Social Events Guide 2014-15

Social Events Guide 2014/15

Welcome to Bedfordshire At Bedfordshire every year we run a fantastic social programme that includes visits to many famous sights and locations. We want to make sure that you will have the opportunity to relax and have some quality time away from all that studying.

We know that moving to another country to live and study is very exciting. There is so much to discover and explore! Our social events programme will take you all over the country and even beyond to give you a real taste of local and national heritage.

There are weekend trips and visits every month during term time and longer trips abroad during Easter break. So whether it is a day at the seaside in Bournemouth, thrill-seeking on the roller coaster at Thorpe Park or Christmas shopping in London, you will never be short of exciting things to do when you are not studying!

You can get tickets to all the trips listed in this guide at the International Office or in the Student Union.

Got any questions about the trips? Email us at io-events@beds.ac.uk.

September 2014 Bedfordshire Tour Saturday, 27 September 2014 Come with us to explore Bedfordshire. Steeped in history, Bedfordshire has seen many kings and queens of England holding court and hunting in the great forests. Queen Eleanor was laid to rest in Dunstable, Catherine of Aragon was incarcerated at Ampthill and during the 2nd World War many crowned heads of Europe in exile took refuge in our county. Spy planes (Shuttleworth Collection) departed for sorties behind enemy lines and Winston Churchill made an inspiring speech at the Luton Hoo. It is full of wonderful countryside (Downs, Chiltern Hills, Greensand Ridge, Marston Vale) delightful towns and villages (Woburn & Harrold were named in the 2013 Sunday Times 120 best villages to live in Britain), great places to eat, drink (Old Warden Vineyard) and shop, beautiful cottages and impressive stately homes (Wrest Park, Woburn Abbey, Luton Hoo Mansion House), historical stories of national importance and plenty of attractions (ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Mead Open Farm, Woburn Safari Park). To start you off in exploring this lovely county we will be visiting the home of the Duke of Bedfordshire – Woburn Abbey, with its Deer Park and Bedford Riverside Gardens and Market in Bedford, and take a short hike up the Chiltern Hills for stunning views of the countryside.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: ÂŁ5

(approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

October 2014 London Walking Tour Saturday, 11 October 2014 A perfect blend of history and culture, join in our London walking tour (themed self-guided tour instructions available) to see the sights and experience the culture of London. The London Eye is a permanent observation wheel located on the edge of the River Thames. A short walk away, is the London Aquarium, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Nelson’s Column. Other major tourist attractions in London include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace Madame Tussauds, ZSL London Zoo, London Dungeon and St Paul’s Cathedral. London is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. London attracted 15.3 million international visitors in 2011, making it one of the world’s most visited in terms of international visits.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: £5

(approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

Bedfordshire Tour Saturday, 25 October 2014 The first recorded use of the name in 1011 was “Bedanfordscir” meaning the shire or county of Bedford, which itself means “Beda’s ford” (river crossing). Come with us to see some of Bedfordshire’s most famous places and beautiful landscapes.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: £5

(approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

November 2014 Oxford Walking Tour / Bicester Saturday, 8 November 2014 Oxford, ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’, is famous the world over for its University and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town, although people are known to have lived in the area for thousands of years.

Nowadays, the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town. With its mix of ancient and modern, there is plenty to do. Whether it’s visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums, going out for a drink or a meal, taking in a show or shopping till you drop, Oxford has it all.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: £5

(approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

Stratford-Upon-Avon Saturday, 22 November 2014 Time to explore Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK. Wander through the streets of Stratford to get a taste of ‘Olde’ England.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:00am and leaves to return at 5:00pm.

Price: £5

(approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

December 2014 Winter Wonderland & Shopping In London Saturday, 6 December 2014 Winter Wonderland is London’s most spectacular Christmas destination. Winter Wonderland provides fun, laughter and excitement. Skate on the UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink, experience the breath-taking Magical Ice Kingdom, be thrilled by the jaw dropping Zippos Circus, and soar 60 metres into the air, seeing spectacular views over London in the Giant Observation Wheel. There is a huge selection of festive food and drink along with an array of jewellery, accessories, clothing, handicrafts, and culinary delights to be found inside more than 150 festive wooden chalets. Please note that there is a separate fee for the Ice Rink, Magical Ice Kingdom, Giant Observation Wheel, various rides and the Circuses. You can pre-book tickets (recommended) at http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets Please note: Additional activities will incur extra costs and will be payable at the event.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: £5

(approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

Photo courtesy of PWR Events.

January 2015 Warwick Castle Saturday, 17 January 2015 Explore historic Warwick Castle with us, where you’ll be surrounded by jaw-dropping history, magic, myth and adventure! Your visit will include the Castle Dungeon, a truly horrific experience detailing the darkest, scariest and bloodiest times throughout the Castle’s history and the Dragon Tower, where the colourful and literary Arthurian legend is brought to life. Recently Warwick castle opened four never-before-seen rooms for the first time. These ancient rooms shed light on the defining chapters in Warwick Castle’s past to reveal tales of battle, siege, murder, power struggles and hauntings.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:00am and leaves to return at 5:00pm.

Price: £29 (£24 entry + £5 travel) (approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

February 2015 Canterbury Trip Saturday, 7 February 2015 Experience Canterbury’s history and heritage.

Canterbury’s skyline is dominated by the stunning Cathedral, the oldest in England. But in addition you’ll find the ancient ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church which form Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site while other ancient ruins such as the Castle are reminders of the city’s history, heritage and culture. Canterbury is simply inspirational.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:00am and leaves to return at 5:00pm.

Price: £5 (approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

Cambridge Saturday, 21 February 2015 In addition to visiting one of the world’s most famous universities, visiting Cambridge also provides excellent shopping opportunities. For a relatively small city, there are many things to do in Cambridge. It is rich in museums, ancient churches and historical tradition. No visit to Cambridge would be complete without seeing the Fitzwilliam Museum, with its outstanding picture collection, or the Round Church, one of only 4 round churches in Britain. And the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is one of the great secret delights of the city.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: £5 (approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

March 2015 Xscape - Milton Keynes Saturday, 21 March 2015 This shopping, sports and entertainment complex features indoor snow slopes, climbing walls, bowling lanes, a multi-screen cinema and a variety of interactive games. It is also very close to ‘The Centre’ for further shopping and dining options.

See http://www.xscape.co.uk/milton-keynes for more info and activity prices.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: £5 (approximately) (Please note: Additional activity prices are not included.)

Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

Bedfordshire Tour Friday, March 2015 Bedfordshire; bordered by Cambridgeshire to the north-east, Northamptonshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the west and Hertfordshire to the south-east has many famous residents including: - Long distance runner – Paula Radcliffe - TV presenter – Carol Vordermann - Musician – Paul Young Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: £5

(approximately)

Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

April 2015 Park TheThorpe Tower of London Saturday, 25 April 2015 Thorpe Park is the perfect escape from the everyday. You will laugh and scream louder than ever before on a variety of rides and attractions.

You can see a list of the rides with descriptions at the following website: https://www.thorpepark.com/rides/ Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: £30 (£25 entry + £5 travel)

(approximately)

Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

Please also note that there might be additional fees. (eg. certain activities and lockers... etc.)

Some important FAQs Lost Property Misplaced your property? It may have already been handed in to Guest Services so be sure to check.

Lockers We strongly recommend you use our lockers as loose items cannot be taken onto most rides, with the exception of some water rides. Lockers cost £1 and are non-refundable.

Ride Safety Several rides are unsuitable for guests with heart, back, or neck conditions, or expectant mothers and we strongly recommend those guests who have had recent surgery or an injury do not ride some of our more thrilling attractions.

Not all of our rides are suitable for all guests.

May 2015 Day Trip to Brighton Saturday, 9 May 2015 Brighton is England’s loveliest and liveliest city by the sea. It is fun, cosmopolitan and uniquely eccentric all year round. From shopping in ‘The Lanes’ to lunch in a quaint café you are sure to enjoy a visit to Brighton where you can see regency architecture, pleasure pier, specialist shops, pavement cafés, and a lively arts scene all in walking distance.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:00am and leaves to return at 5:00pm.

Price: £5 (approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

London - The Shard and Westfield Saturday, 23 May 2015 Expect breath-taking views from The Shard – the tallest building in Western Europe. Travelling skyward in high-speed lifts, this multi-sensory journey takes you 244m (800ft) above London, where 1000 years of history unfolds beneath you, brought to life in multimedia displays. This experience combined with the supreme shopping in Westfield (one of Europe’s largest shopping centres) will ensure a fun-filled day in London.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm.

Price: £25 (£20 entry + £5 travel)

(approximately)

Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

June 2015 Chessington Theme Park Saturday, 6 June 2015 Chessington World of Adventure is not just a theme park. In addition to over 40 rides you will have the opportunity to visit over 1000 animals at Chessington Zoo and the SEA LIFE Centre including a magical underwater tunnel. The new area Amazu, opened in March 2014, featuring monkeys, birds and capybara. The area has raised walkways that go into some of the enclosures.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:00am and leaves to return at 5:00pm.

Price: £30 (£25 entry + £5 travel) (approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking. Please also note that there might be additional fees. (eg. certain activities and lockers... etc.)

Great Yarmouth Saturday, 20 June 2015 With more than 15 miles of sandy beaches, Great Yarmouth is famous as a family holiday destination, bursting with fun things to do, arcades, rides and attractions stretching along the fabled Golden Mile.

The town itself has a fabulous maritime heritage and a port famous for once being the hub of the herring industry. Visitors have been coming to Great Yarmouth since the late 1700s and the resort is now one of the most popular in the UK, offering all the character of a traditional seaside trip but with a very modern twist.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:00am and leaves to return at 5:00pm.

Price: £5 (approximately) Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

July 2015 Windsor Castle Saturday, 11 July 2015 Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years. The Castle covers an area of about 5 hectares (13 acres) and contains: - Magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection - St George’s Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs) - Queen Mary’s Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature - The Drawings Gallery featuring an exhibition Please note: The Castle is at the top of a steep hill, and the visitor route covers long distances. You are advised to wear comfortable shoes.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:00am and leaves to return at 5:00pm.

Price: £22 (£17 entry + £5 travel)

(approximately)

Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

August 2015 Bath Day Trip Saturday, 15 August 2015 Bath, a city so beautiful and special that it has been designated a World Heritage site. One of Britain’s most ancient cities, first founded by the Romans, Bath is independent, creative, unique and stylish, and is the only place in the UK where you can bathe in naturally hot spa water and original roman style baths, making it the ultimate spa break destination for thousands of years. The City of Bath has a long and colourful history, with many famous residents (including actors Andrew Lincoln and Adam Campbell and ‘Great British Bake-Off Presenter/ Judge Mary Berry), which is why Bath is one of the most visited cities in Europe. The world heritage city of Bath is simply a fantastic adventure.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:00am and leaves to return at 5:00pm.

Price: £5

(approximately)

Note: Exact times and prices will be confirmed upon booking.

Europe Trips Coming Soon...

You will have the chance to join us on a trip to somewhere nice and exciting in Europe.

In previous years we visited Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona just to mention a few of the many beautiful locations.

Join us and learn all about these wonderful places all the secrets they hold.

Would you like to find out more? Visit us at the International Office or drop us a line at io-events@beds.ac.uk.

Celebrations Join us to celebrate the following events Eid Celebrations

Join us in celebrating the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. Be sure to check what Tree House is doing facebook.com/uobtreehouse

Diwali

Celebrate Diwali (also known as the “festival of lights”) with us. Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Also check to see what Tree House is doing facebook.com/uobtreehouse

Chinese New Year

Join us to celebrate Chinese New Year with dance, food and fun. Help us to see in the ‘Year of the Goat’

Nigerian / Africa Day

Come celebrate Africa Day with us. Africa Day is a celebration of African unity and culture.

Christmas

Join with Tree House and us in celebrating Christmas.

Festivities include Carole singing and mulled wine.

For further information see facebook.com/uobtreehouse and www.stmarysluton.org

Easter

Join Tree House and us in celebrating Easter.

Traditional festivities in the UK for Easter include, Easter eggs (and Easter egg hunts), the Easter Bunny, and eating hot cross buns, simnel cake and chocolate eggs. For further information see facebook.com/uobtreehouse

Dates For Your Diary 2014

2015

25 September 2014

1 January 2015

Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year

New Year’s Day

23 September 2014

19 February 2015

Saudi Arabia Independence Day

Chinese New Year

1 October 2014

25 & 26 February 2015

Nigerian Independence Day

Kuwait Independence Day

15 October 2014

26 March 2015

Eid-ul-Adha (depends on the Moon)

Bangladesh Independence Day

23 November 2014

3 April 2015

Diwali

Good Friday

17 November 2014

5 April 2015

Birthday of Guru Nanak

Easter Sunday

17 December 2014

28 July 2015

Hanukkah Begins

Eid-ul-Fitr (depends on the Moon)

24 December 2014

14 August 2015

Christmas Eve

Pakistan Independence Day

25 December 2014

15 August 2015

Christmas Day

India Independence Day

26 December 2014 Boxing Day

31 December 2014 New Year’s Eve

Additional Information Booking tickets Most of the events we organise have limited spaces so it’s important that you book your place in advance to avoid disappointment.

You can buy tickets for all the events from the International Office.

Disclaimer We have tried our best to give out accurate information regarding dates, prices and other details for these trips.

However, due to circumstances beyond our control, these may have to be altered.

The University of Bedfordshire will endeavour to administer all of these events but due to any unforeseen circumstances should these events not take place, the University of Bedfordshire will not be held responsible.

For more information about the events in this booklet please contact: 01582 743068 io-events@beds.ac.uk Keep an eye on our social media sites where we publish pictures from the trips. unibedsinternational @uobintl UoB_China 英国贝德福特大学

http://bedsfreshi.blogspot.co.uk/