CTA-member coach tour operator Bakers Dolphin has supported its home-town’s campaign for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by providing discounted travel for the project’s visit to parliament. The Weston-super-Mare operator is supporting the town’s Donate for Defib project, which travelled to Westminster to meet local MP Daniel Albridge to discuss the importance of publicly accessible AEDs [...]
Kynren, the outdoor theatre performance covering 2,000 years of English history, is taking place again this summer, between 19 July and 13 September in Bishop Auckland. This year, the spectacle has a new focus on the Victorian era. Kynren is enhancing the overall scene for its audiences with new props and costumes, projections, innovative choreography, [...]
Zip World Llechwedd in Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales, has enhanced its Deep Mine Tour with new and improved interactive elements, audio visuals and light show. Visitors descend 500ft below ground on Europe’s steepest cable railway where a guide leads a tour of one of the world’s most renowned slate mines. The tour features 10 slate [...]
Coventry’s historic St Mary’s Guildhall claimed a trio of awards at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2025, taking place on 18 March at Edgbaston Stadium. The 700-year-old Grade I listed building won the Gold award for International Tourism, as well as the top honour for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism, and the Silver award for Small [...]
A new exhibition staged by the Royal Collection Trust has opened at The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, exploring the opulence and glamour of the Edwardian age through the lives and tastes of two of Britain’s most fashionable royal couples. Focussing on King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary, this [...]
The Severn Valley Railway, which follows the River Severn in Shropshire and Worcestershire, is hosting its Spring Steam Gala between 18 and 21 April. The SVR is currently operating along the 12-mile stretch of its line between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade following a major landslip that occurred near Bridgnorth in January. Repairs will begin in [...]
CTA is encouraging members to book now for CTA Spring Networking to guarantee their places. Taking place in Norwich, 17-19 May, booking is well under way for the event which includes the CTA AGM alongside opportunities to plan new product. A Sunday morning fam trip with Broads Tours will take delegates on a cruise of [...]
The British Tourism and Travel Show 2025 at the NEC, 19-20 March, received a high number of visitors including many CTA members, with CTA also hosting a stand at the exhibition. Many show attendees attended the drinks reception co-hosted by the CTA and the event organisers at the end of the show’s opening day. Thanks [...]
The latest edition of the CTA members handbook was also presented at the BTTS Show. The Handbook will be posted out to all CTA members shortly. The Handbook includes a full member listing including contact details, enabling any operator, wholesaler, or supplier member to get directly in contact with the fellow CTA member of their [...]
Excursions, heralded as the UK’s longest-running one-day group travel show, took place on Saturday 1 February at Wembley Stadium’s Great Hall. Now in its 51st year, the event attracted over 600 exhibitors and visitors, according to event organiser Tourism South East. Excursions aims to connect group travel organisers, coach operators, tour planners, and itinerary experts [...]
BBC Tours, taking place at BBC Cymru Wales in Central Square, Cardiff, has received a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for the second year in a row, and a 2025 Visit Wales Gold award for the quality of the experience. The only BBC site currently open to the public, at BBC Cymru Wales, groups can join [...]
Marsham Court Hotel has won two gold awards at the annual Dorset Tourism Awards. The hotel won prizes for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism as well as Business Events Venue of the Year at the Bournemouth event, taking place on 5 February.The Dorset Tourism Awards, celebrating the best in tourism across the county, was this year [...]
The World of Wedgwood, the tourist attraction that celebrates the work of the world-famed manufacturer of china and ceramic tableware and artistic items, has joined the CTA. The Stoke-on-Trent attraction is keen to welcome coach groups and can offer bespoke itineraries. Now with seven-day opening, 10am-5pm, groups can join a tour of the Wedgwood Factory [...]
Lighthouse Hotel Management is a new CTA member that manages eight hotels, including several city-centre locations ideal for groups. Included in the portfolio is the Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection, a 132-bedroom hotel that opened in March 2024. The hotel features a restaurant and bar, plus a gym. Also in the same Liverpool area [...]
The Three Counties Food and Drink Festival returns for its third year on 26 and 27 July at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire, with attendance from a lineup of TV's celebrated chefs. Coming on the Saturday, the show features a schedule of expert demonstrations from chefs including Simon Rimmer, Co-Presenter of C4’s Sunday [...]
Shuttleworth, the mansion and gardens which hosts a collection of vintage vehicles and aircraft, has announced the acquisition of a special 1905 Wolseley ‘Baby’ X-type 5hp two-seater Phaeton. Once belonging to Dorothy Shuttleworth, the X22 vehicle is considered one of the rarest of all surviving Wolseley light cars. First purchased by the Shuttleworth family around [...]
Plymouth is targeting groups in 2025 with a new guide, ‘Plymouth Groups and Travel Trade’, which features a range of attractions in the city, from historic landmarks to scenic cruises. Situated on Plymouth’s waterfront, the Grade II listed Tinside Lido is an Art Deco saltwater pool that offers breathtaking panoramic views, spacious sunbathing areas, and [...]
Seism!c, a new sound and light installation, has been added to Derbyshire’s Heights of Abraham, known for its scenic cable car journeys. The new experience is included in a guided tour through the Great Masson Cavern, which has been enhanced by state-of-the-art projectors. The installation tells the story of key moments in Earth’s history, along [...]
Neath Port Talbot Council is celebrating the birth centenary of Hollywood legend Richard Burton, opening a new trail that marks significant locations as the area celebrates ‘RB100’. Born 10 November 1925 in Pontrhydyfen in Glamorgan’s Afan Valley, Richard Jenkins went on to be famously known as Richard Burton. Following celebrated performances in the theatre, Burton’s [...]
Bookings are now open for the CTA AGM & Spring Networking event in Norwich from 17-19 May. We will be based at Kew Green Hotels’ Holiday Inn Norwich North and the event includes some great Fam trips to Broad Tours and Holkham Hall. Hotel details - Holiday Inn Norwich North Cromer Road, Norwich NR6 6JA Tel: 03333 209 344 [...]
CTA is very sad to hear of the death of Mike Whitehead, founder and managing director of Distinctive Systems. Mike was well known across the coach sector, having established Distinctive Systems which was a pioneer in the computerisation of many operators’ processes. He was a regular attendee at industry events over the years and will [...]
The next CTA event is at BTTS, which takes place at the NEC on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 March. Come and see us on stand A38 at the show. The event will give members the opportunity to discuss their needs and develop new product, with buyers and suppliers from across the UK coming together. [...]
Coach operators have been reminded to use the approved parking and set down/pick up bays in the Aldwych area. Westminster City Council advises that the area has a set down/pick up area on Russell Street, plus parking bays on Kingsway and Victoria Embankment. More information is available from www.westminster.gov.uk/parking/coach-parking The reminder follows reports of obstructions [...]
New CTA member Gardense Viaggi is a wholesaler providing coach operators with complete tour programmes around Italy. The team offers classic packages to major musical, theatrical, and sporting events, and can also create tailor-made programmes. Gardense Viaggi’s services include ticketing, hotels, restaurants, as well as travel transfers. Set up in 2022 in Costermano sul Garda, [...]
Kynren – The Storied Lands is a new theme park for Bishop Auckland, set to open in summer 2026. The experience will transport visitors through history, myth, and legend, bringing the past to life through live-action performances. Phase one of the park will feature five shows and immersive experiences set against landscaped historical backdrops. Unlike [...]
This summer at Shakespeare's Globe theatre, groups are welcomed to watch Shakespeare with a twist, alongside classic productions from other noted playwrights. Summer in the Globe Theatre begins in the dangerous world of the American West with an exciting new production of Romeo and Juliet. As a Globe first, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible also premieres [...]
For the first time in five years, Preston Manor in Brighton will reopen to the public with a new visitor experience. Groups can explore the world of the influential Stanfords at Preston Manor, where the upstairs-downstairs life of Edwardian society comes alive. Visitors are free to wander through elegant rooms, charming gardens, and servants quarters, [...]
LFC's award winning Stadium Tour has introduced new content for 2025 plus two new languages to its multimedia audio guides, including Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch. The complimentary multimedia guides are included in the LFC Stadium Tour ticket price and enhance the experience while visiting the famous ground. In addition to the two new languages, content [...]
The Port of Leith Distillery is an important landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith as the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery. Thought to be unique worldwide, the distillery is intended to reflect the company’s ambition to bring a pioneering approach to producing Scotland’s national drink. During a visit, groups can explore the architecture [...]
Aber Falls Distillery in Abergwyngregyn near Bangor, North Wales, is welcoming coach groups in 2025, providing distillery tours as well as a quick stop option. Distillery tours include a full tour of the single malt whisky process, and Aber Falls Distillery also offers a gin lab experience. Tours include tasting sessions, as well as takeaway [...]
Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has revealed plans for a significant investment at its flagship property in Perthshire. The multi-million-pound project at Crieff Hydro includes a new day-to-night bar, refurbished dining areas, and the introduction of a stylish speakeasy bar. The hotel is also set to unveil new innovative menus alongside a cocktail experience, a [...]
St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry is hosting a fam trip on Thursday 10 April, 11am-1pm, where coach operators can discover the recently renovated attraction. St Mary’s Guildhall has acted as the centre of power in England during the War of the Roses, housed the crown jewels, been the prison of Mary Queen of Scots, and [...]
Wales Official Tourist Guides Association (Wales Best Guides) has launched a new interactive website, featuring an easy-to-use search tool that allows you to find a guide. The search tool enables the user to search for a guide by location, language, driver guide, availability, and guide interest. Groups can contact guides directly from the website. The [...]
The CTA Conference & Workshop 2025 achieved its best-ever attendance as 200 members came to Stratford-upon-Avon last weekend, 8-11 February. The main business session saw a record number of 1,200 meetings at the Meet the Buyer Workshop. See a slideshow of the photos from the event below ... thanks to Stuart Render and Allan Scott [...]
More than 1,000 meetings will be conducted at the Meet the Buyer Workshop at the CTA Conference 2025 with 200 delegates set to attend in Stratford-upon-Avon, 9-11 February. During the Conference, former Wish You Were Here? presenter Anthea Turner will be joined by ex-BBC transport correspondent Peter Plisner in a Q&A session on the current [...]
A We Love Coaches advertising campaign is set to begin from the end of January presenting welovecoaches.com and the ‘find a coach operator’ facility that promotes CTA operator members. The advertising campaign will include online media targeted to consumers. We Love Coaches adverts will feature on media websites as well as social media. The campaign [...]
CTA members should save the date for business generation and tour planning activities now scheduled for 2025/26. Following the March Hauts de France fam (see above): there will be a members reception at BTTS 19-20 March at the NEC; CTA Spring Networking will take place 17-19 May in Norwich; later in the year, the CTA [...]
Amaze Hotels has recently announced another coach tour-friendly property to its growing portfolio. Gomersal Park Hotel & Spa, just off the M62 near Leeds, features 86 bedrooms, spa facilities, plus a bar and restaurant. Gomersal joins the Amaze Hotel Group’s line up of predominantly Yorkshire-based hotels which also includes Waterton Park Hotel in Wakefield, the [...]
The Best of Innsbruck 2025 is an essential guide for coach tour operators planning a visit to the most important city in Austria’s Tyrol, featuring must-see highlights including Nordkette mountain cable car, Swarovski Crystal Worlds, and Tyrolean Folk Show with the Gundolf Family. The useful guide includes group pricing and booking information, opening times and [...]
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram has unveiled the name of the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years, as the Royal Daffodil is set to enter service in the summer of 2026. The Royal Daffodil will provide passengers with improved accessibility, new seating areas, and an on-board bar. The vessel [...]
The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has announced the return of its Call The Midwife Official Location Tour in 2025. The new series of the hit TV show, featuring eight new episodes, will launch in early 2025 on the BBC, and a further series – Call the Midwife’s fifteenth – has been commissioned for viewing in [...]
English Heritage has released the Group admission prices & site opening times 2025/26 guide, providing key information for coach tour operators planning on visiting historic properties and sites. Click here to download your copy of the guide that includes an index of all properties, plus details including opening times and contact information. Coach operators are [...]
Blenheim Palace has won Gold in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category at the annual Beautiful South Tourism Awards 2024-2025, with Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries taking silver. The Blenheim team is pictured with their award, and in 2025, Blenheim Palace is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary since opening to the public. This year, [...]
Coastal Cruises Poole is welcoming coach groups in 2025 for trips around Poole Harbour and The Jurassic Coast. Poole Harbour, Europe’s largest natural harbour, and The Jurassic Coastline, boast exceptional scenery and interesting history. Coastal Cruises Poole is well located to provide groups with a variety of maritime trips around the stunning seascape of the [...]
New Forest Collection Hotels has joined the CTA, offering members a choice of four hotels situated in charming destinations in the New Forest. For an historic and characterful stay, properties include Burley Manor and Bartley Lodge, providing beautiful architecture and scenery with excellent dining on site. Sumptuous accommodation also includes the option of rooms with [...]
A programme of new hotel openings combined with exhibitions and anniversaries is set to make 2025 a great year for groups to discover NewcastleGateshead and the North East region. Gotham Hotel Newcastle is a new, luxury 5-star property opening in Spring 2025. Combining a former fire station and police station, the hotel will offer 60 [...]
Blackpool has released an 88-page guide showcasing what the resort has to offer in the year ahead, including events for 2025, classic attractions, plus an index of accommodation. The guide, which can be accessed here, is released hot on the heels of CTA Winter Networking held in Blackpool in November, which presented a variety of [...]
This is a final call for bookings for the CTA Conference & Workshop 2025 taking place 9-11 February 2025 in Stratford-upon-Avon. The final deadline for registration to take part in the Workshop on the Monday morning of the event is 23 December 2024 – don’t miss out – book now! If you book after that [...]
The Government of Jersey has appointed DFDS to operate UK and French passenger and freight ferry services from 28 March 2025. The 2025 timetable of services will be published this month with DFDS operating ferries to Jersey from Poole, Portsmouth, and St. Malo. For coach operators, DFDS will transport foot passengers to the island. The [...]
Based at The Imperial Hotel Blackpool from 23-25 November, CTA Winter Networking generated new business for members alongside special fam trips to develop product. “Strong attendance from operators and wholesalers has driven excellent participation from high-quality suppliers,” said CTA Chair, Robert Shaw. “CTA Operators were delighted with the opportunities to create new trips and tours. [...]
