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 [...]
Hospitality Line has announced a lineup of New Year's Eve cruises to welcome in 2025. Tickets are now available for an evening combining dining at a choice of restaurants with London’s fireworks display on a sightseeing cruise along the Thames. Guests will be served a three-course festive dinner, and the fireworks cruise includes a welcome [...]
Hever Castle in Kent has announced the world premiere of Anne Boleyn: The Musical, debuting in the grounds of the iconic castle where Anne Boleyn spent her childhood. The production will run from 2 – 30 August 2025 in a specially constructed outdoor auditorium, offering a performance against the historic backdrop of Hever Castle. Anne [...]
The Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire has won a Gold accolade for excellence by VisitEngland in recognition of an outstanding visitor experience. The attraction is a country park set in 60 acres of woodland, reached by cable car over a deep limestone gorge in the Peak District. Feedback from VisitEngland said: “The team [...]
Visit Durham is highlighting a range of coach-friendly hotels in the city to suit a range of budgets and interests. For city centre accommodation with riverside views, the RadissonBlu Durham features a newly refurbished bar and restaurant. Meanwhile, the Delta by Marriott Hotel Royal Count features coach drop off and pick up point outside the [...]
Blenheim Palace has announced new visitor experiences for 2025 which will only be available for a limited time due to the launch of its most ambitious restoration project to date. The historic roof project is a restoration that aims to preserve the architecture and safeguard the heritage of Blenheim Palace for generations to come. Alongside [...]
The Bishop Auckland attraction The Auckland Project has won a VisitEngland Gold award following a Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment. The Auckland Project includes Auckland Palace and its Walled Gardens, Auckland Tower, the Faith Museum, the Spanish Gallery and Mining Art Gallery. VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades are available to participants of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction [...]
The Royal Collection Trust has released its Group Visit & Private Tours 2025 brochure, providing tour operators with everything they need to know to plan a visit. The brochure includes details on booking a group visit to the summer opening of Buckingham Palace, as well as private guided tours of Windsor Castle and the Palace [...]
Registration has opened for VisitScotland Connect 2025, Scotland’s premier travel trade event, taking place on 9 and 10 April at P&J Live, Aberdeen. Travel trade buyers, suppliers, as well as destination management organisations and local authorities, are invited to attend and register via this link. The event presents tourism buyers from around the globe with [...]
A new walking tour has been launched in Conwy with availability for groups of up to 50 people. Conwy Guided Tours is a new company focused on the Conwy UNESCO World Heritage Site, with highlights including the town walls and properties owned by Cadw and the National Trust. Walks are led by James Reeve who [...]
A new exhibition presenting drawings by artists including da Vinci and Michelangelo will be on display at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, from 1 November until 9 March 2025. Drawing the Italian Renaissance will present around 160 works by over 80 artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian, alongside lesser-known artists. The [...]
Mersey Ferries has launched its 2025 Cruise Programme, featuring cruises for groups ranging from a 50-minute sightseeing tour, to a half- or full-day cruise. Starting with River Explorer Cruises, these 50-minute trips are a great way for visitors to the city to view the skyline and landmarks from the deck of the Mersey Ferry, along [...]
New CTA member Waterside Hotels is an established hotel group based in Blackpool, providing luxury accommodation, dining, and entertainment at two hotel locations across the Fylde Coast. Both the Park House Hotel and Doric Hotel feature 103 en-suite bedrooms that have recently benefitted from an extensive refurbishment. The Doric Hotel is situated on Queen’s [...]
The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, one of the world’s most contemporary gardens, is a new CTA member keen to attract coach groups. The venue is also home to Lilidorei at Alnwick Garden, an enchanted children’s play world. Created by the Duchess of Northumberland in 2001, The Alnwick Garden is a modern display combining sculpture, water [...]
Artisan gin and rum producer, Shakespeare Distillery based in Stratford-upon-Avon, is offering CTA members a special winter commission for visiting groups. Applicable at both the distillery and its Stratford town centre location, Judith’s Tasting Rooms, from 1 January to 31 March 2025, Shakespeare Distillery is offering improved rates. For Distillery Tours & Tastings running Wednesday [...]
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall in Stratford-upon-Avon is offering CTA members special group rates from 31 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. At the attraction, groups can explore the room where William Shakespeare sat in the 1570s for his years in education, while the authentic experience for all ages brings to life a fascinating chapter in [...]
Stena Line and Euromast have combined to provide operators and wholesalers with a new trip experience to Rotterdam, promoted by b2b travel sales representatives, Worldwide Attractions. Stena Line provides ferries connecting Harwich to Hoek van Holland with special group rates available for bookings of 10 or more. The lowest fares are offered during off-peak months, [...]
Gwynedd Council has launched a study into improved coach access, drop off and parking in Caernarfon, and is inviting coach operators to provide feedback. The feasibility study is looking into the management of coaches and coach parking, particularly over seasonal peaks. The 16-question survey is open to operators and/or drivers and can be accessed here: [...]
TTG Encore has launched group tickets for The Devil Wears Prada, a new musical, based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, that will strut into London’s Dominion Theatre from October 2024. The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger's best-selling 2003 novel and 2006 blockbuster film from Twentieth Century Studios. Featuring an original score by [...]
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway has launched guided tours of its 200-year old Boston Lodge Engineering Works, the oldest continually operating railway engineering works in the world. Groups can learn about the people involved in the works and the railway, as well as the locomotives and carriages that have been built and held at Boston Lodge. [...]
The Tudor World, a new, permanent exhibition at Hampton Court Palace, has now opened, exploring the story of the Tudor royal dynasty. Set within the oldest palace rooms, the Wolsey Rooms, the exhibition is told through rare and important 16th-century artwork and historic objects, as well as interactive displays. The Tudor World will explore the [...]
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is providing coach group offers, including tours of the castle and grounds with bespoke packages available. The site, situated less than a mile off the A1 between Newcastle and Edinburgh, is one of the largest inhabited castles in England and has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, [...]
Blenheim Palace has announced the introduction of exclusive offers for groups visiting during off-peak dates between 6 January and 31 March 2025. 2025 prices for group visits start from £39 for a Palace, Park and Gardens adult ticket for groups of 15+, including free admission for a group leader. The rate includes all-day coach parking, [...]
Cumbria’s Westmorland & Furness region of The Lake District has announced a range of new attractions, including the world speed record Bluebird K7, as well as the reopening of Barrow’s refurbished Dock Museum. Donald Campbell's iconic hydroplane, the Bluebird K7, in which he set seven world water speed records between 1955 and 1964, has returned [...]
Forth Boat Tours, one of Edinburgh’s leading attractions, has partnered with Rosebank Distillery, Scotland’s newest distillery, located in Falkirk, to create a new river cruise and distillery experience. With travel trade rates available for coach groups up to a maximum of 44 people, the ticket includes a guided tour of Rosebank Distillery and tutored tasting [...]
The Real Mary King’s Close, a five-star heritage visitor attraction in Edinburgh, says it has celebrated its best summer season ever, welcoming over 93,000 guests from around the globe. The Royal Mile attraction, operated by Continuum Attractions, has also celebrated being named the UK’s Best Visitor Attraction by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. Continuum says that [...]
Coach groups are invited to experience the two-day Coin, Coal and Cheers package in South Wales. The tour takes in the Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Vale of Glamorgan, involving the Royal Mint, the Rhondda Heritage Park Museum, and Hensol Castle Distillery. The Rhondda Heritage Park Museum provides a Welsh Coal Mining Experience at the [...]
Booking is open for groups to enjoy Christmas at Blenheim Palace, featuring a magical Neverland-themed journey, taking place from 15 November until 1 January 2025. The historic Palace and Gardens will once again come alive with thousands of lights to celebrate the festive season. This year, the stage is set for a swashbuckling adventure in [...]
Dover Castle has opened Under Siege, a new visitor experience explaining the 1216-1217 siege and how the English throne was prevented from falling into French hands. Visitors will also see what life was like for a soldier in the 1800s when fears of a French invasion in the Napoleonic era reached another peak. Interactive exhibitions [...]
This Christmas, Waddesdon is set to be transformed for a magical festive experience inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Enjoy beautifully decorated interiors, new light projections on the Manor façade, a glittering light trail in the gardens, and the return of the ever-popular Christmas market. Taking the classic story as inspiration, a team of [...]
CTA member Liverpool Football Club Museum has relaunched with a new, immersive journey following the attraction’s first revamp in a decade. Located in the heart of Anfield, the museum retells the club’s story as a tribute to the legacy of the club for fans from all over the world. State-of-the-art exhibits showcase iconic moments, legendary [...]
Visit Lake District, Cumbria has launched a range of cultural experiences across the Westmorland & Furness region for coach groups to add new product. The Let’s Go Culture experience presents a range of activities and trip ideas across the Westmorland & Furness region that spans from Alston in the North Pennines to Barrow-in-Furness on the [...]
Visit County Durham has reported that the county’s visitor economy hit £1.23bn in 2023 following a 12.5% increase in visitors to 20.15million last year, with visitor spending up by 18.8%. The figure reflects the county’s investment which has also seen tourism employment increase by 12.4% to over 13,000 employees. Visit County Durham says that new [...]
Paris intends to restrict coach access within the centre of the city as part of its pedestrian-first policy, ‘Paris piéton’ and its clear-air policy, ‘Paris respire'. According to ETOA (European Tourism Association), The Right Bank - running 4km from Place de la Concorde to Canal Saint-Martin and 1.5km from the Seine to the Grands Boulevards [...]
A new museum is opening late July 2024 in Derry ~ Londonderry. The Peacemakers Museum focuses on how the North of Ireland moved from decades of violent conflict to peace. The museum is located in the Bogside area of Derry that witnessed some of the key events of the conflict including the Battle of the [...]
CTA members booking trips for 2025 with Broads Tours before the end of the year will benefit from 2024 prices with no deposit required. Operators can also receive cash back at the end of the season. CTA member, Broads Tours, based in Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads, provides a range of river trips and tailored [...]
Scotland's Tay Country has joined the CTA to support the region’s offerings to promote and assist coach tours and trips. Situated on the stunning east coast of Scotland and just an hour north of Edinburgh, Scotland's Tay Country is a captivating visitor destination that encompasses the beautiful areas of Angus, Fife, Perthshire, and the vibrant [...]
