We give a cheery nod to the festive season by catching up with some of the attractions exhibiting at next year’s Group Leisure & Travel Show and finding out how they’re decorating for Christmas.

A gingerbread house, a vintage grotto and a santa in residence are just some of the features visitors can catch at these group-friendly attractions.

Shoppers peruse the jauntily decorated Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport.

And Visit Southport, the tourist board for the popular resort, will be back at GLTS 2017, but its invite to group to explore the region’s Victorian architecture and modern attractions is open year-round. You can experience shopping, beaches, parks and gardens, and take advantage of coach parking, town centre set down points, a free ‘meet & greet’ service and a dedicated travel trade officer.

Biscuit-making company, the Biscuiteers, has created Waddesdon Manor… in gingerbread!

Waddesdon Manor is a French Renaissance-style chateau that houses the amazing Rothschild Collection. It makes for a great group visit at Christmas or when the weather is warmer and you can really explore the Victorian gardens with an aviary, parterre, seasonal displays, statuary and a woodland playground. There are gift shops and licensed restaurants, too.

Santa has taken up residence for the festive season at The Royal Mint Experience in Wales.

The Royal Mint Experience, situated north-west of Cardiff in Llantrisant, offers visitors the chance to discover how the UK’s coins are made. Groups are invited to go behind-the-scenes at what’s described as the world’s leading export mint to follow the journey of a coin from ‘blank to bank’. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more.

Crowds gathered for the big Christmas light switch-on in Newark.

Visit Newark represents the market town of Newark in Nottinghamshire. Visitors can expect everything from castles and museums to cake shops and church tours. Free coach parking is available in the centre.

Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire has opened a vintage Christmas grotto for visitors of all ages.

Bletchley Park is a heritage attraction that was once the top-secret home of the iconic World War Two Codebreakers. Today, visitors can explore restored Codebreaking Huts and a new visitor centre, plus enjoy atmospheric soundscapes, galleries and exhibitions.

We’re really looking forward to welcoming these exhibitors back for the Group Leisure & Travel Show 2017. They have certainly produced this Christmas.

Looking ahead to the GLTS 2017

The Group Leisure & Travel Show 2017 will take place on 12th October at the NEC Birmingham. Companies interested in exhibiting are encouraged to contact the organising team now to discuss the best available stand positions. Visitor registration will open next summer.

You can call 01908-613323 or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com for further information about exhibiting or download the brochure here.

Lead image: Christmas lights at Waddesdon Manor. (Photo credit: Stuart Bebb, National Trust, Waddesdon Manor).