Great days out & trips for groups

SPECIAL coach-friendly issue!

OCT 2022

Fit for a

King Hampton Court Palace is set to bloom in 2023

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BRITAIN’S BEST STATELY HOMES Tour the South West

Top attractions for groups 28/09/2022 10:06

Fo r

the g

rou p ex plorers…

rs e re o m s …and the tell u

Discover our luxury river cruises and insightful escorted tours 1 in 4 goes free when you book a 2023 river cruise as a group of 12 or more*

Stay curious and contact our dedicated groups team to book and find out more by calling 01283 742 322 or emailing [email protected].

To view our full range of holidays visit rivieragroups.co.uk

Forever Curious

*Book by 31 October 2022. For the full T’s & C’s please visit rivieragroups.co.uk

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A

SUCCESSFUL GROUP TRIP is

a warm welcome. From driver incentives to

only as good as the sum of its parts.

easy coach drop-offs to unique, great value

The attraction itself, the added extras it

tours, you can be assured that your trip will

offers larger parties and the quality of

be memorable for all the right reasons.

the transport you use to get you there

Whether you’re a group travel organiser,

all have to come together on the day

a coach driver, a tour operator or you simply

– and the latter is especially important.

love a great day out with friends, we hope

In short, the right coach or minibus hire

you’ll enjoy the next 40 pages and come

can make or break a day trip or holiday, and

away inspired to explore the UK in style.

to celebrate this intrinsic link we’ve joined forces with our sister title Coach & Bus Week

ON THE COVER

to bring you this special coach-themed issue.

Hampton Court Palace is our cover star

Every stately home, museum, safari park

this issue, and the dates for its 2023

and attraction mentioned has been carefully chosen for its ability to offer larger groups

Tulip Festival have just been announced. Helen Milbank, editor

Where’s Harvey? Every month, Group Travel World magazine’s canine mascot, Harvey, is hidden within the pages of the magazine. Spot him, email me at [email protected] and you could win a £10 M&S voucher. Last month he was hiding in the Land Train at the National Memorial Arboretum on p14. Well done to group travel organiser Bharti Kotecha, who’s our winner for the September issue.

Find out more on page seven.

Make the most of us! For your daily GTW fix visit GroupTravelWorld.com For National Trust and English Heritage GTO passes, exclusive member discounts on insurance and services, invites to fam trips and more, join our club at TravelWorldAssociation.com

For news of our upcoming Group Buyer Forums across the UK visit SteveReedTourism.com For the GTW team’s contact details turn to page 5 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM

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28/09/2022 10:09

Duty Free Coach Travel Visit Europe by coach on our sailings from Dover - France and enjoy Duty Free Shopping! • Bulk buy at our shoreside shops in Dunkirk & Calais • Generous allowances & unlimited luggage. • Great benefits for coach drivers! Call us on 0871 522 9933 or email [email protected] for a quote.

dfds.com

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30/09/2022 10:32:01

31/03/2022 14:13

Contents ■ See grouptravelworld.com GTW Magazine, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard: 01733 293487 ISSN: 2048-3392 EDITORIAL Editor: Helen Milbank E. [email protected] Designer: David Hiles E: [email protected] Thanks to: Darren Calpin, Zoe Hallam, Tony Henthorn, Mike Pickup and Steve Reed ADVERTISING Client Manager: Tracey Carroll T: 01733 293242 E: [email protected] MARKETING & SALES

28 Top museums and galleries for groups

Marketing & Sales Executive: Emma Parkes T: 01733 293487 E: [email protected] MANAGEMENT General Operations Manager: Harley Denham E: [email protected] Publisher: Jonathan Taylor E: [email protected] © 2022 GTW Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors.This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.

20 Coach friendly attractions

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grouptravelworld and join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine

8 Stately piles you’ll love 7 Let’s go Hampton Court Palace beckons for coaches

8 Five of the best... ...Stately homes across the UK

14 Tour the South West

18 Go off on safari

COACH COA OACH TOURISM T

ASSOCIA ASSOCIATION

This special coach-friendly issue of Group Travel World magazine is brought to you in association with our sister title

Ideas to help you plan a trip to remember

20 Coach friendly special The attractions that welcome larger groups

30 Industry insider We chat to Alison Stoakes of Riviera Travel

32 The boat that rocks On board Virgin Cruises’ new ship WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM

005 GTW Oct 22 Contents hm.indd 5

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28/09/2022 10:16

N O W 22 NO 2 0 LE SA

Great for Groups Why not join the hundreds of groups that travel with us every year and discover all the benefits of Daish’s Holidays for yourself.

FREE

Great value half board breaks including nightly entertainment

A choice of 9 fantastic locations spread across 10 hotels

places for groups over 20 people

Fleet of 22 luxury coaches to provide comfortable travel

Dedicated groups team to support you from booking to arrival

Award winning customer service

Get in touch with us Today! Call 01202 638 841 or visit daishs.com

Isle of Wight

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Torquay

Blackpool

Bournemouth

facebook.com/daishsholidaysforgroups

Eastbourne

Llandudno

Newquay

@daishs4groups

Lake District

Weymouth

03/09/2021 12:31 30/09/2022 10:51:37

Let’s go...

SOUTH WEST LONDON

Hampton Court Palace

Dates have just been announced for Hampton Court Palace’s 2023 Tulip Festival, when thousands of tulips will bloom throughout the attraction’s grounds and courtyards. A special trail will guide visitors around the displays, revealing the history of the blooms, which are believed to date back to Mary II (1662-1694). The attraction’s expert gardening team will also be on hand to provide tips and information to any keen gardeners in your group.

GOING BY COACH? ■ The festival will run from April 12 to May 2, 2023 and tickets will be on sale at hrp.org.uk ■ The display is included in the usual admission cost, but time slots will need to be booked in advance for palace entry. ■ There is no upper limit on group numbers and coach parking is free on Hampton Court Green, a 15-minute walk from the main entrance of the palace. Coach parking is also available at Hampton Court Station for a charge. ■ Special meal deals are available for groups of 15-plus. ■ See the website for full details of all the group deals and offers, or email [email protected]

WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM

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28/09/2022 10:55

Welcome

Home… Right now, Britain’s best stately piles are throwing open their doors to coach groups with special tours and incentives Words: Megan Davis

Follow in Churchill’s footsteps Winston Churchill was a fan of Waddesdon

Today, groups can tour the house and

Manor in Buckinghamshire, and you can

gardens, with special rates for parties of 15

almost smell the cigar smoke hanging in

or more. Refreshments on arrival, lunches

the air as you tour this glorious stately pile.

and tailored group tours can all be arranged,

Friends with the lady of the house in the

and on arrival your coach will be shown

1940s, Churchill was a regular visitor,

where to park and a member of staff will

often caught smoking a cheeky cigar on

board the coach for a special welcome chat.

his terrace...

Find out more at waddesdon.org.uk

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Coach friendly

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28/09/2022 10:21

Coach friendly

Go wild this autumn With its world famous safari park to explore and a glorious Elizabethan stately home to tour there’s a lot to tempt coach parties to this Wiltshire attraction. Plus, this winter’s Festival of Light – from November 5 to January 8, 2023 – has a Roald Dahl theme as the house and grounds are lit up and the Santa Train pulls into town... Generous discounts, complimentary coach driver tickets and lunches and free coach parking are just some of the benefits for larger groups. For more information and to book email [email protected], call 01985 844328 or visit longleat.co.uk/groups 10 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM

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28/09/2022 10:21

The Festival of Light is returning to Longleat! This November, step into The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl. Meet all of your favourite characters from the Roald Dahl stories. Continue the adventure with our Enchanted Christmas Tree show, the Santa Train and our popular animal attractions!

Get in touch We would love to welcome your group to Longleat! If you would like to discuss a future group booking, or if you have any questions, please contact the team on [email protected] who will be happy to assist.

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30/09/2022 10:34:29

PIXABAY

Coach friendly

Sign up for broomstick training If you’re a Harry Potter fan you’ll love Alnwick

reveals Alnwick’s role in Downton Abbey

driver and group leader are just some of

Castle in the heart of Northumberland – the

and Blackadder.

the benefits on offer. You can even book

filming location where Harry took his first

Free parking and easy drop off, free

a ‘broomstick training’ session. Download

flight. Hear about the behind the scenes magic

dining vouchers for coach drivers, specialist

the group visit guide and information for

on an ‘Alnwick on location’ tour, which also

group tours and free admission for the coach

coach drivers at alnwickcastle.com

PIXABAY

Don’t lose your head Spread over 4,600 acres, the Blicking Hall estate in Norfolk has centuries-worth of history trapped within its medieval manor – and is said to be the home of Anne Boleyn’s headless ghost. Time your coach trip to coincide with the anniversary of her execution (May 19) when she’s said to stir... Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ blickling-estate

Hunt for Mr Darcy Jane Austen fans will know that Pride and Prejudice was filmed in the grounds of Chatsworth, and you can immerse yourself in the romantic, 19th century atmosphere on a group visit to this Derbyshire gem. With free admission for the coach driver to the house and garden, free coach parking, discounted group rates, special group dining deals and tours, what’s not to love? For all the details head to chatsworth.org

GTW

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28/09/2022 10:22

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30/09/2022 10:42:01

Coach friendly

Plan your trip at devons topattractions.co.uk

Beautiful

South

No coach tour of the south west is complete without a trip to Clovelly in North Devon

G

Plus don’t miss... this Exmouth

ROUP TRAVEL EXPERT Julie Cousins

that the main source of transport to get

■ World of Country Life:

writes: “Just how glorious is this

shopping and goods down to the village are

gem is home to a museum of working

view... and it’s all yours when you head to

man-powered sledges (donkeys used to pull

farming machinery as well as The Hall

the fascinating village of Clovelly in North

the sledges, but are now here to give children

of Transport, which has a collection of

Devon: still a fully functioning fishing village,

a ride). Suffice to say anything, such as

vintage vehicles, including the Thornycroft

hanging on the edge of a 400ft cliff.

moving house, is a long and laborious task!

Charabanc from Downton Abbey. Visit

“Step foot on its cobbled streets and you’ll

“My partner Mark and I stayed at the Red

worldofcountrylife.co.uk entry’s free

travel back more than 100 years, as you

Lion, one of two hotels that serve the village;

■ The Donkey Sanctuary:

leave your transport in the car park at the

the other is the New Inn. There are also

to this world-famous sanctuary in

visitors’ centre and travel under your own

several smaller B&Bs, as well as a hostel.

Sidmouth all year round, with parking

steam (Land Rover taxis up the steep hill to

Right on the harbour front, the Red Lion has

for coaches, free group guided tours and

the visitors’ centre are the only vehicles you’ll

its main hotel together with a row of further

discounted meals for pre-booked groups.

find in this historic spot).

bedrooms converted from an old store called

Visit thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/

“Keen to take a guided tour, we were met

the Sail Loft, which are very swish. Top tip: if

visit-us/sidmouth

by Jana Edwards, who showed us a brief film

you like the idea of waking up to the sound of

■ Coldharbour Mill in Cullompton:

outlining the history of the village before we

the sea washing on the shore these are ideal.

of the oldest woollen mills in the UK, this

headed out. Jana’s hugely knowledgeable

The food is very tasty and varied, and you

has been in continuous production since

about the Rouse Family, who’ve owned the

can either sit in the bar and eat or dine in the

1797. Visit coldharbourmill.org.uk

village since Elizabethan times. She explained

spacious restaurant.” GTW

one

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28/09/2022 10:24

CHOOSE GROUP TRAVEL AND SWAP TIME ON THE ROAD FOR TIME SPENT TOGETHER

from

26% off 10+ perso

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Why slow coach when you can fast train? GROUP SEATING ON MANY SERVICES GREAT SAVINGS | 2FOR1 ON TOP ATTRACTIONS DEDICATED BOOKING TEAM

Discover group travel by train at GWR.com/Group Terms apply

ADVENTURES START HERE

Subscribe today! Subscribe to

SHUTTERSTOCK/LEDYX

Group Travel World

Want to be in our gang? If you’ve enjoyed this special online issue of GTW, just think how awesome it would be to get a print issue, every month, delivered to your door!

SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND RECEIVE... ■ The

next three issues of GTW for just £1 each

(usual price £3.99 each) ■ Exclusive

invites to fam trips to attractions

across the UK ■ Exclusive

subscriber competitions and offers

To find out more and subscribe email [email protected] 16 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM

016 GTW Oct 22 Subs hm.indd 16

28/09/2022 10:27

A UNIQUE BOAT TRIP AT THE ALBERT DOCK PROVIDING HISTORICAL GUIDED CRUISES FOR ALL COACH PASSENGERS

BUSINESS EVENTS

AFTERNOON TEA CRUISES

EVENING DINNER CRUISES

See the best views of Liverpool’s historic docklands, enjoy excellent food, make use of our on-board bar and relax in style on The Floating Grace. ● Mid-morning Cruises ● Afternoon Tea Cruises ● Private Functions ● Business Events

● Sunday Lunches ● 3 Course Evening Cruises 5* trip advisor rating.

07540 373 838 bookings@floatinggrace.co.uk Floating Grace, Albert Dock, Salthhouse Quay, Liverpool, L3 4AE @tfgliverpool @FloatingGrace1 Untitled-1 1

30/09/2022 10:45:18

Tried & tested

Close call with a lion? It’s all part of the fun

Amy with Aaron, Caleb and Ellis

The lemurs are happy to pose

Strictly for those with a head for heights

On safari…

...and back for tea! CBW’s Amy Greaves goes wild at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire

H

Dan and the boys enjoy the park’s many play areas

GOING BY COACH? ■ Free

parking, free entry and a

£5 refreshment voucher are just some of the perks open to coach drivers when they visit Woburn. ■ Optional

extras include a tour guide on

board your coach. ■ Discounted

rates apply for larger groups

of 15-plus.

OW TO SUM up our family trip to

seen our boys more excited than they were at

Woburn Safari Park in just one word?

that moment...

‘Amazing!’ My partner Dan, our three boys

■ Find

out more at woburnsafari.co.uk

A definite highlight of the drive-through is the

and I began our adventure on a journey through

monkey enclosure, and it was amusing seeing

the drive-through safari. Getting up close to so

them jump from car to car, just doing whatever

slides and park areas to swan boats on the

many stunning animals was awesome, and we

they wanted. Our road safari took roughly an

water and these are all free of charge. We

liked the fact we could take our time and go at

hour and then it was on to the foot safari to

ended our day at the giraffe high ropes. This

our own pace.

explore the smaller animals, as well as the cafés,

was an added extra at £6.99 per child and it

shops and play areas. Our favourites were the

was a good size course, ending with a zip wire to

were particularly impressed with how close we

lemurs as you got to walk through their

take you back to ground level.

got to the bears and lions. Needless to say, it

enclosure and get really close to them – at one

was quite scary when a lion decided it was going

point our children were only inches away.

We saw everything from rhinos to zebras, but

to walk straight in front of our car. I’ve never

Woburn has lots of play areas, ranging from

I would highly recommend Woburn to anyone with children as it’s a great family day out. We can’t wait to go back already.

GTW

WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM

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28/09/2022 10:29

GROUPS NOW BOOKING THROUGH OCTOBER 2023

THE LONGEST RUNNING COMEDY IN THE WEST END

ize S l a u t c Not A

GROUP TICKETS FROM £30 | 0330 333 4817 | [email protected] Mon – Fri 10am – 6pm

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Coach friendly

GO EXPLORE The latest from the world of group travel to help inspire your next trip...

Coin, Coal & Cheers

G

ROUP TRAVEL EXPERTS Steve Reed Tourism have produced a number of short

Discover the attractions, hotels and destinations that offer coaches a warm welcome

Steve Reed is also hosting a free Southport Group Travel Day exhibition and

films for tour planners, focusing on coach

coach ‘fam’ trip on Monday April 24, 2023.

friendly destinations across the UK, from

The day will include a coach tour to the

Southern Wales to the South West, as well as

Botanical Gardens, Martin Mere Nature Reserve

attractions and hotels. Click on YouTube and

and Southport Pier. For full details email

search ‘Steve Reed Tourism’ to watch them.

[email protected].

Hensol Castle Distillery

A special tourism experience to entice coach groups to South Wales has been launched by three of the region’s leading attractions. Hensol Castle Distillery, the Royal Mint Experience and A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park have joined forces to create a package, branded Coin, Coal & Cheers. The package, which can be booked all year round, starts at the Royal Mint Experience, followed by a journey underground at A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park. The day is rounded off with the chance to learn all about the history of gin and sample some award-winning spirits at South Wales’ craft spirit distillery, housed in the cellars of 17th century Hensol Castle. Priced at just £45 per person, groups will spend an average of 90 minutes at each

And did you know? Hensol Castle Distillery is

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award. The

site, and the travel time between sites is 20

now listed in the top 10% of tourist attractions

distillery scooped the honour after receiving

minutes. Email [email protected]

worldwide, having been awarded a 2022

more than 100 five-star reviews from visitors.

20 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM

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28/09/2022 10:33

150-acres of woodlands and gardens

Land Train & Buggy Tours Guided Walks & Talks

Exhibitions & Events

A Day to Remember

Share an unforgettable experience at the UK’s Centre of Remembrance The National Memorial Arboretum is the Nation's year-round place to remember. A flourishing and growing tribute, it is an inspirational landscape where we celebrate lives lived and remember lives lost. The expansive 150-acre site features over 400 memorials for the armed forces, emergency services and civilian organisations, nestled amongst 150-acres of growing woodland and gardens to explore. With designs featuring fascinating symbolism, the memorials represent the stories of thousands of ordinary individuals in the most extraordinary of times. Tales of camaraderie, inspirational leaders, heroism in astonishing circumstances, resilience shown in the darkest of moments and strength, bravery and care.

National Memorial Arboretum Part of the Royal British Legion Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR

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The Arboretum has something for visitors of all ages to enjoy, from peaceful woodland walks, interesting talks and tours to fascinating holiday activities and uplifting events best shared with family and friends. The Arboretum, which free to enter, is open throughout the year and is easily accessible from the A38, A50, M1, M42 and M6.

Plan your visit thenma.org.uk

thenma.org.uk T: 01283 245 100 E: [email protected] Charity No. 1043992

30/09/2022 10:40:27

Coach friendly All aboard... Coach parties visiting the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire can now ride the Land Train and see a large proportion of the Arboretum from the comfort of a covered train carriage, while a 45-minute running commentary highlights many of the memorials. To find and more and receive your 2023 groups pack, contact the groups team on 01283 245100 or email them at [email protected]. Please note: Regular readers may have spotted a certain Harvey the dog riding the Land Train in our September issue. He hid on board (helped by GTW’s designer, David Hiles, and his Photoshop skills) purely for the benefit of our regular ‘where’s Harvey’ competition. Dogs are not permitted on the Land Train in real life!

The NMA’s Land Train

A favourite with coach groups, the Silk Museum is a true gem of an attraction – find out more at macclesfield museums.co.uk

Summer stars

of fun and educational activities during the

various reasons, have had a tougher ride

summer holidays. Around 35 children aged

than others. Many of our activities needed

It was a busy summer for South West-

between four and 12 enjoyed excursions

transport, and once again Bakers Dolphin

based coach company Bakers Dolphin, who

to places such as SS Great Britain, Redcatch

have been hugely supportive.”

teamed up with education support business

Community Garden and West Country Water

Elementa to help children from 12 Weston-

Park. Elementa’s Sarah Morrison says: “Our

elementa.org.uk, and for more on Bakers

super-Mare primary schools sample a range

aim is to help and support children who, for

Dolphin, see bakersdolphin.com.

To find out more about Elementa, visit GTW

22 WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM

020-022 GTW Oct 22 Coach friendly hm.indd 22

28/09/2022 10:33

Group Travel Ideas for around the UK 2023 Tobermory

ORGANISE A GREAT GROUP HOLIDAY FOR YOUR ASSOCIATION OR CLUB

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Discovering the Castles and Gardens of Kent

The Wild West Scotland’s Dramatic Coast Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

Travel to Oban. Today we take the ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull. Glen Coe and free time in Oban. Fort William, sitting in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Return home.

Manx Electric Railway Trams

Manx Heritage Trams and Trains Day 1 Travel to Douglas. Take the ferry from Heysham to Douglas and travel to your hotel. Day 2 Isle of Man Steam Railway, Castletown and Port Erin. Day 3 Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell and Peel. Day 4 Douglas Bay Horse Tram and free time in Douglas. Day 5 Return home.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

Travel to Kent. Penshurst Place and Hever Castle. Leeds Castle and Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Dover Castle, Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral. Return home.

Chester Cathedral & Garden

Chester, North Wales and the ‘Canal in the Sky’ Day 1 Travel to Chester. Day 2 Chester and guided tour. Day 3 Llangollen, a Steam Train and the ‘Canal in the Sky’. Day 4 Conwy, Llandudno and Bodnant Welsh Food. Day 5 Return home.

PRICES ON REQUEST For full itineraries and more details see our website or contact our sales team

T: 0161 928 3242 | E: [email protected] | www.greatdays.co.uk Bookings subject to availability and Greatdays Holidays T&Cs. ABTA Y0380 & ATOL 4279. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only.

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30/09/2022 10:37:32

ONE of a kind Discover what Hereford Cathedral can offer your group this winter...

H

EREFORD CATHEDRAL IS home to a community that has worked and worshipped

together for more than 1,300 years, welcoming thousands of tourists and pilgrims. The present building includes examples of architecture, stained glass and art from all periods, which can be explored by taking part in one of the cathedral tours, led by

TOP TIP... Give yourself plenty of time! In addition to the gardens, wonderful architecture, history and art, Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi (the largest medieval world map to survive) and the Chained Library, which holds over 1,500 rare books, including 229 medieval manuscripts.

000 GTW Oct 22 Hereford single page filler hm.indd 1

experienced guides. Bespoke packages can be arranged for groups year-round, email the team at visits@hereford cathedral.org, call 01432 374202 or visit herefordcathedral.org to plan your trip.

GTW

28/09/2022 09:58

Go explore Did you know? The cathedral campus spans more than 1,000 years of history

Jubilee wonder It was at the heart of the region’s year as UK City of Culture, and Coventry Cathedral still has lots to celebrate...

T

HIS YEAR MARKS the Diamond Jubilee

areas of interest you may have, and afterwards

of Coventry’s New Cathedral, and there’s

you can browse the newly refurbished gift

no better time to discover its blend of

shop. After two years of enforced closure,

medieval history and modern architecture.

the cathedral’s ‘Tower Climb’ re-opened last

Groups can explore the Ruined Cathedral,

180 steps to witness some of the best views

World War, which now stands as a moving

in Coventry.

reminder of the horrors of war. Standing

000 GTW Oct 22 Coventry cathedral spare filler page hm.indd 1

month, so visitors can once again climb the

destroyed by enemy raids during the Second

There is a dedicated coach drop off point

proudly alongside it is the magnificent ‘New’

just outside the main cathedral entrance, and

Cathedral, still as stunning at 60 as it was in

coach parking is available in the nearby White

1962 – designed as a ‘casket of jewels’ by Sir

Street Coach Park. For more information email

Basil Spence, and featuring works by some of

[email protected], call 02476

the greatest artists of the 1950s and ’60s.

521234 or visit coventrycathedral.org.uk

GOING AS A GROUP?

AND DON’T MISS...

Groups of any size can be catered for, and

Coventry Cathedral sits alongside many of

you’ll learn about the history and significance

the city’s other visitor attractions, such as

of the cathedral from one of its expert guides.

the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry

Tours can be tailored to include any specific

Transport Museum, and St Mary’s Guildhall.

GTW

28/09/2022 09:50

Paradise Mill produced silk from the early 19th century and is home to Europe’s largest collection of silk Jacquard looms in their original setting. See the silk weaving process demonstrated on one of the restored looms and admire textile designs and changing fashions in the Silk Museum. Groups are welcome year-round with special rates available for parties of 10 or more.

GROUP BOOKINGS macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk/groups [email protected] 6 Park Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6TJ 01625 612 045 Untitled-1 1

30/09/2022 10:43:07

Coach friendly

Step back in time Always a favourite with coach groups, discover what’s new at Beamish, the Living Museum

L

GOING IN A COACH? n Pre-booked

groups of 15 or more

get a discount. n There

is free admission for the coach

driver and group organiser, with free coach parking on hardstanding. Coach driver hospitality is also offered. n Exclusive

dining options are available

for groups of 15 or more. Please note:

IFE IN THE Fifties is brought to life with

AND DON’T MISS...

a twist in a new exhibition at Beamish,

Spain’s Field Farm originally stood for centuries

be booked in advance.

the Living Museum of the North in County

in Weardale, before being dismantled and

n To

Durham. Its new 1950s Front Street Terrace

transported to the museum, where it’s been

[email protected]

features John’s Café, Middleton’s Quality Fish

carefully rebuilt by Beamish’s team to show

n For

and Chips and Elizabeth’s Hairdressers, plus

life in the 1950s on the region’s upland farms.

opening times and admission charges,

the new Coronation Park, named in honour of

Currently open weekends only, Spain’s Field

visit beamish.org.uk

The Queen, includes a miniature golf course,

had no electricity and water was sourced from

sandpit, giant draughts board and football area.

a nearby spring.

these are subject to availability and must book a group visit, email the team at the latest visit information, full

GTW

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Coach friendly Tour the once top secret home of the code breakers

of the

THREE best Museums that welcome groups...

1

BLETCHLEY PARK

Galleries of British Sporting Art. Make a day

The once top secret home of the Second

of it and pre-order a picnic from the bakery

World War code breakers is now no stranger

to enjoy in the grounds, or book a table for

to coach parties, who are offered a warm

lunch at the Tack Room restaurant.

welcome to this iconic attraction near Milton

Free coach parking at the rear of the site,

Keynes. A range of benefits are on offer to

a free lunch driver for the coach driver, special

group of 12 or more, who can explore the park

group rates and a free preliminary visit for the

through interactive displays, immersive films,

tour operator or organiser are just some of

museum collections and recreated war rooms.

the benefits with you go as a group. Find out

Free off-site coach parking, free entry groups and special tours are just some of the deals on offer. See the website for details at bletchleypark.org.uk

2

THE NATIONAL HORSE RACING MUSEUM

3

Explore the home of racing

LEIGHTON HOUSE Leighton House, the studio-house of

Victorian artist and former President of the Royal Academy, Frederic, Lord Leighton, will re-open this month (on 15 October) following an £8m transformation. On the edge of Holland Park in Kensington, the House is famed

Newmarket, Suffolk, not only does the

for its opulent interiors, including the Arab Hall

National Horseracing Museum tell the history

(see right) featuring mosaic floors and tiles

of the sport, it gives visitors the chance to

acquired through Leighton’s travels. Its sister

meet retired racehorses in the Rothschild

museum, Sambourne House, also re-opens

Yard, discover what it feels like to ride one on

this month – a virtually unaltered Victorian

the special racehorse simulator – and then

terraced house nearby that provides a

enjoy some of the country’s best examples of

unique window into the art and society of

sporting art in the Fred Packard Museum and

the era. Visit rbkc.gov.uk/museums

GTW

XXX

©RBKC LEIGHTON HOUSE MUSEUM/KEVIN MORAN

Occupying a five-acre site in the heart of

more at nhrm.co.uk MARK ATKINS

for coach drivers, discounted entry for

Bletchley Park welcomes groups

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30/09/2022 10:33:26

Industry insider

‘Travelling as a group can be so beneficial’ We chat to Alison Stoakes, Groups & Affinity Partnerships Manager at Riviera Travel

GTW: Are any particular tours or cruises better for groups than others? AS: All our tours and cruises cater for groups; we can offer a holiday purely for the group, or smaller parties can benefit from the lowest price by having other like-minded Riviera passengers alongside them, sharing the coaches and excursions. Our river cruises have a number of cabins on each date that carry no supplement for sole occupancy, so we cater for those members too. Our rail tours have many regional joining stations, so

GTW: When did you join the Riviera family?

your destination. Whether it’s friends, extended

groups that are usually scattered over a larger

Alison Stoakes: Back in 2008 I came on board

family or an organised group/society, we work

area can all be catered for, and all meet up at

to set up the groups side of the business and, in

closely to ensure the tour or cruise is exactly

St Pancras International for the same onward

2012, was tasked with the affinity partnerships

what the group travel organiser (GTO) and

Eurostar journey. We are also offering no

launch, so my team now manages both areas.

members want. We keep GTOs updated with

regional flight supplements for 2023, meaning

who has booked, what space is still available for

groups can travel from their local airport

GTW: What does Riviera offer to groups?

them to sell and any subsequent updates on the

at no extra cost.

AS: We have many loyal groups: indeed, some

travel schedule or itinerary.

of the group leaders we work with travelled

GTW: Finally, who would you want

with us as individuals on our very first escorted

GTW: Any tips for group travel organisers?

around the holiday dinner table, if you

tours back in the 1980s. Regardless of how

AS: To book early! By doing this, they get

could pick anyone?

many times they will travel with us, we always

the rooms or cabins they want, on the date

AS: That’s an easy one. If I couldn’t pick

offer the best deal we can at the time they’re

they want, and at the best price we can offer.

my actual family, or my current ‘Riviera’ one,

ready to book. Our base offer is 10% back on

I would also suggest they check that their

it would have to be Michael Palin (surely

groups of 10-plus, but until 31 October 2022

group members are still as mobile as they were

the ultimate traveller), Simon Calder

we’re offering ‘1 in 4 goes free on 2023 river

on their last trip – if considerable time has

(as he really knows his stuff), Martin Lewis

cruises for groups of 12-plus’, our best ever

passed since their last get together or outing,

(what that man doesn’t know is possibly

deal! We still accept groups of any size though.

some itineraries may no longer suit their usual

not worth knowing), and Michael Wright,

participants current levels of mobility.

the founder of Riviera Travel. I respect him

GTW: What’s great about going en masse?

Finally, check their passports will be valid, as

tremendously for what he did at Riviera

AS: Travelling as a group can be so beneficial

many are being caught out by the changes

and I will always value his opinion and

– from the price you pay to the experience at

introduced in early 2020.

his friendship.

GTW

Find out more at rivieragroups.co.uk

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Go explore See the stunning stained glass, some of which is among the oldest in England

Historic marvel Discover Canterbury Cathedral on a special group tour this autumn

C

GOING AS A GROUP? ■ Guided

tours are available for groups

of visitor welcome stretching back to medieval

and provide added insight – while new

times. Today’s travellers can discover how

multi-media guides and tour apps offer

the Cathedral’s stories have helped shape

high tech ways to visit.

England’s history, from the murder of

■ Seasonal

Archbishop Thomas Becket through to King

guided precincts and gardens tours

tours are available, from

Henry IV and the Black Prince choosing it for

through to Christmas talks.

ANTERBURY CATHEDRAL – Mother

the site of their tombs. Other stories of kings

■ Find

Church of the Church of England and seat

and queens are reflected around the walls and

canterbury-cathedral.org

of the Archbishop of Canterbury – is a

windows, allowing everyone to share the

UNESCO World Heritage Site with a tradition

Cathedral’s 1,400-year history.

000 GTW Oct 22 Canterbury Cathedral spare filler page hm.indd 1

out more on the website at

GTW

28/09/2022 09:47

Boat Rocks The

VIRGIN VOYAGES

that

Mike Pickup hops on board Virgin Cruises’ Scarlet Lady. Cue lively bars, ‘rock star’ suites and tattoo parlours...

generous, but the space was improved

Photos: Mike Pickup

sofa, turning the cabin into a comfortable

T

by the bed formation. At night the two beds can be used as twins or put together as a double. During the day, however, one of them is turned sideways to make an L-shaped day lounge. The only possible downside to

HE PHRASE ‘HELLO SAILOR’ sprang to

to cruise passengers – virgin cruisers perhaps!

this is that most cruise passengers store

mind as I boarded Virgin Cruises’ Scarlet

Scarlet Lady, the first of four sister ships, is

their suitcases under the beds to make

Lady and was greeted by an over-the-top

now based in Miami, so it was good to get a

more room in the cabin– not so easy

drag artist. The ship certainly challenges the

chance to see her when she called in at Dover

when one of them is moved every day.

traditional cruise market and is looking to

on her way from the shipbuilders. My balcony

attract younger, more lively and maybe new

cabin was small and wardrobe space not

There is mood lighting, and this and other functions are controlled by a tablet in the

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Cruise holidays

room. The public areas also look and feel a little different. One of Scarlet Lady’s most publicised features is Squid Ink, the first tattoo parlour at sea, although probably not an ideal place to go on a stormy day at sea... As well as the tattoo parlour there is a spa, casino, barber ship and the usual small selection of retail outlets, plus a stall selling vinyl LPs. Furnishings tend to be minimalist and some seating resembles blue and white A cabin in its daytime configuration

striped mattresses, complete with white fluffy buttons, underlining an IKEA-like feel to the place. Many of the bars, lounges and WWW.GROUPTRAVELWORLD.COM

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VIRGIN VOYAGES

Cruise holidays

Razzle Dazzle’s interior

recreation areas give the impression of wide

and narrow with equipment crammed into

Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for in

corridors rather than spacious rooms. This was

the available space.

Razzle Dazzle, which also has some ‘naughty’

brought home to me when visiting the gym and the separate spinning room, both long

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE

The Wake is the nearest Scarlet Lady

Food is synonymous with cruising

has to a main restaurant; it offers steak and

and Scarlet Lady claims 20 places to

seafood, whilst on deck The Dock delivers

eat, including an always-open diner,

Mediterranean-style mezze. Extra Virgin is an

and all are included in the price. The

Italian restaurant and the Pizza Place does

traditional buffet is replaced by the

what it says on the tin. Again, the younger,

Galley, a food market with different

livelier market is catered for by such things as

stalls, which probably makes up

drinking games in Gundae and Drag brunches

some of the 20.

in Razzle Dazzle.

Mexican fans are catered for at

The Squid Ink tattoo parlour

options such as chicken.

As for entertainment, Scarlet Lady bucks the

Pink Agave, and if a Korean BBQ

trend for full-scale Broadway productions and

floats your boat then Gundae

instead provides a number of specially-made

(Korean for “cheers”) is the place to

shows. There is no traditional theatre, instead I

go where food is cooked on a hot

saw a long and not-too-wide performing space

plate in the centre of your table.

with banks of seating either side, which again

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Cruise holidays

VIRGIN VOYAGES

Richard Branson on the Bridge at the ship’s launch

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Cruise holidays reinforces the corridor feeling. Late night activities focus on The Manor, a two-tiered nightclub with DJs pumping up the volume until the early hours. For suite passengers, Richard’s Rooftop offers a lounge and bar area with unusual furnishings.

GREEN CREDENTIALS Virgin Voyages is climbing on the ‘green’ wagon and is one of first cruise lines to use ‘Climeon’, a technology that uses heat from the ship’s engines to generate electricity, thereby decreasing the demand for fuel. Whilst more green options are being developed for the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages claims to use high-quality carbon offsets, allowing it to take immediate action, while also supporting a long-term strategy that secures a net-zero

The ship’s well equipped gym

future for the cruise industry. dining. Passengers can choose from inside,

Prices start at around £560 per person based

include gratuities, soft drinks and internet

The ship is adults-only (18-plus) and prices

ocean view and balcony cabins, plus ‘rock star’

on two sharing for a four night cruise in an

access. There is no dress code and no set

suites; over 90 per cent of the 1,400 cabins

inside cabin; this excludes flights and transfers.

have a view of the ocean,

Mediterranean itineraries between May and

of 2,770 passengers.

October from her European home port of

GET ME THERE... Scarlet Lady offers four, five and seven night Caribbean

Barcelona. Cruise itineraries vary slightly but include Marseille, Monte Carlo, Olbia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Gibraltar and Malaga. Some itineraries are extended to nine nights

cruises from Miami. Ports of

with the addition of a two-night pre-cruise

call include Cozumel, Bimini,

hotel stay in Barcelona. For more information

Key West and Puerto Plata.

go to virginvoyages.com GTW Time for a night cap...

VIRGIN VOYAGES

Korean BBQ food is on the menu at Gundae

Her sister ship Valiant Lady offers seven night

and the ship holds a total

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Cruise holidays

SHUTTERSTOCK/DARRYL BROOKS

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KENT

Hever Castle & Gardens We started with an array of tulips, so let’s finish with

another! ‘Hever in Bloom’ may have officially ended this summer, but this fascinating formal royal home is rife with colour all year round as the grounds of the double-moated 13th century castle fill up with flowers and the attraction gets set for a year-round programme of entertainment. Groups get special rates and package, as well as access to a range of private tours – all is revealed at hevercastle.co.uk/visit/groups/

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And finally...

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© Disney Untitled-1 1

IN LONDON AND ON TOUR ACROSS THE UK Visit thelionking.co.uk 30/09/2022 10:44:11