CTA member Coach Tours UK Magazine is running a free FAM trip for coach operators and GTOs, in Buxton, Derbyshire on Monday 27 April 2020. This promises to be an excellent event with some great things planned, and a chance to explore a new area, with many hidden gems to add to your future tour itineraries. The event will be taking place at the Old Hall Hotel, with discounted rooms on offer for anyone wishing to stay over on Sunday 26 April. (Enquire at time of booking.)
This event is free of charge for coach operators and group organisers to attend, the only cost would be your travel cost for getting to Buxton, and the cost of the hotel room if you decide to stay over on the Sunday.
The schedule for the day has now been confirmed as follows:
Morning
9.00-9.15 Arrive at Old Hall Hotel for welcome tea and coffee
9.30-11.30 Welcome speeches, followed by Workshop with local attractions and companies on a speed dating format
Free Buffet Lunch at Old Hall Hotel
Afternoon
Guided Discover Buxton Tour
Join us on a Discover Buxton Tour with local and knowledgeable guides for an in-depth, non-strenuous amble around lower Buxton which allows you to get up close and personal with the fascinating history and heritage of the lower town and its landmarks. Leaving from The Old Hall Hotel you will see and hear the fascinating tale of the Elizabethan window writing, and then proceed to St Anne’s Well to sample the famous waters. Hear the history of the newly-renovated Crescent and then go inside the Thermal baths, now the Cavendish Shopping Arcade, to see past and present nestling together. Next we stop to see inside Clowes, a fascinating example of a Victorian pharmacy, and then explore the former Devonshire Royal Hospital now part of the University of Derby to see the spectacular dome. The history of the Opera House follows and a promenade through the Pavilion Gardens conservatory before returning along the promenade to admire the beautiful heritage listed gardens. The full tour lasts approximately an hour and will leave at 1.30 and 2 pm. Mr Matcham the theatre architect responsible for the Opera House will be available at 3 pm with the possibility of a tour of the Opera House TBC (half hour) An audience with Mary Queen of Scots will take place at around 3.30 pm, lasting for around 45 minutes. The Pavilion Gardens and Cavendish Arcade are close so people can return for shopping etc.
*Schedule and timings subject to change
How to book:- this FAM trip has already generated considerable early interest, so book your space as soon as possible by calling on one of the following numbers:
Matthew Inglis, Editor, Coach Tours UK: 01733 363 480 or emailing editor@coachtoursuk.com
Amanda Smith: 01733 363481
Leigh Chapman: 01733 362307
