Superbloom set to envelop the Tower of London to mark Platinum Jubilee

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: [...]

By |2021-12-20T16:22:42+00:00December 20th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Superbloom set to envelop the Tower of London to mark Platinum Jubilee

New guide to help create tours to Heriot Country

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 [...]

By |2021-12-20T16:17:18+00:00December 20th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on New guide to help create tours to Heriot Country

Visit Flanders plans 2022 fam trips

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 [...]

By |2021-12-20T16:10:30+00:00December 20th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Visit Flanders plans 2022 fam trips

Special events for groups at Hever Castle in 2022

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 [...]

By |2021-12-20T16:07:14+00:00December 20th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Special events for groups at Hever Castle in 2022

St Andrew’s Day update on Scotland

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 [...]

By |2021-12-02T09:39:18+00:00December 2nd, 2021|Attractions, News, Scotland page|Comments Off on St Andrew’s Day update on Scotland

New hotel for Milford Haven and award for Botanic Garden among Wales highlights

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 [...]

By |2021-11-25T17:36:45+00:00November 25th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on New hotel for Milford Haven and award for Botanic Garden among Wales highlights

Stuart Line Cruises release 2022 dates for popular Exeter Canal Cruise

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 [...]

By |2021-11-25T16:23:15+00:00November 25th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Stuart Line Cruises release 2022 dates for popular Exeter Canal Cruise

Get up close and personal with Highland Cattle in Aberdeenshire

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 [...]

By |2021-11-25T17:26:15+00:00November 25th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Get up close and personal with Highland Cattle in Aberdeenshire

A Christmas Carol and festive fun at the Old Royal Naval College

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 [...]

By |2021-11-25T16:19:56+00:00November 25th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on A Christmas Carol and festive fun at the Old Royal Naval College

Bookings now open for 2022 at royal palaces

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 [...]

By |2021-11-25T16:35:57+00:00November 25th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Bookings now open for 2022 at royal palaces

Extended booking now available for Wicked

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 [...]

By |2021-11-25T16:17:36+00:00November 25th, 2021|Attractions, News, Theatre|Comments Off on Extended booking now available for Wicked

Amiens to launch new route to celebrate Jules Verne

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 [...]

By |2021-11-25T16:16:52+00:00November 25th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Amiens to launch new route to celebrate Jules Verne

HRP prepares for platinum jubilee

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 [...]

By |2021-10-22T14:51:34+00:00October 21st, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on HRP prepares for platinum jubilee

Accessibility boost at Strawberry Field

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 [...]

By |2021-10-22T14:50:53+00:00October 21st, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Accessibility boost at Strawberry Field

Group highlights in Aberdeenshire

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 [...]

By |2021-10-22T14:34:51+00:00October 21st, 2021|Attractions, News, Scotland page|Comments Off on Group highlights in Aberdeenshire

Christmas Tree Wonderland returns to Bournemouth

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 [...]

By |2021-10-22T14:50:13+00:00October 21st, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Christmas Tree Wonderland returns to Bournemouth

Updates on Coronation Street the Tour and the Emmerdale Village Tour

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 [...]

By |2021-10-22T14:49:39+00:00October 21st, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Updates on Coronation Street the Tour and the Emmerdale Village Tour

Shakespeare Distillery offers popular group experiences

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 [...]

By |2021-10-22T14:19:02+00:00October 21st, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Shakespeare Distillery offers popular group experiences

Shows update from Encore

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 [...]

By |2021-10-22T14:18:28+00:00October 21st, 2021|Attractions, News, Theatre|Comments Off on Shows update from Encore

Groups get a warm welcome at Blenheim Palace

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 [...]

By |2021-10-22T14:17:30+00:00October 21st, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Groups get a warm welcome at Blenheim Palace

Coaches now able to drive on Old Royal Naval College site

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 [...]

By |2021-10-22T14:16:57+00:00October 21st, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Coaches now able to drive on Old Royal Naval College site

Enjoy afternoon tea at The Swan restaurant at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre

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 [...]

By |2021-09-09T15:00:19+00:00September 9th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Enjoy afternoon tea at The Swan restaurant at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre

Christmas Tree Wonderland beckons in Bournemouth

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 [...]

By |2021-09-09T14:54:23+00:00September 9th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Christmas Tree Wonderland beckons in Bournemouth

Festive plans at HRP properties

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 [...]

By |2021-09-09T14:48:05+00:00September 9th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Festive plans at HRP properties

Theatre update from Encore

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 [...]

By |2021-09-09T14:46:53+00:00September 9th, 2021|Attractions, News, Theatre|Comments Off on Theatre update from Encore

Double awards for Shakespeare Distillery

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 [...]

By |2021-09-09T14:39:13+00:00September 9th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Double awards for Shakespeare Distillery

Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for Heights of Abraham

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 [...]

By |2021-09-09T14:37:40+00:00September 9th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for Heights of Abraham

Increase in coach group capacity at Chatsworth

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 [...]

By |2021-09-09T14:37:55+00:00September 9th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Increase in coach group capacity at Chatsworth

Wembley Stadium Tours welcoming groups again

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 [...]

By |2021-08-11T16:52:37+00:00August 11th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Wembley Stadium Tours welcoming groups again

North West Wales’ slate landscape awarded World Heritage status

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’: [...]

By |2021-08-11T16:44:44+00:00August 11th, 2021|Attractions, News, Wales|Comments Off on North West Wales’ slate landscape awarded World Heritage status

New digital magazine from Visit Windsor

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 [...]

By |2021-08-12T09:10:48+00:00August 11th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on New digital magazine from Visit Windsor

Encore updates on West End shows

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 [...]

By |2021-08-11T16:39:08+00:00August 11th, 2021|Attractions, News, Theatre|Comments Off on Encore updates on West End shows

Waddesdon promises magical festive season

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. [...]

By |2021-08-11T16:32:12+00:00August 11th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Waddesdon promises magical festive season

Roadchef revamps Captains Club loyalty scheme for coach drivers

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 [...]

By |2021-08-11T16:27:04+00:00August 11th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Roadchef revamps Captains Club loyalty scheme for coach drivers

Virtual tour of Southern Wales

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

By |2021-08-11T16:24:20+00:00August 11th, 2021|Attractions, News, Wales|Comments Off on Virtual tour of Southern Wales

Strong visitor numbers at Salisbury Cathedral

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 [...]

By |2021-08-11T16:23:05+00:00August 11th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Strong visitor numbers at Salisbury Cathedral

National Trust list of properties ready to welcome coach groups

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 [...]

By |2021-07-08T11:19:28+00:00July 8th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on National Trust list of properties ready to welcome coach groups

Southern Wales Tourism keeps group sector updated

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 [...]

By |2021-07-08T11:10:59+00:00July 8th, 2021|Attractions, News, Wales|Comments Off on Southern Wales Tourism keeps group sector updated

Historic Royal Palaces looking forward to group visits

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 [...]

By |2022-02-11T12:26:20+00:00July 8th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Historic Royal Palaces looking forward to group visits

‘The Prince Of Egypt’ returns

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. [...]

By |2021-07-08T10:53:33+00:00July 8th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on ‘The Prince Of Egypt’ returns

West End shows update from Encore

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: [...]

By |2021-06-08T15:49:46+00:00June 8th, 2021|Attractions, Events, News|Comments Off on West End shows update from Encore

New exhibition at Hampton Court Palace

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 [...]

By |2021-06-08T15:48:33+00:00June 8th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on New exhibition at Hampton Court Palace

Exclusive Offer for CTA Members’ Groups: Special Stratford-upon-Avon Day Out

Shakespeare Distillery and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall have launched an exclusive, limited time offer for your groups, 'A Day out in Stratford-upon-Avon’. The group visit needs to be booked and paid for by 31 October 2021 and features the following itinerary: 11am: Visit to SHAKESPEARE DISTILLERY • Entertaining, informative and amusing talk on the history [...]

By |2021-06-09T12:35:04+00:00June 8th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Exclusive Offer for CTA Members’ Groups: Special Stratford-upon-Avon Day Out

Gaia installation returns to the Old Royal Naval College

Following a sold-out installation in summer 2020, the monumental Gaia sculpture is returning to the Old Royal Naval College this summer. Gaia will be displayed in the magnificent Painted Hall for a month, including late night openings. The sculpture by Luke Jerram amazes audiences as it rotates slowly while suspended in mid-air, an exact scale [...]

By |2021-06-09T14:14:18+00:00June 8th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Gaia installation returns to the Old Royal Naval College

Battle of Britain Memorial in Kent

Visit Kent is encouraging groups to head to the Battle of Britain Memorial, high upon the cliffs between Dover and Folkestone to pay respects to Churchill’s famous “Few” who fought in the skies overhead in 1940 in the Battle of Britain. The Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall lists the names of all those known to have taken part [...]

By |2021-06-09T09:20:34+00:00June 8th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Battle of Britain Memorial in Kent

Strawberry Field celebrates 50th anniversary of ‘Imagine’

Strawberry Field, the latest addition to Beatles tourism, marked the 50th anniversary of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ by inviting a student from Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts to play the very piano on which John Lennon composed and recorded ‘Imagine’. The Liverpool Signing Choir, joined by Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and Major Kathy [...]

By |2021-06-09T08:59:36+00:00June 8th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Strawberry Field celebrates 50th anniversary of ‘Imagine’

Explore Eythrope’s gardens this summer 

As summer arrives, it's the perfect time to enjoy the private Rothschild walled garden at Eythrope. Legendary in the horticultural world for its gardening excellence and as a haven for traditional techniques that might otherwise be lost, a visit to Eythrope will intrigue, inform and inspire. The four-acre walled garden, glasshouses and orchard still supply produce [...]

By |2021-06-08T15:35:04+00:00June 8th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Explore Eythrope’s gardens this summer 

Re-discovering everything that Wales has to offer for coach groups

The latest CTA  zoom session took members on an extensive virtual tour of Wales, packed with ideas about attractions and destinations that are keen to welcome coach groups back as the Covid restrictions begin to be lifted. Taking place just a few days before 17 May, which signals a significant moment for operators in England [...]

By |2021-05-13T10:31:43+00:00May 13th, 2021|Attractions, News, Partner, Wales|Comments Off on Re-discovering everything that Wales has to offer for coach groups

Encore provides updates on shows opening up in West End

The lights are coming on again in the coming weeks at a number of West End shows, and Encore has released an update of the opening dates and group prices. Clearly, since theatres are currently updating their information about going back on sale fairly regularly, this is a work in progress. There are a few [...]

By |2021-05-13T10:02:48+00:00May 13th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Encore provides updates on shows opening up in West End

Thames River Sightseeing resumes services

Last month Thames River Sightseeing restarted services every Saturday & Sunday on one route between Westminster, Embankment, Tower of London (St Katharine’s) and Greenwich, with plans to resume full services shortly. Here is a link to its timetable. www.thamesriversightseeing.com

By |2021-05-13T09:58:15+00:00May 13th, 2021|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Thames River Sightseeing resumes services
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