Wicked Direct, the official supplier of tickets for the stage musical phenomenon Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, has welcomed travel industry sales & marketing veteran Lee Stupple as Groups & Travel Trade Sales Manager. Lee has been working in the travel industry for 25 years, most recently as UK & Ireland Account Manager for [...]
Discover Durham has announced a variety of updates for the travel trade, including a new opening at the heritage steam museum Locomotion, plus Luxmuralis at Durham Cathedral. At Locomotion, New Hall has opened to the public, displaying an additional 47 heritage vehicles and engines. Locomotion now becomes home to 99 rail vehicles, creating the largest [...]
The Liverpool Beatles Museum is hosting Beatle Week during the August Bank Holiday, with an exciting line up of events featuring special guests who played significant roles in the band’s history. On Saturday 24 August, an Audience with the Quarrymen is an exclusive session featuring the legendary skiffle group that eventually evolved into The Beatles, [...]
Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for the Tower of London, has partnered with Luxmuralis to present ‘Poppy Fields at theTower’, a poignant and moving sound and light show that will run for nine nights over the Remembrance period at the Tower of London. Each evening from 8 – 16 November 2024, the [...]
Taking place on selected days from now until October at Buckingham Palace, groups can explore the evolution of royal portraiture at the Royal Collection Trust’s new exhibition, Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography. Depicting works from the 1920s to the present day, the exhibition brings together more than 150 photographic prints, proofs and documents from [...]
Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales, is offering tour operators preferential rates to its attractions via its membership scheme. The organisation offers a wealth of majestic monuments, from the World Heritage Site of Caernarfon, Harlech, Conwy, and Beaumaris in North Wales, to the atmospheric [...]
St Fagans National Museum of History near Cardiff has welcomed the opening of its newest attraction, The Vulcan Hotel. The Vulcan Hotel was built on Adam Street in Cardiff in 1853 to serve the mainly Irish community of what was then called Newtown. During its long history, it saw major changes as Cardiff grew to [...]
Vale of Rheidol Railway has opened a new museum and event space at the engine shed building in Aberystwyth. The repurposed building offers 5,000 square feet of display space for some of the railway’s priceless collection, alongside exhibits from around the world. The new museum tells the story of how Wales led the way in [...]
Visit Essex is inviting CTA members to its next group travel organisers’ familiarisation trip, taking place on Tuesday 24 September, visiting Saffron Walden. Saffron Walden is a delightful medieval market town with a rich heritage of old buildings, with popular market days that have been taking place in the town since 1141. The trip will [...]
Continuum Attractions is introducing the Emmerdale Village Tour & Harewood House combination for groups. Guests can embark on a fully guided, 80-minute outdoor walking tour of the iconic Emmerdale village. Following the Emmerdale tour, guests will be transported to Harewood House, just a short distance away, to explore the exquisite 18th-century mansion, set among more [...]
West Midlands Safari Park is an award-winning visitor attraction located in Worcestershire, and is home to a variety of all-weather attractions, including four miles of drive-through safari, thrilling dinosaur exhibits, wildlife trails, and a theme park. The safari park is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and critically endangered animals, and includes giraffes, [...]
This Christmas, groups are welcomed to Harewood House, the eighteenth century country house and grounds in West Yorkshire, to step into a magical festive world of Mischief at the Mansion where history and imagination intertwine. As part of a magical makeover by the internationally celebrated artists, Studio McGuire, the display will reveal Harewood’s history and [...]
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has announced that His Majesty The King has confirmed his Patronage of the award winning charity, continuing the role he first took up in 2006 as HRH The Prince of Wales. Charles began his association with Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust on a visit to open the new Royal Dockyard Library in [...]
The Dramatic Heart of Wales, the tourism team at Neath Port Talbot Council, has launched group travel itineraries designed to present new options for groups. With suggestions for group hotels, coach parking, group-friendly activities and attractions, the itineraries can be tailored to suit group sizes and preferences while showcasing the wonders of the Dramatic Heart [...]
Loving Welsh Food is partnering with The Welsh House in Cardiff as the new venue for this year’s Taste of Wales evenings. The Welsh House is an independent regional restaurant and bar showcasing the very best food and drink from within Wales, and Taste of Wales evenings can be tailored for groups on request. Events [...]
Kynren, the multi-award-winning outdoor live theatre event taking place in Bishop Auckland throughout the summer, from 27 July to 14 September, has added a new dining package, as well as new travel by coach information. Kynren’s exclusive dining package offers visitors the chance to enjoy a three-course meal in the spectacular Arches Hall, while pre-dinner [...]
Wicked, the West End stage musical phenomenon that tells the story of the Witches of Oz, has become the 10th longest-running West End show in British history. Wicked surpasses the run of the legendary farce, No Sex Please, We’re British, which ran from June 1971 until September 1987, playing a total 6,761 performances. The musical, [...]
St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry has been recognised for making heritage more accessible at a ceremony celebrating the region’s tourism industry. Operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, the venue has been given the Silver award in the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism category at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2024, held at the Bear Grylls Adventure, National [...]
The Nethybridge Hotel in Speyside, near Inverness, has opened group bookings for its 2024 Turkey & Tinsel events. Part of Strathmore Hotels, the Nethybridge Hotel is offering four-night and three-night group breaks in November. Providing an atmospheric Highland setting for the festive period, the hotel presents great surrounding views and is well situated to explore [...]
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has provided an update on its expanding range of flower shows taking place, helping operators schedule up to 2027. After this summer’s 25th anniversary show, the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park will be back every three years, returning in 2027 to celebrate gardening in the North West. Still in the [...]
Coach operators and group organisers looking to arrange a trip to a National Trust property or location should visit the organisation’s website groups page, comprising full information to help plan the day. The National Trust looks after over 500 special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, from the stones of the Giant’s Causeway, to [...]
Visit Isle of Man has launched a new campaign to encourage bookings to the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races and inspire visitors to explore the Island beyond the racing. The campaign, ‘The Isle of Man, There’s More to iTT’, is a collaborative effort between Visit Isle of Man and the Department for Enterprise Motorsport [...]
Raby Castle has secured a silver award at the Green Tourism awards in recognition of its commitment to sustainability. The Green Tourism awards are acknowledged as an indicator of good environmentally friendly practice. Raby Castle submitted evidence across criteria including investments in renewable energy at The Rising scheme, which include the Geothermal Heating Network. The [...]
This summer, groups are being offered after-hours access for guided tours to the medieval Duke Humfrey’s library at Oxford’s famous Bodleian Library. Tour guides will also guide groups through underground tunnels and reading rooms, into the iconic Oxford landmark, the Radcliffe Camera. Until 1 June, groups have priority booking before sales open to the public, [...]
Offering cinematic beauty, off-the-beaten-track experiences, and beautiful coastal scenery, the Wild Atlantic Way has been one of the island of Ireland’s most successful tourism stories. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the world’s longest-defined coastal touring route. The Wild Atlantic Way is an internationally acclaimed waymarked road trip, stretching 2,500 kilometres along the contours [...]
Caffi Cyfle at Alyn Waters Country Park, located close to Wrexham, is keen to attract coach groups for light refreshments and stop-offs. Offering an ideal outdoor break on a tour of Wrexham and North Wales, Caffi Cyfle, just three miles from Wrexham, can provide refreshments tailored to budget that can be eaten in or pre-boxed [...]
Manchester City has marked an important phase in the development of the Etihad Stadium expansion with the arrival and installation of the first steels in recent weeks. The £300million project, which will increase the stadium’s capacity to over 60,000 during the 2025/26 season, is now starting to take shape with the initial steel framework in [...]
VisitAberdeenshire is presenting product and itinerary suggestions on agricultural tourism, or agritourism, specifically aimed at the groups market. From Highland cattle to Clydesdale horses, sheepdogs to berry picking, Aberdeenshire has both modern and historical approaches to farming. This culture can be discovered through the county’s presentation of agritourism. Details on all of Aberdeen’s agritourism offerings [...]
English Heritage has provided arrangements for coach groups travelling to the Stonehenge Summer Solstice, taking place on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 June 2024. Commercial vehicles requiring access during Summer Solstice must pre-book via the Travel Trade Team at traveltrade@english-heritage.org.uk by Wednesday 22 May 2024 to apply for Solstice access and parking. Entry to the [...]
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, is presenting four unforgettable nights of concerts, from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 July, with its Music At The Manor performances. Group bookings are now open to hear hit music from some of Britain's top tribute artists. The lineup includes: Thursday 11 July - Bootleg Beatles supported by Le Freak, Friday 12 [...]
English Heritage advises visitors to Stonehenge this spring and summer that the A360 faces a temporary road closure. The works form part of the A303 Stonehenge (Amesbury to Berwick Down) scheme, with preliminary works scheduled to take place which involve temporarily closing the A360. Please see this link for further information regarding the temporary closure [...]
Shakespeare Distillery's Gin School has been named Experience of the Year in the West Midlands Tourism Awards. The independent artisan spirit producer, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, picked up the gold award at a ceremony on 20 March at Bear Grylls Adventure in Solihull. As a gold winner, Shakespeare Distillery will automatically be entered into the national [...]
Discover Durham is presenting outdoor attractions for groups this spring and summer, from hidden gardens in the heart of the city, to group-friendly outdoor attractions and countryside parks. In Durham City, visitors can stroll along the city’s riverbanks and see Durham Castle and Cathedral, as well as Durham University Botanic Garden. Groups can also visit [...]
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is presenting the exhibition Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians. The display charts the Georgians’ style story with paintings, prints, and drawings by artists including Gainsborough, Zoffany, and Hogarth, as well as luxurious textiles, sparkling jewellery, and a range of accessories from snuff boxes to swords. The exhibition reveals how the [...]
Historic Royal Palaces is presenting a range of updates for group visitors across 2024. The Orangery at Kensington Palace, now re-opened to visitors, was once a party house for Queen Anne. Groups can experience this unique building and its displays, including intricate carvings, while enjoying afternoon tea, or relax outside in the newly created terrace. [...]
Oxford Castle & Prison, which provides guided visits of the city’s iconic building, is also presenting Murder Mystery evenings and is welcoming groups to participate. The Murder Mystery is set around the Castle & Prison historic site, involving the atmospheric Norman crypt, Victorian D-wing cells, and eighteenth-century Debtor’s Tower. Costumed actors engage with the group, [...]
Kynren, the dramatic live performance that takes a trip through Britain’s history, is set to include a rare breed of horse as a new cast member. Knutsford Cosmopolitan, a majestic grey shire horse known as Cosmo to his friends, has been welcomed at 11Arches, the organisation behind Kynren, as he joins the equine team. Cosmo [...]
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is open for 2024 and the attraction is looking forward to welcoming groups to experience a great day out. Alongside its daily services, the railway has a full calendar of events, as well as the launch of an exciting new film trail this summer. Key upcoming events include the Spring, [...]
Visit Essex is keen to welcome coach groups in 2024 and beyond, and has packaged a range of attractions and destinations that celebrate the best of coast, countryside, and heritage cities and towns. Essex offers a 350-mile coastline, and coach groups can discover seaside towns such as Southend-on-Sea, home to the longest pier in the [...]
The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall is welcoming groups this Spring as well as looking ahead to events later in the year. Mindful of coach operator requirements, the impressive garden attraction near Mevagissey is also ready to help plan product for next year’s brochures. This month, the National Collection of Heligan’s Camellias and Rhododendrons [...]
Visit Isle of Man has welcomed Claire McColgan of Liverpool City Council to the organisation’s Non-Executive Board. Claire’s expansive background in destination making will assist in shaping the Visit Isle of Man Visitor Economy Strategy. Claire is Director of Culture and Major Events at Liverpool City Council and is responsible for Culture Liverpool, Marketing Liverpool, [...]
Visit Aberdeenshire is promoting Garioch Heritage Centre to groups, combined with fine group accommodation in Aberdeen. Garioch Heritage Centre showcases an architecturally acclaimed conversion of a former industrial building, originally part of the Inverurie Locomotive Works, which played a key role in the social and economic development of the area. Groups can explore the history [...]
Marriott is offering CTA coach operator members deals at its hotels across the UK. Many hotels within the Marriott brand are participating, so CTA members are advised to contact their prospective hotel directly. A selection of participating hotels and offers include Delta Hotels by Marriott Durham Royal County. Through to April 2025, the hotel is [...]
To celebrate its largest exhibition to date, Icons of British Fashion, Blenheim Palace has launched a fashionista-themed afternoon tea, and has enhanced its retail offering with a range of special edition gifts and merchandise. Visitors can start their Icons of British Fashion journey in the newly renovated Orangery at Blenheim Palace and enjoy savouries and [...]
Criterion Hospitality presents six London hotels with offers for groups at locations throughout the city close to the major tourist attractions. The hotels can offer multi-bedded room types, accommodating up to 12 people, and can also provide meeting space as well as group meals, including lunch and dinner. The hotels can also provide theatre ticket [...]
The Silverstone Museum, located trackside at one of the world’s best-known motorsport circuits, is welcoming groups for 2024 and beyond. The site houses a large collection of iconic race cars and motorbikes, and Silverstone Museum is also home to the British Racing Drivers’ Club archive collection. With interactive appeal for visitors of all ages, the [...]
St. Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry, is presenting a special Guildhall Ghost Stories Tour event this autumn. On October 21 and 22, the historic location is inviting groups to embark on a captivating journey to hear tales of paranormal phenomena and captivating folklore within the atmospheric building. Walking in the footsteps of historical figures such as Mary [...]
On Saturday 6 July the spectacular Battle Proms Picnic Concert brings a summer celebration of uplifting music from the New English Concert Orchestra, plus breath-taking aerial and pyrotechnic displays for their nineteenth annual performance at Blenheim Palace. The musical delights start in the afternoon with the harmonies of the Battle Proms Belles warming up the [...]
Visit Isle of Man has announced that it saw a positive surge in figures achieved in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the resurgence of travel and tourism. In 2023, Visit Isle of Man recorded that the Island welcomed 318,000 visitors who contributed £183.2m revenue in visitor spend, exceeding targets by 18,000 and £21.8m respectively. [...]
The museum dedicated to the life and works of the city’s most famous band have put the ‘acorns for peace’ on display - with a remarkable backstory. Yoko Ono recounted how, on 15 June 1968, along with John Lennon, the couple planted two acorns for peace at Coventry Cathedral - the first of many Peace [...]
