As July marks ‘Ice cream Month’ its seems apt that we celebrate by suggesting a handful of fantastic locations and companies to allow you to enjoy the summer in style, keeping cool with plenty of ice cream, of course.
Devon is well known for its coastal deluxe but it also has a wealth of group friendly attractions too, including Babbacombe Model Village, Quince Honey farm, National Marine Aquarium, Powderham Castle, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park and Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, Brend Hotels has hotels in Devon and Cornwall including St Austell, Falmouth, Sidmouth and Barnstaple. ‘Brend tours’ are also available to whisk you and your group off on a coach to see iconic coastal locations that Devon and Cornwall have to offer.
Best spot for ice cream in Devon: Look out for Hocking’s ice cream vans dotted around Bideford Bay, Appledore Quay and Westward Ho between the months of March and October.
Cornwall, like Devon, is famous for its iconic coastal areas such as Newquay, Tintagel, Padstow and many more, not to mention its rich history and attractions for those with horticultural interests.
If you’re looking for somewhere to rest your head in Cornwall, Daish’s has a hotel in Newquay. It also offer hotels in other UK seaside destinations such as Torquay, Weymouth, Eastbourne, Llandudno Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight. Daish’s also operates coach tours which can be arranged for your group upon arrival. These tours can include gardens, galleries and museums, zoos, and historical places. Best Western is another company with hotels in coastal spots, including Newquay, Torquay and Scarborough.
Best spot for ice cream in Cornwall: Visit Roskilly’s in Helston, Cornwall which uses Jersey milk from the farm’s own cows. It also sells homemade fudge and toffee.
The Isle of Wight (Photo credit VisitEngland and Jeremy Cangialosi)
The Isle of Wight is a great place for those wanting a seaside break as the island is surrounded with golden beaches and coastal views looking out to sea or across to Portsmouth and the Solent. In terms of attractions, there is also lots to do, from Blackgang Chine, to Isle of Wight Zoo, to Robin Hood Adventure Park & Gardens, as well as Isle of Wight museums.
Away Resorts will have you spoilt for choice this summer, with holiday locations including Whitecliff Bay in Isle of Wight. It also has hotels in other locations such as Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire, Mill Rythe on Hayling Island, Mersea Island in Essex, and Sandy Balls in the New Forest. Many of which are situated on the coast giving you the ideal spot for sunning yourself, exploring the coastal delights and sampling the sweet treats that you’ll discover on the seafront.
Best spot for ice cream on the Isle of Wight: Visit Minghella’s, the family run ice cream business with more than 200 flavours situated on the Isle of Wight.
Bournemouth is a great location with plenty for groups to do including Bournemouth Gardens, Boscombe Pier, Boscombe Arts Trail, Christcurch Harbour, Lulworth Cove and of course Bournemouth Beach. There’s also plenty of places for groups to stay, for example Oceana Hotels which offers a variety of hotels in the area.
Eastbourne (Photo credit VisitEngland/Visit Eastbourne/Marius de Cock)
If you’re heading to Eastbourne, in East Sussex, this summer then you’ll have plenty of attractions to keep you occupied such as Towner Art Gallery, Newhaven Fort and Spa Valley Railway. But if you’re looking for somewhere to run your feet through the sand, there are plenty of beaches too, like King Edwards Beach, Royal Parade Beaches and Birling Gap. For groups wanting an overnight stay or holiday, try The Big Sleep which has a hotel located in Eastbourne.
Gosport in Hampshire faces Portsmouth and the Spinnaker tower. It has a great marine history and across the water, groups can visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and HMS Victory are docked. In Gosport itself you can visit the Museum of Diving, the Hovercraft Museum and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. Through Discover Gosport, groups can find out more about what there is to do when visiting.
Best spot for ice cream in Hampshire: Visit Sprinkles in Portsmouth town centre for all kinds of ice cream desserts or visit one of the many ice cream vendors situated on Southsea seafront.
Barmouth (Photo credit VisitBritain Visit Wales Image Centre)
Wales is home to a multitude of countryside and glorious beaches. Barmouth is a fantastic spot for those who want a typical beach experience, complete with stripy deck chairs and donkey rides, coupled with views of the impressive Snowdonia Mountains. Groups should look out for Away Resorts’ Barmouth hotel when booking an overnight trip.
The Beaches Hotel is located right in Prestatyn, on North Wales’ seafront offering glorious views left, right and centre. Nearby, Pontin’s Prestatyn Holiday Park, Presthaven Beach Resort and Prestatyn Golf Club are located. Rhyl is also close by and groups can visit SeaQuarium Rhyl, Bodnant Garden, Llangollen Wharf and Aviation Museum. Groups can also enjoy various activities such as pony trekking, kayaking and canyoning and crafts.
So, whether you’re heading south, or north, make sure you have everything sorted to ensure you and your group can truly make the best of the British summer. And also, make sure you choose a spot where there is plenty of ice cream – you never know when you might crave a sweet treat.
More at the GLTS…
You can meet representatives from all of these attractions and many more at this year’s Group Leisure & Travel Show, taking place on 12th October at the NEC, Birmingham. To see a full current exhibitor list click here.
You can register for free entry now, and take advantage of our free parking offer.
Find the simple Visitor Registration form at grouptravelshow.com/register – why wait?
Companies interested in exhibiting can telephone Sharon Yandell on 01908-613323 for more information or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com.
Lead image: Cornwall (Photo credit VisitEngland/Alex Hare)
