Group Travel Today Magazine issue 4 2025
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GroupTravel Today
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Volume 18 Issue 4 2025
Spotlight on
Sudeley Castle
World of
Shakespeare
Wonders of
Wales
Christmas
Shopping &
Planning
Group
Holidays
Great Days Out
with Glorious
Gardens
Visit
Southport
Johnson’s
Journal
page 8
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Isle of Wight
Bournemouth
Newquay
Weymouth
Eastbourne
Blackpool
Llandudno
Torquay
Weston-super-Mare
Scarborough
Comment
Schiphol is the only major airport
charging for drop-off. One airport.
One charge. That’s it. Are we being
played? Or have we simply
forgotten that good service used
to be part of the ticket?
Contents
News
4
Sunlight on the Cornish coast does
something to the soul. I’ve just
returned from Newquay where the
gulls were swooping, the shops
were full, and the air had that
golden, sea-salted shimmer that
makes people fall in love with
holidays all over again. Families
were paddling. GTOs were
clipboarding. Attractions were
brimming. It felt like the country
had collectively exhaled. After all
the hesitations of recent years,
here it is a season with promise in
its bones.
And what a season we’re heading
into. Because while the beaches
are still warm underfoot, group
organisers are already casting their
gaze towards winter and, dare I
say it, Christmas. Yes, it’s that time.
This issue we unwrap a rather
dazzling guide to group-friendly
festive shopping trips, from
twinkling markets to big-name high
streets, where the aroma of
cinnamon and mulled wine collides
with 20% off knitwear. It’s not just
retail therapy. It’s an event. And
groups love an event.
Of course, getting to these places
should be simple — but air travel
continues to test even the
cheeriest temperament. Across the
UK, airport drop-off charges now
hover at £6 or £7 just to say
goodbye at the kerb. It’s not just
inconvenient. It’s daylight robbery
in short-stay clothing. Compare
that to the continent, where
Thankfully, coaches remain a far
saner way to move around this
island. And that brings us to this
month’s AGTO column, which puts
the spotlight where it belongs: the
driver. One organiser recently
asked a seasoned driver whether
he felt appreciated. “Most GTOs
do, yeah,” he said. “They know
we’ve got 50 lives on board, and a
half-million-pound coach under our
care. They treat us with respect.”
And rightly so. Because when the
driver’s good, the trip’s already
halfway to perfect.
We’ve got plenty to tempt and
inspire this issue. Our visit to
Southport proved that old-school
seaside charm hasn’t gone
anywhere; it's just been quietly
polished and made rather lovely
again. Cornwall gets another look,
this time in its off-peak finery,
where autumn leaves swirl around
coastal trails and winter light
makes the sea look like glass. We
take you through Shakespeare
country, where the Bard meets
group travel in ways he never
imagined. And there’s plenty of
inspiration for Historic Houses and
glorious gardens part one and not
forgeting great days out the kind
where the itinerary is optional, but
the memories are guaranteed.
And don’t miss Johnson’s Journals,
always thoughtful, often hilarious,
occasionally deeply suspicious of
car park signage.
Happy Travelling
Nigel
AGTO
Spotlight on Sudeley Castle
Johnsons Journal
Sacred Spaces & Iconic
Architecture: From Abbeys
to Cathedrals
Christmas Shopping &
Planning
Group Holidays
Leading Attractions in
Shropshire
Great Days Out with
Glorious Gardens
Visit Southport
World of Shakespeare
Wonders of Wales
Visit Lier, Flanders
Page 3 picture: Ian woolcock Shutterstock
Beau Business Media Group Ltd Publishing House,
Windrush, Ash Lane, Birmingham, B48 7TS
email: beaubusinessmedia@gmail.com
Tel: 0121 445 6961
Sales: Brett James Kirby,.
Tel: 0121 445 6961 Contributors: Pauline Johnson,
Design: Alexina Whittaker
Media Partner
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3
News
Group Travel Today
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Experience the Magic of
Christmas in Wiltshire –
Perfect for Groups
Stourhead and the Hawk
Conservancy’s woodland
owl display. Enjoy carols at
Don’t miss the lively market
town switch-ons in
Marlborough, Corsham,
every corner, Wiltshire is
the ideal setting for a
festive escape.
Celebrate the festive
season in Wiltshire with a
dazzling line-up of groupfriendly
events and
attractions. From sparkling
Salisbury Cathedral,
regency celebrations at
Mompesson House, and
family fun at Cholderton
Rare Breeds Farm..
and Bradford on Avon, or
find unique gifts at
McArthurGlen Designer
Outlet Swindon and the
Hawk Conservancy’s
Christmas market.With
Visit
www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/
whats-on/christmas to
start planning your magical
group adventure.
light trails to traditional
Get into the Christmas
generous group discounts
markets and heart-
spirit with magical owl
and seasonal cheer around
warming entertainment,
shows, festive trails, or a
there’s something for
joyful pantomime at
everyone.
Salisbury Playhouse. Then
unwind with group-friendly
Marvel at the Festival of
stays at places like Milford
Light at Longleat, where
Hall Hotel, Holiday Inn
Wallace & Gromit meet
Salisbury, and The Stones
iconic British landmarks, or
Hotel – all offering festive
wander through the
menus, party nights and
illuminated gardens at
cosy winter breaks.
Stourport Manor Hotel
countryside, the hotel has
and itinerary support.
Kidderminster, Worcester
72 spacious bedrooms, on-
Stourport-on-Severn,
city, and the Malvern Hills.
in north Worcestershire has
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developed in the 1700s, is
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famed for its canal basin
Contact Victoria Bishop at
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Group Travel Today
AGTO MATTERS
Good drivers know they
matter
GTOs already know the
important role played
by a coach driver. But
as Wendy Hartley-
Scarff, chief executive
of AGTO, the
Association for Group
Travel Organisers, notes,
it’s a point not always
shared by coach drivers
themselves.
You know the feeling.
You’re there with your
group, excited about
the journey to come. No
last-minute
cancellations, no-one
forgetting the date, or
the time. The coach
hoves into view.
Everything is going well.
With a big smile you
step on board.
“Good morning driver,
how are you today?”
When the response is a
grunt and a failure to
smile, your heart
probably sinks.
“Can we have a chat
about where we’re
going to stop for a
break?”
“We’re stopping at the
motorway services,”
comes the reply. “It says
so on the sheet.”
If you do decide to
engage with the driver,
might the response go
something like this?
“I don’t know anything
about discussing the
itinerary. Jim went sick
yesterday and I only
found out what I was
doing this last night!”
And of course, should
you ask the driver to do
anything in terms of
interacting with your
group, you’ll probably
receive the classic
reply in response: “I just
drive the coach. I don’t
have anything to do
with the passengers.”
To be fair, this sort of
attitude is very much
the exception. GTOs
often have longstanding
relationships,
not only with the coach
operator they hire-in
from, but also with
regular drivers. Driver
and GTO will work
together, especially
when traffic congestion
causes a delay, or
requires a quick change
of plan.
I was talking to a coach
driver recently. I’d
explained my AGTO
role and had asked him
whether he felt he
received the
recognition owing to
someone who’s not only
in charge of the safety
of up to 50 passengers,
but also of a coach
worth around £400,000.
He responded saying
that most GTOs do
appreciate what he
does. He said that his
role is, yes, first and
foremost a coach
driver, but he’s there to
make sure his
passengers have a
really enjoyable day
out. That would be
music to the ears of any
GTO!
A professional coach
driver has many skills.
Driving is at the top,
with the best drivers
taking their time,
reading the road
ahead, allowing you to
relax. But coming a
close second are the
interpersonal skills that
really can make or
break a group hire. In
some areas of the
country, coach
operators can
sometimes struggle to
get drivers. That can
mean you might end up
with someone who’s
been driving a bus all
week and never has to
speak to anyone all day
long.
But let’s sing the praises
of professional coach
drivers who do
recognise the
importance of the role
they play. They enjoy
what they do. And as
any GTO knows, quality
drivers are also a great
font of knowledge.
When you’re looking for
an alternative to the
stop at the motorway
services, they probably
know just the spot!
For more information
about joining AGTO, go
to agto.co.uk
6
Group Travel Today
Spotlight on Sudeley Castle
Uncover the magic of Sudeley Castle,rich in royal history, stunning gardens, and
group-friendly charm, it’s a standout destination in the heart of the Cotswolds.
one group leader or driver,
free coach parking, a café
voucher for the coach
driver, special group menus
and the option to enhance
their visit with exclusive
group talks, guided tours
and dining packages.
To find out more about
group bookings at Sudeley
Castle & Gardens, see
https://sudeleycastle.co.uk
Sudeley Castle has now
reopened its castle doors
for group visits with the allnew
Ruins to Revival
exhibition. This captivating
exhibition invites visitors on
a journey through the
castle’s dramatic history,
from its Tudor splendour to
its ruin and astonishing
Victorian revival.
The large-scale, outdoor
exhibition features a series
of rediscovered
watercolours and
illustrations, set in the
castle’s beautiful gardens.
The exhibition showcases a
collection of large-scale
watercolours painted in
1818 by renowned
topographical artist, John
Buckler. These
rediscovered paintings
offer a rare glimpse of the
castle in its ruined state
after the English Civil War.
Along with these
evocative artworks, visitors
can explore pieces of the
stone castle ruins, immerse
themselves in a civil war
short film and view the
original alabaster block
from the Tudor burial of
Queen Katherine Parr, all
included within general
admission.
Group booking benefits
include discounted
admission rates,
complimentary entry for
/plan-your-visit/groupbookings
or contact
groups@sudeley.org.uk or
01242 602308.
7
Group Travel Today
Johnsons Journal
Pauline and Ken: two adventurers, countless stories, endless inspiration.
KILLARNEY Southern Ireland
We have just returned from
a 6-day May holiday based
in Killarney at the Gleneagle
Hotel. When we have visited
Ireland before we have
gone by coach. This time we
decided to fly as we didn’t
want the long drive to
Killarney from Dublin Port or
an overnight stay enroute.
We looked at Dublin,
Shannon and Cork airports
but either flight timings, UK
airports or long road
journeys were not looking
good. Then someone I met
on holiday said, ‘How about
Kerry airport’. Just 25
minutes’ drive to Killarney
and very conveniently timed
flights with Ryanair from
Luton. Stansted also run
flights to this airport. It’s
small with just 2 gates, a
café at the side of the 4
check-in desks and a tiny
duty-free shop and bar
airside. No hassle with
security or air assistance
and a good experience to
start and end our holiday
with. Ryanair so often get
bad reports, but on this
holiday we were impressed,
especially at Kerry.
The group on Inch Beach
The Gleneagle’s staff were
out to greet us and take our
cases the moment our
coach pulled in. We did
have to wait for our rooms
as we arrived mid-morning,
but there was a bar for
coffee and a snack and
many managed to go to
Lough Leane, a 30-minute
walk away.
One of the benefits of this
hotel is the INEC Arena
which is part of the hotel
complex. We were very
fortunate that an Irish Group
of musicians and dancers,
‘Celtic Steps’, was
The musicans and dancers
of Celtic Steps
performing on the Sunday of
our arrival. Those that didn’t
take advantage of seeing
them Sunday all bought
tickets for the Monday.
Wonderful experience and
all local talent. There was
entertainment within the
hotel each night as well.
Apart from the usual Ring of
Kerry and Dingle excursions
that everyone does, I
wanted to see more of the
immediate local area. Ten
minutes down the road from
our hotel was Muckross
House and Gardens and
Traditional Farms. We started
Blue Mirror in Muckross
House
our day there with a house
visit. It was originally built for
the Herbert family in 1843,
then passed to Lord Ardilaun
of the Guinness brewing
family before being bought
by an American, William
Bowers Bourn, who gave it as
wedding present to his
daughter. Upon her untimely
death the house and all its
estates were gifted to the
Irish Nation and became
Ireland’s first National Park.
The estate has a lake – boat
trips run in the season, jaunty
carts can take you around.
There is also a large
restaurant with a craft shop
and Muckross Weavers
outlet.
In the afternoon the
Traditional Farms site opens.
There are three separate
farms (small, medium and
large) each complete with
animals, poultry and
traditional farm machinery
from the era when there
Re-enactor in the one of
the farms making butter
was no electricity and work
was carried out using
traditional farm methods.
There is also a Labourer’s
cottage, a Carpenter’s
workshop, a Harness Maker’s
workshop, a Blacksmith’s
forge and a Schoolhouse.
Poultry in the turf barrel at
the small farm
8
Group Travel Today
Small Farm Muckross
The farms all have guides in
the dress of their era. A joint
ticket to the House/Gardens
and Farms is available. You
need a full day just to
explore at a leisurely pace
the house and estate. A
shuttle bus is available to
take you around the site.
The middle day of our tour
we hired Jaunty Carts which
came from Killarney Town to
the hotel to pick us up. Their
Director, Laura, came as well
to make sure everyone,
Ken & yours truley ready
to set off
including our less mobile
people, could get on the
carts. We all enjoyed a very
pleasant journey through the
National Park to Ross Castle
at the side of Lough Leane.
There a motor cruiser, ‘Lady
of Killarney’, was waiting to
One of the Jaunty Carts
setting from the hotel
take us for an hour’s cruise
with commentary. A really
relaxing morning. We were
then taken, again by Jaunty
Cart, to the town centre for
free time. As our hotel is on
the outskirts of the town it
runs a regular shuttle bus
during the day which costs 2
Euros each way, so we had
no trouble getting back.
The highlight of the Ring of
Kerry day? The first stop,
where most of us enjoyed an
Irish Whisky even if it was
10.30am. For Dingle it was the
very narrow scenic Slea
Head coastal roads with
views to the Blasket Islands
and South Kerry. We saw
conical stone Beehive huts
at Fahan and Standing
Stones before heading to
Dingle itself for lunch. Part of
the enjoyment of Ireland is
accepting ‘Irish Time’ where
when they say 5 minutes,
think 15 and just relax.
ROOM SUPPLEMENTS
Have you or your members
been caught out by Warners
Hotels decision to charge
£20 to guarantee a walk-in
shower room? When we
booked Runnymede, a full 13
months ahead, I asked
Dunwood’s to send the
rooming list and ask for
confirmation that all the
requests for these rooms
would be met. The
confirmation email from
Warner’s was duly received
and everyone advised. At
that time there was no
surcharge. When we arrived
one couple, who couldn’t
get in, let alone out, of a
bath to take a shower, could
only have their ‘confirmed’
request for a walk-in shower
if they downgraded their
Ross Castle and Lough Leane with Lady of Killarney in
the distance
room to a standard rather clientele is over 50 and so
than the paid-for deluxe. The many have obvious limited
hotel blamed the coach mobility.
company of course but it
was Warner’s Groups who We have had a couple of
had allocated the rooms really good day trips
and over-ridden their email recently. Firstly a Fish & Chip
confirmation. They hadn’t lunch on the GWSR Steam
advised the coach
Railway from Toddington to
company that our requests Cheltenham round trip and
might not now be met. secondly a visit to RAF
Talking to several coach Cosford – which is free to
company’s representatives enter – in the morning
and GTO’s recently I heard followed by nearby David
that this surcharge and the Austin Roses in the
refusal to honour previous afternoon. At David Austin’s
confirmations was now we had a tour which
common practice.
included the private
breeding grounds as well as
DAY TRIPS
the gardens. Lots of very
useful tips for growing and
I can just about understand pruning as well as some
the need for a surcharge as myths debunked and how to
so many are asking for this tell what is a new shoot and
type of room, but when a what is a sucker. It cost £10
booking has been made per person but very
and requests confirmed in worthwhile. They have both
writing many months before, a restaurant and a café. As
I feel the commitment a coach group, everyone
should be honoured. I can’t had a 10% discount on
go back to my members purchases of plants and
and say you now need to anything from the shop. They
pay extra because others, keep the plants for you with
booking after you, have your name on and then
asked for these rooms. I deliver them to the coach
can’t understand either why, just before you go. A very
when refurbishments are helpful service especially if
done, more rooms aren’t you have bought several
converted to have walk-in plants.
showers, especially at
Warner’s where their
9
Group Travel Today
Sacred Spaces & Iconic Architecture: From Abbeys to Cathedrals
Discover awe-inspiring cathedrals, tranquil abbeys, and sacred spaces steeped in history,
perfect for group visits seeking beauty, reflection, and unforgettable architectural grandeur.
Canterbury Cathedral
No visit to historic
Canterbury is complete
without exploring the
wonderful Cathedral, part
of a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and Mother
Church of the Worldwide
Anglican Communion.
Once the site of medieval
pilgrimage, today the
Cathedral welcomes
visitors from all over the
world, with a wealth of
treasures to discover
within, from stunning
stained glass to beautiful
stonework and
architectural flourishes
spanning centuries. The
Cathedral’s history
stretches back over 1400
years, telling thrilling stories
that have shaped England,
while its links to literature
from Chaucer to Dickens
means that it has much to
offer special interest
groups. Alongside
‘entrance only’ tickets, the
Cathedral arranges private
guided tours with themes
including the St Thomas
Becket Story, Stained Glass
windows, with Chaucer
and Canterbury, the
Cathedral in WWII and the
lives of the monks as new
tours for this year. Also
newly introduced is a
special tour enabling you
to climb the Corona Tower,
ascending 95 steps to
enjoy wonderful views of
the city of Canterbury
below. Short specialist talks
or group welcomes are
also available as is a visit
to the historic Archives
and impressive Library. With
the opportunity to include
a refreshments package as
part of your group visit,
there is no better time to
visit this place of wonder,
pilgrimage and welcome
www.canterburycathedral.org.
Westminster Abbey
Step Inside a Living
Masterpiece
Westminster Abbey is more
than a landmark, it's a
living masterpiece and a
powerful window into 1,000
years of British history. From
royal coronations and
weddings to daily worship
and national
remembrance, every
corner of this awe-inspiring
Gothic church holds a
story.
Groups seeking a deeply
enriching experience will
find Westminster Abbey an
unmissable highlight.
Explore the legendary
Poets’ Corner, walk past
the tombs of monarchs,
and marvel at the intricate
stonework that has
witnessed centuries of
faith, art, and ceremony.
A highlight for group
visitors is the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee Galleries.
Located more than 50 feet
above the nave, these
galleries offer panoramic
10
Buckfast Abbey is a registered Charity No. 232497
TOURS
STAY
EAT
Explore Devon’s Hidden Gem
The monks welcome you to their home and hope you find here, peace and tranquillity. Enjoy the Abbey's
beautiful architecture and gardens, restaurant and shop and stay overnight in Northgate House Hotel.
Ask about our Experience Packages for groups of 10 - 50 people.
Groups: 01364 645532 or Accommodation: 01364 645630 and quote GPTRTD0725
Concerts and events all year round. Please check our website for the latest special offers and events.
What’s on
Abbey Church • Working Monastery • Exhibition • Gardens • Shop • Restaurants • Hotel & Conference Centre
Well behaved dogs on short leads welcome | Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ110EE • www.buckfast.org.uk
Group Travel Today
views of the Abbey and
the Houses of Parliament.
The galleries provide a
unique perspective on the
Abbey's architecture and
history, showcasing over
300 objects illuminating
Westminster Abbey's rich
past.
This UNESCO World
Heritage Site offers
tailored group experiences
with multilingual Blue
Badge Guides, ensuring
visitors from around the
world feel welcomed and
inspired. With excellent
access in a central London
location, it’s the perfect
addition to itineraries
focused on heritage,
architecture, or spiritual
journeys.
Discover why this sacred
space continues to
captivate hearts and
minds across generations.
Book your group visit today
westminsterabbey.org/groups
groups@westminsterabbey.org
Buckfast Abbey
Free to enter, the historic
monastery of Buckfast
Abbey, is home to a
working community of
Roman Catholic
Benedictine Monks.
Located on the edge of
Dartmoor National Park.
also San Benedetto’s
offering barista coffee and
cake during the day and
Friday and Saturday
evenings delicious pizzas.
Peruse the well-stocked
shop and don’t miss the
Monastic Way Exhibition,
an immersive experience
of life as a monk.
Individuals and larger
groups can find peace
while strolling through the
Abbey's grounds.
Groups are welcome,
booking is essential, call
them on: 01364 645500 to
arrange a bespoke tour.
For longer stays, there is a
comfortable 32-bedroom
Hotel Northgate House
with additional selfcatering
accommodation
and for those seeking
retreats they offer
monastery
accommodation for men
and have newly
refurbished
accommodation for
women and couples.
Open 10am – 4:30pm free
parking for coaches and
cars.
www.buckfast.org.uk
Exeter Cathedral is
launching a series of major
visitor experience and
accessibility
improvements.
The improvements are
some of the most
significant changes to the
building in more than 500
years, including the
construction of its new
Cloister Gallery, opened in
November 2024. Built on
the same foundations as
the cathedral’s original
medieval cloister
(demolished during the
English Civil War), the new
cloister connects the
cathedral with its historic
Chapter House and
Pearson buildings,
significantly extending the
visitor experience.
With the new Cloister
Gallery, a new café has
also opened, in the
cathedral’s medieval
Chapter House, along with
a new gift shop,
accessible toilets, and
wheelchair-friendly lifts.
Exeter Cathedral has stood
at the heart of Devon for
nearly a thousand years. Its
awe-inspiring beauty,
fascinating history and
accessible location makes
it one of the South West’s
most popular group travel
destinations. Visitors can
explore the world-famous
architecture at their own
pace, or learn more about
its history with a choice of
entertaining tours
(including roof tours) and
multi-language audio
guides.
Special benefits for group
and coach tour operators
include reduced entry
fees, no deposit or
cancellation fee and
discounted guide books.
Dedicated coach drop-off
and pick-up points in
central Exeter are an easy
three-minute walk away.
For more information, visit
bit.ly/exeter-cathedralgroup-visits
or email
visit@exetercathedral.org.uk
Renowned for its Abbey
Church and its extensive
grounds, visitors can also
enjoy recitals of choral and
organ music; as well as
delicious lunches and
cream teas offered in The
Grange Restaurant, there is
12
Step inside a
Book your visit westminster-abbey.org
living masterpiece
Book your group visit today
westminster-abbey.org/groups groups@westminster-abbey.org
Group Travel Today
Christmas Planning & Shopping 2025
Secure your spot early for Christmas 2025! Advance group bookings ensure availability,
exclusive perks, and stress-free planning during the busiest and most magical time of year.
King Richard III’s Christmas
Experience
Step into a world of
medieval merriment this
festive season with King
Richard III’s Christmas
Experience , a perfect day
out for groups looking to
celebrate in truly royal
style.
a fragrant festive
keepsake to take home.
Discover the rich traditions
of medieval yuletide in
their engaging Feasts and
Festivities talk, offering a
glimpse into how Christmas
was celebrated in King
Richard III’s time.
Your visit also includes full
access to the awardwinning
King Richard III
Visitor Centre, where your
group can explore the
incredible story of a king
lost and found, all at your
own pace.
Whether you're planning a
festive outing for a club,
society, or workplace, King
Richard III’s Christmas
Experience is the perfect
mix of history, food, and
seasonal cheer.
Group bookings now open
email info@kriii.com.
A Festive Treasure Hunt in
Covent Garden’s Jubilee
Market
If you're planning a group
getaway to London this
winter, make sure to leave
room on the itinerary and
in your shopping bags for
Jubilee Market in Covent
Garden. Tucked within the
iconic Piazza and dressed
head to toe in twinkling
lights, this historic spot is
one of the capital’s most
magical Christmas
shopping experiences.
atmosphere is pure
Christmas carol singers,
warming scents in the air,
and the gentle glow of
thousands of fairy lights
bouncing off cobbled
stone. With cafes and
restaurants nearby, it’s the
ideal place for groups to
take a festive pause and
soak up the seasonal
cheer.
So whether you're
travelling with friends, a
club, or a coachload of
Christmas lovers, Jubilee
Market in Covent Garden is
where the holiday spirit
truly sparkles.
www.jubileemarket.co.uk
Designed especially for
group visits, this unique
package begins with a
warming welcome drink.
Choose from steaming
coffee, freshly brewed tea,
mulled wine, or spiced
apple juice. Then gather
round the table for a
delicious two-course
Christmas feast, prepared
to indulge and impress.
Get hands-on with
Christmas spiced crafts,
where you’ll create your
own traditional pomander,
Available between 24th
November-14th December
Throughout the festive
season, Jubilee Market
transforms into a bustling
winter wonderland,
offering not one but three
themed markets. Whether
your group is on the hunt
for handcrafted gifts,
curious antiques, rare
collectables or vintage
treasures, the stalls here
promise something for
everyone — from quirky
stocking fillers to that
elusive perfect present.
It’s not just the shopping
that delights. The
Gordon Rigg
Founded by Gordon Rigg in
1945, the Garden Centre
began as just a
greenhouse, a shed and a
small selection of garden
tools. However, fuelled by
his passion for gardening
and a vision for growth,
Gordon Rigg's Centres
have flourished over the
decades, expanding
exponentially to become
14
Covent Garden’s historic indoor Jubilee Market has plenty to offer for a fabulous Christmas shopping trip.
info@jubileemarket.co.uk www.jubileemarket.co.uk @jubileemarket @jubilee.market @jubileemarket75
Group Travel Today
memorable.
Join the Party Nights
For groups looking for that
ready-made festive buzz,
the hotel’s “Join a Party”
nights are perfect. These
include a welcome drink
(wine or lager), a threecourse
festive menu with
choices, crackers
(naturally), and a disco to
dance it all off. It’s a mix of
sparkle and simplicity, and
at £49.95 per person, it’s
ideal for groups who want
everything taken care of.
Availability is limited,
Saturday 13 December is
already fully booked so
early booking is strongly
one of the largest garden
centres in the North West.
Today, 80 years later,
Gordon Rigg Garden,
Home & Leisure boast an
impressive 60,000 square
feet of shopping area.
They offer customers a
vast array of gardening
supplies, garden furniture,
homeware and gifts.
Christmas is also a
wonderful time of year at
Gordon Riggs with
everything you could
possibly want and need for
the festive season.
The Todmorden Garden
Centre also includes Rigg’s
Farm Shop, which offers
the best quality local and
regional produce, as well
as Gordon’s Garden Tea
Room, where guests can
enjoy dining among the
plants and flowers.
Situated opposite the
Todmorden site is Bottoms
Mill Shop, which is the
perfect place if you’re
looking for clothing, gifts,
DIY hardware and
homeware. Upstairs, The
Cotton Weaver’s Cafe
serves hearty, home
cooked food, with views
overlooking the
picturesque Walsden
Valley hills.
In addition to the flagship
location in Todmorden,
Gordon Rigg has also
established a presence in
Rochdale, where another
branch and Bistro were
opened in 1988 due to the
popularity of the first site.
Gordon Rigg Garden,
Home & Leisure are wellknown
in the North West,
catering to novice and
advanced gardeners, but
also providing great days
out in the countryside that
can be enjoyed by
everyone.
www.gordonrigg.com
Christmas by the Sea:
Festive Group Fun at
Marsham Court Hotel,
Bournemouth
If your group is looking for
a festive celebration that
blends tradition with
seaside charm, the
Marsham Court Hotel in
Bournemouth might just be
the answer to your
Christmas wish list.
This award-winning, familyrun
hotel knows how to
throw a party. Perched on
Bournemouth’s East Cliff
with views of the sea, the
Marsham Court offers
something that’s
increasingly rare – a
Christmas experience that
feels both effortless and
advised, particularly for
Fridays which tend to be
popular with office parties
and coach tours alike.
Private PartiesYour Way
If your group prefers
something more bespoke,
the hotel also offers
private lunches and
dinners throughout
December. Whether you’re
after a midweek lunch for
35 in "Under the Stairs" or a
big Saturday blowout for
150 in The Plantation,
there’s a space to match
16
your group size and
budget.
Menus are flexible too –
from a set three-course
lunch at £29.95 to a
weekend dinner with
choice menu at £39.95.
And for something a little
different? Try a mulled
wine or Winter Pimms
reception to get everyone
in the mood.
Drinks Sorted In Advance
Want to avoid the scrum
at the bar? Groups can
pre-order drink packages
such as wine buckets,
beer jugs, or mocktails. It’s
a smart option,
particularly for larger
groups, and saves time on
the night.
To book
Tel: 01202 552111 or visit
www.marshamcourt
hotel.co.uk
National Memorial
Arboretum
A visit to the National
Memorial Arboretum, the
nation’s year-round place
to remember, is a must this
season for group travel
visitors.
As autumn leaves begin
to fall, the Arboretum
hosts its annual outdoor
Remembrance Sunday
service on 9 November,
commemorating the
service and sacrifice
made by the Armed
Forces community to their
Nation.
Their special
Remembrance Sunday
Groups Package gives the
option to join the service
outside or stay inside in
the warmth and observe
the service on large
A warm welcome
awaits you in Bournemouth!
* Groups are our speciality
* Plenty of walk-in showers
* Highly Accessible Hotel
* Parking on site (including Coaches)
* Family owned and operated since 1987
* Multi Award Winning Hotel
* Short drive to Poole, New Forest
and Jurassic Coast
01202 552111
www.marshamcourthotel.co.uk
17
Group Travel Today
screens from the comfort
of their seat. After the
commemorations have
drawn to a close, enjoy a
delicious two-course
homemade lunch.
December sees the return
of Illuminated Arboretum,
a bespoke, after-hours light
installation that offers the
chance to see the
splendour of the memorials
and stories they tell, in
another light.
and sound to bring the
fascinating stories of the
Arboretum to life in an
entirely new way. Groups
of 10 or more, enjoy
exclusive pricing from
£18.00 per person.
Combine a visit to
Illuminated Arboretum,
with a Group Christmas
Lunch, which can be prebooked
every day, for
dates between 1- 21
December and includes a
delicious two-course
festive lunch with tea,
coffee and mince pies
along with a glass of fizz
on arrival for £34.95 per
person.
Tel:01283 244 896
groups@thenma.org.uk
As part of their
commemorative
programme ‘The Year Was…
1945’ marking 80 years
since the end of the
Second World War, the
illuminated trail shines a
light on pivotal moments
from the time.
The 1.5 mile long route,
designed exclusively for
the Arboretum, will use
mesmerising light, colour
18
5 – 22 December 2025
Join us for an illuminated trail with a difference.
Our 1.5 mile-long Illuminated Arboretum route will use
mesmerising light, colour and sound to bring the fascinating
stories of the Arboretum to life in an entirely new way.
From £18.00pp*
GROUP
Christmas
LUNCHES
1 – 21 December 2025
Enjoy a delicious group Christmas
lunch in the Founders’ Room with
a glass of prosecco on arrival, and a
delicious two-course festive lunch
with tea, coffee and mince pies.
£34.95pp*
To discover more, call 01283 244 896,
email groups@thenma.org.uk or visit thenma.org.uk
Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AR Charity No. 1043992
*Pricing applies for minimum groups of 10 or more on select dates. Entry to the Arboretum is free, car parking charges apply for cars and motorcycles.
Group Travel Today
Group Holidays
Group holidays offer shared adventures, lasting memories, and unbeatable value, ideal for
clubs, societies, and friends seeking fun, connection, and stress-free travel together.
A Dozen Seaside Escapes
with the Daish’s Touch
From the English Riviera to
the rugged cliffs of
Scarborough, Daish’s Hotels
offer twelve distinct
experiences united by
comfort, coastal charm,
and warm hospitality.
Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay
Perched in the heart of the
English Riviera, Abbey
Lawn Hotel boasts
sweeping sea views,
classic décor, and a
peaceful indoor pool. Just
a short stroll from Torquay’s
harbour, guests enjoy easy
access to local shops,
cafés, and culture, with
lively evening
entertainment rounding off
each day.
Barrowfield Hotel,
Newquay
Moments from Tolcarne
Beach, the Barrowfield
Hotel captures Cornwall’s
coastal spirit. Sunlit rooms,
an indoor pool, and a
buzzing entertainment
schedule make it ideal for
both surfers and those
seeking seaside serenity.
Bournemouth Sands Hotel
Set atop the West Cliff, this
hotel overlooks
Bournemouth’s awardwinning
beaches. Guests
enjoy a sunny terrace,
cosy rooms, and regular
entertainment, with the
town centre’s shops and
theatres just a short walk
away.
Daish’s Hotel, Isle of Wight
A former 18th-century
coaching inn in Shanklin,
Daish’s Hotel blends
heritage and modern
comfort. Explore thatched
cottages, charming
tearooms, and nearby
sandy beaches, all within
reach of the island’s
natural beauty.
Daish’s Blackpool Hotel
On the North Promenade,
this hotel offers sea views
and front-row access to
Blackpool’s iconic
attractions. With a vibrant
bar, live shows, and
proximity to the Tower and
Winter Gardens, it’s a
perfect base for a funfilled
getaway.
Devonshire Hotel, Torquay
Tucked within picturesque
gardens, the Devonshire is
a tranquil haven with an
outdoor pool and evening
entertainment. The English
Riviera’s scenic paths and
coastal views lie just
beyond the doorstep.
Esplanade Hotel,
Scarborough
Overlooking South Bay, the
Esplanade’s grand façade
opens into elegant rooms
and easy access to
beaches, shops, and
Scarborough’s historic
sites—perfect for exploring
the Yorkshire coast.
Hotel Prince Regent,
Weymouth
This Georgian gem sits on
Weymouth’s seafront, steps
from the beach and
harbour. Ideal for Jurassic
Coast adventures, it
combines classic grandeur
with comfortable rooms
and engaging evening
shows.
Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne
With views across the
English Channel, the
Imperial places you near
Eastbourne’s pier, gardens,
and theatres. Timeless
architecture meets
modern comfort in this
relaxing seafront retreat.
Russell Hotel, Weymouth
Next door to the Prince
Regent, the Russell offers
the same unbeatable
location with its own
inviting atmosphere.
Friendly service and cosy
rooms make it a favourite
for a relaxed Weymouth
break.
Sandringham Hotel,
Weston-super-Mare
Overlooking the Grand
Pier, the Sandringham
serves up Bristol Channel
views and that classic
seaside holiday feeling —
with cheerful
entertainment and the
comforting scent of fish
and chips in the air.
Somerset Hotel, Llandudno
Facing Llandudno’s
Victorian pier, the
Somerset blends nostalgia
and sea views. A perfect
spot to sip tea and soak
up the timeless charm of
Wales’s most elegant
resort town.
Wherever you choose,
Daish’s ensures a
welcoming stay, coastal
beauty, and moments to
treasure.
www.daishs.com
Discover the Joy of Group
Adventures with Alfa
Travel!
Planning a group getaway
has never been easier – or
more rewarding – thanks to
Alfa Travel. Specialising in
20
Up to
4 Free
places *
Wonderful
Group Holidays
Call our groups team today on 01257 248007
Alfa Group Holidays Include:
3 A fantastic range of value for money
holidays
3 Exclusive sole use of the coach
for 30 or more passengers
3 Special joining arrangements
3 Direct return coach travel
3 Tailored itineraries to suit
your requirements
3 Extensive collection of
accommodation from our Leisureplex
Hotel Group plus an array of carefully
selected Partner Hotels
* Terms & Conditions apply. Please
ask for more details
book online at alfatravel.co.uk/group-bookings
via email at groups@alfatravel.co.uk or visit your local travel agent
Group Travel Today
With over 40 years of
Flexibility
experience, Riviera has
There's no minimum group
become a trusted name
size required to travel,
for group travel — offering
making it ideal for smaller
fully escorted tours, river
clubs or informal groups of
and ocean cruises, and
friends. (Commission deals
once-in-a-lifetime rail
may require 8+
journeys across Europe and
beyond.
passengers.)
Tailored Experiences
Selected itineraries
Whether your group
feature pre-bookable
dreams of strolling through
personalised experiences,
quality coach holidays
across the UK and Ireland,
Alfa offers departures from
convenient local pickup
points nationwide, making
travel simple and stressfree
for your group.
Whether your group
fancies the sandy shores of
Cornwall, the dramatic
Highlands of Scotland, or
somewhere in between,
Alfa Travel has the perfect
break to suit all tastes and
budgets. With exclusive
access to their own 24
Leisureplex Hotels, guests
enjoy consistent standards,
delicious home-cooked
meals, evening
entertainment, and warm,
friendly service from their
great value. So why not
take the hassle out of
planning and let Alfa Travel
do the hard work?
Call 01257 248007 or visit
www.alfatravel.co.uk/
group-bookingsto request
your free brochure and
start planning your next
group adventure today!
Travel Together, Travel
Better: Group Adventures
with Riviera Travel
If you're planning your next
adventure with friends, a
club, or a society, Riviera
Travel makes group
holidays effortless,
exciting, and exceptional.
the tulip fields of the
Netherlands, sailing the
Rhine in five-star comfort,
or taking a classic train
ride through the Swiss Alps,
Riviera has an itinerary to
suit every interest and
budget.
Why Travel with Riviera as
a Group?
Peace of Mind
Riviera Travel is a member
of ABTA, ATOL, IATA and
AGTO, meaning your plans
and your payments are
fully protected.
Value Built In
Most excursions are
included in the price, so
there are fewer hidden
extras and your group can
plan with confidence.
so each group member
can add a special touch
to their journey.
Whether you’re seeking
cultural immersion, scenic
splendour, want ing to see
Europes finest or simply a
relaxing break, Riviera’s
award-winning tours and
cruises take the hassle out
of group organising and
replace it with delight.
For more information or to
start planning your next
group getaway:
Call 01283 742 322, visit
rivieratravel.co.uk/groups
or email
groups@rivieratravel.co.uk
dedicated employee
owners.
StevanZZ Shutterstock
Group organisers booking
30 or more passengers
benefit from fantastic
group rates, generous
discounts, and even free
places. Plus, Alfa’s
experienced group travel
team is on hand to help
craft a bespoke itinerary
with hand-picked
excursions to make your
holiday extra special.
From start to finish, Alfa
makes group travel
enjoyable, reliable, and
22
2026 NOW
ON SALE
G R E A T F O R
Groups
Why not join the hundreds of groups that travel with us every
year and discover all the benets of Daish’s Holidays for yourself.
FREE
places for groups over 20 people
A choice of 12 fantastic hotels
spread across 10 locations
Great value half board breaks
including nightly entertainment
Fleet of 35 luxury coaches to
provide comfortable travel
Dedicated groups team to
support you from booking
to arrival
Over 45 years of award winning
customer service
Get in touch with us Today!
Call 01202 638 841 or visit daishs.com facebook.com/daishsholidaysforgroups @daishs4groups
Isle of Wight
Bournemouth
Newquay
Weymouth
Eastbourne
Blackpool
Llandudno
Torquay
Weston-super-Mare
Scarborough
Group Travel Today
Leading Attractions in Shropshire
Explore Shropshire’s leading attractions,historic estates, charming market towns, and scenic
wonders perfect for group visits filled with heritage, discovery, and warm local welcomes.
Discover the Ironbridge
Valley of Invention Perfect
for Group Visits
Step into the story of
innovation and industry
with a group visit to
Ironbridge Valley of
Invention,a remarkable
collection of attractions
set within the heart of a
UNESCO World Heritage
Site in Shropshire. Just five
miles from Telford town
centre and easily
accessible by coach, this
unique destination
stretches across six scenic
miles of the Ironbridge
Gorge famously known as
the birthplace of the
Industrial Revolution.
For groups seeking a rich
and varied day out,
Ironbridge offers an
unbeatable combination
of history, hands-on
experiences, and charming
surroundings. Explore ten
award-winning attractions,
including:
Blists Hill Victorian Tow step
back in time to the 1900s,
where costumed
characters bring a
Victorian community to
life.
Jackfield Tile Museum,
marvel at decorative tiles
and learn about the area’s
rich ceramic heritage.
Coalport China Museum
see world-famous china
being made in the original
factory buildings.
The Iron Bridge and Toll
House walk across the first
cast-iron bridge in the
world and discover the
engineering genius behind
it.
Group Benefits at a
Glance
Organising a group trip
couldn’t be easier, and
Ironbridge goes out of its
way to make groups feel
welcome. Benefits include:
Discounted rates for
groups of 15+
Free admission for the
group organise and coach
driver
Free coach parking on site
Complimentary
refreshment voucher for
every coach driver
Free familiarisation visit for
two adults once you’ve
booked
Catering options to suit all
tastes and budgets
Expert-led guided tours
available to enhance your
visit
Booking Your Visit
Whether you’re planning a
half-day or full-day
itinerary, the Ironbridge
Group Visits Team is on
hand to help with every
detail. Simply complete
the online group booking
formwww.ironbridge.org.uk
/plan/group-visits and
they’ll get in touch to
confirm or tailor your visit.
Prefer to chat?
Contact the friendly team
directly:
groups@ironbridge.org.ukm
ailgroups@ironbridge.org.uk
Tel: 01952 435 900
Ironbridge Valley of
Invention is where history,
heritage, and hospitality
combine to offer groups a
truly unforgettable
Bromeld, Shropshire, SY8 2JR
01584 856000
experience.
For more information,
visit:www.ironbridge.org.uk
Ludlow Farmshop is a one-ofa-kind
shopping environment
where farming, passion for
great food and retail come
together to create an
award-winning experience.
After browsing food and
treats at Ludlow Farmshop,
relax in our picnic area with
takeaway food and drinks.
Or enjoy breakfast or lunch
from our on-site café - of
course, followed by an ice
cream from our cabin in the
spring and summer months.
Our new gift shop is perfect
to nd a present for a loved
one... or yourself!
On-site you can also visit The
Clive Arms, Ludlow Distillery
and The Artists’ Gallery.
Open 7 days a week
Free parking
Two miles from Ludlow
@ludlowfarmshop
www.ludlowfarmshop.co.uk
24
© PT Aerial Photography
Group Travel Today
Great Days Out With Glorious Gardens
Step into a world of colour and calm with glorious gardens across the UK, perfect for group
visits filled with nature, beauty, and seasonal splendour.
Also NEW for 2025, the
Private 'Talk & Teas' events
offer an exclusive
experience, combining
fascinating history with
indulgent tea options. Set
in the medieval
Gatehouse, topics like
“High Society Secrets” and
“Leading Ladies of Leeds
Castle” offer captivating
insights for groups of up to
30.
Parham has always been a
well-loved family home,
and only three families
have lived here since its
foundation stone was laid
in 1577. Its tranquillity and
timeless beauty have
changed little over the
centuries.
The award-winning
gardens consist of
beautiful Pleasure Grounds
Leeds Castle in Kent is
designed to entertain and
amaze every day!
With over 900 years of rich
and captivating history,
Leeds Castle has so much
to offer for pre-booked
groups. Discover the
elegant charm of Lady
Baillie’s 1930s country
house retreat, wander
through stunning grounds
and gardens, enjoy
captivating falconry
displays, and experience
exciting seasonal events
that promise something for
everyone.
Experience Leeds Castle
as never before with the
NEW 1930s immersive audio
tour, An Invitation to
Decadence. Step into the
glamour of Lady Baillie’s
legendary weekend
parties and discover the
Castle in its most dazzling
era. Featuring evocative
storytelling, period music,
and expert insights from
the Castle’s curator, this
unique tour brings the
elegance, intrigue, and
charm of the 1930s vividly
to life, offering a fresh
perspective for both new
and returning groups.
Enhance your visit with a
Meet the Owls experience,
where groups can get up
close with these majestic
birds for just £5 per person.
Combine it with one of the
many thrilling seasonal
events in 2025, such as The
Queen’s Joust or the Leeds
Castle Concert, for a truly
memorable experience.
Parham
Set within an ancient deer
park below the South
Downs, Parham is one of
the country’s finest
Elizabethan Houses.
and a four-acre Walled
Garden. There are stunning
herbaceous borders, a
1920s greenhouse,
vegetable garden, orchard
and Wendy House. Enjoy
walks around the Pleasure
Grounds and lake and
explore the variety of
fascinating wildlife. The
Park is a Site of Special
Scientific Interest.
Discover a rare and
precious collection of
paintings, furniture and
needlework. Guided tours
are led by their
experienced Guides, while
26
20 th April - 12 th October 2025
TRIPADVISOR & GOOGLE
H O U S E & G A R D E N S
Set within an ancient deer park below the South Downs, Parham is
one of the country’s nest Elizabethan Houses.
• Historic Elizabethan Family Home
• Four-Acre Walled Garden
• The Greenhouse
• Furniture, Paintings, & Textiles
• Joanna’s Boutique Tearoom
• Garden Shop and Gift Shop
• Guided Tours
• Free Coach Parking
• Coach Driver Incentives
Parham oers a range of packages
for groups of over 20, including
guided tours and catering
Parham House & Gardens
Pulborough, West Sussex
RH20 4HR
01903 861266
www.parhaminsussex.co.uk
bookings@parhaminsussex.co.uk
Unforgettable
Group Visits
at
Leeds castle
In Kent
Designed to entertain and amaze every day!
Groups enjoy over 900 years of history, seasonal gardens,
thrilling events & unexpected experiences.
Group Travel Today
unguided groups can
benefit from the
knowledge of their room
Guides, who are ready and
willing to answer questions
about the history of the
House and the objects
within.
www.parhaminsussex.co.uk
Timeless Harmony: The
Italianate Gardens of
Mapperton House
Tucked into a dramatic
Dorset combe,
Mapperton’s Italianate
Gardens are a living
testament to romantic
vision, ambition, and
timeless harmony.
Designed in the 1920s by
Ethel Labouchere in
memory of her husband,
the Fountain Court and
surrounding terraces sit
gracefully below the
croquet lawn surrounded
by clipped topiary,
octagonal pools, grottoes
and stone statues. This
formal composition is
softened by harmonious
planting and the rich
patina of age.
Labouchere’s design was
influenced by Harold Peto’s
Italianate style, later
paired with bold yew and
box hedges and
highlighted with local Blue
Lias paving and honeyhued
Hamstone walls. At its
focal point lies the
octagonal pool, ringed by
geometric borders and
terraces, creating a
theatre of water
reflections, stone, and
clipped green - part of
what made the garden
Historic Houses’ Garden of
the Year in 2020.
The vivid contrast of
restraint and soft romance
makes Mapperton’s
Gardens exceptional as
the formal design
transitions into naturalism.
Pass below the Fountain
Court and you enter a
lower terrace with an early
17th century summerhouse,
spring-fed ponds and the
beginning of the wild
garden. Here, Edwardian
elegance yields to the
rolling embrace of
arboretum and woodland
walks, planted with
28
Over 800 years of
stories to discover!
Book your next group day out
at beaulieu.co.uk/groups
GREAT SAVINGS
FOR GROUPS
OF 15+
H O M E O F T H E
NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE, SO42 7ZN
Group Travel Today
garden and tranquil pools.
Blossoming throughout the
year as spring bulbs give
way to summer magnolias
and roses, and rich autumn
bronzes mix with
crocosmia and elegant
Japanese anemone, the
Gardens offer a timeless
dialogue.
September, with over 200
works by 47 acclaimed
sculptors. Set against the
stunning backdrop of
Palace House and its
historic grounds, this openair
exhibition invites visitors
to follow a trail through the
Victorian Flower Garden,
woodland, and riverside
paths.
specimen shrubs,
magnolias, dawn
redwoods, dogwoods, tulip
trees, and more.
The transformation
continued under Victor
Montagu in the late 1960s
with the addition of a
gilded orangery perched
above the Fountain Court.
Today, it houses vines,
avocado, begonias, roses,
and exotic plants beneath
history creates an exotic
journey. Visitors emerge
from an intimate entrance
courtyard to a clipped
croquet lawn, framed by a
high wall adorned with
clematis and beds of
hydrangea, hellebores and
geranium. From the
Croquet Pavillion visitors
begin to see the full
spectacle unfurling
beyond, falling away
toward the valley floor. The
Mapperton remains a
family labour of love. The
Dowager Countess of
Sandwich has tended the
gardens since the late
1980s, sustaining
Labouchere’s original
structure while allowing
nature to gently soften it.
In an age when many
gardens are overstated or
overly thematic,
Mapperton stands out for
its quiet confidence and
romantic setting. The
Italianate terraces feel
neither synthetic nor
forced but echo a legacy
of design and a desire to
honour a loved one
through a palette of colour
that nature cherishes.
Now in its fourth edition
following the success of
2019, 2021 and 2023, the
event showcases an
inspiring mix of sculpture
from striking figurative
forms to bold abstracts
crafted in a wide range of
materials and styles.
Each piece has been
thoughtfully placed to
complement the
surrounding landscape,
creating a memorable and
immersive art experience.
Whether you’re a
seasoned collector or a
first-time buyer, many of
the sculptures will be
available to purchase, with
prices starting at just £100.
a glass-roofed pavilion
offering sweeping views
into the valley beyond.
This sense of layered
formal sequence invites
reflection, while paths
beyond its edge beckon
deeper exploration into
woodland glades, a secret
It’s the perfect opportunity
Beaulieu
Sculpture at Beaulieu
returns in 2025, running
from 13th June to 14th
to enjoy art in the open
airand perhaps take a
piece of it home.
beaulieu.co.uk/groups
30
Group Travel Today
Visit Southport
Discover Southport’s classic charm, seaside strolls, vibrant gardens, and group-friendly
attractions make this elegant coastal town a standout destination for memorable days
out together.
Southport hosted visitors
of all ages eager to find
out why the town is
described as a “foodies’
paradise with a little
something for everyone to
enjoy”.
The annual Southport Food
and Drink Festival takes up
residence in Victoria Park
in the centre of the town,
transforming the space
with a range of street
stalls, and stimulating the
senses with opportunities
to try food from different
cultures.
Moving from food to drink
and Southport's brewing
heritage is celebrated in
several traditional pubs
and modern craft beer
Southport: for food,
glorious food
Southport is well known
among group travel
organisers for its
magnificent sandy beach,
its remarkable pier,
Pleasureland Theme Park,
and Lord Street, the
Victorian-canopied
shopping boulevard.
Less known, perhaps, is
that the town can boast a
culinary landscape that
offers visitors a delightful
mix of traditional British
fare and contemporary
dining experiences.
As you might expect,
seafood features large
with several renowned fish
restaurants making the
most of the town's
maritime heritage.
Over the last few years the
town's market quarter has
evolved into a vibrant food
scene. Here, independent
food vendors offer
everything from artisanal
pizzas to street food
inspired by global cuisines.
Local delicacies include
Southport’s famous potted
shrimps, Formby asparagus
and Southport tomatoes.
It’s this combination of
quality and fresh, locally
sourced produce that’s
proving quite an
attraction. And then
there’s Southport Market,
re-opened in 2021 as a
major food and drink
market, with stalls offering
Mexican street food,
Canadian specialities,
Portuguese tarts and
baked goods, crepes
waffles and desserts, and
home-made pies and
mash.
But for many people,
there’s one date in
Southport’s foodie
calendar that can’t be
missed. For three days,
from Friday 30 May through
to Sunday 1 June,
establishments. Many of
these venues offer beer
tasting experiences and
brewery tours, complete
with food pairings that
showcase local produce.
Southport's proximity to
rich agricultural land
means that farm-to-table
dining is more than just a
trend here. Several
restaurants maintain strong
relationships with local
farmers and producers,
offering seasonal menus
that reflect the region's
abundant produce. These
establishments often
arrange special group
dining experiences where
guests can learn about
local food production
32
while enjoying freshly
prepared meals.
In Lord Street, the elegant
architecture provides a
sophisticated backdrop
for afternoon tea
experiences, where groups
can indulge in towers of
freshly baked scones,
delicate finger
sandwiches, and an
extensive selection of
specialty teas. Several
establishments have
dedicated spaces for
larger parties, making
them popular choices for
birthday celebrations and
family gatherings.
Whether you’re looking to
relax by the sea, explore
memorable experience for
secure coach park at
email Steve Christian,
history, enjoy local events,
all types of groups.
Esplanade, with a whole
destination development
or take part in outdoor
adventures, Southport’s
diverse food and drink
offer will help ensure a
Coaches can drop off right
in the heart of the town,
and there’s a purpose-built,
day’s parking for just £5.50.
For more information, go to
www.visitsouthport.com, or
manager, at
steve.christian@sefton.gov.uk
If you love historic towns,
pottering around independent
shops, scenic walks, yummy
food and drink, museums
and art galleries, and nights
at the theatre, Southport has
it all. There's even
spectacular seasonal events
and thrilling attractions!
Plan your next group trip with us:
Steve.Christian@sefton.gov.uk
We’re lking forward to sing you
#LoveSouthport
Visitsouthport.com
33
Group Travel Today
World of Shakespeare
Step into the World of Shakespeare, where timeless tales, historic theatres, and Stratfordupon-Avon’s
rich heritage bring the Bard’s legacy vividly to life for groups.
William Shakespeare’s
Family Homes
William Shakespeare - His
footsteps, Your journey.
Explore his family homes in
Stratford-upon-Avon and
discover how, four
centuries on, he still
influences their everyday
lives. A tour of the homes
provides a unique insight
into Shakespeare’s world
and what it was like
growing up in Tudor
England.
Treat your group to a
memorable day out in
2025 with a visit to one,
two or all three of the
Shakespeare family homes.
Bring his history to life with
exhibitions, bespoke talks,
and tours from their
knowledgeable guides
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
on Henley Street is a
special place that
everyone should visit at
least once in their lives.
Explore the extraordinary
story of the boy from
Stratford-upon-Avon who
became a household
name the world over. Enter
the introductory exhibition,
Famous Beyond Words,
which shines a light on
William’s early years
including family life, his
father John’s prestigious
glove making workshop, his
education, and the books
he read that later
influenced his plays.
Guides within the house
will regale you with stories
about the family’s colourful
history and the
conventions of the day.
Relive Shakespeare’s love
story at Anne Hathaway’s
Cottage. This is the most
romantic of Shakespeare’s
family homes where he
courted his future wife. At
this iconic English thatched
cottage, marvel at some
of the original features and
furniture of his wife’s family
home including the
Hathaway bed (the
‘second best bed’), and
the courting settle. It has
been a popular literary
tourist haunt since the
19the century when
prominent writers such as
Alfred Tennyson and
Charles Dickens visited.
Wander through acres of
beautiful grounds,
orchards, and the
sculpture garden, perfect
for photo opportunities.
Round off your trip with
some light refreshments
opposite the cottage at
the newly reopened
Garden Café.
Walk in Shakespeare’s
footsteps at Shakespeare’s
New Place the site of his
grand family home where
he lived from 1597– 1616 –
actor, dramatist and
successful entrepreneur
and businessman of the
town. New Place was the
second biggest house in
Stratford-upon-Avon. It was
here that he wrote his later
plays. Sadly, the house was
demolished in 1759 but
exploring the footprint of
his final home takes you
through an historic site
with beautifully restored
gardens and sculptures
inspired by his life and
works. Cross the threshold
at the Gatehouse where is
front door used to be. You
are now standing on the
site of his family home.
Wander through the
Golden Garden past His
Mind’s Eye a full-size tree of
bronze exploring his
influence on the world. All
his works began life at a
humble writing desk. Sit in
the bronze chair and look
out over the site of his final
home
Continuing in 2025, an
exhibition, Hidden Voices:
The Women Who Made
Shakespeare, which sheds
a light on the characters
who made him famous,
from love-struck teenagers
to witches.
Visits, talks, and bespoke
tours with discounts
available for fifteen or
more people.
Group bookings Phone
+44 (0)1789 201 806
groups@shakespeare.org.uk
www.shakespeare.org.uk
Coaches
There is a coach drop-off
point near Shakespeare’s
Birthplace. Shakespeare’s
New Place is in the centre
of town, a short walk from
the Birthplace and Anne
Hathaway’s Cottage has
free on-site coach parking.
34
Shakespeare’s
Birthplace
& FAMILY HOMES
We welcome group visits to the
beautiful historic Shakespeare
homes and gardens, each with
its own fascinating story to tell.
Discover more with our
group talks and VIP tours.
Visits are available to one,
two or all three of these
iconic houses, with options
for all budgets.
GROUP DISCOUNTS
FOR 15+ PEOPLE
To book contact our
Group Sales Team:
E: Groups@shakespeare.org.uk
T: 01789 201806
SHAKESPEARE.ORG.UK
Registered Charity Number 209302
Group Travel Today
Wonders of Wales
Discover the Wonders of Wales a land of dramatic landscapes, rich heritage, and
unforgettable group experiences waiting in every valley, castle, coastline and charming towns.
vividly to life. Visitors are
guided by former miners
who share personal stories
and take you on an
underground journey that
captures what it was really
like to work beneath the
hills of South Wales. It's an
authentic and moving
encounter with the region’s
coal-mining legacy – one
that powered the world
during the industrial age.
experiences and a
fantastic option for group
travel. Running for nearly
five miles from Llanberis to
the summit of Yr Wyddfa
(Snowdon), it offers a
spectacular journey
through the heart of
Snowdonia National Park.
This is the only rack and
pinion railway in the UK,
making it a truly unique
attraction.
Rhondda Cynon Taf
If you’re looking for unique
places to visit with groups,
look no further than
Rhondda Cynon Taf in
South Wales.
Tucked between the
Brecon Beacons and the
vibrant capital city of
Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon
Taf is a destination that
blends stunning scenery
with unforgettable group
experiences. This is a
region steeped in industrial
heritage, where dramatic
landscapes meet rich
local culture, and where
every valley seems to echo
with the stories of Wales’
proud past.
One of the standout
attractions for groups is **A
Welsh Coal Mining
Experience at Rhondda
Heritage Park Museum**.
Here, the past comes
Above ground, the
museum offers immersive
exhibitions, showcasing
artefacts, local history and
multimedia displays that
deepen the experience.
After your tour, relax in the
Since 1896, it has been
transporting passengers to
the highest peak in Wales,
offering breathtaking
views along the way.
Travelling by traditional
diesel or heritage steam
welcoming café and enjoy
a bite to eat surrounded
by the charm of this
historic site.
locomotives, visitors can
relax and enjoy panoramic
vistas from the comfort of
their carriage.
For further information,
visit:
www.rhonddaheritage
park.com
Snowdon Mountain Railway
The Snowdon Mountain
Railway is one of Wales’
most iconic visitor
The railway operates
seasonally from April to
the end of October. Early
booking is advised for
groups.
Tel: 01286 870223
Email: bookings@snowdon
railway.co.uk
www.snowdonrailway.co.uk
36
EWCH I
Lleoliad gwobrwyol sy'n addas i
deuluoedd sy'n gartref i:
Taith Dan
Ddaear yr
Aur Du
Ewch ar y daith a gwrando ar
atgofion diddorol glöwr.
DRAM!
Mwynhewch y cyffro o reidio
mewn dram glo sydd wedi
rhedeg gyda'n profiad rhithwir.
Caffe Bracchi
Mae ein caffi ar y safle yn cynnig
prydau, teisennod a diodydd ac
mae'n lle perffaith i ymlacio.
VISIT
The award winning family
venue which is home to:
The Black Gold
Experience Underground
Guided Tour
Take the tour and listen to
fascinating tales of mining life.
DRAM!
Enjoy the thrill of riding a
runaway coal dram with our
virtual experience.
Caffe Bracchi
Our on site café offers meals,
cakes, coffees and is perfect
for a pit stop!
Holwch ni am y daith gyffrous 'Arian, Glo ac Iechyd Da' (Coin, Coal and Cheers)
sydd gyda ni gyda Phrofiad y Bathdy Brenhinol a Distyllfa Castell Hensol.
Ask us about the exciting Coin, Coal and Cheers package that we have with the
Royal Mint Experience and Hensol Castle Distillery.
01443 682036
www.parctreftadaethcwmrhondda.com
www.rhonddaheritagepark.com
AM DDIM /FREE
TREHAFOD
Group Travel Today
Editors Picks
Discovering Lier Small City, Grand Character...
If Belgium were a novel,
Lier would be one of those
perfectly formed chapters
you return to more than
once. It is not a headline
act. It does not try to
compete with the bigger,
brasher scenes of Brussels
or Antwerp.
Instead, it offers something
quieter, something kinder.
Lier does not announce
itself. It beckons.Tucked
gently between Antwerp,
Brussels and Mechelen, Lier
is the kind of place you visit
for a day and wish you had
booked the whole
weekend. It is compact
enough to wander without
aim and layered enough to
reward those who pay
attention.
With cobbled streets,
canals that catch the light
just right, and a skyline of
spires and gables that looks
like it has been borrowed
from a medieval
manuscript, Lier is a place
that remembers how to
charm.The heart of the city
beats at a walking pace.
You can see most of what
you need to see on foot
and yet somehow you still
feel like you are discovering
something new with every
turn.
The most famous landmark
is the Zimmer Tower. What
was once part of the old
city walls now contains one
of the most peculiar and
beguiling clocks you are
ever likely to find. On its
face are thirteen dials,
each measuring a different
kind of time. It does not just
tell the hour. It shows you
the phases of the moon,
the tides, and the
progression of the zodiac.
There is something rather
humbling about standing
before a clock that
measures not just your
minutes but the cosmos
itself. Inside the tower, the
Zimmer Museum continues
the theme, with displays
that explore astronomy,
timekeeping and the genius
of Louis Zimmer, a local
watchmaker with a mind for
38
the infinite.But Lier does not
live in the past. It moves
between centuries with
ease.
The UNESCO-listed
beguinage is a case in
point. Step through its gates
and you are in a different
world.
The beguinage is made up
of eleven streets and
dozens of tiny whitewashed
houses, each with its own
story and a sense of quiet
that is almost sacred. Once
home to religious women
who lived in community
without taking vows, today
it is a peaceful quarter
where the air seems to
carry memories. Some of
the homes open their doors
to visitors and inside you
may see examples of Lier
lace. This delicate
handiwork, a kind of
embroidery with thread and
air, is part of the city’s
cultural fabric.
For a different view of the
city, take to the water.
Traditional eel barges cruise
along the Nete river and
provide a view of Lier that is
both unusual and intimate.
From the deck, buildings
lean in to tell their stories.
The skipper, never short of a
tale or two, will fill in the
rest. There is something
wonderful about seeing a
city from the water. It
softens everything.
The houses seem more at
ease. The pace slows even
further. And for a moment,
time forgets to tick.
Back on land, the
interactive city museum
offers another kind of
journey. Here, you can meet
the people of Lier, past and
present. You can explore
traditions and dialects,
learn about the local artists,
the odd legend of the
sheep’s heads, and the
veneration of Saint
Gummarus, the city’s
patron.
This is not a museum that
stands behind glass. You are
encouraged to poke, press
and play your way through
it. You are a guest and a
participant.And when the
culture has been thoroughly
absorbed, you will want
something sweet. Find a
café, preferably one with a
view of the water or the
belfry. Order a cup of
coffee and a Liers Vlaaike.
This little pastry, spiced with
cinnamon and filled with a
dark, treacly mixture, is a
taste of the city itself.
Modest in appearance.
Memorable in effect.
With energy restored, there
is still time to explore the
shops. Lier’s boutiques are
small, independent, and
well-curated. You will not
find chains or crowds here.
You will find linen dresses,
local ceramics, handmade
chocolates, and things you
did not know you wanted
until you saw them in the
window.
Before you leave, make
your way to the old town
hall. Inside is the Visit Lier
tourist information office.
The staff are helpful in that
very Belgian way efficient
but not rushed, friendly
without being effusive. Pick
up a map, ask about an
exhibition or a walking
route, or simply browse and
let the city do the rest.
Lier is sometimes
affectionately called
“Lierke Plezierke,” a phrase
that roughly translates to
“Little Lier, Full of Pleasure.”
It is not a boast. It is a truth.
There is joy here. Quiet joy.
The kind you don’t always
notice until later, when you
are somewhere else and
thinking back on a day by
the river, a clock with
thirteen faces, a bite of
pastry, and a feeling you
would quite like to feel
again.
www.visitlier.be/en
39
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