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.
Want a group trip that goes beyond the coach, buffet and guided tour combo? Here are a few ideas for days out that really roll out the red carpet.
Spitbank Fort
Spitbank Fort (pictured above) is a private island in the centre of the Solent that offers accommodation, dining and a whole range of activities. Large groups can arrange exclusive hire of the venue and tailor their time at the destination.
Itineraries can include everything from private Champagne receptions on the roof, where there’s a firepit, hot tub and sauna, historical tours, ROB rides in the Solent, and wine tasting in the venue’s Wine Cave.
Reserve a carriage on the British Pullman
The British Pullman is the sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Its vintage carriages date back to the golden age of rail travel in the 1920s.
Groups can not only reserve a carriage on the British Pullman, they can also charter the whole train and create a custom route with pickups from chosen stations.
Bespoke menus can also be arranged for lunch or dinner.
The London Eye in luxury
Firstly, it’s possible to hire one or more private capsules on the London Eye. Each pod can accommodate 25 people and, as part of the package, groups also get priority boarding, admission to the 4D cinema experience, and entry to the Pommery Champagne Bar before boarding.
Pictured: A pod on the Coca-Cola London Eye (Photo credit: VisitBritain & Britain on View).
In addition to this, parties can add a private luxury boat trip on the Thames to their experience. These trips take place on board vessels from Woods’ Silver Fleet. Everything from canape receptions to dinner with fireworks can be arranged for the right price.
www.londoneye.com/private-capsules-and-events
Charter the Crystal Esprit
The Crystal Espirt describes itself as a boutique hotel on water. It has room for 62 passengers, in all-suite, butler-serviced accommodations.
From November 2017 the yacht will be sailing around the West Indies, on itineraries that take passengers to places like Tortola, St Martin and the British Virgin Islands.
Michelin starred menu at Dabbous
Parties of up to 40 people can arrange to have a seven-course tasting menu at Michelin-starred Dabbous in London. The cost is around £75 per person.
Chef Ollie Dabbous has worked with the greats of the gastronomy world. His repertoire includes Le Manior, Mugaritz, L'Astrance, The Fat Duck, Hibiscus and Texture.
Sample dishes on the menu include Jerusalem artichoke, ripe pear, pine & perilla, winter endive with gingerbread, mint & bergamot, and barbecued seven year grass-fed beef sirloin; warm horseradish buttermilk.
