Here in the UK we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to attractions linked to history. And at this year’s GLT Show, there’ll be plenty of exhibitors on hand to plan your next group trip.
We look at a small selection of the attractions you’ll want to discover more about:
- Birmingham Museums, West Midlands
Choose from a range of group tours and get up close with an array of amazing treasures as part of the museums’ world-class collection. At Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery you’ll see the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo Saxon Gold ever discovered. And if you’re planning a visit between February and May next year, don’t miss the exhibition of Leonardo drawings.
There are two types of tour on offer for groups at the museum and gallery; the Highlights of the Pre-Raphaelites and Treasures of the Museum. Bespoke tours can also be arranged, and group bookings include a guided tour and a coach drop-off point.
- Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire
If you’ve already taken your group to the incredible code-breaking site, it could be time for another visit. Because new for 2019 is a major exhibition featuring film and displays to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The audio-visual experience D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion will be located in the newly restored Teleprinter Building. Entrance to the new exhibition will be included in the general admission ticket price – GTOs can take advantage of discounted rates for parties of 12 or more people at the historic World War Two site.
- New Lanark World Heritage Site, Scotland
This unique 18th century mill village, and one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is situated alongside the picturesque River Clyde under an hour away from Glasgow.
New Lanark Mills Heritage Village credit: PMCG Photography
Groups can see how villagers lived, learned and worked with a visit to Robert Owen Museum’s School for Children, millworkers’ housing and Robert Owen’s own house. There’s also an opportunity to see historic working textile machinery, enjoy spectacular views of the village, and take a woodland walk to see the famous ‘Falls of Clyde’ waterfalls.
Visitors can now also stay in the New Lanark Mill Hotel, a four-star 38-bedroom hotel on site.
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
One of the most mysterious and romantic estates in England was lost for decades, its history consigned to undergrowth. But after decades of neglect, a discovery of a tiny room, began to unlock the secrets of the walled gardens.
Now, the garden restoration extends into over 200 acres including the Victorian Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds. You’re taken on a sub-tropical journey through bamboo tunnels and under majestic fern trees to uncover a lost world of traditional and rare breeds of wildlife and ancient woodlands. Group rates and offers apply, including free entry for the GTO, free coach parking and free entry and lunch voucher for drivers.
- Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Chatsworth reopened to visitors earlier this year following the biggest restoration and conservation of the house, garden and park since the 1820s. Spanning 10 years and costing more than £32m, the restoration has returned the estate to its full glory, inside and out.
Groups can visit the new exhibition Chatsworth Renewed to discover the stories behind the many workers on the restoration and how they did it; from carving the tiniest details in stone to replacing huge blocks in the walls.
Guided tours of either the house, garden, or both are available for groups along with a variety of catering packages, including a buffet lunch or afternoon tea.
- The Welsh Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park, Wales
As part of the Black Gold Experience Underground Guided Tour, retired miners will take you through the recently developed Trefor & Bertie Engine Houses and into the original lamp room. There you’ll collect your miner’s helmet for your journey underground.
New for 2018 is the Dram: the Cinematic Experience. Jump on board as you take a virtual ride on the last dram of coal to the surface – and watch out for a few surprises along the way.
Group bookings are available for the experience for those with 10 or more, organisers are requested to enquire in advance.
Register to visit
The Group Leisure & Travel Show 2018 will take place on 11th October in Hall 19 at the NEC Birmingham.
It’s free to enter; all you need to do is register here and you’ll receive a number of exclusive benefits.
Want to join the exhibitors?
Companies interested in exhibiting are encouraged to contact the organising team now to discuss the best available stand positions.
You can call 01908-613323 or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com for further information about exhibiting.
Main image: Visitors on a tour of Aston Hall in Birmingham.
