Features
Allison Udy: bucket-list Lapland trip, coach drivers and more
GTO Allison Udy on the uniqueness of her group and how a coach driver can make or break a trip.
Find out where the Group Leisure & Travel team have been recently and why they’d recommend to groups.
1. Road trip to Chatsworth
Keeley Rodgers: It’s so true that you don’t always appreciate what’s on your doorstep. I had the chance to visit some stunning places as part of a UK road trip. There are too many highlights to mention but Stone Circle Access at Stonehenge and a trip to Chatsworth in Derbyshire are certainly up there.
Why should groups go? - I’d recommend an early-morning Stonehenge visit to beat the crowds. And Chatsworth? Well, if you haven’t been, it’s a must for your group.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge
2. Reaching new heights
Ivana Perkins: I recently paid a visit to Zip World Penryhn Quarry in North Wales to experience Velocity 2, the fastest zip line in the world! It was a fantastic experience and the views from the top of the quarry were stunning. If you don’t have a head for heights, you can enjoy the view of zippers flying by from the Blondin Restaurant or experience the Penrhyn Quarry Tour.
Why should groups go? - Groups of 12 and over can enjoy a 10% discount on any Zip World adventure.
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3. A wild time
Rob Yandell: I took my family to Woburn Safari Park and we all enjoyed the lions, tigers, monkeys and giraffes. Once parked, the Foot Safari is an area of enclosures, with a number of talks and shows available throughout the day. It’s fairly compact and walkable, with on-site restaurants and souvenir shops. Make time for a ride on the Great Woburn Railway too.
Why should groups go? - Woburn works well for groups; you can drive through the Road Safari together and experience seeing the animals from the comfort of your coach.
4. Silverstone Race Circuit
Laura Sexton: I recently have the pleasure of returning to Silverstone for my sixth British Grand Prix. Although Lewis Hamilton did not win, the added excitement of watching the England World Cup quarter final match on the big screen around the track certainly got everyone feeling patriotic.
Why should groups go? - Group tours around the track have recently been launched allowing guests to learn about the circuits from the comfort of a coach. Plus, next spring you can expect to see the opening of the new Silverstone Experience.
5. Thrilling transatlantic adventure
Jeannine Williamson: I’m recovering my land legs after an epic 16-day, 3,288 nautical mile transatlantic crossing from Barbados to Lisbon aboard Royal Clipper, which holds the Guinness record as the world’s largest full-rigged ship. Twice a year the magnificent vessel relocates from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and back, providing a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime voyage for seafaring groups.
Why should groups go? - With a packed daily programme of talks and classes there’s never a chance to get bored, and one of the most exhilarating activities is climbing 50ft up the mast to the crow’s nest. You can read about my life on the ocean wave in a future edition.
