GLT Show 2026: what to expect around the stands

The Group Leisure & Travel Show at Arena MK is an annual highlight because of what it provides for group organisers and coach operators - a chance to chat directly with the attractions, hotels, and travel operators that love working with groups. The exclusive offers, freebies and prize draws that come with it are an added bonus!

It’s free to attend and registration is open now. If you need more convincing, here’s a taster of what to expect on 8th October from a selection of this year’s exhibitors…

Hampton Gardens

Hampton Gardens in Herefordshire boasts 12 acres of historic formal gardens, tranquil River Lugg water features, a 1,000-yew tree maze and the lovely Orangery Cafe. The team will be at the show this year to chat about the benefits of visiting as a group, which include excellent accessibility, dedicated coach facilities, driver perks, and exclusive discounts.

While you’re at the stand, enter their free prize draw to win a range of fantastic prizes, including a ‘taste of Herefordshire’ hamper, a family day pass, and an annual family membership valid for a full season.

Ambassador Cruise Line

Cruise fans should make a beeline for the Ambassador Cruise Line stand as they’ll be giving away a group tour (for up to 20) of either Ambition or Ambience. The prize includes a welcome tea and coffee, a guided tour of the ship with a member of the Groups Team, and the opportunity for a five-course lunch in the main on-board restaurant.

The team will be sharing insight into their upcoming Festive Events as well as their full cruise programme with departures up until March 2029, plus group organisers can pick up a copy of their new short breaks brochure.

Bekonscot Model Village & Railway

Craig Bennett, the new chief executive of Bekonscot Model Village & Railway will be meeting visitors at the show to discuss how the world’s oldest original model village can create memorable experiences for groups. Be sure to bring a business card to enter their prize draw, which will see one lucky entrant win a free group trip (for up to 15 people) to Bekonscot.

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle in Kent will be at the show to share their latest group packages, trip inspiration and group lunch menus, as well as some exclusive offers for show visitors.

There will also be a prize draw to win complimentary entry to Leeds Castle and multimedia guides for a group of up to 20 people. Simply visit their stand, fill out an enquiry form or leave your business card, and you’ll be in with a chance of winning.

LW Tickets

At the LW Tickets stand, theatre fans will have the chance to win two tickets to one of the West End’s most popular shows, including Phantom of the Opera, Matilda the Musical, Billy Elliot the Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar and more.

As well as this generous prize, the team will be handing out free tote bags, chocolate and theatre merchandise while discussing group packages to see world-class productions.

Faulty Towers Dining Experience

Stop by the Faulty Towers Dining Experience stand to discover why it was voted the Best Group Dining Experience at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2026. They will be at the show to share their new perks for group bookings, including special offers, complimentary tickets for GTOs and drinks packages. There will also be the chance to win a drinks package for your group’s next visit.

Cairn Hotel Group

The Cairn Hotel Group has 32 hotels - a mix of independent and internationally renowned franchises - across the UK, including hotspots like Edinburgh, Birmingham and Newcastle, which suit groups and tours of all sizes and budgets.

Show visitors will hear about their full range of locations, group packages, meal-stop options, and have the chance to enter a prize draw to win a complimentary overnight stay at one of the group’s hotels.

Potters Resorts

Potters Resorts’ dedicated Group Sales Team will be sharing exciting updates and exclusive offers, available only to visitors attending the event. Learn how their team can help tailor the perfect getaway for your group, pick up a free Potters Resorts goody bag and enter their competition for the chance to win a three-night, fully inclusive break at either of their Norfolk or Essex resorts. 

VisitBlackpool

VisitBlackpool will be sharing a stand with The Ruskin Hotel & Suites to showcase everything that Blackpool has to offer groups, from the top attractions to the best places to eat, drink and sleep. They’ll be running a competition to win a midweek or weekend break for two at The Ruskin, offering dinner, bed and breakfast plus tickets to three attractions.

Discover Durham 

Showcasing exactly why it has won Best UK Destination at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards for two years in a row, Discover Durham will be sharing a stand with the county’s top attractions for groups, including Kynren, Beamish Museum, Raby Estate, The Auckland Project and The Bowes Museum.

Staff from the attractions will be there to chat about group visits, offers, new group products, events and more. There will be freebies and prize draws too, including traditional sweets from the Beamish Museum and a competition to win two tickets to Raby Castle at Christmas.

National Horseracing Museum

Show visitors will be among the first to hear about the National Horseracing Museum’s new exhibition opening in June 2027. The Queen’s Horses will reveal Queen Elizabeth II through one of her most enduring passions – horses.

The team will be there to chat about what to expect on a group visit next year and running a competition to win two admission tickets and a Royal Cream Tea, one of the new experiences available for groups in 2027.

Group Leisure & Travel

Don’t forget to say hello to the GLT team at this year’s show! It’s a great opportunity to share your thoughts and feedback on our magazine, website and newsletters, and we truly value your opinions on what’s working and what you’d like to see more of. We’ll be there offering friendly chats and tasty free ice creams (while stocks last).