A Grand Day Out for Groups in the UK - Issue 8

A GRAND DAY OUT

Issue 8

FOR GROUPS IN THE UK

VISIT LONDON

EXPLORE LANCASHIRE

DELIGHTFUL DORSET EXPERIENCE YORKSHIRE

DISCOVER KENT HISTORICAL NEWARK

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

WELCOME to Issue 8

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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Pinterest: A Grand Day Out Front Cover and back cover Photo credit - Visit London - Diana Jarvis

London It’s Great for Groups!

London has so much to offer and everyone who visits will be intent on gaining as much from their trip as they can. Some visitors will want to experience the culture, heading to the national museums or art galleries. For others, a visit to the capital wouldn’t be complete without watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, feeding the pigeons in Trafalgar Square or taking a selfie or two in front of The Houses of Parliament.

However, there is even more to London than originally meets the eye. Maybe you want to experience the cocktail bars, the nightlife or the diverse array of food which is on offer? If so, read on for a little taste of London.

It Wouldn’t Be A Visit to London Without A Trip to the Pub

Pubs are intertwined with British culture and you truly get a feel for the city when you experience it propping up the bar. Pubs are also rich in history and a visit can tell you just as much about was had happened down the centuries as a tour of a museum can. If you want to find out where everyone else is heading these 5 most popular pubs, according to Trip Adviser, are a great place to start.

1. The Mayflower Pub, Rotherhithe. Stepping inside this pub is like a stepping back to the 16th century, although of course all the facilities have been brought right up to date. It’s the oldest pub on the Thames and the original mooring point of the Mayflower Ship, before The Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America.

2. The Queen’s Head, Piccadilly Circus. This is the oldest independent pub in London and it offers great food in its tucked away upstairs restaurant. If you are caught up in the hustle and bustle of central London, this is the place to head.

Photo credit - Visit London

Popular Spots

It might be a cliché but it really is worth heading to some of the main tourist hotspots. Partly because you can then always say you have experienced them and also because they really are worth seeing. There are plenty of ways to get around the capital so you could download an app and navigate the streets on foot, head down to the Tube or even get a great view of all the main sights from the upper deck of an open-topped bus.

There are many others which you also don’t want to miss. Here is an extensive list of the most popular site seeing destinations, so you won’t miss anything: London eye, Tower of London, Tower bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The British Museum, The Palace of Westminster, London Dungeon, Globe Theatre, National Gallery, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Natural History Museum, Churchill’s War rooms, London Zoo, Tate Modern....

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3. The Andover Arms, Hammersmith. This offers everything you would expect from a British pub, a cheery welcome and a great lunch and dinner menu. If you are in town at the weekend, why not head along and enjoy their regular Sunday quiz night.

4. The Victoria, Paddington. If you have enjoyed a long walk around Hyde Park the nearby Victoria offers rest, good food and great company. It might even make you smile to realise that Charles Dickens spent some time just where you are sitting, as he penned sections of his novel, Our Mutual Friend, whilst enjoying a beer.

5. The Churchill Arms, Kensington. The history of the Churchill Arms is quite fascinating. The pub has a long history, being built in 1750. However, it only gained its current name after the Second World War and it was due to the fact that Winston Churchill’s grandparents used to regularly drink in the bar. Drop by to have a beer and see all the Churchill memorabilia on display.

Secret Spots:

Top Destinations for Nightlife

Tamesis Dock: If you are wondering around parliament, this is a perfect stop for a break just an 8-minute walk from parliament.

Take a walk just over the bridge, turn right, and carry on walking until you see it. It is a pub on a boat, docked up on the Thames. On top of the dock is a seating area, where you can watch the sunset over parliament and the surrounding city with a cold beer, and some great pub food.

London nightlife is awash with diversity and eclecticism. No matter who you are or what your preferences are, there is a community out there that shares your values, be it top-quality claret, raucous cabaret, endless comedy or all-night clubbing. The following is a list of three neighbourhoods famed for their unique nightlife and why they need to be checked out: 1. Camden Town Camden is the kookiest, wackiest part of London, where all manner of arts are celebrated and encouraged. The markets contain bargain handmade clothes and leather goods, foods from all over the world and artwork in abundant. You’ll find the pubs and street corners buzzing with quirky characters and loud live music. Check out The Hawley Arms for rock star fame and Camden Town Brewery to see where the infamous Camden Beer is brewed.

A Cheeky Secret on the Cheap. (Keep this one hush): If you are looking for a quiet place to have some very cheap drinks in the center of London, well you are very lucky you have read this article. If you are travelling on the underground, you will likely come across Euston Square. Get off! Most people will go and spend a huge amount at the Euston Tap down the road (worth a look though). However even closer, 10 meters from the main exit, you will see 336 in big text on the nearest building. Forgive me for not giving the street name, I won’t make it that easy for you. Go in and turn immediately to the door on your right. For 2.50 as pint, where you will usually pay around 6, this is the place to have a few cheeky ones, before you move on to the next thing on your agenda. Don’t believe me? Look for yourself.

2. Shoreditch Shoreditch is one for late night bars and street food.

There’s practically a street food festival on every street, and a new bar or restaurant at least every fortnight. Shoreditch is quite pricey, but the competition keeps the quality of food and drinks up to scratch. Check out The Blues Kitchen for hip-swinging live music every night and 8 Hoxton Square for top-quality food.

3. Mayfair Mayfair is for those who want to splash some cash on high-end dining and classy drinking. For a genuine Mayfair experience that doesn’t break the bank head to Kitty Fisher’s, whose namesake became famous for her taste in London’s wealthy men and their lavish lifestyle.

Putt in the Park: In the Park (next to Acton central railway station) is mini golf where you can get cold beers at the bar while you play. It looks very tranquil, with small streams running through it, and a lot of greenery. A fun activity, up to 2-4 persons per game. Consider going next door to the Station House after, (can’t miss it) for some fantastic pizzas.

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4. Oxford street If you love shopping for designer brands, this is certainly the place to be. It has a comprehensive high-end selection in between many coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.

Step inside London’s most iconic landmark and experience the thrill of its incredible glass floor.

Don’t forget to explore the magnificent Engine Rooms as you discover the Bridge’s unique history.

Tower Bridge The most famous bridge in the world towerbridge.org.uk I 020 7403 3761 Tower Bridge is provided by the City of London Corporation - a uniquely diverse organisation in that it not only promotes and supports the City and provides it with a full range of services, but also provides wider services for London and the nation as a whole.

Groups will find visiting St Paul’s an easy and rewarding experience offering a unique presentation of the faith, architecture and history of the nation’s church. Receive complete access from the very bottom to the very top of Wren’s iconic cathedral – five levels to explore!

Most groups use the included multimedia guides; either individually or as a group with one connected to a free Group Tour System allowing a leader to select the audio to play and to add comments and instructions.

Groups may opt to visit with a Blue Badge Guide or to book a cathedral guide for a group guided tour (small additional charge per person). A special tour of the cathedral’s Triforium level with its hidden artefacts, books and models can be booked for small groups of between 5 and 30.

Out of the Fire is a new exhibition opening on 1 September 2016 to mark the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London 1666.

Included for all, visitors will discover a collection of scorched pre-fire artefacts and learn of the re-building challenges Sir Christopher Wren faced with his radical design.

St Paul’s is open for sightseeing - 2 hours suggested visit.

Monday – Saturday 8.30am – 4.30pm (last admission 4pm) www.stpauls.co.uk

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RELIVE THE DRAMA OF 350 YEARS AGO The Great Fire of 1666 transformed St Paul’s and London itself. Give groups the chance to relive the drama first-hand at our ‘Out of the Fire’ commemoration.

Out of the

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Sept 2016 – Apr 2017 Our exhibition and most of the related events, activities, trails and tours are free with cathedral admission. www.stpauls.co.uk/fire #GreatFire350

Going off the beaten track Museums London is renowned for its national museums and art galleries, but if you want to experience something a little different it also doesn’t disappoint.

First, we have ‘Sir John Soane’s Museum’, the former residence of the architect of the Bank of England. Architectural drawings, works of art and antiquities abound, including the Egyptian Sarcophagus of Seti. If social history is more your area of interest, then the ‘Geffrye Museum’ explores the English Home from 1600 to the present day. With a focus on the living room, you may even see your own home style featured.

Once you have had a cocktail or two at ‘The Savoy Hotel’s American Bar’, head next door and check out the hotel’s museum.

Photos of famous guests and even vintage alcohol make an appearance. Cheers!

For those with more unusual interests, there is plenty on offer. ‘The Grant Museum of Zoology’ hosts ‘Dead Life Drawing’ where you can sketch a host of ‘still-life’ models, all with a glass of wine in hand. ‘The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities’ houses a mixture of bizarre and grim exhibits and even offers a petting evening where you can meet live millipedes. Depending whether you find old dolls creepy or fascinating ‘The Pollock Toy Museum’ might make it on to your list.

Finally, if you enjoy the macabre, ‘The Old Operating Theatre Museum’ and ‘The Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’ might be to your taste. Here you can experience what it was like to undergo basic surgery plus get up close to leeches and a mummified hand.

Culture The music hall was very much a part of London life in the last couple of centuries and ‘Wilton’s Music Hall’ in Tower Hamlet’s recreates the atmosphere with a variety of performances.

If you are a fan of Dan Brown you may want to pay a visit to the ‘Temple’ area of London. Established by the Knights Templar in the 12th Century this area has been central to the practice of law over

the centuries, plus it played a pivotal role in ‘The Da Vinci Code’.

If you want to see life as it was lived in the 18th Century head to ‘Dennis Severs’ House’. This house looks as though the family who called it home have just walked away, with beds unmade and food on the table. If you enjoy National Trust properties, then surprisingly there is one right in the heart of the capital. ‘Fulham Palace’ offers art, history and a diverse range of events throughout the year.

Life in Roman times can even be glimpsed at the ‘Guildhall Art Gallery’. When the building was restored in 1988 the circular walls of an amphitheatre, with all its bloody history, came into view.

There are also plenty of places to explore in London if you enjoy a boutique shopping experience. ‘Camden Passage’ is probably the most well-known centre of independent stores, with its cluster of cafes and shops, many of which have a vintage vibe. Perhaps less well known but equally attractive to visit is ‘Little Venice’. Here is a hub of waterside cafes, shops and restaurants and you can even jump on canal boats to take you to your next destination.

Green Spaces As much as London is a bustling urban centre what makes it so attractive to visitors is the array of green spaces dotted around the capital.

Central to all activity in London is, of course, the Thames and you can travel along the 40 mile ‘Thames Path’ on foot or bike. Why not stop off at ‘The Prospect of Whitby’, one of Charles Dickens’ favourite pubs, for lunch.

If you need a little Zen in your life, then the ‘Japanese Roof Garden at the School of Oriental and African Studies’ might be the perfect place to relax. With the garden’s focus on forgiveness, all will seem well with the world after a visit. You can continue the Japanese theme by visiting the ‘Kyoto Japanese Garden’ in Kensington.

‘Postman’s Park’, a short distance from ‘St. Paul’s Cathedral’, is dedicated to bravery. The touching exhibits are dedicated to those who have lost their life trying to save others. Download the app related to the park if you want to learn more about each individual featured.

Photo credit - Visit London

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Photo credit - Visit London

Exclusive Food

Before you choose which restaurant you want to head to in London decide on exactly what you want to eat as there is something to suit almost every taste.

Ice-cream is catapulted into the future at ‘Chin Chin Labs’ in Camden. A variety of frozen dairy treats are concocted by a generous application of liquid nitrogen. Next, travel from the future to the past, and visit a traditional stalwart of London culinary expertise, the ‘Pie and Mash Shop’. If you dare, you could even try the jellied eels.

In London recently there has been an upsurge in restaurants who offer seclusion. ‘Back in 5 Minutes’. ‘Four O Nine’, ‘Old Tom and English’ and ‘Freud’ are all great examples. Some of these restaurants are reservation-only, so research each one before you head out.

Cool Cocktails Matched by this trend for exclusivity is the desire to enjoy the decadence of cocktails. ‘Callooh Callay’ in Shoreditch, ‘Happiness Forgets’, ‘Love & Liquor’, ‘The Lucky Pig’, ‘Mr. Fogg’s’ and the creatively named ‘Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Bar’ will have you up late with not a care in the world about that early-morning alarm. In fact, the enjoyment of the night will more than make up for your heavy head in the morning.

Want to take that feeling of living in the era of prohibition to a whole other level? Then take a look at what’s on offer at ‘The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town’. This speakeasy bar hidden within the Shoreditch branch of ‘The Breakfast Club’ can only be accessed by a Smeg Fridge. If you do gain access, remember to abide by the one rule of the establishment, never leave by the fridge door.

Carry Out Research Before you Arrive

If you want to make the most of your trip to London it’s best to do some research before you leave home. This will allow you to plan out your itinerary and visit as many places in the same location, rather than criss-crossing the capital. There are a number of apps you can download to highlight places to visit on the fly, but if you want to go more in-depth consider the following: TripAdvisor: This is the go-to place to research any destination as it holds data for more than 6 million businesses worldwide. It’s also great to be able to get first-hand reviews so you can decide whether a restaurant, hotel or other attraction is right for you.

Time Out London. Time Out is another great source of information especially as it includes information from volunteers, so you truly know you are getting the lowdown.

Social Media: Sometimes you don’t need to stray very far from your friends, family and connections on social media to get some great insights on where you should visit. Ask around and see if someone has been on the tourist trail before you or check out the Facebook page ot Instagram account of where you want to visit to get some further inside information. Social media can also be a great way to find out about upcoming gigs, theatre performances or stand-ups comedy shows, so you can book well in advance of your visit.

Independent Guides: Guides are numerous over the internet, and cover almost every sector you can think of. What ever you are looking for, such as London on a budget, London with a team, or London as a couple, there will be something that can help you.

Above all, when you head to London, pace yourself. Better to enjoy fewer things in a relaxed fashion than try to pack too many sights in and feel too rushed to enjoy them. Wherever you head you can guarantee you are going to have a day, or night, to remember.

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Come and visit the

Thames Barrier Information Centre The Thames Barrier is one of the largest moveable flood barriers in the world. It protects over 125 square kilometers of London and over 375,000 properties, historic buildings including the Houses of Parliament, offices, power supplies, tube lines and hospitals to name a few.

If your group would like to learn even more about the Thames Barrier, then we recommend booking a Group Talk. One of our Information Assistants will guide you through the centre and give a talk about the River Thames, its environment and the Thames Barrier.

Visit the Thames Barrier Information Centre to view this amazing structure, find out how it was designed, built and how it works.

Our cafĂŠ overlooks the Barrier so you can enjoy the view whilst enjoying the snacks and light lunches we have on offer.

We have parking on site for cars and coaches.

Please telephone or visit our website for opening times and prices.

Tel: 020 8305 4188 www.gov.uk/the-thames-barrier

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Newark

Home of the National Civil War Centre www.newarkhub.com

Coach drop off point in the Town Centre

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Free Coach Parking in Newark

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Call the Visitor Gateway on 01636 655 765

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The historic Civil War town where one King lost his life and another lost his Kingdom

NATIONAL CIVIL WAR CENTRE, APPLETONGATE, NEWARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, NG24 1JY

WWW.NATIONALCIVILWARCENTRE.COM

Newark has seen plenty of history in its time.

Bad King John breathed his last in the town’s formidable castle and the climax of the Wars of the Roses was fought nearby.

But its most dramatic moments came during the epic 17th century conflict between King and Parliament when 16,000 troops besieged the Royalist outpost for six months. The Nottinghamshire town’s fall marked the end of the first phase of the British Civil Wars and standing in the wonderful cobbled market square it’s easy to be transported back to those turbulent days.

With its half-timbered buildings, formidable castle and nearby earthen siege-works, this is the nation’s finest civil war landscape, creating a wonderful backdrop to re-enactment events.

Fittingly, Newark is now home to the UK’s first National Civil War Centre, devoted to telling the story of how a King was supplanted by a squire and the world was turned upside down!

Amazing tales of tragedy, heroism and loyalty are told through a fabulous combination of artefacts, cutting-edge technology and colourful films. Find out how surgeons of the day defied the odds to save lives and marvel at the giant wheelchair of Sir Thomas Fairfax, Oliver Cromwell’s boss. Exciting family events are also staged throughout the year, climaxing with an amazing civil war festival in early May. Michael Constantine, Manager of the National Civil War Centre, explained: “We have a hands on approach and tell the story through the eyes of ordinary people caught in the crossfire, not just the Kings, Queens and generals. You can try your hand at being a civil war gunner, feel the weight of period armour on your shoulders and witness a fly-by of Newark as it appeared in 1643, bristling with defences like an angry hedgehog. We also have a wonderful wrap-round cinema showing costumed blockbusters inspired by events which occurred in Newark.”

As a fabulous bonus the National Civil War Centre has stepped outside its normal time period to host a UK-first exhibition on Lawrence of Arabia. It showcases the results of ten years’ research by archaeologists in the deserts of Jordan, bidding to unravel the true story behind this iconic figure. View never before seen artefacts recovered from the desert used by Lawrence and his fighters and glimpse the robes he wore and the chest he used to carry gold to pay the Arabs to fight the Turks.

Newark has a fantastic timeless quality and with its old inns and fine cafes and restaurants there’s never been a better time to visit.

The National Civil War Centre is open 10am to 4pm daily (5pm from March 2017).

Website www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com Twitter @civilwarcentre Facebook www.facebook.com/NationalCivilWarCentre

Stoke-on-Trent for Groups

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. The Potteries is a fantastic experience for groups. Visit the award-winning museums and visitor centres, and go on a factory tour and learn about the skills and craftsmanship that go into producing the famous pottery. Have a go at creating your own masterpiece with the many hands-on opportunities available, and shop until you drop with the many pottery factory shops including famous brands such as Portmeirion, Emma Bridgewater, Moorcroft, Burleigh, Dudson, and Wedgwood.

Fantastic new group attractions in the city include Middleport Pottery and the World of Wedgwood.

Home to the BBC’s The Great Pottery Throw Down,

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Middleport Pottery produces world-renowned Burleigh using many of the same handcraft techniques as in the 1880s. See this for yourself on a factory tour. Step back in time in the Visitor Centre as you view the mould archive, bottle kiln and historic pottery collections. Be prepared to be blown away by the outstanding World of Wedgwood! Opened in July 2015, the World of Wedgwood is a unique visitor experience celebrating the very best of British industrial and design heritage.

Experience Wedgwood for the day through shopping, food and visitor tours.

The history and heritage of the area are well preserved at the city’s museums. Visit the only complete Victorian pottery factory from the days when coal burning ovens made the world’s finest bone china at Gladstone Pottery Museum. See traditional skills, original workshops, the cobbled yard and huge bottle kilns that create an atmospheric time-warp that has no equal. Pay a visit to the “Flushed with Pride” tribute to toilets past, present and future! The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in the City Centre houses the finest collection of Staffordshire ceramics in the world. 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. The museum’s Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia exhibition sets the Staffordshire Hoard in context of everyday Anglo-Saxon life and death. As well as 200 pieces of the Hoard, the exhibition includes objects the Anglo-Saxons used in their daily work and items they buried with their dead to provide for them in the afterlife.

Stoke-on-Trent is a wonderful green city. Groups can enjoy the peace and tranquillity, the colour and the splendour by exploring the beautiful gardens and wonderful parks including the Dorothy Clive Garden

and the Trentham Estate’s Italian Gardens which bloom with striking perennials. At Biddulph Grange Garden 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.

There’s something to please every group at the Trentham Estate including award-winning gardens, gentle strolls around the woodland walks, a fairy trail, and boat trips. Inspirational shopping is on offer in Trentham’s Shopping Village, the impressive Trentham Garden Centre and there’s an array of cafes and restaurants offering food to suit all tastes. Step into the Trentham Monkey Forest and meet the playful Barbary macaques who share their daily mischievous adventures with you as you wind along the ¾ of a mile path through the beautiful 60 acre English forest.

For a great night out visit the Cultural Quarter in the City Centre which comes alive in the evening, especially when there is a West End Show, Glyndebourne Opera or TV comedian on at the Regent Theatre, Victoria Hall, or Mitchell Arts Centre.

For a copy of the Group Travel Guide to Stoke-on-Trent telephone 01782 236084, email tourism@stoke.gov.uk, or visit www.visitstoke.co.uk.

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M IDDLEPORT P OTTERY

HOME OF BBC’S GREAT POTTERY THROWDOWN CANALSIDE CAFE FACTORY TOURS MAKER STUDIOS STEAM ENGINE BOTTLE KILN BURLEIGH FACTORY SHOP MOULD STORE FREE PARKING

This is the home of Burleigh Pottery, a truly British brand which has been made onsite since 1889. The pottery was saved, conserved and opened as a visitor destination by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust.

Stepping into the Pottery is like stepping back in time and the visitor centre takes you on a journey across the generations.

A tour of this unique place is nothing short of awe-inspiring as you step inside one of Stoke’s last remaining bottle kilns and see the restored steam engine which once powered the whole factory. The Pottery also connects you with Stoke’s ceramic industry today as contemporary makers and craftspeople open their studios to visitors.

WWW.MIDDLEPORTPOTTERY.ORG Telephone: 01782 499766 info@middleportpottery.org Middleport Pottery, Port Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3PE

STOKE-ON-TRENT THE BEST OF STOKE-ONTRENT FOR GROUPS Minutes from J15 and J16 of the M6

Portmeirion Factory Shops Stoke: 01782 411756 Longton: 01782 326661 Trentham: 01782 657828 portmeirion.co.uk

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery 01782 232323 stokemuseums.org.uk

The Trentham Estate 01782 645215 trentham.co.uk

Trentham Monkey Forest 01782 659845 monkey-forest.com

Middleport Pottery 01782 499766 middleportpottery.co.uk

World of Wedgwood 01782 282986 worldofwedgwood.com

Gladstone Pottery Museum 01782 237777 stokemuseums.org.uk

Request your free group guide, coach maps, coach driver’s and group organisers passport, and 10% discount cards - call 01782 236084.

Recognised as the World Capital of Ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent is home to a host of award-winning ceramic attractions, museums, and factory shops as well as the beautiful Trentham Estate including Trentham Monkey Forest.

For further information, incentives available, a free copy of the group guide, coach passport and discount vouchers, and help with itinerary planning...

Call 01782 236084 Email tourism@stoke.gov.uk or go to visitstoke.co.uk/groups

In 2014, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire was voted top National Treasure in a poll of Lottery-funded projects beating off stiff competition. It has not been resting on its laurels since and has recently opened its new £15.7m Remembrance Centre on the 150-acre site which contains around 30,000 maturing trees.

The Arboretum contains hundreds of memorials, ranging from the iconic Armed Forces Memorial, which bears the names of more than 16,000 Service personnel who have been killed on duty or as a result of terrorism since World War II, to the reconstructed Bastion Memorial, which is based on the design of the former Bastion Memorial Wall built in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Entry into the grounds of the Arboretum is free everyday throughout the year. Pre booked group parties of ten or more however can benefit from discounted entry into the new Landscapes of Life exhibition. This new area which features an immersive audio-visual theatre - showing personal stories of Remembrance, an informative Remembrance timeline charting history from the Bronze Age to the present day; and interactives, for visitors of all ages, including an area to record your own personal stories. Included in the entry price for the exhibition is access to the Arboretum’s temporary exhibition gallery, where you can currently view artist Robert Perry’s ‘Echoes of War’ exhibition and an audio guide which can be used to explore and learn about 93 of the memorials across the Arboretum site.

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Meals and refreshments are available in the large, stylish restaurant and separate coffee shop. The new centre opens out into a beautiful outdoor area called Heroes’ Square, which draws visitors into the wider Arboretum through a landscaped garden and provides a great location to rest and reflect.

The Arboretum is the perfect venue for group days out and offers a range of packages for groups of all interests and ages.

They can include a variety of dining options, talks and tours.

Parking is also free for coaches, and coach drivers are offered a free refreshment voucher.

Group visits can be timed to coincide with one of the hundreds of events that take place at the Arboretum each year including Armed Forces Day; Remembrance Sunday

commemorations; a Christmas craft and gift fair, and Carols

by Candlelight. In 2017, the Arboretum will commemorate the Battle of Passchendaele (3rd Battle of Ypres) with a programme of activities and events.

For more information on the Arboretum, in Alrewas, which is centrally located and easily accessible from the A38, M42, M1 and M6 please visit www.thenma.org.uk.

Images courtesy of the National Memorial Arboretum WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET

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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

Delightful Dorset...

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, the site is now a sanctuary for primates from all over the world and some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. Here you can see them enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe, natural environment.

Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide a permanent, stable home for abused Spanish beach chimps. Today, his wife, Dr Alison Cronin, continues to work with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of primates from the wild.

Combining fun with conservation and animal education, half-hourly talks by the dedicated Primate Care Staff explain all about man’s closest living relative.

They love to share their knowledge of all the

individuals in their care, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions when the talk is over.

Pre-bookable guided tours are also available. There are cafés serving a selection of hot and cold food and drink, or you can bring a long a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful woodland setting.

You can support Monkey World in continuing their rescue and rehabilitation work by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme. Prices start from £25 for the year and include a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and free entry to the park for a year!

Monkey World is just minutes from the A31 near Wool, and is open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm (July and August 10am to 6pm). Last admission is 1 hour before closing.

For more information visit www.monkeyworld.org or call 01929 462537 WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET

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Arundel Castle

in spring; the 2017 display will be the biggest the Castle has ever showcased, with more than 36,000 of the brightly coloured blooms.

The Allium Extravaganza follows the tulips in May/June with over 10,000 of the beautiful pop-pom headed flowers on show.

Arundel Castle proudly plays host to an action-packed calendar of events, providing professional historical interpretations of periods throughout the Castle’s impressive 1,000 year history.

In recognition of its 950th anniversary, the Warriors of Arundel Castle will start the season with an exploration of the Castle’s tumultuous 1,000-year history on 8-9 April.

Normans and Crusaders will take over for the Easter Weekend (15-17 April), followed by the Castle Siege on 27-29 May featuring the crafts, weapons training and battle tactics of the late 12th century.

So much to offer for groups!

Arundel Castle in West Sussex will celebrate the 950th anniversary of its initial construction in 2017.

The glorious Castle was founded in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel, and is the ancestral seat and family home of the Duke of Norfolk. It is one of the largest inhabited and complete castles in England.

Arundel Castle, its grounds and gardens are open seasonally from 01 April 2017 until 29 October, Tuesday – Sunday, Good Friday, Mondays in August and Bank Holiday Mondays.

An ideal attraction for group visitors, the Castle offers reduced ticket prices for group bookings plus free admission for group organisers, tour guides, teachers and supervisors. Coach drivers are also given free coach parking, free admission, and a complimentary restaurant voucher.

On 17-18 June, a Four Nations Medieval Tournament will see England, France, Poland and Denmark facing off in a thrilling freestyle competition using a variety of weapons.

The highlight of the year, the International Jousting and Medieval Tournament takes place on 25-30 July. The world’s longest event of its kind, competitors from across the globe will descend on Arundel to battle for glory on horseback.

A 15th century Medieval Tournament will be brought to life on 1920 August, followed by a multi-period event on 26-28 showcasing 12,000 years of history. As the finale of the Arundel Festival, the Castle is also planning two nights of open air Shakespeare on 25 and 26 August.

The Warriors of Arundel Castle will return on 17 September, followed by Normans Knights in the Keep on 25-26 October to close the season.

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.

Outside of the Castle itself, the impressive 11th Century Motte and Keep offers breath-taking panoramic views across Arundel, the nearby River Arun and the South Downs.

For horticultural visitors, Arundel Castle offers a series of beautiful gardens to enjoy. HRH The Prince of Wales officially opened the Collector Earl’s Garden in 2008, an installation conceived by the Duchess of Norfolk as a tribute to Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel who was known as The Collector.

The highlight of the garden displays is the Annual Tulip Festival

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With so much to enthral and entertain visitors of all ages, Arundel Castle is fast securing its place as an unmissable visitor attraction for groups in the South.

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

Open Wednesday - Sunday 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.

s & offers!

events, new r fo k o o b e c Fa n o s u w llo Fo

k .u o .c m u t e r o b r a y www.arle *T&C’s apply. Closed 19th Dec 2016 - 17th Feb 2017. 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

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.

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.

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.

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

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Go back in time in Norfolk...

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

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

Our opening times for 2017 are: 2-5pm on Wednesdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 1st April until 30th September.

GROUPS WELCOME ON ANY DAY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR BY APPOINTMENT

Experience Oxfordshire 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.

The Museum of Natural History is another delight, where you 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,

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

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.

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.

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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

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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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Experience Oxfordshire

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.

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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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

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

Kelmscott Manor was the inspirational country home of William Morris; poet, designer, craftsman, socialist and founding father of the Arts and Crafts movement and described by him as “Heaven on Earth”. This Grade I listed house was loved by Morris as a survival of traditional craftsmanship in harmony with the nearby village and surrounding landscape, which lies towards the very upper reaches of the Thames, inspiring many of his most important designs and writings, including the world-famous Willow pattern.

Today, visitors will find an outstanding collection, from early 17th Century furniture to unique furnishings chosen by Pre-Raphaelite painter-poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti and pieces from each of Morris’ London homes, including several designed especially for the iconic Red House. Morris’ wife Jane and daughter May also have a vivid presences at Kelmscott Manor: many examples reflect their beautiful and accomplished needlework, including a beautiful child’s cot cover which has been recently been brought back to the Manor.

retained, despite having influenced Pre-Raphaelite art and design and the Arts & Crafts Movement, a legacy still very much treasured today.

Kelmscott Manor also boasts enchanting gardens and the River Thames is located just a few hundred yards away. The Tearoom, with its friendly staff and delicious home-made meals and cakes, is a must, whilst the Shop is packed with decorative and unusual items ideal for gifts or mementoes.

Kelmscott Manor is open on Wednesday and Saturday between April and the end of October. Visit our website www.kelsmscottmanor.org.uk or telephone 01367 252486 for more information.

Perhaps the most famous portrait of Jane Morris by Rossetti, The Blue Silk Dress completed in 1868 currently hangs in the White Room. The domestic charm and ambience of the house is still

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Discover Kent

Chiddingstone Castle & Gardens

Nestled in idyllic countryside, award-winning Chiddingstone Castle offers a memorable day out for all the family. The former home of the late antiquarian Denys Eyre Bower, the castle now houses his fascinating Egyptian, Buddhist, Jacobean, Stuart and Japanese collections including incredible Samurai armour and swords and treasures from ancient Egypt.

An Englishman’s home…

Discover a charming country house, home to a fascinating collection of art and antiquities, with a Tea Room serving scrumptious cream teas.

Open Sunday to Wednesday from April to the end of October.

Group visitors welcome throughout thethe year.

Group visitors welcome throughout year.

Pre -booking essential. essential Pre-booking

www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 01892 870347 01892 870347

Discover Victorian ‘upstairs downstairs’ rooms and enjoy dressing up and craft activities. The castle sits in 35 acres of beautiful grounds complete with a lake, a rose garden, woodland walks and a Grade II listed Orangery. The delightful Tea Room located in the former Buttery also has sunny courtyard seating and serves delicious home-made cakes, traditional cream teas and light lunches, and a visit to the unique Well Tower Gift Shop complements every visit. The Tudor village of Chiddingstone can be accessed from the grounds.

Open Sunday to Wednesday from April to the end of October. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD

Everyone can enjoy a fun day out at Tenterden’s Steam Railway. This historic line gently wends its way from Tenterden for 10.5 miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam. With carriages dating from the 1880s to 1960s everyone can enjoy a step back in time. Travelcards allow all day travel for any of the stations along the line.

For more information visit www.kesr.org.uk or Phone: 01580 765155

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Designed in the 1740s as a flamboyant pleasure garden for holding intimate garden parties, this hidden valley is now the country’s only surviving complete rococo garden. Enjoy beautifully-framed views, stroll through wooded glades and hide away in one of the fanciful garden buildings. Battle to find the centre of the unusual maze, and enjoy delicious homemade food in the cafe. www.rococogarden.org.uk 01452 813204

Offering stunning views, this iconic landmark is still the world’s longest suspension bridge that you can walk or cycle across

HUMBER WONDER July 17th 1981 was a red leeer day in the history of the Humber region. On that day Queen Elizabeth II pronounced the Humber Bridge officially open, thereby physically conneccng the proud counnes of East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire for the first me in their history.

Although traffic had been able to cross it from t June 24th, it was the celebraaons surrounding the Queen’s visit that consolidated the bridge in people’s minds as a truly world class feat of engineering and a monument to the region that towers majesscally over an estuary that for centuries had provided local people with their living.

The Humber Bridge immediately became part of the folklore of the region and since its opening has been the backdrop to all manner of markets,

charity challenges, daredevil stunts, and public events. Work on the ambiious project, which at 2,200 metres in length would remain the world’s longest suspense bridge for 16 years aaer it was completed, got under way on July 27, 1972, Despite Despi now being the seventh longest suspension bridge in the world it remains the longest that can be crossed on foot or by bicycle, and the mighty towers that suspend it, which stand more than 150 metres (5000) high, are 33 millimetres (1.3 inches) wider at the top than at the booom to accommodate the curvature of the earth.

The Humber Bridge Brid and the surrounding Humber Bridge Country Park makes a great day out for families, dog walkers, cyclists, or anyone interested in stunning views. You can find out more informaaon at www.humberbridge.co.uk

Welcoming coach operators and group organisers; discover our captivating coast, our breathtaking countryside, take in a show, shop til you drop or delight in one of our memorable attractions.

Wyre which includes the towns of Fleetwood, Thornton Cleveleys, Poulton-le-Fylde, Wyre Villages, Garstang and the Forest of Bowland is situated to the north of Blackpool and close to the cities of Lancaster and Preston, and superbly placed for a group visit.

Wyre Theatres

Wyre is home to two great theatre venues. The stunning art deco Marine Hall in Fleetwood and Thornton’s very own Little Theatre both have a year round programme filled with shows and events.

Marine Hall regularly hosts live music, comedy nights and children’s shows as well as the ever popular Fayres. Plus there’s the weekly tea dance in the beautiful ballroom.

Why not take a look at what’s on in 2017.

Visit www.wyretheatres.co.uk and call 01253 887693 to enquire about group bookings.

Shopping in Wyre

Come visit Fleetwood Market, a real gem on Lancashire’s lovely coast and one of the oldest markets in Lancashire, a true shopper’s paradise, you’ll find a variety of stalls including food, clothing and household goods to name but a few – all at great prices. Easy to get to by coach and fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Follow us on Facebook for all our latest offers and events; www.facebook.com/FleetwoodMarket www.wyremarkets.co.uk or call 01253 887651 Discover the shops in Fleetwood Town Centre or Freeport Fleetwood, by the picturesque Fleetwood Marina with lots of

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high street brands at discounted prices and cafes and coffee shops to delight you could even visit during one of the great free events.

How about a visit to the traditional seaside resort of Cleveleys where you can shop, have a spot of fish and chips whilst enjoying the Mythic Coastline sculptures on the seafront. If you love to visit independent shops then take in historic Garstang or Poulton-leFlyde don’t forget to go on market day too for a great full day out!

Discover a range of beautiful and award winning Garden Centres and Farm Shops in Wyre, perfect for an afternoon of cream teas and shopping for the garden or that unique gift for that special person.

Events in Wyre Why not combine your group visit with one of our spectacular events in Wyre such as: Garstang Walking Festival 6th to 14th May 2017 Cleveleys Classic Cars Show 4th June 2017 Fleetwood Festival of Transport (Tram Sunday) – 16th July 2017 Great Eccleston Show – 15th and 16th July 2017 Fylde Coast Food and Drink Festival – 13th August 2017 Great Eccleston Tractor Pull – 28th and 29th August 2017 (Bank Holiday Weekend) Garstang Victorian Christmas Festival – 11th and 12th December 2017 For more information on Wyre - where to stay, play, eat and meet for your group then take a look at www.discoverwyre.co.uk or contact Alexandra Holt at tourism in Wyre on 01253 887445.

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Boats, Beams….and Bewitched! A day spent in Pendle

Why is Pendle, in Lancashire, so be-witching? Well it could be the boat trips along the legendary Leeds & Liverpool Canal, or the tales of famous witches, recounted in the most dramatic of styles by top-hatted guide, Simon Entwistle. Both perfect for families and groups, and although it has some stunning countyside, it is well-linked into to the road network. Simon is a long time favourite of everyone that meets him. He says: “I love showing people that there’s more to Lancashire than mill chimneys and clogs. I do ghost walks and Pendle Witch tours and a tour of Colne, all rooted in our fascinating history. The Pendle Heritage Centre is one of the favourite parts of my tours and the start of the Pendle Witches Trail” Martin, who runs boat trips on the well-equipped Marton Emperor, is equally enthusiastic about the area. He told us: “Foulridge Wharf, where the boat is moored, is steeped in history. It’s a quiet way to travel and we see a lot of wildlife on our trips, including kingfishers, swans and water voles. One of the cruises we do passes the old Lancashire/Yorkshire border. In the other direction we go through the feat of engineering known as the Foluridge Tunnel.”

The area is also known for its great events, like the UK’s largest free walking festival, the Pendle Cycling Festival, and the multi awardwinning Blues Festival in Colne.

Other things to do/Places to eat: Bancroft Mill - One of the last working mill engines in the County.

Look out for its Steaming Days Prestige Karting – for families and young at heart groups - drive one of the best tracks in the County Boundary Mill – a shopping extravaganza! One of the biggest and best outlets in the North, also features Banny’s classy fish & chips restaurant, especially built to handle LOTS of people in style Pendle Witch Experience Bus Tours and David Johns Tours – organised with your group in mind Pendle Sculpture Trail – ideal for education groups – guess which witch is which?

We also cater for groups of walkers and cyclists with lots of great walks!

For more information on all those featured in this article and more, like accommodation, please go to www.visitpendle.com

D I S C OV E R WHERE THE

PA S T M E E T S

T H E

PRESENT

Visit Lancashire’s historic home and be transported back in time, where ghosts walk the rooms and history comes alive.

From exhibitions and family events to fantastic food and local Lancashire produce....

Samlesbury Hall has something for everyone.

Sunday - Friday 11am to 4pm Occasional Fri closing Saturdays - Closed FREE ENTRY

Preston New Road Samlesbury Preston PR5 0UP

T: 01254 812010

info@samlesburyhall.co.uk

www.samlesburyhall.co.uk

Explore Morecambe Bay

overlooking shallow meres with fascinating wildlife from bearded tits and bitterns to marsh harriers and red deer.

On the northern Cumbrian side of the Bay groups are spoilt for choice with a strong selection of destinations and attractions worthy of a group visit. Historic houses like Levens Hall and Holker Hall provide exceptional group visits whilst the stunning ruins of Furness Abbey in Barrow were once one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Head towards Piel Island and Castle by ferry for spotting seals lazing around the southern tip of Walney Island.

– a great place to experience amazing sunsets and discover natural landscapes. Morecambe Bay stretches from the south west coast of Cumbria to Fleetwood in Lancashire, taking in some great traditional coastal towns such as Morecambe and Grange Over Sands.

At the heart of the Bay is Morecambe, a town which offers an excellent base to explore the wider area, Morecambe also provides a great traditional day out with the chance to bask in fresh sea air.

With over five miles of promenade featuring the award winning Morecambe Bay has plenty for groups to discover as well as the TERN Art Project, attractive stone jetty, sand and pebble beaches perfect place to relax, explore and enjoy. and not forgetting the ever popular Eric Morecambe statue, groups Carnforth Station can take in the seaside air at a leisurely pace.

Heritage Centre Just to the south lies the sleepy village of Heysham, home to St Patrick’s Chapel and St Peter’s Church, some of the finest AngloSaxon and Vikings sites in the Northwest. North of Morecambe is Carnforth, made famous by the 1945 David Lean film ‘Brief Encounter.’ Groups can experience the recreated Refreshment Room as part of a visit to the Carnforth Heritage Centre. The centre Photo Credit still shows the film today whilst displaying a wealth of railway Tony West memorabilia.

Back towards the coast is Leighton Hall. Renowned as a hidden gem set amongst the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) this historic house presents fascinating tours and breath-taking displays by birds of prey.

The Bay also offers opportunities for a range of amazing wildlife experiences for groups, like watching the wildlife at Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve (which has been home to BBC Autumn Piel Island Watch). Leighton Moss features five birdwatching hides Photo Credit Tony West

CATCH YOUR BREATH There’s lots to do in Morecambe Bay, whether it’s exploring the Bay’s towns and villages, discovering its cultural heritage or experiencing the Bay’s natural habitats and wildlife. Explore nature’s amphitheatre.

Explore Morecambe Bay...

Request or download our guide for groups which includes itinerary suggestions

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EXPLOREMORECAMBEBAY.ORG.UK 01524 582870

City of Heritage “Unlock castle prison walls or admire Georgian splendour. Lancaster is one of England’s Heritage Cities with a big story to tell” Request or download our guide for groups which includes itinerary suggestions

VISITLANCASTER.ORG.UK With its mix of great places to eat & drink, castles & museums, impressive theatre and some fantastic events, Lancaster is a city which is well worth exploring for a group visit.

Lancaster’s history can be traced back thousands of years and that is no better displayed than by having a guided tour of Lancaster Castle, which dominates the Lancaster skyline. Whenever you choose to visit, you’ll be delighted with the evening entertainment available to group organisers with plays, musicals and shows at the The Dukes and the Grand Theatre.

For views across the city, head up to the Ashton Memorial, one of the grandest of English follies. The memorial is set within the beautiful parkland of Williamson Park which provides some great panoramic views across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland Fells.

Muse over fine exhibitions and collections at the city’s museums, including the Maritime Museum on the historic quayside, telling tales of Lancaster’s past. Other historic places of interest include Lancaster Cathedral with its tower standing over 240ft tall.

Lancaster offers a rewarding Shopping Experience with two wellestablished shopping centres, all the big high street names and lots of individual retailers in a network of pedestrianised streets.

Lancaster’s fantastic Charter Market is on Wednesdays and Saturdays which adds something extra to see. Also hidden away down charming narrow lanes are even more unique shops and eating-places housed in historic buildings. There is also a huge selection of independent Cafés and Restaurants, many catering for groups and serving specialist foods.

There is a good value Coach Park in the heart of the city and great value Hotels in Lancaster and nearby Morecambe that cater specially for parties, offering competitively priced group rates and incentives to drivers/group organisers.

01524 582394

Discover Lancaster

Williamson Park Photo Credit Diana Jarvis The Music Room Cafe Photo Credit Joe Mather

Burnley – Wish You Were Here

Our surrounding countryside is one of Burnley’s true assets, boasting some of the most stunning views in Lancashire, playing host to an array of outdoor activities. With over 80% of Burnley designated as rural you’re never too far from the heart of the Pennine hills.

But there’s much more to Burnley than just our lovely countryside.

We have a great shopping and night-time offer, with the wonderful Burnley Mechanics Theatre offering a diverse calendar of shows throughout the year, a superb range of restaurants, and if you like to stay out a little later, a great bar, DJ and club scene.

The town has a fantastic selection of fantastic places to eat and enjoy an evening out, with a real cultural mix of taste. Here’s just a selection of our 4 and 5 star trip adviser rated restaurants: Egyptian - Continentals, Cantonese - Summer Palace, Lithuanian – Baltic Homeland, American/Mexican – Kenank’s, Portuguese – Bobbin Café, Italian – the fantastic new Palazzo in the town centre and the Loom Makers renowned for their fantastic pizzas.

You might be surprised at just how much there is to see and do in Burnley, ranging from the historic stately homes of Towneley and Gawthorpe, stunning countryside to explore either on foot, bike, or on horseback, family visitor centres such a Happa and Shores Hey Farm, superb sailing opportunities at the Rossendale Valley Sailing Club, a brand new state-of-the-art driving range and the global award winning Woodland Spa at Crow Wood Leisure.

Burnley boasts a fantastic calendar of event throughout the year .

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Annual Burnley Canal Festival – 26th & 27th August 2017 Canal enthusiasts and canal boat owners from across the country descend at various points along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at the point where it runs through the heart of Burnley and along one of seven wonders of the Leeds & Liverpool canal ‘ the straight mile’ at the heart of the town centre.

Heritage & Woodland Festival – Towneley Hall & Park (11th September) A great free day out for all the family with exhibitions, displays, workshops, guided walks, re-enactments and costumed staff set in stunning park and woodland.

Burnley Literary Festival Burnley will be hosting its secondary Literary Festival in 2017, which events throughout the town centre – dates to be confirmed but keep an eye on www.burnley.co.uk for updates. There will be something for all ages with talks by bestselling authors, storytelling, poetry reading, community theatre, street performers, crafts, music, and film showings.

Singing Ringing Tree in top British Landmarks Singing Ringing Tree, Burnley’s most famous landmark was ranked in the top British landmarks by The Independent, the sculpture really helped put Burnley on the map, not just nationally but across the world. It has attracted more than four million views on YouTube and international visitors have beaten a path up on to the moors to find out more about it. Designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu, Singing Ringing Tree is a 3 metre tall construction comprising pipes of galvanised steel which harnesses the energy of the wind to producing a choral sound covering a range of octaves.

New rail link attracts new visitors – 180% increase in ticket sales The re-opening of the Burnley to Manchester direct rail line last year has opened up Burnley and East Lancashire to thousands of new visitors who want to experience the delightful attractions and stunning countryside the area has to offer.

restaurants and bistros, Burnley Town Centre has an array of bars and pubs catering for all tastes, from a pint of real ale in cosy surroundings (Inn on the Wharf), to a cocktail in a small, select bar (Illuminati).

Find out more about #BrilliantBurnley @ www.burnley.co.uk

Prosperous Town with a big city offer - night and day .

Bespoke jewellery, designer clothing, luxury skincare, original contemporary art, champagne cocktails, afternoon tea and a relaxing deep-tissue massage. A description of a typical shopping trip in London’s Knightsbridge?

A choice of 85 varieties of gin on one menu, Trinidadian curries, traditional Chinese medicine, vinyl records, handmade jewellery, live jazz music, pop art prints, unique market stalls, and a meditation centre. Sound like what you might find in Manchester’s Northern Quarter?

In fact, they can all be found in Burnley Town Centre. Surprised?

Burnley Town Centre stands out from the crowd with an abundance of independent and specialist shops. Many are located around the Standish Street, Kierby Walk, and St James’s St West shopping areas and have their own unique offer. Standish Street includes Ellis’s Milkshake & Smoothie Bar with 100 flavours to choose from, Barlow’s Herbalists, one of the few remaining dispensing herbalists in the country, and Joules Designs, creating handmade bespoke jewellery and gifts. Keirby Walk is home to Wish fashion boutique, Vanessa Merle haute lingerie, and Style Residence hair salon and boutique, whilst St James’s St West boasts Howarth Gallery providing a huge range of artwork and framing services and Baltic Homeland Eastern European restaurant, and should your experience extend into the evening, as well as a fantastic range of

Burnley

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relax

Our country escape, our day-to-day relaxing getaway, our pride, our passion, our place… our Burnley.

Our countryside is alive with activity: windsurfing on the reservoir, trekking across wild moorland, horse riding along beautiful bridleways or cycling up to the Singing Ringing Tree. Take a trip back in time with visits to fascinating Towneley Hall and Gawthorpe Hall then discover our industrial past... and that is just a snapshot.

indulge

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DEVON’S

HIDDEN SECRETS KENTS CAVERN AND MORE South Devon Railway

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Agatha Christie

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Torre Abbey

WWW.KENTS-CAVERN.CO.UK Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2JF • 01803 215136