Signalling its confidence in the British tourism and cruise market, Ambassador Cruises has purchased its second ship, Ambition, which will enter service next year. Ambition, like its sister ship Ambience, will offer no-fly cruises predominantly targeting the 50-plus market with a premium-value, authentic cruise experience. In addition to sailing from London Tilbury, a summer 2023 [...]
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has a new attraction open until 20 November 2022 - Diving Deep: HMS Invincible 1744, an exciting maritime archaeological exhibition which takes visitors as close to the seabed as possible while staying in dry dock. Visitors to the new exhibition at The Historic Dockyard Chatham will be able to tread the seabed [...]
Shakespeare Distillery has been shortlisted twice in the West Midlands Tourism Awards. The independent artisan spirit producer based in Stratford-upon-Avon has been shortlisted in the Experience of the Year and Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and is one of only a small handful of businesses to be shortlisted in the Stratford-upon-Avon region. The awards [...]
ALTON TOWERS RESORT 18 March 2022 - 6 November 2022 Alton Towers Resort has been a world-renowned haven of fun and adventure for almost 200 years!. Despite what you may think, the castle-like structure in the heart of the theme park isn’t fake and isn’t a castle! It’s 100 per cent authentic and was once [...]
Following the postponed 2020 event due to the pandemic, Coach Tours UK magazine has confirmed a new date for an action-packed day in Buxton, Derbyshire. Hosted at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, Derbyshire on Monday 5 September, Coach Tours UK Magazine is inviting coach operators and GTOs to attend this free Fam, aimed at providing [...]
UNESCO World Heritage Site Canterbury Cathedral has new tours and group experiences lined up for 2022, along with new catering options and self-guided visits. To celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year, Canterbury Cathedral is launching a special guided tour which is bookable for groups, telling stories of royals through the ages. On this private [...]
The latest VisitAberdeenshire travel trade update includes news on Aberdeen Art Gallery and Crathes Castle. Situated in the heart of the city, Aberdeen Art Gallery re-opened its doors to visitors in November 2019 following a landmark £34.6million redevelopment, winning the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020. Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one [...]
Coronation Street The Tour returns this spring and can take your groups on a trip down the nation’s most famed street to discover the hidden world which lies behind the camera lens. Explore the sensational external sets at MediaCityUK, Manchester on a guided tour which takes in Coronation Street, Rosamund Street and Victoria Street. This [...]
Since the creation of the moat in the 13th century, the space encircling the iconic Tower of London has had various roles, from an invasion deterrent to an allotment during the Second World War. In recent years, the moat has been the setting for two major commemorations for the Centenary of the First World War: [...]
Herriot Country and World of James Herriot reports that it is enjoying a surge in demand from visitors from all over the UK and there is pent-up demand overseas as The All Creatures Great and Small Channel 5 TV series is rolled out around the world after its success in the UK. The Yorkshire Vet [...]
Visit Flanders is highlighting a number of events and activities planned for 2022 in its latest update. While 2021 proved to be difficult hosting fam trips and educationals in Flanders, it is planning to host several niche visits to showcase new product in 2022. If you are interested in the themes shown below, please get [...]
Hever Castle has a number of special events lined up for next year including a new exhibition about Anne Boleyn. This is the first of a series of exhibitions detailing the life and times of Anne Boleyn and launches on 4 March 2022, 500 years to the day she made her debut at court in [...]
CTA members enjoyed a stimulating update on Scotland in the zoom session to mark St Andrew’s Day on 30 November. If you missed it, you can watch the video below and there are also links to the presentations from Partner members VisitScotland and CalMac Ferries, plus Edinburgh attraction Scotch Whisky Experience, and the Edinburgh Tattoo [...]
CTA partner Visit Wales has highlighted some recent developments including a new group-friendly hotel at Milford Haven, and restoration at National Botanic Garden of Wales. A new 100 bedroom hotel opens at Milford Waterfront in spring 2022, with views across Milford Marina on the Pembrokeshire coast. It will be managed by Celtic Manor Resort, as [...]
Stuart Line Cruises’ Exeter Canal Cruise runs only a handful of times per year but ipsa recognised it as one of the very best excursions in Devon, with many operators securing their spaces for the heavily oversubscribed boat trip as early as possible. This special event offers a relaxing cruise between Exmouth and the cathedral [...]
VisitAberdeenshire’s latest travel trade update includes a chance to get up close and personal with Highland cattle. Groups will be guided by Grace who will provide information on her farm, the different breeds of cows before introducing some of the different highland cattle. Visitors will have the opportunity to brush them, pet and take plenty [...]
Visitors to the Old Royal Naval College can expect a thrilling musical show, carols and more this festive season. Goblin Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is coming to the Painted Hall, as well as Christmas carol services in the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul. In the magnificent setting of the Painted Hall, Goblin Theatre [...]
Royal Collection Trust has announced that visits for 2022 are now on sale and operators can make group reservations and bookings for visits to the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which will include special displays to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The annual Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace [...]
Wicked, the West End and Broadway musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, has announced an extension to its current booking period exclusively for travel trade and group organisers for performances from 29 November 2022 to 28 May 2023. Now in its landmark 16th year, Wicked plays Tuesday-Saturday evening [...]
Amiens has produced its latest update for the travel trade with news of events, hotel upgrades and attractions, including a new route dedicated to the creative genius of Jules Verne. Jules Verne lived most of his life in Amiens and the city aims to celebrate this in a much more spectacular way. A Jules Verne [...]
Next year will see Her Majesty the Queen become the first monarch in British history to celebrate a platinum jubilee. Historic Royal Palaces plans to mark this milestone with a major new display in the moat at the Tower of London. The moat was previously the setting for a world-famous display of 888,246 ceramic poppies [...]
Strawberry Field, the site immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, is aiming to be the UK’s Number 1 attraction for accessibility for both individual and group visits, thanks to a series of upgraded and innovative features. Previously a Salvation Army children’s home where John Lennon came to play and escape, Strawberry [...]
VisitAberdeenshire is promoting a range of exciting and different experiences with 10 Dollar Shake and Rabbie's. VisitAberdeenshire is promoting a range of exciting and different experiences with 10 Dollar Shake and Rabbie's. 10 Dollar Shake is a food and drink experience provider offering a range of different options to give your clients a true taste [...]
Bournemouth is set to be lit up by more than 100 festive-themed illuminations this winter as Christmas Tree Wonderland returns to the town. The popular event includes a 60ft feature tree in the heart of the Victorian lower gardens. Visitors will be led by a trail from Lansdowne to the Triangle through the gardens to [...]
Continuum Attractions says it cannot wait to welcome your groups back to its ITV products. Autumn dates for the Emmerdale Village Tour are still available to book for 2021. Should you wish to book for this year, please contact: jroscoe@continuumattractions.com Coronation Street the Tour and the Emmerdale Village Tour will be returning in Spring 2022 with [...]
Shakespeare Distillery offers a range of popular and informative group experiences including distillery tours and tastings, cocktail masterclass and gin school. The artisan spirit producer based in Stratford-upon-Avon has been distilling gin for the last five years on its own premises. The products are inspired by the Tudor period, which is ingrained in the history [...]
Encore has a whole host of recommendations on shows for coach groups in its latest update, including Only Fools And Horses The Musical at Theatre Royal Haymarket; Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical at the Lyric Theatre; and Magic Goes Wrong at the Apollo Theatre. The world may have changed a lot since [...]
Blenheim Palace has some great events planned to welcome groups back to the attraction, including an Autumn Festival, new Halloween event and Christmas at Blenheim with a festive market, illuminated light trail and a trip around the Palace. The Illuminated Light Trail runs from 22-31 October and includes more than a million lights, lasers and [...]
Old Royal Naval College has announced that coaches can now be driven on to its site for the first time. Up to two coaches per day will be allowed on to the Old Royal Naval College campus with the group able to disembark on the site’s main avenue. Coaches must be pre-booked. There are options for both full days [...]
The Swan at the Globe restaurant, part of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre on the banks of the River Thames overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, has launched its first travel trade and group friendly Afternoon Tea, which is themed to Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet runs next door at the Globe until 17 October. Combining local ingredients [...]
The latest Group and Travel Trade news from Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole features updates on a range of activities in the area and includes details of the new Travel Trade Resource Hub which should prove to be an essential tool when planning a group visit to the area. Christmas will be an exciting time across Bournemouth, Christchurch [...]
Historic Royal Palaces is aiming to celebrate the forthcoming festive season in style. Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will be the home of a new light trail and regally festive decorations are set to delight visitors to Kensington Palace and the Tower of London. At Hampton Court Palace from 7 December 2021 [...]
After a challenging 15 months, Encore reports that it is wonderful to finally see London theatres open to full capacity again! With demand for tickets rising steeply, there has never been a better time to book your coach groups. Encore has great group rates available for shows such as Wicked, Prince of Egypt and Harry Potter [...]
Shakespeare Distillery in Warwickshire is celebrating after scooping two recent awards despite a very challenging year which has seen the business go from strength to strength. The independent artisan spirit producer has been awarded the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2021 and has also been awarded a silver medal in the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2021 for its Jester [...]
New CTA member, Heights of Abraham, has been recognised as a 2021 Travellers’ Choice award winner for attractions worldwide. This achievement celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers around the globe, having earned great reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, The Heights stood out by continuously [...]
Chatsworth has announced that it can now increase the total number of visitors per group at Christmas from a maximum of 30 to a maximum of 50. Coach operators with bookings do not need to do anything at this point, as Chatsworth has automatically increased the provisional number of visitors on bookings to 50. Operators [...]
Following the success of hosting the Euro 2020 games, Wembley Stadium Tours will reopen on Monday 6 September with tickets now on sale to the travel trade. Wembley is ready to welcome visitors back behind the scenes and under the world-famous arch once more and has made new additions to the tour while it has [...]
The slate landscape of North West Wales has now become Wales’ 4th UNESCO World Heritage site following more than 15 years’ of hard work by partners to record, safeguard and recognise the living legacy of the slate landscape of Gwynedd locally and worldwide. This new World Heritage Site comprises six distinct areas, known as ‘Component Parts’: [...]
Visit Windsor’s campaign to entice international visitors back to its Royal Borough includes the launch of a new digital magazine, Woo. Pre-Covid, Windsor welcomed 8.4 million trips annually as travellers from across the globe came to town to enjoy its many attractions, from Windsor Castle and the magnificent Crown Estate to Legoland Windsor and a host of activities on the River Thames. Supporting the Royal Borough’s [...]
Encore has provided another update on West End shows, including Disney’s Frozen which launches as a brand-new theatrical experience in London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane this August. Incredible special effects, stunning costumes and jaw-dropping scenery bring Elsa and Anna’s journey to life in a whole new way. And with all the beloved songs from the [...]
Waddesdon is promoting a magical outdoor visit for the forthcoming festive season with spectacular light displays that bring the gardens to life, including its longest ever Winter Light trail, a Christmas Fair offering unique gifts and delicious seasonal treats, and a chance to see the Manor's façade illuminated with dancing lights set to sequenced music. [...]
Roadchef has overhauled its Captain’s Club loyalty scheme as coach travel returns to the roads following the COVID pandemic. The nationwide scheme – which has over 3,000 members so far – has benefitted from an upgraded and easy to navigate app, along with lots of new offers and personalised rewards for drivers bringing passengers to [...]
Southern Wales Tourism has launched a wonderful virtual tour video which gives you an insight into all the great attractions and experiences your groups can enjoy in the are. Take a look here - https://www.facebook.com/southernwales/videos/513853993011620
Salisbury Cathedral reports that thanks to the great weather - and the occasional bouts of heavy rain and storms - its visitor numbers have been steadily climbing since the changes to Covid restrictions came in last month. More than 14,500 people visited the cathedral in July and a steady stream have been booking for the [...]
CTA is delighted to welcome the National Trust as a member and can report that many of its properties are once again welcoming coach groups. A list of 55 properties which now accept coach bookings is available here. We will pass on updates on further properties which are re-opening to coach groups. The property website [...]
Southern Wales Tourism’s regular Group and Travel Trade Buyers event went online this year with a virtual Meet the Buyers/Fam Visit on 1 July showing off the area in a new film, and giving an opportunity for accommodation, attractions, activities and food & drink businesses to present what they offer. The event featured well-known sites [...]
Historic Royal Palaces has thanked all those partners who have supported it over the past year by purchasing palace tickets or watching Crowdcast events hosted by Lucy Worsley. “To those who have been waiting in eager anticipation for all restrictions to ease, we look forward to giving your customers a royal standard welcome!” HRP has [...]
The Prince Of Egypt, based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film, returned to London’s Dominion Theatre on 1 July 2021 with standing ovations and an extended 14-minute curtain call. Having been turned down by UK Government for a Culture Recovery Fund grant, producers Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw spoke of their long and difficult battle to bring the production back to the stage. [...]
Encore has provided an update for CTA members on reopening of West End shows including Mary Poppins, Wicked and Matilda. Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins is returning to the Prince Edward on 7 August. Group rates available for groups of 10+; school rates are also available on 10+ guests. Now back on sale, Wicked: [...]
Hampton Court Palace has reopened with a new exhibition highlighting Tudor treasures. Gold and Glory: Henry VIII and the French King will bring the opulence and spectacle of the Field of Cloth of Gold – Henry VIII’s legendary encounter with his great rival François I - to life at Hampton Court Palace until 5 September [...]
