 14th Century Catholic Fitzalan Chapel, Regency Library and Victorian bedrooms alongside opportunities to ascend the Norman Motte and Keep and enjoy The Collector Earl’s Garden which was opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2008.

Suited to visitors of all ages, the Castle offers an action packed calendar of historical events throughout the year.

The Castle is set to host a thrilling two-day Medieval Tournament this June (18-19). Medieval knights from up and down the country will take up arms and participate in the Tournament which will take place under the oldest part of the Castle, with a large tented encampment covering the American Lawns.

The highlight of the season is undoubtedly the Jousting and Medieval Tournament Week (26-31 July). A spectacle beyond any other seen at Arundel Castle, challengers from across the globe will converge on the Castle grounds, all hoping to be crowned champion of this prestigious jousting contest. Four teams will vie for glory and eight individual knights will compete for induction into the Order of Arundel.

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The finale of the illustrious Arundel Festival will see two classic Shakespeare plays performed in the Castle’s Collector Earl’s Garden with As You Like It on 26 August followed by Romeo & Juliet on 27 August. Surrounded by beautiful flowers, under moonlit skies, there really is no better setting to watch these classic performances play out.

The Castle is open Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive, May Bank Holiday Mondays & August Mondays until Sunday 30 October 2016.

Further information on Arundel Castle can be found at www.arundelcastle.org

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Ancient Castle, Stately Home & Gardens for more details, call 01903 882173 or visit www.arundelcastle.org

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The Hawk Conservancy Trust

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Award-winning visitor attraction and charity with world-class bird of prey flying displays, 22 acres to be explored and over 150 birds on view (and some to meet too!)

• • • • • • • •

Free entry for group travel organiser or leader Up to 15% discount for groups Free driver admission Driver voucher for £5 in Feathers Restaurant Ample free coach parking Fully accessible buildings and grounds 120 seat restaurant Free welcome talk

Pre-booking is required to take advantage of the full range of group benefits.

CONSERVATION EDUCATION RESEARCH REHABILITATION We are located just off the A303 near Andover, Hampshire

01264 773 850 www.hawkconservancy.org www.facebook/hawkconservancy

@HawkConservancy

CHARITY NO: 1092349

Cruise the Thames

Upper Thames Group Tours Explore the glorious ‘Wind in the Willows’ countryside aboard a Thames river cruise from Caversham in Berkshire. Relax and take in the luscious greenery of the Upper Thames. From Mapledurham House and Watermill to Goring, Streatley, Sonning and Henley. Groups can enjoy cruises to a range of local destinations.

How about dining in style?

Perhaps add a delicious cream tea to your cruise to Sonning, or a lively singalong on your cruise to Pangbourne? There’s something for everyone.

See our website for the full selection of cruises and extras including quality catering, entertainment and live music www.thamesrivercruise.co.uk.

Alternatively call us (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) 0118 948 1088 or email bookings@thamesrivercruise.co.uk.

River Excursions and Days out for Groups, Tour & Coach Operators Mapledurham House & Watermill Henley and Wargrave Goring and Streatley Sonning on Thames and more...

For more info on river boat excursions and packages including quality catering, live music and entertainment visit www.thamesrivercruise.co.uk Talk to us 0118 948 108 or bookings@thamesrivercruise.co.uk

Historic Boat Trips o n t h e R i v er T h am e s

Royal Garden and River Cruise Cruise & visit to Savill Garden with lunch and tea

2016 year of the English Garden

Sights include: Windsor Castle, Royal Farm & Runnymede Magna Carta Memorials frenchbrothers.co.uk 01753 827345 Quote GDO16

Explore 300 years of history at Blenheim Palace

Uncover the Past at Hampton Court Palace

Blenheim Palace is the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This World Heritage Site boasts over 300 years of history to discover and is set in more than 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland and Formal Gardens.

With so much to explore, Blenheim Palace guarantees groups an unforgettable day out with a host of events, tours and exhibitions.

Visit in 2016 and celebrate our landscape with an exhibition, trail and other activities commemorating ‘Capability’ Brown on the 300th anniversary of his birth.

From 28th April - 4th September 2016 a temporary exhibition: The Empress and the Gardener will bring 60 watercolour painting of the Hampton Court Estate by John Spyers. The drawings are the only surviving records of how Hampton Court Gardens looked when Capability Brown was in charge.

Groups can enjoy added value exhibitions throughout the year as well as admission in to the magnificent Henry VIII State Apartments, Young Henry exhibition, the Baroque Palace of William & Mary, the Tudor Kitchens and the Triumphs of Caesar

by Andrea Mantegna in one admission ticket. Groups of 15 or more can also enjoy a 10% discount on admission rates.

Find out more at www.blenheimpalace.com

Visit www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/ to find out more.

THE MUSEUM OF ARMY FLYING OVER 100 YEARS OF THE BRITISH ARMY IN THE AIR

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Open daily from 10am Apache Café from 9am Live Airfield Views Tours and packages available on request Free parking with space for coaches

The Museum of Army Flying Middle Wallop, Hampshire, SO20 8DY 01264 784421 info@flying-museum.org.uk

www.armyflying.com

Waddesdon Manor

guests congregated there before going into dinner in the adjoining Dining Room.

Once the country home of the Rothschilds, Waddesdon Manor is a Renaissance-style château housing one of the finest collections of French 18th century decorative arts in the world. The Victorian garden has a parterre, aviary, seasonal displays, fountains and statuary.

Top quality food and wines are served throughout the day in the restaurants, and the award-winning shops offer a superb range of gifts and wine.

For the 2016 season the 17th -century Savonnerie carpet, commissioned by Louis XIV, will be substituted with a reproduction of the carpet, allowing visitors to circulate more freely in the room and to see paintings and furniture close-up.

The 2016 season provides an abundance of new highlights to offer visitors. Two exhibitions in particular, will appeal to Groups with opportunities to see the Red Drawing Room in the House in a completely different way, welcoming visitors into the Manor as a 19th century house guest would have done. The Red Drawing Room is the central room of the house, connecting the main door with the formal gardens to the south. Baron Ferdinand’s

From 8 June an exciting new ceramics exhibition at the Coach House features new work from ceramic artist, Kate Malone, inspired by the gardens, collections and archive at Waddesdon. She has drawn inspiration from many elements of the collections, including Sèvres porcelain and works on paper and passementerie (decorative tassles, braids and fringing).

For opening times and group rates call 01296 653209 Deborah.read@waddesdon.org.uk www.waddesdon.org.uk

KATE MALONE: INSPIRED BY WADDESDON 8 June-23 October Wednesday-Sunday

Rothschild Collections

Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk Free for National Trust and Art Fund members

SECRETS REVEALED Discover the top secret Codebreaking world of WW2 Bletchley Park, where pencils and brains helped win the war.

Junction 13 on the M1 or just 45 minutes from London Euston railway station.

Open daily to visitors. www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Secrets Revealed at Bletchely Park

Discover what life was for the World War Two Codebreakers with a day out at Bletchley Park. The listed, historic buildings and landscape have been returned to their 1940s appearance and feel, giving visitors a real sense of wartime Britain’s codebreaking heart. The work undertaken at Bletchley Park and its outstations helped shorten WW2, saving countless lives. Find out how as you stroll around this atmospheric heritage attraction.

The site is a combination of indoor and outdoor space. The buildings, now restored, were built in the 1940s for the 9,000 or so men and women who worked here in complete secrecy.

Visitors are encouraged to roam the site at their leisure and use the free maps, which point out areas of interest. Free multimedia guides help visitors to explore the landscape at Bletchley Park and discover its fascinating stories in the places where they happened.

Individuals and groups can enter the iconic Codebreaking Huts, faithfully recreated to their wartime settings, and see for themselves where the extraordinary work took place under rudimentary conditions. Evocative displays and clever recordings discreetly overheard around the site help visitors learn about the stories of the remarkable men and women who worked to make such vital contributions to the war effort and British history. The Block C Visitor Centre offers visitors a breath-taking introductory exhibition, an interactive Cybersecurity exhibition, explaining what happened here and how the debate continues on secrecy and its importance to national security, and The Road to Bletchley Park, an exhibition which adds context to the WW2 work at Bletchley Park by explaining codebreaking’s World War One history.

Pre-booked groups benefit from a significant discount on admissions and the official guidebook. They can also take advantage of our Winter Discount group booking scheme, which offers even lower prices until 29 February 2016.

Groups start from 12 people. Coaches are welcome and need to pre-book for arrival and departure times. Groups are dropped off and collected in front of the Visitor Centre and coaches can park nearby for free – only a 10 minute walk from the site. Coach drivers and tour organisers can also visit the site free. Please contact Group Bookings to learn more and to make a booking. Contact details are groupbookings@bletchleypark.org.uk or 01908 272673.

Visitors can also spend time in the Victorian Mansion, which houses The Imitation Game, The Exhibition. Featuring props from the film, it is located in the very room where the movie’s bar scenes were filmed. As well as other exhibitions, visitors can stop by the coffee shop or cafe, enjoy a picnic by the lake and visit the gift shop.

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The vibrant market town of Guildford, surrounded by the Surrey Hills offers days out groups of all ages and interests.

Visit Guildford

Guildford Tourist Information Centre has information to help you plan your day, give directions and suggest places to visit or events you probably never knew existed – as well as places to stay ranging from town centre hotels within easy walking distance of attractions and shops, to country manor hotels in the peaceful countryside.

Guildford is ideally situated for visitors to explore the whole of South East England. Well served by the M3 and M25 and just 35 minutes by train from central London and 50 minutes by car to Windsor. But visitors find so much to do in the surrounding area, they often don’t want to venture very far!

Guildford town centre is steeped in heritage and many sites are free to visit including The Guildhall, Guildford Museum, The Undercroft, Guildford House Gallery and the castle grounds. Climb to the top of the Great Tower for the most stunning views of the surrounding countryside, or take a free guided walk with the town guides. Just outside the town centre is Guildford Cathedral – one of the most modern cathedrals in England being only 50 years old. With plenty of coach parking, its an ideal opportunity to stop for coffee, lunch or tea at the Refectory, explore the gift shop and the book shop, or let one of the knowledgeable cathedral guides take you on a tour. You will also get spectacular views over Guildford and the Surrey Hills.

Enjoy a relaxing stroll by the river and stop at a riverside pub for lunch to enjoy fresh local produce and locally produced ales from the Hogs Back Brewery or local wines from Denbies Wine Estate and Albury Vineyard – or maybe even some Silent Pool Gin! Head to the National Trust Dapdune Wharf to learn all about the history of the Wey Navigations and take a boat trip to see Guildford from a different angle!

Explore Surrey’s visual arts with a visit to Watts Gallery - featured in the TV programme Restoration, coming 2nd and reopened following extensive work, the delightful shop and tea room and beautiful countryside make this an ideal stop. 2016 saw the opening of the artist’s studio in Limnerslease – so allow at least a half day for this attraction as there is so much to see.

What visit is complete without a bit of retail therapy! Guildford has two undercover shopping malls, so you can still shop till you drop on a rainy day! We recommend you explore the little side streets off the High Street as they are full of quirky independent shops, but you can find all the High Street brands and designer shops too! The Farmers Market takes place on the first Tuesday of every month with the best of local produce and lots of tastings too! Regular craft markets also take place around the town including on the Town Bridge.

Guildford Book Festival takes place every October, bringing nationally and internationally renowned authors to the town and to a range of venues. Do look out for other events and festivals including the International Music Festival, Surrey Hills Music Festival, Guildford Summer Festival, Surrey County Show, Weyfest and Dunsfold Wings and Wheels .

Guildford is renowned for entertainment. You can enjoy quality drama at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre, a concert, show or comedy at G Live or the Electric Theatre. The Guildford Fringe Festival takes places throughout July staging music, drama and comedy in a range of intimate venues throughout the town including several pubs and a small theatre space (www.guildfordfringe.com). The Guildford Summer Festival (June-August) sees performances in exciting outdoor spaces like the Castle Grounds and the Law College– the perfect summer evening of delicious picnic and quality theatre.

Explore the Surrey Hills Area of Natural Beauty, renowned as the home of road cycling, and stunning countryside walks. You can even cycle the Olympic road cycling race route! There are plenty of walks too, from a gentle stroll to a 10 mile hike. Visit a park such as Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming, or an historic house like Hatchlands Park or Polesden Lacey (all National Trust) or the privately owned Loseley Park – which regularly appears on TV as the backdrop to drama’s such as Midsummer Murders.

Contact Guildford Tourist Information Centre on 01483 444333 for a list of current events or visit www.visitguildford.com or email tic@guildford.gov.uk.

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Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds

Oxfordshire is the perfect place for a quintessentially English trip.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, a family friendly summer holiday or a day trip to see the dreaming spires of Oxford, there’s something for everyone in the county.

It couldn’t be easier to get to, being only an hour away by train on the Great Western Railway or Chiltern Railway lines.

Alternatively you can hop on one either the Oxford Bus Company’s X90 coach or Stagecoaches’ Oxford Tube at a host of different spots across the capital and get to Oxfordshire for a bargain price.

The city of Oxford is rich in culture, history and heritage. Home to the oldest University in the English speaking world, every step you take in Oxford is following in the footsteps of great figures through history. As a fairly small city, in Oxford it’s easy to reach everything on foot, so why not take of advantage of this and explore the entire city on an Oxford Official Walking Tour. The Oxford University and City Tour is a fantastic way to explore the city, illustrating the history of Oxford and the University, and traditions of its most famous buildings and institutions.

The city is awash with fabulous museums. The Ashmolean is the oldest university museum in the world. Take a visit and see collections ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, as well as fantastic temporary collections; if you visit before the 15th of May you’ll be able to catch the Andy Warhol: Works from the Hall Collection which features over a hundred works from the Hall Collection spanning Warhol’s entire output, ranging from the iconic 1960s pieces to the experimental works of his last decade.

The Museum of Natural History is another delight, where you

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can see the University of Oxford’s internationally recognised collection of zoological specimens, including the Oxfordshire dinosaurs and the Dodo! If you venture to Long Wittenham you can visit the Pendon Museum, and discover what the Vale of the White Horse was like in the 1920s and 1930s thanks to their miniature village, and see an enthralling record of the railways of the time. More rail history can be found at Didcot Railway Centre, where they have recreated the golden age of Great Western Railway, and they also run regular day family events where you can meet Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, Alternatively you could visit the quirky Story Museum, where you can step through a wardrobe to Narnia, snuggle up in a ginormous bed and listen to a story or explore their fantastic, immersive Animal exhibition – this one’s a favourite for the kids and parents alike!

Down in the south of Oxfordshire is the River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames. This is home to three galleries dedicated to rowing, rivers and the history of town, and of course there’s the wonderful Wind in the Willows exhibition – an interactive celebration of the magic of Ratty, Mole and Mr Toad. And if you’re in Henley why not hop on one of the Hobbs of Henley river cruises and experience Oxfordshire from the water?

Oxfordshire is a great destination for families, with a host of exciting and interesting attractions to suit those of all ages. In central Oxford you could take a trip around the Oxford Castle on an Oxford Castle Unlocked tour, where there costumed guides will regale you with fascinating stories as you explore 1000 years of history.

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Over in the Cotswolds there is the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is a delight for the entire family. With stunning gardens and over 250 species of animal, it’s easy to spend a day ambling around the beautiful grounds. Make sure you catch the penguin feedings, take a walk through their Madagascar walk through (where you come face to face with lemurs) and visit the two baby rhinos! If you’re an animal fan it’s also worth visiting Crocodiles of the World, the UK’s only crocodile zoo, or Millets Farm which has goats, cows, birds and many more farm animals along with their falconry centre!

If you’re in the Cotswolds and looking for a fabulous family friendly place to stay the perfect choice is the Old Swan & Minster Mill, where children are made to feel welcome from the moment their arrive with bath ducks and teddy bears galore, as well as other treats and an outdoor adventure playground.

And don’t worry Mum and Dad, the luxury five star hotel has treats for you too, in the form of an indulgent spa and delicious gastropub!

Also in the Cotswolds is Cogges Manor Farm, a great place for children to explore the outdoors and see bats and badgers; make dens and conquer the Cogges Castle adventure play area. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, Cogges must be top of your ‘to visit’ list, as it recently featured in Downton as Yew Tree Farm.

Of course, if you’re a Downton fan, Oxfordshire is the backdrop to a lot of the series. In the Cotswold village of Bampton you can discover Mrs Crawley’s house and the nearby church which featured heavily in the series.

A visit to Oxfordshire isn’t complete without a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace. There you can wander the rolling parkland which was designed by renowned landscape architect Capability Brown, explore the stunning formal gardens and marvel at the 18th century baroque architecture. And you might even recognise Blenheim Palace from the big screen, having appeared in Cinderella, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and the latest James Bond instalment, Spectre, to name but a few!

Oxfordshire is the setting for many other popular film and television series. Fans of Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour can explore some of Morse’s favourite pubs like The White Horse and The King’s Arms in Oxford, as well as the eponymous Morse Bar at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel.

For Harry Potter fans, you must visit Christ Church to see the Tudor dining hall which inspired the Hogwarts Great Hall. It’s also worth a trip to the Bodleian to Duke Humfrey’s Library, which was used as the Hogwart’s library in the films, as well as the Divinity School which was the infirmary.

Of course Oxfordshire doesn’t just appear on screens; it also boasts a wealth of literary history.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland were first told on the 4th of July 1862 by the Oxford don Charles Dodgson, aka Lewis Carroll. He took the 10-year-old Alice Liddell on a boat trip up the River Thames, and to entertain the Alice and her sisters he told them story about a girl who fell down a rabbit hole into a world called Wonderland. After the trip Charles Dodgson was persuaded to write down the story by Alice, and thus the first manuscript of Alice in Wonderland was published.

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Within Oxfordshire there are many attractions you can visit that boast fantastic Alice in Wonderland themed tours and events.

Oxford River Cruises run Mad Hatters Tea Party cruises, where you can indulge in a fantastic afternoon tea whilst following the same route up the river that Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell took on the famous ‘Golden Afternoon’ in 1862, when he created the story to entertain Alice and her sisters. Experience Oxfordshire Official Walking Tours run a When Alice Met Harry themed walking tour, where you can explore the world of wonder of Alice in Wonderland in Oxford. And of course there’s the fantastic Alice’s Day. Every year Oxford celebrates all things Alice. This year it’ll take place on the 2nd of July, with fantastic events happening all over the city.

Fans of Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy can walk around Lyra’s city, and of course, take a trip to the beautiful Botanical Gardens and take a seat on Will and Lyra’s bench. And of course it’s well worth visiting the Eagle and Child pub in central Oxford, where writers C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien used to meet to discuss literature and read their work aloud.

For those who want to shop till they drop Oxford city centre has a wealth of quirky, independent shops as well as the high street brand; and if you want to pick up some bargains why not take a trip to chic outlet centre Bicester Village? Bicester Village is now accessible via a Chiltern Railways train from Oxford Parkway to Bicester Village station – so it’s easier than ever to get to!

Oxfordshire is a beautiful county full of history and heritage, as well as some fabulous family friendly attractions. It’s well worth a visit, be it for a day, a long weekend or a week, there’s something that interests everyone and plenty of fantastic attractions to fill a busy holiday!

For more information on Oxfordshire or inspiration in planning your trip to the county contact Experience Oxfordshire at www.experienceoxfordshire.org 01865 686430, info@experienceoxfordshire.org

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BROUGHTON CASTLE Banbury Oxfordshire OX15 5EB Tel 01295 276070 info@broughtoncastle.com www.broughtoncastle.com

Historic 14th House within moat.

Location for many films including Shakespeare in Love Walled garden with old roses and fine herbaceous borders Tearoom and Shop - Free Car park 2 Miles from Banbury on B4035 OPEN DAYS

1st May – 14th September on Wednesdays, Sundays & All Bank Holiday Mondays (including Easter) 2-5pm.

Also Thursdays throughout July and August.

Groups welcome by appointment throughout the year.

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For glorious walks, beautiful plants, scrumptious food and fabulous gifts, visit Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre.

Just a mile from historic Moreton-in-Marsh, Batsford Arboretum is a great day out for all the family and Cotswold Tourism’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2013.

Visit our website at www.batsarb.co.uk to find out more and for news of our lovely events.

BATSFORD ARBORETUM & GARDEN CENTRE Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AB 01386 701441 arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk www.batsarb.co.uk Open every day except Christmas Day, 10am to 5pm.

KELMSCOTT MANOR THE COTSWOLD RETREAT OF WILLIAM MORRIS

VISITING HOURS (APRIL – OCTOBER) General Open Days: Wednesday and Saturday, 11am to 5pm Explore our riverside gardens, enjoy homemade food in our licensed tearoom and visit our shop for beautiful contemporary crafts and other gift ideas

BECOME A FRIEND OF KELMSCOTT MANOR Support conservation at Kelmscott Manor and receive FREE entry and on-site discounts Best Small Visitor Attraction (Cotswolds Tourism, 2014) Certificate of Excellence (TripAdvisor, 2014) One of the “10 Greatest Places to See English Art” (Telegraph, 2013) Kelmscott Manor, Kelmscott, Lechlade GL7 3HJ Tel: 01367 252486 | Email: admin@kelmscottmanor.org.uk Web: www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk | Twitter: @KelmscottManor

0974 *the recommended retail price. © Bicester Village 2014 Photographed in Bicester Village. A member of the Chic Outlet Shopping ® Collection of Villages.

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Sulgrave Manor – The Birthplace of the United States!

This delightful 16th century Manor House, the ancestral home of George Washington, can lay claim to this remarkable statement, for it was a son of this house who’s loyalty to King Charles I resulted in his son seeking a new life in a new world.

to celebrate a centenary of peace between the two countries.

Few places in the world have such a significant and unsung history as Sulgrave, which is recognised by World Monuments Fund as a place of international historical importance.

View the wonderful Tudor and Georgian artefacts and the largest collection of George Washington memorabilia held outside the United States whilst listening to your guide tell the adventures of the Washington family and how George came to be in Virginia to lead a people to freedom and independence in the 18th Century.

The House Guides tell stories in a light hearted and intriguing manner, bringing something of themselves to their audience. The Buttery serves delicious homemade food and the cakes and cream teas are dangerously good!

Group rates for parties of 15 or more, off road parking and gift shop and 3 acres of beautiful gardens to wander.

Then hear the story of peace and friendship as Sulgrave For more information: 01295 760205, Manor is uniquely owned by the peoples of the United enquiries@sulgravemanor.org.uk , States and the United Kingdom, having been bought in 1914 www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

The Home of George Washington’s Ancestors

Free Car parking Beautiful Gardens Disabled facilities Lovely Buttery, serving delicious homemade light lunches and cakes Light hearted Guided Tours of the Manor House Children’s activities Home of the National Garden of the Herb Society Please see website for opening times www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

Tel: 01295 760205

Heritage, Herriot & Heirlooms

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Three of North Yorkshire’s premier attractions opportunity to see collections and memorabilia The World of The Garden Rooms have teamed up to provide a unique and easy to and take a light lunch or The creamWensleydale tea at The Garden Rooms at Tennants, one of the arrange group visit to the Yorkshire Dales James Herriot at Tennants Railway “Herriot Country”. leading regional auction houses in the country.

Visit all three and you’ll help your guests to All three attractions can be booked together at enjoy a fabulous experience through some of an all-inclusive group travel price in this unique Yorkshire’s finest countryside from the partnership, especially for groups.

Wensleydale Railway, see inside the original home of world famous vet James Herriot at the It’s easy to arrange, simply call 0845 838 6338 or of James Herriot in Thirsk, plusRooms the at TennantsEmail: take3@greatpotential.co.uk TheWorld multi-award-winning World of James Herriot The Garden is a truly unique venue The Wensleydale Railway is an authentic heritage

Heritage, Herriot & Heirlooms

(WoJH) pays homage to the life and times of the and incorporates a restaurant, a fully stocked bar and a railway, offering visitors, families and transport _________________________________________________________________________________________________ world’s most famous vet, Alf Wight OBE. self-service café. Light lunches or more leisurely afterenthusiasts a great value day out in the Yorkshire noon teas are included in our Heritage, Herriot and Dales (Herriot Country) with lots to see and do Heirlooms Groups Welcome partnership. along the way.

Set in the former Thirsk surgery and home of Alf Wight, WoJH brings to life his colourful story: his The Wensleydale Railway is a wonderful heritage See collections and memorabilia, hear talks from our lifetime’s work as a vet and his ever popular specialists in art and collectables (prior arrangement and experience for groups between visits to The Garden writing as ‘James Herriot’. supplement), there will always be something to entertain Rooms at Tennants and The World of James Herriot. and it’s a unique experience for groups. Allow an hour and Start and finish points can be from either end of the Allowing around an hour for a self-guided visit, a half to two hours for a self-guided visit. line or can be for trips both ways. (Please check WoJH is ideal for group travel guests. about timetable and private charter bookings.)

The World of James Herriot

The multi-award-winning World of James Herriot (WoJH) pays homage to the life and times of the world’s most famous vet, Alf Wight OBE. Set in the former Thirsk surgery and home of Alf Wight, WoJH brings to life his colourful story: his lifetime’s work as a vet and his ever popular writing as ‘James Herriot’.

Allowing around an hour for a self-guided visit, WoJH is ideal for group travel guests.

The Garden Rooms at Tennants

The Wensleydale Railway

The Garden Rooms at Tennants is a truly unique venue and incorporates a restaurant, a fully stocked bar and a self-service café. Light lunches or more leisurely afternoon teas are included in our Heritage, Herriot and Heirlooms Groups Welcome partnership.

The Wensleydale Railway is an authentic heritage railway, offering visitors, families and transport enthusiasts a great value day out in the Yorkshire Dales (Herriot Country) with lots to see and do along the way.

See collections and memorabilia, hear talks from our specialists in art and collectables (prior arrangement and supplement), there will always be something to entertain and it’s a unique experience for groups. Allow an hour and a half to two hours for a self-guided visit.

The Wensleydale Railway is a wonderful heritage experience for groups between visits to The Garden Rooms at Tennants and The World of James Herriot.

Start and finish points can be from either end of the line or can be for trips both ways. (Please check about timetable and private charter bookings.)

Heritage, Herriot & Heirlooms Group Welcome to North Yorkshire Easy to reach via A1(M) North Yorkshire

Visit Stoke-on-Trent Best of Stoke-on-Trent Minutes from J15 and J16 of the M6 Portmeirion Factory Shops Stoke: 01782 411756/743649 Longton: 01782 326661 Trentham: 01782 657828/743418 portmeirion.co.uk

The Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Groups Hotline: 0844 871 7619 atgtickets.com/stoke

Stoke-on-Trent Museums Gladstone Pottery Museum 01782 237777

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery 01782 232323 stoke.gov.uk/museum

Trentham Gardens & Shopping Village Get

10%

FREE

Discounrt for you group

01782 645215/646646 trentham.co.uk

Trentham Monkey Forest 01782 659845 monkey-forest.com

World of Wedgwood 01782 282986 worldofwedgwood.com

Request your Passport

For further information, incentives available, a free copy of the group guide, coach passport and discount vouchers, and help with itinerary planning contact Visit Stoke-on-Trent 01782 236084 potteries@stoke.gov.uk visitstoke.co.uk/groups Twitter.com/visitstoke

Facebook.com/visitstoke

VISITSTOKE.CO.UK

Visit Stoke on Trent - The Potteries

Stoke-on-Trent is a unique City affectionately known as The Potteries. With its rich industrial heritage it has respectfully claimed the title of World Capital of Ceramics.

Less than an hour’s drive from Birmingham and Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent is a fantastic destination for groups. Visit our award-winning ceramic museums and visitor centres, and go on a factory tour and learn about the sills and craftsmanship that go into producing our famous pottery. Have a go at creating your own masterpiece with the many hands-on opportunities available, and shop till you drop with the many pottery factory shops in the City.

World-famous brands such as Wedgwood, Moorcroft, Spode, Aynsley and Portmeirion, are all based in the City.

The history and heritage of the area is well preserved at numerous locations across the city including Middleport Pottery, the filming location for the BBC’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, and the award-winning Gladstone Pottery Museum, the most complete Victorian pottery factory in the UK, boasting interactive exhibitions and a “Flushed with Pride” tribute to toilets past, present and future!

The World of Wedgwood, which opened its doors to visitors in July 2015, is a brand new unique visitor experience celebrating the very best of British industrial and design heritage. Experience Wedgwood for the day through spectacular shopping, food and visitor tours.

Stoke-on-Trent – which hit the horticultural headlines thirty years ago, by hosting the 1986 National Garden Festival – is now set to take a leading role in one of the most important horticultural celebrations in recent times: the tercentenary of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in 2016.

The Trentham Estate – voted as Countryfile magazine’s “Garden of the Year” in 2015 and named in VisitEngland’s 2016 Ten of the Best Gardens for Groups – became one of Brown’s most celebrated successes, and is now currently involved in one of the biggest parkland projects in Britain, to rediscover Capability’s lost landscape and enhancing it with breath taking contemporary planting on a truly vast scale.

The Trentham Estate is also home to Trentham Shopping, where you will find a unique shopping experience in a lovely friendly village atmosphere; and Trentham Monkey Forest, the only place in Britain where you can walk amongst 140 Barbary macaques roaming free in 60 acres of beautiful English forest.

Other spectacular garden attractions include the Dorothy Clive Garden and Biddulph Grange Garden, where your group will be taken on a tour of the world from Italy to the pyramids of Egypt, a Victorian vision of China and re-creation of a Himalayan glen.

Elsewhere - in a Cultural Quarter which also boasts The Regent Theatre and The Victoria Hall - The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is famous for housing the finest collection of Staffordshire ceramics in the world. These days, however, it is also ‘home’ to the Staffordshire Hoard - the largest ever ‘find’ of Anglo-Saxon gold treasure in the UK - valued by the British Museum at £3.285-million.

For further information, incentives available, a free copy of the group guide, coach passport and discount vouchers, and help with itinerary planning contact Visit Stoke-on-Trent on 01782 236084, email potteries@stoke.gov.uk or visit www.visitstoke.co.uk/groups

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Go back in time in Norfolk...

Discover Worcestershire

Bressingham has been the official home to the Dads Army Appreciation Society’s collection since 2000.

The exhibition comprises a recreation of Walmington on Sea the fictional home to Captain Mainwaring and his men. The Church Hall, where we show episodes the Bressingham collection is featured in, Captain Mainwaring’s office – here you can try on Home Guard uniforms. Along the street there is Jones’ Butchers shop, Swallow Bank, Frasers Funeral parlour as well as Walmington on Sea Post Office, a printers and Toy Shop.

Bressingham was happy to lend to the BBC some of its historic collection to feature in the show, Traction Engines and Rollers feature in episodes but probably the most memorable exhibit in the Bressingham collection is the Fire Engine. You can also see the staff car Pike took his girl to the pictures in, Jones’ Butchers Van and the town dustcart – both as featured in the feature film of the 1970s.

The Television Series ‘Dad’s Army’ ran from 1968 to 1977 with a total of 80 episodes - and you can still catch the repeats to this

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day, over 30 years after the filming of the very first episode. Who can forget the inimitable characters played by Clive Dunn, Arthur Lowe, John Laurie, John Le Mesurier, Jim Beck, Ian Lavender, Arnold Ridley, Frank Williams, Edward Sinclair and Bill Pertwee! Not only did the show make household names of these main characters, but it also brought a host of other ‘comedy faces’ to our television screens for the very first time.

The series was filmed in and around Thetford (including the Stanford training area) and included many local residents from the surrounding countryside.

The release of the 2016 Feature Film only goes to show how the show has lived on un the minds of the public, and is always ready to gently amuse the young and the old of every generation.

The Dads Army exhibition is housed amongst the steam exhibits of road and rail at Bressingham alongside 18 acres of stunning Bloom family gardens.

G a r d e n s | G a r d e n C e n t r e| S t e a m M u s e u m

w w w. br e s s i n g h a m . c o . u k

Open 10:30am - 5:00pm visit www.bressingham.co.uk for further details Tel 01379 686900

A Grand Day Out for Groups

Open Weds - Sun 11am - 5pm

Plus bank holidays & some school holidays

Worcestershire’s Hidden Gem all year round...

Take a step back in time and watch the Severn Valley Railway trains steam across the hill from one of our magnificent signposted walks. Arley Arboretum & Gardens provide an idyllic escape into nature and history for you and your family to learn, laugh and play.

Maze Find your way to the centre of our twisty, turny maze to find the viewing platform - a perfect spot for photos!

Garden Tea Room Selection of freshly prepared hot and cold food, handmade cakes and a range of beverages.

Discounts and tours available 7 days a week for groups of 20 or more.

Group Tours (For groups of 20+) One of the best ways to see the Arboretum is to have a tour from our head gardener Mark. With his vast knowledge of the plants and trees the Arboretum has to offer, you will learn loads!

At just £2 extra per person, the tours last for approximately 90 minutes and can be arranged to fit in with the structure of your groups day out. Available 7 days a week.

offers! & s w e n , ts n ve e r fo k o o b Follow us on Face

k .u o .c m u t e r o b r a y le www.ar *T&C’s apply. Some events on select days only. Some features are an additional cost. Please check website for more information. E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust. Reg. No. 1154467

Discover Worcestershire There are around 600 species of trees at the arboretum including, Crimean Pines, Cedars and Wellingtonias, some of which are the UK’s tallest and widest in girth and date back to the founding of the arboretum in the 1820s. There are also stunning magnolias, an acer garden and the UKs longest Laburnum arch.

We have a tea room which provides hot and cold drinks with snacks and light hot and cold meals, or you can enjoy the use of our picnickers’ area and bring your own picnic. We are also dog friendly as long as they are kept on a lead.

Join us at Arley Arboretum and Gardens for a day of nature with friends or the family. During the most school holiday’s children under 16 get free admission.

So put on a good pair of shoes and come and join us for the day, for exercise, education and lots of fresh air.

We have children’s activity trails, a maze and a play area to keep the little ones occupied for the whole day.

Visit our website at www.arleyarboretum.co.uk for dates of our extra activities including forest school, mini adventurers, pond dipping, leaf recognition, mini beast safari and our nature explorers.

Take a step back in time and wander freely around our 40 acres of pure nature with 3 acres enclosed by listed walls including our beautiful Italian Garden with its magnificent fountain. Stop at our viewing point to look across the River Severn to see the timeless Severn Valley Railway steaming past.

We have recently introduced two blue peacocks and two white peacocks and some doves to go with our chickens in our walled garden.

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THE PERFECT DAY OUT FOR ANY GROUP! Journey back in time & enjoy a leisurely 16 mile steam train ride along the beautiful Severn Valley.

Make a stop at The Engine House Visitor Centre, where you can view our locomotives, The King George VI Royal Saloon and much more.

Restaurant facilities are available for a hot meal, snack or just a drink.

Groups of 15-300 can be booked in advance, generous discounts available.

For further information contact the Assistant Visitor Services Manager Tel: 01299 403816 E-mail: grouptravel@svr.co.uk The Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 1BG

www.svr.co.uk

AS THE LONGEST HERITAGE RAILWAY IN ENGLAND WE ARE MILE FOR MILE BETTER VALUE CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

OF STEAMING TO THE SEASIDE

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WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY

Travel with the the family and enjoy 20 Miles of steam train travel through the Quantock Hills and along the Exmoor Coast.

Buy your rover tickets now through our website and quote the promotional code GDOMARCH at the checkout to receive an additional 15% off already discounted tickets!

This offer is only valid on advanced day rovers and would be valid for any Red, Orange, Green or Yellow day on our timetable this includes being valid on meet and greet days too!

Peppa Pig and George 30th April 2016 Paddington 28th May 2016 Fireman Sam 18th June 2016 Shaun the Sheep 3rd September 2016 Follow the link below to book.

www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or telephone 01643 704996