Strawberry Field, Liverpool’s Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, is marking the date of a headline event that turned heartache into new opportunity. 25 years ago on 11 May, the attraction, which celebrates John Lennon’s legacy of peace and kindness, hit the news following the theft of its iconic red gates. In broad daylight, thieves [...]
CTA member Nordkettenbahnen cable car of Innsbruck is attending CTA Spring Networking in Norwich to update members on tours to the area. Alex Ziwes from the Nordkette mountain cable car is inviting coach groups to come to Innsbruck to experience the spectacular journey, which travels from the city centre to Austria’s largest nature park. The [...]
New CTA member Pensthorpe comprises 700 acres of nature park, gardens, and outdoor adventure areas, and the Norfolk attraction is keen to welcome coach groups. Based in Fakenham, the attraction’s extensive gardens provide five different areas. A new manicured garden is staged alongside the Millennium Garden, focussing on shrubs, grasses and climbers, as well as [...]
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity behind Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, has joined CTA. The organisation welcomes the opportunity to build new partnerships, connect with coach operators and tour planners, and offer memorable group days out at two of Scotland’s most unique attractions. This winter at Edinburgh Zoo [...]
The Coronation Street Experience and Emmerdale Village Tour, operated by Continuum Attractions, are for the first time presenting Star Tours to groups. Star Tours allow guests to meet a mystery cast member at the culmination of their guided tour. While these special tours have been running for a number of years for individuals, this is [...]
Panoramart, situated within the 210m-high Paris Montparnasse Observatory, is a new attraction welcoming coach groups. The exhibition is a stunning visual experience that blends urban landscape with contemporary art. Created by French artist Aurélien Jeanney of Maison Tangible, this immersive installation turns the Observatory’s glass walls into a vibrant, interactive canvas. Through 10 colourful window [...]
One of the country’s best preserved medieval castles, Bolton Castle in North Yorkshire, has joined CTA, offering a great day out for groups. Located near Leyburn with stunning views across Wensleydale, a visit includes the opportunity to see the castle’s five floors, including a dungeon, as well the gardens. Much of the gardens are accessible, [...]
Hemswell Antique Centres, renowned as the largest antiques centre in Europe, has joined the CTA. Located just a few miles from the historic city of Lincoln, with four buildings and two coffee shops on site, the site hosts thousands of antiques and collectables. The antique centres house a large variety of high-quality antique furniture from [...]
Royal Museums Greenwich, home to four historic attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, is hosting a fam trip for CTA members on 29 April. The day will include guided tours of the Queen's House and Cutty Sark, followed by an afternoon tea beneath the ship’s hull in the dry berth. Later, [...]
English Heritage properties Kenwood and Kenilworth Castle are hosting celebrations of women in history in 2025. Kenwood has launched an exhibition of art by John Singer Sargent, looking at the fascinating lives of American heiresses and their roles in Britian, while Kenilworth focuses on Elizabeth I, one of Britain’s most formidable monarchs. Kenwood, on the [...]
Newly opened in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, the Flaxmill Maltings is celebrated as the grandparent of modern skyscrapers and the attraction is now open this year for group tours. Opening in 1797 as a purpose-built mill to process flax, commonly used in the manufacture of linen, Shrewsbury’s flaxmill was the first multifloored iron-framed building in the world. [...]
This Spring and Summer, the Medieval Palace at the Tower of London will explore the stories of the kings and queens who lived at the Tower, as well as the households who served them, and the fascinating world they lived in. The Medieval Palace at the Tower of London re-opens 23 May, and the royal [...]
CofGâr, the Carmarthenshire County Council museums and arts service, has announced a vibrant and diverse lineup of exhibitions and events for 2025 to early 2026. The programme will take place at Carmarthenshire Museum, Dylan Thomas Boathouse, the Museum of Land Speed, and Parc Howard Museum. At the Carmarthenshire Museum, Exploring Ancient Egypt: The Story of [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 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 [...]
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 [...]
Swarovski Kristallwelten, or Crystal World, in Austria is home to the famous crystal maker, and Christmas time is an ideal occasion to take groups to enjoy the displays and lights. Based in Wattens near Innsbruck, Winter Wonderland transforms Swarovski Kristallwelten's garden into a fairy tale-inspired, illuminated winter experience. Swarovski crystal and Christmas are closely linked [...]
Tourism Ireland is promoting a variety of Christmas-themed events across the island of Ireland that can form key moments in a festive tour for coach groups of all ages. Yulefest in Kilkenny presents festive movies alongside glittering lights and medieval charm. Featuring music acts and a panto – it’s Snow White this year -Graiguenamanagh’s Christmas [...]
‘Next Stop Durham’ is a new marketing campaign from Visit County Durham aiming to engage with travellers who may have passed through the county but not taken the time to stop and explore. The campaign runs until spring 2025 and will include advertising on the London Underground and train stations on the east coast network. [...]
Shuttleworth in Bedfordshire is a new CTA member for 2025 and is home to a working collection of aircraft and vehicles, plus almost 60 acres of estate to explore, including gardens and a Woodland Walk. Cared for by engineers, Shuttleworth features a working collection of airworthy vintage aircraft, agricultural and steam exhibits, veteran vehicles, carriages, [...]
The Liverpool Beatles Museum has unveiled a new exhibit, offering fans a glimpse into two pivotal moments in the Fab Four’s journey to stardom. The exhibit features backstage furniture from Hulme Hall in Birkenhead, a venue steeped in Beatles history. The new exhibits are linked to The Beatles’ milestones including Ringo Starr’s first performance with [...]
A new winter lights trail has now opened at The Heights of Abraham with illuminations creating a spectacular scene at the Matlock Bath cable car attraction. Opening on 22 November through to 30 December (excluding 24-26 December), cable cars travel to the summit of the heights from 4.30pm until 9pm. The Lights of Abraham route [...]
Bookings have now been finalised for CTA Winter Networking in Blackpool, Saturday 23 to Monday 25 November, with over 160 members booked to attend. Taking place at The Imperial Hotel Blackpool, the weekend includes fam trips to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, as well as visits to Merlin Entertainment’s Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Blackpool Aquarium, and High [...]
